《Heavenly Dao Child》


 -1 Cultivation Levels

Sorry, content is lost, You are reading Novel on Novelhall.COM, we will fix it as soon as possible, thank you

 1 I AM BORN

    In a certain corner at certain time of the myriad universe, the people of the VANCE clan is getting busy for the arrival of a new member and the start of a new saga. The VANCE clan one of the four major clan supporting the imperial dynasty XIA, a clan of thousand of followers and millennia old history, people may think why they are so busy with such a big clan and thousands of people surely there are births taking place among its member so whats the big deal. But, if they are told that the next in line for the clan''s patriarch is having a child then everyone''s head starts turning. Thousands of questions, queries and even some cursing. Third child of the heavenly duo once a millennium genius Fang and Sabine is going to be born today, ''will he bea heaven defying genius like his parents?? like his siblings??'' or as some cursed the child to be cripple so as to satisfy their nefarious schemes and plots. This is my story, a saga which started from the day I was born and as i crawled, struggled and fought tooth and nail to reach the top of the world and became a legend.


    A heroic looking golden haired with some black streaks in it middle aged man with sapphire coloured eyes was spacing outside the room impatiently as he nervously listened the screams of his wife who has gone into labour.


    Fang: Damn it, how long do I have to wait its been hours since she went into labour even during Feng and Sarin''s birth it did not take such a long time, is the mid wife reliable enough, if something goes wrong i will make her rue the day she was born.


    An older looking gentleman, who looks almost the same as the the middle aged person but with a lots of white hair unlike the other person, shakes his head and sighs,"Patience child you are already nearing your first millenniayet you are so impatient, sigh, how will I finally retire if you still act an impatient hot headed brat after all this years and pass my title to you and cultivate in patience. Your mother is already helping your wife plus the same midwife helped during ''Fefe'' and ''Sari''s birth, have patience."


    Fang:"But father....", a cry was heard heralding the arrival the arrival of the newest member, and the midwife opened the door of the room and announced,"its a boy", and Fang dashed in to greet his newborn and his tired looking wife.


    "Please let me hold him", came a weak voice from the mother of the child, a beautiful women with red hair and violet eyes as she looked at the bundle lovingly.


    A stern looking black haired older women scolds her lovingly," Sabi please lie down on the bed you are still weak, and here is your little boy."


    Suddenly a stormcame shouting at the top of her lungs,"Sabi Sabi, let me see my little wittle nephew".


    "XIAO XIAO, will you keep yourself in control or will i have to",scolded the older women.


    "Mah mah let her be happy its her little nephew''s birth" said the older man only to wither under his wife''s scathing glare.


    "Its all your fault, you spoiled her rotten to the core".


    "Hehehe, but sister-in-law i hope you have not forgotten the promise I have the naming rights".


    unashamedly stated a younger black hair beauty.


    "Oy oy let me hold my son",exclaimed the middle aged man.


    The woman looked lovingly at her husband as she handed the child to her husband.


    "Welcome my child", the man held the red haired child carefully as the child looked at him


    with his one blue and the other amethyst coloured eyes.


    The man held the child but after a few moments he frowned,"This,...".

 2 I AM NOT..........

    "What is it husband",asked the mother worriedly,"what has happened to my child??"


    The man frowned before answering others with voiced filled with hesitation,"this child doesn''t have any spirit root."


    "WHAT!!!!!",screamed everyone shocked.


    "How is this possible every living thing except common beasts has a spirit root even if a person is crippled they still will have a spirit root, it is not possible.",exclaimed the old man.


    "It must be some bad omen or the child is reincarnated from a great sinner if not I don''t understand how someone like my son and daughter-in--law gave birth to an abomination.",answered the old woman while looking at the child with disgust.


    "Ah, that must be it, what do I do with this thing.",the man sneered with disgust.


    All the while his sister was staring at the child, a child who looked back at her with all the innocence in the world,such a pure soul that it stunned the woman.


    "What is there to think through the abomination out I don''t want my karma or my other children''s karma to get dirtied by having it coming in contact with it",screamed the mother of the child face filled with revulsion.


    This woke the Xiao Xiao from the stupor and got angry at her family, "What has gotten into you people he is an innocent child how could you judge a child like that there are many mysteries in this world as for karma let it awaken on his fifth birthday it will be clear my nephew is innocent".


    "Xiao Xiao don''t talk when elders are discussing if you don''t shut up........"


    suddenly an incredible pressure fell onthe people present stopping the old man from rebuking his youngest child as everyone looked at her with wide eyes.


    "YOU YOU broke through into ''GOLDEN IMMORTAL'' stage!!!! when how ???" exclaimed the old women amazed at her youngest daughter''s prowess.


    "That''s not important what I want to know what will you do with my nephew", Xiao asked without any emotion in her voice and face devoid of emotion.


    "What is there to think i will never accept it as my child no matter how you try to intimidate us with your superior cultivation",replied her elder brother angrily while his wife consented on it.


    "To think my own family has fallen so low to persecute a new born babe, give him to me ", with that she snatched the child from his father''s arm turned on her heels as she leftwithout turning back she said, "from now on he is my child my son and if you try anything to cause him harm I will destroy everything you care about".


    "Don''t worry mother she will return to her senses you see" the man replied trying to placate her irate mother.


    The woman took a deep breathe as she replied with a sigh,"its alright I understand since she became infertile after that accident, it might triggered her maternal instinct on seeing the child"


    "Sabine please take some rest no matter how strong your vitality is a childbirth is painful and don''t blame yourself who knew who cursed us to such a fate"


    With that the elderly couple left their son and daughter-in-law to grieve their misfortune.


    I have always been praised because of my memory, able to memorise everything at a single glance and to remember it even after a very long time. My very first memory since the day I was born was that of my parents and grandparents and how I Am Not Wanted by them. But, this might also be thevery incident which caused a ripple in my life the very reason to what I have become.

 3 I AM THE MOST AWESOME TODDLER

    "Ryuu get back here", an angry voice reverberated in the courtyard, followed by a giggling of a child as it tried to escape from a clearly irate woman, as the said woman tried to catch the child caked in dirt and mud. "Really my little glutton what have been doing to getall this dirt and mud on your body and I just took you to bath only a few hours ago",asked the woman in a false angry tone as she picked up the child. Seeing the angry look on his mother''s face tears welled up in the child''s eye, a child no more then two years of age, a cute red haired child with a heterochromic eye, as he replied withslight stutter," but mama zizi took mi cookie i was tying to takh ith back".


    "Oh! and who had the gal to steal from my child".


    "zizi mi new fwiend, there she ish",replied the child as he pointed at a sparrow sitting on a tree branch nibbling on the said cookie.


    The woman looked at the child and stifled a laugh as she thought back to all those years she spend raising thechild as her own after that fateful day all those years ago when she took the child and left her clan house as she went to this far away place in the small village, a decision she never regretted a single moment. This child never seizes to amuse her she thought with a smile.


    ''Abomination'' she snorted thinking how her mother labelled the child, she thought back to the time when she first saw the weird powers of her brot- no he is her son now, barely a few weeks old already started giving her headache becauseof his weird powers. One day she came to feed her cute child only to find him giggling surrounded by various animals and birds chirping yipping barking, at first it scared her what if those animals harmed her baby but it became a common sight within a few days not only that it seemed animals even plants started getting affected by it.


    Nature seems to love her child when he is happy every plant seems vibrant flowers seems to bloom with beautiful scent and animals starts rejoicing prey and predators starts playing together as if they are long lost brothers and the opposite happened when he is sad. A few months later when her baby started showing signs of spirit root growing inside him a phenomenon which only occurs while a person is in their mothers womb, all this thing made her realise that her child might have some kind of special body maybe even some kind of divine body at first she was ecstatic but, reality was different the clan thought the child some devil reborn and started pressurising herto abandon the child.


    Damn how much narrow minded fools can her family be she thought with disgust no she is no longer Xiao of vance clan but Song Ya mother of her cute Ryuu, she still remembered how she escaped from her clan and ran away to this backwater planet because of those blasted relatives of her.


    Few months before her nephews birth the imperial seer with the help of divination prophesied the birth of a great personwho will either cause great prosperity or bring great disaster to the dynasty.


    As the stories of miracles occurring because of her baby boy got spread through the servants gossip


    it eventually reached the ears of not only her parents but even the ears of the emperor through her oh so beloved sister-in-law the only beloved sister of the emperor, it was only because of some of her friends did she succeededin her plans to escape from their clutches before the purified the so called ''demon child''.


    Oh how she wished she could beat the crap out of her beloved brother until he could only piss blood and eat through straw. As her thoughts darkened thinking about her family and her brother''s in laws. When she felt some hugging her she looked up to see her son looking at her fearfully "mama what happen you felt scaly ", ah another ability of her amazing child she can never hide her emotions from him really her child is amazing. She stiffened suddenly then relaxed as she felt the presence of her beast partner, sister in all but blood came back from her recent excursion.


    "My my who is this cute boy "


    "AUNTY ZOO", exclaimed Ryuu excitedly his smiling brightly at the new comer.


    "Zhu Zhu its glad to see you again sister", Ya smiled warmly at her.


    "HeHehe my work finished quickly and I came as first as I could to meet my cute nephew."


    "Aww you only came to meet my child and not me", Song Ya pouted at her.


    "oi stop pouting you are so many centuries old already that its revolting, even if you look only at your early twenties, so stop it you old hag"


    "who the hell are calling old hag when you are already twice as old as me, you granny".


    "I know dear after all with age comes wisdom and I am wiser than you will ever be"


    "Why you........."


    "Ne ne aunty zoo will you slay wid us now."


    "Yes yes my dear child I will, here take some sweets I got for you "


    "Yeah swees!!!!!!!"


    "Sister you spoil him rotten"


    "Oh sush like you don''t spoil him."


    "Ryuu here a new toy for you I made myself why don''t you go inside and play I have something to say to your mother."


    "Tank you aunty ,come zizi lets go play"


    "HeHehe what a cute child, only a few years and you will have to beat girls away from him Xiao Xiao."


    "Please, sister I am Song Ya now, and about the girls lets see which hussytries take my baby from me. Enough about it any news, sister."


    Zhu zhu''s face darkened considerably on being asked about, "Your clan is planning to...........".

 4 I AM SUFFERING....

    "The bastard clan of yours together with the imperial clan has declared a bounty of a single Ultra Grade Immortal stone each of our heads. Not only that there are rumours of the old monster of the Imperial clan is going to come out of his seclusion, and you know what it means."


    "F****!F*****!..."


    "Oi Oi i know its not ideal for us but stop cursing so loudly, what will you do if Ryuu hears you and learns them"


    "Grrrrrr, I am so angry right now i don''t know what to do if that old fart succeeds in advancing even I would not be able to shield him anymore. Ryuu is his direct descendent he would just sense my child''s location in a jiffy".


    Ya frowned, and then looked towards her sister and with an imploring look she said,


    "Sister I don''t want you to risk yourselfanymore please, you have done enough as it is if they catch you snooping around...."


    "HAHAHAHA, catch me a VOID SHADOW SERPENT, even peak Martial Emperor''s cannot catch me, you worry too much dear have some faith in me, and you should know that hatch-ling is like a child to me i did rather die than anything happen to him."


    "But.."


    "No buts, lets go check that little troublemaker and see he hasn''t got into any trouble "


    "As you wish sister, as you wish"


    "I heard the village head has taken a shine to you lately, whats this causing old-man to fallfor your womanly charms those cultivators back home will be heartbroken".


    Song Ya snorted,"Me take a shine to that houtian brat, only because he is in this backwater place like this, he thinks himself king of the world, a talentless mongrel already in his late seventies an still stuck in houtian and still dreams about me its like toad lusting after swan''s flesh, if it would have not drawn to much attention i would have killed him already."


    "oi oi I heard one of that insects brats is a core disciple in some sect"


    "hmmp, what sect, even the strongest of that sect has yet to reach immortal level, i can easily erase such mongrels just with my presence alone but i don''t want those fools from finding me".


    "HEHEHEHe, if you have too much trouble just give me a holler, accidents happen and I am hungry for some juicy morsel."


    "HAHAHAHA, of courseof course just don''t catch something strange from them."


    LATER THAT NIGHT


    "Abomination,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Bad omen,,,,,,,,,,,,,kill him,,,,,,,,,,,,not my child,,,,,,"


    "Ryuu Ryuu are you alright why are you crying what happen child".


    Ryuu opened his eyes to look at the worried face of his mother and aunt, he latched himself to his mother and started crying,


    "Hush child mother is here, what happened who bullied you tell mommy will make him go away."


    "Mom mom, I saw sum people telling bad thinks abouh me, theu call me bad dewil and many thinks. Theu weve scawy, I saw mom tave me of them. Mom thew won''t come here mom I am Scawed."


    "hush child mom is here, your aunty is here I won''t let anyone harm you"


    "hehehe child just tell me who scared you this super strong aunty will beat them",Zhu Zhu said while flexing her muscles and making faces to cheer her nephew.


    After few minutes Ryuu fell asleep once again.


    "To think he remembers from that time, he was just a babe"


    "Of coursehe is my child he is bound to be awesome",Ya said lovingly looking at the child.


    "Have you thought what to say when he grows older, how will you explain that..."


    gulped on seeing a dangerous look on Song Ya''s face,"Ryuu is my child and no one else certainly not my deadbeat family."


    "O...ofcourse he is",Zhu Zhu stammered out

 5 I AM A CULTIVATOR

    "Ryuu, I think it is time to teach you cultivation",exclaimed Song Ya lovingly looking at her son.


    Ryuu''s eyes sparkled on hearing his mother decision, he started bouncing around the room in happiness, shouting in joy.


    "Ryuu calm down and listen.... Ryuu.... RYUUUU! SHUT UP SIT DOWN", Yascolded the hyperactive child.


    With his lips upturned and eyes watering Ryuu sat in front of his mother giving the best imitation of kicked puppy.


    Song Ya flinched on seeing the teary face of her child, but steeled her heart and said,"Ryuu what I am trying to teach you is no joke, if you are not serious it will harm you, cultivation requires patience and calm mind, I know it is very difficult for you as you are still a child, but, I have complete faith on you Ryuu."


    The boy nearing his fifth year of birth listened attentively at everything his mother said.


    "Now son I hope you remember everything I taught you", Ryuu nodded his head, "Good then tell me, What are the basic type of cultivators present? and What is the difference between them"


    "Momma, there are three types of basic cultivators in existence Ki refiner, Body Refiner, and Hybrid.


    Ki refiner cultivate ways to make their kiquality and quantity better as such they rely on ranged techniquesbut their physical body is weaker.


    Body refiner they cultivate techniques to make their body stronger, they unlike the Ki refiners rely on close combat techniques.


    Hybrid on other hand rely on both Ki refining and body refining techniques."


    "Good you remember the basics wonderfully although there are many things about those three types you don''t have to worry about it just yet."


    "I myself am a Hybrid cultivator where as your aunt is a Ki refiner, so we both will teach you, so is there any question my child"


    "Mommy mommy when can I fly?Do I have to eat those disgusting medicines?Do I have to bath in those smelly liquid?When can I eat some more spirit beast?when ........"


    "Stop stop stop, let me clear something first my child, you will fly when you are strong enough , No those medicine are no longer suitable for you I will make something else and bath water will be different as for their smell and taste, who knows~, you can eat after we have finished our current exercise."


    "But mamma..."


    Ya glared at the child causing him to keep his mouth shut.


    She extended her fingur toward Ryuu''s forehead and send a stream of light towards him.


    "Son try to comprehend as much as you can and please be careful it will hurt a lot but don''t lose hope mommy is always by your side."


    Ryuu''s eyes glazed over suddenly as if he fell in a trance. Song Ya sat in meditative position with a worried look her face.


    5 days passed since Ryuu went in a trance like state,during that time Zhu Zhu came back to see a worried looking Song Ya and Ryuu in trance.


    She sent a mental message to Ya asking "Sister what happened?"


    "I don''t know Ryuu somehow entered a trance like stage, I think he might have entered annata stage I don''t think it will be wise to disturb him who knows what backlash of awaking him might cause.


    Zhu was startledto see a kind not even 5 years of age entering a state of mind even greatest cultivators might not be able to achieve,"But sister he is young and not even a cultivator, without food and water."


    "Thatswhy I called you back urgently please make some fasting pills for him i will slowly feed him while he cultivates."


    "No problem".


    Suddenly the sky darkened the heavens rumbled and earth shook, then suddenly the sky gave a multicoloured light before everything went quite.


    "Sis this ......".

 6 Treasure everywhere for idiots to grab.

    Suddenly Ryuu''s body started glowing but it faded within few breaths, a foul black stench came fromhis body as he got covered in black oily substance.


    "The f*** happ..." bam "ouch"


    "No cursing in front of my baby Zhu Zhu."


    "oops sorry, but what is going on with Ryuu"


    "I think some kind of divine body which one I don''t know"


    "But, shouldn''t they awaken during a child''s birth."


    "meh small stuff don''t sweat on it."


    "Might have given a good show of light because of its awakening."


    "Yeah Ryuu would have love to see...F#!#!@$"


    "Oi oi now you are cursing in front of Ryuu"


    "Its no use arguing we have to leave now who knows who might have been attracted to it. I will start packing you better go and erase the villagers memory."


    "Mama what happened? yuck, what is this smell? mama what do you mean by F^$@$?", Ryuu rapidly fired his questions.


    "Zhu Zhu I blame it on you"


    "What you also cursed, now clean him first then start packing while I erase everyone''s memory of us in this village "


    "Mama what is going on?"


    "Nothing baby now let me clean you up then we will go on an vacation, since Ryuu has been such a good boy ".


    "Yatta!"


    Few days later,


    "Sect leader preparation has been completed"


    "Good work",a fierce looking man with scar on his face said then went outside his office to address the group standing in the sect courtyard.


    "Today we have gathered here to secure and bring back the heavenly treasure which has taken birth due to our ancestors blessings. Lets go my fellow children of my glorious ''HEAVENLY GOD SLAYING SECT'' before any heathens steal our rightful birthright."


    "YEAH"


    Similarly many different sects came towards the village of Nana-Gou, where Ryuu awakened his divine body, thinking it to be birth of some heavenly treasure which caused a bloody struggle between the sects causing great destruction and eventual annihilation of the village and its surrounding area. Whereas the main reason for all commotion went far away with his mother and aunt.


    Thus many days passed away while Ryuu reached the 5th year of his birth awakening his karma.


    "HAHAHAHA I won I won see that Vance clan my baby boy must have a saint in his previous life, he is not some demon", Song Ya started laughing with joy and pride seeing such large karma wheel of her childwhich encompassed a kilometre long area giving a virtuous andholy feeling.


    Even Zhu Zhu couldn''t stop her tears of happiness on seeing such a sight at last heavens been kind to them.


    But neither knew this will be the last time the small family will be spending such a happy life.


    Faraway a servant raced to give some important news to a person meditating upon hearing it he smiled and exclaimed,"finally the stain on our clan''s name will be removed ancestor has finally emerged from his secluded cultivation".

 7 BEGINNING OF THE END PART 1

    "Wan wan where are you", a 5 year old boy was chasing after a puppy one of his many friends he made after he and his family moved to a new place. In his short life he was never allowed outside their house except when they moved to new location, his mother and aunt afraid some might attack as such he remains confined to his own house, the only thing he heard about outside is from his friends, the various animals and creature he can understand and from his mother and aunt.


    The boy thought back to the time when he first stepped into the world of cultivation.


    Ryuu started meditating as his mother told him to focusing on the sutra given by his mother when the whole world became black, he was scared he couldn''t see smell or hear anything then he saw a light in front he ran with all his might afraid of the darkness but the next think what he saw he will never forget, he saw planets stars moons all getting destroyed then new ones being created, he saw himself standing in front and leading people so strong he felt his breath freezing, he saw himself as he was worshipped, as he was loved, as he was idolised, as he ruled over them, as he was envied, as he was been hated, as he fought and died the earth red with blood, then an ancient voice sounded in his mind,


    "I am the beginning, I am the end,


    I am creator, I am destroyer,


    I am God, I am Devil,


    I am the blessed one, I am the cursed one,


    I am merciful, I am merciless,


    I am the epitome of everything good and evil,


    Worship me, hate me, curse me, love me,


    I was, I am, I will always be the SOVEREIGN,


    None is above me, everyone is below me,


    Through me I bring others salvation,


    Through me I bring others annihilation,


    As I was, I am, I will always be the SOVEREIGN."


    He did not understand it but the more thought the more he was drawn to it,


    since then many changes took place in him he no longer need the sutra given by his mother, he felt as if something was beneath him as if the sutra he learned while meditating was the one meant only for him a feeling he could not describe, it has been a months but he was already a rank 5 Houtain cultivator such progress defied common logic as he never actively cultivates until and unless forced by his mother.


    Of all the changes the least liked one was his looks, he looked like a girl and how he hates his aunt as she always dresses him like one.


    His thought was cutoff as his playmate was called away by his father.


    Wan:" warf wurf awoo waar"( "Ryuu see tomorrow, Pa is calling me bye")


    Ryuu:"Bye see you tommorow"


    Ya was currently reading through some scrolls thinking of any suitable skills for her baby boy, when Ryuu suddenly came and hugged her tightly.


    Ryuu:"Momma what are you doing?"


    Ya:"nothing child just thinking what i should teach you next, So have you finished playing my baby??"


    Ryuu:"Yup, momma there is something I want to ask you"


    "What is it baby?",Song Ya asked seeing the hesitating look on her child''s face


    Ryuu:"mama who is my father"


    Song ya:"baby who told you to ask that ?"


    Ryuu:"I i i was wondering everyone has one so where is mine"


    Song Ya:" My baby do you know how were born"


    Ryuu shook his head saying he doesn''t know


    Song Ya:"One day I was meditating and suddenly, because I am a good girl, heavens gifted me you."


    Hearing it Ryuu became awestruck, his eyes started sparkling,"MAMA THAT MEANS I MORE AWESOME"


    "Of coursemy perfect baby boy you are just perfect", Song ya replied hugging the boy with love.


    "Oh my who is this cute baby girl", suddenly the voice of Zhu Zhu came from the door


    "AUNTIE I AM NOT A GIRL I AM A BOY AND I AM NOT CUTE I AM DANGEROUS", shouted Ryuu trying to make himself look angry by puffing his cheeks but all he did was make himself look more cute.


    Zhu Zhu gave a squeal before snatching Ryuu from Song Ya''s lap started smothering him with


    hugs and kisses.


    Ya: "Sister enough put him down, Ryuu go and change you dress you are all sweaty from playing for so long let me talk with your aunt a little bit"


    "ok mama", with that Ryuu ran away to his room.


    Ya: "Sister Zhu his looks is growing more handsome , since that day if this goes on he might bring attention of wrong kind of people we have to use something to block hide it, do think you can make something to ...."


    Zhu: "Relax I have already made something his scent and looks will be covered and anyone below celestial won''t be able to perceive it, but still to think he is enough handsome to cause normal mortals to loose their reasoning over him I fear how dangerous it will be when fully grown, not to mention his aura even peak houtian beasts think him as if he is their king and bows to him, I just fear as well excited to think what future holds for him".


    Ya: "Me too sister me too".


    Zhu: "How long will you avoid telling him about his family?"


    Ya: "What family? we are the only one he needs, if required I will tell him about those sick bastards when he is old enough to understand"


    Zhu: "as you wish sister as yo wish"


    "Welcome back honourable ancestor", all people greeted as man full of white hair and beard came out from his seclusion deep insidethe imperial palace.


    "Grandpa ", the Emperor went to greet him with a smile.


    "Tian brat how are you doing how is everyone and where is my tomboy granddaughter",the old man asked with a smile.


    "Grandpa we need your help ...."

 8 BEGINNING OF THE END PART 2

    "What is it Tian brat, what happened", asked the old man with serious expression on his face.


    "Grandpa, just be patient my little sister Sabine will be here in few moments",replied the Emperor Tian with seriousness.


    "Grandpa", suddenly a shout came making the old man look towards the person with smile in his face.


    Old man:"My my look how much you have grown Sabine"


    "Grandpa Yujie", Sabine ran towards the old man and hugged him tightly.


    "So how are doing Sabi and where are those two little munchkins"


    "Greetings Great Grandfather", greeted Joseph and Jaclyn in unison.


    "HAHAHa , what is this I just haven''t seen you for a decade and you all are treating me like some outsider, oh my not bad not bad already Wanxiang adeptwithin 30 years of age not bad", replied the old man while hugging the two children as if they are precious treasure.


    Old man Yujie:"where is the Fang brat and Guo Guo".


    "Greatings Grandfather-in-law", greeted Fang and the current Empress and wife of Tian, Guo Guo.


    "Grandpa we need your help ", Sabine stated with a saddened look.


    "What is it child",Yujie asked with a serious look on his face.


    "Greetings Great Grandfather", greeted Joseph and Jaclyn unison.


    "HAHAHa , what is this I just haven''t seen you for a decade and you all are treating me like some outsider, oh my not bad not bad already Wanxiang adeptwithin 30 years of age not bad", replied the old man while hugging the two children as if they are precious treasure.


    Old man Yujie:"where is the Fang brat and Guo Guo".


    "Greatings Grandfather-in-law", greeted Fang and the current Empress and wife of Tian, Guo Guo.


    "Grandpa we need your help ", Sabine stated with a saddened look.


    "What is it child",Yujie asked with a serious look on his face.


    "Grandpa few years ago I gave birth to a devil child",Sabine stated with saddened face


    "Devil Child", exclaimed Yujie in shock, "but how is that possible"


    Fang:"We don''t know how but the child was born without dantian, not only that there was a prophecy a few days after that involving the survival of the empire".


    Old man Yujie spoke with a sigh, "To think such a thing may happen , where is the child"


    Fang spat out with angerand disgust, "My traitorous little sister Xiao Xiao escaped with that abomination".


    Yujie frowned, "Don''tworry I will seek him out", with that he went into a meditative trance. The others with hidden glee as it was only matter of few minutes before the thing is caught.


    Xia Yujie in his many million years of living has seen and heard many things but he was not prepare for what was to come, such tranquility, such innocent pure and untainted soul, even saints no matter how selfless may not posses such pure soul. The karma of that kind made even him jealous what kind of luck did his ancestors bless his descendents to have given birth to such a child. Not only that a little over5 and half but a Houtian, just unimaginable talent, no, no matter what he has to bring the child back home in safety of his clan or he would perish even if he has his aunt protecting him.


    Yujie opened hiseyes and spoke out angrily, "Which idiot labeled such an innocent child a Devil"


    Sabine stammered out,"Buthe didn''t have dantian and the pro.."


    "Fool, the child must have some Divine body, such karma such pure soul. Its blasphemy to level him asDevil child even Heaven won''t tolerate such blasphemy", roared out Yujie in anger.


    "I don''t care how much you have to plead and beg in order to bring the child and Xiao Xiao back to the clan immediately, who knows what kind of danger they might encounter, now prepare quickly to bring them back safe and sound."


    "But where we will be going father."


    "Asazzi Galaxy Tianu planet, now go time is of the essence".


    With that everyone left to make preparations.


    At that time in Ji clan one of the four major clans in Xia Empire, a very alluring and beautiful women sashayed into the patriarchs room, her face covered by a veil.


    "Greetings Patriarch Ji San~", the woman greeted the patriarch sensually


    Ji San went and removed the veil and kissed the woman, if people were to see her they would be shocked to see that the woman making out with the patriarch was none other than the concubine of Emperor Tian, "Love I have some news",the woman whispered in Ji San''s ears

 9 BEGINNING OF THE END PART 3

    "Asazzi Galaxy Tianu planet", Mariya whispered, "That slag has been hiding with that brat of hers ."


    "I see don''t worry I have my brother stone''s throw away from that place, I will tell him to bring both their heads."


    Maria: "I am afraid that won''t be possible my love."


    "why", Ji San asked with a frown.


    Maria: "The blasted old fool told that idiot husband of mine to lift the bounty and bring them back with full honour ."


    Ji San: "Does it matter the woman has caused great grief in the past it will solved only by blood, and if the emperor asks question we will claim that he was too late to relate the news, we just obeyed hid orders to eliminate the threat."


    Maria: "You really are devious, that''s why I love you. Ah~ I ca''t take it anymore when are you taking the throne darling~".


    Ji San: "Patience love this things take time and planning but soon very soon, then we will rule it together as Emperor and Empress, but, its getting late you should go back that old fool is back if he detects anything all will be ruined."


    Maria:" tch Ok but don''t forget your promise my love", with that she left with a little sway of her hips.


    After he felt Maria''s presence far away Ji San''s face turned into disgust as he sneered, "My Empress,


    Like I did let a whore like you as my wife when I can get new women everyday as my bed warmer, the only role you can fill is to be my guard dog''s tissue, hmmp ."


    Five days later,


    These five days were longest for Vance clan, the entire clan had been busy to get every favorite foodof Xiao Xiao, many rare pills and herbs, powerful spirit weapons, rare talisman, all in order toappease her and their young master , to apologize to them and bring them home safe and sound.


    Sabine: "I can''t wait to hold my baby boy in my arms love nurture him as I should have, but I fear will he see me as his mother anymore, I don''t know if he never acknowledges me as his mom, then.."


    Suddenly they heardan old voice, "Well brat since when did you become a coward, if he doesn''t then he has every right it''s your fault, but that doesn''t mean you should stop trying, never give up try to apologize and one day I know he will accept you , it will take time but I know he will one day."


    Sabine: "Grandpa! Why are you here???"


    Yujie: "Well I am going to bring my great grandchild home, plus don''t you think that tomboy, battle maniac aunt of his will giving us time to explain before she starts attacking and don''t forget her temper, hence I will be going as I will be able to stop her without causing any unneeded injuries anddamage".


    "This junior has seen senior", ever member of Vance clan present greeted Xia Yujie.


    Who just nodded his head and said "Let us leave then".


    He focused his divine sense to take a look at his descendant, he frowned heavily, sadness, panic, desperation, fear all bombarded him, his great grandson was in danger.


    Suddenly he saw a pair of eyes staring at him he felt insignificant, small, unimportant and a voice came to his ears "SCRAM", the old man spurted out mouthful of blood and collapsed on his knees startling everyone.


    "Grandpa!","Senior!","Ancestor!", every kind of shout echoed around the old man as they rushed in to help him out.


    "What has happened Grandpa?" Sabine asked fearfully.


    "Someone is attacking them and blocked my divine sense, quick lets go before it''s too late, hurry up or I am leaving you all behind", commanded Yujie


    Shiver ran down on every one''s spine hearing that urgency and condition of the strongest guardian of their Empire War God Xia Yujie.

 10 BEGINNING OF THE END PART 4

    Yujie touched his storage ring and summoned his flying ship, as many strong membersof Vance clan quickly boarded it including Ryuu''s family.


    Fang:"Joseph, Jacklin why are boarding the ship?"


    Joseph:"Father our you...."


    Yujie:"No absolutely not i forbid you to come with us the enemy is toostrong even with us it will be difficult to defeat him so no you children are not strong enough. No GO!!!"


    Joseph and Jacklin wanted to say something but seeing the look on their great grandpa and their father''s face they relented"


    Sabine:"Grandpa how long will it take??"


    Yujie:"Their hiding place is far away even if my ship is overworked it will take more than 10 minutes time. "


    Salazar (Fang''s father): "Senior it might be too late by then."


    Yujie gritted his teeth and spat out,"I know I know, but does anyone has any faster transport then I am all ears.", everyone was quite at that, "Thought so."


    After many agonizing minutes later,


    They came across a horrifying seen of destruction, a large continent hundreds of thousands of mile long is completely destroyed air seems to be burning, poisonous fumes could seen everywhere, thunderstorm changing the sky into day with lightning, the soil seemed made of lava and the whole presence gave of feeling of large amount of energy which had been discharged being dissipating rapidly.


    Yujie: "Someone powerful detonated their core and committed suicide, I hope Xiao Xiao and Feng (name given to Ryuu by his parents) are safe."


    Everyone looked worried as frown could be seen on their faces.


    Suddenly they heard a chocked sob coming from Beatrice.


    Fang: "Mother whats wrong why are you crying?"


    Beatrice: "Whats wrong Fang can''t you feel whose energy is this?"


    Fang didn''t have to time to think much as his father Salazar gave the answer in a solemn voice, "It belongs to Zhu Zhu, Xiao Xiao''s spirit beast and best friend."


    Hearing that everyone started to panic, "Calm down and shut up we will soon reach the last known location of my grandchild and Xiao Xiao."


    "Ancestor look out the forest ahead seems funny", shouted a random member of Vance clan.


    "The last known location came from that forest", Yujie frowned upon seeing the state of the forest.


    "It can''t be I have been to this place before with few of my brothers but this ...".exclaimed another member of Vance clan.


    What lay upon them a forest full of dead trees, dead animals, even insects were dead the air smelled putrid and stale, the lake inside the forest looked putrid murky and everyone could see many aquatic floating dead on the water.


    ''What is this what evil has fallen on this place'', a thought rang in everyone''s mind as they felt a spine chilling fear.


    "F***k!", a loud cursing could be heard as they turned to see a member of their clan cursing loudly at the heavens and a large sweat drop formed on everyone''s head.


    "Is their anything you want to share with us ''Mazir''?" asked Salazar politely.


    "Bossman, this shitty forest killed my babies ", with that Mazir started bawling


    Salazar rubbed his head in exasperation,"Ancestor don''t mind him he was dropped head first to many times when he was a kid, and he calls his pet insects babies."


    "Look over there that part is completely untouched", a Vance clan member shouted.


    rushed towards to see a part of the forest around was still alive in forming a circle of 10 meters.


    "Don''t jump down send something to scout out before descending in that place and does anyone recognise those dead bodies outside the circle".


    "I.....I think I recognise one of them Ji Yon, brother of the current patriarch of Ji clan, Ji San."stammered out another member.


    Mazir: "We can safely descend inside the circle, the death zone is like an invisible cylindrical wall outside the circle, as long as we don''t the wall we are safe."


    Soon the Clan head his wife, son and daughter-in-law along with old man Yujie quickly descended inside the circle.


    Salazar barked out an order to secure the sky before the started to investigate.


    Sabine: "Look there is some blood splotches here."


    Beatrice quickly scanned it with her mental energy and stated with grieve,"This blood belong to Xiao Xiao, my baby girl who knows what happened to her."


    Salazarwent and held his wife in his as he tried his best to comfort her.


    "Grandfather-in-law what could have happened to them", Fang inquired to Yujie.


    "This i don''t think the Ji clan is strong enough to stop my Divine vision nor Xiao Xiao can kill them like this I think....."

 11 BEGINNING OF THE END PART 5

    Song Ya: "Okay now put the strawberries on top and now its finished. Yay!."


    "Mamma mamma will aunt Zhu Zhu really like it", asked an excited Ryuu.


    Song ya: "Why wouldn''t she, now let us hide with the cake and lets turn off the light we will surprise her."


    Few minutes later.


    Zhu Zhu: ''Strange i do not feel any presence in the house and the lights are off, did something happen.'', she tiptoed inside the house.


    Suddenly the lights were turned on and a shout came, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!."


    A stunned Zhu Zhu looked in shock as the mother son duo appeared before her with a cake with the words "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE MOST AWESOME AUNT ZHU ZHU."


    Tears of happiness formed in her eyes on seeing the cake. "Oh my baby nephew made cake for his aunty let me see let me see it. Wow it is so beautiful, I love it."


    Zhu hugged Ryuu lovingly as if he were the most precious priceless treasure and kissed his forehead.


    Ryuu "Aunt I have another thing for you let me bring it.", with that he released himself from hisaunt''s embrace and ran to get the present.


    Zhu Zhu: "Oi Oi sis what is he bringing?"


    Song Ya shook her head and with a confused face she replied,"I don''t know."


    Ryuu: "Here it is aunty open it open it." As he presented a rolled up canvas to Zhu Zhu.


    Zhu Zhu''s eye widened as she gave soft gasp upon seeing her present, a painting, a crude drawing made by Ryuu depicting her and Xiao Xiao with Ryuu standing in the middle and holding hand with big smile on every one''s face, the word''s ''MY HAPPY FAMILY'', on top of the painting.


    Zhu Zhu her heart was overwhelmed with happiness and gave Ryuu a bone crushing hug while repeating "THANK YOU THANK YOU" over and over again.


    Song YA: " Wow! my son is a genius he drew such a nice painting we are definitely putting it on a frame, mmmmm where should I hang it."


    Zhu Zhu: "Hmp this is going to hang in my room Ryuu gave it to me, showing he loves me more than you, if you want another go get it yourself."


    Song Ya with fake tears stated," Wah Wah Ryuu doesn''t love me anymore."


    Ryuu seeing his mother panicked and hugged her legs as he stated with tears forming in his eyes,"Mama, I love both you and aunty i made another for you but I wanted to give it to you on your birthday."


    Song ya: "HEHEHEHE, child don''t feel sad I was just teasing.",as she rubbed Ryuu''s head lovingly.


    Ryuu pouted and said,"Mama meanie."


    With that everyone laughed.


    Soon it was time for Ryuu to go to sleep, Song Ya tucked his son into bed and went towards courtyard where she found Zhu Zhu waiting for her.


    Seeing her sister in all but blood arrive Zhu Zhu took out a wine bottle and two cups, Song Ya sat beside her while Zhu Zhu gave her a cup and then filled both the cups.


    "Cheers for a good long life hahahah", stated both the sisters as they gulped down the wine.


    Zhu Zhu: "The old monster finally came out of seclusion".


    Song Ya choked on the wine she was drinking and sprayed out the entire thing on Zhu Zhu''s face, and started panicking.


    "Oh god what am I going to do? he will detect Ryuu then they will come to kill him, what will I....."


    Zhu Zhu: "Come down Sis, nothing like that going to take place, from what I learnt he declared the bounty on your and Ryuu''s head to be abolished, and both of to be welcomed back in to clan."


    Song Ya: "Huh, what is that geezer planning, don''t tell they are making us lower our guard then kill us."


    Zhu Zhu frowned: "My thoughts exactly we have to be cautious, we cannot hide Ryuu from that geezers eyes, even if he really wants us back and is not planning anything nefarious, your brother and sister-in-law would..."


    Song Ya stated with a heated glare, " Absolutely not those narrow mindedbigoted people will never take my baby from me. I would love to see them try I will break them in half."


    Zhu Zhu:"Hahahaha its great to see the fearless old Xiao Xiaoback in action, how I miss those days the three of us, you, me and brother Wulan, adventuring together."


    Song Ya looked sad on hearing the name of her beloved,"Zhu would he have approved of me raising Ryuu ."


    Zhu Zhu snorted on hearing that question,"Approve of you, I can clearly imagine him running around bragging and boring every random strangers to death with ''how awesome my baby boy is''".


    Song Ya laughed at that,"Yeah I can also imagine that Ryuu doesn''t need to know anyone except us three as his family after all he is our legacy", she finished with a proud smile on her face.


    Suddenly they stiffened ,their house went up in flames of explosion.


    "JEJEJEJE as expected of ''Shadow Serpent'' and''Asura Xiao'' to escape from our sneak attack", an obnoxious voice came to their ears.


    "Who are you? you have guts coming after our heads",roared out an angered Zhu Zhu.


    "Aw why so angry beauty is someone on your period, Jijiji don''t worry lets give you some loving we will show you your place under us"


    As they heard the laughter from all the men surrounding them.


    "Mama who are these people, they are scary?", came a fearful voice of Ryuu.


    Song Ya: "Don''t fear baby they are some insects, me and your aunty will squash them in no time"


    "Squash us, men show those bitches there proper place, capture them alive the first one to capture them gets the first turn as for the child there are plenty who would love a toy like him, go."


    With that the people charged with various talisman, weapon arts, puppetry and many different attacks.


    "Devils Saber lunge"


    "Chaotic god spear arts"


    "God Sealing Talisman"


    "Divine Guard''s Shield", Song Ya used her technique to block those technique.


    "Yai yai so so strong ''Asura Xiao'' really is so strong take attack of a hundred immortal as if nothing really so strong."


    "Oi you coward why don''t you show yourself instead of hiding behind your mom''s skirt are we too hot for you to handle", Zhu Zhu mocked.


    "As you wish my future pet."


    Suddenly a figure became visible with a few more people.


    "Blood devil sect''s Gu you bastard how dare you show your face not only killed my fiance now you are after my child I will destroy your soul if its the last thing I do".


    "Damn brother Gu she sure is the feisty one", stated another man licking his lips eyeing Xiao Xiao lasciviously,"I would love to break that slut."


    Song Ya: " Aren''t you Ji San''s little brother Ji Yon? Does the Ji clan trying to betray Xia Dynasty by colluding with Blood Devil Sect. How dare you? Vance clan is already coming together with Xia clan to take us back home they won''t let you people go scot-free."


    Ji Yon laughed loudly, "Us colluding with Blood Devil Sect, hahahaha, little girl our ancestor created the Blood Devil Sect, and don''t worry we will take care of you before those dogs arrive."


    "Poison Emperor''s embrace" a voice suddenly came and very fast moving poisonous cloud suddenly


    surrounded everyone.


    Zhu Zhu sent a mental message to Xiao Xiao, "Sis don''t lose your calm, Ryuu is not strong


    enough to withstand a full on fight we have to find a way to retreat or else he will be in grave da....."


    Suddenly they heard a voice,"Divine Guard''s Shield", a voice they haven''t heard in years, world seem to stop around Xiao Xiao, as she was stunned to see hear beloved standing with the enemy.


    Zhu Zhu: "Xiao sis snap out of it its a puppet, think about Ryuu..."


    Zhu zhu was suddenly sneaked attacked by mental energy stunning her.


    "Heavenly Guard''s last stance, Final Spear", a spear attack came towards Xiao Xiao, an attack she was familiar with the same attack her love Wulan used to protect them sacrificing his life that was the last time she saw him.


    Suddenly she awoke from her dream as she felt Ryuu crying shaking in fear holding her tightly. She knew there was no way she could dodge that attack it was to close Ryuu will die.


    She was forced to use her trump card, to protect Ryuu, "Heavenly Guard''s last Stand, Sacrificial Divine Shield", with that she ignited her dantian and cultivation and thus protected herself and Ryuu.


    Suddenly She saw Zhu zhu standing infront of her with a talisman in her hand she gave a smile towards Ryuu and Xiao Xiao,"Run Sis take my baby nephew, our legacy to safety", with that she used the talisman to teleport them away.


    "Damn old man will be pissed I just destroyed one of his master piece, but the bitch ran away".


    "Don''t worry I have her marked she can''t run away the last attack already injured her gravely its matter of time before we tear that bitch apart, lets kill this half dead bitch already, its miracle she is still standing after I used Yama''s embrace on her."


    Zhu zhulaughs mockingly," Yama''s embrace, hahahahto think I Zhu Zhu will die to such a bastard poison hahaha"


    Gu:"My my the bitch snapped thinking even her soul won''t survive jijijiji, hmmp", Gu frowned.


    Zhu Zhu smiled,"I see you noticed i already hijacked the array you were trying to imprison us now you will die here with me"


    Ji Yon:"Quickly kill that bitch before she blows her core and kills us".


    Zhu Zhu took out the painting the gift Ryuu gave her from her space ring, she caressed it lovingly as she said with sad smile,"Sorry my baby nephew I won''t be able to play with you, teach you, see you grow up, but, thank you for coming in our life.", with that Zhu Zhu spirit beast of Xiao Xiao, aunt and godmother of Ryuu, detonated her core killing every living being within that continent.


    Millions of miles away a bright light flashed indicating the arrival of Xiao Xiao and Ryuu, suddenly she felt a huge explosion going on in a distance, tear fell through her eyes as she realised the death of her sister. She knew there was no time to rest soon the side effect of her damaged cultivation and soul will show up she will be weakened to the point even a mortal child will kill, she needed to find somewhere safe for her baby boy.


    Suddenly the air distorted a few miles from her it spat out a group of people.


    "Damn that whore she killed most of us, I had to use that special talisman I found in that ruins all those years ago. "


    "Jijijij the heaven''s seems to be helping us today look over there."


    "hahahah lets slaughter those mongrels."


    Xiao Xiao was running in desperation with tears running from her face, ''Why why why heavens is so unfair, what has my child done so wrong please please anyoneplease save my child.''


    Suddenly the side effect of her technique kicked in she fell from the sky she couldn''t control her speed and crashed into the ground, Ryuu was thrown off from her grasp hit the ground hard breaking his arm and he wailed in pain, he couldn''t understand what happen they were so happy why those meany people came what happened to his mam, where is his aunty, he was scared, his hand was in odd shape and it hurt.


    Suddenly he felt a soothing calming sensation and he heard an angelic voice,"Who are you my Child? What happened?"


    "Some meany people hurt my mama, please help us", Ryuu wailed out to the lady.


    The lady touched his head to comfort him, but she widened her eyes as if She has seen a ghost, but she quickly composed her expression.


    "Child what is you name?"


    "Ryuu"


    The woman smiled at Ryuu then waved her hand as Xiao suddenly appeared beside Ryuu even though she was badly injured herself she quickly went to her child''s side,"My baby, forgive mother i dropped you, oh my god your hand is broken."


    The woman standing beside them felt as if someone was spying on the child, she broke the contact and gave warning to the spy,"SCRAM!!".


    "Child I can help you and your mother but you have to be my student.", Xiao Xiao watched in amazement as the woman, no Goddess would be an appropriated word, for such a beautiful regal looking women, healed her child''s arm with aflick of a finger."


    Ryuu looked at the woman her eyes showed the same kind of warm as his mama and his aunty, Ryuu felt as if he had known that woman a feeling of happiness and warmth rushed through his body.


    "Disciple greets master."


    Suddenly an obnoxious voice interupted them,


    "Well look over here how the mighty have fallen, jijiji."


    "~whistle~ what a beauty damn I can''t wait to plough her."


    "Are you the one who caused grief to this child and his mother.", asked the lady angrily.


    "Yeah we totally did its a shame that other bitch committed suicide, well seems to us we will have to take our frustrations on you, it will be wise to surrender quietly we will fill you up lovingly"


    "HAHAHAHA",the others laughed at that.


    The woman looked furious and uttered a single word,"DIE", it was as if a heavenly decree, anything outside the circle in which they were died, whether they be trees, animals, insects, humans everyone died.


    Ryuu and his mother watched in awe at the sheer magnitude of the lady''s power.


    The lady looked at the child with motherly gaze and extended her hand towards Ryuu,"Lets go home my disciple".


    That was the day when I think back was the day when I lost one of my precious person one of myfamily, also the day I met her my ''Teacher'', one of the strongest being I ever met''and later on one of my family. As the wheels of my fate changed for the better or for the worse.


    Ryuu took hold of his teacher''s hand and they vanished from that placed.


    Many minutes later a flying ship arrived there,


    "Grandfather-in-law what could have happened to them", Fang inquired to Yujie.


    "This i don''t think the Ji clan is strong enough to stop my Divine vision nor Xiao Xiao can kill them like this I think someone very powerful rescued them for what that I don''t know."

 12 JUSTICE

    Sabine: "But Grandpa we have to find them my baby boy and my sister Xiao Xiao, who knows in what condition they are in", as tears gather in her eyes thinking terrible fate ordained by her child and sister in law.


    Yujie:"There is nothing I can do the..."


    "What do you mean there is nothing you could do Grandfather-in-law, you are a celestial the most powerful person in the empire, what do you mean you can''t do anything", shouted out an enraged Fang.


    Suddenly a pressure slammed on Fang forcing him on his knees, "Shut up!!!! foolish child do you think that I Xia Yujie so petty that I will abandon my blood, do you thing I would be so narrow minded that I would let someone I see as my grandchild, my family to suffer as long as I draw breath, but how will I help them when I do not know where the child is, even with my divine sense I can no longer detect him, I don''t know if he is safe as if he has vanished completely, the only thing i know he hasn''t died."


    Salazar: "Honorable Senior please forgive my child he misspoke out of grief."


    The pressure on Fang suddenly disapered.


    Yujie: "No No its alright, the situation is troublesome as it is."


    Fang went and tried to console his wife as the day when his child and sister left their clan came to his mind. After all this years the guilt came to hit him full force, ''why why why, why did over react that day, a parents duty is to nurture their child, if I hadn''t reacted my baby would be safe back at home my sister to, forgive me my child my sister.'' Tears of shame and regret begin to form in his eyes.


    Suddenly a choking voice full of grief came to everyone''s ears,"I won''t, I won''t give up my sister-in-law didn''t give up she protected my baby when I should be the one protecting him, she gave him live, she raised him where I failed him, no more even if it takes a lifetime, I will find them, i will beg for forgiveness, I will do anything to atone for my sins", a firm resolve came from Sabine.


    Fang :"Me too wife me too, if that day if I hadn''t said those things Feng and Xaio Xaio would still be with us, its all my fault because of me we lost them."


    Beatrice:"Fang no its not yours fault only all of us are to be blamed all of us even if it requires my life


    I will give it up to atone for my, for our sins."


    Mazir: "Boss man there is some thing you should know."


    Salazar looked up towards Mazir with eyes red with grief,"What is it ?", he asked growling.


    Mazir: "Do you remember the name of the cur who killed the little miss''s fiance?"


    Salazar: "How could I forget that bastard Blood Devil Sect''s Gu, so what of it ."


    Mazir: "When we retrieved the dead body of the people who were with Ji Yon we also retrieved that bastard''s body,not only we found some human puppets in his space ring we found out a dairy of his where he had written every name of his puppets and detail description."


    Fang:"So? please tell without stalling for time."


    Mazir gritted his teeth as he replied," He used little misses fiance Wulan''s body as a puppet in order to fight miss."


    Fang: "That mongrel how dare he. Father Ji clan is clearly working with those bastard''s lets tear them apart."


    Salazar: "It is not possible child few days ago a mining town co owned by Liang clan and Ji clan was attacked many of their members including the oldest child of Liang clan''s patriarchwent missing, many people died in that attack mostly from Ji clan, they will simply plead innocence and put us including the Royal clan in bad position."


    Fang:"So we will just let them go ."


    Yujie: "NO child I will never anyone who harmed My Family live in peace, I will have my


    Justice, but, you should have your patience child, sometime justice take time."


    Meanwhile,


    Ryuu as well as Xaio Xaio were both astonished at what they saw, if they for all intent and purpose in paradise such clean air, such beauty of nature not to mention the abundance of ki they really were in paradise.


    The lady just clapped her hands a few times, then a few maids suddenly arrived and kneeledin front of her,"Welcome back you holiness",they all said in unison.


    The lady said in authoritative tone, "This are our guests, arrange for their stay, but take the women to hospital first she needs immediate treatment."


    Maids: "As you wish your Holiness."


    Ryuu:"ummm Teacher.."


    The lady:"Yes child."


    Ryuu:" Teacher may I ask for your name."


    The lady:"Of course child Our name is ''Nuwa'', and may address myself as ''Teacher Nuwa'' , oh before I forget welcome to our home, and yours too from today, ''WELCOME TO AYINDRIL''."

 13 NEW LIFE

    Ryuu: "Teacher will mommy be alright?"


    Nuwa: "Child do not worry your mommy is in good hands she will be safe."


    Ryuu beamed at his teacher then started to panic, "But but how will aunty Zhu Zhu know where we are."


    Nuwa: "Zhu Zhu?"


    Ryuu while bouncing up and down in excitement replies to his master, "Yeah she is my aunty, she is so cool, she super strong, knows many stories, and knows many games she plays with me and mamma, teacher I know you will be happy to meet her."


    Nuwa:"Where was she when you were attacked?"


    Ryuu looked sad,"She was fighting them with those bad people then she used a paper with various words written on it and there was some light then me and mam were in another place."


    Nuwa :"We promise you child we will find where your aunty is, why don''t you go with this sisters they will takeof your needs."


    "Biskha wash him, if he is hungry feed him then tuck him to bed, he has some traumatic experience today make sure he sleeps well.", Nuwa ordered one of the maids present.


    Biskha:"Yes your Holiness."


    Turning towards Ryuu Nuwa said:"Child you had quite an adventure we will see you tommorow when you are well rested."


    With that Nuwa vanished.


    Biskha:"Come on young master lets go ."


    Ryuu nodded and followed her.


    ?????:"My my look who is back.", a voice full of happiness chirped in.


    ????: "Welcome back love.", another voice came.


    ?????:"Welcome back mother.", another voice came.


    Nuwa:"Its good to be back."


    ????:"Someone seems happy today."


    ????:"It wouldn''t happy to be because of some half dead woman and that child."


    After sending Ryuu to rest, Nuwa went back to the centre most region of the personal dimension, where her family resided.


    Entering the main hall she was greeted with the sight of a tall muscular fierce looking male with red hair and various tattoos on his body,but looking at her with warm eyes full of love, this was her husband Maheswara, to his either sides were two women of immense beauty rivalling her own while unlike her midnight black hair the woman on the right had golden hair and the other had bluish purple hair, they were smiling at her with full of love, they were her husband''s other wives, her sister wives Veena and Celestia.


    Couple of feet in front of them sat three woman, the first one a woman with flaming red hair with golden streaks in them,oldest among the three women, her name isAntariskh, daughter of Veena and Maheswara, next to her was a blue haired woman Sylvana, daughter of Celestia and Maheswara, last but not the least was their only student and adopted daughter, the youngest, Shamiran, with midnight black hair.


    She smiled at them as she nodded,"Yes we have taken a new student."


    Maheswara raised an eyebrow at that,"New student why? the last time you showed an interest in teaching was when we took Shami as your student."


    Nuwa became lost in thought in nostalgia and replied in soft whisper,"Diabolic Divine Dragon Overlord"


    "What?",Maheswar asked as he frowned.


    "That child has the same body as our baby boy had, the same smile, the same twinkle in his eyes, when we were near him we felt as if our baby came back to me.", replied Nuwa with sad smile on her face, as she was seeminglylost in memories of ages long since gone.


    Everyone seemed stunned at that.


    Suddenly Antariskh stood up in anger and she shouted,"I refuse to except some child as our brother, we had only one brother and he is dead, that child throw him out of Ayindril."


    Maheswara:"I agree with our daughter our boy Pangu died when he gave his life to save the planes of existence from complete annihilation, don''t compare him with some brat."


    Nuwa:"I took him as my disciple and that is final he will stay here and grow up as a fine cultivator."


    Celestia:"Nuwa if you don''t mind I will have something to say to them, so will you kindly step outside for few minutes please, as for your disciple don''t worry they will accept him."


    Nuwa stepped out of the room suddenly a formation was erected to prevent any presence any words to leak out of that room.


    Suddenly the occupants of that room felt them under immense pressure.


    "Howdare you ", Celestiabegan with a growl," Do you have any understanding of what my sister Nuwa had to go through when our boy died, Pangu was different for her she gave birth to him a bond between mother and her child is different, everyday we felt the sadness the helplessness she was going through because of Pangu''s death, if she find happiness by taking in a disciple then let her be happy I can no longer see her in such a state. I was the one who asked her a favour and send her to that place so that she could meet the kid."


    Veena:"Why???"


    Celestia :"Since the death of Pangu because of the shock of losing her son , has started to effect her mental health, she sometimes starts speaking to air itself as if it were her son. Please for her sake please accept that child"


    Maheswara:"What, how did I not notice something like that? She always thinking about others and not thinking about herself once."


    Everyone looked worried at that.


    Veena lowered the barrier and asked Nuwa to come inside.


    Veena: "Well we decide to accept the child as our disciple so why don''t you bring him to us we would like to speak with him."


    Nuwa:"You all will teach him"


    Maheswara:"Of course"


    Shamiran:"Mother it will be great to know more about our brother when will you introduce us to him."


    Nuwa looked happily at her family then she frowned,"We could bring him here now but a lot of thing happened and we think he should rest first ."


    Celestia:"Nuwa we might have accepted him but remember he and Pangu are different don''t mix them up and never manipulate him to become Pangu''s copy please promise us."


    Nuwa:"We promise we will let him grow as he should and we will never make him a copy of our child."


    Everyone relaxed at that.


    Sylvana:"So mother what is the connection between the child and that woman."


    Nuwa frowned,"The woman claims to be the mother of that child and the child believes it also but we believe that the child is not born from her.", everyone frowned at that."When we met that we found them trying to escape from some lowborn wretches, the woman was injured most probably from trying to protect the child. She won''t live for long."


    Shamiran: "Well we have to wait to get full story from the woman then."


    Meanwhile Ryuu was suffering from nightmares, he saw those men taking his mother and aunt away from him, he saw his aunt smiling sadly as she turned into ash, the painting he made for his aunt burning and he watched helplessly unable to do anything, he suddenly awoke from his sleep and started crying,"I wann my mama, boo hoo , Zhu Zhu were are u",Biskha came running inside the room as she tried to console Ryuu trying to lull him to sleep.

 14 Mommy awakens

    Nuwa: "Isla, go and tell Biskha to get the child ready and bring him to us, we will introduce him to our family.", she ordered.


    Isla: "As you wish your holiness."


    Celestia: "I can''t wait to start his training but still only five years of age and already half way through Houtian realm is something, considering children are always impatient."


    Veena: "Well but it will be difficult you know how children are on top of that he went through some traumatic experience, has that woman who claims to be his mother awaken."


    Nuwa:" We heard from Isla that she awoke a few minutes ago we were going to visit her now, will you be going as well."


    Suddenly they heard a masculine voice answering them," Of course love we should go after all she is our guest and there are few questions only she can answer.", they turned around to look at the smiling face of their husband Maheswara.


    Celestia: "Where are our children?"


    Maheswara: "Training.", at that his wives simply nodded and made their way towards the hospital where their future disciple''s mother was staying.


    Inside one of the hospital room, a pair of tired eyes opened as the memory of last few days hit her full force, tear leaked from her eyes as a choked sob escaped from her lips, her sister her family the person who was always there for her through thick and thin, no matter how spoiled and selfish she had been, her only true family, her sister Zhu Zhu was no more. She still remembered the day all those years ago when she had just started walking in the road of cultivation, how she met her sister. She cursed her family , the Ji clan, the Devil sect if it were not for them her sister would be alive, how she missed those times with her and her fiance when they were adventuring, shemissed the look of happiness and bliss when Zhu Zhu played with her baby boy....... Oh my god where is her son, where did that strange woman take.


    Xiao Xiao bolted from her bed tried to get up when immeasurable pain wracked through her body asshe started coughing up blood.


    That was the sight that greeted Nuwa and her family when they came to visit Xiao Xiao.


    "What possessed you to try leaving your bed in your condition?" came an angry shout from the golden haired woman as she rushed in to check upon Xiao Xiao.


    "*cough*My*cough*Baby*cough*", coughed out Xiao Xiao.


    Nuwa spoke with concern in her voice,"Come down child did we not save you and your child, not only that he is our disciple now. So, calm yourself down first."


    Upon seeing the woman who helped her and her child she calmed down but couldn''t help but still be vigilant around them.


    Nuwa began after Xiao Xiao was stabilised and was relatively more calm,"We think we should introduce ourselves first, our name is Nuwa, the woman helping you is Veena, the other woman standing by me is Celestia, the man standing by our side is Maheswara, our husband and the woman are our sister wives, so who are you child."


    Xiao Xiao: "My name is Song Ya..."


    Maheswara spoke for the first time, his face sporting a scowl, "What an impudent child you are my wife helped you and that brat we never lied to you so stop lying and speak the truth."


    Xiao Xiao flinched,"How do you kno....."


    Celestia gave a tired sigh and said, "Listen child I know you are not trusting us but think carefully if we were trying to harm you we could have done it easily considering your...", she trailed off.


    Xiao Xiao flinched again but she started speaking," My name is Xiao Xiao Vance. Thank you for helping me and my child."


    Nuwa: "So what happened why were you in such a condition."


    Xiao Xiao closed her eyes for a brief moment before taking a deep breath before telling everything that transpired.


    Nuwa sighed: "So your sister Zhu Zhu is dead, Ryuu was asking us to find your sister, he will be sad."


    Xiao Xiao: "Can we not tell him, I will tell him when he is older for the time being I will tell Ryuu, Zhu Zhu iscurrently busy with something, that will placate him."


    Veena: "So is Ryuu really your child? or is there some other story behind it."


    Xiao Xiao shouted out angrily, "What do you mean Ryuu is my son, I will not tolerate some baseless slander."


    Suddenly Xiao Xiao felt as if she could no longer breath as an invisible force slammed her.


    Celestia spoke angrily,"Shut up child lower your voice, you maybe related to that child but you never gave birth to him."


    Tears leaked out of her eyes as she spat out,"So what I raised him, I may not have given birth to him but he is my sonnot some worthless wench."


    Nuwa:"Explain."


    Thus Xiao Xiao explained about the birth of Ryuu, how his own parents call his for death, all those years of hiding with her sisters help leading to the conflict.


    Maheswara gave a sigh and pinched his temples,"Damn, its like a drama, so when will tell him the truth, you won''t be able to hide it from him."


    Xiao Xiao frowned at that,"When he is older and mature. I have a question I want to ask you if you don''t mind."


    Maheswara:"What is it?"


    Xiao Xiao:"Why? why did you take my child as your student?"


    Nuwa:"Child do you know what type of divine body your son has."


    Xiao Xiao spoke with glee: "So I was right he has divine body, my baby will be strongest."


    Celestia snorted, "Child your son is blessed but cursed as well because of that body."


    Xiao Xiao asked fearfully, "Why?"


    But before they could answer a red haired missile bounced into the room as he jumped towards Xiao Xiao screaming at the top of his lung," MOMMY!!!!!"


    Maheswara hold the child by his neck before he could reach Xiao Xiao, and spoke to Ryuu in scolding manner," Child your mother is injured don''t try jumping on her or disturb her too much she will become more sick", with that he lowered the child who looked shaken to see his mother in such a stateas went closer towards her with teary eyes.


    Xiao Xiao picked up Ryuu as he hugged him tightly as if fearing that Ryuu would vanish if she left him out of her sight.


    Nuwa: "Xiao child we send someone to bring Ryuu his breakfast along with yours, after he finishes eating please send him with Biskha here, we plan to start training him soon, also we will speak later ok and Ryuu your mommy is sick, so try to be patient and calm."


    With that Nuwa left with her fellow sister wives and her husband leaving the mother and son together to spend some time.

 15 MEETING THE FAMILY

    Celestia: "Isla did the child had any problem yesterday."


    Isla: "Yes, your holiness he was suffering from nightmares, but Biskha stayed up whole night and made sure he slept peacefully."


    Meanwhile,


    Xiao Xiao: "Listen baby, you are going to be Lady Nuwa''s disciple, so remember to obey her, do not be naughty, that lady is very powerful and knowledgeable so you must try to learn as much as possible from her."


    Ryuu nodded before asking his mother,"But mama aren''t you stronger."


    Xiao Xiao laughed at her child''s question before answering," Baby I am strong, but you should remember there is always someone stronger than you."


    Xiao Xiao: "Now you have to go now you shouldn''t make your teacher wait, Biskha if you will please take my son to his teacher''s place."


    Biskha just came bowed to Xiao Xiao before guiding Ryuu to his master''s place.


    Ryuu: "Bye Bye mama I will come as soon as I finish today''s lesson."


    Xiao Xiao: "Bye baby.", after Ryuu left Xiao Xiao curled up and let out cry of anguish and grief as fresh tears started to stream from her eyes.


    Ryuu was awed at the scenic beauty at that place no matter how many times he sees he can never get enough of it, such beautiful mountains, rivers, waterfalls, not to mention such delicious looking fruits, so many unknown trees, animals, birds ''aww I want to play, i want to to explore, why do I have to go to meet teacher now'',as he slouched forward dragging his feet to meet his teacher with a pout on his face.


    Soon he and Biskha arrived in front of a large tree where he saw the nice lady who saved him and his mama, who also now is his teacher. There were also a few people some of whom he recognise as was there when he went to meet his mama.


    Nuwa: "Welcome Ryuu, Biskha you may leave."


    Biskha bowed and left Ryuu with others.


    Nuwa: "Ryuu come here.", Ryuu moved towards his teacher.


    Nuwa: "Ryuu, let me introduce you to our family, the man over there is our husband Maheswara, you will address him as Master, the woman with golden hair is our sister wife you will address her as first mistress, me as second mistress, the womanwith bluish purple is also our sister wife hair as third mistress. The woman standing over there with red hair with golden streaks, the blue haired one and the black haired one are your martial sister, you will address them with big sister. Is there anything you want to ask."


    Ryuu asked curiously, "ummmSecond mistress what do you mean husband and sister wife???"


    Nuwa: "You will understand when you grow big, you are too young to understand."


    Veena: "Now child strip your clothes to your undergarments and let me give you check up."


    Ryuu nodded removed his clothes.


    Veena started giving him check up then frowned on seeing a tattoo on Ryuu''s back, "Child how did have that tattoo on your back."


    "Huh" came the most intelligent reply from Ryuu.


    Veena''s brow twitched before asking Ryuu again,"The drawing on your back."


    Ryuu thought back to when he got that awesome drawing on his back, a cool looking golden dragon, he beamed when answering,"I got it when I started cultivating."


    Maheswara: "Oh your the cultivation sutra form you mother, caused that drawing.", looking curious.


    Ryuu smiled sheepishly, "Well no I tried to follow it but a new sutra suddenly came into my mind I felt comfortable in using it."


    This startled everyone but they hid it well.


    Veena: "Well I am done with check up, I will create a diet for him and come up with medicines to help him in cultivation, Oh one more thing he seems to be a Dao child as well."


    Maheswara rubbed his forhead,"Well Nuwa why don''t you start his education we will see you later."


    With that they left.


    Maheswara:"How is this possible the sutra he is using was the same one I created in order to help Pangu to cultivate, how did Ryuu know it, is he..."


    Celestia:"No he is not our baby boy''s reincarnation, must be some form of hidden mechanism of his body, maybe the memory of previous possessor gets transferred to the next, we know so little about his body type even after raising Pangu, we have to prepare Ryuu he is also a Dao child if we or he himself shows negligence in training he may not survive."


    Veena:"You are right Celes, well I am off to check his mother ta ta.", with that she waved others goodbye and left.


    Sylvana: "Mother can we borrow Ryuu after his training."


    Celestia: "Of course child you may, that way you can get to know each other better, just don''t take him somewhere dangerous, he is just a child."


    Meanwhile,


    Nuwa:"Well child get dressed and sit down, we are starting your education, from now."


    Ryuu nodded then took he sat down on the ground after wearing his clothes as he gave his full attention to his teacher.

 16 First lesson

    Nuwa: "Ryuu what is your reason for being a cultivator."


    Ryuu replied with great determination,"I want to fly."


    Nuwa was stunned at hearing Ryuu''s answer and asked Ryuu curiously, "Fly? why do you want to learn to fly."


    Ryuu replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the whole world,"I have a friend her name is Zhi Zhi, she is a bird, she always makes fun of me before flying away from my reach, if I learn to fly I can catch her.", while nodding his head with his eyes closed as if he was giving sagely wisdom.


    Nuwa did not know if she should laugh at such a silly response, she cleared her throat before asking Ryuu another question, "Child do you know different realms in cultivation."


    Ryuu nodded


    Nuwa: "Well then tell me about them."


    Ryuu: "HOUTIAN


    XIANTIAN LIFEFORM


    ZIFU DISCIPLE


    WANXIANG ADEPT


    PRIMAL DAOIST


    VOID IMMORTAL


    IMMORTAL"


    Nuwa: "Good child, there many realms above them but you do not need to know at present. Do you know how many levels are present in each realm."


    Ryuu: "Each realm has 9 levels in each of them", he replied with a smile on his face while holding up nine of his fingers to show it.


    Nuwa: "Good child let us tell you something very important, so please pay your utmost attention Ryuu.", Ryuu straightened up as his face showed serious expression trying to learn.


    Nuwa inquired,"Do you know what is a Divine body, Ryuu.", at that Ryuu shook her head indicating he doesn''t know, as he looked at the ground feeling ashamed thinking how his teacher would be disappointed.


    Nuwa nodded and then she continued,"Child look up why are feeling ashamed you came here to learn right, if you already knew everything then wouldn''t it be pointless to come here. so you shouldn''t feel ashamed.", with that Ryuu looked up with a smile on his face.


    Nuwa gave him a motherly smile and then continued in a serious tone,"A Divine body is a miraculous body bestowed upon a few people by the will of Heaven, a person with Divine Body has many advantages on cultivators, like some are resistant to fire, poison etc., the divine body is divide into many levels, such as COMMON,


    UNCOMMON,


    RARE,


    UNIQUE,


    LEGENDARY,


    MYTHICAL,


    GOD.


    Where Common is the lowest level and God is the highest level. Each level can further divided into LOW, MID, HIGH and SUPERIOR.


    Ryuu you must be wondering why I am teaching you this is because you body is a Divine one not only that it is a God level Superior sub-level, Diabolic Divine Dragon Overlord. "


    Ryuu was amazed at hearing he suddenly jumped up in joy and started running in circle around Nuwa screaming at the top of his lungs how awesome he is.


    Nuwa''s brow started to twitch once then couple of times,"Ryuu Ryuu RYUUU! SHUT UP AND SIT DOWN.", she roared out in anger.


    Ryuu sit down quickly where his lips trembled, eyes teared up.


    Nuwa gave a sigh then started,"Listen child you having a Divine body is blessing as well as a curse bad people will come after you to hurt you because of jealousy."


    Ryuu looked scared,"Ehhh like those meanie people who hurt my mama."


    Nuwa:"Yes, but if work hard you will be able to defeat those meanie people so cheer up we will make you strong ok.", while inwardly thinking ''this child I don''t know how will he react when he learns about the real danger of having not only a Divine body and a Dao child.''


    Meanwhile,


    Xiao Xiao: "Lady Veena really my child not only has such high level Divine body but also a dao child", she couldn''t believe what she heard it was dream she never wanted to wake up from.


    Veena: "Well do you realise how dangerous the situation is for your child."


    Xiao Xiao:"What what do you mean Dangerous???"


    Veena: "Xiao do you know what happens when a person is failing a tribulation."


    Xiao Xiao replied with indignation," of course I know a person who fails a tribulation has three choices,


    A)When a person is on the verge of failure he/she can separate the soul from their body a exist as a Loose Immortal.


    B) Person can commit suicide and take the path of reincarnation


    C) The person when fails the above two process will not only die but their soul will be destroyed bringing their complete annihilation."


    Veena nodded at that before replying,"So true, but the Will of Heavens, always try to follow the principle of balance like the YING- YANG, thus when Ryuu will be trying to attempt his tribulation if he fails, because of his Divine body and because he is a dao child the first two option is not available to him, if he fails not only will he die even his soul will cease to exist."


    Xiao Xiao was shocked to hear, and started panicking on hearing the possible fate that may befall her child. She knows herself how dangerous a Heavenly tribulation is she herself made passed it owing to luck.


    Seeing her panicking Veena consoled her,"oi oi Ryuu won''t be attempting the tribulation just now, but many years into the future, so let it rest for now we will make him strong enough to have smooth sailing through the tribulation. Oh on second thought I have some bad news for you. "

 17 Meeting Big Sister

    "What bad news?", Xiao Xiao asked fearfully.


    Veena took a deep breath before replying,"Xiao Xiao when a person burns their cultivation and their soul they basically become mortal they can never become cultivator again as their soul becomes damaged enough to prevent them. However if they manage to heal their soul completely, they may start cultivating from the beginning in theory, but in practice even climbing throughHoutian rank becomes very difficult let alone entering into Xiantain, as for later rank its impossible. However in your case you must have used the sacrificial barrier in haste, not only that you yourself was attacked using sacrificial attack, as a result your life span has drastically shortened you have only 6 months to live normally, but if I try with some medicines I might increase it to 5 years at best, even that is stretching, moreover from time to time you will suffer from immense pain."


    "What about Ryuu is he safe?", Xiao Xiao inquired fearfully.


    Veena: "Yeah he is safe, he did not any damage during the confrontation, you protected him well considering a fight between Celestial Immortal can be devastating, he is just a child, just standing in presence of one can kill him."


    Xiao Xiao sighed visibly relaxed then she replied with a smile,"mehas long as my baby boy is safe I do not care, as for my life span the only thing I will miss is not able to see Ryuu grow up and create a legend."


    Veena stared at her then started laughing as well while she replied,"AHAHAHAHA, you really are an interesting child shame I did not meet you before, normally a person freaks out starts begging crying when their death comes, but you even in face of death still thinking about Ryuu. Oh child I see such people like you less and less, people only care for themselves even those so called parents forsake their children in face of danger yet you still care for Ryuu. Ah I think I never apologised to you for stating Ryuu is not your child, no you really are his mother even better than his birth parents. Child from today on wards I Veena consider you as my sister, and i promise you on the Heavenly will that as long as I draw breath I will nurture and help Ryuu grow as if he is my own son."


    As if heavens gave a rumble acknowledging her promise.


    Xiao Xiao was shocked as tears came to her eyes she gratefully said,"Thank You Thank You Lady Veena", Veena gave her a stern angry expression so Xiao Xiao corrected herself,"Thank you Sister Veena."


    Xiao Xiao the suddenly remembered something and stated with a bow,"Sister if I mayI know it might be rude you are already teaching Ryuu, but I want to pass on my knowledge to Ryuu if possible."


    Veena:"Sister of course you may, I may be his teacher now but you were, are, will always be his first teacher, I will personally help you in your task in anyway possible."


    Veena:"Thank you thank you",as she profusely thanked Veena.


    Meanwhile, Ryuu was lying on the ground with swirl in his eyes and steam coming out from his head.


    A giant sweat drop formed on Nuwa''s head as she thought,''We might have overloaded him with too much information. Oh well at least he is not jumping around like monkeys.''


    Antariskh: "Second mother have you finished withbaby brother''s lesson", she asks as she walked into the clearing with her other sisters.


    Nuwa just points at the figure lying in front of her.


    Sylvana looking worried asks,"What happened to him?"


    Nuwa:"Information overload."


    At that the sweat drop formed on their head.


    Shamiran:"Quite an expressive child he is"


    Antariskh:"Oh well father told us to spend some time with him and show him around Ayindril and told you to meet him at mama Celestia''s garden he wants to discuss something important with you."


    Nuwa nodded before trying to shake Ryuu awake.


    Ryuu woke up startled.


    Nuwa:"Child that is enough for today your sisters are taking you on a tour around Ayindril, so be on your best behaviour, some places are dangerous so listen carefully to your sisters and don''t wander away from them ok."


    Ryuu nodded at his teacher as she left him with his three woman.


    Antariskh: "Ryuu we have not been introduced properly before so let me reintroduce ourselves properly. My name is Antariskh, You may call me first big sister."


    Sylvana:"Hello baby brother, I am Sylvana your second big sister."


    Shamiran:"I am Shamiran, you may call me third big sister."


    Ryuu nodded, then a question came to his mind,"How are you three my big sisters?"


    Shamiran:"You see Ryuu, there is a saying, "Teacher for a Day, Parent for Life., since our parents took you as a disciple you become part of the family thus our baby brother."


    Ryuu seemed happy as he bounced up in joy,"I always wanted big sisters. My friend Wan Wan had many big sisters and brothers"


    Antariskh:"Wan Wan?"


    Ryuu:"Ya he is a Blood Hound, he was so fast I used to play tag with him."


    Sylvana:"Don''t you have any human friends ?"


    Ryuu:"No mommy never let me out of our house, she said there are many bad people out there."


    Antariskh picked up Ryuu and held him," ok baby brother lets go we will take you to see around Ayindril."


    Antariskh asked curiously, "Ryuu why did take our second mothers offer to be her disciple, she could be a bad person."


    Ryuu''s face scrunched up as he thought about that time,"I don''t know, it was weird I felt like I could trust her and I felt happy to see her.",Ryuu replied as if he was unsure about that moment.


    The three sisters exchanged a glance at each other. The still remembered that day when the lost their big brother Pangu, he completely ceasedfrom existence, but now Ryuu, they couldn''t help but get there hopes up may be he really reincarnated as Ryuu, they have to wait until their Mama Celestia finished her investigation, till then they would do their best to know about the youngest member of their family.

 18 Settling down

    Ryuu was amazed at what he saw, the forests the animals, birds he has never seen such sights before, flying was amazing,last time though a sever ran through his body as he thought about those meanies attacking them and his mama trying to escape with him, he wish his aunt Zhu Zhu was here as well, as his thought went to aunt his aunt Zhu Zhu, tears formed in his eyes, where is shehis mama told she was some place working, why isn''t she here, Ryuu decided he will not speak with her or play with her anymore. He felt betrayed and angry with his aunt Zhu Zhu.


    Antariskh seemed concerned at seeing Ryuu shaking and crying,"Baby brother are you allright did something happen, tell big sister she will help."


    Ryuu:"hic I miss hic my aunt hic Zhu Zhu, hic I have hic not hic seen her since those hic bad man attack us.", replied while crying,"I am angry hic I will hic not speak hic with her hic nor will I hic play with her anymore."


    Antariskh descended from the sky and kneeled in front of Ryuu and hugged him as he cried bawling his eyes out.


    Others descended and kneeled around Ryuu as Sylvana caressed Ryuu''s head, after few minutes Ryuu cried himself to sleep.


    Shamiran: "Lets get back and tuck our baby brother in bed. We will try to bond with him at later date."


    Maheswara frowned as he looked at a certain direction.


    Nuwa: "Is something wrong husband."


    Maheswara :"Ryuu is very sad, well his sisters are bringing him back, and it seems he cried himself to sleep. Nuwa is his courtyard prepared."


    Nuwa:"Yes, it is ready, we our-self prepared the formation surrounding it."


    Maheswara:"Well Veena is currently moving the child''s mother to his new courtyard, also it seems she has take a shine to the kid''s mother, going as far as to refer her as her sister."


    Nuwa smiled at that,"Well she is the most soft hearted amongst us. I will go and check on Ryuu."


    With a smile she left Maheswara alone.


    After Nuwa left Maheswara gave soft sigh as his eyes turned melancholic as he thought,''Ryuu is not Pangu, that day his existence was erased completely, yet a small of me still wishes that Ryuu is Pangu. How i miss my baby boy, no father should prepare for his son''s funeral, if only we were stronger, faster, huuh.''


    Meanwhile,


    Veena was helping Xiao Xiao settle down in Ryuu''s courtyard.


    Veena:"Well how do you like your new house Xiao Xiao.", as she wheeled Xiao Xiao sitting on a wheel chair inside the house.


    To Xiao Xiao it was less of a house more of a mansion. The mansion was located near a beautiful water fall, it was at least three stories high and was surrounded by a beautiful garden surrounded by many exotic looking plants and trees, looking at those trees and plants Xiao Xiao felt dizzy, ''The hell is this, this plants used as mere garden decorations, I have seen empires go to war from them, and some of them I don''t recognise.''


    The inside was another matter all together, the interior looked much bigger than from the outside. Not to mention the building looked as if cut of from a single jade. Veena gave Xiao Xiao a tour of the entire mansion, ''no not mansion, a freaking divine palace, the Imperial palace back home looked like a mud hut compare to it. Bathroom no it was a freaking hot spring with water fall, a kitchen for two of us, seems to made big enough to cook for an army, what are those things I have never seen before in a kitchen how do you use them, oi what is this dining space how many people do they think they will eat here. What is this a new world, a freaking new world inside this house labelled as practice room. Armoury, although it empty currently do they expect my child to have an army. Library although empty but so big''. With that she started to hyperventilate.


    Veena:"Xiao Xiao are you alright, what happened to you, take a deep breath and come down."


    Xiao Xiao managed to come down then she nearly shouted at Veena,"Sister, what is this, you call this house its a freaking divine palace with hot springs as bathroom, army can be fed in the kitchens, practice room that is a world itself. The garden, it is a divine treasure, the plants those fruits empire will wage war to get a single one of this plants."


    Veena hearing this started laughing,"Sister why are you getting agitated Ryuu is our disciple, in a way he is like a son to us now, of course he will be treated as such. Oh it seems Ryuu is here now."


    They saw a sleeping Ryuu, as Antariskh carried him, as she entered with her sisters, they saw Veena and greeted her,"Evening Mother."


    Veena nodded at them, and said,"Evening children, I was showing ''Sister'' Xiao Xiaoaround their new house. She from today onwards is my sister hencefrom now on refer to her as ''aunty''."


    The three sisters frowned inwardly at that, but greeted Xiao Xiao nonetheless, "Evening Aunty."


    Xiao Xiao was embarrassed seeing someone stronger and much older than her was addressing her as aunty so she hurriedly replied,"Please you don''t have to be so formal with me just addressing me as Xiao Xiao is enough."


    Veena:" So did he wore himself to sleep, he seemed quite energetic in the morning."


    Sylvana:"Well, we were giving Ryuu a tour of Ayindril, when he started shaking and crying for his aunt Zhu Zhu, then he cried himself to sleep so we brought him back to his house. Mother if I may who is this Zhu Zhu and where is she."


    Veena frowned at that,"Zhu Zhu was your aunt''s sister in all but blood, you may have heard how thet cam to Ayindril, Zhu Zhu gave her life so they Ryuu and his mother could escape. Ryuu is young so it was decided to hide they truth about his aunt''s death from him, he was told she is in a far away place dealing with some problem, she will come later on."


    Xiao Xiao''s mood became sombre again on hearing Zhu Zhu''s name.


    Veena guide the child and his mother to their bedroom and said,"Sister, I believe it will do both of you good if you stayedtogether with Ryuu as much as possible. Well it is getting late, their are many maids in this house, one of them you have seen before her name is Biskha, she was tending to Ryuu''s needs while you were in hospital, feel free to ask them anything anytime ring the bell on the table near the bed. Well I will now leave you mother and son here it was pretty exhausting to you both today, so rest well sister, see you tomorrow."


    Xiao Xiao nodded her head before replying,"Thank you for everything sister and see you tomorrow."


    As they were leaving they came across Nuwa, "So has the mother and child settled down."


    Veena: "En, though they are emotionally drained and retired for the night, the child seems to be sad as he is missing his aunt. So how did your new brother seem to you?"


    Sylvana:"Well he seemed to be high on sugar otherwise ok, we did not get enough time to spend before he started crying for his aunt. But there is something odd."


    Nuwa: "Odd?"


    Shamiran:"Yes mother we asked why did he take your offer to become you disciple without a second as you were a complete stranger, he frowned before replying that he felt he could trust you and felt happy to see you."


    Nuwa, "What", she was stunned as was Veena hearing that.


    Nuwa''s eyes watered as whispered," Our baby boy came back to me."


    Veena felt her eyes going moist on hearing everything.


    Antariskh frowned upon hearing it, she as much as she wants to have her big brother back she does not wants to have her hopes up high as it can turn out to false, she will wait for Mama Celestia''s investigation to be finished so he tried to change the topic."Mama Veena why did make the youngster Xiao Xiao as your sister, she is neither strong nor does she have enough talent to refer herself as your sister. I do not like calling someone who was weaker than me and so many eons younger as my aunt."


    Veena sighed at that , she should have seen this coming her daughters were too prideful to refer someone of Xiao Xiao''s stature as their aunt. Thus she started explaining, "Well child...��"

 19 HEAVEN SHAKING EARTH TREMBLING CHAOTIC ORDERLY EVIL SLAYING HAMMER WIELDING SYSTEM

    Veena: "You see my daughters, I agree that you all are more stronger, talented, and older than Xiao Xiao, but I call her my sister because she earned my respect, probably will earn your other mothers and father''s respect as well."


    Sylvana asked curiously,"How did she garner your respect mother?"


    Veena:"Well you see she was born in a very respectable clan not only that being the only daughter and the youngest child of the clan head she was spoiled rotten from birth. Yet when Ryuu was born like any other God level Divine body he was born without any spirit root, as such they thought him to be a bad omen, even his birth parents called for his death,,,,"


    Shamiran shouted out in a anger,"They did what? How can someone be so blind?"


    Nuwa:"Ignorance my child simple ignorance, God level divine body is so rare there is hardly any mention of it to common rabbles, to them even Legendary is something that exists in myth let alone Mythical and God tier ones. Plus you should know that only one type of God tier exists at a time only after the death of the current holder will the next one will be born. Thus their ignorance lead to their mistake."


    Veena:"Absolutely correct my sister, even if that was the case because of his lack of roots they would have already abandoned them, to them their so called ''Honor'' is important than raising some cripple. But, Xiao Xiao and her friend Zhu Zhu, were not like that they could not let an innocent to suffer, hence they left their cosy luxurious life and ran away with Ryuu, hiding and constantly moving from place to place living in backwater places, raising Ryuu as if he is her son. Then one day Ryuu''s maternal great grandfather, told his clan to beg forgiveness and bring them back home, but their enemies got notified and attack them, your second mother rescued them and brought them here, but Zhu Zhu perished and Xiao Xiao is not only crippled but dying as well."


    Veena took a deep breath and continued,"When I broke the news to Xiao Xiao, I thought she would be sad, but her main concern was Ryuu, when I told her Ryuu was safe she was happy, normally any cultivator no matter what would feel even a bit resentment but she did not, not only that even after I told her she would live 5 years maximum she seemed content as long as Ryuu was happy, people like her is rare very rare in our world. Thus I decided to make her my sister."


    Antariskh:"She really is a nice person, and Ryuu is lucky to have her as his mother."


    Everyone agreed at that, Nuwa then added,"Daughters Ryuu does not know anything about this, he knows Xiao as his mother, also he does not know she will die in 5 years time, do not tell him, he will learn from his mother."


    The three sisters agreed to their mother''s order.


    Sylvana:"Tomorrow, Dad is going to teach him."


    Everyone stopped walking, as they groaned," We hope he won''t teach him something weird."


    "Me too sister me too.", came another tired voice.


    Next day,


    Maheaswara: "Ryuu I will make you physically strong, normally I would make you do some exercise but unfortunately you are too young and it will hamper your growth, hence I will make help me out taking care of some evil spirits."


    Ryuu''s face became white as he heard the word spirit,"G-G-G-Gho-Ghost", as he turned around and tried to run with tears streaming from his eyes.


    Maheswara sighed as he lifted Ryuu by the collar of his clothes, "Ryuu I will be there with you, I will not let anyone harm you" with that he carried Ryuu like a sack of potatoes and brought him in front of a weird looking box. The dropped him in front of the box. Then he seriously said to Ryuu,"Listen child everyone feels fear but only by conquering fear will you go stronger."


    Ryuu sniffled and his lips trembled, but Maheswara continued,"Do not worry they are trapped inside the box in front of you. Moreover evil spirits are not ghosts."


    Maheswara cleared his throat and continued,"Long time ago a big family of nice helpful moles used to live near a mountain faraway, but a bad man came used bad demonic arts corrupting them and turned them into evil spirits.", he took a pause in his story telling before seeing an enraptured Ryuu,"Now my young apprentice it is our duty to help this pitiful moles, so what say you will you hwlp me save them and reunite a parent with their lonely crying child, a brother with his sister."


    He looked toward Ryuu in a dramatic flare as he saw a fire lit up in Ryuu''s eyes as he stood up with determination, "Yes master, lets go and help them."


    Maheswara nodded in satisfaction,"Well said child well said, now take this hammer stand in front of the box."


    Ryuu picked with great difficulty a hammer which seemed bigger for someone his age and stood in front of the box.


    Maheswara began with dramatic flair,"Behold my greatest creation,''HEAVEN SHAKING EARTH TREMBLING CHAOTIC ORDERLY EVIL SLAYING HAMMER WIELDING SYSTEM'' a mighty tool to vanquish evil spirits", Ryuu watched his master with star struck eyes as he heard about such an awesome sounding tool, so awesome he couldn''t even remember its full name,"Ryuu an evil mole will pop up in random from this hole on top of the box hit them with all your might, the black part will show a number, but remember child in order to save them you have to hit them continuously 5000 times if you miss even once you have to start again, until you finish it we will not do anything, now get ready and start."


    Then from the 25 holes came an onslaught of moles popping up in random.


    Maheswara watched Ryuu going at it with great determination, he knew it will be a long time before the five and a half year old completes this challenge, as he barely made up to 10 hit continuously.


    Meanwhile, Veena and Nuwa both face palmed as they heard their husband''s antics with the help of divine sense no matter how much time it passed their husband still cannot properly name anything, they will have to protect Ryuu from getting any bad naming sense.

 20 I GOT A GRANDMA

    Maheswara looked impressed as he saw Ryuu could reach up to 237 consecutive hits on his first day, even after many hours has passed away he kept on going at it as if his life was depended on him, maybe he shouldn''t have used that dramaticway of introducing to this game. Damn this kid really hell bent on trying to save those moles. "Ryuu stop it is enough for today", Maheswara ordered Ryuu to stop in a neutral tone.


    Ryuu almost in a catatonic manner replied no begged his master ,"Please master let me try it again I will definitely save them this time."


    Maheswara rubbed his head thinking,''this child is to innocent and naive for his own good, people will take advantage left and right when he goes out adventuring, I have to find a way to destroy his innocence, in the world of cultivation being innocent and naive is tantamount to suicide.''


    "Ryuu you are hitting them for a long time they will feel sick, you do not want them to feel sick right, so stop for today we will continue tomorrow."


    Ryuu reluctantly put the hammer down, Maheswara picked him up and disappeared in flash, to Ryuu it looked as ifthe world blurred for a second before he was in front of his big house. He gave a look of awe to his teacher, his master was the coolest person he has ever seen, he took him to help some poor moles, also he brought him back in a blink of an eye, although he would be grateful if those red owies in his hands did not hurt so much.


    Maheswara:"Child go take a bath and get some rest today''s lesson is over, your elder sister may come to play with you later. "


    Ryuu nodded at his teacher, before he could move he was greeted with the sight of Nuwa and Veena arriving.


    Ryuu:"Greetings First mistress, Second Mistress."


    Both of them gave a smile and nod to Ryuu.


    Nuwa:"Ryuu let us go in your mother is waiting for us."


    Veena just smiled at her husband as he left not before giving him a stern we will speak later glare.


    Xiao Xiao meanwhile was sitting on her bed with the help of some pillows and was reading some texts.


    Ryuu rushed into his mom''s room,"Mama I am back."


    Xiao Xiao:"My baby boy", she hugged Ryuu and kissde his forehead.


    She looked up and saw both Nuwa and Veena standing outside her room.


    Xiao Xiao:"Please come inSister, Lady Nuwa."


    Nuwa:"You already call our elder sister as sister we would love it if you also call us as sister."


    Veena:"So Ryuu how was your training with our husband?"


    Ryuu:"It was awesome, but I hope I could help those poor moles faster, now matter how hard I tried I couldn''t save them at all", Ryuu said looking depressed.


    Xiao Xiao asked in confusion,"Moles?save?"


    Veena took Ryuu''s hand and started rubbing ointment on his blisters, Ryuu crunched his face in pain.


    Xiao Xiao looked alarmed at seeing blisters on Ryuu''s hands.


    Nuwa:"Sister do not worry our husband is training Ryuu to increase his reaction speed."


    Xiao Xiao:"But but he is hurt."


    Veena:"Please sister you shouldn''t shelter him to much or it will effect his future, we are his teachers we will never hurt harm, you shouldn''t worry to much. Ryuu except your arms is there ant place you are hurt."


    Ryuu shook his head indicating he wasn''t hurt anywhere.


    Xiao Xiao asked Ryuu,"What were you saying about moles and saving?"


    Ryuu spoke with enthusiasm,"Master took me to an adventure we went to save some moles who became evil, I had a big hammer with which I whacked them when they came out of Heaven Earth something something."Ryuu ended with a beaming smile.


    Veena snorted at Ryuu''s explanation,"Biskha, come here and take Ryuu and give him a bath and feed him. Ryuu why don''t you take a bath and eat something before coming back, you are dirty and stinking."


    Biskha appeared and took Ryuu with her.


    Nuwa:"Our husband is trying to increase Ryuu''s reaction time and speed, so he brought him front of a machine he created where randomly mole look alike target comes up, one has to hit the target continuously or else if he misses even one he will fail. Ryuu has been given a target of 5000 continuous hits."


    Xiao Xiao relaxed at that.


    Sometime later,


    Ryuu was spending sometime with his one of his elder sister Antariskh.


    Antariskh:"So Ryuu do you like staying here."


    Ryuu:"Yup big sister this place is so cool, there are so many things to see, I cannot wait to see everything."


    Antariskh:"It will take a lot of time brother Ayindril is huge. So I heard father took you to whack some mole."


    Ryuu:"Yes but I couldn''t hit all of them they appear at random, I wish I could hit them faster."


    Antariskh:"Well you have to be more patient, it will take some time before you could be able to do it, yet brings back some distant memories of my childhood."


    Ryuu:"Distant childhood?"


    Anatriskh thinking she might impress Ryuu stated,"Yes baby brother I was born long time ago so long that you mama''s great grandmother''s great grandmother wasn''t born."


    Ryuu looked at her in awe, she secretly felt elated that Ryuu would think how great she is and be more likely listen to her than her younger sisters. But Ryuu''s next word''s shattered her day dream.


    Ryuu:"I did not know you were an old lady, I will from know on call ''Grandma'', I never had an grandma before.", thinking back to those etiquette lessons given by his aunty and mama, he was pleased with himself as he thought how he was giving respect to his older sister, no not older sister, ''Grandma''.


    Antarisk''s whole world came crashing down she asked in a low tone, "What did you call me?"


    Ryuu with an innocent smile replied,"Grandma."


    Suddenly Ryuu''s vision turned black.


    Antariskh was found with his arm stretched out in a striking pose, her face flushed red in anger, a giant crater was formed in front of her where Ryuu laid unconscious with a comical large bruise on his head.


    Suddenly she heard laughter, turning her head she saw her two younger sister who had just arrived to witness the whole debacle, laughing at her as Shamiran somehow wheezed out between her laugh pointing towards her,"Grandma".

 21 169

    Sylvana:"Oh my Grandma, what did you do to our baby brother."


    Antariskh bristled at that, "Shut up you old hag."


    Shamiran:"My my granny is angry what will I do if she injures her back, Oh what will I do."


    Antariskh:"How about I throw you inside a dustbin", exclaimed while gritting her teeth in anger.


    Sylvana:"Hahahaha, the kid is a riot, I am taking him to mommy", with that she picked up Ryuu,"Bye bye grandma.", with that they left Antariskh alone to stew in anger.


    Antariskh:"Come back here you dim wits I will tan your hide."


    They teleported to where their parents were,"Mama please heal Ryuu big sister went a little overboard."


    Veena quickly gave Ryuu a check up, and then started healing him.


    Maheswara asked curiously,"What did Ryuu do anger Antariskh."


    Sylvana while trying to reign in her laughter replied,"Well big sister tried to impress Ryuu him stating how long she has been cultivating well it back fired on her, Ryuu being the polite boy he is decided someone who is older than his mother should be addressed as such."


    Shamiran:" Ryuu started calling big sister, Grand ma, well she did not take it well and Ryuu is now unconscious."


    Hearing that everyone had a hearty laugh.


    Suddenly Antariskh came in, "Evening Father, Evening Mothers."


    Maheswara in a serious tone greeted back, "Evening GrandMa~."


    Antariskh stiffened at the greeting, she whined at her father,"Not you too father."


    Nuwa:"Sorry child but it is funny."


    Ryuu woke up,"ugh What happened?"


    Veena:"Ryuu are feeling alright now, do you remember anything?"


    Ryuu:"No I was speaking with big sister but then I do not remember anything."


    Antariskh let out a sigh,"Oh baby brother I think you were tired and fell asleep."


    Veena gave Antariskh a glare before giving her attention to Ryuu,"Child you go and take a rest today , tomorrow you have lesson with me and also a very important day for you."


    Ryuu looked confused and nodded before leaving,''adults are weird people. When I grow up I will never be weird.''


    Next day,


    Ryuu had just finished having breakfast, when she saw his teacher Veena speaking with his mother who looked tense for some reason.


    Ryuu:"Good morning First mistress."


    Veena:"Morning Ryuu, lets go it is going to be an important day for you."


    Ryuu:"Bye mommy"


    Xiao Xiao beckoned Ryuu towards her, then gave him a hug and kissed his forehead,"Stay safe my Son."


    Ryuu nodded,''Adults are really weird. I do not want to grow up.''


    Veena brought Ryuu to a secluded place, where he saw Nuwa, Maheswara as well as his elder sisters present.


    Ryuu:"Good morning Master, Second mistress, Elder sisters."


    Everyone nodded at his greeting.


    Veena:"Well i am going to make some last minute preparations, Sister I leave you, the job of explaining to Ryuu.",with that she left.


    Nuwa:"Come here sit here.", she beckoned Ryuu to sit beside her.


    Nuwa began Ryuu''s lesson,"Every cultivator has something known as Spirit Roots in their body, whether they be human or non-human they have spirit roots. The spirit root inside a person, looks like a bunch of threads running throughout the body starting from the dantian moving to various body parts, specially around vital organs , they are known as Spirit branches,each branch then give rise to even smaller branches known as Spirit Vein, which ultimately connects to the surface or skin of the body.", taking a deep she continued,"Spirit Branches are total of nine in number, and each spirit branch gives rise to nine Spirit Vein, so Ryuu can you tell me how many Spirit Veins do we get in total."


    Ryuu frowned,"There are 9 Spirit branch and if each of them have 9 Spirit Vein each we have, 9 X 9 that is ...umu... 81, yes there are 81! Spirit Veins.", while bouncing.


    Nuwa tousled his hair,"Good boy, now you see, Spirit Veins and Spirit Branches are the pathways through which we gather Ki from our surrounding which we store in our dantian. But the spirit veins have a fatal flaw, no person has all of his/her spirit veins open that is during Houtian period not only a person cleanses his body, bone marrow, organs and blood,but also they try to open up their Spirit Vein as much as possible, as the more higher you go up the chances of opening the Spirit veins decreases exponentially to the point anyone above Zifu Disciple can never dream of opening one without permanently crippling them even through artificial means. There is also the fact that the more higher your realm is the more quality of the spirit vein degrades as such it will cause less and less amount of ki to enter the body.Thus it is advisable to open it before one reaches Xiantian for maximum effect. Even with normal means a person no matter how talented is he can never open all of his Spirit VeiRns, thus they use artificial methods to open them up. Ryuu we hope you are getting what I am saying."


    Ryuu nodded,"So is First mistress going to open all my Spirit veins."


    Nuwa:" Good now the thing is for those who have God tier Divine body like you, they are a bit different, for each sub level increase they have an extra Spirit branch and Spirit vein. As such unlike others you have 13 Spirit Branches and 13 Spirit Veins bringing your total Spirit veins to 169."


    Ryuu was about to whoop with joy but a glare from Nuwa stopped him,''Adults are now weird and meanie, he thought with a pout.


    Nuwa''s brow twitched,''Brat is really disrespectful.'', "Ryuu, you have 104 Spirit Veins, Veena is going to do the procedure on you to open the rest, it will be painful, you might have never felt so much pain, so prepare yourself."


    Ryuu gulped at hearing that.


    Veena came back soon,"Child remove your clothes, fully and lie down here.", Veena pointed


    Ryuu to lie down on some array.


    A soon as he lied down she put a wooden stick wrapped with earn on his mouth between his teeth before tying it tightly.


    Veena put a her hand on his hand on his hand as she reassured a frightened and trembling Ryuu,"Child, do not be afraid we are all here, we will keep you safe, it is for your own good."


    She nodded to others who took position surrounding Ryuu.


    To this day I am grateful to First Mistress Veena, even though I suffered through nightmares because of it for a very long time

 22 ORIGINS Part 1

    Pain pain pain Ryuu has never been in pain so much, it hurt so bad he wanted to run away but he could not move, ''Mommy Zhu Zhu someone save me'', as fresh tears came from his eyes.


    He felt so much pain that he could not even breath.


    Veena:"Mahes!"


    "I got it", replied Maheswara as put his hand on Ryuu''s chest and began channelling ki into his body in order to make Ryuu start breathing again. while Veena was using acupuncture, to open all of Ryuu''s spirit veins.


    After what seemed an eternity, to Ryuu, Veena finished, her job then she disabled the formation on which Ryuu laid, also taking out the stick from his mouth, Ryuu whimpered, as he curled up in a ball while he laid there crying.


    Nuwa,"Ryuu it is over, you did well.", but when Nuwa put her hand on him to comfort him, Ryuu started to shake as he started whimpering loudly.


    Sylvana,"Oh dear, it seems baby brother got traumatized badly."


    Maheswara:"Like you are one to talk you did the same thing when your spirit Veins were opened."


    Nuwa picked Ryuu up held him tightly while saying soothing words in his ears. After a long time Ryuu finally calmed down before, before succumbing to sleep due to exhaustion.


    They dressed Ryuu up before bringing him back home. Xiao Xiao looked worried at seeing here son looking worn out and pale.


    Veena:"Do not worry sister, Ryuu pulled through it amazingly well, he is just tired, so he is sleeping. The whole ordeal was taxing nor only on his mind but also on his body, but do not worry he will be well after some rest, he might freak out when he wakes up."


    Xiao Xiao nodded before replying sadly,"I wish he did not have to go through so much pain."


    Veena:"Me too sister me too, after all this years the method I used is the only way I know gives the best result."


    Xiao Xiao snorted before replying,"That is an understatement sister, I have never seen or heard anyone successfully open so many Spirit Veins, with hundred percent success, normally the so called egoistic and pompous Divine doctors can only open a couple, not only that the spirit veins sometimes suffer irreparable damage. Ryuu is really lucky to meet you."


    Veena:"Please, sister he is our disciple this is nothing."


    Xiao Xiao:"I know I might be rude but how strong are you people, the things I have seen here, the miracles I am seeing you perform, how strong are you."


    Veena was silent contemplating whether or not to answer it truthfully before replying,"Sister, what is the strongest cultivation level do you know."


    Xiao Xiao replied confused at such a question,"Dao-Father, but why?"


    Veena just smiled at her before replying,"My family and I, we have to keep our presence under control,when we are near you or Ryuu if we release our presence accidentally, even a Dao-Father, will die. It doesn''t matter for us where ever we go my family will always be in top 10 strongest of that place, that much strong we are."


    Xiao Xiao was flabbergasted on hearing it, then she started laughing uproariously.


    Veena sweat-dropped, thinking she might have broken Xiao Xiao.


    Xiao Xiao,"Unbelievable, I really cannot believe it my baby boy''s luck is truly great, to learn from people of your stature, really unbelievable", then she remembered something which made her feel frightened,"If what you say is true then his Tribulation will be....", as she trailed off Veena continued for her,"It is given he will have a full set, but do not worry we will make sure he is ready."


    Xiao Xiao:"Even if you say so it is mother''s job to worry for her child."


    Veena smiled at her before replying,"So true so true."


    Suddenly she received a mental message from Celestia to gather in the throne room.


    Veena:"Well sister I will leave for today I have work to do, andI think there may not be any lesson for a few days for Ryuu although his sisters may come to hang out with him. Well then take care and see you see."


    Xiao Xiao nodded and waved her goodbye, before she tuned her attention to Ryuu, while she gently caressed him before laying a kiss on his forehead, as he slept soundly.


    Meanwhile Veena''s entire family was present inside the throne room, a specialised room created when they have meetings on very sensitive matters, the room is covered with countless arrays to ensure privacy to the point even a single amoeba can not enter there with out permission.


    Celestia:"Welcome everyone", she began as everyone flooded in to the room.


    Nuwa:"Sister you look like you have seen better days."


    Celestia gave a weak smile, "Well I certainly have, but enough of me how have you been these days."


    Everyone gave a brief review of the happenings, in the past few days. Some were utterly hilarious like


    ''HEAVEN SHAKING EARTH TREMBLING CHAOTIC ORDERLY EVIL SLAYING HAMMER WIELDING SYSTEM'', but what broke the camel''s back was ''Granny'' Antariskh. Everyone had a good laugh at that, but what worried Celestia was Ryuu''s Spirit vein opening operation.


    After hearing everything Celestia took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the storm she is about to unleash.


    Celestia with a deep breath began,"Please calm down everyone the reason I called you all here is because, i have finished analyzing Ryuu''s past life."


    That brought undivided attention of everyone on Celestia. but before she could say anything, she got interrupted by Nuwa:"Sister is he really my baby boy, has he really returned to us."


    Antariskh:"Of course who else could he be if not my big brother.", she said with a proud smile.


    At that everyone started to discuss how they will welcome Pangu back and how they would try to awaken his previous memory. While Celestia was preparing to stave off an incoming collosal headache, regarding the current direction of the discussion.

 23 ORIGINS Part 2

    Celestia cleared her throat loudly, bringing everyone''s attention to her, she took a deep breath then she began, "Everyone please come down, bringing back the memories of his past life is not possible, as you Ryuu,,,"


    She was again cut off but this time by Veena, why is it not possible there has been many reincarnated cultivator who had their memory intact so why is it impossible for Ryuu to remember his past life as Pangu, I do not understand, is it because he took reincarnations many time before he was born as Ryuu, you do not have to worry, we will pull every scrap of our knowledge I believe we will surely make him remember us."


    At that almost everyone agreed but there joy was shattered like glass, with a utterance of a single sentence, "Pangu never reincarnated as Ryuu.", Celestia stated calmly.


    Shamiran: "Mama Celestia that joke was distasteful."


    Celestia: "I am not joking the only connection Ryuu has with Pangu is that they both have the same Divine body, nothing more nothing less. Ryuu is not Pangu''s reincarnation."


    Everyone was shocked silent at that, only to be broken by an enraged shout from Nuwa, "CELESTIA! How dare you utter such thing, we refuse to believe such nonsense."


    Maheswara, "Celestia please have you checkedthe results with absolute care."


    Celetia: "I triple checked the result hell I penta checked it, but all pointed to the fact that Ryuu is not Pangu. I believe the Divine body of his may carry some of the memories of previous weilder."


    Maheswara let out a sigh full of pain, "That day my boy''s soul was disintegrated completely, when I met Ryuu I thought maybe, maybe he came back but now ��.."


    Nuwa broke down where she stood, she fell on her knees a she cried out remembering the day her child passed away, how her hope of seeing her child was not to be.


    Maheswara stood from his chair went and embraced Nuwa, who kept on crying on his shoulders, tears began to form in his eyes. The rest of the people also started crying, even if they knew deep down in their heart that Pangu was truly gone but Ryuu''s arrival ignited the hope their hope of seeing their family, but now it was brutally crushed.


    Antariskh: "What should we do about Ryuu?"


    Maheswara: "What is there to do about him just treat him like you should, after all we accepted him as our disciple, that makes him your brother, so treat him as such. Please everyone leave me with Nuwa alone for the time being."


    Everyone nodded and left the grief stricken mother and father alone.


    Veena as she tried to wipe out the tears on her face, "Girls I have given Ryuu a few days off, when you fill well you may go and visit him, the operation might leave him a bit traumatized and may be afraid of us, so we have to ease his mind a little."


    Everyone nodded at that, that day when they arrived at their dining room for dinner, everyone was sad, hence in order to divert their mood Antariskh asked Celestia,"Mama Celestia, what was Ryuu''s previous life like."


    That brought everyone''s attention, as they all wanted to know what kind of person he was in his previous life, after seeing such huge positive karmic value that he possessed he must have done something great.


    Celestia smiled at Antariskh thinking, ''clever girl trying to dispel this gloomy atmosphere, good girl'', "Well how should I say it, the best way is that", replied Celestia giving a mysterious feeling as everyone was wondering what she would say, "A very big Fool", at that many face faulted.


    Nuwa for the first time spoke,:"Fool", her voice seemed hoarse and broken from crying so much, it caused a pang of guilty rise in Celestia''s heart, she thought, ''maybe I.. I should have lied, and left it at that, but I might have caused great harm to Ryuu, damn, I hate myself'', she forced a smile on her face before replying,"Ryuu''s previous life he was born as a second son to a very wealthy business man, as his older brother was the heir, he was short of like a backup to them in case something happened to his older brother, otherwise just a bargaining cheap to increase his wealth and influence. To his parents he was unappreciated, underachiever, and a leech would wasted their wealth, no matter how much he tried no matter how hard he tried he was always the eyesore them, where as his brother 4 years older than him was a complete jackass, calling him scum could be understatement, power hungry, money hungry, arrogant, idiotic, rapist who used his father''s and mother''s name, influence and money to even breath, they over pampered, where as he should be punished, since when he was younger he thought his brother to be his slave, and every wrong he did his brother was his scapegoat. As years went by it grew worse and worse the only solace was his uncle and aunt who saved him from the torment, they were his family, his cousin was more of his brother than his own blood brother ever was. His world was of lower realm of existence, where people cannot use ki and as such are weak. But, they tried to cover their weakness through the help of what the call science."


    Celestia took a sip of the wine from the dining table,"Nice wine."


    Veena smiled at her, "Thank you for the complement sister."


    Celestia: "Ryuu, grew up to be a nice man, a leader to be precise, he could naturally charm anyone and no matter how corrupted a person may be he could get him back to light, but he made a big mistake, he still cared for his bastard family, still tried for their affection, as he grew he became a very famous scientist, his parents tried their best to exploit but his uncle put a stop to it, he always believed everyone should get a second chance, even after his own family tried to kill because he was useless to them, as he was out of their hands owing to his uncle and aunt, the best the assassin one of the most wanted criminal in love with him and later got married. The mongrel of a father and harlot of mother one day came up with a few people a method to increase much greater wealth and influence, they created a very deadly virus, then conveniently it landed on some terrorist''s hands, they planned to let the virus run rampant before selling the cure at sky high price, but they underestimated the so called ''illiterate plebeians'', as he re-engineered those virus to the point that cure would aggravate the virus. It was so hilarious to watch, instead of 60% mortality rate it rose to 100% as well as incubation period was reduced to a third, everyone was outraged, billions died, world became total anarchy, then like a hero Ryuu created an antidote and gave it away for nothing, he saving the peoples life and began regarded as hero. The piglet of a brother whined to his parents how Ryuu got famous, who were also frustrated and angry at how Ryuu took away their rightful honor and place in history. The conspired with the president of his country, who was afraid at Ryuu''s popularity, the people began calling him messiah, he feared he would lose his position. Ryuu got arrested in a trumped up charge, and in a faux mockery of a court, the proved him to be the one who created the virus, and was sentenced to death. His beloved wife did not give up, she fought and bled, and proved his innocence, but was to let to save him, he was murdered in prison by the warden and his guards."


    Sylvana:"Poor Ryuu, those mongrel how dare they do it."


    Celestia laughed at that, "Oh I too was pissed at that I personally took a peak at that world with a plan for taking revenge for Ryuu, but his wife beat me to it, she caused the biggest revolution in the entire world, all those politicians and people involved in his death including his so called parents, were caught, most of the people and their family members got lynched, but those few who devised the plan were kept alive and now spending the rest of their days as lab rat in some remote corner of their world. Though they became famous, as bogey man and the most notorious villain in their world history, as Ryuu was heralded as the greatest hero, he was survived by his wife and two children, whom Ryuu never saw as he was taken into custody and killed before their birth. His wife never married again and later committed suicide owing to depression, but not before raising their children into great people like their father, who loves helping people around. "


    Maheswara smiled at the story, "I hope our apprentice can be as great as he was in his previous life."


    Celestia: "Ryuu has taken multiple births before and each had a few things in common, he is kind, selfless, a natural born charismatic leader, and always like a messiah to his people. I hope he becomes the same as his previous birth."


    Everyone smiled at that, except Nuwa who frowned, "No we will never let him become like that", she declared.


    Everyone startled at hearing that.

 24 Sword

    Shamiran: "Mother what are you saying, I agree with he had been a fool to chase after those mongrels, but he was a nice person, he helped so many people."


    Nuwa: "We do not want Ryuu, to become selfless like his previous self, We do not want him to die like Pangu."


    Maheswara: "Love I understand where you are coming from, I agree in the world of cultivators such kindness and selflessness will lead him to a early grave, but he is still a na?ve little boy, let him grow up a little before he is exposed to the real face of cultivators."


    Antariskh: "Mama you needlessly worry too much, you have seen how his mother is so far she has done a wonderful job of indoctrinating morals in Ryuu, he is coming up fine, as for his naivety I will personally break him.", she finished with a smirk.


    Sylvana:"Oi my sadistic older sister please do not break our baby brother."


    Antariskh: "Do not worry just trust me."


    Shamiran: "That is even more worrisome."


    Antariskh had vein pulsing on her forehead, she asked in a sickly sweet tone,"What do you mean Shamiran?"


    Celestia intervened, "Enough, we will have a big day tomorrow so finish your dinner and go to bed."


    "Ok mama", came the collective reply of their daughters as the elders just smiled at them.


    Next day,


    Ryuu jolted awake as he remembered the painful experience he went through he was about to cry when he caught the sleeping face of his mother nearby, he quickly latched onto his mother with all his strength and started bawling his eyes out.


    Xiao Xiao was awakened from her sleep, only to see Ryuu crying his heart out, holding her like a lifeline.


    Xiao Xiao: "Hush baby, mama is here, she will not let anyone do anything to you."


    Ryuu: "Mama ~hik~ teacher ~hik~ hurt me ~hik~ they did something to ~hik~ me, it hurt ~hik~ a lot, I was crying ~hik~ but they never stop~hik~".


    Xiao Xiao, rubbed the bridge of her nose, her child was traumatized, because of the operation and now he might never trust or will never want to learn from his masters, "Ryuu look at me, Ryuu look up", Ryuu looked up to see his mother looking at him with kind eyes and smile, the face of his mother always calmed him down."Ryuu, do you trust me", Ryuu nodded his head" Do you remember how those bad man attacked us and your mama and aunty fought them"


    Ryuu nodded, "Yes mama I remember you aunty were like hiya hay and they were defeated.", while making motions with his hand.


    Xiao Xiao chuckled at his son''s antics, "Well did you think we got that strength with nothing, we had to work very hard for that, if you slack up you will never be able to save your precious people, Ryuu."


    Ryuu was stunned at that but he steeled himself as he asked the most dreaded question to his mother, "So I have to go through that pain every time."


    Xiao Xiao:"Of course not silly child, that was a special technique used by your teacher to make you more stringer than others, in fact I am jealous of you Ryuu,"


    Ryuu tilted his head in a cute manner as his face scrunched up,"Jealous?"


    Xiao Xiao: "The method used by your teacher is very rare, you are lucky to have such a teacher, If I the same technique was used on me when I was young I could have single handedly defeated those bad people, and we wouldn''t have been hurt."


    Ryuu, "Then mama I will ask teacher to do the same for you."


    Xiao Xiao, "Child I have grown old such thing will not work on me, but I hope you to learn diligently from them, child many people will give up anything and everything just for a shard of their knowledge yet you are getting it so easily."


    Ryuu nodded as he said quietly, "I will do my best mother,", his mother was his entire world for her he would do anything even suffer such pain every day.


    Xiao Xiao: "Child go and wash yourself and then lets it breakfast, you do not have lesson for a few days your teacher gave you holiday."


    Ryuu:"ok mama"


    Later on that day,


    Xiao Xiao just finished telling a fairy tale to her child, when suddenly an unknown woman with one of Ryuu''s martial sister came to visit her, Xiao Xiao suddenly remembered that she had met her when she was in hospital.


    Celestia: "Hello Xiao Xiao, Hello Ryuu, my name is Celestia and I am one of Ryuu''s teachers, the last time we met you were in hospital, I was busy for the last few days but I came as soon as I got a chance to introduce myself to my new sister.", she finished with a beaming smile on her face.


    Xiao Xiao:"Nice to meet you sister, Ryuu please greet your teacher."


    Ryuu:"Greetings third mistress."


    Celestia:"Ryuu are doing well, do you like this place."


    Ryuu:"Yes mistress."


    Shamiran:"Brother lets go, let us live the elders to their talk, while we go out to play.", as she extended her hand to Ryuu with a kind smile, Ryuu took her hand and left.


    Shamiran took Ryuu to what look like a lake, the found Antariskh sitting under a tree beside the lake, she beckoned them to sit beside her, as they sat Ryuu noticed another one of his older sister Sylvana was standing motionlessly at the middle of the lake with a thin looking sword.


    Ryuu:"Big sisters what is second bid sister doing? And is that a sword?"


    Antariskh:"Your second big sister is practicing, and that thing she is holding indeed is a sword, it is called a rapier. We thought you might want to see something cool so we brought you here."


    Ryuu looked at his sister standing motionless on top of water with her eyes closed, the rapier, looked like an work of art, long polished blade glistening under the sun the hilt was made out of gold and decorated with various gems giving a regal look, a sword fit for a queen. Suddenly Sylvanamoved, no she glided on top of water, her the rapier went through various motions of thrusting and slashing, as she spun around fighting some invisible warriors with such grace it look she was dancing, and what a deadly dance she danced. The heaven and earth trembled as if her slash would tear them apart, the wind howled as each thrust went faster than sound itself like the clap of thunder, the lake looked like it was separated cut in half as the water parted when she swung her sword downwards. Ryuu was mesmerized by it before long he fell into a trance as his eyes glazed as he tried to discern the way, he tried to understand the cause and effect of the movement, and as such felled into meditative trance as he had a bought of enlightenment.


    His sister did not noticed it first but when they found Ryuu too quiet for theirliking, they turned to see, only to find Ryuu had entered anaata state, a state a person enters when they meditate on trying to decipher a dao.


    Antariskh nodded in approval, "Sister if you may."


    Shamiran smiled,"I know some food pills, and ki replenishing pills for Ryuu, I am getting it may as well deliver the news to our parents they might want to help him.", with that she left as Antariskh sat there keeping an eye on Ryuu so that he is not disturbed, while Sylvana had lost herself practicing her deadly dance.


    That day when I look back I might not remember much but I am grateful to my elder sister, if not for them I might have not gotten glimpse at the wonderful ''Dao of Swords'' so sooner in my life.

 25 My Partner

    Shamiran teleported where her parents were, she found Veena, Nuwaboth working together with Maheswara on some form of array, "Greetings Mothers and Father.", she greeted them.


    They gave a nod to her. Nuwa with a smile beckoned to her, "Come child we were working on an array, would like to help us."


    Shamiran:"Sorry mother not today, we took Ryuu to watch Sylvana practice with her sword, which caused him to gain sudden enlightenment on the Grand Dao of Swords and has stumbled into annata state. So, I have here come to notify you and take some Ki replenishing pills and food pills for Ryuu."


    Maheswara and his wives were stunned, "Troublesome, we have to seal his cultivation if he continues to grow at such a pace, his foundation will be weakened, well enlightenment cannot be stopped we do not know if and when he would gain another one, we will share some of our experience to solidify his understanding of dao, and also prevent his advancement into Xiantian stage because of enlightenment. Let us go and help him, oh and Shamiran be a dear and inform his mother he will not be home for the time being.", with that they all left for their respective destinations.


    Celestia:"Hahahaha, that was hilarious.", that was what Shamiran saw as she went to inform Ryuu''s condition to Xiao Xiao. She knocked at the door asking for permission to enter.


    Xiao Xiao, "Please come in, ah I remember you are Shamiran one of Ryuu''s martial sister."


    Celestia: "Shamiran, what are doing here, where is Ryuu?"


    Shamiran: "Well I took Ryuu to watch Sylvana practice her swordplay, he gained enlightenment and now he has entered anaata state."


    Xiao Xiao was stunned, "How did he do something deemed so difficult to achieve that it seems nigh impossible so easily?"


    Celestia smiled,"Sister, that is why he is called a ''Dao child'', he is loved and adored by Dao hence he will be able to gain enlightenment so easily.", she then frowned before turning towards Shamiran, "although it is good but because of his sudden enlightenment on a Grand Dao at such a lowlevel there is chance he might gain advance very fast causing a shaky foundation to be formed, has my husband and sister wives been informed."


    Shamiran nodded, "Yes they have been, father is planning to solidify his understanding of the Grand Dao, while mothers will take care of his health and try to prevent his advancement into Xiantian. They send me to inform aunt Xiao Xiao that Ryuu will not be coming back until he comes out of his anaata state, they will be personally present near Ryuu so they told you not to worry."


    Xiao Xiao nodded at that inwardly glad thinking that even if she were to die Ryuu was in capable hands.


    Meanwhile Ryuu''s teachers arrived in front of Ryuu, where they found their daughters standing in guard keeping an eye on Ryuu, they greeted their parents wordlessly who nodded and took various positions around him. Maheswara sat in front of Ryuu, whereas Veena sat on his left and Nuwa sat behind him.


    Suddenly Maheswara gave out a grunt, as an ethereal multicolor flame erupted from him, the flame then rapidly flowed like a torrent towards Ryuu who seemed to absorb it.


    Meanwhile, inside his mindscape Ryuu was greeted with hazy visions of what seemed like swords of various shape and sizes, and what looked like people using those swords but everything was seemed blurry to Ryuu, he tried to discern but he was having difficulty in knowing what was going on, but suddenly the images shifted and became more clearer he saw men and women of different race age using different swordsmoving in different postures rhythm it was overwhelming, the sword moved as if it was an extension of the user, wait a minute extension, why is it an extension why are they holding..... Ah what a fool I am they are not holding a tool a weapon they are holding their most trusted partner, no a brother or sister, as they look out for each other''s back truest and best form of a bond, it made Ryuu feel envy can he one day have such friend no a family like those people. Of course he will after all the sword is me and I am my sword. We are one we are same. Suddenly his vision distorted as everything started to go black.


    Meanwhile his masters waited patiently for Ryuu to come out of anaata state, even Celestai joined them after sometime, whereas his older sisters left busy with their work visiting him now and then. Then all of a sudden a frightening sword aura irrupted from Ryuu''s body then he suddenly slumped and fell backwards, Nuwa quickly held him and laid his head on his lap, all this time she was preventing him from stepping into Xiantian stage, while Veena gave him a through medical checkup,Ryuu started opening his eyes, slowly as all the light and sound of the outside world causing him discomfort, finally when he opened his eyes he saw the smiling face of Nuwa looking at him as well as his other masters peering down on him.


    Ryuu:"Where am I? What happened?"


    Maheswara:"Welcome back Ryuu, child do you remember the dream you saw", Ryuu nodded at that," that special dream you had is known as anaata state caused due to enlightenment which you received when you were watching your elder sister''s swordplay."


    Maheswara:"You will learn more about it in near future, for now you should rest you have been in that state for almost a week."


    Ryuu then nodded then started panicking he couldn''t feel his legs anymore, "Ma-master", he called out to his teacher in a scared voice.


    Veena frowned," Is there anything wrong Ryuu ?"


    Ryuu with tears in his eyes, "I cannot feel my legs."


    Veena smiled at him, "Do not worry Ryuu you have been sitting for a week without moving a single inch, and you being so young caused her legs to fall asleep, let me give you a quick massage and it will be alright", as she went to give him a massage .


    Nuwa:"You did wonderful Ryuu getting enlightenment on a Grand Dao at such a young age is remarkable. It seems to us that our husband will have to forge a good weapon for you to use soon."


    Ryuu frowned at his master''s words not liking it, "Second mistress my sword will be not a weapon or tool, my sword will be my most trusted partner."


    Hearing his words Maheswara gave out a hearty laugh, "Hahahaha, kid you passed the test I, Maheswara myself with my own to hands give birth to your partner."


    Ryuu looked confused, "Test??"


    Nuwa cracked a smile as she replied, "Any decent blacksmith treasure their creation as if they are his own child, our husband is not different, how can a father give their child to someone who just want to use that child for their own personal gain. Since you already know the value of your sword he will now personally forge one for you. But, you do not know how to use one so you will be studying the art of swordsmanship under your third mistress for the time being."


    Ryuu nodded his head while fire of determination burned in his eyes as he vowed," Do not worry masters I will give my best to become worthy of my partner."


    Everyone nodded at that with a smile.

 26 The Demonic Librarian

    Since that day an entire month has gone by, Ryuu was currently doing pushups while Celestia was sitting under a tree counting," 496, 497, 498, and 500, ok Ryuu it is enough for today."


    Ryuu collapsed on the spot with his arms and legs sprawled.


    Celestia stood up walked towards Ryuu," Stand up Ryuu, there is no time to be lazing around."


    Ryuu grumbled as he stood up, all of his teachers were running him to the ground all those running, jumping, squats, pushups, he was tired he just wanted to go home and sleep, ''why oh do I have so many demonic teachers'', as tears seemed to come out from his eyes no not tears manly sweat poured out.


    Celestia sweat dropped at that, the kid has some issues.


    She cleared her throat bringing Ryuu''s attention on her," Ryuu you have made immense progress this past few weeks, so we decided it is time for you to learn some new skills.", Ryuu was extremely happy he would have jumped up in joy but he was still sore from the workout.


    Celestia put a hand on his head and teleported both of them in front of huge building, bigger than anything Ryuu has ever seen, there many creepy looking stone statues and Ryuu suddenly felt as if all their eyes on him, he scootednear Celestia out of fear.


    Celestia put a hand on Ryuu''s head calming him down, "Do not worry child they are just guards. They protect the library from unwanted people, like those who do not have permission." she then took him towards a pedestal, made Ryuu cut his figure and drop few drops of blood on it and then she inserted a strand of ki inside the pedestal which shone a white light before vanishing, "There it is done now you are free to enter the library anytime you would like."


    She then took Ryuu inside the library, humongous shelves were arranged in rows filled with books, in front of each row there was tag written indicating the contents of each aisle.


    Celestia: "Ryuu in Ayindril each of your masters has specific jobs, I take care of library, your second mistress take care of array''s which protect Ayindril, Your first mistress runs hospital as well as takes care of medicinal herbs and ingredients, where as your master takes care of anything and everything related to blacksmithing. This library is my pride and joy, my library has some so rare and precious techniques people will sale their soul for a single glimpse, empire''s will wage wars, family will betray each other, so Ryuu do you understand why it is heavily guarded.", Ryuu gulped at hearing such thing."Since you are our disciple you get access to my library, but there are some rules you have to follow."


    Suddenly a huge pressure fell on Ryuu he was forced on his knees the air became difficult to breath, tears came out from his eyes, he just wanted to crawl himself inside a hole and hide. Celestia held his chin and forced him to look at her face, gone was the kind and caring smile the face resembled that of a demon."Ryuu the rules I will only say it once if you break them I will kill you destroy your soul and erase your existence completely to the point even your mother will never remember you any longer, got it child.", but Ryuu was too scared to answer, which made Celestia snarl in anger before she shouted him,"RYUU DID YOUR THICK SKULL GET WHAT PUNISHMENT WILL BE DEALT TO RULE BREAKER.", Ryuu squeaked out,"y��y-y-yes mi-mistress", only to get shouted out again with so much fierceness that his body started trembling and he felt his soul rattled," LOUDER OR DID YOUR MOTHER NOT FEED YOU ENOUGH THAT YOU SOUND LIKE A MOUSE , NOW SPEAK UP LIKE A HUMAN CHILD."


    Ryuu: "YES SECOND MISTRESS!!!"


    Celestia: "Good for I hate mouse they destroy books, hence I kill them", before she helped him up, before dusting his clothes clean and rubbing the tears off his cheeks, before she continued with a kind motherly smile on her face," Child as a man you should not shed tears except when you are extremely happy otherwise people will think you weak."


    Ryuu completely shaken the whole thing look like a nightmare he would not want to relieve again, he decided then and there as long as he lives he will never ever violate any rule of the library, hell after today he will never appear with in a thousand yards of this place. Celestia narrowed her eyes she already had a rough idea how Ryuu''s brain works she will have to amend such travesty soon.


    She took Ryuu, in front of a huge stone stele. Lots of rules were written on it, she snapped her fingers and most of the rules vanished, "Listen of the rules here are meant for our servants, but you being our disciple are exempted from them, but you have to follow all this


    1) Never teach anyone what you learn from this library, only those things we give you permission may you teach to others.


    2) If you have problem in understanding the thing you are learning from library, you can only consult your teachers or your big sisters no one else not even your mother.


    3) If you want a book or manual you will have to work for it, you have to get enough merit to read the book by doing different tasks, like sweeping a part of Ayindril, to collecting exotic herbs, to hunting a very dangerous beast. The task will vary according to the type of skill.


    4) Even if can fulfill the third rule many book or manuals need specific conditions before it is available to you, such as skill which require immortal level cultivation will never be available to you until you become immortal, except if we fill that you should learn it then we will bring you here to learn it.


    5) Never and by never I mean NEVER should you damage my books, if you do I will spank you so hard that lava will feel like ice when you sit on it.


    6)The most important rule, from now on you will come to this place every time we are having lesson I will be waiting for you here, and you will borrow and return books on regular basis even if it is not related to cultivation you will come here to read them like a good disciple I will not tolerate an illiterate."


    Celestia: "I hope you remember this rules Ryuu, you may suffer amnesia and even forget your own name but YOU.SHALL.NEVER.FORGET.THE .RULES.OF.MY.LIBRARY. IS THAT CLEAR"


    "YES THIRD MISTRESS", shouted Ryuu while his legs shook in fear.


    Celestia: "Ryuu swear on the Dao of Heavens that you will follow the rules I stated, until stated otherwise."


    Ryuu: "I Ryuu swear on the Dao of Heavens that I will abide by the rules of library as stated by Third Mistress until my teachers change them."


    A loud booming of thunder was heard indicated heaven''s accepting Ryuu''s oath, but Ryuu looked confused at the sound.


    Celestia:"That sound indicated the acceptance of the oath, if you violate it you do not have to worry about me punishing you heaven''s will do it on my behalf.", she finished with a scary tone sending shivers down Ryuu''s spine.


    Celestia then spoke again with a kind smile," Ryuu do you know how techniques are classified. If so how?"


    Ryuu nodded before he began," Techniques are classified from weakest Rank 0 to highest rank 9 techniques, the higher the level a technique is stronger it is to comprehend, and more difficult it is to practice andexecute. But they make it up with their strength"


    Celestai looked pleased, "Good child, now there are other types which you will learn when you grow older but for now it is enough. Your fellow teachers and I will impart some skills on you, and even recommend some texts for you to read, we expect you to listen and follow our instruction properly. You will find everything you need in this library, now I impart some skills to you."


    Ryuu looked pleased; the moment has finally arrived for the most awesome, the most marvelous, the most amazing, the most unparallel, genius Ryuu''s moment to shine. An image of mini Ryuu popped in his mind, who went and learned the most difficult of Rank 9 books at a glance, defeated devils and evil people, and ate everything nice the king had ordered to be made in the banquet in his honor, he always thought those heroes as foolish why would want some princess he could just ask to be fed delicious food and why would one want to be king where one could go on in an adventure, plus king seemed to be someone lame according to him who couldn''t even defend his own people, no he would never be one, he gave a smug nod and mental pat on his back as I am also super intelligent, the thought of those delicious food came into his mind which his mini me fed on, he started drooling.


    Meanwhile looked on at the weird kid, before face palming herself muttering idiot over and over again, at the same time taking pity on Xiao Xiao who had to put up with the red head''s antics.


    She cleared her throat bringing Ryuu''s attention back to reality, before giving him a martial arts manuals and a book. Ryuu took the book and the manual with trembling hands as his mind conjured a special golden halo across the book.Then he froze in shock at the title ''An idiot''s guide to Soul'', and ''Basic Sword Foundation Skills for Dummies (Rank 0)''. His imaginary world shattered as he was brought into reality. "Why?" was the only sound which came from his mouth, he had a devastated look like a person who lost his entire world and everything precious.


    ''The kind is one of a kind comedian. '', thought Celestia, although she looked stern but her eyes was full of mirth. She cleared her throat bringing Ryuu''s undivided attention and eyes, which portrayed a defeated man, on her, "Child, remember the Soul and Will power are the most important aspect of oneself, without which a person cannot survive let alone become a cultivator, this will help you to understand and learn more about the soul. It will help you in the future when you will learn more powerful and important skills from me."


    Ryuu looked somewhat placated at that, but he was fiddling with the book on sword, Celestia produced four blocks of metal from her space rings and then curved a number on each of them. "Ryuu, arrange them where the lowest number is at the bottom and highest at the top."


    Ryuu quickly arranged then accordingly, "Now child remove the lowest one but do not touch any of the above metal blocks." Ryuu nodded but as soon as he removed them the blocks on top of it fell.


    Celestia smiled kindly as she tousled Ryuu''s hair, "Childdo you see now, the block at the very bottom is the foundation block, and just as you removed it the blocks on top of it fell, similarly if you do not master the ''Basic Sword Foundation Skills'' you too will suffer the same your skills on swordsmanship will fall apart."


    Ryuu nodded happily, "Thank you Third Mistress", he replied with a bright smile on his face.


    Celestia seeing the bright smile on Ryuu''s face she beamed back at him, "Now Ryuu since you doubted your teacher, for your punishment I want you to fully memorize the book by next week."


    Ryuu''s smile morphed into one of horror, as a single thought ran through his mind, ''Aunt Zhu Zhu was right demons are scary, and I think I just met one.''

 27 The Alchemis

    After the whole fiasco with Celestia, Ryuu was till forced to visit the creepy library and was forced to memorize the whole book, he hates reading such boring books, according to himbooks should have pictures in them and those which did not have any should not be read at all.


    A few days later, Biskha went to retrieve Ryuu, and bring him to a place where his teacher for the day Veena has been waiting for him.


    Biskha took him to a place and he was surprised to see hustle and bustle of so many people, he has never seen so many people, not only that everyone was eyeing him, pointing and gossiping about him making him uncomfortable, so he asked curiously, "Biskha where are we going?"


    Biskha :" Young master, Ayindril is separated into four regions, Outer, Middle, Inner and Core. His Holiness and his family live in the Core region, it is also the place where you currently stay, and the other regions are for the servants they according to their position and power stay in various regions. The servants can move freely in all region except the Core where except the permission of the Holy family no one can step in. Currently we are in inner region; Her Holiness has asked me to escort you to the alchemy hall in this region."


    Ryuu nodded at that then he asked a question which has been bugging him for quite sometime,"Biskha I want you to answer me honestly, if I were not my teacher''s disciple but an ordinary cultivator with no ties to Ayindril what so ever, would I have been able to join Ayindril based on my strength."


    Biskha gave it a thought before answering as politely," Young master take no offence but even your mother barely qualifies for the lowest position and job in Ayindril, you can forget about taking a glimpse let alone joining."


    Ryuu nodded his head, his mother was right the world is huge and there are lots of strong people, thus one should be humble otherwise they might offend wrong people and die a gruesome death.


    Ryuu: "Biskha, Why are they staring at me like that and gossiping I do not like it,"


    Biskha: "I must apologize young master, if those stares bother you too much, but Her Holiness ordered me to bring like this so you may better acquainted with Ayindril, also they are staring at you because I being one of the few people who have been blessed to serve the Holy family as their personal maid, am guiding you thus there are merely curious about you identity."


    Ryuu nodded at that, the rest of the journey went on without any conversation as Ryuu was engrossed in looking at the scenery around as his head moved from left to right trying to see everything so fast that Biskha thought his head might fall off.


    Soon they came to one of the biggest but least decorated place, many different beings dressed similarly holding different weapons stood guard around it, some people leaving and going inside the place. When they saw Biskha many gave them wide berth some went as far as to bow their head in utmost respect, but all seem to look curiously at Ryuu making him uncomfortable from all the attention he was getting.


    Biskha led him to an old man who was busy ordering something to other people, Biskha approached her before speaking, "Heinkel I brought young master here, and I hope you would guide us to where Her Holiness is."


    Heinkel nodded at Biskha before giving a kind smile to Ryuu,"Yes lady Biskha, Ah you must be Young Master Ryuu, Her Holiness''s newest disciple.", everything came to a grinding halt as everyone looked at the child bug eyed, before long the appearance of the newest disciple of the Holy family spread throughout like wild fire before the end of the day.


    Ryuu nodded before answering," Hello my name is Ryuu and it is my pleasure to meet you Mister Heinkel.", he spoke in the most polite tone and mannerism as had been instilled to him by his mother and second mistress.


    Heinkel smiled and replied back,"The pleasure is all mine and welcome to The Crucible Young master Ryuu. You are well mannered and polite despite such a young age as expected of His and Holiness''s disciple, come let us go and greet Her Holiness.", he then took Biskha and Ryuu and guiding them deeper inside the building and came in front of a room where they found Veena meditating, before anyone could respond Veena ordered,"Biskha and Heinkel you both may leave and return to your respective duties, Ryuu come and sit in front of me."


    They both bowed and left, Ryuu entered the room as he bowed and greeted his teacher, "Greetings First Mistress.", Veena gave a nod before pointing Ryuu to sit in front of her.


    Ryuu had never seen such a serious and stern look on his teacher''s face, he gulped as he mentally prepared for another encounter with a demon.


    Veena just looked at him for a second with a raised brow before she moved her hand and a very beautiful looking cauldron appeared in front of her, the cauldron had images of various creatures on it it looked as if they were alive and were going to eat him Ryuu froze in fear, to only relax a second later as he found himself enveloped by a calming aura courtesy of his teacher.


    His teacher without speaking to him started arranging sets of different herbs putting them on a set of eleven, each set had a spirit grass and stalk of ambrosia, she then put them on eleven designated places on the cauldron put the lid on it, and then she moved her hands at specific spaces as a golden colored flame came into being, Ryuu watched curiously at the flame which moved like water all around the cauldron he moved his hand and extended his finger trying to poke the flame only to get scolded by Veena, "Ryuu YOU SHALL NOT TOUCH", Ryuu hastly removed his hands Veena''s eyes softened a bit before explaining, "Child never try to touch an unknown directly without any precautionit might kill you and also do not diturb an alchemist when he/she is working it can lead to terrible accidents."


    Ryuu nodded feeling a bit guilty, after a few minutes and lots of popping and sizzling sounds after Veena stopped the flame and removed the lid; she then quickly fished out ten out of eleven pills she was making only for a small black cloud to form on top the cauldron, the black cloud hurled a few lightning strike on the pill for a few moments Ryuu watched with utter amazement at the weird phenomenon.


    Veena then fished the last pill and put it on a tray with the other creations she fished out before and presented to Ryuu. Ryuu was assaulted with various smell from wonderful fragrance which made him drool to horrendous stink which made him want to vomit, he looked at the tray to see 11 different things some looked like slag to somewhat a pill like look to something which although looked like a pill could also be passed as an work of art.


    Veena let Ryuu look at the pills thoroughly before she began, "Child this ten are all various attempts in creation of Ki gathering pills, the one on far left is called slag, a slag is formed when the formation of a pill is complete utter failure leading to destruction of ingredients, this can only be used to give someone stomach ache and diarrhea, the next one is somewhat success it looks somewhat like a pill but it will only be 10% useful, that is if a pill give 100 units worth of Ki when consumed a 10% pill will give only 10 units, as you go from left to right the percentage of each pill increases by ten, anything less than 50 is considered garbage because the can cause nausea, diarrhea and stomachache now above 50% the higher you go the pill increases in value and effectiveness whereas its side effects are not present any more as it has increased purity but also rare normally anything above 90% is said to be legendary and exists in myth. But for me anything below 90% is trash and not worth my time, now child do you remember the last pill had some clouds floating above it while it hurled thunderbolts."


    Ryuu nodded with his eyes sparkling, "Yes First Mistress, it looked cool."


    Veena smiled at his antics, "Now child when you go above 90% it is like challenging the heavens itself, a pill that defies heaven thus heavens wants to destroy the pill, the arrival of black cloud signify tribulation, the maximum number of lightning strike that can happen is 10, it is very difficult to get even one let alone ten, but if you can start a tribulation and successfully harness the lightning to create a pill, it will completely burn of all the impurities in it and creates a complete pure pill with hundred percent efficiency, this pills are also known as Divine pills, this pills are so rare people think they exists only in fairy tales."


    Ryuu gulped at hearing that, Veena took a deep breath before she continued," The Divine pill is the only pill in existence that is completely side effect free, the others no matter what one says if consumed in large quantities leads to poisoning of oneself, which is a chore to remove. Although currently in the entirety of all the realms I have yet to find anyone except me who can create such a pill ", she paused for a bit, and saw Ryuu staring with his mouth wide open in awe and eyes full of reverence and worship, "So child will learn from me the prestigious and sacred art of Alchemy."


    Ryuu nodded before he spoke in reverence,"Yes yes First Mistress please teach me, please teach Me.", as he kowtowed her.


    Veena sweat dropped at that, her sister''s were right this kid is a riot, as she giggled inwardly.


    Veena: "Lift your head Ryuu, the process of learning to be an alchemist is long and arduous, I will punish you severely if you quit mid way", Ryuu nodded at that, she then produced a very big book thicker than Ryuu''s limbs and tossed it to Ryuu, he tried to catch it only to get toppled and get buried under the book it was heavy.


    Veena continued with a kind smile, "Ryuu this book has many different plants and its usage listed in it, there 6 volumes of this I just gave you the first volume, after plants I will give you another 6 volume of animal parts, try to memorize this book within 3 weeks time, if you fail I will spank you."


    Ryuu''s face drained of any color while he inwardly he cried thinking, ''why why what have I done to receive such torture from my demonic teachers, what sin have I committed in my previous life.''

 28 Joyous Rain

    Ryuu ran fast through the obstacle course his master made for him, it had been almost a year since he began learning alchemy or what he called gorging on books, thinking about them still give him nightmares. As he jumped over a pit fall and landed on the other side, how he wished he could used his ki, but no I have to learn to fight without it, how I hate my demonic teachers, he winced as he was grazed by the pendulum blade.


    He huffed as he finished the obstacle course, he looked like a beggar with his clothes shredded.


    Maheswara: "10 minute and 53 seconds, what are doing boy I want you to finish it below 10 minutes, seems like I have to increase your training weights you are too slow for my liking.", he chastised Ryuu although he was inwardly pleased with Ryuu.


    Ryuu: "Sorry master, I will try better next time.", while inwardly crying tears the last time he spoke out of turn his teacher spanked him so hard he couldn''t sit for a week.


    Maheswar then removed the limiters on Ryuu which was suppressing Ryuu''s peak Xiantian cultivation making him just a mortal, "Well child today''s lesson is over you are free to go."


    Ryuu cupped his hands bowing to his master before scampering off towards his home. His mother was fully cured and now he could walk freely now for the past few months he was really grateful towards his teacher, seeing his mother unable to walk anymore stuck in bed made him sad. As he was making his long trek back toward his home, the sky darkened and it started to rain heavily, he always loved the rain it cheered him up, nature seemed to be freshened up and he always liked the smell of moist soil it calmed him, he remembered those days with his mother and aunt Zhu Zhu playing in the rain with him. His aunt was another sore topic for him, whenever he asked his mother or his teachers they replied she would visit Ayindril eventually, he hasn''t seen his aunt since that day, and it hurt him a lot was it too much for him to wish his family to be together. Looking at the rain he thought may be his aunt was playing in the rain somewhere at least that would form a connection to her as he jumped prancing in the rain as he went back home.


    As he was playing in the rain a long forgotten memory came to his mind, his aunty once showed she skillfully moved in the rain without getting wet, moving like a snake. He was broken from his stupor when he heard something hitting on the ground with a small thud, his eyes widened as he saw hail falling he quickly ran towards the nearest possible tree to take shelter from hail, as he waited for the hailstorm to end he got engrossed in watching the hail striking the ground, cutting through the air, the rain poured down with great intensity, a thought came to his mind if his sword attack could have the same intensity it could be nice, as the sword fell like rain blotting the sun.


    In the past year he has completely mastered the basic foundation of sword techniques, he was ready to learn a new technique and third mistress has promised she would teach him a new one soon, he still remembered all the stages involved in mastering the technique, novice, apprentice, advanced, one with world, one with sword, perfection. He has already reached the complete mastery thus solidifying a very powerful foundation; he focused the sword force which he gained from getting an insight on the Grand Dao of Sword, he was currently able to use level 4 of sword force according to his mother it was amazing to form such a powerful at such a young age. He wanted to reach the highest realm level 0 to see how strong it would become, but easier said than done, how long it would take to reach such a level.


    He looked at the cloud his sister had once taken him near a cloud, he learned from them how water vapor collects in cloud and comes down as rain, if he could turn this sword force into a form of vapor then solidify into tiny drops could he form it like a rain, then he could form a rain of sword.


    He tried again and again but could not form the rain at all what am I missing the sword force should be like water, wait water how did he not think of it as such, water can take any shape and form, but can be deadly when released in a compressed jet it can even cut diamond. Vapor I need to form water vapor,


    He changed it like a gaseous state the solidified it before releasing like tiny droplets towards the tree trunk he watched in amazement as it riddled the trunk with tiny holes he could see through the tree trunk, he was inspired and as such took out his wooden practice sword from his space ring, which he got on his 6th birthday, he then began going practicing the movement and sword strike he learnt from his Basic Sword mastery skill, but this time he added his sword force to emulate the raining effect, he was so engrossed in his deadly dance that he lost track of time as well as the fact that he was subconsciously getting insights on the Supreme Dao of Water, he went on for few hours but then he woke up from his dance, it was clearly night time the rain had stopped a long time ago and moon light shone from the clear sky, he was brought out of his musing when he heard clapping, he saw his mother, Biskha and his eldest sisterstanding there clapping at his wonderful display.


    "Mommy", Ryuu into his mother''s arms.


    Xiao Xiao:"O I am so proud of my baby boy he created such a beautiful sword technique."


    Antariskh: "That is a very good technique Ryuu, congratulations."


    Ryuu blushed at the praise before turning back and became slack jawed at the destruction he caused.


    Ryuu stammered out," Di-Did I do this?"


    Xiao Xiao:" Of course my baby boy and it was very beautiful to look at. So what are naming your technique?"


    Ryuu gave it a thought before replying," Joyous Rain."


    Antariskh: "A fitting name for technique derived from rain."


    Ryuu blushed at the praise before asking a question plaguing his mind," Why are you all here?"


    Xiao Xiao: "Well you were very late and I was worried hence I asked Biskha to locate you, and I came across your eldest sister, when we finally found you, you were to engrossed in creating your technique thus we waited for you to finish, and judging from the moon''s position it is currently past midnight, let us go and eat something tomorrow you have to wake at dawn you have to go for your alchemy classes."


    Antariskh: "Aunty, I will explain to mother, that brother might be late tomorrow, so get him well rested, and I think we might hold a small congratulation party to commemorate Ryuu creating his own skill.", she replied with a smile on her face, truly since the mother son duo arrived it has cured up of their boredom, each day came with Ryuu''s new antics.


    Looking back those days were the best of my life if given chance I would rewind freeze time to live in those memories forever, those innocent years of my life na?ve and carefree how I wished I did not grew up anymore, how I wish I ....

 29 Departure

    "gah", a painful sound came from Ryuu''s throat as he was kicked hard by Maheswara, he spit a glob of blood, then he charged at his teacher with a punch with his right hand, Maheswara went to catch the punch with his left only for Ryuu to crouch as he used his momentum to punch him in the groin, with a surprise show of agility his teacher placed his right hand on the offending arm of Ryuu, then he cart wheeled using Ryuu''s right hand as a support, as he went on in an arch while holding his right hand then using the momentum he flung Ryuu. Ryuu was sent flying, but he did not give up, he used his hands to grab one of the branches of the tree on whose direction he was flung, to change the direction, he gained the desired effect as he now shot towards his teacher like a stone released from a sling.Maheswara sidestepped going out of the way of Ryuu''s attempt of flying kick on him and kneaded him hard, Ryuu felt his ribs crack as blood flowed out of his mouth; he bounced on the ground before hitting another tree near the arena, before falling unconscious.


    He opened his eyes, as he found himself inside the hospital room again. ''I really should make this my personal room from now on, instead of staying in my house, as recently I have been spending more time here.'', he thought with a deadpan.


    Suddenly a voice came from his side, "Welcome back Ryuu."


    Turning to his side he saw his First Mistress sitting by his bedside.


    Ryuu quickly tried to seat only to wince from the pain in his ribs, Veena stopped him from sitting.


    Veena:"Child there is no need to sit, you injured yourself during the practice and now your bones are almost healed, so rest for a little bit before moving again."


    Ryuu nodded before asking Veena, "um First mistress how long I was unconscious."


    Veena: "Just half an hour I healed all you injuries during the time. Due have any more problems? And more importantly due you remembered anything?"


    Ryuu: "No First Mistress, except the slight pain I felt when I tried to sit I am alright. The last I remembered I was sparring with master before everything went black."


    Veena nodded: "Do not you hurt your ribs when Mahes kicked you, but the force of the kick was great so you were sent flying towards a tree, before hitting your head which caused you to faint, well since you are mostly healed I will release you soon after that you go and take a bath in that medicinal hot spring for as long as you can, before you go home. Oh before I forget the tomorrow is a holiday, as your older sisters are taking you on an excursion for a few days, you should pack your things and spent some time with your mama."


    Ryuu was astonished with the news, before hurriedly asking Veena a question," What is an excursion?"


    Veena: "Well since your progress is satisfactory, your older sister thought of taking you to some places where you can relax and learn a thing or two outside of cultivation. Now what you will be learning is a surprise, but remember to listen to your sisters and try to be on the best of your behavior."


    Ryuu nodded at that, after he was fully healed he went to take his daily deep in the medicinal hot spring.


    While Ryuu was busy having his daily doses of stink and pain from his medicinal bath, Maheswara was currently sitting on a seiza position, as he had a bruised and battered look, cowering under the combined glares from his wives.


    Veena strolled as she leveled an angry glare which promised pain on his husband, before scolding in a scathing manner," What possessed to hit him so hard? He had 7 shattered ribs, one of them broke so badly it punctured his left lung, internal hemorrhage, collapsed lung, not to mention his brain injury, he could have died."


    Maheswara tried to whimper out, "But you he��.."


    Veena shouted out at the top of his lungs, "Do NOT ''YOU'' ME, you imbecile, if had not reached ''Advanced'' realm in his ''Virtuous Buddha''s Jade Body'', few days ago we would have been holding a funeral now, he is a seven years old, I understand due to his unique condition he has advanced by leaps and bounds in cultivation, but he is immature and not strong enough as he still hasn''t finished his growing, you should have held back more."


    Maheswara: "I understand, but my body reacted on reflex and ��"


    Nuwa: "No excuses we have decided to punish you accordingly.", as she leveled a glare on her husband.


    Celestia: "Maheswara you are getting the couch for 3 months."


    Maheswara choked as he replied in a disbelieving manner," 3--3-3 months, isn''t it too.."


    Celestia: "Ara, you think 3 months is too less, ok them 4 months it is."


    Maheswara: "No no what I meant��"


    Celestia: "Oh you want more, ok 6 months it is."


    Nuwa stifled a laughter at his sister wives antics before she added," We would shut up before you increase Celestia''s punishment, now that is not the only thing you have to do, during that time you have to do all the household chores, and our servants will not help you in the slightest."


    Veena: "In fact, your status will be that of a servant, a butler when will be waiting on us taking our orders and fulfilling our wishes, but do not worry, you will be doing your regular duty on top of it as well as teaching Ryuu."


    "I��.",Maheswara tried to argue back, but the glare from his wives made him shut up, "I accept."


    Veena then spoke with a smile towards her sister wives, "Oh before I forget, as it seems you all have finished training with the training dummy, I hope you don''t mind me using him for some practice."


    Celestia and Nuwa smiled at her before replying," Knock yourself out."


    Veena left the room dancing and skipping while holding a whimpering and crying Maheswara by the ear.


    The next day went out in a blur for Ryuu, he spend his entire time spending with his mother, packing his stuff, and getting last minute lecture on etiquettes from his mother.


    Ryuu awoke early that day as he freshened up and had his breakfast before Biskha brought him clothes for him to wear, well he there was more armor than clothes, his eyes shone as he went day dreaming about fighting demons and what not wearing those armors, he cannot wait any longer.


    His mother helped him get dressed in robes made of finest silk before putting the armor on him consisting of body armor, vambrace, pauldron, greaves, gauntlets, armored skirts and gauntlets, a crown like headdress on his head.His mother herself was amazed how amazing her child looked in his platinum colored armor and the royal blue robe he wore underneath, the armor itself was decorated with various grandiose designs, what stood out is the draconic looking head at the centre of the chest part of his armor, at the back of his armor stood a painting of Yin-Yang surrounded by the four Divine beast.


    Ryuu left with his mother as he went towards the destined meeting point, to meet up with his elder sister, Xiao Xiao could swear she saw Ryuu floating in the air with all the excitement, but soon the excitement vaporized as he saw, the army, dressed in blood red armor covered from head to toe, holding banner as they stood beside Qilins, an army which used Qilin as their mount, not to forget the banners had the same symbol as it was on Ryuu''s armor, the ferocious aura of the army made Ryuu gulped, but he held his ground and did not show any sign of fear as he looked at those warriors. The commander of the army with a slight different armor, as his helmet has ore feathers and more golden decorations on it, looked at Ryuu with small approval in his eyes, he would never serve or respect a coward, even if he was the disciple of his master.


    Soon an expensive looking carriage drawn by six majestic looking Qilin came in, a red carpet was rolled out, Ryuu''s attention was drawn to the voice which greeted him and his mother.


    "Good morning Aunt Xiao Xiao, Good morning brother." Antariskh and her sisters greeted Ryuu.


    Ryuu turned toward his sisters and was stunned to see his sisters looking like heroines of some fairy tale with their armor.


    "Shall we depart ", suggested Sylvana from among his sisters.

 30 SHANGRI-LA PAVILION

    "Ryuu, I hope you are not leaving before saying goodbye to us.", suddenly a voice came stopping their departure.


    "Greetings Mistress", Ryuu greeted his teachers, who just gave a warm smile to the red head.


    Nuwa: "Remember child your master once promised that he would make you a sword."


    Ryuu nodded remembering the promise his master made on the day he gained enlightenment on the Grand Dao of Sword. His teacher Celestia produced a sword kept inside a sheath, it looked like a work of art, this type of Jian, with its jiantan ending in dragon face and a jianpo tied to the neck of the said dragon, hushou was another matter entirely it was bow shaped, and intricate golden patterns drawn on it, Ryuu was mesmerized at the craftsmanship of it, before Ryuu could touch it, Veena held his hand stopping him.


    Veena: "Ryuu I know you want to hold this sword, but this sword is special, here take this knife cut your hand then put your blood on the handle of the sword and pour your ki along with it."


    Ryuu nodded then taking the knife from Veena''s hand made a cut on his hand then followed his teacher''s instruction by putting his blood and pouring the ki along with it. The sword gave a golden radiance before its blade shrunk from 80cm to near about 50 cm, Ryuu looked at it with awe before taking the sword from Celestia''s hand and pulling it out from its scabbard, he was enamored with the radiance and beauty of his partner, the jianti of the sword had the words, ''ETERNAL GLORY'' engraved on it.


    Ryuu''s eyes moistened at seeing his sword, "Teacher I promise on my name that I Ryuu will work hard to be worthy of my partner."


    His teacher''s had a look of appreciation. "Let us be off", with that Ryuu''s sisters left to board the carriage with Ryuu.


    Ryuu turned around and gave his mother a final wave before he climbed in to the carriage with his sisters.


    Meanwhile Xiao Xiao was dumfounded, a she watched Ryuu''s sword she couldn''t help but ask her fellow sisters," The sword is not simple is it?"


    Nuwa chuckled before answering her, "No sister it is not, it is a simple Pseudo-Divine level Sword, as Ryuu is not strong enough our husband made it such that the sword spirit will awaken when he is of at least peak Wanxiang Adept, not before it, and it will upgrade to Divine level upon reaching immortal level, as his cultivation level is low it will harm his soul if he was handed a Divine level sword, not to mention currently it is life bound to him."


    Xiao Xiao nodded dumbly at that while inwardly thinking, '' Pseudo Divine level!!! Divine level!!!!, I am officially jealous of my own son, a weapon type which grows along with its master, a stuff from fairy tales. Hahahaha I think I am officially insane now. A Pseudo-Divine sword, hahaha.''


    Meanwhile Ryuu was completely speechless, at what he saw, where is the carriage that he got into it was a freaking palace, while he was busy staring trying to commit the whole interior into his memory, Shamiran led him by his hands to a spacious room full of food and drinks and made Ryuu sit on one of the couches.


    The couches were so soft Ryuu felt himself sink inside one of them, he felt amazed at the softness, even a rabbit has harder fur in comparison to the couch.


    Antariskh: "Ryuu you might have noticed the flags as well as the carriage have a certain logo on them even our armor has them."


    Ryuu nodded at that he had seen the Yin-Yang symbol surrounded by the divine beast on four cardinal directions.


    Antariskh: "Well that is a symbol of a business we have, it is known as,''SHANGRI-LA PAVILION'', our business deals with exchange of various exotic and rare items required by a cultivator, from flora and fauna to techniques, we partake in normal selling like a market to auctions andbarter. Another facet of our business is entertainment; we run a restaurant chain side by side. Our ''SHANGRI-LA PAVILION'', has its branches in every major cities and capitals of every major power in our plane of existence.


    The pavilion was a project started by our mother Veena to earn resources for cultivation in her younger days, which has grown into such a colossal giant later on as our parents joined the pavilion, currently mother passed the leadership of our family business to me, and next to me are my two advisors my sisters.


    Now the entire pavilion is divided into 4 parts, Adventurers, Researchers, Workers, and Security.


    The Adventurers are tasked with bringing and searching for exotic items, Researchers simply study the authenticity, determine the type, worth, and various other things about any object, Workers are very vital, the range from simple managerial staff to financial staff, as well as simple auctioneers and waiters, janitors etc., Security as the name implies are simple guard who are stationed to take care of idiots trying to mess with us. So far have you understood Ryuu."


    Ryuu nodded but a question came to his mind," I understand big sister but why are you telling me this."


    Sylvana: "Because brother you being our parent''s disciple in future when you roam around the realms you will also represent us and we do not wish you embarrass us by doing something unsightly, another thing is that we hope as our brother you will one day help us in our business so we thought to introduce you to the in and outs of the business."


    Shamiran: "Ryuuwe are going to meet some high ranking staffs of our business as we discuss plans and other things, during the time you will be respectful, our staffs are all cultivators each stronger than the other and you will be the weakest person in front of them as such you will treat them as utmost respect, you must remember always to address Antariskh by calling her ''Empress'', me as First Princess and Shamiran as Second Princess, no matter what do not I repeat do not use any other form of means to address us in front of others or until we give you permission. Also take this parchment, remember to introduce yourself as written in it to others, there are also few do''s and don''ts try to remember it."


    Ryuu took the parchment with a heavy sigh, all his excitement vaporized completely as he under stood the following few days will boring enough to cause his death. ''I miss home already'', he thought with a pout on his face.

 31 Arrival

    Suddenly a thought occurred to Ryuu, "Big sisters the sword master made for me it feels a bit different why?"


    Sylvana raised an eyebrow before enquiring Ryuu," Please elaborate what do you mean by different?"


    Ryuu: "Well I have held weapons before like mommy''s spear and auntie''s whip, but my sword feels like it is alive for some reason."


    Sylvana gave a soft gasp as she realized something, "Oh no I was right about thinking that I forgot something, Ryuu hold your sword now then push your ki and think ''SEAL''."


    Ryuu did as he was instructed and found the sword he was holding its aura vanished completely. His sword was now no different than any cheap sword that can be found in any run of the mill store, except it was decorated. Ryuu looked at his sisters questioningly.


    His sisters just smirked at him, before Shamiran began explaining him," Brother a weapon like cultivator has its own designated level or rank, it is the same as that of cultivators example, mortal rank, Houtian rank, Xiantian rank etc. but the sword you are holding is exceptionally rare, it is known as a Divine weapon, unlike the other types a Divine sword grows alongside its wielder, that is as you increase your cultivation rank it will also increase your sword''s rank. Since such a weapon is rare to the point it is seen as a myth I will advise you to hide the aura of your sword as much as possible. Also the currently since you are not strong enough the sword is not fully unlocked, it is partially sealed thus making it a pseudo Divine sword. You do not have to worry about unsealing it for now, it will be many years before you are strong enough to unseal it."


    Ryuu was awed at what he heard, "So do you also have Divine weapons too."


    Antariskh smirked before answering, "Of course brother each one of us have Divine weapon, even our armor is such, but unfortunately you are not strong enough for it."


    Ryuu frowned and looked depressed, lately he was hearing the phrase, ''you are not strong enough'' too much.


    Shamiran sensing the mood gave Ryuu a hug, "Aww baby brother do not feel sad, we were at your position once, but we worked hard shed a lot of blood sweat and tears to reach our strength, do not worry brother you just have started and so far you have done a splendid job, if you keep up this space you will soon be able to rival us."


    Ryuu smiled at that before he shouted out with indignation, "I AM NOT A BABY."


    Sylvana: "Oh our baby brother thinks he is strong enough to raise his voice against us, I think it is time for his punishment."


    The three sisters smirked before giving a Cheshire grin to Ryuu amidst his grin before pouncing on him, as Antariskh shouted, "TICKLE MONSTER."


    All the maids ready to wait on them and were currently standing outside the room were startled when a loud laughter erupted from the room, "HAHAHAHA please hehehhe stop Hahahahha I am Hahahah sorry."


    Next day Ryuu and his sisters along with their army arrived at their destination, large number of people was present to welcome them. The guards suddenly stood in front of the carriage then separated into two groups, both of the groups turned and face each other before hoisting the flags tied on the end of their spears high enough by supporting the spear end on their shoulder and touching the spear tip with the guard facing them, a red carpet was rolled in between them, the guard captain went and opened the carriage door before kneeling on one knee bowing by the side of the carriage door.


    Antariskh stepped out of the carriage as she walked with grace followed by Sylvana then Ryuu went after her alongside Shamiran, then a few of their attendees the people present their dropped to one knee and bowed while chanting, "Long live the Empress", "Long live the Princess", their voice caused the heaven and earth to shake, Shamiran place a hand on a nervous Ryuu''s shoulder which worked well as it camlmed him.


    As Antariskh came to the end of the guard procession, a man and woman arrived before they dropped on their knees bowing to Antariskh, "Welcome your Majesty, Welcome to ''Kailan''."


    Antariskh commanding voice, "Rise up, We just arrived from a long and tiring journey as such we will convene the court today evening and we wish to be guided to our chamber, our beloved younger brother is with us we will leave his care on your capable hands tend to him as you tend us."


    The pair replied with reverence in their voice, "Your wish is our command your Majesty." with that they guided the Royal family to their resting place.

 32 First day in Kailan

    Ryuu was guided to well furnished room on par with his room in Ayindril, he without changing his clothes just plopped on the bed all this things were new to him and he was quite scared and nervous he does not want to bring shame to his sisters honor by acting in unsightly in front of others but it was so taxing and tiring he should have just stated back home, at least he knew his teacher would be torture no training him, yeah training him, although he for some reason drew blank when he tried to recall the result of the last spar except waking up in hospital with his ribs screaming in pain.


    Suddenly he was broken out of his thought when he heard a knock at his door.


    Ryuu: "Please come in."


    He saw his eldest sister enter his room, Ryuu stood up straight and greeted his sister with a light bow, "Your Highness, how may we be of service."


    Antariskh just smirked at that," Brother Stop acting so polite, I came here as your older sister not as an Empress, so act like you do normally."


    Ryuu visibly relaxed at that," Big sis I do not like this, I thought you brought me to play this things are boring.", he finished with a pout.


    Antariskh just bent down and gave Ryuu a hug, "Oh do not be sad baby brother, we will attend a festival soon only us siblings, no guards no maids just us, but it s still a few days before it starts, we will have to wait ok, so till then have patience, and if you are patient enough I might take you on a treasure hunting."


    Ryuu was ecstatic on hearing what his eldest sister had planned for him, he just squealed in glee before hugging his sister tightly, "You are bestest sister ever."


    Antariskh returned the hug with a smile, "Ryuu get freshened up but before that show me what clothes you have brought with you."


    Ryuu nodded before bringing every sets of clothes his mother packed for him.


    Antariskh looked at Ryuu''s clothes, "Nice nice your mother has great tastes, lunch is a few hours from now, you will wear this red robe for today''s lunch a maid will come to help you dress up, so see you at lunch.", with that she tousled his hair and left."


    After she left a maid came in asking his permission, helped him in removing his armor and leading him to his bath, again after a few hours Ryuu dressed in red luxurious robe was led by a maid to the dining hall.


    He found himself in a lavish dining hall, with a long table where a small banquet could be held easily.


    Ryuu cupped his hand while giving a light bow, "We wish you a pleasant noon Your Majesty", before he glanced at his second oldest sister," Second Princess", and glanced at his third oldest sister and repeated the same as he did with his other sisters, "Third Princess". "We apologize for our tardiness and we hope Your Majesty may forgive us."


    Antariskh: "No need to apologize brother, you have arrived on time, please take your seat beside our third sister."


    Ryuu bowed lightly before he went to his seat beside third princess, he was thinking if others will join them, before he could voice his thoughts, he was answered by Sylvana, "Her Majesty willed that she desired to lunch in private with only her family as such no one will be joining us."


    Ryuu nodded at that, soon the maids wheeled in the foods on carts, a huge plethora of various foods consisting of starter, main and desserts was brought in, he was pleasantly surprised as many of them were his favorite foods consisting of,


    Consomm�� �� la Doria


    (Game consomm�� topped with white truffles, and garnished with game quenelles)


    C?telettes d''Agneau �� la Rossini


    (Lamb cutlets topped with saut��ed medallions of foie-gras and truffles)


    Cailles R?ties


    (Roast quails stuffed with foie-gras)


    Pommes-de-terre �� l''Indienne


    (Roast potatoes dressed in a lightly spiced sauce)


    C��leri �� la Mo?lle


    (Celery baked with beef marrow and topped with a cheese and breadcrumb crust)


    Quenelles d''Epinards �� l''Anita


    (Crumbed and fried spinach quenelles)


    Aloyau de B?uf


    (Beef Sirloin)


    Mayonnaise de Homard


    (Lobster medallions re-arranged back in the shell and dressed with a mayonnaise sauce)


    Poulards, Jambon, Langue


    (Cold roast poulards (spayed hens), Ham, Pressed Ox Tongue)


    Terrine de Faisan


    (Pheasant Terrine)


    Gateau de Riz �� l''Ananas


    (Moulds of creamed rice with a filling of pineapple pieces poached in syrup)


    Savarin au Kirsch et Vanille


    (Savarin cake steeped in kirsch syrup and topped with vanilla cream)


    Gel��e �� la Polonaise


    (Puff pastries filled redcurrant jelly.)


    Shamiran just gave a smile to Ryuu, before she send a mental message to Ryuu, '' A small treat from us.''


    Ryuu whispered, "Thank you", low enough only for his sisters to hear, the maids quickly served them the food, almost in ghostly manner in order not to disturb the people having lunch.


    The siblings just shared small talk regarding training mostly asking Ryuu in so as to get a clear picture and formulate precautions needed for his first adventure outside Ayindril.


    Hours past quickly before it was time for the Royal Court to be held, the throne room was filled with people occupying various seats according to their position and stature. Soon the gossip came to a halt as the herald announced the entrance of the Empress along with the Princess and Prince.


    Everyone stood from their chair and bowed their head as Antariskh walked towards her throne after she sat on her throne she ordered, "Everyone may take their seat."


    At her command everyone took their respective seats in the throne room, Ryuu himself sat on a throne which was placed closed to Shamiran. Everyone was quite as everyone waited for Antariskh to speak, who was sitting leisurely on her throne with one her arm resting as she raised that hand and rested her chin on it, she crossed her legs as she loosely held her naked saber with her other hand. Ryuu shivered at the killing intent released by the saber, Shamiran quickly held Ryuu''s hand and enveloped him with her Ki calming him down.


    Antariskh: "Before we would begin the court, we would like to introduce you all to our brother Ryuu", then she glanced at her brother," Brother please introduce yourselves to others." , unlike before Ryuu noticed that since she came her his eldest sister did not have the playfulness in her voice but it had a commanding aura which made anyone bow to her whims, although her eyes held the same warmth whenever she looked at him.


    Ryuu gave a curtsey bow before he began with a stoic face, "Our name is Ryuu, our age is 7 years and 4 months, and we have been blessed with the opportunity to have Her Majesty''s Royal Father, First Royal Mother, Second Royal Mother and Third Royal Mother as our teacher, also currently our cultivation level is level 4 Zifu disciple.", before he gave a curtsey bow to Antariskh, who returned with a brisk nod and a small smile.


    The last statement caused a commotion within the court, the sisters laughed inwardly but that soon changed to frown, as the people present in the throne room regardless of status began quickly scanning Ryuu with their divine sense to check if he was truthful or not.


    Antariskh frowned at the behavior of the people, checking out Ryuu in such an uncouth manner meant they are disbelieving him, in others words slandering her brother as a liar, in other words her brother who she supported was called a liar in front of her, thus insinuating she was untrustworthy and a liar. Anger rose within her as her blood boiled at the blatant insult her people threw on Ryuu and by extension her, a quick glance showed an uncomfortable Ryuu and an equally angry sisters. She gripped her saber hard before she slammed it on the throne floor causing a large crack to form her throne towards the door of the throne room stunning everyone to silence as she spoke out in an angry tone, "SILENCE! You impudent people have quite the gall to act in such an unsightly manner in front of us, if you have any queries against your prince step forward and ask you shall receive your answer, but who gave your permission to use Divine sense against our brother.", she roared out the last part as her Ki flared with such intensity that it caused the entire planet to sake, cracks developed all around the throne room, the people were scared enough to the point some of them almost fainted.


    Shamiran quickly hugged Ryuu to protect him from being harmed by Antariskh ki, Ryuu even though he was protected from his eldest sister''s anger was very fearful he had never seen his sister so angry, he understood that the people present may have tried to do something to him which caused her sister to be angry, even then tears came up his eyes as he felt he might lose his bowels.


    The people went on his knees as one of the people who Ryuu noticed was present when they arrived on this place, as he was the one who greeted them in the first place, pleaded to Antariskh, "Please Your Majesty be merciful, we erred greatly we were so shocked to see heaven defying genius like your brother, we never meant to do any harm to him, please have mercy on us."


    Shamiran: "Your Majesty please calm down our brother is not accustomed to such level of Ki and killing intent, so please reign in your anger.", Shamiran herself was angered very much but her baby brother''s health made her try to stop her sister''s anger.


    Antariskh took a deep breath as she calmed down, "We are greatly displeased at your behavior, but today we will forgive you today for our brother''s sake. If there is any query you have you may ask our brother after we have conducted today''s business." before she turned her head towards Ryuu and inquired of him in a kind tone," Brother are you alright?"


    Ryuu stood up from his throne as he put up brave front with stoic face, "We are fine Your Majesty, we are grateful for your concern, and thank your grace for protecting our honor."


    Antariskh returned a kind smile, though she frowned when she saw slight shaking of Ryuu''s legs and hands but at the same time she was inwardly pleased and proud at seeing her brother display of maturity and level headedness which any other child would have been a crying mess.


    Antariskh then commanded with a voice laced with anger, "Let the proceedings of court begin."

 33 The Goddess and Demi-goddess of ...........

    Bored bored boring was Ryuu''s condition with a capital ''B'', why does he have to suffer so much, a thought ran through his mind, he never felt so sleepy, ''even mommy''s lullabies does not make me feel so sleepy when will the torture end'', as he tried keeping his eyes peeled open like an owl it really was the greatest test on his endurance and patience. Suddenly the angry look on his sister''s face came to his mind he shivered and jolted into full attention.


    As words came to his ears " ....as a result we were forced to close the mine."


    Antariskh: "Huh you closed it for such silly reason, now listen carefully, you will..."


    Ryuu''s mind wandered off again ''it is so difficult trying to keep awake, it is so boooorrrrrring '', as he tried to stifled a yawn, ''hmmm maybe I should carry a fan like that funny moustache old man at least no one will see me yawn'', was the musing of a seven year old as the funny moustache kept droning on some report.


    Shamiran was observing Ryuu from the corner of her eyes, her lips twitched a little on seeing Ryuu struggling to stay focused and awake.


    After long agonizing hours, the meeting came to a end, it was near midnight and, Ryuu was already on the edge of falling asleep, if the meeting went onfor a few more minutes he would have fallen asleep on his throne consequences be damned.


    All the officials bowed deeply, as the Empress left her throne and was walking towards the door, with her siblings following behind her closely. The officials all sighed in relief inwardly as they watched Empress almost outside the throne room, ''It was closed we have distracted her enough to forget about the punishment'', thought the same person who was the first one to apologize when they unintentionally insulted Ryuu.


    Just as Antariskh was about to step outside she came to an abrupt halt she turned and addressed her council with a pleasant smile, "Ah before we forget, we want to reward you all for your hard work."


    At that most of the members were giddy with happiness, only a couple of them starting sweating getting ''reward'', the word sounded like death sentence.


    Antariskh continued with a pleasant smile on her face, "We will only allow the officials currently present in this room to partake in the enjoyment of this reward, no one regardless of any reason outside of this room is allowed to participate; we hope you will accept it without any protest."


    The officials all chorused as one with hidden glee and some with a bit of greed, "We are greatly honored to receive your gift your majesty.", while the duo thought, ''maybe she really is rewarding us'', with a bit of hope.


    Ryuu looked at her sister in horror that smile she has seen too many times on his Third mistress''s face, his thought was proved correct when she uttered the next sentence, "Excellent, then we would allow you all to serve my family by hunting down and bringing us the body of Peak Empyrean God level Void Beast, We hope by the end of a week by this time we wished to see its body before us, time is running out so we suggest you all should hurry."


    A commotion broke up, as all the officials were horrified on hearing about the content of the ''reward''. The strongest person was the head of their entire eastern division, was one man named Othomann M��ller, even then he just achieved it a few months back.


    One of the more foolish officials spoke out of turn, "Pardon your majesty, but how can we all��"


    Antariskh stopped him by raising her hand, "We understand that most of you are not satisfied by the conditions given, we never knew we had such loyal citizen, alright we will change the reward."


    At that many visibly relaxed except the duo, who already had tears forming on their eyes as they inwardly wished their family goodbye.


    Antariskh continued with same kind smile on her face, "Well since all are so eager we want each of you to hunt and bring the body of onePeak Empyrean God level Void Beasts."


    At that most suffered a heart attack and everyone gave their fiercest glare promising of pain towards the fool who had opened his big mouth, the fool who spotted some wet spots in his pants out of fear.


    With that the Empress turned and was about to leave, but he was interrupted by the head of the eastern division, Othomann M��ller, himself, the same man who welcomed them along with his wife, "Excuse me your Majesty, please forgive my rudeness."


    Antariskh turned towards him as she gave him permission to continue speaking with a gesture from her hand.


    Othomann M��ller, cleared his throat while praying for all the luck in the universe for help, "For Highness, we would be delighted and grateful to you for allowing us the magnanimous opportunity to serve you and the Royal family, but the void beast population is very low, in fact in the last 1000 years only one Void Beast has been seen of Empyrean God level, couple of others are too low level they are not even immortal, so please be mercifulas we will not be able to deliver you more than one with in such a short time frame.", as he along with the others bowed their heads low enough to touch the ground.


    Everyone felt a terrible killing intent to pass over them for a fraction of a second, they all saw various gruesome scenes of their death, a hardened voice devoid of emotion commanded them, "Raise your heads and listen carefully."


    "We are a merciful and kind person, so we will give you only 4 days not a second more to bring us the carcass of the Empyrean God level Void Beast, we are reasonable merciful and kind person but we have our limits so for your own betterment we hope you all haven''t forgotten about Easter Branch Head M��ller''s predecessor we will hope you comply and enjoy the privilege to participate as you put it in your words ''magnanimous opportunity'' to serve the Royal Family.", Antariskh spoke in a cold tone that send shivers down their spine, and then she left the throne room along with her siblings and the Royal Guards.


    How could they forget about the proud and arrogant former head, who had even reached the difficult Dao Father level, only for him to incur Her Majesties wrath neither they would forget how that man was broken by the Third Princess into a sniveling mess, acting like a pet dog liking the boots of Her Majesty, before she killed him, no they would never forget the death of his lineage as well, they swallowed hard, the only way to escape her Majesty''s punishment is to commit suicide and hope she never finds out about their next life''s incarnation. Now they have no time to lose as they scrambled out of the throne room, to fight a death battle, while inwardly weeping while thinking, ''Demon Empress never forgives or forgets.''


    Meanwhile Ryuu was awed and amazed at what he saw, his sister''s way of rewarding her followers caused a strange feeling to rise up from deep within him.


    Seeing Ryuu having a slight blush and in deep contemplation, Sylvana could not help but ask Ryuu, "Brother are you alright, if anything is troubling you pray tell us we will help you."


    Ryuu fidgeted before answering with a blush and his voice almost inaudible to their ears, "Well when we saw those people make funnyface when her majesty gave them their ''reward'', we do not know why but we felt elated a part of wished we could do the same."


    Antariskh and Sylvana paled a that, ''No not another one'', while Shamiran almost squealed in happiness, seems like someone will follow the footsteps of ''Goddess of Sadism'' Celestia and her as well, she has to keep an eye out for her sisters who know doubt try to prevent him from falling to the dark side as they call it.


    While the elder two sister were debating on how to rescue their brother, a cultivator after a lifetime of battle and hardships tend to gain a sadistic side, but their Third mother and their youngest sister were different they were called ''Goddess and Demi-Goddess of Sadism'' respectively, there is even a rumor that Mama Celestia was the one who invented sadism and they sometime whole heartedly agree to it, no they will have to protect Ryuu from falling into the dark side at any cost.


    Sylvana: "Brother it seems you are more tired then you have realized, and as it is very late so we think we should have a very light dinner before we go to sleep, we think a good sleep will clear you of your tiredness.", she replied with a kind smile, while inwardly praying,'' accept the lie, accept the lie.''


    Ryuu replied while pondering her sister''s words," We think you are right Second Princess, we propose to dine first before returning to our room to sleep."


    His eldest sister nodded with approval at his proposal, before Antariskh and Sylvana shoot out the dirtiest glare they could master towards Shamiran who returned it in equal measure.


    Ryuu idly wondered as he saw few sparks fly of his older sister''s eyes, ''I must be dead tired if I am starting to hallucinate.'' before shaking his head in a negative fashion, ''nah I am fine but adults are weird, it must be one of those moments which I will understand when I grow up and become an adult or in other words a certified weirdo.'', he nodded his head in a sagely manner as if he has deciphered one of the most hidden mysteries of the universe. On an unrelated note every adult who knew Ryuu had the sudden urge to smack Ryuu silly.

 34 Eve of an Adventure

    Ryuu just finished his daily exercise routine consisting of various physical, Ki manipulating and practicing of his skills, when he was greeted by his second eldest sister, Sylvana, "Good morning Ryuu have you finished your daily exercise."


    "Good morning Second Sister, I have just finished my daily morning routine is there anything you need from me."


    "Yes baby brother quickly wash yourself and join us for breakfast we have a surprise for you."


    Ryuu was curious he now wanted to know about the surprise, so without any delay he got freshened up and went to take his breakfast.


    Mentally grimacing as he now have to act as a prince with etiquettes, he liked when he could speak with his sisters informally instead of using such tedious etiquettes and what not.


    He came to the dining table to find his older sisters already present, so he greeted them accordingly and before long he was treated with breakfast consisting of,


    White bread


    Bacon and Eggs


    Fruit juice


    After they had their breakfast, Antariskh led her siblings to her study, before making the study secure using array she began speaking, "Brother before I begin to speak, I want to apologize for losing my temper yesterday, when they did not believe you and started scanning you, it insinuated that you lied to them, and by extension they called us our parents even your mother a liar, thus I lashed out violently without thinking, I would hope you do not think I wanted to harm you, if I caused any discomfort to you for that I apologize." As she bowed her head to Ryuu to express her sincerity.


    Ryuu quickly stood up from his seat and hugged his eldest sister, "Please big sister there is nothing to apologize, I will admit as I have never seen you so much angry before I was scared but seeing you defending my honor made me very happy, in fact I want to thank you big sister for defending my honor, also when you punished them you were so cool.", finished Ryuu with sparkling eyes.


    Antariskh and Sylvana laughed awkwardly where as Shamiran had blooming satisfied smile on her face.


    Antariskh coughed and changed the subject, "Brother do you remember how we promised to take you on an adventure", Ryuu gave a happy nod to his sister, "Well two days from today a ruin of an ancient school will open up. Every fifty years it opens up and is used by many martial schools and dojo sends their students to participate in a so called friendly competition, but is actually to search for legacy and various treasures of the school, the competition is actually survival course which was used by the ancient school to rank its students, so brother I hope you have some inkling to what we are planning."


    Ryuu with great enthusiasm replied, "We will be participating in this competition."


    Sylvana: "I am sorry to inform you brother it is not we but only you who would be participating.", Ryuu wanted to protest but was shushed into silent by Sylvana as she continued," I know baby brother you are disappointed and I do not blame you for it, but there is condition that everyone have to follow because of the array surrounding it, only someone below the level of Wanxiang adept and above a Xiantian may enter. Anyone who makes a breakthrough to Wanxiang Adept will be forced out of the ruins, even the strongest monsters are only mid Wanxiang Adepts as their cultivation are sealed and suppressed by the arrays so they never reach above the said level.", while inwardly thinking,'' we can easily re write those instruction to allow us entry but there is no need for Ryuu to know, as such level of challenge is boring and beneath us.''


    Shamiran: "As such we have formed a team of some of our most outstanding juniors from SHANGRI-LA PAVILION, they will help you to have better understanding of adventuring tomorrow we will meet them, they more experienced on matter of this ruins, so try to listen to their instruction carefully, do not try to be conceited and try to be helpful whenever they require also try to learn from their experience as much as possible.These ruins are dangerous so try to be careful or else you might cause the death of your teammates or yourself."


    Ryuu gulped at that, "Now brother I would love if you go through and memorize all the information inside this jade slip and destroy it after memorizing it, finish this task by tomorrow or else we will be disappointed and cancel your trip.", stated Antariskh as she gave Ryuu him a green color jade slip.


    Ryuu took the jade slip and after a few more talk and advice he left the three sisters alone.


    "I hope Ryuu succeeds in his endeavor, this ruins can be dangerous."


    "Do not worry Sylvana if his life is in imminent danger we will simply break those pesky array protecting that ruin and save our brother", chimed in Antariskh


    "Ah now I remember where I have seen those ruins before", stated Shamiran with a bit of fervor."


    Sylvana: "Where have you seen those ruins, sister?"


    Shamiran: "It has been ages and the place looks worse for wear that is why it was difficult to recognize, remember the weakling of a Sect leader who got smitten with our eldest sister and tried to force her to be his mistress, the bald headed smelly Dao Father, what was his name again�� ah I remember daoist''thunder��something something. He managed to annoy you so much that you wiped him along with his entire school, also he had some relation to the previous Head of our eastern branch, also one of the reasons why he was also executed."


    Antariskh: "Ah now I also remember about that idiot, meh he should be eternally grateful that we are using his legacy as stepping stone for our baby brother."


    Sylvana: "So true sister so true."


    Shamiran: "Even if everything goes well, Ryuu has never taken a life before I hope he does not get killed because of his innocence."


    Sylvana: "Please sister do not worry, I have a perfect solution", as she showed an array to them, causing the sister to laugh in glee, far away Ryuu shivered, as he sensed a great disturbance in his peaceful life.


    Next day his sisters escorted him to meet his teammates who will be entering the ruins with Ryuu.

 35 Setting OFF

    Next day Ryuu woke up early got ready and went to the dining hall, only this time no one was there yet, except the maids who were ordered to cater to his needs, after a long time his older sisters came to the dining room only to see a sleeping Ryuu, ''Did he spend the entire night here'', was the collective thought of the sisters.


    Sylvana went forward and shook Ryuu awake, he woke up rubbing his eyes, small drool on his cheeks, he was fully awake when he saw the grinning face of his second sister, he jumped up from his sit, grabbed his sister''s hand as he bounced up and down in excitement, "Lets lets go big sister."


    Sylvana stopped Ryuu from bouncing, "Brother did sleep here the entire night."


    Ryuu: "Why would I sleep here I just came early."


    Antariskh turned towards a maid who was standing there waiting for orders, "You over there when did our brother arrive at the dining room."


    Maid: "Your Majesty, his highness arrived her at the crack of dawn."


    Anarirskh, just rubbed her forehead in exasperation, her brother really gives a very good headache from time to time. "Ryuu we are not going anywhere before you have a good breakfast then we will do some last minute check and preparations before setting off. Now go and wash your face, you have drooling marks all over your face."


    Ryuu blushed heavily and excused himself swiftly as he ran to wash his face, before joining his sisters for breakfast.


    "Big sisters, why am I in such clothes? And why did you take my ring?", asked Ryuu as he was dressed in a old looking leather armor, his space ring was taken from him by his older sisters.


    "Brother if you go dressed as a royalty you will paint a bigger target on your back while announcing that, "COME HERE I AM RICH SO LOOT ME ALL YOU WANT", on top of that this place have dangerous animal, wearing that armor will hinder you, as for the ring we are increasing your challenge."


    Ryuu nodded at that, he took his sword and attached it to his hips as he spun around in front of the mirror, as he nodded satisfied, yep he looks cool.


    Suddenly his eldest sister arrived with a backpack that looks like a teddy bear, she helped him carry the back pack, "Brother, unlike the ring the back pack has limited amount of space only 8 Cubic meters. The food store here will rot within a week, but you will be staying for a month there, so I filled it with dry foods, although but enough for a week, also they taste disgusting, so you have to hunt to survive.The left back pack had fasteners across his chest and waist area to hold it tightly, it also had a water bottle holder on the left side, where Antariskh attached a water bottle with extendable straw, "This bottle is special just send your Ki to it", Ryuu send his Ki suddenly it was filled with various information,


    1) First Slot: Water (unlimited)


    2) Second Slot: Orange juice (100 liters.)


    3) Third Slot:Milk (100 litres)


    "Just think of which one you want and you will be able to drink, the water is unlimited but others are not, so use it wisely, also remember to use it discreetly to us it may not be seen much but to others this is an invaluable treasure which might even cause war."


    Ryuu gulped before nodding seriously. "Now let us leave, the armor you are wearing is hooded so you may cover your head with it, the armor is strong enough to withstand ten blows from an immortal before getting destroyed.", stated Shamiran as she pulled up the hood over his head, before speaking in a serious tone "Ryuu remember during the entire adventure, if someone asks you your name you will say it ''Long Yu'', never mention your real name not even to your team mates, they will just know you are Grandchild of a higher up from Shangri-la, we will take you to the person who will act as your Grand Ma his name is Long Mei. So is there any question you want to ask."


    Ryuu nodded before asking, "Big Sister, what is a ''Grand Ma''?"


    The sister''s were startled before at the question, before remembering his story; Sylvana came forward to answer, "Ryuu just as Xiao Xiao is your mother someone is also her mother, the mother of your mother is your Grand Ma."


    Ryuu was stunned on hearing that, "So who is the mother of my mother or in other words my Grand Ma."


    Sylvana shrugged her shoulders, "Sorry brother I do not know, you have to ask your mother."


    After a few interactions and questions they all went towards the throne room, where Ryuu saw a middle aged woman already kneeling in front of the throne waiting for them, whom he remembered as one of the people who was there welcomingthem.


    They took their respective seats, before Antariskh ordered, "Please raise your head."


    The woman raised her head before speaking politely, "How may I be of service your majesty?", that day she missed the meeting as she was running an errand for her Majesty, thus escaping from punishment, but when she was summoned she was afraid she will be sharing the plight of her coworkers, still putting up brave face while inwardly she was shivering and sweating.


    Antariskh: "We hope you remember our request to set up an expedition team to the Ruins of the school in planet Vera, is it done."


    Mei: "Yes your highness, I have arranged everything as you have ordered."


    Antariskh: "Good work, since you have done so splendidly we will grant you a suitable reward, but before that we would like my brother to join the team as well in order to get experience, but since we want his real identity to be hidden we wish when you personally take him to introduce him to his teammates, you will introduce him as your grandchild, hence during his stay he will be known as Long Yu, we hope there is no problem with it."


    Mei: "No Your Highness, I will surely escort His Highness to meet his teammates, and I would be honored to introduce him as my grandchild."


    Soon Ryuu was ready to leave his older sisters just hugged and encouraged him before he left.


    Antariskh as he waved his brother goodbye, "So is the array working properly."


    Sylvana gave a smug grin, "Of course who do you take me for, I created it so it will work without any problem, I just hope he will be alright."


    Shamiran: "Do not worry, he is cunning, thus he will be able to survive, as long as he does not get to curious."


    They laughed at that, suddenly Antariskh," Oops I forgot to give him the ''Charm amulet'', the Divine body will cause some unwanted attraction to occur, I hope those mongrels do not take it too far."


    Sylvana in a serious tone, "Relax sister, there is no need for regret, we can easily teleport and give him the locket before leaving but I propose to let it be it will be another experience for Ryuu."


    Shamiran giggled, "It will be fun, I have already notified our parents it will be funny to see."


    Meanwhile Ryuu and his fake grandmother, arrived in front of a room, Mei pushed the door opened, as she led Ryuu inside the room, all the talks and shouting stopped as Ryuu entered the room with Mei.


    Mei clearing her throat, "Welcome brave adventurers, I personally selected your team seven among others in order to form a team with my grandchild here for an excursion in the ancient ruins of the Nine Headed Dragon Sect, you will treat him like your fellow member as he is young and this is the first time for such an excursion I hope you will be patient and kind enough to help him out but at the same time do not I repeat do not coddle him, I will give you generous rewards for your hard work but also know this someone deliberately puts him in mortal danger I will personally kill you and your entire kin", she send a potent amount of killing intent towards those present to make them her threats are real," I chose you because you people are hardworking, honest, reliable and most important trustworthy. Now child please introduce yourself to them."


    Ryuu stepped forward and removed the hood from his head, the people were not only mesmerized but also blushed heavily at what they saw in front of them stood a red haired girl with her hair in pony tail, her eyes no two jewels sparkled one cerulean blue, the other amethyst in color, not only that she had finest white jade like skin then they heard a voice of the girl, it was melodious like that of a siren, "Hello everyone, a very Good Morning to you all, My name is Long Yu, I am the youngest Grandson of Vice-Head of the eastern branch of Shangri-la, I am 7 years old and currently I am a level 4 Zifu disciple, I am not only inexperiencedbut I am also very young as well as my cultivation level is lower than all of you, I know I may cause you people a lot of problem, so I apologize in advance for any inconvenience from our part, and I hope we have a safe and pleasant time during the excursion.", Ryuu finished with a bow.


    The people were startled, whereas Mei was thinking ''His Majesty is really polite for his age, the rumors that he is kind, and very polite was true.'', meanwhile the blushing audience startled when they heard these word, ''Grandson'', 7 years'', ''Level 4 Zifu Disciple'', the women suddenly had a bout of jealousy before it was squished as their thoughts ran wild, whereas the men felt sick as they thought how they felt attraction towards a male child of seven, but still he is so cute, that skin of his...


    Suddenly they went ramrod, as a thick killing intent hit them, a voice echoed in their mind, ''If you people touch him or make any inappropriate gestures towards my Grand Child, no Gods, Devils or Immortal, will save you from my torturing you and your entire kin to death and completely destroying your soul. Now instead of staring like an idiot and wasting my time introduce yourselves, but just so you remember the array surrounding the ruins are not invincible so someone like me can easily keep an eye on you.'', while thinking, ''Prince must have something special, because of their low cultivation this people are getting affected badly by it, even I myself want to take a glance at him, I hope something bad does not happen to him during his stay in those ruins.''


    The people had cold sweat dripping from their forehead, as a black haired spear wielding middle aged man step forward, "It is nice to meet you ''Long Yu'', my name is Bashista, I am the captain of team Shadow Wolves, the woman to my right is my Wife, Tina", the aforementioned brunette carrying a bow gave simple nod to Ryuu, "the man behind me is Ruth", as a blonde haired man waved, "the green haired man is Jack", Jack gave a curt nod, "the other green haired woman is Jessie, jack''s twin", the woman smiled at him, "the other black haired man is Han", a serious fierce looking man gave a short bow cupping his hand, "the silver haired and the last member of our team is Veronica.", the serious looking woman just gave a short bow.


    Long Yu: "Well since we have all introduced ourselves shall we make way towards the entrance of the ruins captain."


    Bashista: "Yes let us leave." ,with that team Shadow Wolves left the room, with Ryuu being the last to leave not before giving a small bow to Mei, "Well then I will take my leave Granny, Good Bye."


    Mei with small smile, "Good Bye child be safe.", while inwardly she was crying,'' please come back safe, please come back safe or your sisters will have my hide.'' She does not want to imagine the punishment she will face if something happened to young prince, ''Ah maybe I should spent the remaining days of my life with my family.''

 36 The Ruins Part-1

    Ryuu or as he called himself now Long Yu, was sitting on a chair as he watched his teammates were busy with their last minute preparations, he watched closely as the shouted at each other checking then double checking and triple checking everything, before Bashista ordered in a rough voice troops assemble, all the members of team Shadow Wolves weather temporary or permanent stood in straight line, "Squad I did like to welcome our newest member Long Yu, he will be in our care, but as we do not know his full skill set, I hope Yu would not mind giving me a summary of his skills.", finished Bashista as he glanced at Long Yu.


    Long Yu was highly excited, his eyes were sparkling, the others winced at that no matter how much genius the child was he had apparently read too much fantasy and now suddenly he will be thrust into the real world they just hoped Long Yu would never give up being cultivator.


    Long Yu: "Well I am a sword user, and I have already use level 5 sword force, I am an Zifu Disciple level arrayist, and Zifu Disciple level Alchemist.", Yu was bit tensed as he heard the frustrated growl from others, he winced internally, ''when I go back I will double my training, I am already a burden on this kind people, I hope they do not suffer any mishap because of me.'', completely unaware that the frustrated growl was not because of Ryuu''s lack of skill but because of the shame they felt as a person less than a fourth of their age is more talented than them, this was utter humiliation, but the thought that the child is inexperienced brought up their spirits at least we would not look like an idiot in front of him.


    Bashista cleared his throat bringing everyone''s attention towards him, "Well let us move out the registration will start soon, if we miss it the array surrounding the ruin will not allow us to enter."


    They reached in front of a large crowd, people were wearing different color cloths, most of them seemed to wear some form of uniform as they traveled in large group many stalls were set up as hawkers trying to sell their stuff, while many people running helter skelter to make last minute purchase, Tina who was closest to Ryuu whispered into his ears, "Yu this hawkers selling here mostly are con artists and scammers, whenever you would go to such ruins you will be greeted by plethora of scum, although may be some of the article they posses be genuine but most are just masterful imitations just try to avoid them as much as possible."


    Ryuu nodded with disgust, ''why would people be so mean?''


    Ruth: "Captain there is still some time left so why don''t we go and eat something, I am hungry."


    Bashista: "Good idea brother let us finish our lunch, there is still some time before the registration starts."


    Jack: "Well kid what do you think of this Nine Dragon village?"


    Ryuu aka Long Yu: "Sir, this place is nice and the people look friendly but also feels a bit tense, as if something major will happen."


    Jack laughed at him," Oy oy what is this ''Sir'' thing, we are teammates now just call us ''brothers'' and ''sisters'', but you are right the people are tensed, when so many cultivators gather in a place fights breaking out are very common, this village folk just do not want to get caught in the middle of it."


    The team was led to a restaurant a little bit further from the town centre where registration will take place. The restaurant was named ''The Laughing Dragon''; Ryuu cocked his left eyebrow he asked the person nearest to him, "Big Sis Jessie, why is almost everything named after dragon here?"


    Jessie answered with a smirk, "Well kid since the main income of this village is from the ruins of the nine headed dragon school, everything is named after it."


    They entered the restaurant took over one of the table, which gave them complete view of the street as well as inside of the restaurant, as they sat, Ruth began speaking, "Remember kid whenever you are trying to enter the ruins try to scout out as many of our competitors as possible, without drawing any attention to yourself. Like those idiots over there.", motioning towards some people specially an arrogant looking smug richly dressed middle aged man who was busy harassing some woman, who looked half his age.


    "You see that idiot, over there is currently harassing the daughter of Celestial mountain sect head''s daughter, Rong Niu, a twenty year old super genius of the sect already at peak Zifu Disciple level."


    Suddenly Rong Niu vanished and reappeared a few feet away from the pig, as she walked away the clothes of the buffoon fell off from his body as if they were cut by something sharp, the man was stark naked as the day he was born in the middle of the street as the day he was born, everyone started laughing as the man who looked as if would grateful if the earth opened up and swallowed him whole, he ran with his hands covering his privates to save whatever dignity was left of him.


    Meanwhile Ryuu was struggling to see the aftermath of the fight as Tina had already covered his eyes with her hands as soon as the pig''s clothes were cut, no need to traumatize the young boy. Ryuu pouted angrily at her he wanted to see what was so funny everyone was laughing.


    As they finished their lunch he saw many richly dressed so called young masters and young mistress, acting so precociously and shamefacedly it disgusted him, this people had no temperament of a cultivator, but he also carefully observed that the some people who were very strong, the skills his Third Mistress taught enabled him to realize that, his blood boiled he wanted to fight them, he frowned at that since he stepped into Zifu realm his desire to battle and challenge others is growing strong.


    Soon it was time for them to register, they went towards the crowd near the middle of the town center, Ryuu was hopping up and down trying to see through the crowd, suddenly he felt a strong arm grasping him and hosting him up in the air so he could see, "High Could See Far", came a deep rumbling voice.


    Ryuu: "Thank you, Han.", who just gave him a kind smile.


    Ryuu saw a few dozen stone steele erected in front of what looked like a stadium, the entrance of it had some veil covering it, but he could make out blurry image of many people behind it, some people went to the steele and placed their hands on it, a dozen deep voice boomed out simultaneously, "Male, 43 years, Zifu Disciple 5Th rank, Pass, "Female, 35 years, Zifu Disciple 4Th rank, Pass,


    "Male, 70 years, Zifu Disciple 5Th rank, Fail, Male, 62 years, Wanxiang Adept 1strank, Fail,.....


    As soon as the word failed was uttered the failed person was blasted off with tremendous force screaming as blood flowed from his/ her mouth, he was quickly dragged away by some people.


    Jack sighed, "Why did those fool do not understand only someone of Zifu realm and younger than 70 can enter the realm."


    Ryuu hummed as he thought how awesome would be to study and create such array, which even after so many years are still working. He idly watched as Rong Niu placed her hand on the steele, she gained entry and like her many others did but he noticed everyone who entered had a bracelet formed on their hands made out of array.


    Soon it was his turn, suddenly a shiver went down his spine as a stray thought ran through him, if all the ruins had such security it would easily reveal his secret to the outside world, no none shall know about it he will have to consult his Second Mistress about it. Suddenly an obnoxious voice came to his ears, "Oi dwarf did your mama not give you any milk you are so short, well come and be my foot stool I might buy you some."


    At that the surrounding laughed uproariously at Ryuu, never in his short life has he felt so much anger ''that smelly poop headed idiot, when I find him inside the ruins I will beat him so hard not even his mother would recognize him.''


    Ryuu retorted rather harshly, "Why are you here oh ancient one, you should not compete with us youngsters, you might dislocate your withered old bones just by walking."


    "Burn", a comment came from somewhere as many started laughing again. Ryuu glared fiercely at the arrogant hawk nosed man who had two scantily scant women with heavy makeup and perfume practically plastered with the man. Ryuu felt nauseous as he saw this people he grew up surrounded by many woman who made him respect the fairer sex a great deal, but this women acting like that made him feel sick. He shook his head as placed a hand on the steele. Then a deep booming voice erupted, "Male, age 7 years, Zifu Disciple 4th rank, Pass.", everyone froze at that, even the elders who were currently gossiping and drinking wine or tea, dropped their cups, a 7 year old Zifu Disciple, where did that little monster came from, the people awoke from their shock as pandemonium descended among the people, but before they could react Ryuu had already entered the stadium with his teammates,while the outside world was busy trying to discern his identity Ryuu was busy trying to decipher the array on his wrists. He suddenly felt many eyes on him, as he looked up he saw many eyes completely focused on him, which made him nervous and shy, he gulped before waving at the other participants, he mumbled out a weak, "Hello.", then he quickly went stood as close as possible with his team mates.


    Meanwhile the sects'' elders were busy contacting their respective sect head, "Sir, yes sir you have heard correctly, yes I will surely try to recur��. WHAT! You will be here personally,��.uh oh ��. DIVINE BODY! ��.capture."


    As the plotted and planned about Ryuu how to recruit or reason about his level or in some cases capture or kill, what they did not know that everything was being watched not only by Ryuu''s Martial Sisters but also his mother and teachers as well, who would never allow such nefarious schemers to touch him.

 37 The Ruins Part-2

    Bashista had frown in his face the kid is really troublesome, ''I would not be surprised if all the others target us because of Long Yu, but I should be grateful he has his hood up thus his face is partially covered, it would be too troublesome trying to save him from all those freaks.'', purposefully forgetting that a few hours ago he and his team were among those freaks.


    As the number of people entered the stadium, Ryuu aka Long Yu noticed a giant screen where a few numbers were displayed which was changing as more and more people entered.


    Long Yu:"Does that number showing on that giant screen mean anything?"


    Before his teammates could answer, a suave voice came from his side," That shows the number of participants that have entered, as more and more joins us the number also increases. Oh pardon my rudeness I forgot to introduce myself my name is Xiang Tian, may I know your name fellow cultivator.", as man wearing dull gray colored robes and his face covered with bamboo hat, gave a slight bow while cupping his hand.


    Long Yu returned the gesture, as he also gave a small bow while cupping his hands, "My name is Long Yu, brother cultivator, and thank you for satiating my curiosity.", Long Yu felt many people paying rapt attention to his and Xiang Tian''s conversation.


    Xiang Tian: "Fellow brother I could not help but ask you, you are so young yet so talented, do you belong to some school or sect."


    Long Yu smiled before answering, "I am not affiliated with any school or sect. I was taught everything by my family."


    Xiang Tian: "So will be joining som��.", before he could finish he was interrupted by Ryuu, "No brother I have no intention of joining some sect or schools, and currently I am happily learning my family arts, although I plan to join Shangri-La pavilion just like my Granny Mei."


    Xiang Tian: "Oh I see", with that he left them and went a bit further away, as he engaged in conversation with some other people.


    Ryuu frowned he did not like this person, when he was near this person his sixth sense was going haywiretelling him to keep distance from Xiang fellow, after a few time landing in the hospital after some training session with his teachers he learned to trust his sixth sense it spared him from trips to the hospital many times.


    Long Yu: "umm Guys that Xiang fellow was giving me bad vibes I think we should avoid him all together."


    The others listened but as they did not want to argue with the kid and have them garner some bad reputation in his grandmother''s eyes, they just smiled and nodded with a smile, while inwardly snickering ''the brat got cold feet so early.''


    Long Yu frowned then used one of the skills his teacher taught him ''Divine eyes'',a level 6 skill the best part is that the skill can be upgraded all the way to 9th level skill, which was then called ''Omnipresent Eyes.'', well this skill is useful in order to check illusions, it also helps in combat as it helps in tracking opponents every move, and discern which was he doing just now he used this skill, his eyes glowed a second as he tried to decipher what the conversation between Xian and other cultivators, most were unimportant and soon the person disappeared into the crowd of people.


    After waiting for a long time, a huge bell rung and the way into the stadium was closed, Long Yu glanced in an idle manner towards the screen only to see a huge number, 178395, he sucked a deep breath he will be going against such a huge number of participant.


    Suddenly a huge semi-transparent image of a person came up, "Welcome candidates welcome to the sacred disciple selection competition, I am...


    Long Yu was confused, ''Disciple??? Candidates????'', "What is the ghost talking about?", he asked his teammates.


    Bashista: "This is a holographic image of the sect leader before it was destroyed, this ruin is actually a test for those who want to join the sect, it was pre recorded message that still plays every time the trial starts."


    The Holographic image continued, "In order to become the disciple of our glorious sect, you all have to pass various tests the first of which is to transverse through the blood demon forest, although it is called a forest, but it has six different biomes, such as marsh, grassland, forest, ice, mountains and desert, you all will be teleported randomly, in each biome, you have to survive and collect at least 5000 points each by killing various beasts , the point system is as such


    1)Any monster below Zifu Disciple, is 0 points.


    2)Rank 1 Zifu Disciple is 1 points.


    3) Rank 2 Zifu Disciple is 2 points.


    4) Rank 3 Zifu Disciple is 3 points.


    5) Rank 4 Zifu Disciple is 4 points.


    6) Rank 5 Zifu Disciple is 5 points.


    7) Rank 6 Zifu Disciple is 6 points.


    8) Rank 7 Zifu Disciple is 7 points.


    9) Rank 8 Zifu Disciple is 8 points.


    10) Rank 9 Zifu Disciple is 9 points.


    11) Rank 1 Wanxiang Adeptis 100 points.


    12) Rank 2 Wanxiang Adeptis 200 points.


    13) Rank 3 Wanxiang Adeptis 300 points.


    14) Rank 4 Wanxiang Adeptis 400 points.


    15)Rank 5 Wanxiang Adeptis 500 points.


    16) Rank 6 Wanxiang Adeptis 600 points.


    Now I am a kind man hence I will tell you a small secret so that you may bypass the system, if you kill someone that person''s points will become yours. "


    Long Yu was startled at that he will have to kill, he felt dread thinking about killing someone, but suddenly his eyes glazed and he calmed as if nothing happened, unknown to anyone a certain set of runes placed at his neck glowed for a few seconds which calmed him down.


    "As I have already told you the rules it is time for me to say goodbye, see you at the next trial location, you have a week to complete all the biomes, if you fail you will be kicked out, if you die your corpse will be nourishment for the beasts, and your treasures, well finders keepers. Now if someone wants to form a team hold each other''s hands and utter the word ''TEAM'', you have three breaths of time before I finish speaking and you all are teleported. If you form a team with your friends you will be together with them in the same biome, well until we meet again.", with that the image disappeared.


    Long Yu quickly held his teammates hands as they all said the word ''TEAM'' together, the bracelet glowed before the color remained unchained. He noticed many people doing the same, soon a bright blinding light caused him to close his eyes, when he opened his eyes again he found himself in a completely different place, in front of him was....

 38 Seductress

    A musky smell of earth hit his nose, chirping of birds, Ryuu noticed they were standing on a forest floor, trees so big that their tops cannot be seen, so thick it would take twenty full grown men to even surround its trunk.


    Ryuu/Long Yu: "Wow, this forest is huge, so which of this biome that is the most dangerous."


    Bashista: "It is relative you see some may say snow biome, for some it will be forest", he replied with a shrug.


    Long Yu nodded at that, as they were walking he kept his ears open as he listened to the chirping of the birds and howling and growling of animals as well as noises made by smaller insects. Trying to discern anything he could find anything about the forest.


    Suddenly he heard a cacophony of various smaller animals as they fled, he only made out a few tidbit, ''run the seductress is here'', he showing extreme a agility caught a small red tailed squirrel, a level 1 Xiantian beast, the beast was scared, first he was running from that seductress now he was caught by a human, he had heard how vicious humans are, he cursed his luck, before closing his eyes waiting for his death. But death did not arrive to him, instead he heard the human speaking in his language, "Oy squirrel speak who this seductress is? If you speak truthfully I will release or else kukukuku."


    His kind was always known as faint hearted coward, but he knew well they were realist who knew their abilities well, as well as non violent beast, who detested violence as such they do not participated any form of combat. But he wouldn''t let this human push him thus he replied with great anger, "My lord my father, my grandfather, oh great ancestor please have mercy.", Long Yu glared at him, his Divine body acting its magic, he uttered only one word, "answer". "Yes yes my lord, the seductress is a Human faced Spider �Cscorpion.", Long Yu''s blood ran cold, he instinctively released the squirrel, who hastily ran away as fast as he could. Meanwhile his teammates were wondering what was he doing, "Brother Yu, what happened, stop playing with the squirrel, let''s go."


    Long Yu stammered out, "Yes let us leave", how could he warn his teammates now, without trying to tell about his divine body. Suddenly a thought occurred to him.


    "Brother, the beasts seemed restless as if they are fleeing from something, I caught the squirrel it seemed it was frightened beyond believe, there must be some strong creature coming this way."


    The others hummed at that they knew as a team their points are shared thus instead of mere 5000, they have 40000 in each biome to get a pass into the next biome.


    Bashista frowned before asking, "Long Yu which direction did they come from."


    Long Yu: "East."


    Bashista:"Tina Veronica scout ahead, we will set up ambush here."


    Long Yu took a deep breath, this was his very fast battle, a battle to death he had spar with his teachers, or some puppet soldier, but never a living breathing creature, he tried to calm his nerves as he thought of every possible attack scenarios and weakness of the Human faced Spider-scorpion.


    Soon he saw a panicked looking Tina and Veronica, "Run it is a Rank 7 Zifu Disciple, Human faced Spider-scorpion. ", at that all the members of shadow wolves had a grim face, among them only Bashista and Han were Rank 8 Zifu Disciple, others were only Rank 7 Zifu Disciple, except Jessie who was only Rank 6 Zifu Disciple the weakest before Long Yu arrived. A beast is always stronger than those of the same rank, but there are some who are very dangerous like this spider, it had scorpion like tail that looked like a very beautiful female, with a very enticing voice but in reality a very dangerous poison organ from which a very dangerous poison is released which effects anyone who breathes in or physically come in touch with it. The person becomes a thrall to the spider, who the spider uses to fertilize her eggs, then she uses the thrall as an incubator to her eggs, which when hatches eats the host alive from the inside.


    Long Yu was scared the last thing he want to become some baby spider chow.


    They were zipping through the forest for hours, when suddenly Ruth who was at the front stopped before signaling others to stop, before motioning others to be silent then pointing, they saw a participant, lying on the ground naked as he kept giggling in a creepy manner with drool leaking from his mouth, a huge spider lying on top of him, as something seemed to penetrate the man which was sending something round inside the man. It was black hairy spider, with ten of her eyes darting here and there keeping an eye out. A large beautiful woman looking tail was raised proudly, the face of the woman looked lifeless and a tad bit creepy to Long Yu, a live Human faced Spider-scorpion, and normally he would be happy to meet some new creatures, this was one creature which was near the top of his ''Never to Meet Ever list'', he wanted to save the poor man but jumping foolishly will do more harm than good, he looked towards his team leader waiting for his orders.


    He wasn''t disappointed, when Bashista gave the order to move to the rear, the will attack while the creature was busy from the rear, they will try to flip the creature, then pin down or completely cut off its tail. The abdomen was the softest spot for it the will attack it with everything, and kill it as fast as possible.


    The leader gave the signal and they attacked, Bashista and Ruth used their war axe and great sword respectively and attacked the beast in an upward motion with two loud cries, "Sky Splattering Axe", "Great Dividing sword", the spider gave a screech before it was turned upside down, the other wasted no time as they attacked the legs severing them as Tina and veronica riddled the tailed with arrows enough to completely immobilize it. The shadow wolves attacked their downed foe ruthlessly, bringing an end to their foe.


    The poor bastard was gravely injured, the attack which flipped the spider caused the proboscis to be ripped apart forcibly causing the injury, soon the man died, Long Yu was horrified at first but soon the array on his neck worked its magic, calming him down sealing away any traumatizing thoughts at the moment. Jack then poured a liquid on the corpse which then quickly eroded, the only indication of its presence was blackened humanoid spot on the ground.


    Tina came and kneeled in front of Ryuu, as he put her hands on his shoulder, "Brother are you alright?"


    Ryuu just smiled at her concern, "I am fine we are cultivators something like this shouldn''t brother bother this."


    Jessie smirked at his answer, "You are right kid, simple faer of death should not bother us."


    Some of them were not pleased, ''a child not traumatized by death, why do I smell some foul play here'', was the combined thoughts of Veronica, Tina and Bashista.


    They quickly dismantled the corpse as they put share of spoil in their respective space bag.


    Suddenly Long Yu drew his sword and attacked towards Han, "Joyous Rain", his attack went and hit something above Han, as loud thus and screeching came from behind him, he quickly jumped forward and stood beside his teammates holding his spear tightly, his blood turned cold as his face turned ashen if it weren''t for Long YU he would be dead because in front of them was a Rank 8 Zifu Disciple, Human faced Spider-scorpion, who was injured from the previous attack and looked furious.


    ''We are so dead'' a thought shared by all of them.

 39 Version 28

    To others it seemed like a screech, but Long Yu clearly heard a raspy voice, "You mongrels how dare you hurt me, kukukuku, you are different and more delicious, I will bring present you to our queen, damn aren''t you lucky to be father of thousands of my new siblings, Daddy~ dearest."


    Long Yu gritted his teeth this bugs from his ''Never to Meet Ever list'', were really testing his patience, wait a minute a 8th rank Zifu Disciple calling someone Queen and mother, there is a high chance that this Queen bug may be one of those few Wanxiang Adept monster, they will have to hurry or else if she arrives it will be disastrous.


    "F**k we have rotten luck", cursed out Jack loudly, neither the group nor the spider moved as they eyed each other.


    "Jack! There is child here do not curse in front of a child.", Tina scolded Jack with a scandalized look on her face.


    Long Yu did not pay any attention to it, he activated his ''Divine Eyes'' and ''Buddha''s Mind'', another Rank 6 skill he learned from Celestia, as long as this skill is active it calms one mind, also it allows them multitasking and parallel thinking at an insane level. But Long Yu knew he has only a couple of minutes before he will suffer backlash from using such high level techniques not only that he will be exhausted.


    He used a Rank 3 technique, Whispering Winds'', his elder sister Antariskh taught him, a supportive skill used to communicate with allies who are nearby a very useful and easy to use skill for those below immortal level.


    A faint whisper reached the group Shadow Wolves ears, "I have a plan", they quickly took a sideway glance towards Long Yu, who quickly explained his plans to others.


    Bashista in a scathing manner, "This is too risky we ca��", but was interrupted by Long Yu, " I trust you, I know I can trust my life on your hands. On top of that she is angry at me and targeting me specifically, thus only I can pull this off", he and his tem never understood, but they felt compelled to listen to a child.


    Suddenly Jack screamed out, "F**k, I do not want to die.", with that he bolted in a random direction as fast s he could, soon the rest of the shadow wolves followed suit as they bolted in different directions. Leaving a dumbfounded and scared Long Yu alone, who fell on his butt out of fear, tears appeared on his face, "Guys where did you all go", he shouted, but no answer came, the spider tried to sense for any presence nearby but she found none, oh well she will hunt them soon with her sisters, but first she will transport this child to her mother. "Please I did not do anything to you leave me alone", whimpered out scared Long Yu shaking in fear and the bloodlust from the spider.


    A dozer eyes leered at Long Yu as it jumped towards Long Yu, as it jumped towards its prey, its dozens of eyes locked into Long Yu''s dread filled eyes, all of a sudden, the dread vanished replaced by a sudden all too familiar glint appeared in the child''s eye, she had seen when her mother hunt''s her prey after luring the prey in a trap, she cursed herself she had become too arrogant and now she will fall in a trap, it will hurt a lot but she had confident she will escape from it but the jeers she will have to listen it made her blood boil in anger.


    Long Yu quickly executed a Rank 4 movement skill ''Floating Cloud Steps'', and moved out of harm''s way, as he shouted out," ACTIVATE", an array as big as half the size of the 20 foot wide spider formed on the ground underneath it, before it could react it was slammed by a combination of fire and wind, tossing it up in the air flipping it, it screeched in pain from being burned by wind enhanced flame, it had never in its long life suffered so much pain the flames roasting and charring the underneath of the spider black, its eyes became red with anger, it no longer wanted to capture him but wanted to feast on his flesh. But unfortunately it never got a chance, when it was completely flipped up in midair, two words glowed on its body "PARALYZE", "GRAVITY", suddenly the gravity around the creature increased to 100 times, the spider weighing a ton slammed from a height of 50 feet as if struck by a giant invisible sledge hammer creating a huge crater the entire forest floor in the nearby vicinity shook at the impact, Long Yu did not waste any time, he bellowed out, "NOW!!!!", soon his teammates appeared brandishing their weapons as the attacked the spider relentlessly.


    Long Yu winced as he saw the downed spider, the fall broke its carapace that was on top of it, and its tail caught between its body and the forest floor was crushed, as bluish white blood flowed out of it. Before he himself attacked with his favorite and only original skill, ''Joyous Rain'', his master''s gave the skill a Rank of 4, but at the same time encouraged it to see if the skill can be evolved and with lots of trial and error he created various version of the skill.


    Normally a skill of any rank is further sub divided into 4 different types from the lowest Low level, Mid level, High level and the highest Superior level, the Superior level skills are bit different from the other three because unlike them, this one has almost reached the next rank.


    Long Yu used his strongest attack skill, a Rank 7 Superior level Skill or which many may call a Pseudo-Rank 8 Skill, ''Joyous Rain Version 28'', this skill not only had the properties of the original Rank 4 skill ''joyous Rain'', but it was enhanced by combination of Grand Dao Of Sword, Grand Dao of Alchemy, Grand Dao of Ice and Superior Dao of Fire, the level 5 sword force shaped like raindrops, drilled into the spider, the Spider was burned, roasted, frozen and melted from the inside. Soon before the bewildered eyes of the Shadow Wolves team, spider died giving off a loud shriek, as loud flame burst from the inside as a part of it turned to ash, a part of it froze and then shattered before vaporizing to dust and another part melted giving up a pungent smell, indicating poison was into play. The whole spider was gone within a few breaths of time, nothing left except a few scorched marks and gooey liquid which was currently corroding the forest floor in its place.


    Veronica spoke for the first time with a slight hint of fear, "Long Yu what was that attack?"


    Long Yu gave a smug grin, "That was an experimental version of a skill I created almost a year ago."


    The Shadow wolves were stunned when hearing that, what kind of genius are they dealing with, such level of cultivation attained at such young age, mastery of array to the point it greatly injured a creature 4 sublevel above him, not to forget the attack which he claimed was created by him, at least a Rank 8 by their standard, not to mention the battle tactics and intellect. This kid will grow up to be a fearsome fellow whose name will echo in every corner of this realm if he lives long enough, their thought was interrupted when Long Yu coughed up some blood and they were horrified t see blood dripping from his nose as well, Veronica quickly stepped forward, as she checked on Long Yu, helping him to stop the bleeding as well as cleaning the blood of him.


    The others surrounded him, Ruth spoke up, "Brother you alright? Did you get poisoned?", everyone had concerned look on their face.


    Long Yu just shook his head before replying, "Do not worry, I am fine I just use a few support skill, to enhance my thinking and multitasking capabilities, as I exceeded the normal usage limit I suffered a little backlash nothing to worry about."


    Only to get bopped in his head by Jessie, "''Nothing to worry about'' my a**, do not use such dangerous technique if something happens we will not be able to get help in time.


    Ruth: "Here use this it will remove the smell of blood from your body, we do not want to attract some predator."


    After everything was settled the packed their bags again and set off. What they failed to notice was that a small spider of Rank 3 Houtian saw everything as it scampered off to notify its Queen about the death of one of its beloved daughter.


    Meanwhile Ryuu/ Long Yu noticed a number ''1'' appeared on the array on his wrist, he asked, "Why does my wrist have a number ''1'' on it?"


    Jack: "The point are usually shared by teammates thus ''1'' means we have collected 1 point till now, only 4,999 to go, we have to pick up the pace we only have 7 days to conquer all biomes."


    Long Yu grimaced at that, ''the creator of this trial was a miser.''


    While his group was busy chatting Bashista''s brain was running a thousand mile per second, the kid would have looked cute carrying that kiddy looking teddy bear backpack, but the battle prowess, the presence he told them to follow his plan, he could never forget it, when the kid asked them to no ordered them to follow his plan, he felt compelled to follow as if something stopped all logical reasoning of his brain only following his command was the only thing he wanted to do.


    The kid is dangerous, what is he?, is he even Elder Mei''s Grandson or is he something else masquerading as a child. He suddenly heard laughter as he saw Jessie making fun of the kid drinking milk from his bottle. While the kid was spouting how ''milk is awesome and awesome people like him only drink milk.'', he even cracked a smile on seeing the duo bantering, ''nah after all he is just a child, a child I do not want to make an enemy out of.''

 40 Boiled Red Lobster

    To my readers, before I start today, I would like to beg your forgiveness, as owing to exams i had an irregular release this last few days. I know how frustrating and disappointing you felt, but I am also grateful to you all for bearing with my selfishness, as such I promise to release a few bonus chapters in the coming weak as a reward for your patience. Thank you all and without further ado here is today''s chapter and as always if you like it please comment or give a review, if you have some complain please free to comment, I will try to rectify my wrong doings to the best of my abilities.


    ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________


    Half a day had passed the group had already amassed a total of more than 30,000 points they just finished a nest of snakes.


    Veronica was busy patching up Ruth and Han, she had just finished patching up others, the most difficult was treating the poison, because getting bitten by multiple snakes can be very deadly.


    Long Yu aka Ryuu proved very helpful, he quickly identified the type of poisons and collected the required herbs for treatment correctly, thus saving their lives. Bashista, was very grateful to Long Yu, a few moments ago he thought he might lose his beloved wife, but because of their newest member she survived, hell she is laughing and joking as if nothing happened. Then there was the ''wonder boy ''himself, the queen of the nest herself had doused him completely with her poison, yet here he is helping them by gathering all various medical plants and herbs which saved their lives. ''Is he even human'', only to slap himself mentally, ''what is wrong with me he saved the life of my beloved, if not for him she would be dead, now I am even doubting him I am ashamed such thoughts crossed my mind.''


    Long Yu: "I am fine for the last time, see all the cuts and bruises had been cleaned and bandaged already.", as he pouted towards Veronica and Jessie who had been fussing about his health.


    Jack: "Yeah Vero, Sis cut the poor kid some slack plus getting a few scars is manly.", as he winked at Long Yu, who giggled at his response.


    Jessie: "Shut up idiot you were not the one who was drenched in a poison by a ''Crowned Viper'', not just a simple snake but a 2nd rank Wanxiang Adept, the ''Queen'' of the nest, he shook it off like it was nothing before killing her, not to mention all those snakes that bit him, hell we had near death experience, specially Tina, her was the worst she was closest to Long Yu, and only had breathed in the noxious fumes of the poison she almost died, but he survived and later on saved us, the least we could do is make sure he is completely fine.", she finished her rant with a huff.


    Jack raised his hands in a manner to signify his surrender, "I give up I give up, but sis he might have some secret because of which he might have survived, it is his secret to keep, so stop pestering him, if he says he is alright then he is."


    Ruth: "Sorry Jessie but your brother is right Lady Mei might have given him some kind of protective talisman which saved his life so you do not have to worry about him, but at the same time Veronica is doing a splendid job of bandaging and healing I believe he will be alright."


    Jessie sighed at him in defeat.


    Long Yu: "Granny Mei did not give me ant protective talisman, as such I can assure you I never used any talisman or any special techniques to survive the poison bath."


    At that everyone was curious but it would be rude and uncultured to ask of Long Yu how he survived if he himself did not answer the question of his own violation.


    Long Yu: "Well about it I do not know how to answer it", he fidgeted in his place as he tried to fork out an answer.


    Bashista: "Brother you do not have to answer if you feel uncomfortable, we all have our secrets, so do not worry about it.", the others nodded it in support.


    Long Yu took a deep breath before he began," Actually to tell you all the truth, I myself do not know how I survived, when the snake drenched me in poison, I felt my skin burning, my eyes watering in irritation, but I survived, how and why I do not know but I will get to the bottom of it .", he finished his voice showing clear determination.


    Everyone around him had inclined forward to hear his secret only to face fault on hearing his answer.


    Jack stood up with anger in his face, "You stinking brat, I am only 28 years old, 28!!!!!!!!!"


    Ryuu snorted at that, "I am only 7 you are so old, at least four times older than me and who are you calling stinking brat, I jumped into that pond and washed up all those bad smelling stuff covering me."


    Han stepped between two, "STOP. TIME MOVING. A FEW POINTS. LET US FINISH."


    Bashista, "Han is right we have to move there are a few more points left to gather before we move on to the next biome. Brother Long thank you for protecting my wife and our lives."


    Long Yu blushed being praised so he replied bashfully, "It is nothing it is nothing you do not have to thank me, anyone would have done such a thing."


    The shadow wolves smiled at him, then quickly picked their things and left the clearing.


    Meanwhile Long Yu narrowed his eyes, as he looked at the small lake where he jumped off to wash of the poison from his body, although he put up a brave face he knew how much the poison hurt him, he felt as if his entire skin was burning, his throat felt parched, his eyes were burning. The lake was completely devoid of life, the poison had killed of all its inhabitants, the poison was so strong that a few birds who tried to catch some of this fishes, died immediately. Long Yu gulped at that he would have to consult with his masters regarding this incident.


    Meanwhile, unknown to them not only Ryuu''s elder sisters but his masters as well as his mother were keeping an eye on him.


    Antariskh: "Seems like all those medicines mother and you sneaked into his food, showed its result.


    Shamiran: "Yup I am pleased with the pleased with the result, and I think if his body builds a little bit more immunity towards poison then mother Veena and I will be able to perform that on him."


    Sylvana: "I cannot wait to see that day."


    Xiao Xiao: "If not for those medicines my baby boy would have died today.", she shivered at the thought of it getting drenched in Crowned Viper''s poison is a very painful way to die.


    Veena: "I am glad his immunity held out, also his performance till now is admirable, his usage of array, knowledge on botany and zoology is truly admirable, not to mention his battle prowess. But he really is unlucky.", which they all silently agreed to thinking back to the events that transpired a few hour ago.


    A few hours ago,


    Ruth: "I spotted a ruin, should we go to check it."


    Bashista: "We will but who knows what we might find there it can be dangerous as well as worthy of our time , or it might have been completely empty."


    All of them agreed with their leader, as the ventured into the ruin.


    They moved cautiously as they checked for any traps, but it seemed like the place had been cleaned of any valuable a long time ago.


    Tina sighed, "It seems it is really empty."


    They took a few steps when suddenly with a loud rumble, the ground caved in, causing the members of shadow wolves to fall in.


    ~Rumble Rumble~, the whole ruin collapsed as the pit which formed from the cave in tried to fill itself with the debris, fortunately the cave in was only a hundred feet deep, the team moved swiftly and got out of the way to save themselves from being buried alive by those falling rocks.


    Bashista: "Is everyone all right?"


    Jack: "I dislocated my shoulder.", he replied while holding his shoulder in pain.


    Jessie:"tch, grow up you whiny brat.", as she pulled her brother''s shoulder in place.


    Suddenly a loud hissing sound was heard, before a voice full anger and hatred spoke out, "You mongrels!!!! How dare you assassinate My Mate My King!!!!!!! How dare you kill my unborn children!!!!!!!", the slowly turned their head to see a badly injured Crowned Viper, half of her body crushed because of falling rocks, then a very terrible and sickening bloodlust hit them at full force. The beast in front of them was a 2nd rank Wanxiang Adept ''Crowned Viper'', who just went berserk when her mate died due to cave in and now seeing them in front she was going for the kill.


    The crazed bloodlust paralyzed them, as she lunged towards the nearest member, Long Yu and Tina, but owing to being pinned down by debris she could capture her prey so she did the next best thing she spat out her deadly venom towards the paralyzed duo."Die Die Die Die", as she shouted out, the array on Long Yu''s neck activated which forced him out of the fear induced paralysis. He swiftly kicked Tina out of harm''s way, the member''s of Shadow Wolves watched in horror as their youngest member was dosed in venom, Long Yu cried out in pain as he felt his skin burning.


    Tina, "LONG YU!!!!!!!!!", her shout brought everyone out of their shock, she took a few steps until the poisonous fumes caused her to throw up some blood and fall down to her knees. The entire team was enraged as the saw the fate of their youngest teammate. The moved into action only to stop on hearing a voice shout out, ''Joyous Rain Version 28 Hell Stabbing Thrust'', as a bright sword light erupted fromLong Yu''s sword tip, as it pierced the badly injured snake in her mouth, killing her as it blew his brains out.


    Long Yu stood up as the venom still on him fell to the floor making a sizzling sound, as steam rose from him. He coughed a little bit, "Captain please find a way out we have to leave this place now.", as he grimaced seeing the crushed corpse of the king and many broken eggs.


    Suddenly they heard a lot of hissing sound, although they could not understand but came to the same conclusion as him those snakes came to take revenge for their fallen king and queen.


    The next few minutes were a blur, the hacked and slashed their way out of the snake nest, they got bitten by those snakes who gave up their safety in order to kill the assassins, Long Yu slashed stabbed wildly, even with his amazing reflexes he was getting overwhelmed more often than not he kept laying various arrays on the ground, walls or ceiling of the nest as much as he could, soon they were out of the nest, as soon as they stepped out Long Yu placed another array on the entrance, he felt his heart skipped a beat as he saw snakes of various realms shape and size chasing after them, mad with bloodlust, he jumped backward as he uttered the word, "BOOM", no sooner did he utter the word a humongous sound was heard as multiple detonation took place the entire cavern system collapsed, burying and killing thousands of snakes,he turned around to see his team mates were all covered in guts and blood from snake extermination.


    Meanwhile the Ryuu''s mother almost suffered from a heart attack on seeing Ryuu getting drenched in poison.


    He did not waste any time as he plunged into a nearby small lake in order to get rid of the burning feeling, the icy cold water washed out the poison on his body he swam back to the surface, where he saw his entire team poisoned, among them Tina looked the worst, Veronica trying her hardest to save her team, as he neared them, he took off his hood.


    Jessie gave a weak smile on seeing him, "Kid you look like a boiled lobster hahahahaha."


    Long Yu would have argued and fought with her for calling him boiled lobster normally but seeing his teammates poisonedhe quickly went towards Veronica, "Sis Veronica tell me what do you needI am a decent Alchemist I might be able to find some of the herbs or medicinal plants you need."


    Veronica turned her head and winced at seeing Long Yu he might have shrugged the poison like nothing but he looked as if his skin had been pealed of completely living the red under skin beneath, ''The kid has high pain tolerance.'', "Long Yu if you can please search for....."


    Those few agonizing near death gruesome experience was really something. But unknown to them in the deepest part of the forest, a near dozen eyes glowed red with fury, "Children let us go and avenge your fallen elder sisters.", it gave out a command, as thousands of glowing red eyes lit up all around the cave as jittery noise came, the gigantic beast started crawling along with its children.

 41 Alpha Part-1

    The group moved through the forest, well more like others moved while Long Yu was skipping through the forest, with his teddy themed backpack on his back humming a lullaby while sucking on a lollypop. The others sweat dropped at it, they had a near death experience yet Long Yu is moving as if he is in his home''s backyard, sometimes it is good to be a child.


    Ruth who was leading them stopped suddenly, "There is no use for hiding I know you are out there."


    Suddenly few people appeared all of a sudden, Long Yu frowned when he saw those people looking at them he could see that they were injured and looked worse for wear.


    Ruth: "Looking at you it seems you all went through a grinder, so I do not think you lot can attack us and win. This will be the last warning leave before we decide to kill you lot."


    It was tense standoff, a single misstep will cause slaughter, Long Yu gulped at that.


    A black haired man came forward, his left arm was on a sling, indicating it was broken, he raised his remaining good arm in order to surrender, "We surrender fellow cultivator, we do not wish to attack you, but we would request an audience, please we know that it is too much to ask but please it is for the survival of all the participants currently alive in this forest biome."


    The team Shadow Wolves was startled to hear the word ''survival'', Ruth glanced at his team leader who nodded at him.


    Ruth:" Everyone except you take ten steps back and stand in a group where we can see you all and lower your weapons even the one still hiding", he commanded as he smirked at the person still hidden on a tree branch." The person who was speaking only him will step forward and speak where others do not try anything funny.


    Long Yu was watching everything with his eyes sparkling, it was like the scene from one of the picture book his mommy read to him a couple of months ago.


    The people followed Ruth''s command and the one the broken armed man stepped forward spoke with a smile, "Thank You friend for listening to my request.", but Ruth wasn''t one for any pleasantries, "Enough start speaking."


    The man rose his hand again in a placating manner, "Yes Yes, my friend, I hope you know that the auto teleportation array is already broken, so we have to use manual teleportation from the nearest teleportation tower which is at the center of this biome, and please call me Mingke."


    Ruth: "Yeah we know so what of it. Mingke"


    Mingke: "Well the Scorpion-Spider led by their leader, 6th rank Wanxiang Adept ''The Spider Empress Magkri'', has taken over the tower, it is now their nest, and also she has been attacking the other Emperors and Empresses of the forest, many tribes have fallen, she is taking mostly live hostages and you can guess why.", The Shadow Wolves grimaced as they could guess the why."So what do you propose?"


    Mingke with a smile on his face replied, "I hope you can see how injured some of us are", he indicated his people with his remaining intact hand." Well my team as well some others, made our way towards the tower only to fall into that harlots trap, many died and those unlucky ere captured alive." Long Yu could see the loss, anger and self loathing in his eyes, he truly pitied Mingke now, "While trying to escape we were rescued by the 3rd rank Wanxiang Adept current Ape Prince, his father the Emperor of the Apes was captured in a sudden invasion, only he and his little sister are left of the royal family as others were captured or slain, same for all the others, thus under his leadership we formed an alliance, we are searching for survivors like you all, we request to join us, I know you people are very strong but I also believe it will be foolish to attack or survive the Spider Empress alone. So I beg of you please come with us to the alliance head quarters."


    Bashista mulled over his options, the man seemed to speak the truth there is no deception in him, thus accepting it, "Very well we will follow you but if we see that you are duping us none shall leave."


    Mingke beckoned a thin man with several bandages on him towards him, "This man his name is Zico, he will escort you all, while we patrol this area looking out for other survivors. Well good bye then."


    Long Yu suddenly chirped in, "Wait do you have any way to contact the base if you spot the enemy."


    Mengke shook his head sadly, "No kid we do not have, if we are attacked we try to hold and buy time for our runner who would inform our base."


    Long Yu pondered before taking off his backpack, then he rummaged his backpack before finding a few pieces of paper, "Here take this talisman, it has communication array on it, just put it on your forehead then put some ki in it it will deliver your message to us, it has only ten uses so use carefully."


    Mengke took the talisman the kid gave to him, "Thank You kid but something like this is precious in such an environment, and you should use such thing for your teams only."


    Long Yu: "I know brother Mingke, my team mates have their own, it was just a surplus so keep it as a thank you for helping us."


    Mingke:"Thank you, and I humbly accept your gift."


    The Shadow Wolves moved from that position following Zico who was taking them, towards the base. Suddenly an urgent telepathic message came to him from Jack using the communication array given to his team by him a couple of hours ago, "Kid why did you give your enemy that talisman, they..."


    Long Yu frowned," Big brother Jack please come down I know they are our temporary allies for now, but that talisman is something different, hidden beneath the communication array it has three different types of array, ''Location'', ''Spy'' and ''Capture'', I hope you can understand where I am going with it."


    Jessie snickered, "Kid you are something else to think so far ahead."


    Long Yu basked in the praise, pranking everyone in Ayindril along with his elder sisters taught him a lot of things.


    Soon they reached a cave, they entered the cave and found, various animals there mostly injured from fighting some clinging to their lives waiting to die because of injuries, the alchemists worked tirelessly to save them, they entered a little bit deeper now they saw injured humans lying their waiting for treatment. He cringed when he saw some people crying for their loved ones and teammates.


    Zico lead them to what looked like a makeshift war room, Long Yu looked around and saw some people who he recognized as he remembered them from the stadium, until his gaze focused on Rong Niu, he chirped out happily, "Ya you are that ''Fan Girl''."


    Meanwhile Rong Niuwas pissed she was considered a prodigy who trained hard day and night unmatched in talent except when he learned of the freaky seven year old she wouldn''t mind being his friend but then this snot-nosed brat had the balls to accuse her of being a ''fangirl'', she will beat the crap out of him show what is meaning to cross her. A dark aura spread in the room, they all heard a low menacing whisper,"What did you call me brat?", everyone inched away from Long Yu even his teammates, they might be loyal enough to give their life for him, but no one was stupid enough to court death through righteous feminine fury which Long Yu himself called upon through his stupidity. Plus everyone heard the saying, ''beating someone when they are a child, builds their character when they become an adult'', well whether it is good character or bad they do not need to know for now.


    Long Yu without sensing the danger he is in continued to blabber out, "Yup, a ''Fan Girl'', after all you used a battle fan to defeat that fat idiot back then, I saw it although what you did I could not see as certain someone covered my eye". He pouted while turning his head to glare at Tina he was surprised to see them further away from him.


    Rong Niu, cleared her throat, '' a silly child gave her a silly nick name nothing to get angry about''. She gave a pleasant smile to Long Yu, "Well my name is ''Rong Niu'', and please do not call me by that nick name it is an insult to me so please do not mention it to me."


    Long Yu nodded happily, "Ok, by the way may name is Long Yu. But why is it an insult."


    Rong Niu giggled, "Tell you what I will tell you the reason after everything is over."


    Long Yu: "Pinky promise.", as he held out his pinky of his right hand.


    Rong Niu: "Yes pinky promise.", well after everything he is a kid, she will definitely succeed in her mission.


    Suddenly they heard a cough the looked towards an imposing looking ''Silver Back Gorilla'', with a scar over his right eye missing his right leg. "I believe an introduction is in order, but remove your hood child, you are in presence of royalty.", he spoke with a gruff voice.


    As he removed his hood, most were drawn to his unique look, heterochromatic eyes, with red hair, but they flinched when they saw a few patches of his white porcelain skin, the remaining looked like has been peeled off leaving a red under skin, must be from some accident.


    "Kneel before the royalty", said the same gruff voice releasing a bit of pressure, everyone one except Long Yu who just gave a curtsied bow.


    Suddenly he heard another voice full of anger, "Impudent arrogant hairless ape child, kneel before", as the full force of a 3rd rank Wanxiang Adept Ape prince''s aura slammed not only Long Yu, but others as well even though it was mainly focused on Long Yu, others felt it, everyone outside the room felt it, the entire cavern shook by his might, as dirt fell from the ceiling, scaring many.


    Many were scared for Long Yu''s fate after all he was a child, where as others watched with hidden glee the fall of another genius, all of them arrogant and die early, but the drama that follows is worth watch.


    The next thing was burned in the mind of everyone present there, they heard a low whisper like a calm before storm, "How dare you order me to bow.", suddenly the storm hit them, "I WHO HAD BEEN CALLED ''RYUU'', a ''DRAGON'' BY MY MOTHER, I WHO HAVE ONLY BOWED INFRONT OF MY MOTHER AND TEACHERS. HOW DARE YOU A MERE WANXIANG ADEPT TRY TO MAKE ME BOW WHERE EVEN IMMORTALS FAILED TO DO SO.", with that shout an aura 6th rank Zifu Disciple, slammed them hard, normally it wouldn''t have mattered as many were stronger than them but, Long Yu''s aura was going head to head with the Ape Prince causing a miniature earthquake inside the cavern, as everyone looked at him a sense of fear erupted in their heart, gone was a happy go lucky child, instead it was replaced by a ferocious predator, and they were helpless prey trapped inside the room, some forgot to breath, some well the smell of urine says everything about them. Suddenly a silhouette of a draconic creature formed behind him, Long Yu''s eyes were now devoid of warmth and kindness it was cold unbecoming of a child, and his pupil had had a draconic slit in it which seemed to be crossed by another draconic slit which crossed each other at the center of the said pupil. Then something unprecedented happened, the dragon opened his eyes the same eyes as Long Yu had, suddenly it overpowered the Ape prince''s aura completely, everyone felt to kneel down and beg for his forgiveness mercy, as steams rose from his body which, and he began breathing out wisps of smoke,his skin healed at an unprecedented rate, as scale started to form on his cheeks and hands .


    The Ape Prince suddenly laughed out loud, "HAHAHAHAHA brother why so serious I was merely testing the strength and caliber of you humans, please come and take a sit amongst us.", putting up a jovial face while inwardly he was scared and panicking, the child had the aura of an Emperor a true Alpha which surpassed even his father, he has to placate him and bring him to his side who knows what he might do in his anger.


    Suddenly the aura disappeared and all changes disappeared, "Ah you should have said so", chirped out Long Yu happily.


    Everyone sweat dropped at that ''bipolar much''. Then he spoke out with a frown, "I believe some of you should take a bathroom break, holding for long time will cause strange diseases to occur, and also it could lead to embarrassment, well I propose Prince to shift the discussion to another room it smells bad here."


    Ape Prince: "Why yes of course of course.", as he guided them to a different room, whereas the people who peed their pants excused themselves to get cleaned while cursing long Yu inwardly. But a thought ran through everyone''s mind, ''What kind of monster is he''.

 42 Alpha Part-2

    Nuwa stared at Ryuu''s image with nostalgia, she still remembered how her baby boy activated, what they named as ''Draconic Aura'' for the first time, a lone tear dropped from her eye. It was an emotional moment for them, Xiao Xiao understood even though she wanted to ask about Ryuu''s transformation she kept quite.


    Maheswara broke the silence with a hearty laugh, "HAHAHAHAHA, the brat finally started tapping into his Divine Body''s techniques.


    Celestia turned towards him giving him a half-hearted glare, "Seems like our butler lacks manner, should we reeducate him, sisters."


    Maheswara quickly bowed his head, "Sorry Madam I forgot my place, it will never happen again."


    Everyone giggled at that. Xiao Xiao, "Sister what is this transformation that Ryuu went through."


    Nuwa: "We called it ''Draconic Aura'', it is very powerful but since he activated it for the first time, he could just use a part of its real strength."


    Antariskh: "But it was nice seeing him put that gorilla in his place."


    Veena: "It really was nice, what an audacity to ask him to bow, but what is this about an immortal forcing him?"


    Sylvana: "Mama it happened a few months back you were not present in Ayindril at that time when it happened. We took our brother to visit the Outer region of Ayindril, while we were busy he gave us the slip as he went out to explore, then��.."


    Flashback


    Ryuu was amazed at what he saw so many different people creatures there, haggling, gossiping in the market, he was so busy looking at the scenery, that his inattentiveness caused him to collide with a person. The person was drunk as a skunk, he turned and glared at Ryuu.


    Ryuu gave a slight bow, "I am very sorry I was not paying attenti��.", he could not finish the sentence before he was send flying with a slap. The person if he was in proper senses, he would have never acted rashly as the clothes, Ryuu was wearing had the symbol of Core region, signifying him as an important member of the Core region."Prostrate before me like a dog and beg for mercy trash, maybe I will just only cripple you bastard.", barked out the man in complete arrogance, where his friends were jeering at Ryuu, a mere child bumped into him the only son of the Overseer of the outer region unforgivable.


    Ryuu shakily stood up, "I have kneeled only in front of my mother and my masters, the likes of you are unqualified."


    The bystanders winced at sympathy at the child, the son of overseer was a completely douche bag, tyrant and who uses his father''s name and power for all kind of depravity. The only reason he is still alive even after breaking multiple laws of Ayindril because his father the Overseer, protects him.


    Suddenly a humongouspressure fell on Ryuu, forcing him to face plant on the ground, his bone creaked as it started breaking under the pressure, tears pooled up in his eyes from pain, but he still glared at the person.


    A lackey suddenly came forward, "How dare you glare at His Highness, Your Highness let us make an example of him, let us skin him and then we should hung him at the center of the market place, this will teach this foolish peasants not to sully your good mood."


    The pompous arrogant fool mused, "Excellent idea, but before that I have certain itch that needs to be scratched, this fool will help me. Guards capture that peasant and take him to my chamber", he finished with a lewd depraved look on his face.


    Guards, "As you wish your highness.", they took a couple of steps only to be blasted off by a humongous pressure, greater than anything they felt in their life. Some of them just died because of it.


    A very angry voice reverberated, "How dare a spawn of the Outer Region Overseer, lay his hand on my baby brother. Overseer Jaffar get here this instance or your son dies.", meanwhile the arrogant person was brought back completely to his senses as the alcohol was completely flushed from his body, as he stared at the goddess in front of him with a hint of fear.


    Jaffar: "Who dares threaten me?", a man who looked like the fool only older came in soon enough with a few of his bootlickers, his arrogant demeanor was quickly changed into horror on seeing Antariskh, Sylvana and Shamiran. ''The bastard how did he manage to anger them?''


    Jaffar: "Your Majesty, what has this foolish child of mine did now, do not worry I will punish him so harshly that even his great grandchild will feel the pain, you do not have to dirty your hand trying to punish this bastard.", as he cupped his hand giving a sincere smile.


    Jaffar''s son, "But dad��", he tried to whine in front of his father only to be slapped hard by his father, "Shut up you stupid child.", before bowing again to the sisters.


    Sylvana: "You so called stupid child, harmed my baby Martial brother, do you think after what he raised his hand on a member of Royalty, he will be unpunished.


    Jaffar prostrated before the sisters along with his lackeys, he even forced his son to prostrate by holding his neck, "Please he is my only child of mine have mercy."


    Shamiran: "FUufufufu, we are very merciful, since you are afraid for your son, we will allow you to accompany him in his punishment.


    That day Jaffar''s as well as his lackeys family all met there death through torture.


    Venna whistled, "I never heard of that incident before, why were you late in saving Ryuu.", she finished with smile that promised pain.


    Antariskh: "Ma-ma w-we wer-were��", she stammered as she tried to make a proper excuse to placate her mother.


    Xiao Xiao: "Please sister, they saved their brother from peril, that is more than enough."


    Veena gave a sigh, "If you say so sister.", then she turned her attention to the screen.


    The sister''s gave a grateful smile to Xiao Xiao.


    Back in those trial grounds, Ryuu aka Long Yu, was escorted by the Ape Prince, who introduced himself as "Cheeta", who led Long Yu to dining place himself with extreme politeness, his previous haughty nature now missing. Some of the human who were forced to swallow their humiliation, looked at Long Yu with respect, as he put that animal in his place.


    Welcome Alpha, welcome to our dining room.", Cheeta bowed respectfully, at Long Yu as he welcomed him in the dining space.


    While Long Yu merely cocked an eyebrow at the politeness of Cheeta, as he thought inwardly, ''Alpha??? What does that even mean, hmm something else he will consult to his masters regarding it. Damn ''his to consult later with master'' list is growing ever since he stepped here.'', he just gave a curtsied bow at Cheeta''s greeting as he was led to his sit.

 43 I am an Alchemis

    Cheeta: "Please sir here is your seat.", as he pulled a chair for Long Yu to sit on it.


    Long Yu:"Many thanks Sir Cheeta, but I am your guest so I do not believe that I should be sitting at the head of the table of your household."


    Cheeta: "Please I insist that you sit at the head of the table."


    Long Yu:"Thank you for such an honor but I will feel extremely uncomfortable to sit at the head of the dining table as your guest so let me find a seat suitable for me."


    Cheeta relented to Long Yu''s wish, with a heavy heart as unwillingness clearly shown in his eyes.


    After everyone took their seat, Bashista could not help but whisper to Long Yu, "what was that?", as the members of his team leaned closure to hear Long Yu''s answer.


    Long Yu aka Ryuu: " I Do not know, I just got angry at him and now he is submissive to me, since we entered this trials many things took place, I have to consult my family after everything is over."


    The team Shadow Wolves seemed to except Long Yu''s answer but inwardly they were curious also tad bit annoyed, at him as everything they asked he gave the same answer, ''I don''t know''.


    Cheeta introduced everyone present at the table specially the beasts present. Long Yu greeted them with a smile, before his attention was drawn in by the Snake Prince Sakkara, a 2nd rank Wanxiang Adept ''Armored Python'', known for their defense which is strong enough to withstand attacks from opponents of entire realm above him, staring creepily at him.


    Long Yu: "Is there something you want to ask of me, Prince Sakkara?"


    This brought Sakkara out of his stupor, "Ah please forgive my impudence, but I could not help but notice you have the same stench as that traitor ''Yube'', and your teammates smell of the blood and guts of her spawn, did you kill her."


    Long Yu was confused momentarily about the ''Yube'' person then he realized the only person he killed recently was the ''Crowned Viper'' and her nest so maybe he was speaking about them, "If you are speaking about the 2nd rank Wanxiang Adept ''Crowned Viper'', then you are right we stumbled upon her lair accidently, and it was only because of luck I managed to slay her and escape her lair while killing her off springs. But we used masking powder so how did you find their scent on us."


    Sakkara: "How very interesting the stench I smelt was that of her poison, it seemed you were drenched completely by it, poison so strong even my late father would have died because of it, yet here you are still alive, really interesting. The reason I found out, is because of a secret technique of our clan."


    Long Yu nodded at that, soon they finished having their meal, and was once again escorted by Cheeta to another room which he dubbed as the war room.


    Many beasts as well as humans were present there, who watched Long Yu warily as he walked in with a stoic look on his face, and normally anyone would have called him cute seeing a feminine looking boy with a teddy bear backpack on his back, but his earlier display of power made them wary of him, even if some of them were a few rank above still they were wary of him, and some of them frowned they clearly remembered long Yu was 4th rank Zifu disciple, yet here he was not a single day has passed yet he is 6th rank Zifu disciple, what kind of secrets did the child hid, oh well after the end of the trials when their sect master arrives they will surely capture him and pump out each and every secrets the child held.


    The meeting regarding battle tactics went on and on, Long Yu was practically bored he propped his hands on the table while putting his chin on it, while his legs were swaying, he somehow stifled an yawn. The meeting was so boring.


    A 3rd rank Wanxiang Adept Human faced centipede named Garaga spoke out in an raspy voice, "I agree with the plan but pulling it off will be difficult, we lack manpower as most of our people are either poisoned or injured, if we could get help from some human alchemists it would have been great but the only one available is a low Xiantain level one who can only bring relief from the pain not cure the poison at all, if only we had a poison master.", he finished with a melancholic voice.


    Long Yu perked up at that finally he could do something without sitting here in this boring place.


    Long Yu: "Excuse me for speaking out of turn, but I think I might be help here."


    At that he gained an undivided attention from everyone present there, while some of them were annoyed at him seeing him acting in such a callous bored manner during the meeting but still maintained a stoic face as the current leaders of the tribes as well as humans beckoned him to speak.


    Long Yu although inwardly very nervous kept a calm expression which cannot be seen in any ordinary 7 years, as he spoke out," Well I am a peak Zifu Disciple level alchemist and poison master so i think I might be able to help them."


    Rong Niu glanced at the monster in a human child form,'' what is this child, now he will say he is even an array master of same rank.'', if only she knew.


    Cheeta: "Sir Long Yu, then I beseech you to please take a look at the patients, being both a poison master and an alchemist of such an rank there is a high chance you might be able to cure them. Sister if you please."


    A younger feminine looking gorilla stepped forward, "This is my younger sister 1st rank Wanxiang Adept, Cheema she will guide you to your patients.", she bowed at everyone before motioning Long Yu to follow her.


    Long Yu: "Well then please excuse me.", with that he left the room while inwardly scowling, as of all the many habits he gained from his masters, he gained an intense dislike for half baked knowledge. ''''Alchemist'' and ''Poison Master'', tch yeah right only fools would differentiate them, they are different sides of same coins under the Grand Dao of Alchemy, but because of fools breaking them into two different paths the break and devolve the Grand Dao of Alchemy into two lesser Dao of Alchemy and Poison, it makes his blood boil at the sheer stupidity, because as a result the quality of alchemical products and poisons have fallen drastically. Well he did not have time to brood as he came closer to the place where patients were kept. ''Oh well let''s get started.''

 44 I cured them

    A brown haired man snorted as Long Yu was led away by Cheema he whispered to his teammates sitting near him, "These apes are idiots, Master Moguu took 15 years full of blood sweat and tears to reach low Xiantian level in Alchemy and here some no name child who still smells of milk is claiming to be not only an alchemist but a poison master as well on top of that he claims to be a peak Zifu Disciple."


    A black haired woman one of his teammates replied while giggling, "So true brother what a fraud I pity this savage beasts, I do not know what kind of mumbo jumbo he pulled to garner these beasts respect but he is going too far, I would love to see Master Moguu humiliate that idiot, who had been claimed as once in a century genius by the Alchemist Association here in Ulart (The planet where the ruins are located)."


    Rest of their teammates snickered quietly, including some other teams who were nearby suddenly a feeling of sadness overwhelmed them, ''damn we are stuck here, we will so miss all the drama, damn what a bad luck.''


    Long Yu: "Miss Cheema I need some people as my assistants, they only need to follow my orders correctly, nothing more nothing less."


    Cheema: "I understand Mister Long Yu, currently we have near about 500 completely incapacitated here, there are others who are injured but since they can still move are performing various duties, as for assistants I can provide you ten including myself."


    Long Yu: "It is more than enough, but first answer me this are there any other poisonous beasts associated with the Human faced Spider-scorpion clan."


    Cheema: "There are some smaller spider clans but the patients here are all poisoned by Human faced Spider-scorpions."


    Long Yu: "Well I will ask for the other assistants later on for the time being , please take me towards your herbarium, also I need a quite room, I already have a poison sack from Rank 8 Zifu Disciple Human faced Spider-scorpion clan, I will study the poison composition and then try to create an antidote."


    Long Yu was guided to a room near the herbarium where he placed his backpack, and then he took out a big scroll which he opened up and placed neatly on the ground.


    Cheema then heard a faint whisper ''Jade hands'', she looked in amazement as Long Yu''s hands looked like that of greenish jade. She watched in amazement as she saw him gather a small amount of poison on a certain part of the parchment, the poison hissed then vaporized, as a part of the scroll glowed, she watched in amazement as Long Yu put his hands on those parts before removing a small notepad and pen from his backpack, as he furiously began writing down while muttering to himself.


    Cheema''s eyes seemed to swirl on seeing so names being written then they are being added, before some part being scratched out, while every now and then a creepy giggle would come from Long Yu, which made her want to run away from him out of fear.


    After what seemed like an eternity to Cheema, but in actuality a few minute, Long Yu held a piece of paper in front of Cheema, "Miss please get me the ingredients listed here if you do not have the same then I will try to change them accordingly, oh get me as much as possible."


    Cheema bowed and left, Long Yu quickly gathered his things, as he took out a cauldron from his backpack, placed it in front of him then he began to meditate in order to clear and calm his mind before he got ready to concoct the pills required.


    Cheema soon arrived with the required ingredients as she set them I front of Long Yu, who opened his eyes to glance at the ingredients, ''hmm stalk of fire grass, stem of moon flower, 50 year old red ginger, 20 year old blue water lily.''


    Long Yu quickly crafted more than five hundred doses of antidotes within a couple of hours, to be used against the poison, each of the pills were at least 65% pure normally he could go up to 80% but in order not to draw to much attention from fellow humans he produced pills of less purity.


    Long Yu: "Let us go and see the patients now, this pills will definitely cure all of them."


    Cheema was astonished to see so many pills concocted so fast, not only the pills themselves had an allure to them making it hard for her not to consume them herself.


    Long Yu quickly packed his backpack as he then helped Cheema pack the pills in a bag.


    Long Yu: "Well I would like to have those assistants now."


    Soon ten odd being comprising of humans and beasts stood in front of Long Yu. He began instructing them on methods to feed the patients.


    Soon after sometime one by one the patients started to wake up. Everyone started to cry in joy as loved ones embraced each other. While Long Yu was happy he had saved so many people.


    Then he frowned according to Cheema there were more or less about 500 patients, it was almost 30 less of 500 so he went to ask Cheema about, "Miss Cheema is this the only patients I was required to cure."


    Cheema was about to say yes when she suddenly remembered something, "Actually there are 25 more for you to cure but they are under the treatment of a very famous Alchemist, Moguu, according to you humans, they said him some kind of once a century genius, but you are much much younger than him yet you healed a lot of beasts and humans today like it was nothing, so I think if you do not mind will you take a look at those other patients.


    Long Yu: "Sure why not, please lead the way."

 45 I will borrow something from you to disguise myself better

    Long Yu was giddy to meet a fellow alchemist, even though that person may not follow the true Dao but a flawed one still, he was excited, his mother as well as teachers always warned him to never underestimate others no matter how weak a person seems to be even a non cultivator there is many things to learn from them.


    Long Yu followed Cheema into the room, where the people under Moguu''s care were kept, his excitement quickly vanished when he saw the patient''s condition, deathly pale skin, some of them had putrid smell emanating from them, some of their body parts had deformed into grotesque shapes and sizes as various liquids oozed out of them .


    Long Yu stammered out, "Wha-What hap-happened to them?", in front of him was a scene which he could easily say from those horror stories his sisters use to scare and tease him, but to see it in real life he almost threw up.


    Not waiting for an answer he quickly pulled out of his backpack various scrolls with specific array in them, with the help of which he quickly finished his investigation, the result of which startled him, an unbridled rage rose from within.


    Suddenly an aged and powerful sounding voice came to his ears, "What are you doing here boy, you are disturbing my patients."


    One of the followers of the speaker, suddenly whispered something into his ears, his eyes widened and spoke with a snarl, "So you are the young upstart fraud everyone is speaking about, really tricking all this ignorant people by your mumbo jumbo, but I will not be fooled by your honeyed words, what kind of people gives birth to a bastard like you, must be some whore in some seedy tavern, but I am a respectable man so if you kneel down and know tow while admitting your mistakes I am willing to take you as my slave."


    His followers started jeering at Long Yu, "Come on kid try to be honest once your life, maybe next life you might be born from a decent person, jajajajaja."


    "oi oi what is her rate all thisheavy work is making me horny, I hope you will get me some good discount."


    "Me too brother, me too."


    As the followers were jeering, Cheeta had already arrived along with others who were present during war meeting, as they had exited they had gotten the wonderful news about the Long Yu had successfully treated his patients and now has gone to check those under Moguu''s care, they had just neared the room when they all heard Moguu and his followers humiliating Long Yu, many whose friends and family who were saved by Long Yu were boiling with rage, ''how dare that sorry excuse of greedy hypocrite of a human insult our benefactor.''


    Bashista who was known to have the calmest mind amongst everyone in Team Shadow Wolves, was so angry at that moment that he wanted to cut down that arrogant piece of shit, but halted his steps when he heard a calm voice.


    Long Yu turned as he studied the fool in front of him while his eyes were covered by hair bangs, dressed lavishly, wearing to much ornaments and unnecessary amounts of clothing and accessory, a long beard with a few grayish-white strands here and there, standing there with a such posture and face that it would even make Buddha look like an illiterate before this wise man wannabe.


    Long Yu took a deep breath before he spoke out calmly, "Hydrangea grass, Ashen Mahogany bark, Blood of ''Flaming bats'', do you know what kind of reaction it causes when this volatile and in some cases poisonous ingredients causes when they interact with spider venom, You don''t know but of course you should, after all you did to these poor patients."


    Moguu was startled when he heard him say the name of the ingredients he had used to treat then he thought someone might have told the little fraud about it beforehand, so he snarled, "Shut up like you know anything about it, some no name rascal who is not even acknowledged by my''Alchemist Association'', as an Alchemist, dares to question me, the Great Moguu, who had been heralded as ''Once a Millennia Genius'', I who is the legacy disciple of the Chief of the association, someone bring me his head."


    A tall lanky fellow erupted with a powerful aura of rank 8th Zifu Disciple, went forward to kill Long Yu, others on seeing this tried to move in to protect him but were stopped near the door by any array, where as Long Yu kicked Cheema further away from him, he then dodged the punch, before catching the person by the wrist crushing it completely.


    "Ahhhhhh", a shrill scream erupted from his throat, as Long Yu looked up for first time, a shiver ran through everyone''s spine at seeing the cold looking cross shaped draconic pupils. "You wanted to know the rate right?? The rate of insulting my family is DEATH!!!!!", with that he yanked the person hard enough for his head to reach within his punching region, before he let loose a punch so powerful at his jaw, that all his teeth broke, his lower jaw turned dust, as he flew high enough that his head smashed against the ceiling, before gravity claimed its prize, skull caved blood pouring out of every orifice, a few death rattles later he passed away painfully.


    Long Yu gave a kind angelic smile as he spoke, "So who wanted some discount, first come first serve, please step forward.", when he saw no one moving he began in a kind tone, "Oh you guys are so sigh, do not worry you can all come together, because my discounts are too much for anyone of you to handle alone."


    Moguu, "This insolent cur, I have decided to capture him alive and use him as my lab rat, I will back you all up now go.", he ordered them as small daggers floated around him, all coated with poisons.


    Before he could make a move he came face to face with Long Yu, he heard a small click as he heard the re-sheathing of a sword, a smiling face of a child with his eyes closed and his head tilted towards left, the scene would have looked cute if not for the heads of the remaining 5 followers flying separated from their body followed by their life liquid gushing out like fountain, the heads had the expressions of shock, disbelief, and confusion written all over it.


    Everyone was startled at seeing this one second he was standing in front of the assailants and in the blink of an eye he transverse near about 10 meters while killing his enemy and oh Moguu is also dead now, as they watched the tiny terror had his hand placed on Moguu''s dantian already.


    Before he could react to Long Yu''s assault a very sharp pain went through his body, specially his dantian, "Oh big frog in small bucket, your so called association chief is not even fit to be janitor of the servants'' quarters in my Mansion, so what qualification do you have to make me kneel.", he spoke as if he was discussing weather with a dear old friend of his, but after he finished speaking he smashed both the kneecaps of Moguu to dust who howled in pain, "hmmm, what was that you called me, ah ''a fraud''."


    Moguu:" Please your eminence please have mercy, I could not recognize mount Tai and spoke out of turn, please forgive me."


    Long Yu: "Eh why is a ''respectable gentleman like the Great Moguu, who had been heralded as ''Once a Millennia Genius'', who is also the legacy disciple of the Chief of the association'', begging in front of a fraud like me, how curious, oh well since people might recognize a fraud like me I think I will borrow something from you to disguise myself better.", with that Long Yu ripped of his beard.


    Moguu: "Wahhahaha, MY BEARD MY BEARD, how dare you my association��..", his threatening was stopped by Long Yu, "tch Just shut up already", as he delivered a soul rendering, devastating kick, with enough force to cause a tiny crater from the shock wave, the only reason the fool did not fly off was because he was held by Long Yu, but the damage was devastating, everyone from the audience who was a male, or had male body parts in case of beasts, instinctively shielded them as they watched their eyes open wide open in horror, the soul trying to escape from their bodies, as they watched Moguu''s eyes become white, as foam formed in his mouth as he collapsed unconscious, a big blood stain mixed with various fluids forming at the front of his robes. Long Yu mused, ''Big Sis Shamiran was right males no matter how strong can be brought down by hitting on their pee pee hard, but the smell is disgusting, I want to take a bath and wash my feet properly, who knows what kind of disease he carried."


    He then broke his fallen opponents hands,before removing the array that prevented anyone''s entry into the room, "Well you all heard what this failure of an alchemist just did, so treat him however you wish, Prince Cheeta, meanwhile I will try and see if I can at least save the poor patients.", with that Long Yu went to check on Cheema to see if she was alright.


    Prince Cheeta nodded dumbly at what Long Yu said, as he and many others were disturbed at seeing the brutal display by a seven year old, even if children mature faster mentally and physically compared to normal non-cultivating children when they start cultivating, but still seven was a bit young.


    Veronica frowned she could have sworn that she saw something glowing on Long Yu''s neck, she will have to investigate later on, when they will be alone and definitely not in front of so many strangers.

 46 Immortal Warriors

    Long Yu held out his right hand, as he helped Cheema to stand on her feet, before giving a small bow to her, "I Long Yu humbly apologize to you, Princess Cheema, those assailants were after me yet I foolishly got you involved, I hope you will forgive my insolence."


    Meanwhile Cheema''s brain was going haywire, the aura specially Long Yu''s divine body''s aura was making her want to submit to Long Yu to obey him as her Emperor, her alpha to worship him as her God.


    She somehow managed to say, "It is completely fine your Highness, and please have my gratitude for protecting my life.", as she gave a bow to Long Yu.


    Long Yu meanwhile was startled, ''Highness, why did she call me highness, only during my visit to Shangri-la headquarters was I addressed as one, but currently I am going incognito did she figure out my real identity I have to be careful.'', as he stiffly nodded at Cheema.


    Long Yu: "Well I will have to operate on this poor people, for that I need some space, and more people, at least four for each person, do not worry I need to make some preparation before the operation as I have to operate them at the same time, else if I do one by one it will be too late to save them. Oh and also please get me the ingredients I have written in this list", as he gave a rather long list of ingredients this time.


    Cheema: "I understand I will try finish preparation on my side", as she led Long Yu to an empty large room before leaving him alone.


    Long Yu took a deep breath, he was about to do something which he had read in passing from a book in Ayindril, he was curious and asked a few questions about it to his masters, he understood the theory but never got to see it work practically, this is going to test him about the knowledge of medicines and array to the fullest.


    Meanwhile back in Ayindril,


    Xiao Xiao smiled proudly at Ryuu aka Long Yu''s battle prowess, but still frowned seeing his ruthlessness, " Really, a hundred years genius, and yet making such silly, completely beginner like mistake, it never sizes to amuse me how people from such ��.. well if I were to borrow my child''s words,'' big frog in small bucket'', becomes so arrogant with a little bit of power, but do you think Ryuu will be able to save them."


    Veena: "hmmm, if Ryuu gives his all he will definitely be able to save their lives, but it will be a tough may be the toughest challenge till date for Ryuu, but I trust him he will be able to pull through. Although completely curing them is another matter altogether, those mutations are semi-permanent, and I doubt anyone below Immortal level, can help them, even that person should have a very thorough understanding of alchemy and physiology. hmmm", as she mused carefully on Ryuu''s patients before sighing in defeat, "Ryuu should euthanize them, even if they are saved it will be living hell for them. That mongrel, Ryuu should have skinned him alive."


    Nuwa: "As much as you may want Ryuu to skin him, he is only able do so much because of the array used by Sylvana and the Divine Body."


    Xiao Xiao: "So true."


    Celestia," Still he has been performing remarkably. I just hope he is able to defeat the ''Empress'' without any incident."


    Ryuu/ Long Yu had finished his preparations a long time, he was meditating trying to remember every bit of knowledge to heal and save the lives, he himself knew it would be near miraculous even if he goes all out to save them, but the physical deformities and mutations, there was no way he could cure them, and in some cases the patient might be better off be dead the amount of pain they have to suffer just trying to stay alive, is he doing the right thing?


    Tina: "Yu may we come in", as they knocked on the door asking for permission to enter.


    Long Yu took a deep breath, in order to put away his insecurities, before giving them permission to enter.


    Jessie: "We were looking for you, after the fiasco with that fool, how are you holding up."


    Long Yu: "I am fine."


    Tina: "You are anything but fine, tell us what happened.", giving a look which meant no nonsense.


    Long Yu gave a sigh before answering, "That man he, he did many bad things, all those he treated cannot be cure, heck saving their life will be near miraculous, as for curing those mutations and whatnot, is not possible at least by my knowledge,even if I save them they will be in so much pain, it would seem merciful to grant them death, I do not know what to do, I could give them rest and peace by euthanasia but I would be killing innocents I do not know what to do."


    They were startled to hear it, they had no idea that so called once a century genius had caused such a problem, Bashista kneeled beside Long Yu, "I think the decision should rest on the family members, just explain to them, let them decide."


    Long Yu, spoke for few minutes before he went to address the family or any relative of the patients.


    When he went near the sick room where they were resting, he saw a large commotion, as they were trying to waiting patiently for Long Yu to treat them.


    Long Yu stood near the doorway cleared his throat bringing everyone''s attention towards him, being the center of undivided attention he noticed all those hopeful eyes locked on to him and now he was going to disappoint them breaking the bad news to them never in his entire life has he felt so ashamed of himself, Bashista standing behind just gave his shoulder a small squeeze, "Hello everyone my name is Long Yu and I know many of you are waiting patiently for me to cure your loved ones, I assure I can save their life with ease, but I am ashamed to announce in front all of you, about my inability to cure them of their mutations, they are beyond my current knowledge.", a commotion erupted amongst them, but before they could speak Long Yu began addressing them. " The mutations caused by the quack is very bad, even if their lives are saved they will never lead a normal life, their life will now be filled with pain so painful that they might even kill themselves to get rid of it. So, I will ask you whether you want them to survive and live a painful life or do you want them to pass on peacefully when they are comatose please tell me your choice at most I can give you an hour to decide more than that I won''t be able to save them."


    Everyone present except the Shadow Wolves were horrified at what they heard people started screaming, shouting, some even started blaming Long Yu, meanwhile during the entire chaos Long Yu stood silently his head bowed, currently he found the floor more exciting at that moment, tears started to form in his eyes. His teammates were pissed, this overgrown beasts and animals, can''t they see the child is trying his hardest how could they demean him like that.


    Suddenly the communication tag inside his pocket vibrated, Long Yu quickly picked it up, "Hel��", he was cut off from a panicked voice from the other end, "Hello is anyone from Head Quarters responding, please respond."


    Long Yu recognized the voice to be Mingke''s, "Mingke please respond what happened?"


    Mingke: "Brother, we are surrounded the Empress is herself leading the charge from the east, they will reach Head Quarters within a few hours, please warn them."


    Long Yu: "I understand brother, please fall back and retreat to a safe place try to stay hidden until everything is over."


    Mingke: "HAHAHAHAHA, sorry brother but this will be our last stand, kid if you survive grow strong and live for us, hahahahaha. ", with that the connection was cut.


    Long Yu: "Hello Migke Mingke can you hear me....., damn the connection is gone."


    By then most people of the cavern, were listening a panic erupted among them, only to be squashed by a bellowing voice as an aura of rank 5th Wanxiang Adept flooded the system, "Silence!", at that everyone was quite, as everyone eyes went towards a feminine Gorilla, "Mother", a choked sobbed came from Cheema and Cheeta, the female looked at them with a kind smile, before giving a stern look towards Long Yu, who winced at seeing how grotesque the right side of the gorilla looked because of all thos swelling and pus. The gorilla spoke, "Boy can you fix us enough to fight in this war."


    Long Yu was startled, "Yes but I do not��.."


    Female Gorilla: "Boy, I do not care what you think, just fix me and my fellow household, we are warriors, we die in battlefield not lying in some hospital bed, and now hurry up will ya."


    Long Yu was stunned, not only him everyone present were stunned hearing the declaration of the warrior, this gorilla reminded him of his mom fearless to the end, so he gave her a smile, "Understood your Highness, I will fix you up as good as new, and thank you."


    With that he quickly started giving orders to others as he helped situate the patients in order to operate. ''That woman cleared my doubt, I will heal them I will fix them, they are warriors how could I insult them through euthanasia, they are immortals who exists in battlefield'', with new vigor he began his job.

 47 Regicide Part-1

    Long Yu: "Well here it is done. I healed you all to the best of my abilities, and now I am tired and need some sleep, so please excuse me.", with that he somehow tried to drag himself to resting place, even keeping his eyes open was difficult for him.


    Suddenly he was hoisted up by Han, Long Yu just gave a tired smile before falling asleep while holding his teddy backpack like a stuffed toy. As he was carried away to his resting place, people gave a wide berth to him.


    Rong Niu was watching closely to everything, the more she watched more she was impressed, such discipline, strength and knowledge truly impressive, but all this set alarms inside her mind, what kind of power was behind the development of the child, among all the powers present his father may have been the strongest, rank 6th Immortal, stronger than any of this so called powers present, even the elders of her sect are immortal, but even with all help in order to reach peak of Zifu Disciple to be heralded as genius she was still in twentieth year of birth yet someone who was 7 years old already at the middle of Zifu disciple rank, if she was not mistaken at the beginning Long Yu was rank 4th Zifu Disciple, within a day he rose two ranks. Even the most callous nincompoop can be made immortal if enough resources are spend on them, thus Long Yu''s power can be explained but his knowledge, his firm foundation, no no matter what can only be gained by hard work . Maybe finally after such long time she might have found someone who could relate to her someone worthy of her time and friendship. Yup it is decided she will befriend Long Yu not because she was ordered to but because she wants to. So with that in mind she approached Long Yu''s teammates who were keeping an eye on him like a hawk.


    Rong Niu: "Hello I hope I am not disturbing you all.", as she approached Tina.


    Tina: "No not at all, you are not disturbing us in the slightest. Oh where are my manners, my name is Tina.", as she extended her hands in order to shake it with Rong Niu.


    Rong: "My name is Rong Niu, and I hope we could work together to get out of the mess."


    Tina: "Me too sister me too, this fine ladies with me are Veronica and Jessie.", she introduced the female teammates near them, who simply waved their hands towards Rong Niu with a kind smile on their faces.


    Rong: "I hope the kid gets all right he was working really hard and there are only a few hours at most before the attack."


    Everyone nodded somberly at that, Jessie, "Our team is pro at exploring ruins, but still if not for him many would have died."


    Rong latched into that piece of information, "So he joined you for this exploration temporary."


    Tina sent a discreet glare at Jessie, the blabbermouth of the group, for letting slip the information even if this level of info was mostly inconsequential, but still some of them are very sensitive and secretive which they would take with them to their grave.


    Tina tried to change the current topic of discussion, "So where are your teammates."


    Rong snorted in an unladylike manner, "Teammates, more like horny pigs maybe planning to impress me uh I hate it sometime I wish to run away but I am stuck with them, even the couple of girls present are trying to hook me up with the so called ''Genius boy of our Sect'', ugh it is disgusting. Enough about me what about you all.", they chatted with each other as they warmed up with each other.


    The time passed on and after almost an hour, Long Yu woke up, he was startled at first before remembering where he was, after takinga deep breath he relaxed himself, he left his room only to find his male teammates playing some card game with each other, while the female members were busy gossiping with Rong Niu.


    Long Yu: "Hey everyone what is the situation?"


    Shadow Wolves, "Long Yu are you alright, did you rest well, do you need anything??", his teammates fired one question after another at him.


    Long Yu: "I am fine and I have rested well and I do not need anything at the moment."


    Rong Niu: "Well the child wonder himself, what you did was a miracle kid."


    Long Yu: "It was not miracle anyone with half descent skill and knowledge could pull it off."


    Rong Niu: "Not everyone, I have seen plenty not everyone could do what you did out there, so stop being humble and take the credit when it is due. But on unrelated note may I ask you a question."


    Long Yu nodded at that before replying, "Please ask away."


    Rong Niu, "Who is your master?"


    Long Yu even though he was fully drowsy was fully awoke at that, he noticed many people who were nearby discreetly trying to listen through their conversation. Long Yu gave an apologetic look before answering, "I am very sorry but my master made me promises never to reveal his/her name until given permission to."


    Rong Niu gritted her teeth at that including many as they failed to discern his master''s identity for now, but then Rong Niu, "If I may ask how strong is your master."


    Long Yu thought hard at this question he had never bothered asking how strong or at what level his masters are, "To tell you the truth I never bothered asking them but a few months back I had a scuffle with a douche bag who hurt me bad, I had gone to a fair with my martial siblings and got lost in the crowd during that time I accidently bumped into that fellow who tried to kill me because of that, that fellow even if he was a bad meanie he was still a low level immortal and his father was the boss of the region, who himself was peak Golden Immortal level.", at that everyone was enraptured with the tale as more and more people gather trying to solve the enigma that was Long Yu.


    Long Yu took a deep breath as he continued, "When my martial siblings found me I was already lying on the ground, bones broken that prodigal son had used his aura to bring me down on the ground as I was trying to stay awake from all that pain, my siblings arrived as well as the father of that douche. I do not remember much but I clearly remember one of my siblings treating me and the others they did not move from their position but I clearly remember seeing the boss and his son including his followers were lying on their floor begging mercy from their siblings as their bones broke from my siblings'' aura, same way the douche broke mine. Later on I heard they were executed for harming me."


    A chill went down on everyone''s spine what kind of strength does one require to break the bones of an immortal just by presence alone, Long Yu continued, "I had asked once how strong compared to master were my martial siblings."


    Rong Niu gulped as she asked, "How strong are they?"


    A ghost of a smile crept on his face as he answered, "Even if my siblings were to go all out they will not be able to scratch my master.", at that everyone went pale, whereas previously an unknown feeling of happiness, pleasure and elation rose from within Long Yu aka Ryuu, ''what is this pleasant happy feeling I want to feel more.''


    Suddenly a deep rumbling horn was heard signifying the arrival of enemy forces, the cavern entrance was converted into that of a fort, as anti climbing array was applied by some array masters in order to prevent the spiders from climbing, as the cultivators stood on top of the walls, the Shadow Wolves raced to their positions, Long Yu was ushered to where the Royalties were present, Rong Niu following him closely.


    Long Yu greeted the rank 5th Wanxiang Adept, ''Gorilla'', by giving a short bow, "Your Highness."


    The female Gorilla, "Normally I would have granted you a boon but this current situation does not bide for it, still I am instructing my children if the situation is dire, to flee while taking you, you are still a child and from what I know if you could hold out for a few more days you could be teleported out of this accursed forest."


    Long Yu: "I beg your pardon, your majesty, but I must protest I may be still a child but I am still a warrior I will never show my back to my enemies."


    The female Gorilla looked into his eyes before smiling which felt hideous and scary to Long Yu because of those scars, before giving her entire attention towards her enemies, a low grunting of Gorilla was heard, which Long Yu heard clearly as his eyes went wide open, ''kid, I know you can understand us unlike those other human, who can only speak after we gain the ability to converse in your language on reaching Wanxiang Adept rank, so listen carefully, sometimes it is wise to retreat if could win later and save more lives now retreat is optimal, many of your brethrens will do so but will get hunted because retreat may not be possible without our help, us who knows every nook and cranny of this forest, so stick closely to my children live today to fight another day. If it were before this crisis we coul d be good friends, me my husband and you. Remember to grow strong so as you do not feel despair like today, remember to learn more as to not feel ashamed like today and more importantly, remember your comrades who stood byyou while facing death, my name is ''Chamelie'', the ape Empress.


    Long Yu wiped a stray tear that flowed down his cheeks, his eyes blazed with determination, as he replied with a grin in the native tongue of the beasts completely astounding those who did not know, ''Empress Chamelie, my real name is Ryuu, I am a ''Dragon'', and I will see who those cretins has guts to take my head, and after everything is over I would love to be your guest at the after Victory party along with all my comrades.'', as he gave a heartwarming smile showing his resolve to everyone present near him who responded in kind, as beast all chirped and growled with determination. Thus began one of the bloodiest battles in the forest biome of the school trials.

 48 Regicide Part-2

    "Projectile, load, volley", a shout came from on top of the wall, as every cultivator beast or human who used ranged attack fired continuously on the incoming spider waves.


    Cheeta: "It is wastage of resource, stop firing stop firing.", at his shout the firing stop the spider''s gave the impression they would charge moving forward then moving in a circular fashion before retreating back. "Do not attack they are merely fodders they are here to check the defense and waste resources."


    Chamelie: "After noon shower, they are waiting for afternoon shower, they rain will decrease the visibility of humans, many of us beasts including the spiders can move unhindered, even the snake tribe will have problem."


    A random cultivator voiced out, "What if we light the forest in fire?"


    Sakkara:"Wow what a wonderful idea, why don''t you light yourself on fire, it will be faster than lighting the entire forest in fire to commit suicide."


    The man blushed in embarrassment, it was not helping when his friends were making fun of him.


    The waited for a long time although they might have attacked and cleared those foddera long time ago, but they would have lost valuable resources and when the real danger arrives they would be sitting ducks.


    A loud thunder was heard and soon it started raining cats and dogs, it was getting difficult for the humans to see, and the deafening sound made it harder for them to hear.


    Long Yu was happy, his strongest attack was derived from the principle of rain, thus it was stronger when it rain, he was confident enough to have an increase in attack strength.


    Suddenly a shout was heard among the lineup, as the trees fell, "Goliath", Long Yu heard someone shout out, soon a few dozen big hairy looking spider came into view, even the smallest was above 25 meters where the largest just below 40 meters mark. These slow moving spiders had only one job to break down the fort.


    The same fellow who had ordered the ranged attack once again ordered, "Use flaming projectiles, Goliath are susceptible, to flames take aim at the joints of its legs it is their weak spot and fire."


    Soon hundreds of flaming projectiles rained on them, normally the rain would have stopped the fire but some of them had presence of the Dao of fire thus igniting the spiders in flame.


    Even with fires lit on them the Goliaths mad a mad rush, their job was simple, either breaks down the wall or form a bridge between with its body for other spiders to climb.


    "Do not let it near use array master use talisman to stop its advance", the lumbering hulk of a spider, soon collapsed due to injuries it sustained by relentless bombardment. The furthest that was reached was a few dozen of meters.


    Chamelie, "Not good, anyone who is good at using fire based attacks, quickly use ranged attacks and lit those bodies up, the faster it turns to ash the better, hurry hurry."


    Soon a loud cackling was heard a sound produced due to constant collision between various spider carapaces. A huge swarm appeared consisting of various types of spiders. Why Chamelie was urging for th body of Goliaths to be burned down became clear because very soon a type of spiders known as ''Jumpers'' started using the bodies as jumping stage.


    The jumping spiders were done in easily, for cultivators these creatures were easy picking, even if some managed to hurt a few of them there was no major incident.


    The way of the battle was going smoothly, but this was what worried the higher ups most, it was too easy in their opinion, not only that the enemy higher ups were nowhere in sight.


    Soon night came, everyone was tired but night time was the best time for the spiders to hunt. The cultivators were constantly patrolling on the walls, Long Yu was huddled with his group, and they had just finished their dinner of dry foods. Rong Niu stuck with the team as much as possible.


    Rong :"Yu what are you drinking?"


    Long Yu with a proud smile answered, "Milk, why do you want some?"


    Rong Niu scrunched her face in disgust, "No thanks I pass I do not like milk."


    Long Yu just shrugged seemed not many liked milk.


    "So Yu what do you do back home?", asked Rong Niu.


    Long Yu was surprised because of the question, ''this woman is really nosy but what is she trying to discern.'', "Well not much just study, practice, reading the usual, but enough of me what do you do big sis Rong.", but before he could answer a flamboyant person came in, "Ah here you are Rong what are you doing with this peasants, you should be with us."


    Long Yu did not like the person in front of him, he smelled too much of alcohol, he does not like the smell as such no one drinks in front of him but here the person looked like he was swimming in it. ''Wait a minute I have seen him before, ah that bumbling fool who called him a dwarf. Yes there will be reckoningfor it, I am anything but patient I will exact my vengeance.'', if the people in Ayindril had heard his monologue, specially the part where he calls himself ''patient'' they would have vomited blood before spanking him.


    Before Rong Niu could answer a shout went out "Enemy Attack", as couple of cultivators was whisked by strong string of web out of the wall as they fell between the spider swarm where they got quickly got devoured. The cultivators started firing attacks and soon the spiders ran away, far from fort and hid themselves.


    Bashista: "Something is not right why are they wasting so much time, no it seems they are stalling but for what??"


    The obnoxious fellow, "hmmm a few insects trying to be our superior, those idiots should have just upped and gave away their lives for some animals, people should be smarter like me, I will wait for a few more days the trials will end and we would be home, why waste our time some animals."


    His words mad everyone present angry, Rong Niu spoke out in anger, " You asked why I am with this peasants, the reason is because this so called peasants have the guts and drive of a cultivator, not like some fucking coward who has to hold his daddy''s hands just to pee even when he is nearing his thirties."


    Anyone within hearing range could not hold it anymore they burst out laughing, all the while that idiot was going through different shades of color black red green and many various shade, "You You You��."


    Suddenly he felt a tug on his sleeves as he turned to see probably the most cutest child, who looked up to him with innocent eyes holding a small blanket on his left hand, ''such a cute beautiful child, such soft looking skin I want to touch her rub her'', as he raised his hands to touch the child a melodious voice entered his ears, "Big brother please use this blanket, mommy tells me if you cover your face up all the danger will disappear so take it.", he was stunned before he understood the implication of what was being said, with an angry huff he left. The scene caused even the most stoic persons to laugh, Rong Niu went up towards the child as she wiped a stray tear which formed from laughing uncontrollably as she took a good look at the child under moon light she was stunned before she did not have a chance to look closely, but now the child, no an angel stood in front of her, an angel she wants to possess to keep it by herself, so that only she may touch, only she may feed and clothe, her eyes darkened her breath labored, a healthy blush adorned her cheek as she rose a shaky hand to touch the angel.


    A sudden hand quickly hid the face of the child using the hood he was wearing, as Veronica''s voice came to be, "That was hilarious Long Yu."


    Long Yu gave a bashful smile he was about to speak but was cut off by a shout, "Enemy Arm yourselves, defend yourselves" ran through the night, but it caused a chill in their spine, as the enemies had somehow broken through inside the cavern where they were taking shelter and all the non combatants were staying hidden.

 49 Regicide part-3

    Long Yu: "This is ridiculous how did they appear inside the cavern?"


    Bashista: "We can discuss ''how'' later on now try to stay alive and in one piece."


    Spiders and more spiders poured in, the cultivators were fighting tooth and nail, there was no escape there were spiders outside the fort inside the fort.


    A random cultivator, "The injured and young have barred themselves inside a large hall but we are cut off by these spiders. We have to make a way towards them."


    Another cultivator: "The hell with them, they can rot we have to escape from here. I don''t want to die"


    Soon the unity started waning amongst them, majority wanted to flee but they have no way out.


    More and more cultivator began to fall due to chaos.


    "Enough!!!, have you guyscompletely lost your mind, pride, and strength, you are letting this critters who are not even a Zifu, walk all over you have you no shame, look over there a child is fighting where you grownups are herehiding behind a child''s back, you should just commit suicide if you young masters and young mistress are so afraid to fight. Disgusting.", many were stunned to hear this specially from the ''Goddess'' of their dreams Rong Niu.


    With renewed vigor they started fighting pushing back the spiders, men and beast fighting side by side. After the little speech Rong Niu made her way towards Long Yu who was at the forefront, her steps looked as if she was dancing.


    The frontlines were messy, corpses were piling up like small hills, the spiders were not even Xiantian, let alone Zifu Disciple, some were even Houtian, normally they would be no problem but after fighting endless waves they started to feel tired not to mention sometimes a few Zifu would be mixed with them causing problems as they implemented hit and run tactics they were feeling tired.


    Suddenly a large screech was heard, a Human faced Spider-scorpion was pouncing on Long Yu, the smallest but a dangerous target, it was attacking from behind Long Yu, Rong Yu was about to shout out a warning and while try to defend him, but suddenly half a dozen daggers suddenly imbedded themselves on the abdomen, as they pierced through it killing the spider, the daggers then flew back towards Long Yu as it formed a circle behind his back as if to protect him.


    Ruth: "The hell was that?", as the Shadow Wolves eyed wearily at the daggers, which were at least a Peak Wanxiang Adept treasure from the aura itself


    Long Yu: "They are my daggers which I use as my flying weapons, I am hybrid cultivator so this things are easy for Me.", in a nonchalant tone, anyone who heard him had a mad twitch at their brow, ''what the hell did his parents feed this child.''


    The tide of spiders suddenly ended, they could clearly see a huge hole has been dug on the side of the cavern, through which they invaded, the people of either side who were protecting the injured and young met up with the others, as they stood warily looking a the huge hole, although there was a massive pile of spider dead bodies, they were not unscathed themselves they also suffered some casualties, and some of their members missing, mostly kidnapped during the chaos.


    A cultivator named Kinsuke spoke up, "Well the assault stopped for the time being, but does anyone know about the casualties?"


    A Violet horned Viper, a close aide of Sakkara spoke out, "39 are dead and about 50 are missing.", many clenched their hands, many who had planned to hide till the end of the trials were rethinking their strategy by the way things looked they would not see the next day let alone survive for so long.


    "So what now?", a random Wanxiang Adept beast asked, a question which was in everyone''s mind.


    Sakkara: "I know this might sound stupid, but I think it is high time we take the offence towards them this time as the saying goes, ''offence is the best defense'',hence I propose to follow them back towards their lair and launch an attack."


    Cheeta: "Are you insane? It will not work we will die even before we reach them."


    Sakkara: "Then what do you want us to do wait here to die, I refuse.", they glared at each other their aura flaring up.


    Suddenly they heard a sound of clearing of throat near them they turned to glare only to cower at the sight of angry stare they were receiving from Chamelie.


    "As much as it was amusing to see the drama, I think you guys should think about how to deal with this tunnel as well as how to deal with the invasion, instead of trying to fight amongst yourselves."


    Bashista: "If I may my lady, we can rig the tunnel with booby-traps so that the next time they try to invade, we can remote detonate them killing them most of them.", an idea he borrowed from Long Yu


    Chamelie, "An excellent idea but unfortunately they are here already.", as soon as those words were uttered a humongous pressure enveloped everyone making many to bow down on the ground, some of them had despair written on their face.


    Chamelie looked around as she saw most were on the ground some even forced to prostrate on the ground. She sighed at the condition of the Zifu Disciples, when even Wanxiang Adepts were having trouble, before she saw Long Yu who was standing tall as if the pressure did not bother him, before he looked around and quickly assumed a kneeling position, but as she was near him he could see he was in a position where he could attack if needed., she gave a small smirked in approval, the child is really vicious.


    Mean while many different scenarios ran through Long Yu''s mind, he knew that there are places to show off but not here, thus he assumed kneeling down stance as he prepared to rush in and attack, but he needed an opportunity, a plan formed in his head as he smirked before lowering his head, he knew the next few moments would decide who is the predator and who is the prey.


    The plethora of various spiders came in but none attacked as they soon parted and stood a t the side as a ghastly looking white colored Human faced Spider-scorpion strolled in as if she owed the place. The human look alike appendage was more alluring to look at than others of the same species, her dozens of eyes were sucking in the sight in front of her, as her legs made a clacking sound.


    A raspy voice came in, "Ah, what obedient pets who knows how to greet their owner", she joked on seeing the position of those of her opponents, "Hello Chamelie you looked well with that new makeover, how are you doing? And where are your children, I hope they are as tasty as you husband."


    The other spider started to mock at her, but Chamelie had a smile on her face, Long Yu looked at her from his kneeling position and shivered he had seen that smile on his master''s face before they punished him, he just want to curl up in a ball and cry.


    Long Yu watched with rapt attention at the proceeding, he will hunt his prey when the time is right.


    Chamelie: "What do you want Kani? Why do all this? Why break the balance?"


    The Spider Empress named Kani, "HAHAHAHAHAHA, it is simple dear because I can that''s why, I wanted to conquer you all, seriously why are you fighting I just wanted you under my rule, do not I am not a tyrant I will not kill your children after all if they die who will give birth to our future incubators.", she replied her face forming a grotesque smile. "On top of this humans are here, the best incubators but they will disappear before a week I will have to take care of them before it happens."


    Chamelie: "I won''t let you destroy the lives of my children, my people neither will I allow you to harm this humans."


    Kani, "Really you would stop me and with what?", as she used one of her legs as held the Chamelie''s chin, who just gave her a smirk, ''why is that wretched ape smiling'', suddenly a terrible pain erupted from in between her cephalothoraxes and abdomen and a loud shout, "Now kill them for our freedom, for revenge, for our kidnapped brethren". The Spider Empress was livid, the last thing she saw from some of her eyes were a mismatched draconic eyes which looked like gems stone glaring at her.

 50 Regicide Part-4

    Long Yu waited patiently he knew, in a straight out fight he could never defeat ''Kani'', especially when she issurrounded by her followers, strongest among them being rank 1st Wanxiang Adept, so the only way is to attack her and hope to assassinate her. The others are tired they are not in optimal shape but, if the head honcho is mortally injured Chamelie who is currently standing in front of her can kill her immediately the ensuing chaos is enough to kill others.


    So he waited patiently hidden among the others who were suppressed by the aura of a rank 6TH Wanxiang Adept, but normal attack won''t work so he closed his eyes as he tried to remember the feelings he felt when he was angry with Cheeta, the anger he felt, soon his blood boiled in anger as he wanted to lash out in anger a memory long since forgotten arose from within as the ancient mantra resounded in his head,


    "I am the beginning, I am the end,


    I am creator, I am destroyer,


    I am God, I am Devil,


    I am the blessed one, I am the cursed one,


    I am merciful, I am merciless,


    I am the epitome of everything good and evil,


    Worship me, hate me, curse me, love me,


    I was, I am, I will always be the SOVEREIGN,


    None is above me, everyone is below me,


    Through me I bring others salvation,


    Through me I bring others annihilation,


    As I was, I am, I will always be the SOVEREIGN."


    His terrifying aura erupted andas he opened his eyes he saw Kani had her undivided attention on Chamelie, one of her legs raised up touching and caressing her chin, she knew she had won the no one among all this fools had strength to oppose her but in her haste and joy of victory she forgot the saying ''mantis stalks the cicada unaware of the oriole behind'', a perfect opportunity for which Long Yu had been waiting for, without further ado he sped up like an arrow released from the bow. He aimed at the part between the head and abdomen of the spider, ''Joyous Rain version 28'' was released but this time it was different did not release the power of a pseudo-rank 8 but a genuine mid-rank 8 skill promoted due to him releasing the might of his Divine Body, which this time unlike before cancelled the effect of aura which suppressed the others, as they saw the attack on Kani, and decided to back up Long Yu by attacking the other spiders.


    The attack cut through Kani as if she was butter under hot knife, a terrible pain erupted as he body was almost bisected into two, she turned her head slightly and came face to face with her assailant, a small human with heterochromatic draconic eyes which were dazzling like twin gems glaring at her. Long Yu did not give her time to react his movement looked like he was skating on ice, he sent his flying daggers, five of them penetrated her eyes making way towards her brain as the sixth and last one cut of the throat of the human shaped appendage of hers rendering her poisoning abilities null and void. Kani even if taken by surprise was still a beast of rank 6th Wanxiang Adept an entire realm above him, as she lashed out with her legs fast, so fast that Long Yu had barely enough time to guard him with his sword, he was flung in the air as he hit the wall hard, a sickening crunch filled his ears as he tasted blood, ''No not my ribs again.'', as he broke his ribs, his arms shaken and numb from the impact, as he dropped to the floor with labored breathing, his entire body screaming in pain from the impact which he was sure if he had not activated that mysterious power he would have died.


    A shout came to his ears, "Now kill them for our freedom, for revenge, for our kidnapped brethren", he looked up to see Chamelie mashing the head of Kani to a pulp with her mace, she really took the opportunity provided by Long Yu to the fullest, the smirk on her face as she send the brain matter and blood flying around while she herself covered in blood was nightmarish, but he did not have time to admire Chamelie''s handiwork as he used ''Floating Cloud Steps'' to barely move from his previous position which was now pierced by different spider which were killed instantly under the level 5 Sword Force, the spiders were only peak Zifu Disciple, who were affected by Long Yu''s Divine body''s aura even if they somehow moved under compulsion caused by anger froze unable to move as they were butchered by his Sword Force. Long Yu stood shakily normally he would have jumped into the fight tearing his enemies but now he was injured such movements were too much when he even breathing was difficult only through sheer will power and because of the Divine body he still moved. He quickly recalled his daggers as he used them and his sword as he tried to move from the frontline to safety. He was having difficulty trying to maintain the terrifying aura which caused his opponents to freeze.


    For any cultivators a single moment could decide the life and death as many spiders fell when they froze under the presence of his aura. He was using ''Divine Eyes'' and ''Buddha''s Mind'', in full force in order to dodge but his injured state made it difficult as he was pinned to the ground from behind by a Spider of rank 1st Wanxiang Adept, its leg went through his shoulder, it was very painful to Long Yu as one of the cons of heightened senses came into play the pain was unbearable, even if the armor he wore would be able to resist a few strike from an immortal preventing it from getting destroyed, it did not prevent him from getting injured from blunt damage or in case of poison which seeped inside through opening of his armor, as he felt his shoulder bone breaking which caused tears to form in his eyes, "Die", he heard a shout but no killing blow came as the spider which attacked him was bisected by Cheeta''s war axe. He picked Long Yu and threw him towards the nearest Shadow Wolves member Han, "take him to safety", he bellowed out. The feeling of being flung and caught coupled with his techniques took a toll on his body, he began to spasm a little as blood flowed from his nostrils his blood shot eyes rolled up as he fainted while fresh tears of blood came from his eyes.


    Han: "LONG YU!!!!", he was scared out of his mind seeing his condition, the child seemed almost invincible in his mind with all the stunt he was pulling but now his broken bleeding body lying on his arms, he hastily retreated with Long Yu to safety as others protected his back.


    A bleary eyed child looked around trying to figure out where he was, as he tried to sit he felt terrible pain all over his body as the memories of last few hours came to play.


    A soothing voice came to his ears, "Long Yu easy there, you should take it easy and rest you are injured.", as the voice spoke a plethora of other voices and shouting came to his ears, which brought with it terrible headache, "Please keep QUITE!", he shouted out while trying to block those voice. He opened his eyes properly as he saw concerned faces crying faces of various people who had surrounded him, "What happened??" he could not help but asked.


    Ruth: "We won kid, we won after you assassinated the Spider Empress, her armies morale plummeted not only that the aura you released helped us gain an upper hand as we slew her army generals swiftly, but with last of her strength she threw you towards her army where you fell deep inside the enemy territory and when we managed to reach you, you were injured badly as you tried to return back, Han carried you out to safety but you passed out from your injuries. Well you have multiple broken bones and were bleeding profusely from your nose and eyes."


    Long Yu took a deep breath as he heard everything, he will have to stop relying on ''Divine Eyes'' and ''Buddha''s Mind'', even if it may have saved his life it also caused his near death, not to mention the terrible after effects he is still feeling. "Please someone give me my backpack and help me sit up."


    Veronica and Tina helped him sit up as the put cushions behind him so that he can sit without problem, his whole body ached, his left arm was immovable, and he had a terrible headache and breathing problem.


    His backpack was held in front of him as he used his right hand to search for some pills, which he popped in his mouth, a cool pleasant feeling spread through his throat followed by a numb pain, and a lot of popping sound as his bones set themselves and healed rapidly in front of others and within a few minutes he was as good as new except his eyes which were still blood shot.


    Long Yu: "Ah, now I am perfectly fine, what about you guys are you alright?"


    Bashista: "Do not worry kid our team members are all safe and sound, but please do not pull such a stunt, although I am grateful to you but still, you could have died if you had missed.", he finished in a scolding manner.


    Long Yu: "I am sorry Captain, but ther��.", before he could finish a melodious sound came into their eyes, "My my the Hero has awakened."


    Long Yu glanced towards the speaker as he saw Chamelie standing near them with a smile on her face, many different members of beast tribes were standing behind her as they looked reverently at Long Yu.


    The Shadow Wolves members hastily bowed towards her as Long Yu himself gave a short bow to her.


    "So how are you feeling Long Yu?"


    Long Yu: "Well after I took ''Bone Repairing'', medicines and a pain killer I feel fine, thanking for asking your majesty, May I inquire of your health."


    Chamelie: "WellI am happy to hear the man of the honor is doing well, we can''t have our ''After Victory Party'', without the man of the honor, as for my health please you know I am with borrowed time."


    Long Yu:" Your majesty please do not call me a Hero, I do not deserve such honor, you were the one who slayed the Spider Empress, and all I did was getting into trouble."


    Chamelie gave a small laugh, "You are too humble child if your sneak attack did not worked so well we would not have won, and as for trouble please it was us whose internal problem caused such problem. But enough of it are you well enough to send off our fallen comrades."


    Long Yu just nodded feeling a little sad at the number of unnecessary deaths caused by a person''s selfish.


    Chamelie: "Well then let us depart", as she offered her hand to Long Yu who had already slugged his trusted backpack on his back, as she led him and his team to the funeral procession of the fallen comrades who fell because of the chaos.

 51 Goodbye

    The words being spoken the honor and glory that the deceased achieved were nothing to those who lost their family members for them, they just wanted their loved ones back nothing more nothing less and no amount of consolation is enough for them.


    Long Yu stared at the funeral procession, his mind flashed back to all those years ago, if Second Mistress hadn''t found them his mother and him would be dead, but unlike them they would be dead on an unmarked grave, the corpses being food for animals, he held himself as he took a deep breath he still has nightmare from that time sometimes. His aunt, no matter how much he was angry with her deep down he knew something happened with her that is also the reason why she is not there with them anymore, his mother his masters even his elder sisters are lying something must have happened to her. How he missed those days when his entire world was enveloped by his mother and aunt, how would he love to lead the carefree life again. ''tch, I am depressed again, if big sis Sylvana was here she would make tease me and make fun of me calling me ''cry baby''.''


    The funeral was an odd one, the beasts unlike their counterpart the humans cried for their deceased but at the same time put up a brave front as they were laughing and dancing which according to them was a way to tell the departed spirits to move on to after life without any worry as they are well, what a strange custom. ''Mommy was right, when you travel you see and learn many interesting things.'', Long Yu aka Ryuu idly thought.


    The next day, some of the humans were all ready to move towards the next challenge the next biome."So this is it then.", Cheeta said as he gave a sad smile, the last couple of days were like a roller coaster ride for all of them, if Long Yu had not been present they might not have won, because of him curing others the made it out of the crisis.


    Long Yu: "Sorry brother Cheeta we would have loved to stay but we are currently short of time we need to move soon."


    Chamelie: "Oh well it was nice meeting you child, stay safe grow strong and more importantly grow into a great person.", a she gave Long Yu a motherly hug.


    Cheema came forward and hugged and gave a small kiss on his cheeks.


    Soon, the beasts came and wished them good luck and good life some even giving themgifts in the form of precious herbs and various medicinal plants to foods and drinks.


    Some of the humans stayed behind as they were either injured or lost their will to advance hence they would wait for the time limit to expire upon which they would be teleported out.


    Chamelie spoke in the language of the apes as she took Long Yu a little further from the rest of his teammates, ''Long Yu, no I shall address you by your real name, Ryuu, thank you for everything the invasion destroyed many of our treasures and some are missing, but I was able to find something special for you, take this it is ''Ape God''s wine'', it takes a hundred years to brew even a mouthful of it, it is only available to the royal family, when you step into Wanxiang Adept realm ypu should drink it as it will be very good for you but till then hide it keep it safe people will harm you if they know you possess it, including your teammates tell no one aboutit, please take it do not hesitate or I will feel deeply insulted.'', as she gave a small sealed urn to Long Yu who quickly put it inside his backpack for safe keeping.


    Long Yu replied back to Chamelie in her language, ''Thank you for the gift your majesty, I will surely use it when the time is right and keep it hidden from others. It was nice getting acquainted with you all.''


    Soon they were led to the teleported station, the shadow wolves waved back as they were engulfed in bright light before teleporting to a new biome.


    Couple of days later, the beasts tribes along with few humans who stayed back stood near a giant tree their head bowed down in sorrow, under the tree a woman was sitting surrounded by her two children with tear streaming their eyes, some of her closest ally and friends standing around them making a circle.


    Chamelie, ''Child this place is very special for me, because under this tree a young foolish prince your father proposed to me, every year on our anniversary no matter what we used to visit here, today I am present but you father is not.''


    Cheeta with tears in his eyes, ''Mother please save your breath do not speak to much.''


    Chamelie just gave a short laugh followed by more violent cough, ''It is fine son, you and Cheema have grow so big and beautiful, my life is fulfilled now let me return to your father''s side, but promise me you two would take care of each other and all our people no our children as their King their ruler.''


    Cheeta and Cheema, ''Mother we promise but do not say such ominous things please do not leave us.''


    Chamelie, ''I am so happy and blessed to have you two as my child, remember no matter what your father and I will always love you, my precious darling.''


    Cheema, ''Mother, we know but ��.. Mother please open your eyes please.''


    Their loud soul wrenching cry announced every one that the Empress of the Apes, a mother and a woman of indomitable will and a fine warrior, Chamelie had passed away. Anyone who saw her could have sworn that she had a satisfied smile on her face.


    Meanwhile the Shadow Wolves were in their 5th biome, the Ice biome, suddenly Long Yu looked up at the sky while a lone tear escaped his eyes, '' huh why do I feel sad.'', he shook his head in order to clear the feeling.


    Jack: "It is good that the system has become faulty, the points gets carried over and is recognized and calculated as the amount earned in the next biome, we only had to kill a few beasts then we can move into the next biome, otherwise we would be in a serious pinch now."


    Ruth: "So true brother so true.", as they finished killing a rank 7th Zifu Disciple, Iron armored Bear, with which they will be moving to next and last biome.


    Jessie: "BRRrrr this cold is unbearable please hurry up I cannot stand it."


    "Oh is my widdle sister feeling cold.", teased Jack only to get his face full of Snow ball.


    He grumbled and retaliated by throwing a snow ball towards Jessie, who ducked and poor Ruth was the next victim and very soon it escalated to an all out snow ball fight.


    An hour later, all of them were lying on the snow, tired from playing and laughing, as Long Yu tried to regain his breath he idly wondered, ''did those old man back in eastern headquarters managed to kill the ''Void Beasts'', aww I wanted to see their faces when they returned.''


    Meanwhile a group of injured old men were kneeling in front of the throne for almost the entire day waiting patiently for their Empress to arrive, in front of them lay the corpse of a Void beast, thinking of the fight where some of them nearly lost their lives they shivered and swore in their name, their father, their grandfather even their ancestor''s name to never ever to incur her Majesty''s wrath.

 52 Welcome to the Marshland

    The shadow wolves trudged through the marsh, the last biome they had to visit, the marsh was full of murky water, strange looking plants and in some places quick sand. The team moved slowly through it, and the only person who was in good shape was Long Yu who was riding on Han''s shoulder as apparently the water level was higher than his height and Han being the tallest and strongest was made into volunteer before he could protest, not that he mind as Long Yu saved his life couple of times.


    Jessie: "Yuck, these marshes are worst, the rotten smell, the humidity the mud, I want a bath a good proper bath after this."


    Long Yu: "Aww but it is fun of the adventuring, going through unknown."


    Jessie: "You brat get down now, ''fun of adventuring'', tell it to me when you walk actually."


    Long Yu showed incredible maturity by sticking out his tongue towards her.


    Others laughed at their exchange. Only to fall silent when their scout Ruth told them to stop, everyone''s heart leaped out of their throat the last time when Ruth stopped with such serious expression they had to fight in an invasion.


    Ruth quietly pointed in front of him, as they looked in front of them was a ''Purple Heart Shaped Pear'', a very useful but rare fruit for anyone below ''Primal Daoist Realm'', the fruit can easily help anyone to cross the threshold to next realm with ease no matter how long they were stuck in previous realm, even some Primal Daoist coveted it as even if they could not cross to next realm it easily helped them to rise in rank within the same realm. Long Yu knew about the fruit to well as it was among those ''never to eat list'' of his, as his masters explicitly forbid him to eat the fruit as it would cause a momentous increase in his realm but he knew well after having been beaten into his quite literally the sudden and fast rise in realm like his is never good, his foundation would crumble if he goes through increase fast. But he also knew his teammates would covet for it, he grimaced they have to fight a powerful beast now.


    Bashista: "So, we have ''Purple Heart Shaped Pear'' in front of us it is guarded by some powerful beast, if I have to guess it will surely be something Serpentine seeing the mark around the trees and it must be hidden. So the main question is should we take it or leave it we have enough points to move on to the next trials."


    The Shadow wolves all agreed to take the fruit, except Long Yu who was quiet during the entire exchange as such everyone turned towards him, "So what do you want to do Long Yu."


    Long Yu replied with a smile, "I have no need for the fruit, my speed is already too fast if I eat it I might destabilize my foundation so I will pass, but if you want for yourselves I will help you all."


    Inwardly they sighed in relief, as they were worried that Long Yu would want the fruit and then they will have to give it to him as because he saved their lives they were honor bound but most importantly they were mere grunts working at a place where Long Yu''s grandmother was the head honcho. But now since he gave up on the fruit instead offered his help they can take it for themselves, although the next big question is what kind of enemy they are going to face. They did not have to wait long as Han brought to their attention towards a rank 7th Zifu Disciple, Stone Crocodile, despite its name a Stone Crocodile is not made up of stones but anyone who gazes at its eyes get petrified unable to move or react a very deadly opponent indeed. The Crocodile moved cautiously as it neared the fruit, which would mature fully in the next few hours, but no one was in sight he thought himself lucky to stumble upon such a place by accident now after eating it he will ascend into next realm the he would carve out his own territory no more bowing down to others but they would bow to him so engrossed in his thoughts that he never noticed dark shadow stalking him, without warning the shadow struck and before it could understand it died of the poison.


    The team Shadow Wolves watched in horror as 6 heads came out as it drag away the deceased Crocodile, the creature was terrifying nightmarish creature that no sane person would like to come across, it was a Wanxiang Adept ranked 6 headedHydra. The creature which grows its head with each realm and once it matures to immortal level it evolves into terrifying 9 headed hydra, a creature with insane regeneration to the point it is said to even bring the Mythical bird Phoenix to shame, on top of that it is said to be within top ten of the most poisonous creatures in existence.


    The team mentally wept at the lost of such good fortune the only thing they could do is to get as far away from here as possible without drawing the beasts attention towards them , as such they turned around but as they were leaving Long Yu whispered back to his teammates, "So what is the plan Captain."


    This bought the team to an abrupt halt, ''plan what plan oh he must be thinking about escape plan'', but even among them there were some who were very hot headed such as Jack, who whispered back harshly the loss of such good fortune was too much for him to bear, "Did you hit you head when you were baby kid, what is there to plan we move quietly and swiftly far away from this accursed place, or do you think we would attack that creature."


    Long Yu frowned he did not like Jack''s tone but still he swallowed his anger as he replied, "Of course I am asking our attack plan what do you think I was asking Captain."


    At this everyone almost had a heart attack, ''attack plan what the hell the kid has been thinking, ah must be all those misfortunes during the forest biome has finally driven him insane or he does not know about such nightmarish creature, yes it must be he does not know about it.'', a thought mirrored by everyone in the team.


    Tina thus explained him kindly, "Long Yu, this creature is a Wanxiang Adept ranked 6 headed Hydra, a nightmarish creature, it has very high level regeneration to the point it is almost instantaneous not only that it is highly poisonous to the point it is always on top ten of the most poisonous creature, even Primal Daoists would be unable to defeat him, a creature not only cunning but also incredibly ruthless , thus we won''t be able to take the fruit thus we are moving towards the teleportation tower."


    Long Yu frowned he was not amused, "I know big sis Tina, I know too well about it thus I want to slay it, I want to take its poison.", he said the last part with a hint of desire as an alchemist who could pass of such a chance to extract such highly toxic poison, an ingredient which is very rare, if he asks his master would grant him but the allure of gathering fresh ingredient was too much to resist.


    Everyone was stunned on hearing his reply, ''the kid has finally lost his marbles, only someone insane would want to fight it.''


    Ruth: "Kid please listen to reason, we are not qualified neither are we equipped enough to take on the beast of its caliber, so please let us leave. If you still want the poison I am sure Shangri-la can provide you."


    Long Yu frowned he replied back in a whiny tone like the tone when a child uses when he or she is denied their favorite candy by their parent and has to reluctantly agree to it, "Ok then let us leave.", he finished it with a pout.


    The females had a sudden urge to console him and maybe even help him, but stopped themselves from doing so thinking about how dangerous it will be.


    Veronica, "Stop I hear voices, let us hide.", the team quickly hid themselves within the tall trees of themarsh.


    A group of unknown people appeared, there were 15 people among them. "See I told you I found a ''Purple Heart Shaped Pear''", a man boasted to someone who seemed to be the leader.


    A haughty but very beautiful looking woman replied, "Good work, now prepare to draw out the beast guarding it.", she commanded to the man who guided her to the fruit.


    The man gulped such a fruit would surely have a Wanxiang Adept beast guarding it to draw it out.


    The woman replied in an impatient manner, "Did you not hear me to prepare to draw out the beast, the fruit would mature within a few hour, when I would not only pluck it, but also slay the beast.", his subordinates hurried of leaving the woman alone with a couple of other woman as her guard.


    The Shadow wolves watched them from afar as they were turning to leave, a wild idea popped in Long Yu''s head as such he whispered hurriedly, "Brothers wait, let us watch their fight surely you guys would not want to miss such a fight against such a nightmarish creature. Plus we are far away to not get caught in crossfire, so please please let us watch.", long Yu pleaded with teary eyes a dreadful technique he had mastered and uses against his mother to get her to agree with him sometimes.


    The Shadow Wolves had their heart strings pulled as they were melted by those eyes of Long Yu, Bashista coughed in his hands as he decided for the rest of them, "Well I see no harm in observing from far.", the others nodded in consent as they turned to observe with an elated Long Yu who could not wait to see one of the creatures from his '' I must get as pet'' list in action.

 53 Blackie

    "Bwahahaha, Bow to me you plebeians, I am the Supreme Demon God, bow to me Bwahahahaha."


    "Someone anyone please save us, deliver us from this evil."


    "Save you!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hahaha there is no one who can save you all your heroes and Gods have either submitted themselves to me or are dead. Bwahahahaha."


    Suddenly a loud thunder strikes the area where the so called Supreme Demon God was standing.


    A loud roar was heard as the cloud parted, a wickedly dangerously terrifyingly awesome looking 9 headed Hydra descended from the heavens, on its back was our hero he raised his hands as...


    A hand appeared and pinched his cheeks hard, "Long Yu stop day dreaming."


    Long Yu woke up from his dazed state as he was brought back to a dreadful reality, he was still stuck in the marshes sitting on Han''s shoulder, and he does not have any pet which has 9 heads.


    Jessie: "Have you awoke from your day dream, Long Yu?", she said with a teasing sing song voice.


    Long Yu coughed lightly as a he blushed before trying to salvage any dignity he had left, "I was not day dreaming, I was thinking of a very high level strategy."


    Jack: "Sure whatever floats you boat kid, whatever floats.", Long Yu pouted at that.


    Bashista: "As much as it is funny to see the comedy routine you goes should quiet down, try not to draw their attention on us."


    The Shadow Wolves, watched with rapt attention, as the ''Purple Heart Shaped Pear'', matured and was ready to be plucked. Soon the new team made their move, a person dashed towards it as he was flanked by his friends on both sides , their strategy was simple the person would grab it then pass it to someone else, they would confuse the beasts as they would scatter in different directions and then they would meet up at the teleportation tower where the barrier would prevent the beasts entry. A simple yet effective strategy but they over estimated themselves, as these so called young masters had only hunted mostly under controlled environment, most were grown as if inside a greenhouse, but reality was harsh and hit the first person in the form of a 2nd rank Wanxiang Adept Stone Crocodile, which paralyzed the person long enough to eat him, thus effectively breaking the formation.


    "It is only a ''Stone Crocodile'', there is nothing to fear as long as one does not look into its eyes, we can kill it.", the people looked at the crocodile with bloodlust as they prepared to kill the nuisance in front of them and claim the ultimate prize, but alas their luck would not be with them they were ambushed by a ''three eyed anaconda'', a fifty foot long anaconda tore throw the formation as it ate a couple in his ambushed and injured quite a few of them before it glared at the ''Stone Crocodile'', both of them were of the same rank whereas the ants surrounding them were only, Zifu Disciple, so it lunged towards the Crocodile trying to get a grip on it, the thirty foot long beast in an incredible show of agility dodged, before it opened its jaws wide and bit the snake. They rampaged through the group of humans and a few unlucky who got caught in between were crushed like the bug.


    The haughty lady was a little further away from them, she cast a glance at her supposed teammates, she was never in favor of this plan but unfortunately someone with high and mighty attitude decided to be the big boss as he led these idiots to their doom.


    The unknown lady, "Let us go while these brute try to figure out who has the bigger stick and have their attention elsewhere, we will go and steal the fruit and make a run.", she said to the two females who were waiting by her side.


    The slowly and quietly made their way towards the fruit while the three way battle raged on. As they neared the fruit the almost had a heart attack as they saw a serpentine looking face feasting on the fruit without any care of the world, where similar looking heads kept an eye on the battle before it with what seemed to be casual amusement. A head carelessly glanced at those women with a bored glance. At first the haughty woman was angry at the beast, before she noticed the other six similar looking heads, and soon it dawned to her she was standing in front of a 6 headed Hydra. With a great show of leadership she commanded the two women along with her, "RUN FOR YOUR LIVES, RUN DO NOT LOOK BACK JUST RUN!!!!!". They ran like madmen as fast as they could while the Hydra watched them with hidden amusement as it pondered should it chase them or not, suddenly one of its head turned towards a particular direction as its eyes narrowed, before his complete attention was brought towards the battle taking place only to have his anger focused on the two other beasts and those other foolish humans, their attention brought to this direction by the shout of those fleeing humans and those bugs just send murderous glare towards him and he did not like that.


    The Crocodile and the Snake double teamed on the Hydra, who just dodged and bit them and both the beast gave a loud shriek as they foamed in the mouth and fell dead, the humans who were charging up at him stopped as they looked at him with fear until one of the smarter ones recognized the beats as he stammered out, "I-i��it is a H-h��hy-hydra!!!!!!!!!!!".


    The arrogant looking man who had been leading those people just snorted, "tch if you are scared a t such lowly beast give up being a cultivator, a puny beast lik...", he did not get to finish as a glob of poison doused him and with speed visible to naked eye he melted in front of them. The men gulped before they ran while the Hydra gave them a chase.


    Meanwhile Long Yu was looking at the Hydra with star struck eyes, he wants it no he needs it, he will have to convince the hydra to be his pet somehow only fools will let some awesome creature leave without making him their pet.


    So he began to cheer his future pet, "Go Go Blackie Blackie Go Go, show thwm who is the boss."


    The team Shadow Wolves was startled before Tina asked him, "Yu who is this Blackie you are cheering."


    Long Yu with a smile on his face spoke out, "Why of course the 6 headed hydra , he is going to be my pet then all the adventure we would have , kukukuku.", he finished speaking while rubbing his hands like some clich��d villain in some children story book.


    They inched away from the Long Yu, who according to them has gone off to some deep ends, while Han was cursing his bad luck as he was stuck with child with issues.


    Bashista turned towards the creature only to see it staring directly at him, it knew where they were. He bellowed out, "RUN!!!!! It found us run towards the teleportation tower."


    His teammates quickly turned on their heels and made a mad dash with Long Yu trying to protest against retreat, which was immediately put to stop as Han quickly put a hand on his mouth to stop him screaming and carried him under his arms.


    They ran without looking back and any unfortunate fool who came in front of them was trampled by their charge. As they made a mad dash they suddenly felt a humongous aura belonging to a rank 6th Wanxiang Adept coming after them as every creature of the marsh was trying to steer clear from the creature''s path. Soon they came in sight with the teleportation tower as they dashed in followed by a trio of women who ran so fast as it looked liked as if they flew in.


    Ruth: "Safe finally safety.", as the team wheezed while trying to catch their breath.


    Long Yu: "Why Han why did you take me away from cute little Blackie.", Han was about to answer when they heard a loud snapping of trees they turned towards the direction where the sound came only to see two injured people trying desperately to run from the beast chasing them, the one who was slower was swallowed whole by it, as the beast revealed itself from the shadows to be the Hydra they were fleeing from, it spat poison at the other one who was closest to the tower. The poor injured man was within a few feet from the tower a smile bloomed in his face he was safe, but soon the poison hit him and before he could react he was melted by the toxicity of the poison his still smoking and sizzling skull rolled inside the safety of the tower. Long Yu was horrified for a fraction of a second before the array worked its magic, and he chirped up at the Hydra, "Blackie~". All but Veronica who was just behind him holding tightly alongside Han preventing him from running towards the beast noticed clearly saw the array as his hood was down, but before anyone could react Bashista activated the teleportation circle and everyone was teleported far from the place.


    The Hydra looked towards the place from where the small human child vanished, the kid was different than the rest it did not fear him but also it did not understand why his blood was compelling to lower his head towards the kid. It shook its head before pondering as he looked at the tower, if he stayed around its vicinity maybe he could get to eat all those tasty humans again, a fanged grin came to its snout as it laid wait for some unsuspecting victim.


    Meanwhile back in Ayindril,


    Everyone was laughing at seeing Long Yu''s reactions.


    Veena managed to somehow speak between her laughter, "The kid is hilarious he even gave a name to the Hydra, hahahaha, I never had so much laugh in a very long time."


    Celestia: "So true sister, Ryuu is hilarious, but it also seems the apple does not fall far from the tree, isn''t that right sister Xiao Xiao.", she teased Xiao Xiao.


    Xiao Xiao blushed as she had one day under the influence of alcohol had blurted out some of her embarrassing moments during her adventuring days to her newest sisters, and it seems her child has somehow unknowingly trying to outdo her.


    Antariskh: "What do you mean mother?"


    Nuwa: "Now now daughter, that is a secret you may not know, but don''t you have a hunter party to greet."


    Antariskh:" I know, I know but I do not want to miss my baby brother''s adventure", she replied with a sad frown.


    Veena: "Then you should hurry and finish your job, you all are already very late now run along and finish it fast."


    Antariskh nodded as she left with her sisters to collect the Void beast''s cadaver, which she had ordered a few of her subordinates to hunt as their punishment and she was running a few days late in collecting the corpse.


    Far away a light shown as six individual appeared inside a large room, where they dog piled on top of each other. They stood up before glaring at each other as two of them pointed at each other glaring while shouting out, "YOU!!!!!!!!!"

 54 Waiting Room

    "You! what are doing here witch", one of the woman spoke with a snarl.


    "Ara ara seems like your brain is still missing after all to think you could not understand even the most basic thing, but I am kind so I will say it in a way you would understand,I-CAME-TO-EXPLORE-THE �CRUINS.", the other finished with a small smirk while she spoke the last part slowly as if she was speaking with the most retarded person.


    Both sides glared at each other the lone woman against the trio, only for their attention to be brought back to a sniffling of a child, they slowly turned their head to see a small child having tears streaming down his eyes as another woman trying to console him with a occasional whisper of ''Blackie'' coming now and then.


    One of the woman cleared her throat as the child looked up with his red puffy teary eyes, both group of women felt their breath hitched, ''what kind of sorcery is this, who is this cute little child, how can a child be so cute, what is this sudden urge to smother him to console him.'', the tried to advance only to stop on feeling killing intent directed at them, they looked towards another female who was consoling the child.


    The lone woman spoke out first, "Hello fellow Daoist sister, first I would apologize to you for the loss of the person you were mourning ''Blackie'' was it", Long Yu just nodded his head sadly, "well I know this may sound insincere and insulting but such is the life of us cultivator my friends I came they perished in the trials now I am alone, oh my name is ''Ryofu'', may I inquire your name little sister."


    Long Yu spoke in a depressed tone as he was still sad, "My name is Long Yu and I am a boy. Also ''Blackie'' did not die, my teammates dragged me away from ''Blackie'' and I so wanted him as my pet."


    Ryofu was at first shocked the feminine looking child turned out to be a boy and now, ''Give me back my sympathy, you so so adorable child.'', even if she tried hard she couldn''t hold her anger over Long Yu.


    The leader of the trio silently laughed at seeing her rival getting embarrassed, but still to think the child is a boy was a complete shock to her, then she remembered the rumors of a child who was Zifu Disciple entering, she also heard a few rumors that he played a major role in a conflict that took place in Forest biome, she did not believe and looking at the child she was right to not believe on it but like any proper lady should she stepped forward and introduced herself and her teammates, "Hello Long Yu, my name is Kyouki and these ladies with me are my teammates."


    Her two teammates just gave a short bow as they introduced themselves, the brown haired her name was ''Helen'' and the blonde her name was ''Ayesha''


    The woman kneeling beside Long Yu introduced herself, "Veronica".


    Then all of a sudden Long Yu exclaimed loudly while pointing towards Kyouki, "Ah, you were that woman who ran away from ''Blackie'' scared.", meanwhile Veronica sighed inwardly, ''You never tell anyone that you saw them in danger and did nothing to help them specially someone you are locked inside a room with no exit.''


    Kyouki frowned when she heard a small giggle coming from Ryofu at the thought of her running away, so she replied scathingly, "Pray tell me who this ''Blackie'' from whom you have seen me running away scared."


    Long Yu looked at her questioningly as he spoke, "Do not tell me you forget about ''Blackie'', he was the most awesome and adorably cute looking Hydra, you came across in the Marsh Biome."


    Kyouki and her teammates shuddered at thinking about the Hydra, then the rest of the sentence played in their mind, they send a look of pity towards Veronica, ''It must have been tough for her to deal with such a mentally retarded kid.''


    Ryofu snarled in anger, "So you met with that thrice damned Hydra too."


    Kyouki just nodded, "Did you encounter with that it too."


    Ryofu: "Of course we did it ambushed us just outside the tower, I was lucky to escape from it."


    Veronica: "Long Yu, I suggest you try to find a suitable pet outside of here, we do not know if it will be possible to bring ''Blackie'' out of here but outside you will find much more better Hydras.", she hoped that this will placate Long Yu, and will stop his childish tantrum normally it would have been amusing but currently they were with unknown and her team were missing as well.


    Long Yu: "I guess you are right.", as he wiped his tears before pulling his hood down hiding most of his face.


    Before any of them could speak as static sound came, as the image of the person who welcomed them at the stadium reappeared again, "Welcome test takers, you have finished the first part of the trials, now before you enter the next trial, I would love to tell you about the rules for this next segment, you will be grouped randomly in the group of six people, everyone of you are from the same biome, except those who have less than six on their team then we will adjust from taking someone from other biome but even after all that if you are truly unlucky you will have less team members. Now the next trial will be ..... a secret, it will start when all the teams had been formed at the end of first trial, well I hope to see you soon, and possibly as student of my glorious school, till then see ya."


    Long Yu: "So seems like we are a team. I propose we introduce ourselves better since it would seem like we will be a team for immediate future."


    Kyouki: "Oh and how do suppose we introduce ourselves kid, don''t you know we cultivators tend to be secretive."


    Long Yu:"Of course I know sister, but what I meant was simple just your rank and type of cultivator, and your specialization if any. It will help in overcoming the challenge."


    Ryofu: "Who made you the leader brat I do not remember nominating you."


    Long Yu: "Eh no one and as I said before it is a suggestion, you all will follow or not is up to you."


    They stared hard at him before replying, "I disagree", "so do I"


    At that Long Yu just shrugged his shoulders, as he went and sat at a corner of the room further away from them along with Veronica. The others did the same they sat away from the other teams.


    Veronica whispered to Long Yu: "Long Yu what is the purpose of the array on your neck."


    Long Yu looked confused as he whispered back, "What array are you speaking about? I do not have any on my neck."


    Veronica frowned at that, "I saw an array glow a couple of times it is just at the base of your neck and is hidden because of the hood you are wearing."


    Long Yu was alarmed as he heard that he has an array on his neck who put it on him and why most importantly when.


    He hurriedly whispered back to Veronica in an urgent manner, "I absolutely do not know, who when and most importantly for what purpose an array had been placed on my neck, but I have something that can copy the array I will give to you use it discreetly, I will try to study and figure out the purpose of the array as much as possible."


    He took out a scroll from his backpack before creating an array which can be used to copy other arrays, on one end of the scroll before handing it to Veronica, he then lowered his hood and laid down while using his back pack as his pillow, while Veronica held the scroll on top the array, soon a there was a small flash signifying the array had been copied.


    Long Yu took the scroll from Veronica and saw instead of an array there was a message on it.


    ''Congratulation baby brother for finally finding the array I placed on you, do not fret as this was meant for your protection, and if you have any question you may ask me when you finally come back home. From your most favorite big sister, Sylvana.''


    Long Yu sweat dropped at that of course who else but his sisters would do such a thing, he had warm smile on his face his sisters even not present here found something to protect, sometimes he wandered what he has done to meet such wonderful people.


    Veronica saw the smile on his face and could not help but ask, "Is there any problem, Long Yu?"


    He just shook his head on hearing the question, "No there is nothing to worry about someone who is like an older sister to me put the array on me to protect me from danger. So when I used the method to copy the array the message she left behind got copied instead, where she mentioned it, o you do not have to worry about it anymore."


    Veronica just returned a smile. Long Yu just turned his attention on a clock which shows how much time is left he sighed seeing there was still 18 hours left, well I think I should take a nap, he closed his eyes and soon fell asleep

 55 The Be

    Long Yu was awoke from hunger, when he woke up he saw Veronica was busy chatting with the other women in the room, he felt a strange sense of d��j�� vu he had witnessed the same thing occur back in forest biome, and he idly wondered do the girls become friend so fast.


    He shrugged and then he searched in his backpack, he had still a few meat jerky created by Tina from those ''Bone Armored Deer'', he took a bite from it as he and drank orange juice from his bottle, a sudden thought went through his mind,'' wouldn''t it be nice if mommy and me went on an adventure together'', a small smile went through his face normally his sisters usually tease him calling him momma''s boy but he doesn''t mind at all, he knows how much his mother loves and he loves her too and not only that his mommy always makes him feel safe as if no matter how tough it may seem he can overcome it as long as his mother is with him.


    Koyuki: "Child did you finish your meal, but you know that it is rude to not share or ask a lady if she needs something."


    Long Yu: "You are a cultivator get your own food and also you are an adult and asking a child to share." he gave a long sigh and shook his head as if he was disappointed by her.


    Koyuki''s brow twitched in anger, and she scowled when she heard Ryofu snickering at her.


    Long Yu: "I have wanted to ask you both something I hope you two do not take it personally."


    Ryofu and Koyuki both nodded at her to continue.


    Long Yu: "Well you two seem to be quite familiar with each other, do you belong to the same sect?"


    Ryofu: "Well we are rivals of some short, and no we do not belong to the same sect, but our sects are close you can say we from sister sects. Koyuki''s sect "Frozen Maiden Sect", and my "Venerable Sect" are quite close as the founders of our sects were sworn brother and sister."


    Ayesha: "So do you also work for ''Shangri-La Pavilion'', like Sister Veronica."


    Long Yu: "No I do not work there but my grandmother does. So what is it like to be in a sect?", asked a curious Long Yu as he stood up from his place and went and sat near them.


    Helen: "A sect has many students so you may gain many friends but at the same time it can be difficult because in a sect only those who have talent thrive but those who are untalented are pushed aside thus it gives rise to rivalry enmity and what not, but it is also ideal environment to grow as you have many who you can compare to, challenge against and even fight. But the main thing about any sect is because we have many members of the sects we can have plenty of people whom you can consult and ask for help whenever you require. Why are asking little brother, do you want to join any sect? Well I would regret to inform you but ours only accepts females, if you want to join you have to speak with sister Ryofu."


    Long Yu liked when people gave him complete and honest answers like Helen did, she gave him a short yet both the pros and cons were mentioned.


    Long Yu: "No big sister Helen, I was merely curious about sect life nothing more nothing less."


    The girls grimaced at that especially Ryofu, who had been ordered to lure Long Yu to join as Kyouki belonged to sister sect she was ordered to help her, both of them inwardly cursed Helen, who had very bad habit of speaking unnecessary things. They inwardly wondered the carnage that might take place outside as soon as he steps out of here, his family works from Shangri-La and from what they have heard till now and pieced together Long Yu''s family is very high up in command chain of Shangri-la as the team send with him is merely his bodyguard, they felt a cold shiver running down their spine thinking about someone foolish enough to anger them aseveryone knows to never be on Shangri-la''s bad side, they have heard stories that even Empires which existed for thousands of years like overlords were crushed within in weeks time because they made an enemy out of Shangri-la Pavilion, a gigantic organization that has existed for time immemorial.


    He casually glanced at the clock it was still more that 12 hours left and he grimaced at that, he was bored and had nothing to do.


    Kyouki: "Your space bag is interesting looking, and if I am not mistaken it looks like a bear cub."


    Long Yu gave a dazzling smile at that, "Yes it is I named it ''Teddy'', my older sisters gave me this."


    Ryofu raised his eyebrows at the new information, "Oh you have big sisters, and how many siblings do you have?"


    Long Yu:" Well they are not related to me, they are like family friend of mine as for siblings I am an only child."


    Ryofu:" So this sisters of yours are they strong cultivator?"


    Long Yu: "Of course they are, my sisters are strongest there is and one day I want to be as strong as them.", he exclaimed with a proud smile on his face, with a hint of adoration in it. As far as he was concerned his sisters were amazing may be one day he could be as awesome as they were.


    The women smiled at his proclamation, while they inwardly sighed, ''younger siblings always look up to their older siblings when they are child but as they grow up they realize how big and dangerous the world is one day he too will realize.'', if only they knew even their so called sect leaders would have soiled their pants out of fear.


    Veronica: "As amusing at it the conversation may seem the next challenge is dubbed as ''Labyrinth'', we have to be careful as our team will be thrown into a place where we have to face challenge one after another it will constantly challenge our mental and physical strength."


    Koyuki: "So true but we have to transverse the challenges which require knowledge especially for those who are Alchemists, Poison Master, Blacksmith and Array master, the trials has extra challenges for them and according to their performance they will gain access to the respective facilities. Now I my team have both an Array as well as an alchemist, both members of Alchemist and Array Master Association, they are High Houtian level in their respective trade. Ryofu may not seem much but is a talented blacksmith able to create Low Xiantian level items. I do not know about you but if you want any array, weapon or pills, you have to depend on us and according to your contribution we will share our loot, is that all right with you."


    Hearing that both Long Yu and Veronica shared a knowing glance as they smirked, before Veronica spoke, "Well we have no problem with that unfortunately your teammates will not able to shine too much."


    Kyouki''s eyes narrowed at that, "Oh so you are saying you are a better than my teammates and rival."


    Veronica," No you are partly correct on the part that someone on my side is better, but it is not me but Long Yu, he is High Zifu Disciple level Alchemist, Poison master and an Array Master as well."


    The other''s who heard were stunned before their face turned to a scowl, "That child, I do not know what you know about those profession but still a child who smells of milk can never be surpass countless talented geniuses who have spend years on those profession."


    Long Yu frowned, "I do not smell of milk, but if I did I do not think it will be bad because milk is tasty.", others sweat dropped on hearing his retort, ''really he did not even understood he was insulted''. But he continued on oblivious to everything "As for my abilities why don''t you all see and then be a judge of it."


    Ayesha frowned before she replied, "That is acceptable but if we are proven right we demand an apology to be delivered to us by you by prostrating yourself in front of the entire crowd and if you are right we will do whatever you want from us for an entire day, we will be your slaves for that day. So what say Long Yu, do you have the courage to accept our bet?"


    Long Yu frowned, "The bet is not equivalent, you are asking me, Long Yu to lower my head while you yourself will be my slave for only a day, really such a thing is unacceptable and I would demand your entire life to belong to me but I am reasonable so I would accept your bet but I want the terms to be under the witness of Heavens and the Dao themselves.", he was angry from the starting of the trials one after another he met arrogant people, who underestimated him insulted him and had the audacity to ask him to bow before them. He gritted his teeth in anger as he thought about the audacity of this people. Even Veronic seemed angry evident from her releasing killing intent.


    The four women were stunned, ''What audacity does he think he has the right to be arrogant puny child we will humiliate you like to the point that as long as you live you will rue the day you crossed us.''


    Kyouki: "hmp petulant child we agree to your terms, and we swear on the Heavens and the Divine Dao that governs It.", as she and the others agreed to the bet against Long Yu, a loud thunder boomed signifying the acceptance of the oath.

 56 Agonizing Thirs

    After a long agonizing wait the clock final stopped showing time was up, then another screen popped up showing the number of participants left ''36503'', Long Yu was startled so many failed,'' almost greater than 20% so many failed, I lucky to have such a strong team, who watched each other''s back, but now it will be difficult specially with this arrogant women.'', he grimaced at that and he frowned as he heard the Kyouki woman taunting him, "Well little brother I would highly recommend you to admit you defeat and save whatever little pride and honor you have left before you lose and we humiliate you."


    Long Yu just smiled at her, "Miss Kyouki why don''t you and your friends do the same. After all not only it would save you all from humiliation but it also would stop me from feeling ashamed to have the likes of as my slave, even it is for a day."


    The woman bristled at that, ''this pipsqueak surely has a venomous tongue, and we will see how long he puts up such bravado when not all of his body guards are here.''


    As they neared the door Long Yu moved to one side of the wall standing in between Ryofu and Veronica with Ryofu clearly taking the lead whereas the others took the other side of the door as Kyouki led them, a glance passed through each of them and with quick subtle movement Kyouki opened the door but hid quickly behind the wall, as because no sooner she did a few big arrows flew in fast and embedded themselves on the wall, the arrows soon started to leak corrosive gas, Long Yu and his temporary team soon fled from the room.


    They ran down a long corridor pendulum axe, pit falls, poison needles and what not as they ran out of the corridor into a desert. Long Yu turned around to see the corridor had vanished and as far as he could see it were sand dunes stretching for miles with no end in sight. ''Where did the corridor with those stupid traps go'', he wondered idly.


    Helen: "A desert biome this time but which way should we go? "


    Long Yu could not help by wonder and finally voiced out his thoughts loudly, "I do not understand at all."


    Veronica:"What is it that you do not understand little brother?"


    Long Yu:"The Nine Headed Dragon School, should be a powerful school which perished but how does this entire stuff works shouldn''t it be destroyed also?"


    Ryofu hummed as she replied, "Well to be frank no one knows the whole truth, but the Sect Leader of the school angered some one very powerful, who was powerful enough to just faze through all the arrays of the school and vaporized everyone who was member of the school, the most horrifying part is that the clothes their stuff remained intact and untouched but the people were all turned to ash, even those who were outside of the school was hunted down and killed with no remorse, but it happened so long ago that no one knows the real truth everything is mere speculation, there are even theories suggesting that the school was actually followed the path of Devil while hiding behind the veil of Righteousness and the somehow managed to draw Heaven''s and Dao''s ire against them causing their demise. These are the most popular ones among many other theories."


    Long Yu: "So which one do you prefer?"


    Ryofu: "Of course the first one, doesn''t it give you shivers thinking to be in presence of someone so strong and maybe one day reaching that level."


    Long Yu idly wondered about Ryofu''s way of thinking he really wished one day he could meet that person who destroyed the school in such a way. Far away a certain woman sneezed, ''hmmm maybe baby brother is talking about me, well since my job is finished I should go and see what he is up to in those trials, hmm maybe I should groom him to take my place and I will be glorious free from these morons and these tiresome duties, yes yes I will do such thing'', as she started cackling loudly, drawing curious and concerned looks from her two other sisters. Meanwhile in a place far far away Long Yu aka Ryuu suddenly felt disturbance in his peaceful life, ''Why do I have a sudden urge to stay away from big sister Antariskh for a long long time.''


    Time passed away but they could not find any exit and soon under the scorching sun and heat started taking its toll.


    Ayesha collapsed first out of thirst, "Please no more I can take no more, water I need water."


    Long Yu did not hesitate as he took out his flask, but only a couple of drops came out, then he tried for milk and orange juice but none came. "Sorry but seems I am out too."


    Helen: "What do you mean you are out, that means we have no water to drink are going to die here in this place, no no I refuse to die." her mental state collapsing rapidly. She then pointed towards Ryofu and spoke out accusingly, "You it is because of you witch, you drank the most water because of you we are going to die and I refuse to die before you."


    Veronica: "Calm down we should not fight amongst ourselves", only for her to dodge a palm strike from Koyuki, "You shut up and stay out, like being calm will grant us unlimited water, Helen is right it is both Ryofu and Ayesha''s fault."


    Ayesha: "Excuse me what did you say, care to repeat it harlot."


    Long Yu when he heard the word, ''Unlimited'', a distant memory rose in his mind, '' Antariskh attached a water bottle with extendable straw, "This bottle is special just send your Ki to it", Ryuu send his Ki suddenly it was filled with various information,


    1) First Slot : Water (unlimited)��.''


    No way how can the water run dry by itself it is impossible something is not right, he quickly activated both ''Divine Eyes'' and ''Buddha''s Mind'' skills of his and were shocked at what he saw they were never in a never inside a desert to begin with but were standing in a room with couple of Nightmare Devil with them, a 2nd rank Zifu Disciple ranked, Nightmare Devil managed to fool them but as it was weak it couldn''t move as it used its illusion on them, so it tried to sow discord among them members have them fight each other to death or at the very least injure themselves to the point they won''t be able to move then they would attack and devour them.


    Long Yu blushed red in shame and embarrassment, the thought that he was fooled by such a weak enemy defeated hurt his pride more importantly it served to remind him an important lesson his masters taught him, ''even an immortal can fall at the hand of a mortal if given proper opportunity'', as such he did not waste any time as he used his flying daggers to quickly attack the vitals and with a shriek the Nightmare Devils died. The women suddenly found themselves inside a room having their hands in each other''s throat, but at the same time all tiredness, thirst, and hunger vanished completely. They turned to look and saw Long Yu picking some daggers from the corpses of a couple of Nightmare Devil. The women except Veronica blushed with embarrassment and shame at the thought of being rescued by a mere child.


    Their attention was brought back to the sound of door opening.


    As they left the room quietly Ryofu could not help but ask Long Yu,"How did you see through the illusion?"


    Long Yu beckoned her to come near him as if he was trying to tell her some very big secret, Ryofu lowered her head bringing her ear near Long Yu while everyone had their ears strained trying to hear hit, only for Long Yu to shout out, "It is secret!!!!", everyone face faulted at that, Ryofu pounced at him shouting out in anger, "You despicable brat!!!!", as she tried to catch him in order to deliver righteous feminine fury, while the other laughed at the antics of the duo.


    The group moved forward only to have their eyes widen as they came across a large room full of ...��.....

 57 I just love helping others

    Meanwhile back in Vance clan, it had been more than 2 years since they had tried to bring ''Feng'' and Xiao Xiao back home but unfortunately they failed miserably. They do not know how they are doing and in what condition they are all they knew that Xiao Xiao and her nephew Feng were injured nothing more noting less. Upon returning empty handed the first thing Salazar did was use one of the clan treasure ''Life tree tablet'', which acts the family tree for the main branch of the Vance clan or in other words displays the family or the descendants of the currentPatriarch starting from the founder of the clan.


    The tablet was actually a gigantic wall which was placed on an inner most area of the clan compound. The only person who could manipulate it was the current Clan head not even the previous one was allowed, Salazar did not waste any time as he used the tablet and added a new name the name of the third child of Sabine and Fang, an innocent child named Feng whom the persecuted because of their ignorance, his name showed in up on the tree, but unlike before it took him some time as the child was missing and he somehow with great difficulty added the name using the essence of his parents as medium.


    He sighed in relief seeing both the names of Xiao Xiao and Feng still glowing meaning they are alive. Two whole years passed since then both the Xia and Vance Clan had spend a huge amount of resources and manpower to find them but to no avail, even the mighty pillar of Xia Dynasty Xia Yujie was stumped no matter how much he tried he could not locate his great grandchild as if he had simply vanished, it made Salazar''s heartache thinking of his son and daughter-in-law they were running themselves ragged even a tiniest rumor would made them chase after them trying to find their child and Xiao Xiao to beg for their forgiveness to bring them back home. ''Child wherever you are I hope you are safe with your nephew, I hope to see you again one day maybe you both will be able to forgive us for our sins for all pain we caused you.'', as a stray tear appeared on his eyes.


    Meanwhile the long lost ostracized child of Vance Clan, Feng aka Ryuu aka Long Yu along with his temporary teammates, were standing in front of a long corridor, on both sides of corridor it was filled with delicious exotic spirit foods, various extremely rare and expensive medicinal pills making everyone drool, but Long Yu quickly wiped out his drool as he knew from personal experience how dangerous the spirit food can be, because unlike any normal food, spirit foods are also called ''food for cultivators'', because they are usually reach in Ki, for any cultivator they are highly enticing as they work mostly like medicinal pills to a lesser effect but it has a serious flaw, a person should not consume spirit food made out of ingredients which were more than two ranks above them, Long Yu learned it first hand when he consumed one by mistake he was only a 5th rank Xiantian yet he consumed 1st rank Zifu Disciple ranked spirit food, and within an hour he went down with high fever, indigestion, and not to forget stomach ache, his teacher healed him but those agonizing moments were worst he had suffered in his life he was in no way going to suffer the same fate, he idly noticed that those food items were a couple of realms above their strength a shiver went down and he felt pity for the poor chap who ate it.


    Long Yu quickly grabbed Veronica''s hand as he dragged her away, "Let us go we have yet to finish the challenge, we cannot waste time here."


    This brought the others attention towards him, they themselves were warned by their seniors how dangerous these kind of traps were and yet they could not completely ignore the allure of such trap the swallowed their spit as the moved forward painful.


    Medicinal Pills were piled up as a small hill comprising of various kinds of pills, the pills were enticing but no one even Long Yu who had more knowledge of pills failed to properly identify them. Another trap they painfully ignored and passed by.


    The next however was different in front of them were exotic looking men and women dressed scantily and provocatively as they tried to entice them with lust as they moved their bodies in alluring manner, the women had difficult time passing by as their cheeks blushed their hearts pounded their eyes started to get clouded with lust as their bodies heated up and their clothes felt tighter they stepped forward to be embraced, to be cared for to be loved they were slowly consumed with lust feeling completely aroused at the sight before them, but they were out of their trance when they heard a small sob as they noticed Long Yu with tear streaming down his eyes, as a distant memory rose up in his mind,


    '' Xiao Xiao: "Please Ryuu eat up, finish your food.", as she tried to feed Ryuu with a spoon.


    A much younger Ryuu pouted at her as he blew a raspberry at her, "I do not want to eat veggies, they are yucky."


    Xiao Xiao put a face of pure anger and spoke with a scolding tone, "Ryuu You Will Eat Your Veggies.", Ryuu had tears in his eyes his momma was angry at him and had scolded him.


    Xiao Xiao, "Ryuu, do you thing I would let you eat something bad, no my baby I love you too much I would never harm you, but you veggies are good for your health didn''t you say you want to be a hero like in those stories, well if you do not eat you will never grow strong."


    Ryuu looked towards the spoon full with vegetable, he moved his head forward as he eat the veggies his face looked as if he was suffering from torture making his mother almost feel sorry to the point to never feed him any vegetables."


    Zhu Zhu: "Ryuu you do not know how good your life is, there are children younger than you who would gladly give their life to the devil for even a single piece of what you are eating. You should consider yourself lucky and grateful."


    Ryuu was stunned at hearing that, it cannot be true right it cannot be true his aunt was just trying to scare him. "You are just lying Aunty, why would someone want to live in such conditions?"


    Zhu Zhu gave a sad smile before answering, "There many reasons child many when you grow older you will understand but now you are too young for such thing.", Ryuu pouted cutely at her, Zhu Zhu who just tousled his hair.


    Ryuu scrunched up his face as he asked another question to his aunt, "Aunty how do you recognize them."


    Zhu Zhu hummed in thought as she replied, "Well ...��.." ''


    Many years later Long Yu went on through the mental check list, as he tried to remember everything,


    1) Lack of clothes.


    2) Raising their hands as if asking no begging for something.


    3) Unable to move due to lack of energy


    He tried to remember the other points but he could not remember, ''well it must not be important if I could not remember, but I am a good boy I promised to mom and his aunt he would help those unfortunate people. He quickly wiped out his tears as his eyes shone with determination, he quickly searched his backpack which had almost a year worth of dry food in them and some cooked meet which had been made recently by Tina. He took out as much as possible as he ran towards those males and females as gave some food on their outstretched hands.He kept a small portion of dry food enough to sustain him during his stay in the ruins. He did a very good deed today his mommy would be proud after all ''Ryuu is good boy'', he blushed hard before he tried hard to hide from as he felt shy when he found all those people looking at him with dumbfounded confused look on their face.


    The exotic male and women were puppets who with help of arrays still functioned and their sole function was to entice any cultivator that walked this way having been programmed to do so in such a way that they behaved and acted like any real person, but they were never were programmed to react as such an event thus an error occurred in their system causing them to stare at Ryuu with soulless eyes causing him to creep out before a thought crossed his mind, ''this poor people it seems nobody ever helped them thus they are acting like that, oh what cruel world'', he gave a heavy sigh as he went and grabbed the hands of the closest women standing next to him as his mind was occupied he di not notice then in his haste he had grabbed Kyouki and Ryofu''s hands. the poor women who were aroused when grabbed by Long Yu felt as if a lightning surged through them and being forced to run is such a condition as Long Yu dragged them hurriedly through the corridor towards the next room while their teammates raced after them, while a feeling of peace happiness and self satisfaction rose in his big heart, ''It feels great helping someone, and it seems that I just love helping others''.


    Meanwhile back in Ayindril, it was chaos nothing more nothing less, Antariskh was literally rolling on the ground laughing her hearts out same could be said for her other sisters, Xiao Xiao was having trouble breathing after laughing so hard, even Ryuu''s masters were not spared including the ever serious and stoic Nuwa who had tears appearing on her eyes from laughing hard.


    Maheswara somehow managed to wheezed out, "The brat is too innocent and na?ve, but that makes him adorable,"


    Veena :"So true to think he confused those seductress as beggars, hilarious truly hilarious hahahahaha."


    Shamiran: "As hilarious it may seem we have to teach him, or else my adorable baby brother may get taken advantaged by nefarious person."


    Sylvana: "So true but let him be a child little longer, let him see the world with his rose tinted eyes a little bit, even if he has glimpsed the cruelty of our world, I would love to have him maintain his innocence a little longer isn''t that right Xiao Xiao."


    Xiao Xiao smiled and nodded, "So true sister so true."

 58 Meeting him again

    The women who were dragged by Long Yu had enough their condition did not favor them currently running so with great force they finally managed to reign him in, "Stop it Long Yu, stop it do not drag us anymore.", Ryofu finished with a scowl and with a hint of annoyance.


    Long Yu just turned around to see and replied with a hint of surprise, "Huh why are you two holding my hands where is Veronica?"


    Kyouki had felt a massive headache coming her way, "Brat you were the one who caught our hand and started dragging us not the other way around."


    Long Yu smiled sheepishly, "Ah sorry about that, I thought I was dragging Sister Veronica with me."


    The others soon joined them as Helen spoke, "What was that Long Yu why did you give your food to those people back there."


    Long Yu puffing up his chest out in pride, "I love helping people, so I helped those poor people, they lacked clothes looked hungry as they were making strange noises as they could not even speak out of hunger poor people, they could not even stand up only extend their hand asking for food, ah those poor people I wish I could help them more.", he replied as he wiped a lone stray tear which appeared on his eye.


    The others were dumbfounded Ayesha could not help but face palmed herself as they collectively thought, ''The innocence and naivety of this child is truly astounding.''


    Long Yu tilted his head confused, ''why are this people acting weird'', suddenly realization occurred to him.


    Long Yu: "Big Sisters do not worry I already supplied them a year worth of food, you all may donate something to those unfortunate people next time, you know helping others really felt great.", as he spoke he removed the hood hiding his face.


    The woman blushed profusely, ''Damn he is cute I want to ...��..'', as their thoughts became depraved.


    Long Yu shivered he did like the look on their eyes he quickly hid his face with the hood, ''Why does everyone looking at me with those weird creepy eyes, and why doI feel dirty and a sudden urge to hide whenever someone looks at me like that. I have to ask mother or at least my masters when I go back home.''


    Veronica snapped out of she felt ashamed she thought like that about Long Yu and spoke out, "Actually you just wasted your food, those people who you helped were just puppets used as a trap sp you wasted your food nothing more nothing less."


    Long Yu was dumbfounded he was duped by some mere puppets, they dare steal his food from him he will show them the what happens when someone takes advantage of him, he would have charged in brought back the food stolen from him but unfortunately the doorway connecting the corridor had unfortunately vanished nowhere to be seen, he was angry no scratch that he was furious with intense fury shouted out, "You Thief Conman stealing from a seven years old Shameless weirdo, it is good that you died or I would have spanked you hard so hard that even sitting on lava would feel like you are on ice. I now understand you stole and were punished by someone you freak. Give my food back!!!!! ", he roared out.


    The women had the look which screamed ''Really you are blaming your mistakes on others'', but they did not voice it out as they would have seemed as a hypocrite after all they themselves lusted after those puppets.


    So with a cough Ryofu brought the attention of an angry and irate Long Yu as well as the attention of her very embarrassed teammates, "Well I believe it is high time to move on, we have a trial to complete after all."


    They moved on unaware that someone was watching them and that someone was the mother of the child they were having depraved thoughts on.


    Xiao Xiao was not only angry but furious as well, in her long life she had felt such anger only a few times, she cursed her luck, if she were in not crippled she would have flown down there and thrashed those hussies to death, ''How dare they have depraved thoughts regarding my baby boy.''


    Veena: "Sister please come down, as long as we draw breath we will never let Ryuu suffer any harm.", before he frowned as he glanced towards Nuwa.


    Nuwa: "We know sister you do not have to tell us. We will create an array to hide his charming ability to prevent him from drawing unwanted attention."


    Antariskh: "Mother if I may, I believe I or one of my sisters should go so that when our brother comes out of those ruins some fool does no....", she stopped speaking as Celestia raised her hand.


    Celestia: "We know child, those mongrels are already speculating if he has some kind of divine body, also the so called Chief of Alchemist association will try to avenge that failure of human who Ryuu humiliated and was later killed by the acquaintance of those who he mistreated. There is also people from those Demonic sects, I have already arranged for the Royal Guards to help him out but in a different uniform also make sure Long Mei is present there, our guards will act as her family''s body guard while she keeps up her act as Ryuu''s Grandma also you three will be present but do not show ourselves until absolutely necessary not even to Ryuu, only after he is away and in safety from those idiots may you join him as he comes back here safely."


    Xiao Xiao: "Why are being so cautious and why hide Ryuu''s relationship with Ayindril?", she was confused why do they want to hide it so much although a thought went through her mind but she needed confirmation from them.


    Nuwa took a deep breath as she replied, "Well we may be all powerful and majestic now, but there was time we weren''t we were young foolish and more importantly weak, as we grew stronger we rubbed many people wrongly as such some are our mortal enemies who are strong enough to rival us. Thus we want to hide Ryuu''s involvement with us a little longer at least until he is at least Celestial level, when we plan to openly claim him as our student, but until then we will try to hide his identity as much as possible."


    Xiao Xiao understood their situation just as she had guessed, well after spending some time she knows when her time comes at least her child will be safe and well looked after, she turned her gaze with a small smile as she watched her baby boy''s adventure lovingly.


    They passed a few more empty corridors and twists and turn before they arrived inside a garden.


    "Brother Long Yu, it has been a while", a voice startled them they turned around and saw a man wearing dull gray colored robes and his face covered with bamboo hat, Long Yu and Veronica were alarmed at seeing him but put up neutral face as he came closer, Long Yu greeted him back with a smile, "It sure has been a while brother Xiang Tian."


    Xiang Tian: "So how have you been this past few days?"


    Long Yu: "It was fine although we suffered a few hiccups here and there but nothing my teammates cannot overcome. But enough about me, what about you how was your journey till now?"


    Xiang Tian: "Well it was full of hiccups but somehow you made it up till here.", suddenly a voice was heard from a distance calling out his name. "Well it seems it is time for me to take my leave, see you again later.", he left as he cupped his hands again a gesture which Long Yu returned, "Yes see you again."


    As soon as he left Long Yu let out a sigh of relief, seeing his troubled expression Kyouki could not help but ask, "Who is he?"


    Long Yu replied with a frown, "Well he calls himself Xiang Tian, I met him just at the start of the trials while waiting in the stadiums, word of advice stay away from him I do not know why but he rubs me wrongly."


    Kyouki: "So I am not the only one who felt it that way.", she finished with a frown.


    Ryofu: "Why do feel like that?", she may be her rival but she knows her intuition was never wrong.


    Kyouki: "How should I explain it well, the phrase ''wolf in sheep''s clothing'', was invented for someone like him."


    Ryofu frowned it does not bode well, that person may be someone who is from some ''Demonic Sect'', and it would be not the first time those sects infiltrated this kinds of events trying to sow chaos.


    Kyouki turned to Long Yu, "Brother no matter what never I repeat never be alone with people like him, your presence has already caused commotion outside some are speculating you may have some form of treasure or effect of some heavenly fruit some say you have a Divine body, so must be careful around people like him who knows what he might do.", she finished with a grave tone.


    Long Yu nodded with a somber look on his face, while inwardly he was panicking ''how do they know I have Divine Body, what if they..... Calm down calm down, my sisters promised me they will help me so calm down.'' the array at his neck lit up again calming him down.


    Long Yu then putting up an act he asked Koyuki another question, "Sister if I may ask you something what is this ''Divine Body'' that you spoke of?"


    Koyuki: "Well some people have something special which give them an edge over other cultivators, some give increased strength, some may make them control certain elements to the point they become one with it."


    Long Yu took a thinking position as he replied, "So that explains why you said I smelt like milk, so is that my power I smelt like super awesome thing like milk."


    They were dumbfounded, before Kyouki shook her head, "No I do not think that there is any Divine body that makes someone smell of milk, ''more importantly we meant it as an insult not praise'', anyway how did you increase your speed of cultivation so much."


    Long Yu: "Well when I was small a stranger gave me fruit I ate it, then I feel sick when I woke up I was plenty strong."


    The others mused about that, while Veronica had heard the story before but still couldn''t help but feel jealous same with the others who didn''t want to come across some Heavenly fruit like that.


    Meanwhile Long Yu felt bad, since he had met the team Shadow Wolves and had ventured out in these ruins he was spouting lies after lies, his sisters assured him that lying to strangers isn''t bad only lying to family is bad, but that did not mean he liked lying.


    While the group left the place, Long Yu''s brow wrinkled since the moment Xiang Tian arrived, he had activated his both ''Divine Eyes'' and ''Buddha''s Mind'', as such he noticed a shadowy figure keeping an eye on them listening to them, which had somewhat resemble to that Xiang Tian. Koyuki was right he really is ''a wolf in sheep''s clothing''.


    The garden was humongous but the Long Yu idly noted that most of this flora was only made for decorations as they made their way a strong smell of blood hit them.


    They discussed and concluded that they would take a small peek at that place where the battle took place, as the garden which they arrived did not contain any beasts, as the participants of the trial has already all half most of the labyrinth and this garden was mostly neutral area a place to rest but it was also the place where all the remaining candidates met after they finished the first half of the labyrinth most importantly a place where many tried to snuff out their competition by killing each other, thus such sights were common in otherwise such garden, sometimes some lucky fellow would stumble upon some lucky treasures in the form of some special fruits or medicinal plants which were mixed among the plethora of flora and as the design changed every time, thus there was no map of this place. The group hurried there who knows they just might get lucky and stumble upon a place where they might find some nice treasures.

 59 Fruity Problem

    Long Yu and his teammates soon reached the place of carnage, almost a dozen lay dead there as they scouted the place from a hiding place they found near the scene. Seeing no enemy present they slowly approached the place as they neared the saw the reason of the carnage.


    A single fruit hang from the tree, which caused the carnage. Everyone except Long Yu practically salivated at seeing the fruit. A somewhat oval shaped white fruit, with a single purple long strip running around the fruit exactly at the middle, upon closer inspection Long Yu noticed that the line was not as continuous as it looked from the distance but as if it was formed by placing short line one after another. He looked at the leaves to find it had reticulate venation.


    Ayesha: "No way it is a single strip enlightenment fruit."


    Single strip enlightenment fruit is type of fruit which comes from a family of fruit commonly referred to as ''Enlightenment fruits'', basically it enables a person to enter into a state of enlightenment. The lowest quality is a single strip fruit to the highest tiered 9 strip fruit, and the main part is that each of them has an odd number of strips.


    Long Yu frowned, "I do not think that it is a ''Enlightenment fruit'', but ''Everlasting Peace Fruit''."


    Ayesha: "Ah what fruit, I never heard such a fruit, go and learn about herbs and medicinal plants before trying to make up something like that.", she finished in a mocking tone before she turned towards others, "Well sisters let us harvest it for ourselves who knows what our esteemed ''Alchemist'' might cook up next."


    Everyone except Veronica laughed at that as they mocked Long Yu, who at that point had half a mind to let them consume it, because unlike the ''Enlightenment fruit'', the ''Everlasting Peace Fruit'', is a highly poisonous fruit used to create poison strong enough to kill even immortals, but since it looks so familiar to a single strip ''Enlightenment fruit'', people sometimes make mistake thus killing themselves.


    Being the kind hearted kid he is he tried to dissuade them again, "The ''Enlightenment fruit'' is always perfectly round, the strip running down is continuous without any break and its leaves always have parallel venation. So that fruit over there is not a ''Enlightenment fruit'', but ''Everlasting Peace Fruit''. It is highly poisonous fruit that is used to concoct poison that can even kill immortals."


    Koyuki sighed, "Listen kid it is good to be greedy, hell even we feel greedy from time to time, but we are currently teammates so please control your greed it is disgusting."


    Veronica''s thought ran in different directions spending some time with him she knew one thing clear Long Yu does not have any mean or evil bone in his body he would never trick or harm any innocent, "Sorry but I will support him in this, I trust him with my life and he has yet to fail me."


    Ryofu: "Well that means we will have more pieces of the fruit for us then.", she smiled snidely at them.


    Helen: "Ayesha her is an upcoming genius alchemist of our sect someone who is even acknowledged by our Sect Leader, and you pipsqueak is speaking about some fancy fruit like you have seen one, I doubt you have seen either of them."


    Long Yu has seen both the fruits, he had seen the ''Everlasting Peace Fruit'' in the herbarium his master gave him excess to, he may not have full access as some stuff is dangerous for him to handle at his current level of strength, but that does not mean his master did not show him any of those she has stored there. As for ''Enlightenment fruit'', well his mansion has a couple of them planted in the garden area and unlike this low quality fruit the trees present in his garden are all Seven stripped ones.


    He tried to stop them but before he could speak they were forced to dodge a hail of arrows.


    A group of 6 people had attacked them, both the teams glared at each other, until Koyuki shouted out, " I know there are more of you get out here.", and soon enough a group of 12 more people came out of hiding. Long Yu inwardly frowned, what a big mistake he had made, he had lowered his guard down and allowed these people to get a drop on them. But he also noticed that the shadow was still keeping an eye on them, he inwardly sighed as he will now have to show his skill set to him, oh how he wished his entire team was with them at least he could warn them of their little stalker but his current team was already grating on his nerves.


    An obnoxious fellow spoke out, "Well well look what we have here boys a few pretty flowers and an ''Enlightenment fruit'', seems to be our lucky day."


    The laughed at that until one of them spoke, "Oi women we are respected Gentleman so why don''t you leave your belongings and scram and we won''t harm you."


    Before Long Yu''s teammates could reply another person spoke out, "Captain it is him the kid who humiliated and caused death of your junior apprentice brother."


    "Oh so that pompous fool fell because of him, oh well child if it were normal circumstance I would have a thanked you, but unfortunately if showed your head to our master he will be even more elated so if you want to blame someone blame your luck kid.", spoke out a tall lanky 50 something old man with long white beard and bald headed.


    Long Yu: "Your brother who are people speaking about?"


    "Che youngsters these days, hah I give up they have worst memory than us old man, well brat my junior brother Moguu who died because of in the forest biome."


    Long Yu frowned put his hands on his chin as if deep in thought, "Ah I remember now, the idiot who claimed to be an alchemist, so he was your junior apprentice brother, ah how silly of me to not recognize you old timer after all both of you are trying to imitate as if you are some wise knowledgeable person with that long beards and robes.", he spoke as if he was discussing weather.


    Normally Long Yu does not like insulting someone but this person rubbed him the wrong way, his older sisters were very powerful, much respected and more importantly they were older than him, in normal case someone of his status would not have the right to glance at them let alone speak with them, yet those same persons helped him a lot, showed him many interesting things, played with him like they were his friends and were same age as him, told him stories, protected him when he was in danger and now this person comes and looks happy that his brother is dead. He was infuriated at seeing such vile person in front of him, someone who spat on the face of the relationship he had with his beloved older sisters, he will never forgive him.


    The man has a vein throbbing on his head, how this impudent brat dare to insult him he will skin him alive and use him as a lab rat till the day he died. "Bring me that impudent brat to me alive. I will show him what happens when you disrespect your betters."


    Soon a terrifying aura consisting of mostly 7th rank Zifu Disciple and couple of 8th and one of 9th rank entered the fray.


    Koyuki quickly spoke in a whisper but her teammates all heard clearly, "Listen during the fight I want one of to snatch the fruit and make a run for we are near the end of the garden and as soon as we make inside the second half of the trials will begin this people will not be able to follow us then as a single path only allows a single team so keep your eyes open and make a break for it."


    They soon faced them, Long Yu quickly unsheathed his sword and joined the fray and in remarkable show of agility which looked as if he was doing a combination of dancing and sliding on the ground he dodged but at the same time he hit them using the sword to deflect the enemies attack he went for the palm strike, and because of his height he got a couple of them where the sun doesn''t shine causing them to collapse in agony, soon he was the one nearest to the fruit tree, he activate his skill ''Jade Hands'', as he plucked the fruit he shouted at the bald man, "Ok enough I have the fruit but if guys do not stop I will eat it myself.", he knew that most of the people has shaky knowledge at best thus he gambled that this idiots would also mistake it as ''Enlightenment fruit''.


    The bald man, "You blasphemous fool let go of the ''Enlightenment fruit'', or I will damn you for eternity."


    Long Yu: "Then call your men back, and make them stay at least 20 meters away from us.", the bald man hesitated, "Well what are you waiting for I am going to eat it, ahhhh", he made a motion as if he would swallow it.


    Bald man, "Ok you win everyone pull back, quickly back at least 20 meters."


    Soon his men retreated back and stood near him, Long Yu noticed that during the confrontation the men he touched were almost evenly placed among the crowd some of them were injured but mostly lightly, he frowned when he looked at his teammates who compare to others looked worse for wear.


    Long Yu: "Here is the fruit now stop chasing us.", as he casually tossed the fruit towards the bald man.


    Kyouki was furious at the whole situation and now their idiotic teammate surrendered the fruit to the enemy, "You idiotic child, how dare you give away the fruit to them, I will spank you so hard that your great great grandchild will feel it.", she could not help but howl out towards Long Yu with anger.


    The bald man watched the fruit sailing towards him with a wide smile, ''I do not know how he defeated my junior brother but this child is idiotic, oh well losers are beggars but winners are kings.''


    As soon as he caught the fruit a loud shout came to his ears, "ACTIVATE", soon they all felt a jolt of electricity course through them paralyzing them, and they fruit exploded as dense purple cloud surrounded.


    Meanwhile Long Yu ran while shouting out, "RETREAT, RETREAT", as he ran as if devils were themselves after him, his teammates knew this was the only chance as they ran.


    After crossing almost a hundred meters they stopped and turned, his teammates were horrified as they saw they seen in front of them, their attacks were all on ground only a couple spasmed, they were foaming and were turned blackish purple from head to toe, as blood leaked from all the orifice, the most horrifying thing was except the tree which bore the fruit everything within a few dozen meters from the epic center of the blast had wilted and died.


    Ryofu: "Long Yu what did you do with the fruit?"


    Long Yu: "Nothing this fruit is very volatile as such if touched wrongly it explodes releasing its toxins, as I said before ''Everlasting Peace Fruit'' is highly poisonous, and it would take a long long time before anyone could safely enter the blast center. Well let us leave we are wasting time."


    As they left a couple of people arrived at the scene and one of them spoke, "What an interesting child, put him at the top of the list Master would be truly pleased to have someone like him."


    "So true brother so true, unlike the rest of trashes this child is not only genius but also cunning and resourceful. He has greatly talented more than some who are many times his age. I wonder if he has some ''Divine Body'' but what if he has a good background then??"


    "I also wonder if he has a Divine Body well master himself will arrive here so he will determine, and even if he has a great background I doubt they will have someone to stop a peak level Dao-Father."


    "So true so true, well let us get moving we still have a quota to fulfill we still have to mark a couple of more people."


    "Yes let us leave."


    With that both the people left the clearing, leaving behind all those poison covered bodies to become fertilizer for the ''Everlasting Peace Fruit'' tree.

 60 The result of the bet Part-1

    Kyouki: "Oi brat you are quite for a long time, is there any problem? Oi say something, was it your first kill? Well if it is I...".


    Long Yu gritted his teeth what is wrong with this people, he really missed the ''Shadow Wolves'', even if only Veronica was now with him right now but this girls are irritating always trying to act nice then next second they are insulting him and finally after some time he snapped back, "Kyouki, listen I know you all barely tolerate me and I can say same can be said about me, and after a few more hours we will no longer be teammates and I can say after we get out of this ruins we will never ever meet again. So instead of insulting and trying to put me down or make fun of me next time when I say something next time please try to spare some thought on the matter."


    Ryofu with a stoic face, "Is it about that poisonous fruit?"


    Long Yu: "It is one of the many incidents which happened since we formed a team."


    Ayesha with a frown on his face, "Listen here kid I accept that I made a mistake in identifying the fruit and if you want I can apologize to you, but you do not have to make a big issue about it."


    Long Yu: "See this is what I am talking about, I do not care if you know about something or you do not know, and making mistake is normal learning process, I will be frank and even accept that there are lots of things I may not know. But when I voiced my concern please please give it some thought. I also know me being so young makes it impossible for you to take me seriously but do not forget I had the same qualification to enter here as any of you."


    Helen gave out a sigh, "Ok little brother, next time we will listen to your suggestions and we will stop treating you as a child. Is that alright with you Long Yu?"


    He gave them a bright smile as he replied, "Yup and I am happy that you understand."


    Veronica listened to their talk intently, she herself was annoyed at her new team''s behavior towards Long Yu, she wished she was with her original teammates, then she felt sad when Long Yu said,'' after we get out of this ruins we will never ever meet again'', she knows it is true he entered their team because he wanted to gain experience nothing more nothing less, but that does not mean she has to like it all those beautiful memories they shared she will never forget them ever. At the same time the disrespect shown to Long Yu by her new teammates really gritted her nerves and she was sure if some of her more hot tempered teammates like Jessie was here it would had escalated into a big bloody fight.


    Ayesha: "So how did you know about the everlasting peace fruit? Have you seen it before?"


    Long Yu: "Well if picture on a book counts then yes I have seen it.", while inwardly musing, ''Of course I have seen it, what do you expect of my Master''s herbarium, not only she has every medicinal plants there, I can swear each of them are infinite in number.''


    Helen: "The thing that you did before to them, how did you paralyze them?"


    Long Yu:"Oh those I used arrays."


    Helen: "Arrays? But how I never show you place some array tags before."


    Long Yu just raised his left hand and touched the wall of the Labyrinth, and removed his hand soon an array formed.", Helen was astonished as was her teammates.


    Helen: "How did you place that like there, do you some kind of contraption on your hands?"


    Long Yu showed his hands, but was freaked out at the way his hands were studied by Helen at one time it looked as if she would simply tear his hands out.


    Helen: "Impossible, an array requires intensive calculations commands and what not to be written on top of that we require materials to write on."


    Long Yu: "If you practice enough it is easy to do so especially with array you know by heart and most importantly I am a peak Zifu Disciple level Array Master, I think you would be able to craft once you reach that level."


    Helen was lost in thought maybe she should double her efforts on becoming a better array master, it seemed a very useful in battle.


    What neither of them knew that the technique used by Long Yu was a very special one, normally a person can only put an array like that only when the rank of such array is many ranks below the mastery of the array. But Long Yu was extremely lucky to apprentice under such knowledgeable Array Master as ''Nuwa'' who created a technique enabling Long Yu to manifest any type of array up to his rank of Array Mastery easily with a blink of his eye and by a simple touch.


    Soon they reacheda corridor with a fewdoorspresent at that time they were worn out, escaping lava pools, giant waves and all sorts of traps really worn themselves out.


    A single tablet lay on the middle of the road with instructions,


    ''For those who wish to participate,


    1) Please enter one by one by opening the door of the exam you want to take.


    2) Each door has a placard placed in front of it designating the type of exam that will be held.


    3) Please remember that after entering to close the door behind you or else the test will not begin.


    4) Only one person may enter at a time if more than two living person is detected the test will not begin.


    5) The door has a green light on top of it, if the light turns red wait for it to turn green before you may enter.


    6) After the door is closed by a participant the light will turn red for a few moment after which it will turn green please enter as soon as it will turn green


    7) The participant who enters last will under no circumstances find themselves in the same room as the previous you all will be send to separate subspace for the test.''


    Koyuki turned towards Long Yu, "Brother Long Yu, I hope you are ready for your bet."


    Long Yu gave a nod of confirmation towards her.


    Koyuki just smiled at him, "Well then the best person may win, and brother if the way I spoke with you has caused you some inconvenience please I beg for forgiveness from you.", as she lowered her head to him.


    Long Yu: "Please raise your head there is no need to apologize, I know people underestimate me because of my age so please there is no need to apologize.", as he raised his head trying to placate her.


    Soon the participants entered the respective rooms, Ayesha and Long Yu both went inside a door marked ''Alchemy'', whereas Helen and Ryofu entered the door marked as Array and Blacksmithing respectively.


    Kyouki let out a sigh as she sat beside Veronica, "I hope he doesn''t humiliate us too much when we lose the bet."


    Veronica raised an eyebrow at the comment as she asked curiously, "A prideful women like you giving up so early."


    Kyouki just gave a small smile as she replied, "To be frank a part of me still believes in my teammates, but I know after seeing Long Yu in action that we might have bitten off more than we could chew. My master always warned me that because of my pride I tend to underestimate others and it would be my downfall, she was so right I underestimated him because of his age. I just hope that he won''t humiliate us very much."


    Veronica just smiled at her, "You are right in one aspect because of his age my team initially not only underestimated him but also were reluctant to his babysitter while we explored this ruins. But now we owe all our lives to him many times. But you should not worry because at the end of day he is a kid, nice kid but still a kid upon whom I had upmost trust that he will never do anything humiliating to you."


    Kyouki just smiled at her while she thought idly, ''Master was so right this trials are life changing, now I would have to find some way to stay in contact with him, when the trails are over I do not want to lose any kind of contact with him, I may have been irritated with him before but he is not bad, I wouldn''t mind being his friend.''

 61 The result of the bet Part-2

    Long Yu frowned as he stared at the instruction for the first part of the exam inside the room, everyone who spoke about this trails had told him how difficult they were he was expecting many things but this, he has to separate and arrange various medicinal plants into stalks of 10 each from a place where they are all dumped in a single place. He would have time of 3 incense sticks to burn to separate and arrange as many as he could and place them on a given place. A single mistake would cause the test to end then and there. He was disappointed at that, he was used to such things as he his master would make him handle various ingredients for Alchemy. Suddenly a stray thought ran through his head, ''Maybe very difficult mixture ingredients will come out, making it difficult to not only separate but arrange them.


    With a gulp he prepared for the worst activating his Jade Hands, he began the test, soon couple of trays full of ingredients came in front of him, all herbs and medicinal plants were mixed together. His hands blurred as he separated and arranged them neatly into stalks of 10 and placed them on a tray each labeled with a name indicating the place where each stalk would go. Long Yu was so engrossed in his work that he did not even notice when his time was up, he left out a huff and a deep disappointed sigh really this was underwhelming seriously what a letdown. A score flashed out, 100000, each successful stalk of 10 was 10 points. He shrugged at the score while idly wondering what is the highest score received by a participant. He moved towards the next part of the exam, a cauldron appeared in front of him with various sets of ingredients.He was given 5 different pills to concoct, he had 5 hours to make them.


    Long Yu''s heartbeat increased he was going to concoct some pills, ''Will I be able to concoct the desired pills, if I fail how will I show my face to my master.'' He did not want to disappoint either his mother or his masters. He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself, and then proceeded to start with the test.


    He saw the test, he saw the name of the pills he has to concoct, and he trembled before he raised his hands as he shouted out with anger, "Who created this type stupid tests I demand to meet him what is this things I can breeze through with my eyes blindfolded and hands tied behind my back. Where is the legendary test, the test that caused people to tremble in fear having nightmares for decades, why oh why you are such a disappointment? Why��." he ranted on and on for few minutes before he plopped on the ground as he glared at the test before he started taking it.


    He saw the five types of pills he had to make,


    1) Ki gathering pill


    2) Bone mending pill


    3) Blood forming pill


    4) Marrow cleansing pill


    5) Cosmeticpill


    He let out a growl as he quickly gathered the required ingredients from a pile of different types of ingredients organizing them in required limits and proportion in order to concoct ten sets of each.


    He quickly sat in front of the cauldron as he used proper type of wood which he separated from a pile of different types of woods. He picked the logs from 100 year old ''Checkered tree'', a tree with checkered spots on its bark, it was his favorite to as it is smokeless and odorless as such it does not interfere with the pill concoction by polluting the pills.


    He lit the Cauldron as he started heating it as he waited for required temperature level in order to concoct the pills, then he quickly drained the essence of the herbs as he poured them inside the cauldron, as he channeled his Ki through the cauldron as he closed the lid and before long a batch of 10 Ki gathering pills. The current cauldron was of same quality as his current cauldron which according to him was at least the only thing that was not a disappointment. Within half an hour he had finished the test. After finishing concocting the pills he inspected them, the quality ranged from 70 to 85%, he was disheartened and sad no matter how much he tried he could not reach the 90% threshold limit, no matter how much precaution or how much focused he was he could not reach it, he wished that one day his pills would cross the legendary threshold and will be purified under tribulation like his First Mistress''s does.He pouted every time he concocted pills he felt as if something was missing and whenever he complained to his First Mistress she would simply smile and wave it off saying he will after gaining some more experience and a little bit more insight on Dao. ''Aww how I wished I could gain insight on the Grand Dao of Alchemy, I wish I could concoct like my First Mistress.''


    If the people from the sects waiting outside could hear his thoughts most of them would have spurted blood and fainted from jealousy. ''Insight on Dao, some people spends an entire lifetime yet they could never gain an insight, a simple glimpse whereas 7 years old child had a glimpse of Dao, yet was not satisfied at the result.''


    He knew that this was the best result as he deposited the pills on denoted region, and after a few minutes the test was over, he felt a tingling sensation on his wrist, as he looked up to see a violet colored band forming just above the band which form when he entered, he did not know the meaning of the band so shrugged and exited the room.


    Kyouki and Veronica were startled to see Long Yu leaving looking tired as he dragged himself out of the room within less than an hour since the start of the test. Suddenly a hope blossomed in Kyouki''s heart, ''Did the brat failed and ran away from the exam, does this mean we have won.''


    Veronica stood up as he went towards Long Yu as she inquired of him with a concerned face, "Brother Long Yu are you alright? How was the test?"


    Kyouki: "Oi brat was the test so hard that you ran away from it."


    Long Yu stopped and looked towards them as an unholy fire lit in his eyes, "Hard, what part of the idiotic test was hard? I thought after listening to those things about the test I had hoped it would be challenging, but it was underwhelming who does they think they are designing such a worthless test, separation and arrangement, I have been doing that since I was a 5 year old, concocting pills, I had learned concocting them before I was six, my teacher made me learn and practice concocting pills to the point I could do with my eyes closed."


    He huffed and stomped towards the next area in order to take the Array Master''s test. Leaving a bug eyed Kyouki and smiling Veronica who waved at him while saying, "All the best for your next test Long Yu.", she waved at him, which caused him to turn towards Veronica as he gave a bright smile towards her as he waved back to her while saying, "Thank You Sister Veronica."


    Koyuki could no longer help but question Veronica, "How how do you deal with him?"


    Veronica just shrugged as she replied, "If you want to keep your sanity intact just go with the flow, after the things I have seen him do it is better to go with flow thinking it as a normal occurrence or try reasoning and lose your sanity.", after all a woman who was always liked to maintain a calm and collected speaking only when necessary was now a chatter box with all the stress. Yup she will be taking a long holiday from the world of cultivation for the sake of her sanity and she is sure her teammates will do the same.


    Koyuki just nodded before bursting out into laughter before bringing out a bottle of wine from her space ring, "Well do you care for a drink."


    As the two got themselves drunk in order to escape reality, Long Yu was currently busy with another disappointing test but unlike the ''Alchemy test'', this consisted of three parts, Identification, Dismantling and Creation, and just like Alchemy he finished under one hour.


    He came out of the test room and he looked towards the only teammates who did not take any test. He scrunched his nose at the terrible smell, he wanted to vomit, he saw both of them sleeping with drool on their flushed face as they snored loudly, he saw a couple of bottles laying around them. He held his nose as he picked up the bottle with a little bit of strange liquid in it he took a sniff and sudden nausea along with dizziness hit him causing him to drop it shattering the bottle. He somehow made to a place very far away from them as he tried to calm himself down, he was feeling unwell.


    With some difficulty he pushed down the feeling of nausea, as he looked with tears in his eyes, ''what were they doing?'', suddenly a memory of a story his aunty told him, how a cultivator was lost in a place with no water and when he finally reached near the city he was so thirsty that he could not move a single muscle, but then he noticed drainage water flowing he somehow dragged himself towards it and drank from it to save his life. ''No I was so selfish and self absorbed that I never noticed that my teammates were thirsty, they did not want to take my resources so they drank from sewage'', a strangled sob escaped his throat as he felt ashamed of himself he had felt his teammates, his mother was surely ashamed of himself, tears flowed freely from his eyes as he started sobbing he did not know what to do.


    Ryofu had just finished her test and she came out within two and a half hour mark unlike Long Yu who had a Violet color band on his wrist, she had a Yellow colored one on her left hand. As she came in a sobbing voice came in to her ears and in front of her was two drunkards snoring away like no tomorrow he turned her head only two see a crying Long Yu who held onto his knees as he kept on crying. She knew for some unknown reason they felt attraction to him whenever he removes his hood, a horrifying thought ran through her mind, ''no it cannot be my rival cannot do something degrading.'', but she needed to confirm it so steeling her nerves she made her way towards Long Yu while she inwardly prepared herself if the worst happened she would simply exact vengeance for Long Yu''s honor.


    Ryofu: "Long Yu are okay, why are crying please tell me if something happened to you big sister Ryofu will help you."


    Long Yu somehow spoke between his sobs, "Wig shis, I failed to welp my teaw-~wah~-mates, ~wah~ they did not watel, sho they drank sewage water ~wah~, I am such a failure I ~hic~ failed to notice it.", all the while crying loudly, "Now they are sick, ~hic~ I do not know what to do ~wah~."


    Ryofu had a terrible headache on hearing him, she took out a water bottle from her space ring as she made Long Yu drink water from it as she consoled him by rubbing his back, Long Yu had his hood down exposing his face, ''such a smooth skin'', she idly wondered as she gently caressed his skin, as she was sitting in close proximity almost hugging, his smell entered her nose making her feel dizzy, she so wanted to cuddle him now, he has such heavenly smell only to be brought out of her fantasy by a concerned looking Long Yu, "Sister Ryofu are you alright you looked unfocused and drooling."


    Ryofu was ashamed of herself what was she doing and thinking, since when was she a pedophile, but Long Yu looked so irresistible to her, just thinking about it made her feel sick.


    Ryofu just cleared her throat as she went on to explain Long Yu how they just took some medicine to get away from some stress, something recommended from their sect and only adults can have and they did not drink anything remotely resembling sewage water. After much needed convincing from Ryofu Long Yu felt relieved that it was never his fault to begin, and soon a bright smile blossomed on his face causing Ryofu to blush and turn her head, Long Yu himself felt a little scared as he pulled hi hood down covering his face as he scooted a little away from Ryofu, he did not know why he was feeling a bit unsafe to be so near her.


    Meanwhile in Ayindril,


    It looked as if a ''Death Goddess'' has descended as a very deadly aura reeked of death and destruction emanated from Xiao Xiao and Nuwa and to some extension from Veena and Celestia as they kept murmuring the different types of torture they will inflict on those ''harlots'' who got drunk and made Ryuu cry, and also against Ryofu who tried to take advantage of him.


    Antariskh and Sylvana, even though they themselves were enraged as they did not like their baby brother going through such experience, but currently the wisest thing according to them was that they used their father as meat shield as they stood behind him, away from their mothers and aunt, while Shamiran with a creepy smile was busy writing down every possible torture methods which spouted from their mothers and aunt''s mouth.

 62 The result of the bet Part-3

    Maheswara: "Ladies I know you all are angry but please calm down", he requested of his wives and their new sister Xiao Xiao.


    Veena: "Calm Down��.", all but shouted at her husband only to stop when she saw him glaring at her.


    Maheswara: "Ladies I understand, that you are angry, I myself is angry at their behavior but please calm down. Just put yourselves in their shoes and think about it, they are very stressed out and they took a very easy way to distressed themselves, so please calm down. Especially my wives you three shouldknow if you keep on cursing them you might cause damage to their karma and bring disaster to them, I myself would not want anything to happen to them when my own student is currently with them."


    His three wives stiffened at that they forgot in their anger how much damaging the curses uttered by them can be on those girls since they are very very powerful compared to them. The words spoken by them charged by their power will harm them, and one of them happened to be Ryuu''s teammate from the beginning and has helped him a lot, and the last thing they would want something untoward happening to them and Ryuu getting caught in the crossfire.


    Xiao Xaio''s mind was still stuck on Ryuu, she did not pay any mind to what discussing was currently going on between his masters.


    Meanwhile back in those ruins Ryuu aka Long Yu was currently helping Ryofu nurse back the two drunkards who caused him to cry as the other two joined, while Ayesha gave them medicine to get over the hangover.


    Ryofu teasingly spoke to Kyouki, "My my sister what did both of you drink, Long Yu thought you drank sewage water and felt sick, he was so worried."


    Kyouki while she tried to fight of the terrible headache, "Please stop talking my head feels as if some angry mob has entered and now is destroying it from inside, I swear to never steal anything from Granny Yu''s stock."


    Helen: "Well we all have finished our exams, Long Yu did you finish yours?"


    Long Yu with a big smile on his face, "Of course I did, see I got my bands.", as he raised his hands to show both the violet colored bands on his hands."


    Everyone who were present were shocked as well as curious, they have heard and read about various colored bands each but never have they heard about a ''Violet'' colored before, as far as they have heard that there are 4 colored bands, ''Red, Orange, Yellow and Green'', although the green color is something only a few have earned, who later went on to become legendary character like the Head of Alchemist association.


    Long Yu could not help but ask, "What happened why you are looking at that the bands like that."


    Veronica: "Well Long Yu, this color of band has never been seen before so we are a little stumped thinking about what it signifies."


    Long Yu: "Of course it means I am awesome.", he finished with a cheeky grin.


    Helen: "Ho is that so seems like someone has become arrogant.", she joked as she pinched his cheeks playfully.


    Soon they left and before long they found themselves in front of a plaza, overlooking the plaza was a gigantic gate, they saw many people were just lazing around, gossiping some were sparring while they were waiting for the gate to open.


    "Veronica!!!! Long Yu!!!!!!!", a shout came from their side as they saw Jessie running towards them with wide smile with her arms waving towards them in wild abandon.


    Long Yu and Veronica were both happy and relieved at seeing another member of Shadow Wolves safe and sound.


    They introduced her to their new acquaintance and soon the entire team of Shadow Wolves was gathered there.


    "Oi Long Yu, seems like you guys managed to pass as well.", a female voice came to everyone''s ears as the saw Rong Niu making her way towards them.


    Bashista: "Seems like all our acquaintance are here now, well you girls may join us if you want for the next stage.", as he addressed to Kyouki and her friends.


    Ryofu: "Well then pardon us for any inconvenience we may cause."


    Bashista addressed to everyone who had gathered, "Well the tests are now over, all we have to wait is for the gates to open up, now remember after it opens it is free for all, everyone will try to grab, any treasure they might find so they will start fighting amongst themselves, they will not hesitate to kill others for any treasure. Our goal is to form a group strong enough so that we might be able to fight our way into the Library, the Alchemist Hall, the Array master Hall, and the Armory.", although it looked as if spoke out to everyone but in reality he was actually explaining the next phase to Long Yu in order to warn him of the danger they will face.


    Long Yu also learned the purpose of the bands as the color indicates the level of access they would gain while entering the desired halls.


    It has already been 10 days since they entered into the trials, only 20 days left before they will be able to escape, and 20 days of trying to survive from the other people''s onslaught. The thought made him feel a little scare, during his time he made a lot of friends he did not want to lose them.


    Suddenly Veronica spoke, "Oh Ryofu so who do you think won the bet."


    At that Ryofu, Kyouki, Ayesha and Helen froze, in their mind they knew they had lost but still they tried to delay the inevitable as such Kyouki gave an excuse, "Well since we do not know the real meaning of Long Yu''s bands color I think it will unfair to both parties without knowing the true meaning of them."


    Jessie: "What is this ''Bet'' thing they are speaking and what do you mean by unknown color?"


    Upon being explained most if not all teammates of Shadow Wolves were miffed, ''How dare this witches try to humiliate Long Yu.", but were placated by both Long Yu and Veronica who vouched for them stating that since they did not know about him beforehand they ended up disbelieving him which resulted in the bet. But before anyone could speak anything a loud hooting sound was heard indicating the end of the trial, a screen showed the number, 536 indicating only 536 candidates remained giant cracking noise was heard as the entrance doors of the nine headed dragon school slowly swung open. Everyone prepared themselves as they steeled their heart for the upcoming bloodbath.


    Meanwhile,


    A loud slap sends a person flying who ended up becoming a stain on the wall. An old man shouted out towards heaven cursing it in grief, before his eyes blazed with vengeance, "What was the name of the child?"


    A person bowed fearfully as he spoke, "Long Yu, his name is Long Yu, and he is the youngest participant."


    The Old Man gave a devilish grin, "Oh so that brat humiliated my best disciple and had him killed, and you say he cheated. Hmmm originally I was planning to make him join my Alchemist Association but now I will make him to know tow before me and make him accept me as his master while making his current one feel disgraced, before I flog him to death. I will see who stops me, when I toy with him and kill him for his impudence. Make sure all those upstart sects who came to recruit him know that anyone who tries to protect him will make an enemy out of my ''Alchemist Association'', I will see how they survive making an enemy out of my association.", as a terrifying aura of peak ranked immortal erupted from him.


    Long Yu suddenly felt as if someone very foolish spoke something equally foolish. He sighed as an idle thought ran through his mind, ''Is there any special factory where this stupid people are manufactured en masse.''

 63 Almanac of Medicinal Plants.

    Bashista led the group inside the school, they moved while trying to blend in with the shadows so as not to draw any unnecessary attention towards them. They soon reached to what was the residential area for the disciple, before choosing a house which gave them nice view of the school specially the main square which was connected to all the major halls as well library.


    Bashista then gave out an order, "Long Yu do it."


    Long Yu just nodded as he quickly placed a few talismans around the house.


    Helen: "Kid what do these talismans do?"


    Long Yu: "These talismans'' main purpose is to hide the entire house under an illusion, moreover if anyone comes close enough an illusion will be casted on him compelling him to ignore and move away from this house. Also there are perimeters Array which will alert me any possible unwanted people approaching the house. Oh before I forget please use this talisman on yourself.", he handed each one of them a single talisman.


    Everyone except Ryofu and Kyouki''s group hesitated to apply, "kid, what does these talisman do?"


    Long Yu: "This talisman is actually a permission slip, after you apply it on yourself, it will make sure that you are registered as the resident, otherwise when I activate the array formation it will cause any unauthorized person to be immediately paralyzed as well will be put to deep sleep. Oh and I am going to activate it now so if you will all hurry", he did not have to tell them twice as the quickly applied the array on themselves, an intricate figure of a red dragon appeared on the top of their right hand.


    As soon as they finished Long Yu activated the array surrounding the house, a bluish dome appeared as it enveloped the house before disappearing, if someone were to look towards the house they will only see a nothing there.


    Bashista: "Well let us use this as our temporary home for now, there is kitchen, bedroom, meditation room, as well as a decent bathroom feel free to use it just make sure you do not draw any unwanted attention."


    They all nodded, the ladies were too keen on getting themselves refreshed and clean but stopped as they allowed the youngest one among them to go in first. Soon a cleaned and refreshed entered the room without his leather armor just wearing a white shirt and a camouflage trouser, as he tried drying his long hair using some of his ki, "After taking a bath it really feels heavenly.", he spoke loudly with a content sigh. One of the qualities he gained being raised by females and being surrounded by females since birth is his love for cleanliness, even his mother is proud of him for having such a habit. Thinking about his mother made him depressed, ''I cannot wait to go home when will the stupid expedition end, I miss mommy.''


    Ruth: "Long Yu is something wrong you looked a little depressed."


    Long Yu: "It is nothing I just miss my home, this is the first time I have been away from my family for so long I miss them."


    Tina: "It is fine Long Yu, it is absolutely normal for you to miss them because you love them, because of that when you entered the ruins did you not want to make them proud of you. You are suffering and trying to gain experience so that you can not only make them proud but also one day become strong enough to protect them."


    Long Yu just smiled brightly at her, "Thank You Big Sis Tina, I really needed that."


    Soon everyone took their turns in order to get refreshed, while the remaining others relaxed or kept watch. During the time they witnessed a couple of skirmish between a few teams. But unknown to them Long Yu was not interested in any of them but when he had activated ''Divine Eyes'' and ''Buddha''s Mind'' skill of his he witnessed a dozen of shadows of various sizes although most of them looked humanoid, moving around and some of them stalking other teams, he also noticed one of them come very close to the house before changing direction as it left for towards other direction, he gulped at that whoever released those shadows must have nefarious idea inside their mind. He mulled about the idea about warning others, a few days ago he might have not mentioned it in front of Kyouki and Ryofu''s group but they have at least a little bit of his trust.


    Rong Niu:"Feeling homesick again Long Yu?", she asked after seeing him serious as if contemplating something.


    Long Yu cleared his throat before putting up a serious face which according to the females made him look more adorable, "Well during the ''Labyrinth'' part of the trial we came across Xiang Tian again, but after he left I located a shadow stalking us using my special skills, and now while we were resting I noticed similar looking shadowy creatures stalking other teams."


    At that everyone looked serious, and Ayesha could not help but ask him, "Why did you not notify us before?"


    Long Yu sighed, "Well I could not completely trust you all, except Veronica but I never got chance to warn her as well, but since that time I think I have at least gained some form of trust enough to disclose it to you all as I feared you guys would try to acquire my skill causing a fight occurring between us."


    Ryofu sighed, "Well I do not like being accused of something as disgracing as steeling but at the same time I am happy that you trust us now."


    Long Yu gave a grateful smile at that.


    Ayesha: "Long Yu I wanted to ask you about something how did your knowledge of plants so great?"


    Long Yu raised an eyebrow as he answered, "I just memorized the ''Almanac of Medicinal Plants.''"


    Ayesha looked thunderstruck, not only her some of the people present looked surprised as well.


    Kyouki asked him in a shaky voice, "How, how did you get that book?"


    Long Yu was confused, his master when gave him the book to read had mentioned him that the book was one of the most popular book regarding botany, "I read it in my family library, may I ask why are you surprised?"


    Ayesha: "Library such a precious and legendary book is in your family library."


    Long Yu spoke looking at her incredulously, "What are you talking about it is a very popular book, and is best for children to learn from."


    Helen: "Who told you that, only the Alchemist association has a single copy, and many credit their rise in power to the book."


    Long Yu: "huh, what are talking about, ''Almanac of Medicinal Plants.'', is just a book which deals with botany making it helpful in identification of one easy, nothing more nothing less. But the book is very easy to understand and helpful especially for the beginners. "


    Jack just let out a whistle at that, "I just wonder who wrote such a book."


    Long Yu: "Oh some Elven person whose name is something ''Woodbark'', or something like that."


    Everyone looked bug eyed at him, "Elven Person???"


    Meanwhile back in Ayindril,


    Celestia scowled, "I have to teach Ryuu not to draw unnecessary attention towards him, there was no need to mention about Elven race to them, but it also make me wonder what kind of Backwater place they are in if they consider, ''Almanac of Medicinal Plants.'', as legendary."


    Others just nodded in agreement with her.

 64 Shadow Wraiths

    Everyone except Bashista who seemed to be meditating surrounded Long Yu who looked a bit smug as he lectured them about Elves, "Well the man characteristics of Elven people is that they are a little taller than average human, morebeautiful than any human and most importantly they have long pointed ears. The elves are usually of three types, ''Light'', ''Dark'' and ''High'' elves. ''Light'' elves have very high affinity for ''Yang'', and ''Dark'' elves are just opposite, but there elves who affinity for both ''Yin'' and ''Yang'' they are known as ''High'' elves."


    Helen: "I never knew there are other beings accept Humans and Beasts who can cultivate."


    Long Yu: "Of course there are many beings like Orcs, Dwarves, and many other humanoid being each of them are different from each other. Like the Elves for example, a mortal human can only live for a maximum of 100 years at best, but the Elves can at least live a couple of thousand years, Dwarves lives for a couple of hundred at least, but even with all these extras my master once told me that humans are the most balanced creature."


    As everyone looked confused Long Yu explained to them, "Take Orcs for example, they instinctively can follow the path of ''Dao of Asura'', every Orc who are not a hybrid, without exception follow this path because they are highly blood thirsty and their society is combat oriented, but we humans can choose to whether we should follow the path or not same for other races as well they are good in a particular path but may not be able to follow other paths like a Dark Elves may never be able to learn anything remotely associated with ''Yang'' but we humans are not restricted by such things. It is my dream one day to meet each race and make friends with them.", he finished with a smile.


    The others chatted among themselves, as they themselves are excited about meeting someone from such races. Bashista opened his eyes he cleared his throat in order to bring their attention towards him, "Well we can discuss about meeting them later, but we have to find a way to hide from ''Shadow Wraiths''."


    Long Yu: "What kind of creatures are these ''Shadow Wraiths''? I have never heard of these beasts before.", he tried to recall but no matter how much he tried he could not remember any beast by that name, he discreetly noticed even some of them had confused expression like him while the others had grim expression.


    Bashista: "Shadow Wraiths are no beasts, they used to real life human or beasts but demonic cultivators using their techniques covert their souls into such shadowy creatures to do their bidding, they may not be able to harm us but are great for spying on others. They can phase through solid materials making them impossible to deal with except using some soul related secret techniques, it was only because of your techniques that you were able to spot them."


    Kyouki: " Is the matter not easy since Long Yu can use his techniques to detect them we can try to avoid them while moving."


    Tina: "It is not possible the backlash for using it for long time is very severe and puts severe strain on Long Yu, so it would not be possible."


    Long Yu: "I will try to use it as often as possible, but what about the demonic cultivator that is present here, and is there a way to save those people."


    Bashista: "Long Yu please do not force yourself too much, we would need your strength and as for those cultivators only who are many realms above them will able to detect them so there is no way for us to identify them at present, as for the ''Shadow Wraiths'' the only way to save them is if their master releases them voluntarily I think, I am ashamed to know this is the only way I know of."


    Long Yu frowned at that he did not like that using some poor person''s soul like that it really angered him, if he finds that demonic cultivator he will surely beat the crap out of him.


    For the past few days, the only thing they did was to bide their time as they waited for the right opportunity, only Ruth Tina and Veronica left during that time as they scouted as much of the area as possible while the others simply gossiped or simply meditated to pass the time, soon it was already the 23rd day since they entered, it was time for them to move, during the time if what the scouts gathered at least more than a hundred passed away, and a couple of times the Shadow Wraith came too close for comfort.


    Today was the day they will conduct the raid, they were nervous as they will not only have to face various teams but also the demoniccultivator who knows what kind of dirty trick he/she may pull.


    Ruth: "Brother Long remember to stick close, and please do not try to sacrifice yourself or pull some dangerous stunt the last few of them gave us heart attack."


    Long Yu pouted at that, "What are speaking about I am always careful and I do not pull some dangerous stunt."


    Ryofu: "Oh is there any story behind his so call dangerous stunt."


    Jessie snorted at that, "Oh please this child is a daredevil, when we were inside the Forest Biome, he tried to assassinate a mid level Wanxiang Adept through sneak attack, although he managed to wound it critically the Wanxiang Adept attack him with all its strength causing him to suffer multiple fractures on top of that he ended up being flung by the attack hard, and here comes the good part his landing zone was smack dab in the middle of the creatures underling, we thought he would be killed for sure but somehow he managed to survive enough for us to rescue him he came so close to getting himself killed."


    Veronica frowned, "It may paint him as a reckless daredevil but we cannot deny that his stunts saved us many a times."


    Ruth, "That is so true sis, but at the end of the day I do not wish to see him get hurt so bad again you should remember how bad was his condition."


    Long Yu, "Fine Fine I will try not to pull something drastic but I will still help you all as much as I can.", he replied with a pout.


    Jack just ruffled his hair as he replied, "Oi oi kid, if you keep on protecting us grown up people all the time, it will hurt our pride so let us protect you better this time."


    Long Yu relented with a sigh, "Fine do as you wish."


    The group soon left their hide out as they made their way towards the target furthest from them, ''The Library'', a word whenever uttered in front of Long Yu caused a shiver run down his spine as an old trauma resurfaces because of the word, the trauma caused by the Librarian of Ayindril his 3rd Mistress Celestia.


    As they neared the heard a sound which seemed to be a cry for a woman''s cry for help and a couple of people''s laughterfrom inside a hut, the cry of the woman was heart rendering as if she was already clinging to her last hope that someone may come and save him. Long Yu wanted to charge him only to be stopped by a pair of strong arms, Han had held him down and clammed his mouth shut while Bashista ordered Ruth to scout ahead to see if it was a trap.


    Soon Ruth indicated with some form of hand signs, Bashista quickly devised out a plan and soon the group charged in to help the girl, Long Yu was shocked and felt disgusted at what he saw causing a primal fury to awake within him. Never had the group nor those scums had felt something like that, as their actions had....

 65 Rampage

    Dragon a creature so awe inspiring whether it is strength its presence has always left other creatures awestruck, jealous but more importantly made them respect fear and submissive. A creature that since time immemorial has always been used to compare anything that is ferocious, strong and more importantly so otherworldly that they do not have any words to be described in any tongue.


    Long Yu a child of seven years although raised in warmth and coziness of home filled with love, yet he has seen many a times cruelty of humans, which made him feel sick at being human but the love, affection, kindness and warmth he received from his mother, his aunt, his teachers, his sisters and even to some extent the people who work for his masters, his new friends balanced it out making him still retain his innocence enabling him to view the world in his own unique rose tinted vision, but today he saw another form of human cruelty he saw the most depraved and vile face of humanity.


    A man was tied up with chains his arms and legs had been cut off, but he was forced to as a injured woman who had her clothes ripped off was being held by four naked people and one of them was on top of her, the woman trying hard to escaping as tears flowed from the eyes of both the injured man and woman as they were helpless, a few feet from them stood at least a dozen men and a couple of women who were relishing on their misery.


    Rong Niu: "What the hell you sick bastards are doing?", she shouted out in anger.


    A woman spoke snidely, "Oh nothing much, just teaching these trashes their place, seriously my brother needed some release this woman should be honored to be used by my brother, if she had agreed to my brother then her fianc�� would still be in one piece but now we are teaching them the hard way what happens when you do not bow to your betters."


    A man spoke from her side, "Oi boss lady they have some nice specimens I hope you would not mind us sampling them.", he spoke as his eyes roamed lasciviously at the females from Long Yu''s team,.


    The same woman, "Well after my brother has made his choice, you all now his cultivation depends on it, also the little cutie is off limits she belongs to me", she gave a hungry lust filled glare towards Long Yu fantasizing herself having Long Yu as her slave.


    Ruth roared out in anger, "You sick bastards I am going rip you to shreds.", a sentiment shared by everyone from Long Yu''s team.


    Suddenly Long Yu removed the hood covering his face, the lustful lady along with few of her people had her breath hitched as they saw a raid her child glaring at them with heterochromic eyes but before they could react the changed into cross shaped draconic pupils as a grave but a childlike voice rang through everyone''s ears, "Scum, the likes of you has no place in my world, a blight such as you I shall remove with my own two as such I decree your demise today here and now. DOMAIN ACTIVATE!"


    Then it erupted, a very terrifying aura, an aura which commanded absolute respect and obedience an aura which was compelling everyone to bow their heads in obedience a silhouette of a dragon appeared above Long Yu forcing the ones near him regardless of their rank to take a knee in front of him, with great difficulty his team turned to look at him.


    Ryofu, Kyouki, Ayesha and Helen, had never experienced or felt something like that their entire life a feeling of despair and death hit them they wanted to run far away from here lock themselves in some safe room and wait there and hope that the danger has passed away. The na?ve innocent kindhearted boy which they came to know had ceased to exist in front of them, as beast that took his form stood there wanting to tear devour and destroy anything in its path. The bloodlust emanating from him made them almost lose their bowels as tears formed in their eyes they pitied the fools who awoke the creature in front of them. The Shadow Wolves and Rong Niu were not fairing any better the gazed at Long Yu with equal amount of fear and awe, they had once witnessed a similar thing back in the forest biome when the Ape Prince tried to make Long Yu bow to him but now it was many times worst as the draconic looking silhouette unlike last time looked not only completely awake but its eyes contained so much hatred and anger as its snout snarled in anger as it bore its teeth towards Long Yu''s enemies. They cautiously glanced at Long Yu whose body was steaming and was red they noticed scales were forming on some of his body parts smoke erupted from his nostrils as he breathed out a hot cloud of black smoke.


    Meruse, was the first princess of the Grand Yulan Dynasty, both her twin brother and her were born with silver spoon in their mouth and as such since her birth along with her twin brother Merone had been pampered and spoiled rotten by their parents, anything they wanted they could get just a small request to their parents who were both Peak Level Immortal would gift it to them no matter how much people they had to slaughter no matter what ever immoral act they had to commit her parents always fulfilled her brother and her wishes.As such they grew up believing everything in this world belong to them others are just weak trashes that should be glad to be useful to them.


    They looted killed maimed raped and did anything everything immoral and justified it all through the distorted view of their mind as their birthright. Unlike their parents they never showed any enthusiasm towards cultivation until a decade ago when they lusted for strength even then her father invited some miraculous Alchemist who created a miraculous pill which increased their strength enabling them to reach so much far into the realm of cultivation, which further increased the immoral acts of the tyrannical duo.


    After moving in such unchallenged manner for years today her brother decided to have some fun with the a girl he took liking too but unfortunately the girls fianc�� tried to stop them they quickly showed why they were to be feared, they crippled the man and made him watch as they defiled his woman in front of him but soon some unwanted guest arrived, they thought it would be easy catch for them they kill the man then defile the woman before killing them and Meruse even had a nice design in her mind about the collar which she would make the child wear after she broke the child into her obedient slave and toy. But it seems karma had caught up to them, they fell to their knees as they shook like leaf as the withered under the glare of the child the aura the bloodlust froze them in their places, no not a child but very powerful beast they wanted to flee but their body refused to obey and soon Meruse found her skirt to be wet and strong smell of feces mixed with urine hit her nose as tears formed in her eyes as such she used to most powerful attack she had in her arsenal, she whimpered out along with her equally useless brother Merone, "Mommy Daddy someone please save me.", as the managed to wail out in fright.


    The people around them were mostly consisting of their friends who were equally rotten and nefarious as them and were sons and daughters of some high ranking minister of their father''s court and the remaining were a few bodyguards they brought with them currently reduced to only pitiful five in number as the rest well they died as meat shield for them.


    One of the guard suddenly somehow managed to make a move, each of them had an array inscribed on them which they had permission to activated in case extreme danger to their masters. The term bodyguard was incredibly wrong to describe them as they were nothing but slaves for their masters'' whim nothing more nothing less. As the array shone Long Yu casually noted that it was just a mid Zifu Disciple level array which when activated will enable one to attack by sacrificing their life in exchange for it. Soon a conflagration raced towards Long Yu''s team with so much vigor and strength as if it wanted to destroy the world itself.


    Long Yu''s team was alarmed they tried to move out of its way only to stop as a calm footstep resounded their ears they saw Long Yu taking a few steady steps towards it as he spoke in clearly amusement, "How childishly futile", the next thing was imprinted in their memories as they watched in despair as the flame engulfed their youngest member whilst Merone and Meruse rejoiced with joy only to have their situation to be reversed instantly, the flames seemed to dance in joy it enveloped him in a warm hug as it gently caressed him drinking in his presence like a long lost lover being united after a long time, as Long Yu responded in kind as he offered his left hand as he gently touched the fire as it rose up towering above him in the form of a fiery cyclone, his teammates were not so lucky as they felt their skin and their facial hair got singed forcing them to guard themselves by somehow raising their hands, they felt as if they are under scrutinizing and scathing glare of a over possessive lover who just wants the entire attention the entire time the entire essence and being of her lover Long Yu completely focused on her and yet these people has the audacity to intrude on their happy time. A gentle laughter reached everyone''s ears as they watched Long Yu with his eyes closed and head tilted with a charming smile in his face, a look which to some it seemed to be the look of someone who was in their lover''s embrace as they whispered sweat nothingness in their ears as they kissed their lover''s neck. Suddenly Long Yu''s eyes opened up as a ripple of power went out which suddenly turned into a vicious glare as if responding the mood of her lover the fire roared up the yellowish flame suddenly changed into bluish color flame the temperature rose to the pint as if the floor the ceiling the entire house would melt, the water present in some jars inside room vaporized instantly.


    Tina could not help but shout out, "Brother Long Yu please, try to control yourself you are hurting us as well."


    Long Yu seemed to turn a deaf to her cries as he casually send a strike towards those scum he had unfortunate to come across, as he uttered a word which resounded in the entire room, "Joyous Rain", the fire sensing his mood roared out in anger as it transformed itself in the form of long flaming spears, Long Yu adjusted his attack so that he did not hit the two victims of the scum, this which caused a couple of them to be spared including Meruse as they were saved by the presence of the crippled man who was in front of them unlike her brother who was not so lucky as her, anyone who was hit by the attack even if it was just a graze vaporized as their blood boiled and evaporated and their skin and bones turned to ash soon after.


    Meruse cried out in agony as she felt the intense heat melt the right side of her face turning it as hideous and ugly as she truly is before she was flung from the sudden explosion resounding behind her along with two of her followers who had survived. She found herself outside the big house while one of her lying with broken legs. She had to get free and get far away from the monster in human form she did not look back as she activated an emergency talisman her father had gotten her ''Blood Escape Talisman'', sacrificing her blood essence she escaped from there. Long Yu did not waste any time as he killed the couple of man who were near the injured dishonored girl with his flying dagger. "Take care of these two", he ordered as he chased after the remaining scum.


    Jerkon had heard the death cry of one of her teammates as he dashed like a mad woman trying to escape from the beast yes beast no human should be that terrifying, as tears and snot poured streamed down her once beautiful face which was now ruined because of the heat that attack carried."Found You", a voice followed by a childish giggle reached through her ears as he used her chains to skewer the speaker only to hit a tree, she suddenly heard a swishing sound her left hand seemed numb she glanced towards her left arm only to see it missing as blood poured out of it like a fountain. "Ahhhh "a loud shriek escaped from her throat as quickly tied to escape from that place from the grip of the demon.


    Half an hour later an one armed women was found to trying to hide beneath some trash near a hut, she tried to meld with the garbage so that no one can find her, she was trying to calm her nerve as she was shaking in fear, she did not encounter the demon for more than 15 minutes she believed she was successful in throwing it off her tracks the blood loss made her feel faint she wanted to get away from here but where would she go, princess had already ditched her and might already be dead the Emperor would kill her along with her entire family if she survived alone she cursed her luck and she cursed the heavens. Unknown to her she did not manage to shake Long Yu from her trail, as he was just playing with her like a cat plays with a mouse or dragon plays with his food. He watched her with hidden amusement from the top of the building beside which the lady was trying to hide with a small smile etched on his face he slowly climbed down and approached her from behind.


    As the woman relaxed herself thinking she has survived a sing song voice came from behind her, "Heellllloooooo~~~~", the woman''s heart stopped beating as she turned her head to come face to face with a mismatch looking draconic eyes she gave a loud shriek as she jumped away from Long Yu only for him to vanish from her sight, a couple of seconds later she found herself staring towards the sky she tried to move but she could no longer feel her body, ''huh what happened did it paralyze me!!!'', only to see the brat staring at her as he spoke out with his voice filled with venom, "have fun dying headless scum". ''Headless!!!! Is this how I die, why why did it end like this I just wanted to live a happy life filled luxury, so why did I have to die by this monsters hands.", were the last thoughts of Jerkon as her eyes became lifeless dull.


    Long Yu gave out a sigh as he began to go back in order to reunite with his teammates the last person had escaped him, only for him to lose his balance as the world became blurry and started to spin around him, he felt a strong pair of arms holding him as he heard a voice full of concern, "There you are Long Yu, what happened are you alright?"


    Long Yu slurred like a drunk, "Brother Bashi-Bashista I''m ju-just tired", as he succumbed to unconsciousness.


    Merone tired dirty and frightened as she took shelter inside a cave, she whimpered before she cried hard which turned into an insane laughter, she had survived now she just have to get out of this wretched ruins then her daddy and mommy will torture that monter and his family destroy whichever school he belonged to, she swore revenge on him as she would never rest until she returned today''s humiliation by many folds.


    Suddenly she was hit by an insane level ki, "Young Prince decreed your death why are still alive?", a distorted voice entered her ears, she turned to look and saw person standing there covered in dark cloak with his/her face covered by a mask with a glowing red eyes.


    "Oh well since you are too incompetent to understand and follow the decree let me help you.", the figure spoke in same distorted voice as a multi colored orb appeared in the figure''s hand as it shot and hit the Merone, who instantly seemed disappeared from her spot the only indication of her being there was a couple on footmarks on the wet ground of the cave,


    "Oh well let us see what our prince is up to.", the figure spoke out loud as another red eyes seem to come to life behind the figure.


    Another distorted voice spoke out, "''Cztery'', reported that prince was reckless again and bit off more than he could chew now needs our healing expertise again, ''Jeden''".


    Jeden: "Young People are reckless the make mess and learn from it, Young prince is going throw the same process now all we can do is support him when he falls, let us return to our prince''s side ''Dwa'', the last thing I need is ''Trzy'' accusing me of lazing during our job." , they soon vanished from that place.

 66 Wojownik Cienia

    Xiao Xiao watched speechlessly as her baby boy tore through his enemies, those scum could not hold against his onslaught she was proud she knew her baby boy was growing strong but at the same time she frowned as he was unnecessarily ruthless when dealing with his enemies. During the entire confrontation there was many times when her heart stopped out of fear, when he confronted the conflagrationhead on but it was amazing to see how the flames instead of harming was just dancing around her son like a lover caressing him loving him and her son was enjoying it. But what put the cherry on the top was how Ryuu hunted down his enemy.


    Xiao Xiao: "Why why is Ryuu acting like that?"


    Veena was pleased at Ryuu''s reaction, so when adoptive sister asked her such a question she was stumped at first, "Sorry sister but can you clarify what is causing you distress?"


    Xiao Xiao: "Everything why is he acting so ruthless, and the thing with fire and how he was hunting that woman. It may be common for cultivators to be ruthless sadist but last time I checked my 7 year old son is not one, moreover why was he suddenly acting like drunk before he fainted?"


    Veena just smiled before replying, "Oh that is because of his Divine Body dear, it responded to his anger and caused him to act in a ruthless manner, well the array put on him by Sylvana also helped as well. As for the fire it is simple dear he is a ''Dao Child'' who has gained a good amount of insight in Fire Dao, unless someone uses any special type of fire or anyone who is not only of higher realm or has a very high understanding of Dao of Fire many times higher that of Ryuu only they will be able to harm him. The main problem with Ryuu is that owing to his Divine Body and him being a Dao Child has caused him to rush through various Realm in a very fast pace as such he has attained large amount of strength but he is still a child and some of them he is not ready to handle what you just saw was backlash of going on a rampage because of his Divine Body."


    Xiao Xiao looked worried at what she heard, currently her child was suffering from severe backlash what if something happens during this time his team may be strong but not invincible.


    Nuwa: "Sister do not fret, we already have bypassed the security array surrounding the school and have placed a four person team of Wojownik Cienia'' are keeping an eye on him, they will protect him in face of danger where he might end of getting crippled or die, they also posses good medical knowledge so do not worrry they will surely help him."


    Xiao Xiao felt a little bit relieved thinking her baby boy was protected but she couldn''t help but ask another question, "Who are this ''Wojownik Cienia''?"


    Celestia smiled at her before replying, "They are ''Elite'' Warriors whose sole purpose is to protect us with their lives, but unlike the other soldiers you have seen in Ayindril they prefer to stay in shadows as such the name which means ''Shadow Warrior'', well to be frank they are a mixture of both assassin and soldier. Oh, Shamiran is their ''Supreme Commander''.", she finished with a smirk while Shamiran just gave an exagerated bow.


    Antariskh: "Here it might help you to understand how protected he is as she pointed towards the giant screen from which theywere keeping an eye on Ryuu''s progress. Xiao Xiao was astonished to see how the people surrounding Ryuu suddenly froze no it seems the time itself stopped as she saw the person known as Han who held a flask of water over his lips the water had stopped flowin even the droplets were suspened on air. A person covered from head to toe with a black coat wearing a mask with menancing red eyes, feeding a pill to Ryuu as the person messaged his throat so that the pill would pass without obstruction before pouring some water in his throat repeating the same process soon the figure left after giving a thorough medical check up to Ryuu, the time seemed to flow normally his teammates none the wiser. Xiao Xiao shivered at the thought if the person was sent to assassinate someone even the victim would not known of his/her death.


    Meanwhile back with Ryuu aka Long Yu''s Group,


    Their excursion was a failure not only Long Yu was incapacitated


    Their excursion was a failure not only Ryuu aka Long Yu was incapacitated but all the ruckus they caused was bound to draw some attention what they did not know that ''Wojownik Cienia'' had already erected a barrier preventing them from being discovered. As such they retreated back to their hideout as they tried to nurse back Long Yu into consciousness.


    Kyouki and her group sat the farthest from Long Yu as they kept an eye on him all the time like he was some ticking time bomb that could erupt any moments time, Ryofu who was sitting next to Kyouki was still shivering from fear and after a long silence she could not help but blurt out, "What is he? What kind of creature is he?"


    At that everyone stopped as the gazed at Ryofu although some were angry at Ryofu for referring to Long Yu as an creature they themselves deep down in their were terrified of Long Yu.


    Tina took a deep breath as she replied, "Last time I checked Long Yu is a human. I know you are terrified of him and to speak the truth so are many of us, but he is our teammate who has constantly saved our lives my life was saved by him. A child pushed me and took the full brunt of a beast''s attack if it was not for him not only me but all of the Shadow Wolves would be dead. I think the same goes for you all so please do not call him a creature at least, no matter how much strong he might look at the end he is still a child just think how much hurt will he feel if he hears you all now."


    Rong Niu: "I think he might have some kind of special body or may be even the fabled Divine Body, but to tell you the truth he kind of scared me this time his outburst was even greater than when he was pissed off at the Ape Prince at the forest biome, on top of that the way the fire reacted to him for a moment I felt as if I saw the reunion of long lost lovers, do you think he has gained insight in the Dao of Fire."


    Ruth replied as he scratched his chin, "May be he has who knows but it is not our duty to try prying other peoples secret."


    Kyouki: "What of his family? You guys are working together so must know about his family right."


    Bashista took a deep breath before he replied, "We work for Shangri-La pavilion, as for Long Yu just the day before we entered this ruins we were called by the branch head, he informed us of an addition to our group a relative of some one very high up in the command chain of Shangri-La, that was the first time we met Long Yu, his grandmother is named Long Mei, the arrogant branch head looked as if he was prostrating in front of her out of reverence yet she did not paid any hid to him. This is what we know about him and his family.", truly a puzzle they wanted to but did try to solve out of fear.


    Soon a groan reached their ears, "Mommy not so early let me sleep, I cannot run anymore.",


    Tina quickly went to Long Yu''s side as he woke up groggily he blinked rapidly as he tried to adjust to the surrounding light. He looked confused as he eyed them carefully as the memories of last half month came rushing to him, he rubbed his temples as he suffering from a terrible headache, and as the events of the day finally came to his mind he bolted upright, "Ah what of those two person we rescued and did someone got hold of the scum of a woman? And more importantly why are we back in the hideout. "


    Everyone looked at each other before Veronica volunteered herself to break the news to Long Yu.

 67 Ascending Heaven Pills

    Veronica spoke with a sad sigh, "Long Yu I am sorry to tell you this but unfortunately both of them are dead. The man succumbed to his injuries and the woman shortly committed suicide in order to expunge her shame from suffering such dishonor by the hands of those scoundrels, we are sorry even after you asked we failed to save them.", she spoke in a somber tone as she bowed her head.


    Long Yu''s face scrunched up in frown: "Veronica, I trust you all to know you all did everything in your power to protect them and keep them safe, so please raise your head and what of their body."


    Bashista: "We gave them proper funeral."


    Long Yu gritted his teeth even after some time has passed since he had cleansed the world of such filth it still made him angry thinking about those scum in human form as well as he felt sad as he was ultimately unable to save the guy and girl, and once again he felt angry at himself even after so many years had passed he is still the weakling who let his mother get bullied and pushed around, even if he became a cultivator he still failed to save the two strangers he failed to save all those people in the forest biome. Suddenly he felt someone hugging him, he turned around to see Jessie hugging him with a kind smile, "Oi brat what are thinking hard, not many people has the courage to do what you did you should be proud of yourself, those two were grateful to you so much so that they called you ''Reincarnation of Heaven''s will'', who saved them from those crooks hands. I know what you are feeling I also feel more of a failure at least you did something where as we even failed to save them after you went and rescued them, thus I made up my mind to up my training so that the same thing does not occur again."


    Long Yu: "Thank Big Sis Jessie I needed that and you are right next time we won''t fail I will work hard to be much stronger.", he gave a bright smile to her who just felt a light headed, she just turned her head as she blushed. Long Yu narrowed his eyes since he entered the ruins any female and sometimes even males when in close contact are acting weird, making him sometimes get away as far as possible from them, he will have to ask his masters about it, another thing added to the long list of things he has to ask his masters after he returns back home.


    They all decided to attempt another run next day as they decided to take a rest after the blood boiling experience that day.


    Long Yu noticed that they had a few extra space bags with them, Helen was opening them as the others sat around her inspecting the contents of the space bags, he idly wondered, ''Where did they find so many space bags?''


    As they piled the contents ranging from medicinal plants, weapons, alchemy kits, talismans, various medicinal pills, and even some manuals of techniques and skills.


    The group inspected the contents one by one until, Ayesha," Hey Long Yu can you help me identify some of the pills I know most of them but there are a few that are unknown to me."


    Long Yu: "Of course Sister Ayesha show me this pills."


    A small pile of different types of pills appeared in front of him and he started identifying them, "Let me see hmmm, this yellow color pill is paralyzing pill, this pink one is aphrodisiac, this green one is berserker pill, this black one is a poisonous pill, and this red one��..", Long Yu looked at it with wide eye then with a shriek he threw the pill away his face turned into one of utter revulsion, while he tried to scrub his hand, as if trying to get rid of some invisible dirt, so hard that his skin turned red and was about to peel off.


    The others were startled at that as they themselves stepped away from any pill that looked like that, Han quickly held Long Yu''s hands as he spoke in his unique way, "LONG YU STOP CALM".


    Tina rubbed his back trying to calm him down, "Brother please calm down what are those pills why are acting like that."


    Long Yu looked towards those red pills with utter revulsion he just wanted to hurl the content of his stomach at the site of those pills he took a deep breath as he explained to others why he reacted like that, "Those pills are name ''Ascending Heaven Pills'', these pills enable anyone below immortal level easily increase in rank and realm just a few pills will increase your rank to next level��",


    Before he could speak anymore Rong Niu interrupted him, "Really such a miraculous pill exists I think we should divide it amongst us if it helps increase in our realm faster, I am all for it.", she spoke with greed clearly visible in her eyes, although a few of them were wary if Long Yu acted like that it means something is fishy.


    Long yu just laughed mirthless at her, "You want to consume that then please go ahead but do you know what the main ingredients is used to make the pills?"


    Rong Niu shook her head, meanwhile Ayesha had alarms ringing inside her head last time Long Yu stopped them from eating something it turned to be a very poisonous fruit, but now the way he was acting she gulped hard at the thought of how terrible the ingredient might be, she gathered her courage as she asked Long Yu, "Brother Long Yu last time you warned us about something it turned out to be a very poisonous fruit is it the same this time."


    Long Yu shook his head negatively, "No no it is nothing poisonous", many heaved a sigh of relief at that as they made plans to acquire at least a couple for themselves only for their hopes to be dashed as the horrible truth reared his head at them, "The main ingredient for those pills are alive pregnant human females, even after hearing that if you want them then please feel free to do so but you will leave this hideout immediately I will not tolerate any demonic cultivator taking shelter with me."


    Everyone was alarmed at that some of them with great strength pushed down the vomit that was trying to escape from their mouth.


    Helen: "How do you know about it?"


    Long Yu: "My master taught me many things among those I was taught how to identify demonic pills such as this. I would like to warn you that if you are caught using or carrying such pills any righteous sect city or kingdom would kill you on sight if you are lucky and if you are unlucky there are many things that are far scarier than simple death."


    Long Yu: "There is something I wanted to ask you if you all do not mind, where did you find these pills?"


    Ruth: "These space bags belong to the scum you killed today."


    Long Yu frowned as he rubbed his chins in deep thought, "Is there any way to identify who these people were."


    Kyouki: "Well from inside the space bags we found command badges signifying the owner to Prince of ''Yulan Empire'', it is far away from my sect but from what I know it has multiple immortals who are protectors and both the Empress and Emperor are the strongest people inside the Empire and they are both at peak immortal level, we will have to destroy this things otherwise if they trace it back to us it will spell our doomI do not believe any of our sect is powerful enough to survive the onslaught of the empire.", many agreed with her.


    Long Yu: "These pills, was it found in the space bag of the so called prince?"


    Jack:" Well the prince had the highest amount among others who only had one or two whereas he had the dozens."


    Long Yu: "Hmmm that means he is a demonic cultivator oh well, I just have to inform my teacher about ''Yulan Empire'', my teacher has an intense dislike for such demonic cultivators as such my teacher surely will take care of them."


    Ryofu looking concerned spoke out, "Long Yu please listen to reason they not only have multiple Immortal practitioners as Royal Protectors the Emperor and Empress are peak level Immortal and if they learn about their son''s death they will attack you and your family and kill all of them."


    Long Yu just gave a grateful smile on hearing her concern, "Thank You for your concern but believe me my master takes action then they would not be able to hold a candle against my master, as even Immortals themselves are not only unqualified but are also so weak compared to my master that they might not even be qualified to work as janitor in the servant''s quarter of my master''s home. So please relax it will be fine as the wicked will be punished."


    The others were stunned at that hearing that, it terrified them thinking about Long Yu''s background making them feel sorry about any fool who might want to seek him out for revenge, meanwhile Long Yu himself knew how immeasurable the strength of his masters are after all how many can claim that they can kill ''Celestial Immortals'', who are a few realms above these Immortals of this world with just a single word.


    He took the command badge as he planned to hand it over to one of his elder sisters, who surely would take care of those scum.


    Bashista: "Well if you all have finished tiding up everything then I believe it is high time for us to catch some much needed sleep as tomorrow will be a very long day and I want everyone to be fully refreshed and at full strength."


    Everyone nodded at that although it would take some time for them to fall asleep specially after hearing such disgusting facts and some even had nightmare of the horrible events and facts they learned that day.


    Meanwhile back in Ayindril,


    Veena: "I think it is time for us to turn in for tonight, tomorrow will be a big day, also Shamiran send some of your Wojownik Cienia to investigate about the source of those ''Ascending Heaven Pills'' and deal with them accordingly. My disciple is right such scum should be brought to justice.", she ordered Shamiran as her eyes shown with righteous anger.


    Shamiran just gave a nod towards her.

 68 The Library

    The next day long Yu''s group got ready to leave for their second attempt to reach the library, then they planned to visit the Alchemy hall and array master hall. Just like last time they moved in the same pattern Ruth, Tina and Veronica scouted ahead while others followed after them Long Yu was tasked to keep an eye out for the ''Shadow Wraiths'', as they moved towards the library signs of battle was visible some of them looked to have taken place ages ago while the others were more recent they saw skeletons and in some cases corpses of the recently deceased mixed in it.


    Bashista: "Since the fall of ''Nine headed Dragon School'' many people have come to raid this place few have been successful. The band on your hand grants you clearance to enter higher level Skills and Techniques are stored inside the library but I would like warn that make sure the Skill or Technique you pick is not something that you are unqualified as some can even kill or cripple you so take your time and keep a calm mind as you judge skills suitable for you.", although he made it sound like he was telling it to everyone present in his group but in actually he was reminding Long Yu to not be reckless again.


    Long Yu readied himself as the library came into their sight, he still remember that when he visited the ''Library of Ayindril'' for the first time, he still suffers nightmare because of it he does not know if he can take another building with surrounded by creepy looking statues that follows your every move, a shiver ran down his spine thinking about that.


    Jack: "Is there something wrong Long Yu, you kind of looking a bit tensed?", he asked Long Yu curiously.


    Long Yu gave a nervous smile as he spoke, "HAHAHAHa what are you talking about me tense, what makes you think about that nobody is tense about some creepy statues in library, Hahahah."


    Everyone sweat dropped at that ''Seams like someone is afraid of statues used to decorate the library.'' as he unintentionally blurted out his fear, what he did not notice was a malicious gleam in the twins eye.


    The neared the library although the library itself was not damaged the outside was another matter it seemed to be like a battlefield with the signs of carnage and destructions.


    Ruth whispered to lowly but all of them were able hear it perfectly, there were five teams currently in ambushing position but from what Bashista knew they were only waiting for those who were leaving for the library.


    Tina: "Remember that we are unable to bring stuff out of the library but copying from the library is different matter try to copy as much as possible.", the others just nodded at that.


    As they were about to enter the twins Jack and Jessie suddenly screamed in fear as they pointed towards a certain direction, "Creepy statues running towards us.", everyone was alarmed at first but no one reacted as much as Long Yu who gave out shout of fear as he closed his eyes as tears sprouted from them and having unsheathed his sword he used every kind of long ranged attack he could use towards that direction.


    Kalin and his group was suffering from bad luck, he was the first one along with his group who arrived here and set up an ambush, but unfortunately following them came a few more groups who had followed their example to set up ambush like them, he wanted to give them a piece of his mind, ''Damn those copycats.'', but he also realized that it is the duty of the person who are privileged to help those in needs thus he allowed them to stay here, even his followers were moved to tears hearing his reasons, ''and it had nothing to do with him to hear his followers praise him.'', now those people started to ambush kill and steal from people but he did not move from his position as he did not wish to get into petty squabbles of those weaklings after all ''Good things happen to only those who are patient.'', as such a gentleman like him would patiently wait and he would surely receive his rewards, and it had nothing to do with those people being so strong that they could beat him six ways to Sunday, no anyone who says it is a liar whose pants should be set on fire and he was good in using fire related techniques. After waiting for so long Kalin was awarded with a barrage of sword force fuelled attacks their shelter collapsed as they were buried under the rubble with great strength he somehow dug himself out of the rubble covered in dust looking like a ghost.


    Long Yu took a deep huff after he used the barrage of attack surely the creepy statue would be defeated right, he opened his eyes as the dust settled down as he saw the creepy ghost lookalike statue standing tall without a scratch, his heart leaped up to his throat in fear, as he screamed out in fear as he ran inside the library.


    To Long Yu''s team it seemed as if he ran no he simply teleported inside the library as a loud screamed filled with fear entered their ears, "Wwwwwaaaaaaaaahhhhh"


    Most of them smirked at the hilarity of the situation specially the twins who seemed to almost rolling on the ground with laughter. Bashista cleared his throat as he tried to look serious but was falling spectacularly as he spoke, "Let us enter the Library as well who knows what kind of trouble he might stumble into.", so they entered the library.


    Kalin looked at those people who entered the library he gave a deep sigh, ''Such is the fate of the strongest, people like me who are standing at the top of the world are usually alone whenever we are challenged their weak opponent usually ends up running just like the dwarf did just now.'', he idly mused as he shivered from cold not from those deadly beams of light that almost killed him and definitely not from the aura and killing intent it contained.


    When they finally caught up to Long Yu they sweat dropped seeing a trembling frightened Long Yu curled up hiding under a table, they did not know what to think about someone who has guts to assassinate someone who was an entire realm above them is trembling thinking about some decorations.


    Bashista: "Long Yu are you all right I hope you are not hurt anywhere.", he spoke while trying to keep a stoic face.


    Long Yu gave a nervous chuckle as tried to put up a brave face, "Hahaha of course I am aright but since the morning was a bit chilly I was trying to get myself warmed up."


    Ruth spoke dryly, "If you say so kid, if you say so."


    Tina: "Listen Long Yu the band will allow access to you to higher levels of the this library, so try going through this stairway if you are not qualified it will block you."


    Long Yu just nodded as he went towards the stairway with others, it seemed the school had a tradition of rewarding students who distinguished themselves during the entrance exam by giving them once a lifetime chance to pick up any skill without restriction except according to their merit.


    They decided that they would try moving to the highest possible floor they were allowed to before they would try to copy some skills, they were all tensed as they did not know what kind of surprises were left behind by people who had previously ventured into the library.


    Very soon one by one they were all separated except Long Yu who found himself alone and at the highest possible floor of the library that he was allowed to which happened to the last floor.


    He entered into the room only to find only 5 stone tablets erected and nothing else there, but each of them had terrifying aura he took a gulp and stepped forward only to be brought to his knees by the aura, yet he did not give up he literally crawled towards the stone tablets.


    Meanwhile back in Ayindril,


    Everyone except Xiao Xiao was laughing at Long Yu''s fear of statues who just gave a small smile at seeing her child''s antics.


    Nuwa: "Sister Celestia look how you have traumatized the child.", she tried to sound serious but had small smile on her face.


    Celestia just pouted, "I so did not it is not my fault Long Yu does not appreciate art."


    Veena just snorted, "Your artistic values are only understandable by you only."


    They soon started to bicker about who understands art better.


    Meanwhile Maheswara looked at his family with a warm smile, ever since the death of his son his family almost feel apart everyone was gloomy and sad but it changed completely after the arrival of Ryuu, seeing his wives smile especially Nuwa again brought great warmth and joy to him. He swore to himself that as long as he was alive he would never fail Ryuu as he did with his son Pangu.

 69 The Top Floor

    Long Yu at that moment was already looked as if he was prostrating in front of the stone tablets, the pressure emitted by them was so huge that it was difficult for him to even breathe, his vision started to get blurry it felt like that time when he foolishly tried to swim against the stream, against the stream!!!!!!!, he just wanted to bang his head now how stupid he was, he quickly changed his tactics instead of fighting against it he decided to go with the flow as such he relaxed his body as he laid on the ground face down before closing his eyes and let himself drift with the current this time.


    After a few moments the tablets gave a red glow which unnoticed as by then Long Yu who had his eyes closed but was in a more comfortable position than before as he instead of fighting against the pressure emitted from the tablet went with the flow.


    Long Yu soon found himself standing in front of an of old man who was sitting under a tree meditating, he tried to call out to him but he found him unable to do show he could not move he could not speak he could only see hear and feel, he was panicking he did not know what to do. When all of a sudden a large army of denizens attacked him their aura darkened the sky the heavens trembled the earth shattered it looked like an apocalypse but Long Yu did not feel fear in fact he was fascinated by it, the power displayed by them, the feeling to be one day be as strong as those people rose from within yet all of it stopped as the old man opened his eyes before he raised his right hand and tapped on his forehead. Long Yu watched in awe as another eye appeared on his forehead, the eye opened all of a sudden it was completely black with red pupil, Long Yu squinted trying to decipher the patters of what seemed to be like an array rotating around the pupil and he no matter how much he tried could not make out what the array meant as it appeared blurry to him. The opponent army shouted out something towards the old man, who just replied with a faint kind smile, and as the army launched their attacks, the world seemed to have stopped all of a sudden and as well as drained of every color except the black and white startling Long Yu. He watched with fascination as a black light was released from the third eye of the old man as it traveled through the sky it seemed to Long Yu as if someone had taken up a brush and drew a black line with a swift stoke as if wanting to divide the sky in two. The black light struck the army so fast that they could not dodge it, the light vanished as fast as it arrived but the army was nowhere to be seen it had vanished. Before he could contemplate what he saw a chill ran down his spine as he saw the old man looking towards him with the same kind smile he gave towards the enemy army he gulped hard as he saw the third eye pulsating as it glared at him, he felt extremely uneasy as he felt the eye seemed to be looking directly at his soul as if judging him when all of a sudden it glowed and suddenly another black light appeared in the monochromatic world it raced towards Long Yu as it tried to consume all in its path and before he could react he was slammed by the light.


    Pain so much pain he never felt in his short life as his world was enveloped into blackness, all he could do was taste feel and see pain inside the horrid blackness that enveloped him. He wanted to die to escape from the pain by biting his tongue but he could not move a single muscle, suddenly the pain shifted towards his forehead a pain much greater than what he felt erupted from his head, he felt as if someone had taken a spoon and now was trying to dig through his brain as he poured fire ice and what not, soon the pain stopped and he slipped into unconsciousness.


    While everything was going on four silent figure stood watch over him, they saw as their young Prince got used to the pressure given by the tablet, and soon after a few minute he entered into a dream like state, he looked as if he had been sleeping when all of sudden he let out a blood curdling scream as his hands shot forward in order to gauge out his forehead. Those figures quickly held him down completely immobilizing him, as one of them struck couple of his/her finger in his mouth preventing him from biting his tongue to commit suicide, soon he started to spasm as foam mixed with blood escaped from his mouth and started to cry tears of blood as blood flowed freely from his nose. One of the hurriedly placed his/her hands as she went on to stabilize his heart and other vital organs and after what seemed to be an eternity he finally stopped spasming , the figures relaxed as they moved a little bit away from Long Yu who was now whimpering and curled into a ball. The figures watched as a eye shaped tattoo appeared on Long Yu''s forehead before it changed into a thin vertical long line just at the middle of his forehead staring in between his brows as it went and touched his hairline.


    One of the figure kneeled down as he/she touched Long Yu''s forehead and array appeared on it glowing before it disappeared as well as the mark.


    The figure stood up before it joined the others present in the room hiding in the shadows protecting Long Yu.


    Meanwhile back in Ayindril,


    Everyone watched with morbid silence as they watched Long Yu gaining one of the most coveted inheritance of the ''Nine headed Dragon'' school, Xiao Xiao eyes sat with red puffy eyes watching her child sufferingso much. Everyone watched with critical eyes as they watched the entire interaction only to heave a sigh of relief when he successfully integrated with the technique.


    Maheswara: "A forbidden technique, Shamiran your people did a good job remember to award them handsomely, they did a good judgment by sealing the technique up for the time being, I do not believe Long Yu could invoke it without killing himself. "


    Shamiran nodded as she replied, "I will be sure to remember to reward them handsomely father."


    Xiao Xiao after gaining control over her emotions could not help but ask out, "I do not understand how a school no matter how strong it may be during its glory day hand out such coveted and strong technique to people who just joined."


    Veena just smiles at her, "You are right sister, and the library only has techniques which are suitable up to Primal Daoists, it is meant only for Outer Sect Disciples, there are other libraries which are meant for Inner Sect Disciples, Core and even the staffs, but at the current level no participant is strong enough to reach their as the Array surrounding them only allows people of certain level to enter except they were permitted by the staff. Now the place where Ryuu visited was inside the private library of the Sect Head, that tablet was one of the reasons he was able to grow strong enough to create his own school, the Wojownik Cienia were instructed to teleport Ryuu without him being aware about it inside the private library of the sect head, if he could reach the top floor of the library so that he could learn the technique."


    Antariskh: "The skill is a good one if he can learn it and use it properly he would be able to fight against people belonging to couple of higher realms than him easily. I have seen it usage first hand before it was beautiful."


    Celestia: "Although it would be sometime before we even allow him to use the skill, current him is not strong enough to withstand the backlash he would suffer from just activating it let alone use it, so Nuwa when he arrives make sure to put a better array on him sealing the technique until he becomes strong enough to learn to use it."


    Nuwa: "We were planning to."


    Meanwhile Xiao Xiao could just nod her head in amazement at prowess of the people of Ayindril.

 70 Hungry pack of Dogs

    Two days later Long Yu woke up from his unconsciousness with a terrible headache he felt as if someone had cracked open his skulls, he tried to sit up but failed due to feeling of nausea and dizziness his lips were parched he slowly took out his bottle in order to drink water from it only to vomit it out soon, he quickly searched his backpack and found some pills which he used to fight against his illness. After another hour or so he felt a lot better he looked back towards the stone tablets which had lost its glow and pressure looked like some form of decoration piece. He did not know how much time has passed but he felt fresh as if he just came out of bath strangely suspicious, he then searched the room to see if he could find any other hidden surprises but he did not find any inside the room, he checked the room many times before he went towards the door, a shiver ran down his spine as he thought back to his experience with stone tablet and it was now official, ''Library is evil'', he suddenly felt a feeling of dread wash over him and a pair of all too familiar pair of eyes glaring at him appeared in his vision as new thought propped up in his mind, ''Libraries are awesome, I love reading books I wish I had a personal library'', the feeling ceased to exists as he gave out a sigh of relief.He walked towards the door and left the room unknown to him three shadows followed him while one stayed back who touched the floor in front of the tablet an array suddenly sprang to life before giving up a whitish glow before the stone tablets vanished, the figure promptly vanished from the room itself.


    Meanwhile back in Ayindril,


    Celestia had a vein sprouted on her delicate forehead as her beautiful face was marred by a scowl she does not know why but she had a sudden urge to give another lecture to Ryuu about libraries only to suddenly dissipate.


    Nuwa: "Really sister you are still collecting stuffs from ruins. We do not see any reason to collect anything from the private library."


    Celestia just shrugged at that, "meh it was just collecting dust lying inside the private library as there was no one to use it, as such I had Shamiran order her subordinates if they have some spare time to empty all the Vaults and Libraries of the Sect head, staffs and Core region of ''Nine Headed Dragon School''."


    Long Yu made his way from the top floor to the one at the bottom of the top floor, which unknown to him was the real top floor of the tower, there were few books but none caught his eyes as anything unique as such he copied a few before leaving the room, even if did not need them his teammates might he repeated the same process over and over again but every time it took some time more than the floor above it as the number of techniques had increased, and soon he reached the 3rd floor of the tower, during the entire time he did not find anyother contestant until he reached the 3rd floor, he found a few dozen people there. He went inside as a few eyes looked glaring towards him watching his every move like a hawk. Library was safe heaven to many as fighting was not allowed inside it in fact any of those halls did not allow fighting as the offenders were all paralyzed the only way to be freed from one was the staff of the school to free them but unfortunately they perished millennia ago, the scariest part of this school is that until someone is registered within 20 days time they were thrown out of the school but those who were inside the library were stuck here until the trial which will not happen for the next half a decade, he felt pity for all those skeletons who were still frozen in their places even after so many time has passed. He quickly scanned the room for any signs of his teammates he frowned when he saw no familiar visage. Soon he finished his search as he reached the reception area of the library where he found his teammates waiting for him there, they had picked up a corner a little away from other groups they were waiting for him, and a warm feeling rose from his heart.


    With the biggest smile in his face he ran towards them, "Hey guys I am back."


    Long Yu''s group jumped up on their feet as they went to greet him with happy smile.


    Jack: "Well well look here who decided to show up after three long days of absence."


    Long Yu was startled, ''what does he mean by three days.'', seeing his confused face Bashista deduced something was wrong as such he led the entire group to the place of their camp, as he made Long Yu use a silencing array to make sure no eavesdropper can listen to them.


    Long Yu asked worriedly, "What do you mean by 3 days?", as far as he knew he spend an entire day trying to copy those skills but another 2 days were concerning to him.


    Ruth: "Kid 2 whole days have passed since we each went our separate ways, we were waiting for you the whole time we feared something bad happened to you", he spoke in voice filled with concern, Long Yu flinched hard at that he could not warp his mind that he was missing for two whole days because of the horrific place.


    Tina asked with concern laced on her voice, "Long Yu are you alright did something happen to you."


    Long Yu gulped as he spoke with a shaky voice, "The top most floor had a stone tablet, when I entered the pressure of it made me prostrate in front of it before I got used to it then ��..", Long Yu continued his story as everyone was enraptured by his tales.


    Long Yu shuddered as he recalled the event which followed next, "It hurt so much I wanted to just die to end my suffering but I couldn''t move a single muscle, I do not want to feel like that it felt as if my whole body was torn before being put together, it was so painful I do not want to relieve it again.", he shuddered as fresh tears appeared in his eyes.


    The others were alarmed at that, ''to think such a deadly place exist here.'', as they tried to console Long Yu.


    After sometime Long Yu finally calm down he needed it after such horrifying ordeal he needed to vent out the frustration building inside him, before he opened up the backpack as he handed them multiple scrolls, "Please take this scrolls they contain some of the techniques I managed to copy for you all."


    Kyouki could not help but protest, "Thank you for your gesture but I cannot accept such generous gifts.", only to be stopped by Long Yu as he raised his hands to stop their protests.


    Long Yu: "Please I have earned plenty plus these are all from higher floors as such they are of better quality and hence I wanted to share it with all of you."


    Seeing Long Yu''s insistence they quickly decided to divide those skills in a blink of an eye. Long Yu sweat dropped at that, ''this people are shameless neither did they think too much nor did they protest too much before tearing through this skills like hungry pack of dogs.''


    It was a good think this hungry people could not hear his thoughts or they would have beaten him silly, after all only a starving person understands the true value of food, the skills which looked as trash and unimportant in Long Yu''s eyes were Heavenly in these people''s eyes, as such they behaved so rashly while dividing those skills shamelessly. After all unlike Long Yu this people may never gain such an opportunity again without risking their lives.

 71 Level 10 Technique

    A group of people were keeping an eye on Long Yu''s team, "The child is good, the array he deployed completely made it difficult for us to eavesdrop without using our Shadow Wraiths but unfortunately such things are not usable because of array surrounding the library."


    A woman dressed beautifully having a seductive aura spoke, "Grand Master will be pleased with us, and we just have to wait a few more days before he himself arrives to help us catch them."


    Another person spoke up, "Are you sure Grand Master is coming himself, but he never bothered to arrive himself for something so trivial, mostly he sends his students or some of our stronger senior brothers."


    A person cleared his throat bringing attention to himself, "You all forgot to mention I am his disciple also, but still if you would want to know I will tell you the real reason as to why master himself is bothering to visit.", he finished with a small smirk as his face squinted into a fox like grin.


    The others grumbled at him they knew that at present there were two more people who had been taken as disciple by their Grandmaster and were present here but unlike them this fellow loved to throw his status and rub it on their face.


    Another woman in their group who looked as if practically glued to him, spoke in a seductive voice to her current lover, the others bristled at her sight as the woman rose through her current status by sleeping with others although such a sight was not uncommon but that did not mean they were not jealous as she got more resources because of their martial uncle, "mou Darling, please tell me without teasing me more.", she finished with a pout.


    The man''s already inflated ego grew even more as he fondled her in front of others as he replied, "Well I hope you do not tell it to others but master is certain about reviewing our reports that the brat over there has some form of ''Divine Body''."


    The others were stunned at hearing that, a Divine body even in their entire sect only a few hundred had divine bodies even almost all of them were stolen from their original possessor.


    The first woman with a shaky voice spoke, "The Child do you think he has some form of Legendary type of Divine body."


    The Master''s Disciple spoke up, "hmmm who knows there might be a chance he has a higher level that is why Master himself is coming. Ah I wish I would be the one to receive the body."


    What they did not know was a member ofstanding just next to them eavesdropping on their conversation, ''hmmm I think I have to relay this of information to Supreme Commander, someone has guessed that young Prince has ''Divine Body'' and apparently a very high level one, this demonic cultivators are going to wreck havoc even if we can protect our Prince there is nothing known as over preparation who young Prince''s life is involved so having an extra reinforcement is always a nice thing.''


    Meanwhile Long Yu''s team was planning their next part of their loot run, they were on already day 26 just a four more days and they will be kicked out this place, but currently they have to try their best in order to survive.


    The two days passed very quickly, Long Yu and his teammates were leaving the library today and will make their way into the Alchemist Hall followed by Array Master hall.


    Bashista: "This is it everyone after existing here we will make a run for it the longer we loiter around the more difficult it will be for us to remain alive as their will be various teams waiting to ambush anyone who steps out of Library.", Everyone took a deep breath as the charged outside with Bashista leading the charge.


    They moved as fast as possible using their respective movement skills, they were a few meters away from the Library when they came to a halt while Long Yu tossed a talisman in front of him, the talisman touched the ground as it suddenly gave out a static charge and with a puff of smoke a large number of talismans suddenly appeared before they caught fire.


    No sooner did the trap area was destroyed a large group of nearly a couple of dozen people suddenly appeared as they surrounded them. The situation was tensed as everyone knew the next few minute it will be a massacre.


    Then suddenly one of them other group let out a war cry as they charged forward, Long Yu by now was very much grateful that he was a child a very young child who has yet to hit proper growth spur as such it was easier for him to dodge and weave through the enemies attacks as they were not accustomed to fight someone his height but he also knew it would be soon they got accustomed to it and he would be disadvantage severely as his reach was limited compare to them. He did not want to use Sword force as it will be difficult as he might hurt his own teammates so he tried to use the array tactics of his but he frowned heavily as he noticed his opponent was dodging every time his hands were closer to them as their life depended on it.


    One of them laughed hard at him as he spoke, "Do you thing we don''t know what you are capable of ''Death Hands'' Long Yu you can kill with a single touch so we would not allow your filthy hands to come anywhere near us."


    Long Yu scowled at that person in question his hands were very clean he washes his hands many times daily with antiseptic soap solutions yet this person had the audacity to insinuate that his hands were filthy. It enraged him he rushed forward at an insane speed while the man was busy gloating and mocking him, he plunged his sword towards the man whose entire attention was now focused on parrying the weapon as such he lost sight of Long Yu who had let go of his sword as he came close towards him and used a level 10 technique taught by his third big sister Shamiran who had dubbed it as, ''The Ultimate Man Slaying'' technique,''The Nut Cracker'', he kicked the man in front of him so hard that even his bones rattled, but the man in question flew high up in the air with a howl of agony before gravity worked its magic bringing him back to the planet. The entire skirmish was brought to a halt at the agonizing soul rendering cry of the now castrated ma, as it was evident from the amount blood and other fluids that flowed out of his pants as he lay there unconscious foaming from his mouth and his eyes were white. Every male present except Long Yu winced at that, no one deserved that they all felt pity for the poor victim of Long Yu, who now seemed to be appreciating his handiwork with small satisfied smile he turned his head towards the others as an unholy fire lit in them causing them to gulp, as they slowly moved a few meters away from him. Suddenly a woman attacked him from the side, "How dare you castrate my husband.", she bellowed out with red eyes and it looked as if she was breathing fire, attack was so sudden that Long Yu could not dodge, his teammates cried out in agony and pity, their youngest member will soon end up being an eunuch, as the angry woman thrusted her spear towards his lower abdomen specifically at his crotch, some watched helplessly whereas others watched in hidden glee as the spear made contact with him, a loud clang was hard as the spear shaft broke but before the woman could recover a pair of daggers penetrating her skull killing her, before he shouted out, "FREEZE".


    Soon all the people involved in the small skirmish except his teammates froze, their feet were glued to the ground their body refused to move only thing they could do was move their heads and speak, one of them stuttered out, "How how did you train to make your crotch so hard? And more importantly what and when did you place the traps we never so you touch the ground with your hands, ''Death hands'' Long Yu?", he snarled at Long Yu at the end.


    Long Yu looked towards his teammates in concern they were injured the attackers were more in number but his teammates were good specially team ''Shadow Wolves'', who dispatched the enemies like a well oiled machine he felt glad they were his friends, he went to check on them


    "Oi did you not hear me, answer my questions", demanded the same man who was questioning Long Yu.


    Long Yu was feeling irritated as such he snapped at him, "Shut up you lots are annoying. I do not have to answer anything to the likes of you, in fact why don''t you spill how did I get such a stupid nickname and how do you all know I can place array with a touch?"


    The man showing an incredible moment of stupidity mixed with bravery spat out o Long Yu, "I have nothing to tell you scum even if you use your dirty arm on me."


    Long Yu was infuriated at him as went and stood in front of him.


    Koyuki: "Oi brat let us leave those useless drivel alone let us move while they are immobilized who knows what kind of people may be attracted to all these noises."


    Long Yu did not answer her question as he pushed the man who fell down on the ground, the man and his group of people was stuck in different position some had fallen on the floor like this man as they were unbalanced when they froze and now the man was sprawled on the floor, he stood on top of the man with his left leg raised up and a innocent angelic smile on his face on the other hand the man''s face morphed into one of horror then Long Yu slammed his foot down where the sun doesn''t shine on his body, complete utter silence even the man did not feel anything but then Long Yu snapped her figure they incredible amount of pain coursed through his body causing him to faint but not giving a soul piercing scream like the previous fellow who suffered similar Level 10 technique ,''The Nut Cracker''.


    The others sweated heavily at that even his teammate they maybe planning to kill them but this was inhuman, while they were debating whether they should stop Long Yu or not, he skipped over to another victim but instead of speaking anything he simply pushed him on the floor raised his right leg up again in order to stomp the holy place of any male. The person freaked out and pleaded to Long Yu, "Stop stop please I will tell you everything."


    Long Yu in an innocent tone spoke, "Lying is bad you know your friend already said you lots won''t say anything so I will simply punish you and move to the next person."


    The person got freaked out as he blubbered everything to him how someone with straw hat and black cloak is selling information on others and they learned from him the weaknesses of other participants.


    Long Yu left the crying and pleading man as he went towards his teammates, "Do what you want with them, I have finished doing my interrogation."


    Bashista nodded as he spoke, "There is nothing to do here we have a busy schedule to keep up with, let us move to our next destination.", as he send a meaningful glance towards Ruth who just nodded back at him.


    They left but discreetly Ruth scattered few talismans around the group before leaving and as soon as they were far away the talismans ignited killing the lucky few but those unlucky were mortally injured as they bled to their death.


    Ryofu: "Long Yu if you do not mind I would like to inquire you about the same things the man asked.", as some of the females blushed thinking about rock hard��..


    Long Yu answered with a smile, "Oh it is simple I wore guard which protects my vitals, as for the people I just stopped the communication through the nervous system of the body, as such when I hit the person with my nutcracker, he did not feel any pain until I let his nervous system to work, as for array did not mention you all I can place array with just a touch."


    They were stunned at hearing that this brat was not only resourceful he was cunning as well, but something did not sit well with anyone even Long Yu, who was the person selling their information to others but they were sure that the person in some way was connected to those ''Shadow Wraiths'', as such a demonic cultivator they had to keep an eye out for.

 72 Unlucky

    Helen: "The array you used to paralyze them is something I never heard of where did you learn it, and how did you stop the flow of information though the nerve endings?"


    Kyouki: "It is simple Helen his master might have taught him the array.", as she rolled her eyes at the stupid question her friend asked, of course something like that can only be taught.


    Long Yu: "Actually the array requires intense knowledge on human anatomy which I learnt while learning about alchemy, so I am sorry if I am not able to share my knowledge with you, if you are not well versed with human anatomy you would fail and in worst case it might backfire on you destroying your nerves.", Everyone felt a shiver run down their spine, without nerves they could not move a single muscle let alone be a cultivator," As for where I learnt, well my master allows me to try to create various new arrays and of course I am only allowed to do so in front of my master, this array is one such which was created due to my creativity which enabled me to reinvent after which master made sure to correct any mistake I made making it flawless."


    Ryofu could not help but ask him curiously, "What do you mean reinvent?"


    Long Yu replied with a smile, "Master says that array is limited by creativity of a person, as such she encourages me to create different array sometime she tells me different stories from where I draw up inspirations, after I make one array I would take it to my master and after my master finishes inspecting and mistakes then after any required improvement we test the array. As for the word reinvent well the array was created by me after learning about workings of human anatomy, and when I showed it to my master, my master already knew about such an array as such I said reinvent. "


    Everyone nodded but they still could not identify the gender of the said master, as no matter what they asked Long Yu was never dropping any hint about it, as there was a running bet on the gender of Long Yu''s master.


    Soon they reached near the vicinity of the Alchemy Hall. Long Yu spoke out with not so hidden glee in his voice his eyes shining brightly, "I cannot wait to check the herbarium of this school."


    Bashista sighed well since he was the leader of the group he has to break the bad news to him, "Long Yu I am sorry to say it to you but we cannot enter the herbarium."


    Long Yu whined out, "aww, Why can we not enter the herbarium?", he asked with eyes that looked just like a sad puppy.


    Bashista winced at that, "Well we do not know how but there was some accident in the herbarium many millennia ago which spawned some plant monster which captures and kills anyone foolish enough to get to close to the herbarium, such no one tries to get to close to the herbarium."


    Long Yu looked glum but nodded at the reply,'' oh well we can''t get everything we want always.''


    Kyouki spoke out shamelessly, "Well we would be depend on you again brother Long Yu, your bands allow you more access compared to us as such we will forced to burden you with gathering of the pills.".


    Long Yu just sighed at seeing the eyes of few of this people turning green with greed, ''Shameless these people are really shamelessly greedy.''


    He forced a kind smile as he replied, "Of course big sister I will try my best."


    Meanwhile back in Ayindril,


    Shamiran''s elegant shoulder were shaking as she tied to control her laughter while her eyes were shining with mirth in them all because she saw her baby brother had just used the so called Level 10 technique ''The Nut Cracker''. It was hilarious at the same time they all felt pity for the poor man until the man''s wife attacked him, the time seemed to have frozen itself as they saw the spear hit Ryuu only to hear a loud clang, this time Antariskh was the one who looked smug as she was the one who made Ryuu wear the guard.


    They gave out a smile as Ryuu slayed the vile woman.


    Then they watched Ryuu paralyze those people and Sylvana could not help but let out a whistle as she admired the usage of array by her baby brother, the creative thinking of Ryuu was astounding, she glanced towards both her 1st mother and 2nd mother who had were smiling with pride evident on their faces, while her 3rd mother was pouting!


    Veena: "Oh do not feel sad Celestia, it is only a matter of time before he reaches Primal Daoist realm then you could teach him."


    Xiao Xiao looked at her son with warmly, as far as she could remember about the time when she was only a Zifu Disciple, her son had really surpassed her in every way possible, she was so proud of her baby boy.


    But that quickly turned to frown as she watched her baby interrogating the captured enemy, they way he did left a bad test in her mouth, why was her boy acting like a sadist.


    Shamiran with a wide smile on her face, "So Mama Celestia, what is you verdict?", while her other sisters groaned at that there only baby brother will soon fall to the sadistic side.


    Celestia just gave a small smile until it turned to a frown as she watched Xiao Xiao''s face turn into a frown, she took a deep breath as she spoke to her, "Sister I know you do not like seeing him like this but the Ryuu because of his divine body his thinking and reasoning specially during combat is like a dragon, his sadistic streak is byproduct of that, which has surfaced because of the array on his neck but it is necessary as it helps him to keep a cool head during combat situation."


    Xiao Xiao nodded at that weakly she if possible would love to shelter her child forever from the cruelty of their world, but unfortunately that was not possible.


    They watched as Ryuu and his team proceeded forward towards the Alchemy hall their reactions greatly amused them.


    Maheswara: "tch, what shameless greedy people.", as he saw the girl named Kyouki asking Long Yu to collect pills for them.


    As they watched but soon their faces specially Xiao Xiao''s morphed into horror as she screamed out, "RYUU!"


    Back in the ruins,


    Long Yu felt his head was throbbing as warm blood dripped from his head,he puked out blood because of internal injury his left hand was badly injured as dagger went through his the palm of his hand,and his right leg was mangled broken in various places.


    As his vision was cleared he was frozen stiff as because in front of him was his enemy who was standing perfectly well as perfect as someone with a single arm can be looking at him with all the hatred in the world, as he gulped trying to locate the nearest exist or way to turn the fight in his favor as he cursed his luck as he was currently not in any shape to fight the enemy but the next thing made his blood freeze in horror as he realized the place where he and his opponent have landed after breaking through the roof, ''Well it is confirmed now that I have the worst luck'', he thought fearfully.

 73 Final Stand

    "So how do we enter the alchemist hall", Long Yu asked the entrance of the hall was barred by a heavy door and a strong array was used preventing them from entering.


    Bashista just smirked as he replied, "Well there is an indirect route just follow me.", as he led the group around the hall, as they were almost near the back of the Alchemy hall Ruth pointed towards a building just adjacent to the alchemist hall, "See that building over their it is the herbarium."


    Long Yu watched in awe as he looked towards the herbarium, he also noticed that a big tower had broken and had fallen on top of the alchemist hall.


    Ruth: "That tower when it had fallen, it had destroyed the alchemist''s roof and that is our entrance point."


    Long Yu: "Woah how did the tower fall downmost of the place is intact well as much as possible after suffering from the adventurers hands, and does anyone know the purpose of the tower."


    Ryofu: "Well no one knows it has been there like that since who knows how long and as for the tower well every respectable sect has at least one of those they are dubbed as ''Meditation tower'', my sect has one such tower it gathers ki from surrounding area, it has multiple rooms in it each with varying amount of ki, as it is the prime location which enable the cultivators to cultivate at a faster pace, people like to book a room in the tower by paying appropriate prices in other words the point the acquire while doing missions for the sect can be utilized here."


    Long Yu was amazed at hearing such an amazing thing, he was really glad his sisters arranged for him to go on such an adventure.


    They went towards the tower as they reached it Long Yu was disappointed to see tower up close specially the inside of the tower, if the outside looked like as if it was casted out of gold and then gilded with precious gems the inside was another matter it looked bland compared to it, there was just a reception area with a dozen of token lying around, Long Yu also noticed that the inside was also dark as the lights were off in this place, ''well the damage might have destroyed the array used to light this place'', Long Yu mused idly.


    They climbed up to the part where the cylindrical tower broke off, and Long Yu was right when he said the interior was bland at first he thought maybe it was because of low light but now he was certain such a thing was not the only case it really was bland and it kind of reminded him about those people he had the misfortune of making acquaintance with, looking vaunted and important but lacked any substance to back it up, they place did follow the look to a t,it felt as if it tried to tell others if you are just gilded on the outside but from the inside you do not have either the physical or mental strength to back it up you will fall.


    Bashista: "Everyone when we will be now entering the ''Death Corridor'', there will be cultivators concealed her waiting to strike so keep your eyes opened and ears peeled for anything unusual."


    Long Yu gulped as he mentally prepared for the descend down the tower into the darkness, he tried to use his skills ''Divine Eyes'' and ''Buddha''s Mind'', but unfortunately the tower itself was interfering whatever material was used clearly was interfering with his skills, he sighed with disappointment as he stopped using those skills.


    They were moving through the fallen section of the tower when all of a sudden, there was a small ''swish'' and Ayesha suddenly gave out a sought of pain, she was struck by an arrow from behind and before they could react they were completely surroundedby cultivators who had attacked them.


    Bashista quickly barked out orders, "Everyone try to stick together fall a circle keep the enemies outward, range attackers and wounded in the middle.", but it was easier said than done these people were adept at using short swords, daggers and some only their fists, any weapons bigger than above mentioned ones had become useless which included Long Yu''s sword, as the area was small any bigger weapon would get stuck and friendly fire was easy.


    Although Bashista had ordered them to gather in a circle it was easier said than done currently they had to not only dodge the rain of arrows but had to protect themselves from the hit and run tactics employed by their attackers.


    Long Yu was in a disadvantageous position he was a little further from his team and currently he was having a fist fight against an opponent who was many time bigger in size than him so big he could give Han the tallest of his team the run for money on top of that the person was agile, the darkness which inhibited Long Yu''s vision was doing nothing to hinder this person. Long Yu knew he was fighting a losing battle and this person was pushing him further away from his team. Long Yu tried to put an array on him but the man dodged every time, on the other hand Long Yu was being beaten like a dog, suddenly Long Yu found an opening he went for his infamous Nut Cracker on this person, but unfortunately he fell into the ruse, the man not only dodged but slammed his left leg hard on Long Yu''s outstretch right leg and with a sickening crunch his leg was snapped into two.


    Long Yu gave a howl of pain, hearing him his teammates were worried but they did not have time to come to his help as they themselves were stuck in duel of life and death.


    The broken leg caused Long Yu to fall down and the attacker then quickly took this opportunity produced a hidden dagger as he stomped again on Long Yu''s leg breaking it further before thrusting the dagger towards Long Yu''s brain. Long Yu sensing the attack on his person quickly raised his left hand which took the full brunt of the attack as the dagger stabbed through his palm stopping a few centimeters from his face as warm blood dripped on his face from the daggers tip.


    By then the man had given up on the dagger as he jumped on Long Yu as he rained a barrage of punches on his face, suddenly the wall of the tower on which Long Yu was getting his beat down gave out, causing both the man and Long Yu to plummet down, the last Long Yu heard was Ryofu shouting out his name as he left the dark tower and continued falling down. Long Yu did not waste any time as he was falling as he no longer inside the tower he quickly unsheathed his sword as he used the strongest attack possible by him, ''Joyous Rain'', with all of his strength , he watched in both fascination and horror as the man dodged the attack but it still took out the right hand of the person because of close proximity, before hitting the tower which broke in many places and looked as if it would fall any moment now, the man was now furious and shouted out in anger, "You pipsqueak how dare you cut my right hand off I will skill you alive then cut your head off and use it as bedpan."


    The man suddenly took out a whip which he used to completely ensnare Long Yu as he pulled him towards him, before he brought his knees towards his as he delivered a powerful kick to Long Yu, who rocketed towards the ground but he instead crashed against the roof of a building breaking it and falling down to the floor of the said building, then man landed gracefully a few feet away from him, glaring at him with intense anger and hate.


    Long Yu felt his head was throbbing in pain as warm blood dripped from his head, he puked out blood because of internal injury his left hand was badly injured as dagger went through his the palm of his hand, and his right leg was mangled broken in various places.


    As Long Yu''s vision cleared he was frozen stiff as because in front of him was his enemy who was standing perfectly well as perfect as someone with a single arm looking at him with all the hatred in the world, as he gulped trying to locate the nearest exist or way to turn the fight in his favor as he cursed his luck as he was currently not in any shape to fight the enemy but the next thing made his blood freeze in horror as he realized the place where he and his opponent have landed after breaking through the roof, ''Well it is confirmed now that I have the worst luck'', he thought fearfully.


    The place where he had fallen into was none other than the infamous Herbarium and the monster residing in their was none other than ''��rbol que chupa sangre'' tree, it was infamous for attacking creatures in order to get nourishment from them every part of the victim, including the soul of its victim.


    The man did not even realize that he was being attacked, a branch suddenly moved before coiling around his legs before lifting him up and smashing him repeatedly on the floor hard so hard that even Long Yu was wincing at the sight, before the branch dragged the person and deposited it inside a flower like structure which closed after receiving its prey.


    The branches then moved towards Long Yu trying to capture him, who by now had somehow managed to stand using his sword as a crutch blood dripping from his head and mouth, yet he stood tall favoring his left leg as the right was broken before he pointed his sword towards the ''��rbol que chupa sangre'' as way of showing his defiance, he knew there was no way he could escape this but that does not mean he would make it easy for the tree to eat him as he will fight till his last breath, he closed his eyes as his life till now flashed before his eyes his mother, aunt, his teachers, his sisters even all the people he came in contact during his short life bringing a smile to his face he had a wonderful life without any regrets, he opened his eyes which lacked any form of fear but was filled with calm and serenity a small smile etched on his face. ''So this is where I fall huh, oh wellif this is my Final Stand I will not go down with a fight.'',he took a weird sword stance where he held the sword in reverse grip, as the branches moved to capture him.


    Long Yu whispered faintly, "Sorry Mama", before he quickly activated his Divine body''s power, which he had somehow learned to activate after a couple of times it activated because of his anger, then he went on to activate his real trump card.


    Normally a skill is divided into 11 levels from Level 0 to Level 10, but there 3 more types that it can be divide into,


    1) Forbidden Technique: This type of skills are such that they are generally classified as dangerous as such they should not be used careless or without proper knowledge regarding it as the backlash generated from failure to utilize the skill will either causing crippling injuries to even death sometimes they even caused the destruction of soul.


    2) Inherited Skills: These types of skills are mostly found among beasts or any people who have the blood of beast flowing through their veins. These skills are mostly recorded within the DNA of the beast which awakens when certain conditions are fulfilled which may range from cultivation level to cultivation type, when the conditions are fulfilled the descendant instinctively knows how to use the skill, they can range from simple to forbidden to even a taboo skill.


    3) Taboo skills: These types of skills were treated as a trump card that a person uses as a last desperate move. After using it death is the least of worries as some can even erase the very existence of a person, a fate worse than death.


    Ryuu aka Long Yu''s own aunt Zhu Zhu herself had used taboo skill in a desperate gamble to kill the people who had tried to kill Xiao Xiao and Ryuu all those years ago by using a taboo skill detonating her soul which burned the entire continent to ash, now after couple of years later Long Yu followed his aunt''s footsteps.


    Long Yu since birth was a curious fellow it might be because he wasn''t allowed to venture out of his home until recent years, he always had a thirst to know beyond the known boundaries as such one day when his 3rd mistress Celestia had been distracted he got a chance to glimpse at a worn out parchment that was on top of his teacher''s desk, he was bored and a tad bit curious as such he took a peek to see what was written inside it, being a cultivator he was able to memorize everything written inside it as such he was able to get his hands on a taboo skill.


    The smile on Long Yu''s face turned into a smirk as he announced the skill he was about to execute with voice filled with conviction, "Taboo Skill: Cremation of Final Sword", he knew even with the skill he might not be able to kill the tree as it was many realms above him but he would make sure that as long as it lived it would never be able t forget about Long Yu.


    Before the skill could be fully activated aloud crash was heard as the tower collapsed on top of the herbarium exactly on top of the main trunk of the tree. The impact was so hard that Long Yu was thrown violently towards the wall which soon gave way because of the falling tower, as the herbarium itself was destroyed. Long Yu did not waste any time as he quickly grabbed the nearest big piece of debris that was lying near him, he quickly drew an array with the help of his blood on top of the debris. Normally he could place an array with just a touch but he now was placing a few special pieces of array, which he had little to know experience with, they array was meant to simply carry him out. He just needs it to work temporarily because the array needs special ink but blood was a poor man''s substitute which won''t work for a long time. As such he quickly activated the array and fled from the place as the tree struggled to move the tower which had fallen on it damaging it greatly as greenish blood bled from it profusely.


    Meanwhile Long Yu was having trouble in maintaining balance as the big debris piece which might have been part of the wall surrounding the herbarium, sped out carrying Long Yu with it, the array for ''Levitation'', Wind Burst'', had worked their magic but he had no way to stop the debris neither did he have any way to stop it spinning. After Long Yu managed to get a few hundred meters away from the tree he let the debris go as due to blood loss and the all the spinning motion of the debris he could not take it anymore as he crashed hard on the ground as he bounced before he went a few more meters before finally stopping while the debris flew away to who knows where. The entire world seemed to be spinning to Long Yu and soon he lost his consciousness.


    Jeden came and kneeled down beside Long Yu as emergency treatment was carried out by


    Dwa, who quickly fed various pills to him which included ''Blood Formation pill'', ''Bone Formation Pill'', among others and soon Trzy and Cztery joined by their side. Who then began helping to heal any internal injuries as the assailant who kicked Long Yu used a huge amount of Ki along with special technique which had greatly harmed Long Yu. After sometime they left him as he was lying on the ground unconscious.


    For the Shadow Wolves this experience was less than stellar, the attack on them was devastating, they were able to fend off the attack but they were all grievously injured Han even lost one of his eyes, but the most pain loss was Long Yu, they did not know whether he was alive or not, logically the way he was being overwhelmed it seemed to be that the child which had won their hearts was no more the girls who later on joined them were in much worse shape than the, Ayesha had been hit by poison arrow on her shoulder. As if lady luck was totally miffed with them, the tower they were using to move started to collapse which they barely survived now they somehow made out of the tower as they watched with horror that it had collapsed over herbarium. They made their way to towards it to find their missing member as long as they had hope they would not stop until they found him.


    They stopped as they saw the bleeding unconscious form of Long Yu lying on the floor. As they neared him a huge explosion knocked them off their feet as big flame rose from the herbarium reaching the sky, the fire was so intense that it scared them of their wits. They quickly decided to grab Long Yu and get far away from here as far as possible, this raid was a complete failure and the injuries they received indicates that they will have no other chance as they will never be able to heal in time.


    Ruth pointed towards what seemed like a small house barely visible through the dense growth of foliage, "Hey is that a house there let us that house and hid there while we recuperate."


    Everyone well at least those who were conscious agreed as they made their way to the house, while Ruth and Jack led the rear as they erased any kind of track that led towards them, as soon as they entered the house, Bashista quickly used the talisman that Long Yu gave him which allowed him to erect the same type of barrier that surrounded their previous hideout.


    Back in Ayindril,


    It was complete chaos, Xiao Xiao almost fainted as she saw her child''s near death experience, the same child for whom he gave way the life of luxuries, the same child for whom all her and her sister in all but blood Zhu Zhu''s hopes and dreams revolved around and she almost fainted when Long Yu revealed his trump card.


    A taboo skill which activated by igniting the users soul and body, once activated there was no way to stop it until the user was completely turned to ash. Fortunately for Long Yu the array which the member of Wojownik Cienia placed on him so that he carelessly does not activate the skill which he got from the library prevented his death.


    As for his teachers they were horrified none more than Nuwa who for a moment saw the figure of her son Pangu overlap Long Yu aka Ryuu as he tried activating the taboo skill, the ghastly memory of her own son''s death because of a taboo skill replayed in her mind, even Ryuu''s elder sisters were shocked they got so close to losing another brother of theirs.


    Celestia spoke lowly but everyone could hear the sorrow and anger in her voice, "Who taught him that taboo skill?"


    When no one answered her, she finally lost her patience as her aura flared up as she asked in anger, "I asked you all a question so answer me, who thought it would be a great idea to teach Ryuu a taboo skill."


    Veena as she shielded Xiao Xiao from Celestia''s aura spoke out, "Calm down sister you are hurting our youngest sister, but you are right I also want to know who taught him that skill", as her eyes roamed on everyone present there.


    Nobody spoke in that room it was a pin drop silence, even Maheswara looked clearly troubled at that as he pinched his now hard, "It seems that no one in this room taught him we will have to wait for Ryuu to arrive before we can get bottom of this, but I would love to have a chat with on Ryuu about what kind of skill he should learn and he should not."


    Nuwa: "Get in line dear husband, we will have to educate him about such etiquettes. We would spank him hard this time, we tolerate his mischievousness but this is too much.", although she sounded stern her voice was cracking from sadness.


    Xiao Xiao meanwhile was overwhelmed by grief every moment she spend with her child flashed in front of her eyes, he was the only thing left of her in this world the only legacy of her and Zhu Zhu that still existed, she would never let her child away from her anymore no matter who says what, yes yes he would keep her child safe until he was as strong as her when she was in her prime no matter how many millennia it would take.

 74 Aftermath

    During entire time Long Yu''s teammates were suffering from intense case of fear, as they watch many people coming too close to their hiding place they were afraid that they would be found out. They knew they should trust Long Yu''s work but still at their current condition they were no match, they had many wounded members like Long Yu, Ayesha and Han who were worst of them all, the fight with the assailants even if they had won had caused a significant drop in strength and they know they will not survive another such fight let alone protect the heavily injured.


    Ayesha had regained her consciousness after her teammates managed to treat her using one of the ''Anti-Poison'', pills created by Long Yu but she was too weak, she almost lost her left hand and on top of that she suffered from blood loss.


    Han on the other hand had his right eye complete destroyed as such because of his sudden blindness he was having trouble due to shift in depth perception.


    Although all of the members were injured and poisoned but Long Yu''s ''Anti-Poison'' pills saved them, but Long Yu himself was severely injured, his face was swollen with black and blue bruises, his right leg was broken as the team had used a splint on it for the time being, his left Palm was bandaged it was barely hanging by the skin when they found him not to mention the damages he received o his spine and ribs, currently not only he was unconscious he was suffering from high fever, his teammates took turns to nurse him back to health, but his condition was fluctuating too much to the point that sometimes he looked to be on death''s door.


    Finally on the evening of Third day Long Yu''s situation stabilized and as his fever went down he returned to the land of consciousness, "Water", a raspy voice groaned out of Long Yu''s mouth.


    Tina quickly picked up a water canteen as she gently poured water in Long Yu''s mouth, while helping him to drink it slowly, after a few minutes he finally opened his eyes and saw that he was laying on Ryofu''s lap, he gave a kind smile to Ryofu who returned it back to Long Yu, "Welcome Back".


    He raised his head as he saw some of his teammates crying tears of joy, he send a small smile towards them "Long Yu we thought you died", came a small crying sound from Jessie, it touched his heart to see his teammates so concerned about him, then he frowned seeing the state of his teammates.


    He spoke out in concern, "What happened to you all and Han what happened to your right eye?"


    Bashista: "Well we got injured during our fight, as far Han he lost his right eye, but enough about us how are you feeling kid you were on the verge of death.", although he had a calm voice but his face had a look of concern.


    Long Yu just gave a nervous laugh while he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly before wincing at the pain. "Sister Ryofu would please kindly give me my backpack.", who just nodded at long Yu while Jack retrieved it for him.


    "Thank You", Long Yu uttered before he opened his bag and rummaged with his one good hand as he found a couple of pills which he popped in his mouth, unknown to him his secret bodyguards have already fed him some pills which were programmed by the use of array to ensure slow release but upon consuming the pills carried by Long Yu his wounds healed up within a few hours while they discussed the next course of action.


    Long Yu: "So we are to sit wait, I do not like it but this is the best choice as I also do not want to try my luck again if possible.", he shivered inwardly with the near brush with death.


    Helen: "Long Yu what did you do to cause the huge explosion and what kind of creature does live in the herbarium?", a question which everyone wanted to ask him.


    Long Yu glanced towards the now destroyed herbarium before inwardly shivering in fright as he answered, "Ido not know may be the fall of the tower caused some strange array to backfire which caused the explosion, as I had hightailed after the tower fell so I cannot answer you and as for the creature it was a ''��rbol que chupa sangre'' not only that it was many realms above me, I was lucky to escape from it unharmed.", some of the people had looks of horror etched on their faces upon hearing such a hellish creatures name and agreed with Long Yu that he was extremely lucky to escape from its clutches.


    Tina: "I never thought in my worst nightmare you were facing such a nightmarish creature, i myself do not know what I could have done if I faced one alone by myself."


    Long Yu puffed up his chest as he boasted, "So what if I was afraid, I would have never given it the satisfaction of killing it, I was planning on using a ''Taboo Skill'', to permanently curve on its body what it means to try and harm me."


    Ruth shouted out his face had a horrified look, "You What!!!, were you out of your mind, a Taboo Skill, do you even know what kind of back lash you would suffer because of it.", he was angry no scratch that he was utterly furious at Long Yu and specially the person who thought it was wise to hand him such a horrifying skill.


    Long Yu while winced seemed like his tongue had loosened a bit too much for his liking under the effect of all the medicines and the high fever he had to endure.


    Kyouki could not help but ask out, "What is a ''Taboo Skill'' and is it extremely dangerous?"


    It was Veronica who answered to her while glaring at Long Yu with intense anger making him wince once again, " A Taboo Skill is often described as a ''One time Trump card'', as the user who uses it dies with no exception, hell death is the least of worries sometimes even their soul is destroyed."


    At that those who did not know was horrified at that prospect.


    Ryofu hugged Long Yu hard as she spoke out in scolding tone, "How could you Long Yu use such a dastardly skill and did you even knew of it consequences"


    Long Yu sighed, "It was my only choice I was too injured and I did not want to become fertilizer to such a plant, as such I choose death on my terms not some plants, and to be frank if the tower would have been a few minutes let I would have been dead already as I had almost activated the skill, and I guess that what had caused the fever in me and as for the consequences my body and soul would have turned to ash."


    Ayesha looked horrified at hearing that, "Who taught you such a skill?"


    Long Yu contemplated a little bit before he answered, "Well one day I was bored and being curious I was searching through my master''s library hoping to find something to appease my boredom, until I came across an old parchment on my master''s desk and I being tad bit curious might have taken a peek inside it."


    Tina shook her head in exasperation as she blurted out, "Unbelievable and even knowing all the danger you still tried to use it, really you are unbelievable, and you know we will report it to your grandmother."


    Hearing this Long Yu paled, the so called grandmother may not do anything to him but his teachers will surely hear about him he was doomed, as he suddenly gained a lifeless look in his face as tears started to fall from his eyes imagining the torture he would have to endure, yup he was doomed, ''Good Bye Cruel World'', he thought inwardly with grimace he could easily see his funeral procession.


    Everyone sweat dropped at his antics as a thought ran through their mind, ''He needs some serious help''


    Before anyone could speak Ryofu presented a query in front of other, "Well can anyone explain to me what is this ''��rbol que chupa sangre'', which everyone who knows seemed to be afraid of."


    Meanwhile back in Ayindril,


    Xiao Xiao bowed deeply towards Celestia as she apologized, "I am extremely sorry, I should have educated Ryuu better to never take something that does not belong to him."


    Celestia quickly caught her as she stopped Xiao Xiao from bowing, "No harm done sister you do not have to bow, Ryuu despite his achievements is still very much a child, and children are curious as such you do not have to worry I will personally rectify his mistake so please ease your mind."


    Meanwhile his eldest two out of the trio of sisters as well as Maheswara felt pity at Ryuu, the scolding given by Celestia are legendary as they leave people traumatized they just hoped the youngest member of their family can pull through it.

 75 Goodbye Ruins

    Long Yu began with a heavy sigh, " ''��rbol que chupa sangre'', is tree that is raised by demonic cultivators, they usually feed their tree living cultivators who acts as the nourishment for the tree, every so often these tree gives birth to a fruit which when consumed strengthens the soul of the person who consumed it."


    Helen: "I do not see the need to strengthen my soul, why should I strengthen my when my own body is strong and it protects my soul."


    Long Yu sighed for the umpteenth time, ''seriously this people are really from some backward place.'', what he did not know because of his upbringing he had access to knowledge which were not readily available to others so easily even his own team ''Shadow Wolves'', maybe knowledgeable than others they still lacked in comparison to Long Yu, "Well soul is a very important component of us, and in certain cases we have to strengthen our soul, like those who are undergoing tribulation to ascend to Immortality, the tribulation not only affects the body but also the soul if the soul is not up to the mark it can be easily get destroyed. Not to mention a powerful cultivator has ability to attack with what is known as ''Soul Force'', which can only be achieved if one''s soul is strong and can only be blocked by a person with equal or greater soul strength.", he took a deep breath before he continued again," There are a genre of Ki cultivators known as ''Puppeteers'', they use soul force to command their puppets to their bidding and are mostly of two types


    a) Construct puppeteer: this type of puppeteers usually create puppets using various precious items which they use for battles or any other purpose.


    b) Corpse puppeteer: they are actually puppeteers who refine the body of a deceased cultivator using their secret technique to create puppets.


    As I said this fruit can strengthen the soul of a person it also helps in gathering of massive amount ''Yin ki'' for the person who ate the fruit, as such they are coveted by both corpse puppeteers and Jiangshi masters."


    Tina:"Long Yu I have heard about ''Corpse puppeteers'', but what is this ''Jiangshi master'' cultivator is?"


    Long Yu frowned as he answered, "They are cultivators who can reanimate the dead person as their obedient slave. A very powerful and talented Jiangshi master can even keep the conscious of a their Jiangshi slave completely intact, so just think about it a person who was your family but was raised as a Jiangshi to combat against you, that person talks and behaves just like he used to towards you when you were alive but now you are forced to fight against him, will you be able to face your loved one, your family at life death duel."


    A shiver ran down on everyone''s spine at that, the thought of being forced to fight against their precious person in a life and death duel.


    Kyouki: "I never knew there were people like that in the world of cultivation", she spoke out with a hint of fear.


    Ryofu: "So soul cultivation helps people with Yin type cultivation more?", she asked a little confused.


    Long Yu shook his head, "No Soul cultivation does not favor ''Yin'' type cultivation more in fact it enhances both ''Yin'' or ''Yang'' type of cultivations a little, normally body cultivators are lean towards ''Yang'' type where as Ki cultivators lean towards ''Yin'' type mostly only a few cultivation techniques or skills are opposite, but in case of Hybrid type they are different as they have to always maintain a delicate balance which most fail to maintain as such they end up leaning towards Yang or Yin side making them difficult to make any progress with their cultivation anymore, but if they can cultivate their soul it will be much easier to maintain balance."


    Everyone was listening to his explanation earnestly, as such Ruth himself could not help but ask, "How, how does it help to maintain balance?"


    Long Yu simply shrugged his shoulder, "I do not know".


    Rong Niu, "What do you mean you do not know?", she could not help but ask out irritably, Long Yu was a goldmine when it came to information spending time with Long Yu they learned many things as such they could not help but try to squeeze out as much information from him as possible, but as such when he said he did not know something it caused frustration in him.


    Long Yu:"I am very young as such I am not allowed to start cultivating my soul, because I might inadvertently end up damaging my soul, as you know a damaged soul is very difficult to heal and in some case it can lead to be permanently damaged. As such I have only basic knowledge about this stuff. I would also like to explicitly warn you do not I repeat do not try to learn some Soul cultivation skill from unknown or dubious sources as it will affect your future greatly."


    Ryofu: "So if we were to consume this fruit from that we would gain strong soul.", as she spoke her eyes were again shining with greed, even some of the women mostly from her group had the same look in their eyes.


    Long Yu gritted his teeth, he started to feel nauseated thinking about how greedy this people were again and again they were trying to take shortcut to gain strength without thinking about the side effects of such shortcuts, he himself knows there are various mystical items, fruits and medicinal plants which can greatly improve one''s constitution their strengthhe himself has consumed many but this girls were shamelessly trying to consume without giving a second thought about the origin of the item nor are they thinking about the consequences that may occur by consuming such an evil fruit.


    As such he could not help but speak out loud towards Ryofu in a cold tone which send shiver down everyone''s spine, "Ryofu", in the entire time she was with Long Yu she never heard such a cold voice from him not only was it cold he seemed to as calm as ice, "I know you all want to acquire some form of heavenly fruit or medicine to increase your strength, I myself have consumed some I will not say anything to you for consuming as it make me hypocrite but please pay attention to the origin of such item, the fruit is created by sacrificing hundreds of cultivators, the tree only eats live prey, and it uses everything from his victim their body, their blood and even their soul, do you think you can safely eat such a fruit without damaging your karma, if you eat so much take a small bite of the said fruit you will become a demonic cultivator your karma will change from good to evil on top of that as soon as you step out of this ruins any righteous sect will hunt you down and kill you even your own sect included.", he saw Ryofu looking depressed at that being scolded like that by him really did brig her mood down greatly, sensing her sadness Long Yu sighed as he replied, "Ryofu I did not mean it only for you but also others as well, I singled you out because you were vocal about it I can see many of you desire to do the same but were not vocal about it, so please forgive me if I caused you some grief but as a friend I want the best for you."


    Ryofu gave a tight hug to Long Yu, "Do not worry Long Yu, I am not sad at you but thank you for protecting and helping us.", she finished with a smile but as soon as Long Yu''s head turned towards others her eyes became clouded as she was staring intently at Long Yu as a small smile etched her face, the others specially people from the Shadow Wolves did not like the look in her eyes.


    Bashista: "If what you say I true then someone purposely left such a creature in the herbarium but that was eons ago even if they left it here how would they harvest the fruits."


    Ruth: "Who knows it may be some member of the original ''Nine Headed Dragon'' school did it as such they were killed. But unfortunately we do not have resource or skill to figure it out."


    Soon the time flowed like a river and they suddenly they started glowing with intense light, soon they found themselves outside the school just outside the stadium where their journey began.


    Before anyone could speak anything, a loud voice bellowed out in intense anger, "Long Yu you bastard child of a whore get here and receive the divine judgment."


    Long Yu was pissed off at the person who insulted his mother before he gasped at seeing the person in front of him, the person��..

 76 Out of the frying pan into the fire

    Long Yu looked at the person incredulously a black robe and a mile long white beard with a bald head, oh did he forgot about obnoxious warty long nose with hunched back, the man was floating on the air trying to look like some heavenly God King looking downat mere mortals.


    Long Yu whispered but it was enough for everyone especially who were near him to hear it clearly, "If he claims to be related to the ''Alchemist Association'' it will be confirmed that the ''factory for stupid'', is located there."


    The old man kept on talking without paying attention towards Long Yu," I am Mugam''ma, the Head of the Glorious Alchemist Association", at that Long Yu''s teammates were trying to stop their laughter specially Long Yu whose check was puffed up trying to contain his laughter, ''Yup, the factory for stupid is definitely there'', "You Long Yu have been masquerading as a child but I have already seen your true form you Devil, as such I will deliver righteous justice upon you, kneel in front of me and repent and I might not destroy your soul."


    Long Yu was getting tired of dealing with these idiots, ever since he arrived here it was as if he had been contracted with ''here I am so seek me out you idiots'' disease, this old man must be here to take revenge for exposing that frauds who were his disciple but what is this fellow spouting all this nonsense calling me devil well I should expect something from the head honcho of the ''Factory for Stupid ''.


    A man and woman suddenly appeared and the woman the spoke out towards Long Yu''s group, "Kyouki, Ryofu, Ayesh and Helen please get over here.", she ordered those above mentioned with utmost authority.


    Same was for Rong Niu who was ordered the same by another person, but they all left reluctantly as they went and stood near their respective member of their sects, as one by one all people moved away from the ''Shadow Wolves'' group leaving them alone.


    Long Yu was getting irritated at the old man and the stooges who were flanking him from both sides accompanying him nodding at his words like some weird bobble head dolls, Long Yu couldn''t help but snap back at him, "Oi old man if you have a even a shred of honor and decency instead of accusing me to be a devil why don''t you man up and confess that the only reason you are even here is to avenge your those phonies you call students, have you no shame instead of trying to teach them alchemy you are creating boastful idiots who only know how to extort and do fraudulent practices."


    Mugam''ma''s face turned purple with intense anger he raised his finger in anger as he tried to speak out in anger, "You you��", but before he could speak a loud laughter followed by loud clapping rang throughout the area as a devilishly handsome person appeared he did not look more than thirty years of age.


    He spoke out in a jovial manner, "Bravo bravo child you really earned my respect, and standing up against an immortal''s tyranny when you are just a Zifu Disciple takes a lot of guts, specially against so called righteous sect who bully anyone who they do not like as devils, I hope you would not mind gracing me with your name."


    Long Yu looked carefully at the man, he looked friendly with kind smile but he did not know why but he was making feel a little afraid, "Long Yu, my name is Long Yu."


    The man frowned, "Now now it is good not to lie child, ah you want to hide your real name in order to stay incognito, but oh well I will get to know better.", the man finished with a kind smile on his face.


    "What do you mean", asked Long Yu fearfully, as he discreetly activated his skills, ''Divine Eyes'' and ''Buddha''s Mind'' skills of his which turned up to a huge mistake on his part, Long Yu suddenly hunched over as he fell on his knees as he vomited all of a sudden, he was shaking like a leaf under storm, even with the help of the special array he could not control his fear, his teammates quickly went to his side to support him. Even the other girls who were now standing near their respective sect members tried to move towards him only to be stopped by the member of their respective sects.


    Bashista could not help but shout out at the person he was already a bit tensed after his group was singled out by an immortal but now this new comer did something to Long Yu so he finally snapped, "What did you do to him you bastard?"


    The man just gave out a creepy smile, "Who me nothing, please do not accuse an innocent person like me, if you want to blame someone blame the child, he needs to learn what kind of techniques should be used when."


    Long Yu struggled to stay calm as he looked up towards the man fearfully as he asked him fearfully, "What are you? You cannot be human what kind of being are you?"


    Long Yu''s mastery of his skills had increased greatly regarding his to skills after using it during so many life and death situations, as such his abilities using the skills had taken a great leap, but when he tried to use it on the person in front of him it drove him near mad, and he understood one thing the man in front of him was a very bad person no scratch that he is the devil himself.


    The man seemed very pleased but before he could speak again he was interrupted by Mugam''ma, "You impudent fellow how dare you insult me like that I will have your life."


    The just gave an annoyed look at the old man as he uttered a command, "Bow before me.", as if struck by an invisible hand every person were forced on their knees, the people who were with the Alchemist association head was worse off than others as he and his followers were slammed on the ground hard creating a deep craters.At that everyone was afraid of him this man was incredibly dangerous, and they were sitting ducks, as whatever the man did completely paralyzed everyone present .


    A burst of ki suddenly enveloped Long Yu as if prodding and testing Long Yu, a big smile suddenly etched on the man''s face as he began to laugh like a madman, "Nice nice what a nice surprise you gave me boy to think you have a Divine body one I am sure is at least a Legendary one, how about it child will you be my disciple no you will be my disciple."


    At that everyone was stunned including the team ''Shadow Wolves'', a child which was the topic of their discussing for many people had such a powerful Divine body, some felt envy, some were jealous and very small minority felt pity for the child.


    Long Yu somehow gathering courage replied back, "I already have master I refused to acknowledge others as such."


    The man laughed it off, "Oh child how loyal you are I really like it but do not worry I will make sure to make you loyal only to me alone, after all when I finish reprogramming your tiny brain you will belong to me.", he spoke as if he was eyeing a like a person does to a very valuable treasure, why wouldn''t he such a powerful Divine body coupled with a good head was really a wet dream of many cultivators.


    Long Yu was scared he had only ever felt so much fear all those years ago when his family was attacked and his mother and him almost died, as he cried out as fresh tears came out of his eyes out of fear he did not want to be kidnapped buy such a despicable man. ''Mommy, master, big sisters anyone please save me.''


    Everyone looked helplessly specially the team ''Shadow Wolves'', as he started walking towards Long Yu, the man shrugged uncaringly as he commanded his people, "Well my people please collect the merchandise, and I have a busy schedule I want to leave soon."


    "Oi mongrel who gave you the permission to kidnap my baby brother.", A voice full of arrogance but with an underlying hint of anger rang out.


    Everyone''s attention was drawn to the speaker, a trio of women, no a trio Goddesses of war had descendedon mortal plane along with a large army, in order to deliver divine judgment against the person who had the audacity to try to kidnap their brother.


    Long Yu was ecstatic as well as relieved on seeing them as he shouted out towards them with happiness, "Big Sisters!!!!!!!!, I am so happy to see you all."


    After hearing the voice of their brother their stony visages softened a little bit, before the man could blink one of the woman was already kneeling beside Long Yu hugging him protectively, "Do not worry baby brother we are here just stay beside your second big sister while your other sister deals with the puppet in front of us."


    The man looked towards one of the woman who was still floating on the air, as his eyes widen in recognition as such retaliated by....

 77 It is You!

    Fifteen thousand years ago,


    In a remote town on planet Vera, three people were busy discussing something among themselves inside a rundown tavern, the first one was a bald man who looked past his middle age, the second a hawk nosed man with very thick eyebrows and a third was an aged man with such a normal face that could easily disappear in a crowd.


    The third person spoke, "Well Cyrus how is your work going within Shangri-la?", the man asked jovially to the second man.


    The man named Cyrus scowled, "tsk, why did you have to spoil the mood now, the big tittied bitch is so demanding, do this or do that and always in mood to punish, hmmm ''Empress'', sometimes I want to just gut that harlot."


    The bald man laughed loudly at him while the third person just chuckled lowly.


    Cyrus lost in anger stood up while knocking their table, "How dare you laugh at my miseries, Jaramillo, Galvan you are supposed to be my friends."


    Galvan controlled his laughter as he spoke, "Calm down Cyrus, but why do you want to kill that harlot, when you can have him under teaching her real place, as you use her to get out of the stress after a long days work while she writhe in pleasure moaning your name like a good little slut."


    Cyrus looked somewhat interested at that, but he was intervened by Jaramillo, "Also I think you can easily become the ''Emperor'', if you can make that woman heel."


    The others looked at him as Cyrus asked a very important question, "How?"


    Jaramillo gave a crooked smile as he began with a mocking smile, "Well you so called righteous cultivators do not know this but we the so called demonic cultivators have many interesting way''s, ''Aphrodite''s binding'', a powerful drug that will bring even the most staunchest of your enemies, on their knees as your personal slut, they will obey your every command like a good little slave no matter how degrading it may seem. Now if you order them to pass their throne to you��."


    Both Cyrus and Galvan gave an equally crooked smile their eyes clouded with lust and greed as they creepily spoke together, "You demonic cultivators surely have a devious mind."


    Jaramillo just spoke with a smile, "oi oi you are from righteous sect you should not praise scum like us."


    At that both Galvin and Cyrus cracked a small smile, "Only a fool will follow that differentiation, without each other knowledge there is no way any can move get stronger, and after all at the end of the day the only thing that matters is strength."


    Jaramillo, "So true but I would need ingredients without some help it will be difficult for me to gather each and every one of them."


    Cyrus just smiled, "Leave it to me I will gather them for you using my connections."


    Jaramillo smiled, "Well then I would be in you care Brother Cyrus, also I will take care of the few ingredients as if you are caught trying to gather them you will surely be executed."


    Cyrus, "As you wish brother but we have to work fast, I cannot control myself thinking about those beauties any longer."


    "Hahahaha ", aloud laughter was heard by everyone who were present near the tavern.


    A few decades later, Cyrus was summoned by the ''Empress'' during the middle of the night, unknown to his brothers he had used the special drugs a couple of days beforetheir schedule date of the mission he could no longer control himself any longer he wanted to taste the forbidden fruit. Now his dreams would come true he would show their place beneath them as he ruled like an Emperor he was so happy that he looked as if he was skipping in happiness.


    He strolled inside the Empresses personal Palace as if he was the Emperor and practically kicked the door open only to be brought on his knees hard, "Welcome, Cyrus it seems you have grown a spine and become a very naughty child, and naughty child needs to be punished.", Cyrus''s world turned upside down in an instant as various thoughts ran inside his mind, ''Did Jaramillo and Galvin betrayed me? Was the drug just a hoax?''


    He did not know what to do, he was pinned down on the ground by very strong warriors so moving was out of question he could have used his secret technique but he could not use even an iota of his Ki as such he could not help but ask out loud, "How did you find out?".


    Empress Antariskh just snorted at that, "We have around even before your great great Grandfather''s father was conceived, did you think we could not detect a pathetic drug like ''Aphrodite''s Binding'', I knew you were ambitious but this, it was pathetic we expected more from you, Sister Shamiran will be a dear and kindly ask this idiot who his co conspirators were."


    Shamiran: "With pleasure your Highness", as her face morphed into a bloodthirsty grin.


    Antariskh turned towards Sylvana as she ordered, "Make sure this matter is not leaked outside not even to his deputy after he confesses we will judge him in our court."


    Half a day, only within half a day a rank 1st Dao Father was broken, his eyes were dimmed he looked more like a corpse, Shamiran had outright started torturing she had completely sealed his power turning him to a mere mortal before she began her torture, various painful toxins were used, Shamiran made sure to make him suffer so much so that she used multiple Arrays on him, one heightened his pain receptors to the point that even a simple touch using a feather would be equivalent to breaking every bone his body, on top of that she made sure to heightened his senses to the point that time itself seemed so slow to him even a simple second past now was equivalent to 100 second in normal situations. Then came the pain unbearable no matter how many times he was wounded when he was near death another sea would activate forcibly converting his own life essence to heal him bringing him back to his perfect condition. The pain was driving him insane he tired committing suicide he was sure he succeeded by biting his tongue but it seemed he was being resurrected and the process began again, his soul screamed in pain each time it felt as if it was torn to pieces before being sown back.


    He gave every bit of information he had about Jaramillo and Galvin, he just wanted to die, no more no more no more please stop! please stop! please stop! please stop! he pleaded he begged but the torture did not stop he was broken he gave every secret he knew even his most dirtiest ones the most embarrassing ones yet the laughter did not stop as Shamiran did not stop playing with him, he was broken mentally physically spiritually he was broken he could no longer think, he could no longer feel, he could no longer understand anything just a broken man who was now a complete vegetable, Shamiran pouted she was having so much fun now his toy broke she hadn''t had all her fun such disappointment. She had her people drag the broken man into a stadium with his face covered by a burlap bag as she sent a message to both Antariskh and Sylvana that she had just finished her investigation.


    She arrived inside the stadium as she made her way to her throne on the right side of Antariskh as she graced both of her sisters with a kind smile.


    Soon as many as a thousand people were dragged in chains as they were forced to kneel in front of them Cyrus was kneeling with his hands tied together the sack still on his head. Everyone who were present at the stadium looked at the sight in confusion the people who were kneeling were from various walks of life some old some young some who were still children were there in chains.


    Sylavana just motioned towards one of their guards who just acknowledged her command with a nod, soon this scene was telecast Live with the help of special array to every major branch of Shangri-la as many people gathered around to see the show.


    Antariskh stood up as she addressed the crowd, "Please remove the burlap sack from the top of that scum''s head.", a guard came forward as she removed the bag exposing Cyrus''s visage for the entire audience to see, a chill ran through everyone''s spine as the saw the soulless orbs of Cyrus as drool was leaking from his mouth, the arrogant and powerful Head of the Eastern Branch of Shangri-la was reduced to such a pitiful state, "This scum known as Cyrus the Head of Eastern Branch of Shangri-la, along with a few nefarious people hatched a plan to bite the hand that feed him nurtured his growth, they planned to drug us and our beloved sisters Princess Sylavana and Princess Shamiran, into becoming his obedient slave after which he would use us for his own sick twisted pleasure by defiling us and usurping our throne, as such We the Empress of the Shangri-la Pavilion hereby decree anyone and their descendants for all eternity who had beeninvolved with him at his nefarious ploy as an enemy of not only Shangri-labut even our family and hence We sentence them to death through immolation except for the scum named Cyrus whom I decree to have his soul completely destroyed never to reincarnate again. The sentence to be carried out immediately.", her visage was stoic but the anger could be felt by everyone.


    The people who were chained tried to plead for mercy but they never got a chance, men women children regardless of age turned to ash that day, and the broken man had his soul destroyed completely. That was the day which caused every person who witnessed her wrath tremble in fear at her cruelty, even after so many millennia had passed they still made sure to avoid incurring her wrath.


    This incident was also the one which led to the destruction of the ''Nine Headed Dragon'' school, the head of the school was none other than Galvin, Antariskh herself led her army along with her sistersas she personally captured Galvin before turning every person who was related to the school to ash before letting Shamiran play with Galvin breaking him before he suffered the same fate as Cyrus.


    Jaramillo was always a paranoid and a cowardly person he loves using puppets made of corpses of powerful cultivator as a medium with which he interacts with everyone Galvin and Cyrus were no exception, as such nobody knows how he looks or his real name or what is he like not even his own students know anything about him including his gender, but as he uses male puppets more most assume that Jaramillo is a male.


    That day he was planning to visit Cyrus using one of his puppets as such he got first seat for the execution, he tried to warn Galvin but he arrived late but he watched from a distance the fate of another of her brother, he felt his blood turn cold when he watched the Empress casually send a glance and a knowing smirk towards him, who was hiding hundreds of miles away from that place he gave up his puppet and gave his all to escape from them.


    Now at present,


    Jaramillo looked towards one of the woman who was still floating on the air, as his eyes widen in recognition a fearful voice came out of his throat, "It is You!", as such he soon retaliated by immediately abandoning his new puppet body, his people he fled as he quickly as he could as he cut all connection with it and using his special blood escape technique combined with a special space time techniques which utilized almost all of his blood essence as well as a major decrease in his strength as he fell from peak ranked Dao Father to 5th rank Dao Father he fled and within half a second he was at least a galaxy away from that place that woman, as his hideout immediately detonated erasing every presence of his and every men who were under his command suddenly fell dead.


    Antariskh gave an annoyed look, "tch that idiot ran away and his men all died, oh well now what should we with you lot. ", as she gave Mugam''ma and his followers her undivided attention.

 78 Dealing with Aftermath

    Long Yu was awestruck when he saw the man who wanted to kidnapped himas well as his men all drop dead all of a sudden, as such he could not help but ask his second sister, "Second big sister, what did you do to them, they just fell dead just like that."


    Sylvana just smirked at him as she replied, "We did nothing Baby brother, the person who wanted to kidnap you was using a puppet which he was manipulating from somewhere very far away, as for his men when he left, he triggered some kind suicide array which killed them."


    Long Yu frowned it did not sit well with him, since he arrived here he had seen his fair share of backstabbing and it did not sit well with him, as such he murmured lowly with his voice was clearly transmitted to Sylvana''s ears, "So not cool, not at all I hate these kind of people."


    Sylvana just gave a small smile, " Baby brother as long as you understand that those qualities are bad and you do not act like them you will always be much better person than they could dream of, I am proud of you.", she just tousled his hair as Long Yu blushed in embarrassment.


    Mugam''ma, had reached this position through deceiving lying and backstabbing, he had even orchestrated his teacher''s death just to gain more fame and wealth, it had been a very long time since then and now he was not only the founder of Alchemist Association, but one of the most respected person in Vera, no one could go against his wishes a single sentence could damn or bless a person''s life.But today a child had the audacity to talk back at him call his students phony, suffering from a sneak attack then the boy''s sister now look at him as if he were a trash, how dare they treat him like that him the Grand Alchemist Master Mugam''ma as such he roared out, "Who do you think you are wench who gave you the rights to look down upon me like that, how dare you use that man to sneak attack me the Grand Alchemist Master Mugam''ma, I will hunt you entire kin down use them as lab rat for my experiments starting with the brat you call brother, then I will turn you into my sex slave, my Alchemists Association hereby declare you and your allies to be our enemies for all eternity.", he finished with a smug smile on his face he knows there is no one who can stand against his organization in the world of Vera, truly a great example of a toad inside a well trapped inside the illusion of its own grandeur.


    The area was stunned to silence, some people specially those who had been helped by Long Yu specially during the events of Forest biome, frowned they were torn between standing up for Long Yu who helped them and damning their sects or families to the wrath of Alchemist Association, Kyouki and her group, Rong Niu, and Ryofu were held back by the sect elders as they were trying to jump in to protect their friend Long Yu.


    Another Old Man just popped up wearing a peerless white armor looking like a divine hero, "Please hold on respected Grand Alchemist Mugam''ma, I am Sirkha the right hand of the Emperor of the Grand Yulan Dynasty, I humbly request you to allow me to ask the ask some questions to the brat after he answers them you are free to do so with him, I hope you would pardon my impudence."


    Mugam''ma just huffed at that as he chose to glare at Long Yu and his sisters, Sirkha seeing this as a sign of acceptance turned towards the child sneering at him he spoke, "Oi peasant how do you have the command badge of the Prince of the Grand Yulan Empire."


    Long Yu frowned confusedly but he suddenly remembered about the only badge he had belonged to the scum which he had the misfortune to encounter as such he replied back scathingly, "If you mean those raping pillaging demonic pills using scum well I killed them."


    The man visible trembled in anger as he bellowed out in anger, "How dare you lying piece of shit, how dare you cowardly thief dare to slander and harm the prince and princess of the Great Yulan Dynasty, Heavens won''t tolerate such insolence you devil wearing a child''s body."


    Long Yu was stunned hearing the man''s theatrics he watched the man''s performance as he shed tears wept cursing the heavens his performance was so flawless that Long Yu himself began doubting if he was really a human or not.


    Antariskh just giggled at that she found it much more amusing than some court jesters, "How laughable you guys amuse us much more than the court jesters. Oh well mister whoever you are I think you are a little behind news it seems, you so called Grand Dynasty was found using pregnant women as ingredients for demonic pills, almost all the higher-ups of the Empire including The Emperor and Empress were found guilty as such we sentenced them to death and as of last couple of days it is now a defunct Empire."


    Sirkha was astounded as his face went white, how did this woman know the secret of his Empire, "You life there is no way��..", but he was stopped in the middle of his rant by an annoyed Antariskh.


    Antariskh spoke in an annoyed tone laced with anger, "We tire of your unnecessary blabbering you eyesore, disappear in to nothingness.", with that she moved her delicate hands as if she was dismissing someone, and before everyone''s eyes the right hand of the Emperor of Grand Yulan Empire a rank 7th Immortal just turned to ash before it scattered to the winds.


    Everyone looked fearfully at her Immortality to them was the final goal which many failed to achieve only those with great luck and determination the so called blessed sons of Heaven''s were the ones who reached it, the ultimate existence to them, yet one of such ultimate existence just died in front of them just like that.


    Mugam''ma''s blood turned cold as he looked at the death of a fellow immortal who was only a couple of rank beneath him, yet he died just like that, an existence extremely high up in the food chain killed him. He felt himself getting drenched with sweat as he became unhealthy pale with fear.


    He tried to defuse the situation as he fell on his bowing, "Your holiness I ....", only to be cut off by Antariskh again.


    Antariskh roared out in intense anger, "Silent!!!", every person who were standing near and supporting Mugam''ma including him suddenly vomited blood from the force with which Antariskh spoke, and some who were of much lower level had their Dantian cracked.


    Antariskh spoke with a voice full of disgust, "You lowly beings your barking is causing our ears intense discomfort, but since you want to start a blood feud with our family we would honor you by accepting your proposal. As such we decree that we would honor your declaration by annihilating your so caaled Alchemist Association. Guard Captain send some your men to deal with this insects."


    The Royal Guard Captain just bowed as he replied, "As you wish your Majesty", as he commanded a few dozen men of his to commence the slaughter.


    In front of everyone''s eyes the arrogant Head of Alchemist Association fell first soon the others followed everything happened so fast that other people even those who were of Immortal realm failed to follow the movements of the soldiers, causing everyone present to shake with fear, Long Yu was having different thoughts he looked towards his sisters with star struck eyes, he always wanted to be as awesome, cool and badass as his older sisters hence seeing them in action made him giddy as usual.


    Antariskh and Shamiran descended from the sky as they stood in front of Long Yu as they offered him a kind smile, "How have you been baby brother?", Antariskh queried to Long Yu while Shamiran just gavea kind smile.


    Long Yu replied in a respectful manner while keeping a stoic visage, "We have been well your Majesty, this experience we gained by your blessing was truly life changing.", although inwardly he wanted to just run a hug his sisters but he had to maintain some according to him utterly boring and useless manner.


    Antariskh just smiled at him before her face turned stony again, "We would love to spend some time with our siblings and we would love to invite our brother''s teammates to join us as our brother regal the tales of his adventure."


    At that Long Yu and the team Shadow Wolves were escorted by the remaining soldiers inside a floating castle which had magically appeared on top the village, as the others looked at them specially Long Yu with dumbfounded gazes.

 79 I am so dead

    Team Shadow Wolves were escorted by guards inside the palace, where they were greeted by maid who then led them to infirmary inside the palace for treatment for any kind of ailments they were inflicted during their time inside those ruins.


    Jessie with a satisfied smile on her face spoke, "Ah this is life after taking bath in those freaking huge bathrooms using hot water it is totally awesome. But still Long Yu is a prince who knew."


    Ruth: "Yeah a few hours ago we were facing an assault and kidnapping attempts by Immortals, and now out of know where Long Yu''s elder sisters came and rescued us to think they were some form of royalty. I do not know what to think of it, moreover I also doubt it was even his real name."


    Jack who was now dressed up in new clothes provided by the maids could not help but ask curiously, "What do mean by that?"


    Ruth sighed as he replied, "While you guys were busy taking in the sight and scenery of the palace I accidently noticed the lady who claimed to be his Grand Mother greeting him and his sisters as if she was their subordinate, as such I deduced that his name might not even be Long Yu."


    Tina frowned as he asked, "Why would he do that?"


    Ruth shrugged at the question but it was Bashista who answered her query, "It is very simple my beloved wife they did not want to draw any kind of attention from bad people, who might try to harm him in order to get back at his sisters."


    At that everyone nodded in understanding before Veronica drew their attention to a very urgent matter, "Does anyone know where Han is?"


    At that everyone shook their head negatively, Han was a good man he was like a gentle giant who usually spoke less but this excursion cost him one of his eye, causing their mood to plummet a little.


    Suddenly they heard the sound of door being opened, they turned their face to see the smiling face of Han, but what shocked them was he had both his eyes.


    Jack: "How, how do you have both of your eyes? we saw one your eye getting destroyed during the attack."


    Han just smiled as he replied in his unique way, "GOOD HEALERS."


    His teammates soon surrounded him as they hugged him patted his back some even shed a few tears of joy, they were happy their teammate no their family member had recovered from the terrible ordeal that he had suffered.


    As they chatted and gossiped about the new situation they were put into they were approached by another maid who invited and escorted them to the dining hall, they were told to sit on respective chairs.


    They did not have to wait as a guard heralded the arrival of the Empress herself followed closely by First and Second Princess and Prince himself, they stood up as they bowed to the royal family before taking their sits after getting permission from Antariskh.


    Antariskh: "We know you all have some questions in your mind, but first let us introduce yourselves to you, our name is Antariskh and we are the head of the Shangri-La Pavilion, on our right side is our younger sister Sylvana and on our left is our youngest sister Shamiran, you all have met our baby brother Ryuu, whom we had purposely warned to never use his real name until the trial was over because of security purposes as well as learning experience.", she took a short break in order to let her words sink in their guests mind, "However before you may all begin with your questions please allow us to show our gratitude by accepting this humble gifts as a token of appreciation for helping our brother transverse through the trial."


    A few guards came by as they carried trays which were covered, they placed those trays in front of each member of the team Shadow Wolves, as they covers were raised they found a space ring which had been crafted very beautifully with intricate patterns on them.


    Antariskh gave a small smile as she spoke, "Please accept this gift, just put a drop of your blood and send you Ki into it, this space ring will appear as a tattoo on your finger and will appear only if you will it, the space ring and its contents are yours."


    The Shadow Wolves were startled at that the space ring contained various precious medicinal pills as well as exotic talisman in huge quantity, not to mention all those other type of resources it held, it was enough to safely help them to break through to Void Immortal level at least.


    Bashista: "Your Highness I must thank you for this gift but I also would love protest that it is too much, Prince Ryuu has protected us many times, if it were not for him we would have died, as such we cannot accept your gifts."


    Antariskh just smiled at him as she replied, "Nonsense, we know about our brother''s performance and we could aptly say that our brother was lucky to meet amazing people like you, you all helped him to get through this trials by supporting him in more than one times as such please accept it as our token of appreciation."


    Bashista as well as his team gave a light bow as he replied back, "Than we the Shadow Wolves would humbly accept you gift your Majesty."


    Soon they were busy with small talks, before the team was escorted to Head Quarters of the Vera planet branch of Shangri-La. Ryuu hugged each of them thanking them, with tearful eyes, it felt to him as if he was leaving behind his family, as the entire time spend with them flowed in their minds the first day the met, how he saved their life from being drenched in venom, standing up against a crown prince, fighting a corrupt Alchemist, the Spider Empress, Hydra, and his rampage against those scum, and lastly when he almost died. The Shadow Wolves did a group hug with Ryuu, all of their eyes red from tears, "I promise I will try to keep in touch with you all."


    Jack: "You better brother, or I will find you and beat the crap out of you."


    Jessie: "Yeah and I hope to get to go into another exciting adventure with you."


    Ryuu beamed a happy smile at that, "You bet me too."


    With that they parted with sad smile on their face but with a hope that they would be together in a new adventure.


    Soon they reached Ayindril, Ryuu could not wait to meet his mother, but before he could go to meet is mother he was escorted to meet his teacher by his older sisters, who had a stony visage, Ryuu could feel they were angry at something but they did not let it slip past their lips no matter what Ryuu asked.


    He was escorted inside a room where his master greeted him but some of them were smiling too sweetly for his liking. Sylvana tapped at his neck taking the array off, but before he could adjust to his emotions, a very heavy force slammed at him as well as killing intent so thick that he could smell blood and see his death enveloped him, he could practically see some of his teachers'' eyes practically smoldering with anger.


    Celestia spoke her voice filled with anger as well as disappointment, "Now then how should we punish an impudent brat who had the audacity to steal and learn a taboo technique not meant for him."


    Meanwhile Ryuu was shaking like a lone leaf in front of a hurricane, as single thought ran through his mind, ''I am so dead, I am so dead, I am so dead.''

 80 Punishmen

    Ryuu was very afraid now, without the array which was causing him to stay clear of any form of emotions dealing with fear sorrow, now he was being assaulted by torrent of emotions.


    Suddenly the feeling of death and suppression lifted off from him, he looked up to see disappointed look in his masters'' eyes, something which caused him to feel ashamed of himself.


    Veena: "Do you know why we are angry with you, child?"


    Ryuu mumbled out, "I learned a Taboo technique."


    Maheswara, "Speak out loudly child and you are partly correct. We are angry that you learned something that was not meant for you, not only you took it without bothering to inform any of us. "


    Ryuu found the floor more interesting as he lowered his head as he gazed at the floor.


    Nuwa: "Child look up at us when we are speaking to you, Look Up!"


    Ryuu jolted up as he looked up to his teachers from his kneeling position.


    Celestia: "A forbidden or taboo technique sometimes come with various conditions, if it had a condition where you had to stay away from females, you would be forced to stay away from even your mother, would you like that."


    Ryuu shook his head negatively.


    Maheswara sighed as he spoke, "We are proud of how you held yourself during the excursion but because of how you learnt that technique behind our back, as such you will be punished, you will have to help the gardeners who tend our garden for two months, you may take a much time as needed to finish your sentence but remember until you finish your punishment we will not teach you anything at all, you are forbidden to enter the library, forbidden to practice your techniques and more importantly your cultivation will be sealed up completely. If you had not tried to pull such a stunt we would be teaching you new techniques but now we are debating whether to teach you anything until you will be more responsible."


    Nuwa spoke lastly with a stern face as she made her way as she stood beside Ryuu with one of her hands on top of his head, "Nowrun along child you gave your mother quite a fright because of your stunt, you caused your mother to shed tears because of your recklessness, now leave." As soon as she finished speaking a jolt of pain went through his body and he felt himself his senses dulling his body weighed a lot as well as fatigued and the motor ability dropping drastically.


    Nuwa turned towards her eldest daughter as she spoke, "Antariskh take him to his mother."


    Ryuu spoke groggily, "I am sorry masters."


    Celestia immediately snapped back at him as she spoke quite harshly, "If you are sorry try to prove it through your actions, I do not want to hear some baseless words now get out of my sight.", Ryuu''s eyes teared up as he was picked up by his eldest sister who quickly took him back to his mother.


    Antariskh: "Baby brother, do not take their harsh words as a sign of anger or disappointment, your teachers, your mother including us all care for you deeply as such we would not want any form of danger to befall you due to recklessness, your mother fainted when she saw you trying to perform the Taboo technique, if had died she would have committed suicide and has been a crying mess since then, so next time please think before you act with such recklessness, please promise you will."


    Ryuu muttered lowly but it was loud enough to be heard by his sister, "I promise big sister".


    Ryuu went to his mother''s room, he tried to speak cheerfully with his mother, "Hello mama, I am back.", but his mother did not pay heed to him she kept on reading the book which she held in her hand.


    Ryuu tried to get his mother''s attention towards him but she continued to ignore him causing him to feel as if a pit has been formed in his stomach as fresh tears sprouted in his eyes again.


    Xiao Xiao spoke calmly her voice devoid of any emotion, "What are doing child, do not disturb me."


    Ryuu was shocked he spoke in low voice, "But Mama I��."


    Xiao Xiao, "''But what Ryuu, why should I bother with you anymore, when you did not think about me and decided to kill yourself, how could you Ryuu you are the only family I have left you are my everything how dare you try to betray me like that.", her voice broke into a choked sob.


    Ryuu broke down into tears as he went and hugged his mother hard as he began crying hard, Xiao Xiao hugged him back as she spoke, "Child please, please promise mama you will not do something so reckless, please you are my everything I cannot accept any form of harm done on you, I cannot bear to witness your death, so please promise mama you will not do something so reckless."


    A muffled voice with choked sob came to her ears, "I promise mama, I promise."


    Xiao Xiao simply planted a small kiss on his forehead as she wiped his tears clear, "Here let mommy look at you, let me see how my handsome son has grown."


    As the mother and son held each other in comfort a suddenly a thought came to Ryuu''s mind, "Mama you said I am your only family, but aunt Zhu Zhu is also there and what happened to your family and more importantly where is aunt Zhu Zhu.", Xiao Xiao cursed inwardly she spoke out something which she would have told Ryuu when he was little bit older.


    Ryuu looked in concern at Xiao Xiao, "Mama please tell me truthfully where is Aunt Zhu Zhu, it has been years since we saw her, please mama."


    Xiao Xiao bit her lips, her heart clenched in sadness, as she spoke with her voice filled with sadness, "Ryuu, I am sorry child for lying to you, I thought that I would tell you when you were a little older, but now that I think you are old enough, do you remember the attack on us all those years ago."


    Ryuu nodded it was a very important day in his life as he met his master that day.


    Xiao Xiao, "Ryuu, in order for us to escape Zhu Zhu sacrificed herself, she used a taboo technique to kill as many enemies as possible. I am sorry to lie to you Ryuu but Zhu Zhu passed away that day."


    Ryuu was stunnedone of his most precious person in his short life has passed away and he did not know, he in fact was angry with her for not visiting him for a long time while the truth in fact she was dead, he refused to believe, his aunt who played with him, told him stories, sang to him, teased him had passed away two years ago yet he did not know.


    That day the mother son feel asleep crying as they held each other that day was one of the worst day in his life.


    Ryuu suddenly sat up in the middle of the night he was panicking as he started crying and trying to rub of any nonexistent blood on his hands, he was in hysterics, all those people he killed all those he fought and defeated the guilt finally hit him hard as there was no array to suppress his emotions.


    Xiao Xiao had been awoken by Ryuu who had been acting crazy, she quickly held him in an embrace as she tried to console him, all those shouting had awoken the maids in their mansion who came to quickly check on them, and were greeted with a sight of a catatonic Ryuu while his mother held him trying to calm him while trying to whisper soothing word in his ears .

 81 Lazy days

    Ryuu was catatonic, his aunt was dead he felt so much but what of those people who either died or were killed because of him, what of their loved ones were they in similar situation because of him.


    Xiao Xiao clearly understood what was going on, she had been warned before hand as such she knew Ryuu was in shock because of the murders he had committed during his excursion after the removal of the array he has fallen into shock and coupled with the death of his aunt he thinks himself as vile as those scum who had attacked them.


    Xiao Xiao: "Ryuu, please come down tell mama what is causing you such worry."


    Ryuu spokeout while shaking in fear, "I killed, I killed them like bugs, all those people died because of me."


    Xiao Xiao: "Answer me this child, were any of them innocent or any of the person you attacked did not attack you before with intent to kill you."


    Ryuu thought hard before he answered his mother''s queries, "No mama, some were fraud, some scum and others really wanted to harm me and kill me."


    Xiao Xiao, "See then why are in shock so much, if those people would have succeeded you would be dead, they were not nice people in fact you saved many people by killing them, just think how many people they would have killed just for fun, how many families that would be destroyed because of them, Ryuu what you did was noble you have saved so many people by your actions, even if they might not know it as such please take pride in yourself."


    Ryuu nodded but there was still a small amount of hesitation in his eyes, so his mother drove the final nail, "Ryuu are you trying to think about those scum who attacked us, please do not compare yourself to them, you did not attack and try to kill a child and his mother for just fun did you, you never touched any innocents, I saw you whole journey from here, you masters used an array which showed us your adventure in real time, including how sad you were when you did not get to keep ''Blackie'' as your pet", Ryuu blushed in embarrassment, "I saw how my little hero saved others by putting himself in danger, how you cured them, how you were sad when there was no cure from the fraudulent practices of the quack and I also saw how killed the Empress by betting you life on the line, how you still protected and helped the people who were demeaning and insulting you in the time of their needs without a second thought, I also saw how you brought those scum to justice, and I am proud to say I am your mother my little hero.", she spoke out in a happy tone as she hugged her child who was now blushing red from embarrassment from all the compliments he got from his mother.


    Next day Ryuu left early as he went to report for his duty as a gardener, the Master Gardener had already been alerted about his punishment, he mostly did chores as he carried various garden tools, he carried water, fertilizers. After a long tiring day of work the day ended, he was at awe at the people who worked tireless in order to maintain the gardens, it was a tiring job specially without his Ki, he was thankful for being a hybrid cultivator, as it helped him immensely even without Ki his body was tremendously strong and the gardeners had to follow various rules like in some places they had to seal their Ki to just go near the plants in order to tend them.


    As he finished his bath, he was greeted by his second oldest sister Sylvana, "Yo, how are you my baby brother, I came to check you if there are any after effects since the removal of the array."


    Ryuu smiled brightly but a grimace passed through is face upon hearing about the array, he was grateful for it but still it was difficult for him to come to terms about all the killing he did, "Good evening big sister, I am fine and also thank you big sister for the array."


    Sylvana beckoned Ryuu to sit beside her with a smile, and as he went to take his place beside her Antariskh and Shamiran both appeared.


    Ryuu gave a bright smile as he greeted them, "Good Evening Big Sisters."


    Shamiran: "Baby brother, did you enjoy your adventure there.", although Ryuu had spent an entire day with his sisters they were busy with their official work and then escorting him back as such they could not properly inquire about his well being.


    Ryuu: "Yup I very much enjoyed it, although there were few I had the misfortune of meeting."


    Antariskh just giggled at that, "Of course it could not be helped after this entire world is full of them."


    As they gossiped and spend time with each other, Ryuu idly thought, ''those subordinates would have their jaws on the floor, if they saw my no nonsense, serious older sister laughing and gossiping amongst themselves.''


    Shamiran: "Ryuu is something the matter, you looked awfully quite?"


    Ryuu: "Nothing big sister, I was just thinking how such a school with such great legacy came to an end."


    A teasing smile came to his older sisters'' faces, "Do you really want to know Ryuu?"


    Ryuu gulped as he nodded slowly.


    Far far away in another part of a certain Galaxy, a large burly man entered a clan home, if Xiao Xiao were here she could easily identify the place as her former clan compound.


    The man gave a loud before he shouted out, "Salazar you old fart get out here!"


    Salazar spoke out in an irritated tone which had an underlying tone of anger, "You are the old fart Steve."


    Steve: "Oh it has been many years since we met and are they Joseph and Jaclyn", Salazar nodded with a smile, "My how they have grown they were pipsqueak when I last saw them."


    Joseph and Jaclyn greeted Steve with a light but respectful bow, "Greetings senior Steve."


    Steve frowned at that, "You grandmother is strong in both of you, try to loosen a little just call me Grandpa Steve, you do not have to use some stuffy title like senior. Oh a 4th rank Wanxiang Adept at your early thirties, well I would have said not bad at least a couple of days ago but recently I heard about a little monster."


    Joseph and Jaclyn were a little miffed inwardly, where ever they went they were considered as genius now someone praising someone else did not sit well with them.


    Beatrice, "Oh and who is this little monster who has surpassed my grandchild."


    Steve stood ramrod on hearing her voice, he spoke out in a low tone so low that no one could hear him well except for Salazar who was near him and it oddly sounded like, ''tch, the old witch is here.'', he put up a very pleasant smile as he spoke, "Well my youngest grandchild, went on an exploration to the ruins of Nine Headed Dragon School, there he met a child of only seven years of age who was at least at mid nearing high level Zifu Disciple level, he was also a high Zifu level Alchemist as well as an array master."


    Everyone was stunned to hear that, Salazar broke the silence, "That is a complete bull."


    Steve spoke in a calm tone, " I also said that but my son who went to pick up my grandson confirmed, well at least confirmed that the child''s level, but one thing my grandson told me that he owes his life to him, during the forest biome he would have died if not for the child."


    Beatrice looking concerned asked while at the same time inviting him to sit on a chair in their garden, "what happened?"


    Steve: "The Empress of the Human Faced Spider Scorpion, tried to conquer the forest biome, they were all trapped there, the attack caused a large number of death among both participants as well as the different beasts, the little monster saved my grandchild who was bitten by a Wanxiang adept spider, not only that during the final battle when they were on the verge of being defeated the child without any fear or hesitation attacked and delivered a fatal blow to the Spider Empress a being of mid Wanxiang Adept level which caused them to turn the tide of battle and win."


    Everyone looked impressed, but then Steve dropped the bomb, "But this is where it gets interesting, at the end of the trial a Dao Father level Demonic cultivator arrived, who wanted to kidnap the children and the little guy was in his sight, apparently the child has a very high level at least Mythical level Divine body, but before the guy could kidnapped him the child''s family arrived they chased a Dao Father away and slaughtered any one with bad intention towards him before leaving with him."


    Everyone was enthralled by the tale, Salazar just gave a low whistle at that, "He must be from some secret super clan they usually do not show themselves much but have very strong members."


    Beatrice and Steve just nodded in affirmation towards his speech.


    While Joseph and Jaclyn clenched their hands thinking about such strength, while they idly wondered whether their baby brother had begun cultivating and if so how strong he will be, they had sworn to grow strong to help their parents search for him.

 82 Beginning of Lessons

    Antariskh spoke with a teasing smile on her face, "Are you sure you want to know Ryuu, it can be scary."


    Ryuu gulped hard as he steeled his nerves before he spoke, "Yes, I would like to know."


    Sylvana with a serious face spoke, "Brother, you have serious nightmares so are you sure."


    Ryuu gave a slow affirmative nod.


    Shamiran with an equally serious face spoke, "Well it is a very dangerous secret so come closer we do not want others to know."


    As Ryuu brought his face closer to know the horrifying secret behind ''Nine Headed Dragon School''s'' demise,the sisters whispered lowly, "It is a Secret!!"


    Ryuu was dumbstruck all this build up that was making him tremble with fear and this was the answer to it, as such he did the only thing he could do to the sisters who had played a prank on him and were laughing at him, he jumped towards them as he hit them continuously in order to display his righteous anger.


    Antariskh quickly caught his hands as she raised on of his delicate eyebrows as she spoke teasingly, "Oh is you baby brother trying to hit his poor defenseless older sisters, what should the weak me do."


    Sylvana in a false voice trying to mimic fear, "Oh we can only rely on Sir Tickle-O-Monster."


    The name caused Ryuu to become deathly pale as he tried hard to release his arms from the poor defenseless sister''s grip.


    Shamiran with a wide grin spoke, "Well here comes Sir Tickle-O-Monster."


    As the sisters pounced on him as the tickled him, Ryuu was completely at their mercy.


    A maid was passing near the place where they were conversing with each other she came to an abrupt halt as well as speechless at the sight in front of her, ''What is happening, how can it be possible, her Highnesses have killed people just because the accidently bumped them, the same person are now playing round with a child. No no I must be hallucinating it must be those mushrooms I had for lunch, I better go to infirmary before it deteriorates'', she changed her course as she made a bee line towards the infirmary.


    Soon it was time for Ryuu to leave as he bade goodbye to his sister, but as soon as Ryuu was enough distance away from earshot, the sisters began their discussion.


    Shamiran: "I thought you would tell him about that schools demise, what changed your mind."


    Antariskh, "Well I would have but currently his mental strength is lacking after the array was removed last night he went catatonic from the guilt of stepping on those bugs, if I were to tell him it would be detrimental to him, he might lose his undying trust and start viewing as evil, now that would be detrimental."


    Sylvana nodded showing her support to her decision, "So true, but we would carry out our plan regarding Ryuu soon."


    Antariskh, "Of course just a few more years, he will be the most vulnerable when we would enact it. Our parents might want to baby him trying to preserve his naivety and innocence for a longer period of time, and to be frank I find our current baby brother quite adorable, but��."


    Shamiran finished for her, "It is better to break him from the rose tinted view of the world sooner than later, our parents might get furious with us but I refuse to let another of our family die."


    Within blink of an eye the duration of Ryuu''s punishment passed, and once again he was brought in front of his teachers.


    Maheswara spoke in a stern tone, "Did you learn your lesson this time."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke his voice indicated how much remorse he felt, "Yes master and I am very sorry for being so reckless and I promise I will never try learning something without your permission nor will I try learning without thinking twice."


    His master were inwardly pleased that they were able to make Ryuu realize his folly as such Nuwa went and unsealed his Ki, Ryuu felt as if he had just jumped into a cool spring after going through a hot desert, it was refreshing beyond his wildest imagination.


    Nuwa spoke with a stern look on her face, "Child why did try using that taboo technique."


    Ryuu answered as he fidgeted from his spot, "Well I thought I was going to die so I thought before I die I should leave a parting gift for it to remember."


    Celestia just gave a small laugh which to Ryuu''s ears seemed like a mocking laughter, "Oh how cute, did you know the strength and effectiveness of a Taboo technique directly correlates with the strength of the user, in other words you are so weak that you would have died within less than a second of its activation."


    Ryuu was horrified he should have just slit his throat then, no matter how skilled he seemed to be even he knows he wouldn''t able to carry out an form of attack under less than a second specially when he himself is already dying .


    Veena: "You should be grateful to those guards we send to secretly protect you or else you would have died."


    Ryuu was stunned on hearing that, "Master, you send someone to protect me."


    At that they all nodded but Maheswara was the one who replied back, "Of course who did you think dropped the tower on top of that demonic abomination, they have been secretly shadowing and protection you, it was because of them that you did not die from your foolish actions."


    Nuwa again placed another hand on his head and Ryuu felt a slight tickling and something went amiss but before he could inquire Nuwa spoke out," We decided to remove the knowledge about such a dangerous skill from your head, as prevention is better than cure", Ryuu nodded at that, "There is another skill that you learned from the library which caused you a lot of pain do you remember it."


    Ryuu nodded at that fearfully how he could forget about such horrifying experience but what did his master mean by learning a technique as such he gave a confused look at Nuwa, "Well your protector decided that you are too weak and young to handle such a dangerous ''Forbidden'' technique as such they placed an array on you which makes you temporary forget about it, which we all agree whole heartedly, current you is very weak, after reaching at least mid-level Void-Immortal level as well as your soul is strong only then we will unlock it."


    Ryuu nodded at that he at present no matter how amazing the technique may seem to be does not want to touch it even with a fifty foot long pole.


    Veena: "Well I think that is for today, you will be learning from Celestia today and your daily lesson will start from tomorrow."


    They all left him alone with Celestia, while they were leaving Veena just tousled his hair giving him a kind motherly smile.


    Celestia: "So Ryuu is there any question you want answers from regarding your experience during your excursion?"


    Ryuu nodded at that, as he rummaged through the teddy backpack which he had brought along with him as he took out a notebook as well as a jar, Celestia just raised a eyebrow at that.


    Ryuu: "Third mistress, after the end of forest biome I was rewarded by the Ape Empress Chamelie with a jar containing a couple of mouthful of ''Ape God''s wine''.


    Celestia picked up the jar while inwardly musing, ''Ape Empress yeah right every run of the mill cultivators now a day refers themselves as God and Emperors and what not.'', she opened the jar as she took a whiff, before placing it back with a bit of disdain on her face, "This is a poorly made ''Ape God''s Wine'', it lacks a few key components I will ask Veena to enhance itto a better quality, but still it is incredible for those Apes to try and replicate something without proper ingredients."


    Ryuu simply nodded at that, among all of his masters ''Celestia'', was the most difficult to please as well as the harshest taskmaster whom Ryuu is afraid of the most.


    Ryuu then opened his notebook as he went off to ask various questions to his master.

 83 Απαντ?σει?

Sorry, content is lost, You are reading Novel on Novelhall.COM, we will fix it as soon as possible, thank you

 84 ?ar?ok

Sorry, content is lost, You are reading Novel on Novelhall.COM, we will fix it as soon as possible, thank you

 85 My Mother Xiao Xiao

    It has been a little more than two years since that day, Ryuu is now a ten year old child over the years he has grown quite well to a respected height of near about 1.4 meters, his hair was arranged into double pony tail, he has just finished his bath after a long day of exercise, the tattoo when he first started walking the road of cultivator by following the unknown sutra that appeared in his head awakening his ''Divine Body'', now was a prominent figure of twin dragons intertwined together covering his whole back trailing down to near his knee of his left leg. A couple of tattoos were present on his body which were in fact arrays in the form of tattoos courtesy of Nuwa. Each of these has a specific purpose from increasing his strength, speed or agility, to increase his rate of healing.


    But unlike before his eyes have dulled a lot and a permanent scowl etched on his previous happy face, to others it seemed as if the sun itself has dimmed to the point that it has frozen. The reason for this is his mother''s health, over time he realized his mother duped him and she is seriously ill, her health deteriorated to the point she can no longer leave her bed, she spends most of her time on bed sleeping because of tiredness, on top of that his beautiful and pretty mother at present looks almost like a skeleton.


    He had confronted is masters specially Veena about it and learned about a startling revelation, her mother became permanently cripple when she tried to escape with him when they were attacked by those scum, he cursed himself being so insensible he did not even notice his mother was sick, his 1st mistress Veena promised that she would do her best but apparently nothing is working, he lightly slapped himself on his cheeks in order to bring himself out of the funk as he put up a fake happy smile as he raced to accompany his mother with the stories of his daily life, and as usual his mother fell asleep in the midst of hearing his adventures again, his eyes teared up but he will never cry again, he has promised himself he will never cry never cause his mama any worry he will be good boy, his mommy and aunt always told him if he is a good person good things will happen he will be a good boy and one day his mother will surely be alright, of course she will be after she promised him she will always by his side and his mommy never breaks her promise.


    Couple of days passed since then he had just finished his lessons regarding array with Nuwa.


    During this time his mother''s health took turn for the worse just like couple of months back when she fell into coma. The only time he was free from such terrible nightmarish life was through training, it was during those times he was devoid of any kind of worries uncertainty, and more importantly made him feel happy and alive, his teachers tried to stop him from increasing his training but seeing his improved mood they gladly agreed to it.


    Today after he finished his training with Nuwa, when all of a sudden she spoke in a voice devoid of any emotion to Ryuu, "Child, your training with Celestai is canceled for today, why don''t we go and visit your mother, she has been planning to have this chat with you for a while now."


    Ryuu raised a brow what would his mother want to tell him that would be so urgent that his training was cancelled, but still his mother summoned him he will respond to her even if it meant that he will have to climb the mount Tai or swim across an ocean of lava he would do without a heartbeat.


    Nuwa frowned at that the once happy and boisterous child has changed to the point he is nothing more than a statue, his personality has taken a complete flip and everyone was worried.


    Ryuu entered his mother''s room as his heart almost jumped out of his throat seeing such a tense atmosphere, something was wrong all of his teachers were present and his sisters were just sitting outside near the room.


    Xiao Xiao smiled as she saw Ryuu enter her room with the help of Veena she sat upon her bed as she leaned on a pile of pillows as she beckoned Ryuu to come closer, she raised her hands as she held Ryuu''s face in her hands, her face held unspeakable joy as she slowly caressed Ryuu''s face as if he was the most precious treasure, so fragile that he may break if applied a little bit of more force.


    Xiao Xiao spoke her voice very lowly as if even speaking was too difficult for him but she still held her fierceness in her eyes as she looked lovingly towards Ryuu, "Ryuu before I begin you should always remeber you are the most precious treasure of my life, the greatest accomplishment of my life.", she took a deep breath as she continued speaking, " There is a small story I wanted to tell you Ryuu a story about a small child, who was born in big clan named ''Vance'', his mother''s name is Sabine and his father''s name is Fang, his Grandparent''s were Beatrice and Salazar, he had two older siblings Jaclyn and Joseph. The child''s clan was one of the four super clans of the Xia Empire the clan head Salazar was referred to as one of the four Kings of Xia Empire, the four clans were just below the Royal Clan, the ''Xia'' Clan, in fact the child''s mother Sabine was the not only the younger sister but also the only sibling of the current Emperor. ", she took a small breath as she saw her precious baby boy taking listening to her story with rapt attention," Our story begins on the day the boy was born, he was a special boy as such he was born without a Dantian as such his family decided to have him kill, they thought he was a great omen and a devil reincarnate, but there was another member of the family the boy''s aunt the younger sibling of his father. She was against the decision as such she took the child and fled with the help of her best friend sister in all but blood. They went into hiding as the aunt''s friend spied on the clan''s activities in order to warn and relocate them as such they were able to hide safely, they were a small but happy family of three and the child had eventually grew his Dantian. But unfortunately this peace did not last long, a very powerful cultivator belonging to Xia Clan found their location through his Divine Senses, but he also understood that the child was innocent of the crimes accused of as such he wanted to bring them back home, unfortunately their enemies caught wind of it and attacked them the aunt''s friend sacrificed herself to save the aunt and nephew duo, whom were later saved by a very powerful cultivator, who took the child as her student and gave them shelter."


    Ryuu was listening to the story and frowned as he could not help but speak out loudly, "What kind of messed up people the clansmen were specially the parents, how could anyone just decide to kill of their own child like that."


    Nuwa spoke with a small smile, "Greed child just because of greed, they just want to be better than others at all cost as such someone who cannot cultivate are simply a disgrace to such clans."


    Xiao Xiao muttered sadly, "So true but unfortunately these people praise the geniuses and condemns and abuses the others as trash."


    Veena put her hand on Ryuu''s head as she spoke, "But the most important thing is that a child like you can understand it, means you are becoming a much better person than those people can dream off, I am so proud of you."


    Ryuu just blushed in embarrassment, as he was praised by his teacher in front of his mother who had unrestrained pride upon hearing her child being praised so highly.


    Xiao Xiao spoke softly dreading the effects of next words, "Ryuu there is something I hid from you, the child in the story his name is Ryuu and his aunt''s name is Xiao Xiao, Ryuu I am not your mother but your aunt."


    Ryuu was stunned on hearing that, his world was turned upside down, before he suddenly started laughing, "Mommy is this a joke, well you got me there then."


    Xiao Xiao spoke sadly, "Ryuu I am not joking this is the truth, you once asked about my family a couple of years ago, well this is the truth about my family."


    Ryuu was stunned before he started shaking in fear as he spoke out, "No no it cannot be you are my mother, mommy have I done anything wrong then please punish me as much as you want but please do not say such cruel things.", he lunged towards Xiao Xiao as he held her like a life line.


    Xiao Xiao''s heart broke as tears flowed out of her eyes as she held Ryuu in her arms as she wept.


    Xiao Xiao spoke out, "Ryuu you are my greatest joy, my everything how can I punish you but unfortunately this is the truth I am not you mother I am you aunt, I know you are hurting because of my words but I do not want to hurt you I just simply wanted you to know the truth I do not want you to get caught unprepared if my past comes to haunt you."


    Ryuu simply shook his head as he replied with teary eyes, "I do not care about some Vance clan or whatever clan you speak of, for me you were are and always will be my mother."


    Xiao Xiao gave a small smile as she spoke, "Yes child you are right I am your mother no one else has claim to you as their child except Me.", she gently kissed his forehead.


    Everyone watched with warm smile as the mother son duo held each other.


    After a while Ryuu spoke up, "So momma what do you want me to do about your clan and your enemies, do you want me to punish them, just say it I will fulfill your wish."


    Xiao Xiao just gave a small smile as she spoke, "My wish is pretty simple I want you to grow strong and righteous, I want you to grow up a happy and a wonderful person with no regrets, and as for them I want for you to do nothing."


    Ryuu was puzzled, "Why mother they are the reason aunt Zhu Zhu is dead why did no want revenge.", he could not help but blurt out.


    Xiao Xiao, "Silly child, do you know how vast this universe is someone the likes of them are just the speck of dust, as such I do not want yourself to be held down by such silly notion as revenge I want you to listen to your masters and become the strong cultivator you were meant to be, and along the way if you get the chance for justice then so be it, do not let yourself be consumed by the thoughts of such insignificant peoples. I do not want my wonderful baby devolve into a monster hell bent on revenge because of those insignificants. So promise me you will listen to what I have said to you."


    Ryuu nodded at that, he will follow his mother words to the letter as such he promised his mother with a happy smile, a real smile after so many months of faking it to keep his mother from worrying about him, "I promise."


    Xiao Xiao smiled before she gave a tired sigh, "Ryuu my baby boy I grow tired so wish to sleep now, okay."


    Ryuu, "Okay mommy I will see you soon."


    Veena and Celestia both helped her to lie on her bed as Ryuu bade her farewell and left with Maheswara, as Nuwa was about to leave see turned around as she directly looked into Xiao Xiao''s eyes as she spoke, "Sister, we promise that we along with our family will raise your greatest treasure your son Ryuu like our own son our own flesh and blood."


    Xiao Xiao gave a small smile in return as she spoke, "Thank You.", as she fell asleep with a small content smile on her face.


    "Xiao Xiao, Xiao Xiao wake up.", Xiao Xiao opened her eyes slowly as she was shaken awoke from her sleep, her eyes widen considerably at seeing the smiling visage of her two most precious people after Ryuu, Zhu Zhu and her fianc�� Wulan smiling at her as they held her hand helping her to stand up.


    Wulan spoke with a loving smile, "Let us go my beloved to a new adventure."


    Xiao Xiao mother of Ryuu never woke up again.

 86 An Enthusiastic Walk

    Xiao Xiao''s funeral went off without a hitch but what concerned everyone was Ryuu''s reaction, since his mother''s death he has become completely silent, his looked dead, more importantly he behaved like a puppet if someone made him stand he would be standing while staring into space until someone made him sit, then he would just keep on sitting while staring into space with the blank look and it worried his masters greatly.


    Veena frowned as she heard the news, "So he did not eat anything at all.", she replied as she bit her finger, "this is not good at all, even if cultivators can sustain without food and water for a very long time, I am more worried about his mentality, this is not good if we do not snap him out of his current mental state then it will greatly harm him."


    Maheswara suddenly stood up as he went towards the door as he spoke without turning back, "Well I am off to have a rather enthusiastic walk with Ryuu."


    Nuwa couldn''t help but ask Maheswara out loud, "What do you mean by an ''Enthusiastic Walk''?", a question that was reverberated through the mind of every person present in the room except for Maheswara.


    Maheswara just send a small smile at them, "Well it is a chat between men, do not concern with this things, do not worry he will be just fine.", as he teleported to where Ryuu was.


    Maheswara


    Frowned as he saw Ryuu curled up in a fetal position laying on his bed his dead eyes staring into space, he did not even show the slightest bit of emotion or any form of awareness as Maheswara went and stood in front of him.


    He made Ryuu sit up straight but when he still made no reaction Maheswara spoke with a small frown, "Well kid you better grit your teeth."


    With that he slapped Ryuu hard couple of times, and for the first time in a while Ryuu paid notice to anything other than staring into space, he raised his hands as he gently rubbed his now swollen red cheeks, it looked as if he had stuffed his cheeks with big lemons, and for the first time since his mother''s death he spoke, "ouch mastah ith husts a loth", Maheswara snorted it seems that his slap made it harder for Ryuu to speak.


    Maheswara commanded him in a serious manner, "You are coming with me.", as he placed a hand on Ryuu''s shoulder as he teleported along with Ryuu.


    Ryuu blinked as his vision cleared, he looked in amazement as he found himself inside a garden, it was so peaceful so serene in the middle of the garden was a small lake and in between which was a gazebo, no it looked more like a shrine dedicated to someone, made out of complete white marble like stone and white roof, incense were seen burning, as what seemed to be a tomb of shorts inside the gazebo.


    Maheswara looked went towards the shore of the lake while holding Ryuu''s hands when suddenly a small boat appeared in front of them out of thin air, he climbed the boat followed by Ryuu, as soon as they stepped in the boat moved in its own volition as it reached the gazebo Maheswara landed first before he helped Ryuu to land, as they went inside the gazebo.


    As they went inside the space around the gazebo suddenly wrapped and they found themselves inside a huge gigantic hall way,as they strolled through the walkway Ryuu noticed various items being displayed on the wall encased in jars, some weapons some everyday materials, they ranged from things used by a child to that of adult. Some of them had interesting labels like ''First Weapon'', so on and so forth, they stood in front of a door, which Maheswara opened by pushing it, as they came it Ryuu notice that he was inside a shrine of some sorts, Ryuu breathed in the smell of incense which calmed his mind down a lot as he saw a person sitting on a a meditative position with his eyes full of compassion and love, on closer inspection the person looked a lot like Maheswara himself, as such a question came into his mind who is this person.


    Maheswara then spoke softly, "The statue belongs to my oldest child and my only son, Pangu."


    Ryuu was startled at that as he looked with disbelieving eyes at the statue, which so life like that it seemed it would start moving any second now.


    Maheswara did not pay attention to Ryuu as he continued speaking, "Eons ago when my child was alive, a great evil appeared, before its appearance there were a single plane of existence known as Pangaea, a great war ensued because of it countless strong cultivator fell during those time, so great was the war that the plane of existence fragmented into many smaller planes. The reason the great evil was defeated was because of my son used a ''Taboo Technique'' to defeat it, my family and I watched helpless as my own son turned into ash in front of our very eyes we watched helplessly unable to do anything. But because of my son''s sacrifice today gazillions of life forms exists, the guilt the helpless still gnaws at us everyday doesn''t go past when I do not wonder was there something different that I could do to save him."


    Ryuu watched as a lone tear formed in his teacher''s eyes which he wipe away quickly, "You know Ryuu there is a saying, ''Teacher for a day, Father for a life'', to us you are like our son Ryuu, all those years ago when you tried using that taboo technique I felt as if I was going to lose another child of mine."


    Ryuu lowered his head feeling a little guilt and shame for his behavior all those years ago.


    Maheswara took a deep breath as he threw a question towards Ryuu, "Child do you know when a person truly dies?"


    Ryuu looked puzzled at that true death what does his master mean, isn''t a person when he dies signifies his death, he shook his head negatively at Maheswara as he answered, "I do not know teacher."


    Maheswara smiled kindly at him as he answered, "A person truly dies when no one remembers that person, Ryuu you are your mother''s legacy the proof that a woman as awesome as her existed, I know you are hurting badly but think about the promise you made to your mother before her death, how you promised her to live your whole life happily, how to live without regrets."


    Ryuu digested the words of his master as he realized he was doing exactly the opposite, he spoke almost as if a whisper, "Master does it get easy the pain and suffering."


    Maheswara gave a sad smile as he spoke, "No it doesn''t but if you suffer your mother''s spirit would not be able to rest she will suffer deeply, let me tell you something Ryuu, in this entire universe there are only six others people who know the existence of this shrine and they are the only one who have permission to enter here beside me as they are my family, and now you are the eighth person to know about this shrines existence,I view you as my family child", he kneeled down beside Ryuu as he spoke, " so please let me shoulder your pain, my family and I may never take your mother''s place in your heart neither do we wish to do such blasphemous action as taking her place, but we would feel honored if you allow us to be even a small part of your life."


    Ryuu''s eyes teared up hearing Maheswara''s speech as he broke down crying for the first time since his mother''s death as he was hugged by his teacher who consoled him, meanwhile a stray thought ran through his mind, ''No father should be cursed to carry his child''s coffin, Pangu my son I failed you that day, but I promise I won''t make the same mistake with your baby brother.''


    What they did not notice a person hidden in darkness was watching the pair, its eyes had a mixture of concern and disapproval, and it suddenly vanished from that place as it deemed that it had learned enough about the situation.


    Meanwhile back in Vance clan it was time for their clan gathering which is held every decade, various elders cousins and brothers all gathered this day, a day for huge celebration, the last time they gathered they discussed how to get rid of Ryuu in order to cleanse the clan from its corruption, as well as how to punish Xiao Xiao and Zhu Zhu for their transgression against the clans, after a decade their decision had changed as they now wanted to find them and ask for forgiveness although some begrudgingly, as they were jealous of Xiao Xiao''s prowess.


    Today was a normal joyous day among the clansman as they gathered for celebrations, as they seldom get to see most of the clansman outside such huge gathering.


    Salazar was seating in the clan head''s seat with his wife just beside him, he was very happy as he laughed loudly, his grandchildren had just drew for the first position for under Primal-Daoist cultivators competition, he was very happy his descendant''s were strong, only to turn a bit somber at the thought of his youngest grandchild but he quickly took control of his emotions and hid it expertly.


    Suddenly a servant ran into the hall with a fearful look in his face, Salazar knew the servant very well as he was the person who was in charge of cleaning the room where the lineage stone of the Vnace clan was kept.


    Seeing his panicked expression Salazar felt a chill on his spine as his wife looked fearfully, "What has happened Golan, why are you panicking so much?", he asked the servant.


    All the noise in the room died at his sight as everyone gave their undivided attention.


    The servant bowed his head low enough that his forehead was touching the floor as he spoke out fearfully, "Your Lordship when I went to clean the Lineage Hall today."


    Salazar spoke out impatiently, "Speak out already what happened."


    The servant spoke out fearfully, "Your Lordship, Young Mistress Xiao Xiao''s name has stopped glowing."


    The implication of the statement hit them full force, Xiao Xiao daughter of Salazar and Beatrice was no more, hearing it Beatrice fainted and Salazar was so shocked he dropped his wine glass shattering on the cold marble floor, before he ran towards the Lineage Hall as if his life was depended on it, but he was greeted by the cold hard truth his daughter''s name had stopped glowing signifying his death.


    Meanwhile Ryuu''s birth parents were shocked before their shock and sadness changed into concern and fear, ''If little sister/ sister-in-law is dead, then what of their baby boy'', with that the joyous mood of Vance clan descended into grief and chaos.

 87 A new journey

    Maheswara spend his entire evening with Ryuu telling him the stories of his youth, while Ryuu was holding his sides which were aching from laughing hard, they had dinner together before Maheswara tuck him in bed, before making his way to where his wives and his daughters were waiting.


    Maheswara went inside with a smile on his face, "Well ladies I am back, and Ryuu is currently doing much better than before."


    The others smiled at that, but before anyone could speak Maheswara turned his head towards Shamiran as he spoke, "Child you should work on your stealth better, I found you easily."


    Shamiran gawked at him, "How did you know? I was careful during the whole time while I kept an eye on you both, I thought��."


    She was interrupted by Maheswara himself as he spoke out, "You thought because I allowed you think, and as for me finding you it is simple dear I taught you everything about stealth and it will be a million years before you or your sisters surpass me and my wives, hahahahaha", he finished with loud laugh as he boasted loudly causing his daughters to grumble with sour look on their faces which surprising sounded like, ''stupid overpowered parents''.


    Veena: "So how did it go your ''Enthusiastic Walk''?"


    Maheswara: "It went well, Ryuu at least knows that we will always be there helping him, lending him a shoulder during his time of need, like a true family."


    His wives were happy at his proclamation as they made various planning for the newest member of their family.


    Antariskh frowned so did her sisters they did not like it, as such she cleared her throat bringing everyone''s attention towards her, normally Maheswara might have normally cracked a joke but prevented himself seeing the serious look on his daughter''s face.


    Antariskh spoke in a serious manner, "Since you have taken Ryuu as your disciple, it makes him as our brother, and since we sisters have called him and acknowledged him as such, like any good older siblings his wellbeing is our duty, as such can you truly assure us that you are planning to adopt him into our family, because he reminds you of our deceased older brother, can assure us that you do not see Pangu in him."


    Her parents were silent on hearing her query, Maheswara listened to her query with his eyes closed as he replied, " I do not know about your mothers but no I cannot assure youas such because at the small part of my mind I view him as such."


    Antariskh swept her eyes towards her mothers but their silence answered her question as such he let out a small sigh, "I see well if it is your answers then my sisters and I are sorry to inform you that we will never allow you to adopt Ryuu into our family, Pangu and Ryuu are both different people and I cannot allow you to make Ryuu his replacement, as such as long as you try use Ryuu as our elder sibling''s replacement we will stop you.", she stood up along with her sisters as she went toward the door of the room, leaving her parent''s to ponder about her statement.


    As she was about to leave, Celestia spoke out towards her in a stern tone, "Antariskh we know that a couple of years ago when Ryuu went to explore the ruins Sylvana placed an array on him which had a small part which made him unnecessarily aggressive which we did not sanction, I do not know what is your agenda regarding Ryuu but we will not stand as passerby."


    Antariskh just gave a small smile as she replied in the most innocent tone she could muster, "What agenda you are talking about mother please rest assured we have only good intentions regarding our beloved baby brother.", with that piece said they left,while Celestia growled in annoyance and the others frowned at her.


    Maheswara spoke with a sigh, "You know she has a point, we have to try and see both as different person otherwise we will not only doing great injustice but also betray not only Ryuu''s trust but also our sister Xiao Xiao''s as well."


    Their children may seem like a small child in front of their eyes but they did raise a very valid point.


    Almost a year and a half had passed by and due to Ryuu''s teachers as well as his older sisters he has somewhat returned to his old cheerful self.


    Ryuu had also moved out of his old house and shifted to a new one, when he was offered a choice he took it gladly as the memories of that place was painful to him, his master''s had kept the house intact as well as Xiao Xiao''s room on Ryuu''s request sometimes he would visit his mother''s room and simply meditate there.


    Ryuu had gotten a lot strong during this time, he has now reached level 7 in sword force with an Expert level insight in Grand Dao of Sword, as well as gained Adept level insight in Grand Dao of Archery, his mastery over Alchemy and Array was at peak Wanxiang Adept and his cultivation level was already at rank 10th Wanxiang Adept, over all for someone near 12 years of was remarkable.


    Today was a special day, as according to their promise his sisters were again taking him for an excursion but unlike the previous time this time his sisters will stay beside him during the entire time of excursion.


    Ryuu was excited for this day he was practically giddy, he got ready quickly and when he went to greet his teachers and sister he found his sister dressed like some adventures instead of their regal armor which caused him to his anticipation to rise he could not wait for the grand adventure.


    Soon they departed from Ayindril he waved back to his teachers who returned his gesture with kind smile and as they disappeared from view Maheswara smiling face turned into a frown, "I do not know why but I feel like we might have to punish our daughters when they return from the trip."


    Nuwa just scolded him lightly, "Please our daughters are responsible adults, and since they are with Ryuu they will surely take good care of him."


    At that her sister wives nodded in agreement, meanwhile Maheswara frowned as an ideal thought ran through his mind, "I hope you are right beloved, it is true my daughters can easily protect him from almost everything but who will protect him from them, I might have to keep an eye on them.''

 88 An interesting Game

    Ryuu glared at the man who was crawling trying to get away from him, only for Ryuu to viciously step on him breaking his back as a cry of pain came from the man begging for mercy only for Ryuu to drag him towards a tree, all around him an intense inferno raged on and in between them scream of pain echoed as various men who were brutally injured so that they will suffer but at the same time the sweet release of death will not be granted to them, some were burned alive in the inferno, truly it looked as if hell had descended on that place, as Ryuu dragged the man to prolog his suffering his mind flashed back to the events which occurred a few weeks ago which caused him to act like that.


    Ryuu: "Big sis what are we going to do this time around I hope you will not drag me into those boring meeting of yours."


    Antariskh just smiled as she replied, "Baby brother, do not worry this is just us taking a small vacation we will just enjoy and move around and do fun stuff.


    Ryuu replied back with indignantly, "I am a big boy now, so do not call me ''Baby''."


    Antariskh and her sister just smiled at that as Sylvana just tousled his hair.


    Ryuu asked in a confused manner, "What do you mean by fun stuff, are going on a ruin exploration."


    Shamiran, "No little brother we will not explore any form of ruins except if we are the ones who found it first, but try to be a bit patient and see what kind of fun we will have."


    Ryuu nodded at that, he had to be patient but that does not mean he will have to like it.


    Soon their entire party comprising of his sisters and him along with a few dozen maids who themselves were dressed as an adventurer arrived near a sea shore, the sun was setting and it painted the sky with the clouds in a brilliant shade of orange, the sea itself reflected the mood of the sky as the waves looked like liquid gold. The birds flew back to their nest after a long day of work as their chirping entered Ryuu''s ears he giggled at what he heard.


    Sylvana, "Sisters, should we set up our camp here for the night."


    Antariskh hummed in agreement, "Well why not the weather here is really mesmerizing."


    Ryuu gave a shout of joy as he raced towards the sea in happiness.


    His sisters just laughed at his childishness before they followed him, but before they movedSylavana ordered their followers, "Set up camp and start making preparation for dinner and also send couple of you to scout the area for any danger and also for any interesting game, I desire to go on a hunt tomorrow with my siblings, so try to find an interesting prey."


    With her orders being relayed the people broke into small groups, some went to prepare the camp, some went to prepare for dinner where others went out to scout.


    After playing for a few minutes it got dark as such they dragged a pouting Ryuu who did not have his fill, it was the first time he had seen a sea so he got a tad bit over excited, as such being the ''big'' boy he is he whined out, "I want to play Big Sister just a little bit more."


    His sisters giggled at that, before Antariskh tried to placate his whining, "Ryuu we will be moving along the coast line, and as for playing around it is already dark and if you want to enjoy properly you will have to wait for the sun to rise tomorrow, so we will be playing tomorrow as much as you want okay."


    Ryuu grumpily agreed to her suggestion.


    As they neared to the camp an appetizing smell hit his nostrils causing his mouth to water.


    That night they were greeted by a sumptuous dinner consisting of steamed ''tri horned sea bass'' and ''pearl murmuring rice''.


    Ryuu watched as his sister''s drank wine along with it, his face scrunched up in disgust.


    Shamiran teased Ryuu, "Is there any problem, ''Baby Brother''."


    Ryuu shouted out again in anger and embarrassment, "I am not a baby!!!!! And for that matter seriously, you guys are drinking such rubbish stuff again."


    Antariskh then stated seriously with mirth in her voice, "At least I did not cry when his teammates got drunk."


    Ryuu''s face resembled that of a tomato, as he grumbled and decided to grant his attention towards food, "Today''s food is really delicious."


    Sylvana nodded in agreement as she spoke, "Why would it not be, they just caught the fish a couple of minutes before they started cooking, there is nothing that can substitute such freshness couple with the ambience of the place, eating sea fish while sitting on a sea beach, of course it will taste good. Then couple it with such a good wine, ah I wish I could share it with my brother but unfortunately he is such a small child", she finished with a teasing grin.


    Ryuu who was happily agreeing with her statement growled in anger, it was not his fault that the ''Ape God''s Wine'', got him completely drunk and he climbed on top of the mansion from where he watered the garden below with his as Maheswara teased him ''Ryuu''s Holy Water'', the next day he woke of with a terrible headache and the teasing he got from some of his teachers specially Maheswara and so not worth it, his older sisters always tease him because of it, and as such he swore he will not touch any form of alcohol no matter how high or good its medicinal effect will have on him.


    Suddenly a maid came in as she whispered something to Shamiran''s ears, as she listened her teasing smirk which she was giving to Ryuu took a more predatory form, as soon as the maid left Shamiran spoke with glee, "My beloved sister and my adorable brother, I was just informed of a rather interesting game I think we are going to enjoy it."


    She shared the news telepathically through her Divine senses with her sisters leaving them returning her with the same type of predatory smirk and an equally clueless Ryuu, "Third big sister what are all talkingplease tell me also."


    Antarisk smirked towards Ryuu, "Well it is a surprise Ryuu you will see soon enough."


    Causing Ryuu to pout he always hated when his sisters did something like that.


    The next day a loud roar shook the sea beach a few hundred miles away from their camp as Ryuu tried to cover his ears which were hurting from such a loud roar, as he fell on his butt while staring with a mixture of awe and fear at the majestic creature a few hundred feet away from him, a creature which his sisters decided to hunt.

 89 A White Horned Basilisk

    Ryuu awoke early the next day, after he got ready his sisters took him to the sea to play, he spend the entire morning playing with his sisters splashing the water, trying to make a sand castle and as it was nearing the midday his sisters stopped him from playing.


    Antariskh, "Ryuu it is time for us to leave so go and wash yourself."


    Ryuu was depressed as such he tried to protest but was shot down by Sylvana before he could speak, "Ryuu you will get to play in the sea many times but for today we have prior engagement such as hunting, I am sure you will enjoy hunting with us."


    Ryuu felt giddy on hearing that, he will go on a hunt with his big sisters, and the beast that they will hunt will be their lunch.


    Soon they reached the place of their hunt, Ryuu was giddy as well as a tad bit nervous what if he makes a mistake and embarrasses himself, he will never hear the end of his sisters'' teasing.


    Antariskh ordered a few of their maids who themselves were dressed accordingly in proper attire for the hunt as they had discarded their maid attire, "Lure the creature out of its hiding place."


    They did not have to wait for more than quarter of an hour, as the sea itself exploded as the maids shot out from the churning and frothing sea, and then a loud roar shook the sea beach a few hundred miles away from their camp as Ryuu tried to cover his ears which were hurting from such a loud roar, as he fell on his butt while staring with a mixture of awe and fear at the majestic creature a few hundred feet away from him, a creature which his sisters decided to hunt.


    Ryuu stood up as he looked at the serpent in front of him a majestic being of at least a little over half a dozen miles long and his jaws were a hundred feet at least. The great beast was known as ''White horned Basilisk'', a descendant of the world eating serpent ''J?rmungandr'', a serpent of incredible strength as well as poison the beast was already spewing its poison causing a putrid smell to spread throughout the area.


    He turned his back as his shoulder slouched he so wanted to create more sand castle by the sea side why did he agree to follow them during their hunt, as such he murmured something akin to ''Stupid older sisters''.


    Shamiran stated in a faux scolding manner, "That is why I told you to not waste you energy and go early to bed yesterday.", which immediately earned her a stink eye from Ryuu.


    As Ryuu fumed while thinking, ''''Early to bed'', it does not matter how early I go to bed I doubt that I a simple Wanxiang Adept level cultivator could even put a scratch on an Immortal level beast even if the beast gave me a couple of hundred free hits.''


    A maid came forward as she spoke, "Young Prince, please use this bracelet it will form a protective bubble around you which will filter out any form of poisonous fumes."


    Ryuu nodded in acknowledgement before put the bracelet on his left hand as he activated the array inscribed on the bracelet which immediately formed a transparent barrier with light blue hue protecting Ryuu completely.


    The ''White Horned Basilisk'' shouted out his voice shaking the entire sea beach, "Who dares attack me I will eat you mongrels."


    Ryuu deadpanned at the beast''s words inwardly thinking, ''What a lame intimidation line, oh well one should not insult someone''s last words.'' with that he quickly made a small prayer for the safe passage of the poor beast''s soul.


    Antariskh spoke out loud enough for her beautiful voice to be heard by everyone present, "Well so who will get the show started."


    Shamiran giggled as she replied off handedly, "Normally I should have started the show but I would love to give the small worm a free hit so that it does not claim to be bullied by us."


    The beast was enraged by Shamiran speech as it gave another earth shaking roar, "As it spewed a blackish substance which covered the entire area, the sand seemed to dissolve as even the sea had turned black because of it, a maid quickly put her hand on Ryuu''s shoulder and soon they were on air a little further away from their initial position.


    Ryuu muttered a small ''thank you'', as a show of gratitude for her help who only gave a short bow to him.


    A loud shout came towards him catching him off guard, "Ryuu pay attention I want you to watch and learn."


    Shamiran spoke out, "First when dealing with such a large prey try to immobilize you or its rampage will cause problem.", with her piece being said she took out a bow as she took aim and fired arrows so fast that it looked a blur, as she muttered the name of her technique, "Heaven''s Cage."


    In a blink of an eye the few hundred arrows she fired changed their shape as the ensnared the serpent as if it were tied by thick ropes completely immobilizing it, but the serpent was crafty it changed its form as it took the form of a humanoid being.


    Any beasts normally can start taking a human form as soon as they enter Primal Daoist realm, except some beast who have the blood of a Divine Beast can try taking humanoid shape only when they reach even a higher realm, and for Divine beasts the Immortal Realm is the minimum level before they can try to take a human form. Trying to take a human form and completely gaining one are two different perspectives as it takes years of practice and from what it looked like the beasts has recently gained after it reached Immortal level, meaning it has a very high concentration of Divine blood in him.


    Shamiran did not bat an eye at the beast as she continued her lecture while the beast lunged towards her, "During the hunt make sure that you have one Defender who will tank the beast''s attack", as soon as she finished speaking Antariskh stepped forward with a two-handed broad sword as she started a battle while taking a defensive stance, she was for most of the time dodging with minimal movement while sometime redirecting any attack that came to close to her.


    Ryuu knew her sisters were teaching him as such they were simply toying with their prey, but still the movements of Antariskh seemed to Ryuu as if she was dancing around the beast a very mesmerizing dance, his attention was again drawn by Shamiran''s voice, "The Defender''s job is simple keep the main focus of the beast towards the defender so that other''s do not have to worry about the beast''s onslaught while they attack on the beast to finish him."


    Shamiran then fired a couple of shots at the humanoid shaped give some breathing room for the Defender but to Ryuu he could clearly see the boredom in his eldest sister, as Shamiran kept on her lessons, "Then comes the role of a ranger, their role is simple provide range support to the Defender as well as make sure that sometimes the heat on the defender is always on the tolerable level.", she shot a couple of arrows at the beast lethargically before she spoke again, "The last one is attacker, their job is to attack and possibly kill the prey.", no sooner did she speak Sylvana suddenly appeared behind the beast as she beheaded him, Ryuu was shocked at the sudden appearance of Sylvana he was so busy focusing on the battle that he had forgotten her presence, he mentally winced at that if she were an enemy such carelessness would have caused him his life.


    The beast upon his death reverted back to his original form but before he could touch the water he was thrown back with a swipe of Sylvana''s delicate well manicured right hand towards the land away from the poisonous water and land, the beast landed making a loud crater, the impact caused a small quake and huge column of dust rose.


    Ryuu looked towards the beast with pity, truly the fellow was born under the most unluckiest star as such he was used as an unwilling volunteer to teach Ryuu.


    Shamiran suddenly appeared by his side nearly giving him a heart attack as she spoke, "There are various ways to hunt the method I taught is more liking battling rather than hunting, you are good at battling any prey but you are equally worthless when it comes to tracking and stealth during our vacation we will hunt for meat most of the time, and we hope by the end of the vacation you will be a better hunter or a predator, and if you want to be an apex predator you should know not always all hunt is done using brawns it also requires some brain, but it is something for later currently I have some carving for some snake meat.", as she took Ryuu with her towards the camp.


    Ryuu idly watched as Sylvana moved towards the beast as she gathered something golden in a vial she held in her hand from the blood, before she left the maids to dismantle the snake.


    Antariskh then turned towards Ryuu as she spoke, "We are also going to teach you how to dismantle a beast properly in order to harvest the meat and various precious ingredients later on."


    They made their way towards the camp with Ryuu having various thoughts in his mind which he will clarify later on.. But then one question came to his mind which he could not help but ask, "Big Sis have you ever met with a ''J?rmungandr''?"


    At his innocent question her sisters almost stumbled before Shamiran got a teasing smirk on her face as she asked Ryuu, "Why Ryuu, do you want to meet one?"


    Ryuu answered with a smile on his face as he looked forward, "Of course I have read about many creatures which are so rare that some are considered Mythical and some are just stories made to scare children, as such when I asked 3rd mistress about them she said that if any creature that is not mentioned in the fictional section of her library are definitely real, ''J?rmungandr'' is one such creature seeing its descendant I wanted to one day to meet one a serpent, who is so huge that they are able to devour an entire planet .", as he finished speaking he turned his face towards Shamiran and was taken aback by the strange gleam in her eyes before she gave a full blown laughter sending a chill on his spine.


    Shamiran spoke with her voice full of excitement as she put one of her arms on Ryuu''s shoulder bringing him closer as she spoke, "My adorable baby brother, just stick around us I promise I will show you something that even a ''J?rmungandr'' would think twice about angering", for a split second Ryuu thought his third sister''s pupils took a beautiful serpentine look before returning to normal.

 90 Mister Porky

    Ryuu was suddenly struck by a query as such he could not help but ask his sisters, "Big Sis the ''White Horned Basilisk'', that you hunted why did it not use its petrifying powers?"


    Antariskh gave a mildly amused smirk as she spoke, "So you did notice that, I was thinking how long will it take for you to notice that small detail."


    Ryuu pouted at that.


    Sylvana who caught up with them answered Ryuu, "Well that is because the beast was a variant."


    Ryuu looked confused as he spoke, "What do you mean variant? Shouldn''t variant be stronger than its normal counterpart?"


    Sylvana shook her head in disagreement as she replied, "It is a common misconception that variants are better, as reverse can also be possible like this fellow did not have the ability to petrify."


    Ryuu nodded at that before he asked Sylvana something, "Big sis what was the golden thing you collected from the corpse of the ''White Horned Basilisk''?"


    Sylvana answered seriously, "That was the essence of the beast which it inherited from the ancestor, anyone who consumes the essence and is able to fuse it themselves have a chance of gaining as well as performing the inherent skills of the beast. There are many precautions and various rules and regulations one needs to follow before they can utilize the essence, which you do not need to worry about for now you will learn about them as you make more progress in Alchemy, on top of that this sells well in the market."


    Ryuu nodded at that.


    They spend their vacation teaching Ryuu mostly about hunting and stealth, as they moved down the coast, before the suddenly changed their direction as the stated moving towards the mainland.


    Ryuu was sulking the entire way as they moved further and further away from the coast.


    Shamiran, "Little brother, do not be sad, you will surely visit the sea sometime in the future, but there are many things in the mainland as interesting as the sea."


    Ryuu nodded at that although he knew in his heart there is nothing he could do change their mind.


    After a couple of days of travel they arrived near an arid mountainous area.


    The group was dressed like simple travelers as they neared a small town.


    Ryuu, "Big sister where are we currently?"


    Antariskh replied with a smile, "Well we are at the outer fringes of the Tianyu Dynasty, the Dynasty spans around a few hundred million square miles in area, containing many prefectures of various sizes and importance, this is one of the small town present in a small prefecture, it is a mining town but the ores are of low quality the only other saving grace for this place is it near a major trade route, but it also means it attracts bandits and thugs."


    Ryuu: "What about the security, I mean the local police and the local militia."


    Shamiran snorted at that, "The Prefecture Govern is the sworn brother of the biggest bandit around this region, the police and local militia work to route any potential competition for the bandit, as well a scout out any decent target, as such we are dressed as normal travelers it will be to annoying as well as horrifyingly boring dealing with this flies."


    Ryuu sweat dropped at that, before he spoke again, "Why don''t the people then complain to the Emperor or someone who is higher up than the ''Governor''?"


    Sylvana laughed at that, "The entire is corrupted dear, complaining will only cause one to be killed nothing more nothing else, on top of that the Emperor himself is at Golden Immortal level and he does not have time to deal with the problem of mere mortals."


    Ryuu just frowned, "That is just an excuse for him."


    Shamiran just shrugged as she replied, "Well but it is not our problem, we will be restocking some necessary supplies before we move on. Oh and Ryuu an unexpected emergency has occurred so we will move on to the nearest village I do not trust this strangers and this towns are breeding grounds for thugs, so we will move you to more a remote area, so that some unwanted person does not catch sight of you."


    Ryuu asked in apparently confused at their decision, "I do not understand you are already here so I do not think they are above your ability to protect me."


    Antariskh spoke guiltily, "Well baby brother we are sorry to say but an emergency has occurred which requires our immediate attention, as such we will have to leave but do not worry we will leave more than half of our maids here who will take care of you. We promise you that we will return before you know it."


    Ryuu frowned as they tried entering the town, they were stopped by the guards, as Ryuu observed them he grimaced as he idly thought, ''Are they pigs or what, they surely look like it.'', as such he named the ''Mister pork'' in his mind.


    The fattest among the guards stepped forward with great difficult, whom was name d by Ryuu as ''Mister Porky #1'' as he spoke, " Halt, new comers to this town has to Pay 10 low level spirit stones or half of your goods as tax, preferably whichever is higher, if you do not have the amount leave your belongings here as punishment for wasting my time and scram or else", as he pointed with his chubby hands a lot of dead bodies hung near the doorway.


    Spirit stones are currency used by cultivators they are divided into Low, Mid, High, and Peak, each of them has different valuations,


    1 Low Grade Spirit Stone = 1 Kg of 24-karat gold


    1 Mid Grade Spirit Stone = 100 Low Grade Spirit Stone


    1 High Grade Spirit Stone = 100 Mid Grade Spirit Stone


    1 Peak Grade Spirit Stone = 100 High Grade Spirit Stone


    Asking for such amount was tax was a daylight robbery but from seeing the way they were treated by the guards it seemed to be a common occurrence here, the only difference between a bandit and them was that they were the law.


    Ryuu frowned at that the person was only a rank 3rd Xiantian level cultivator, and according to one of his maid the strongest person here was only a rank 4th Zifu Disciple, he could easily slap themselves to death. But before they could speak a suave voice came from behind them, "Oi, Jong, I do not think it is gentlemanly to ask money or good for them, let them pass I am sure they would love to pay the ''TAX'' in private.", they all turned around to see a tall lanky fellow who was leering at them , upon seeing the person a thought ran through Ryuu''s mind, ''ugh my eyes are going to be blinded, and I feel sick who dresses so obnoxiously and what is this vomit inducing smell, is this perfume.''


    While the group recoiled on seeing a human who rose the words, ''dressed like a peacock'', to a new meaning. The man tried to flare his ''Heaven Shaking and Earth Shattering'' strength of only a rank 4th Houtian, in order to try to impress or intimidate or both, but it only managed to increase the disdain of the ladies.


    Jong or as Ryuu dubbed him as ''Mister Porky #1'', just gave a small smile as he rubbed his hands greedily, "Well Young Master Hai, your wish is my command, just do not forget about your little servant."


    The man just snorted as he replied, "Since when I the Mayor''s ''Only Son'', forget about the guard captain of my father.", he spoke while trying to make sure that the new comers understand and learn their proper place.


    Ryuu could not help but face palm himself as he swore, ''one of these days I will rid the universe of these morons.''


    He knew that his sisters were not amused and he prayed that any innocent does not get caught during the crossfire, after all his sisters had the bad habit of going overboard.


    Sylvana spoke seriously, "Ryuu sometimes during a stealth mission one cannot draw attention to one self by some form of dangerous techniques which might bring a lot of attention as such they create a distraction to slip by."


    Ryuu nodded as his entire attention was focused on his sister as his body tensed in preparation to see what kind of distraction she is going to use.


    Sylvana just raised one of right hand, as an array suddenly formed and with a flash of light it disappeared.


    Suddenly the so called Young Master Hai''s eyes glazed before crouched on all four as he ran inside the city sounding like a pig, ''oink oink'', soon the entire entourage of Young Master Hai as well as the group of ''Mister Porky'' chased after him as they shouted, "What a delicious piece of ham chase after it we definitely should get hold of him before the cheap-skate Mayor or his son gets hold of it and eats it."


    Sylvana spoke in a serious manner, "Yosh distraction successful let us enter quickly the array will lose its effect after 10 minutes."


    As such they swiftly entered the city while Ryuu was trying hard from not falling on the ground with laughter, his sisters really have a very odd sense of humor.

 91 I am so unlucky

    Ryuu watched in disgust as the total lawlessness of the town, he so wanted to go straight to the Mayor and beat him to a pulp, this tax and that tax on top of such huge price tag on things but his sisters managed to buy them as dirt cheap, he watched in awe as he figured his sisters might be doing something to control this people.


    They went inside an inn where people glanced at them some were ogling and the look on their eyes were something which knew too well as he had seen on the people he met during his excursion in the ruins a few years ago, he did not like it.


    They occupied a couple of tables which were a little away from the normal hustle and bustle of the inn,.


    Antariskh ordered a waitress of the place, "Bring us your best meat, fish, rice and wine, oh and before I forget a pitcher of juice."


    Ryuu''s face scrunched in disgust at the mention of wine, but he almost hurled at the perfume used by the waitress as he idly thought, ''what is it with this people and weird perfumes.''


    Shamiran asked with concern seeing Ryuu with a sick face, " Ryuu are you alright?"


    Ryuu raised his hand indicating he wanted some water, as Sylvana gave him he gulped it down to push the bile down his throat.


    Ryuu spoke with disgust, "What was the strange smell on this lady, that pig person also had a similar type of smell on him and both had been using some kind of perfume trying to mask it, it caused me want to hurl."


    At that all of the companions present with Ryuu understood what he meant by that smell, as some of them had the face of disgust while others had a more stoic look on their faces.


    Antariskh lied with a nonchalant shrug to Ryuu, "Who knows, idiots love doing stupid things?"


    Ryuu inwardly wished he had left with the group of maids who went to procure some supplies, at least he would not have to deal with this people.


    As they were waiting for their meal, they idly noticed that the male customers were taking tables near them I a way that cutoff their exit, while keeping a eye at them.


    Shamiran snorted at that as she whispered low enough for everyone present who were from their group to hear it clearly, "They might as well hang a sign on their necks, ''Hey, we are stalking you.''"


    Everyone giggled at that specially her siblings but the maids just offered an amuse smirk.


    Soon their foods were brought in, as the food was laid in Ryuu noticed something amiss as such he tried to notify his sisters, "Big Sister this��.."


    Antariskh suddenly stood up as she grabbed the nearest waiter slamming his head on the table hard, before picking up the pitcher of wine as she forcefully fed the guy, as the wine emptied he threw the guy on the floor hard enough for his body to make a crater, as his body broke.


    Everyone sprang at their feet as some of them drew their weapons, "Look like we got some feisty ones boys", one of idiots shouted as the flared their near peak Houtian level trying to look intimidating.


    Ryuu looked at those people with pity in his eyes today was really their unlucky day even he the weakest person in their group can defeat this people without a scratch.


    Antariskh replied them by hurling the table they were occupying, with such a speed that a loud boom was heard then the front of the inn exploded and in place of some of those people a thick red mist was seen, it was so first that even Ryuu could not react the only thing he felt was a loud boom which caused his ears to ring as he watched with wide eyes at the red mist, the front of the inn was all but gone as the destruction spread towards the shops directly opposite to the inn, as blood splattered on the ground as well as twisted molted metal of what used to be weapons scattered around hitting any unfortunate soul who got caught in crossfire.


    Ryuu knew that among her sisters Antariskh had a very short temper, but to deal with this people in such excessive manner was too much, he knew if he spoke now he might earn her ire as such with great courage he slipped behind Shamiran away from the eruption zone of ''Mount Antariskh''.


    Antariskh cracked her knuckles as she spoke with so much sweetness in her tone enough to give anyone diabetes, "So who else wants some of the ''feisty women''", seeing no one speaking or doing anything, she spoke again, "Come on step forward I promise I won''t bite I will just punch, so COME FORWARD.", she bellowed out the last part loud hearing her some of the remaining fainted or lose their bowels or both.


    Sylvana and Shamiran both sweat-dropped at their eldest sister''s action as they inwardly grimaced with the thought, ''Must be that time of the month.''


    Ryuu meanwhile gagged at the smell, as his senses have been heightened a lot as he grew stronger as such the amorous whiff of smell made him feel sick again, ''why, oh why have I done to deserve it, today I am so unlucky.''


    Shamiran noticing her brother''s sense of discomfort quickly handed him a handkerchief coated in perfume which he used to cover his nose as such temporarily saved himself from the plight.


    Sylvana: "Sister enough let us leave, the disgusting visage of this mongrels is causing our baby brother to feel sick."


    Antariskh spoke with her face clearly showing disgust, "Yeah let us leave we have to travel a little bit more before we could camp."


    As such they left leaving the entire place in shambles, as they neared the gate they found it still unmanned and before Ryuu could question a loud commotion drew his attention, "Young Master Hai! Please stop come back to your senses."


    A large group of people was chasing a man dressed like a peacock but imitating a pig, as he ran on all four while shouting out, ''Oink Oink''.


    As the group left Ryuu noticed a large hippo, oops a man who could make even hippo''s look like they have zero size figure dressed equally extravagantly as the ''Young Master Hai'' followed after them, "Son my genius son, someone anyone save him from the devil''s influence."


    Ryuu deadpanned at that as he idly thought, ''The job of being head honcho of Mister Porky is in capable hands it seems.'', before he turned towards Sylvana as she asked, "Second big sister, shouldn''t the effect lasted only for a few minutes."


    Sylvana just shrugged as she replied in faux regretful voice, "Oops my mistake."


    Ryuu did not know what to think anymore as he messaged his temples and soon the rest of the maids joined the group as they left the unimportant town and made their way towards their next destination.

 92 Tardide

    As the group made their way towards way towards their destination, Ryuu was munching on a crispy fried Phoenix Chicken legs, it was so delicious that he felt as if he was lost in paradise, only to be brought back to reality as looked at the bone which was held in his hand with grief, ''Why oh why do this things disappear before you can enjoy them properly.'', with a deep sigh he threw the bones on a plate which already contain more than a dozen Phoenix Chicken''s leg bones. He then extended his hand towards the glass which contained some chilled fruit juice which he used to wash his meal down his throat as a contained sigh accompanied by a burp escaped his lips. His eyes then fell on the person responsible for the food as he complemented her, "Miss Minami, your cooking is so horribly good that I have no words in my vocabulary to describe the heavenly taste of your cooking.", he finished with a bright grin.


    Minami just gave a small smile along as she bowed, "Thanking you for your kind words your Highness."


    Antariskh just grinned as she gently ruffled Ryuu''s hair, she agreed with Ryuu ''Minami'' really is a good cook, maybe not on the level of her mother but still she was commendable.


    Ryuu: "So sister what will I be doing while you all will be away on your job?"


    Sylvana just shrugged as she replied while sipping on a glass of wine, "Do whatever you wish brother, you are on a vacationso do whatever you wish, you can even mingle with the locals as long as do not divulge any secrets regarding us."


    Ryuu nodded at that.


    Shamiran replied with a smile, "I think it will be good for you to mingle with people your age, all of your acquaintances are many years if not several millennia old after all."


    Ryuu nodded at that he thought of teasing his older sister''s by calling them ''Grand ma'', but he was still a little afraid of Antariskh who seemed a little peeved than usual, and a voice from the deepest part of his mind was warning him from doing something so foolish as if he had once been punished for something like that, well another part of him refuted it if something like that happened he would have remembered it right, right? Well he was unsure and as such he did not want to test the waters.


    Soon they arrived at a village with a less than 50 houses, a maid named Aika had arrived here in advance to procure place for their stay and as they arrived stepped forward as she greeted them.


    Aika: "Welcome your Highnesses, Welcome to ''Tardide''", as she greeted an old man approached with a couple of people following closely after him.


    He greeted them with a light bow, "Greetings Immortal fairies and young hero my name is Arpaesis , I am the Headman of this ''Tardide'', I would love to welcome for your stay in our village for as long as you need."


    Antariskh nodded at him as she replied, "Thank you for being such a kind host and please pardon our intrusions."


    His sisters had some small talk with the village headman, which Ryuu did not mind as his he busy checking out the village itself as he saw many man woman old or young looking at them some were even pointing towards them not so subtlety as the gossiped about them, their behavior seemed to paint them as some form of rare animals which they had the luckily seen causing a noticeable frown on Ryuu''s head.


    The village head man soon escorted them to a large clearing a little a bit on the outskirts of the village on the exact opposite of the direction from where they arrived.


    After exchanging of pleasantries he left quickly, Ryuu could see the old man''s eyes were filled with awe, excitement as well as fear.


    Shamiran then took out a small structure the same size as a seed, it suddenly floated from her palm as it went towards the open field, and with a flash a small house with courtyard but with walls big enough to hide everything happening inside the house.


    As they entered the house Ryuu could not help but ask, "Sister why were they referring our group s as ''fairies'' and ''heroes''?"


    Shamiran replied with a smile, "Well that is how we are generally referred to by normal civilians who have no relation to cultivation, sometimes even cultivators who are of lower realms refer us as such. Why did you not like it?"


    Ryuu replied with a frown, "Well to tell you the truth not really, I have done nothing heroic to be called as such."


    His sisters just smiled warmly at him, it was another think about Ryuu they loved a lot was that he was humble, despite him being so powerful at such an young age he was not arrogant in fact he understood humility like no other person of his age that makes him admirable in their eyes as he understood his faults better than any other cultivator and always strives to rectify them.


    Ryuu entered the house which could easily blend with any other house currently present inthe village but Ryuu was as always amazed by how spacious the inside seemed to be, it was like a huge mansion as big as the one he currently lived in Ayindril. He vowed to one day create such buildings which could shape shift but the inside space was always the same no matter.


    The next day his sisters were leaving him here with a little less than a dozen maids to cater him.


    Antariskh spoke as she hugged Ryuu, "Well brother, we will be taking our leave for the time being so take care and if you have any problem we have given you this ring just insert your Ki and we will be back in a jiffy, but make sure to use it only during an emergency which even the maids may not be able to handle."


    Ryuu simply nodded as she returned her hug.


    His sisters just hugged him as the offered a few parting words as they left and soon they along with a few of their maids disappeared from view.


    Ryuu turned to one of the maids, who had been left as in charge of the place as a head maid, he spoke, "Miss Aika I wish to tour the village we are currently residing if it is not too much trouble for any of you."


    Aika simply shook her head as she replied with a smile, "Your Highness there is no trouble, one of my colleagues and I will simply guard you while we leave the rest to finish their jobs."


    Ryuu nodded in acceptance and soon he and Aika along with another maid left to visit ''Tardide''.

 93 Estelle and Percy

    Ryuu took a deep breath of the fresh mountain air, as he surveyed the area around the village the Ki around this place was terribly lacking causing him to frown, people practicing here even at the level of Houtian would face problem trying to take the next step into Xiantain level.


    ''I am so lucky compare to this people if I had been stuck in place like this I would never have made past the Houtian realm even in my fifties.'' he idly wondered.


    He looked at the village people working in the fields as he went passed by, who just raised their heads and gossiped upon seeing him, as he strolled into the village he found they were mostly made of mud with thatched roof but having a mountain range nearby painted a picturesque scene under the early morning sunshine.


    Most of the people currently he could see were adults as he had yet to see any children or teenagers, but he would sometimes catch glimpses of children spying on him from their houses.


    It was not the first time he had been to a village during their travel they went passed by many but they never camped near one, much less spend time near one for an unknown period of time. Ryuu had stayed in various villages when his mother and his aunt were on a run with him, although he was never allowed to step outside their house as such he could not say how the houses were in those places.


    He was bored he had nothing to do except practice he stifled a yawn as he made his way towards a large Banyan tree and sat under its shade.


    The cool mountain breeze made him doze off a little.


    He woke abruptly as he found his two escorts standing stoically in a guarding manner, then he felt something on his cheeks, he raised one of his hands to see he was drooling he hastily used his handkerchief to wipe the drool as his face turned red with embarrassment, he secretly hoped no one saw him in such a shameful position.


    He stood up as he looked up and from the position of the Bluish Sun he understood his nap was almost an hour long, he looked towards his escorts as he spoke, "Did anything happen while I was taking a nap?"


    Aika just shook her head negatively as she answered, "Nothing your highness, well except for the fact that almost all of the children present in this village and a few adults are spying on us from inside that house.", as she turned her face towards a house indicating the place where the so called spies had their hideout, as Ryuu turned his attention towards the house.


    A loud ''eep'' followed by she saw us came to his ears, soon any windows or doors were shut, Ryuu sweat dropped at that.


    Ryuu sighed, "Well let us go back, and then you may return to your duties while I practice my swordsmanship.


    As they made their way back towards their camp, a little girl a few years younger than Ryuu came running in as she tripped and felled near Ryuu.


    A concerned voice came from behind the child, "Estelle are you alright?"


    A boy about the same age as Ryuu came running towards them, as Ryuu went forward to help the child stand up.


    Suddenly two middle aged people who looked like older versions of them quickly came forward as they kneeled in front of him as they begged him, "Please Lord Cultivator, Immortal Hero please spare our child, if she has done anything to displease please take your anger on us please do not harm her."


    Ryuu was stunned upon hearing such pleading from them, but the parents taking his silence started begging and pleading more as tears streamed from the mothers eyes the father know towed at him begging for mercy.


    Their son was also startled as he spoke out, "Mother Father what are doing? Why are..."


    The father hurriedly stood up as he quickly clasped his hands on his mouth, as he spoke in a furious tone, "Shut up Percy", while dragged his son making him kneel in front of Ryuu forcibly.


    The man stated speaking, "Please have...��", but was stopped when Ryuu raised his hand to stop him from speaking.


    Ryuu: "I do not know what kind of cultivator you have met before but I do not have any ill will towards your village, as for your daughter she has scraped her knee and hurt herself, here let me help her."


    Ryuu took out a small vial from his storage ring and he poured a single drop from the vial on top of the cut on the child''s knee, which closed instantly in front of everyone''s eyes.


    Ryuu asked the child, "Are you alright now?"


    The child looked up with her big eyes full with amazement as she answered, "umu, thank you big brother."


    Ryuu copied his sisters as he gave a kind smile as he tousled her hair before saying, "Now run along to your parents, they are worried for you."


    The child went to her parents who hugged her tightly fearing that she would simply disappear if they let her out of their grasp.


    The father of the girl kneeled in front of Ryuu as he spoke, "Thank you, your Lordship for sparing my daughter''s life and healing her."


    Ryuu just dismissed the entire matter off handedly as he spoke, "Please there is no reason, for you to say thanks I just happened to have a vial of healing liquid as such I helped, and your village as done nothing wrong to me so why should I harm any of you let alone a small child.", with that piece spoken he quickly made his way back along with his escorts.


    Leaving the relieve parents to fuss over their children, as he disappeared from view he glance back to look at many people who were already spectating quickly came forward as the surrounded the family, Ryuu could hear due to his advanced hearing owing to him being a cultivator, how they were stating that the family was lucky to survive a disaster causing him to frown.


    Ryuu would never admit to anyone but a small part of him was jealous, here in front of him were two people who threw their pride and honor kneeled in front of him begging for their child, readily offering their very lives in exchange for her whereas his own wanted to kill him, but then he mentally kicked himself as he thought, ''Since when did my mother try to kill me she even gave her life for me and those people from that rotten clan have no relation to me what so ever.''

 94 Children of Tardide

    Ryuu again made his way to the village the next day, he had expected that like the previous day they would all avoid him but to his amusement he found the little girl and his brother walking towards him with unsure steps.


    Ryuu smiled at them which the girl beamed back at him, although her brother was much more reserved than him, the girl raced towards him with a bright smile followed closely by her brother trying to keep her in check, "Big Brother you came again."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he replied, "Yep, I was bored and I had nothing to do."


    The boy gave a small grateful bow to him as he spoke, "Thank you healing my sister, my name is Percy and this is my little sister Estelle, may I ask for your name ''Esteemed Hero''."


    Ryuu frowned inwardly again with this esteemed hero thing, he put a happy smile on his face as he spoke, "My name is Ryuu, and please do not refer to me as a ''Hero'', I have done nothing note worthy for such a title."


    Estelle and Percy just smiled back at him.


    Estelle, "So big brother Ryuu, what was that thing you used on me yesterday, and how did you bring it out from air."


    Ryuu:" That was just a healing sap, as for the vial, I summoned it out from my space ring."


    Percy: "Space Ring?"


    Ryuu: "It is type of object where you can store your belongings, the vial containing the healing sap was stored inside it."


    The siblings listened with wide eyes, and as they were speaking with Ryuu other children of the village gained enough courage to speak with him, as such they made their way towards him, under the watchful eyes of Ryuu''s escorts who kept an eye on them like a hawk.


    A total of 8 children were present there the oldest one was about a year older than Ryuu where as the youngest one was younger than Estelle.


    The older one introduced himself, "Hello Esteemed Hero, my name is Landon and this here my friends."


    The others quickly introduced themselves" Toni", "Xavier, "Silvestre", "Antonio", "Channah", "Salome", "Narcisa".


    Ryuu happily replied back towards them, "Hello everyone my name is Ryuu, and please do not call me "hero'' as I have done nothing to garner such title."


    The others just smiled warmly at him as a thought ran through their mind, ''Everyone said cultivators are scary, but Ryuu is nice.''


    Narcisa: "Ryuu if you do not mind, may I ask can you fly?"


    Ryuu heard the question as a memory of long past popped in his mind, ''Mama I want to be a cultivator because I want to fly'', he shook his head to clear it of those memories, before he put a bright smile on his face, "Well I still cannot without some external help, people can only learn to fly instinctively upon reaching ''Primal Daoist'' realm, not before that without any external help, and as I still have sometime before I reach that level I cannot fly yet."


    Everyone looked at him with awe, before Landon asked him, "Ryuu how high is Primal Daoist Level? Are they much higher than Xiantian Level?"


    Ryuu nodded as he replied, "Of course there are two more realms between Xiantain and Primal Daoist realm."


    Estelle: "Big Brother, can you teach us to cultivate." she asked with a cute expression here big brown eyes adding to the effect.


    Ryuu smiled in an apologetic manner as he replied, "Sorry Estelle, I am not allowed to teach anyone moreover I myself am learning so I am unqualified to teach."


    The children all around him frowned, they so wished to be a cultivator and become like those legendary Heroes and Heroines but unfortunately Ryuu was not willing to help them.


    Ryuu noticed there look as he explained to them, "I am really sorry but I sworn an oath on Dao, as such if I break it I will die so I am sorry I cannot help you."


    They grudgingly accepted his answers as they asked a lot of questions about any adventure he had, as such Ryuu shared with them some of the adventure he had including the ruin exploration a few days ago.


    Ryuu thought inwardly, ''I should ask my sisters to inquire about how the Shadow Wolves are doing it has been over 4 years since I last heard from them.''


    As they spoke they moved from their position and sat under the banyan tree.


    Salome pouted as she spoke for the first time, "Can you stop asking about boring cultivation and let''s talk about something else."


    At that she gained everyone''s undivided attention, but still she spoke with utmost confidence, "Ryuu, how do you spend most of your days?"


    Ryuu: "Well I spent most of my days cultivating and studying."


    The children looked alarmed at that as the shouted in disbelief, "What, What do you mean by that? Don''t you have any friends, or play any games?"


    Ryuu shook his head negatively as he replied, "No, most people I know are older than me so I do not have anyone with whom I could play any games."


    Antonio spoke looking alarmed:"Do you know what ''Hopscotch is?"


    Ryuu nodded his headed negatively, causing the other children to sigh as they dragged him to a clearing a few distance away from the banyan tree.


    The children of the village quickly drew the grid for playing hopscotch and soon Ryuu started playing.


    Ryuu with his face clearly full of joy as he laughed loud, "Hahahaha, this is so amazing I have never had so much fun before."


    Some of the children of Tardide had a smug look on their face as they have something this cultivating brat did not know or had.


    Soon it was time for them to return back home as they waved Ryuu goodbye, "Bye bye Ryuu see you tomorrow."


    Ryuu waved back towards them with a smile, today he went back home with a wide smile, as he walked no he literally skipped back home happy that he got experience something new.


    Meanwhile in another place a figure kneeled in front of a person hidden in darkness, as the figure finished the report the person let out a loud laughter, before the person send the figure kneeling with a new set of instructions as the figure murmured "Soon, Very soon."

 95 It seems I have the making of an awesome chef

    Ryuu was very happy, for the first time since his mother''s death he has been in a much better mood, he was no longer hiding his sadness behind the veil of fake smiles and happiness.


    Ryuu had fun playing hide and seek today, unlike hopscotch he had played hide and seek with his mother and aunt when he was young, after arriving in Ayindril his elder sisters had played a couple of times with him, but playing with people of his age was a different experience the adults always knew where he was as such there was no fun but now it was a different as such he had loads of fun.


    Silvestre: "Hey everyone I have an idea, why don''t we go to the spring we found a couple of weeks ago, it will be fun swimming there."


    Everyone agreed at that, but as they were about to make their way towards the swimming pool, a loud roar distracted them, followed by a loud scream, "Ahhhhhhhh".


    They turned to see a woman getting mauled by a bear, and a man all bloodied lying a few feet away from her.


    Toni gave a loud scream at the top of his lungs, "Mommy! Daddy!", as he tried to run towards the people who were attacked by the bear. But, only to be held by another person, the Old Leader of the town bellowed out an order, "Take those kids to safety it is a beast from the mountain."


    One of the strongest villagers charged at the bear with his Mid Houtian level, charged at the Bear as he used a Martial Skill, "God King''s Heaven Splitting Axe.", although the name was arrogant but at the end of the day it was only a Level 2 skill, but enough for them to save their fellow villager.


    Shamsir, was 43 years old this year, when he was just 8 year old kid he had stumbled upon an injured half dead old beggar, his parents were kind hearted people who provided the beggar some shelter and food, but the beggar still perished but not before bestowing the skill and cultivation method to them.


    The only cultivation technique the village had and the only skill they had, the village head was his uncle, who had raised him after his parent''s death next year in the hands of wild beast, Shamsir had worked hard since then to become strong and by his 43rd year of birth he had stepped into Mid level Houtian, becoming the strongest person in the village as well as he was Head of Security of the village.


    Shamsir had a smirk on his face as his axe mad contact with the bear a loud ''ding'' was heard, before the bear snorted as he swiped his paw at him, then suddenly he found himself facing the sky, ''huh what happened why am I staring at the sky'', a stray thought passed through his mind only for him to feel intense pain as he sprayed a fresh blood from his mouth before collapsing on the floor.


    Arpaesis''s face was pale beyond comparison on seeing the strongest person of Tardide lying on the ground injured, his only blood relative his nephew was lying there and would die soon. But he did not have time for grief, he knew his people were in trouble specially the children of his village, as such he had to be strong.


    "The beast is Peak Houtian, every warrior come forward we will hold the beast here, others flee carry our future generations and flee, the beast is at least Peak Houtian."


    Hearing this everyone''s blood froze, as more than dozen people advanced each having various cultivation but all weaker than even Shamsir, they knew they will not make it but they will buy time for their children to escape.


    Ryuu''s new friends started to cry out of fear, some fearing the loss of their loved ones. Ryuu seeing their teary face felt a sense of d��j�� vu, this children were about to experience the greatest loss of their something which he will never allow as such he made his move.


    He shot forward faster than the others could follow with a bang, the ground where he was standing caved in as everyone standing beside him fell on their butts, Ryuu''s aura erupted freezing the beast on its track with fear, before the bear could react Ryuu appeared in front of him sending a reverse roundhouse kick, with his left leg, on its jaw. The bear was no ordinary beast, it was a Stone Bear a Peak Houtian Rank beast weighing more than a tone, but unfortunately today it was unlucky to come across a predator of rank 10th Wanxiang Adept rank, as such with a loud bang the beast was lifted of it feet as blood and broken teeth flew out from its mouth, Ryuu did not stopped there as he send a knife strike with his right hand on the lower part of the bear causing the beast to turn on its side, Ryuu''s left hand was pulled back as fire suddenly erupted from it before he send a palm strike with full force, a loud bang was heard as the Stone bear, a 5 meter long beast, Ryuu''s flaming hand was embedded deep inside the beast as flash of hot flame erupted from the mouth of beast with an agonizing howl, as the beast was roasted from inside out, the beast had died even before it fell causing a small crater as the area shook with small tremor. Ryuu pulled his hands out hand out of the bear as a smell of medium rare cooked bear meat hit his nostrils, "hmmm, I think I should try cooking as a hobby, it seems I have the making of an awesome chef", he mused loudly enough for everyone to hear.


    Silence complete utter silence as everyone looked at Ryuu with a mixture of fear, amazement, with a hint of worship.


    Ryuu turned to see the entire village well except those injured looking at him with perfect imitation of a fish, causing his brow to twitch in irritation as he shouted out, "What are you all waiting for we have to tend the wounded."


    At his shout the people were finally brought back into their senses as they ran towards their injured comrades

 96 Jawdropping and Heart-attacks

    Upon hearing Ryuu''s words the villagers were jolted awake from their stunned state, as he made his way towards his friends he noticed that his new friends were looking at him with fear and awe but a couple of them had gratitude mixed in them. He was stopped by the village head, "Thank You my Lord, you saved my village we do not know how to repay your kindness."


    Ryuu spoke with a kind smile, "Mr. Arpaesis, you do not need to thank me anyone could have done the same, you have already kindly hosted our stay here as well as the village children have already extended their hands for friendship, it is more than enough for me."


    He turned to leave only to pause as he turned and gifted the village head a few ''Blood Replenishing Pills'', and a few ''Bone Forming Pills'', as he spoke "Mr. Arpaesis, please take this two types of pills it will help I healing them just feed one of each type to your injured."


    This moved the heart of the old man as he reverently took the pills as he spoke with voice fill with great gratitude, "MY lord we do not know how to repay you, our village is so poor we do not have anything to gift you to show you our gratitude, the only thing we can is to offer you the beast you slain."


    Ryuu replied with a kind smile, "Nonsense Mr. Arpaesis, I already mentioned that I was just helping out my host nothing more nothing less, also the beast is too low level to be of any use by me as such I do not have any need of it, you can use it however you may like.", the old man was overwhelmed with joy on hearing this whereas Ryuu frowned inwardly, ''the old man is either an idiot or arrogant I was the one who had slain the beast making it''s carcass rightfully mine yet this old man is suggesting as if it belonged to him , he is lucky it was me that he was dealing with if it were any other person including my sisters they would have never taken his speech to kindly.''. Even after everything Arpaesis could not help but ask out a question that was revolving on almost every resident of Tardide village, "My lord if I be a little bit impudent and ask you something."


    Ryuu looked at him, as he raised one of his brose as he granted him permission by raising his right hand.


    Arpaesis: "My Lord what realm is you in and how old are you?"


    Ryuu hesitated at first but relented seeing no harm in replying him, "I am currently Peak of Wanxiang Adept and as for my age I am just a couple of month sigh of my 12th birthday.", well they did not need to know that unlike other cultivators he has to go through four more extra ranks before he can move up in a realm, and currently he had three more ranks before he will become a Primal Daoist and finally learn to fly without any special techniques.


    The villagers had their jaws literally on the floor, and the village headman nearly had a heart attack, a twelve year old had as much strength as the elite Guards of the Governor of their prefecture, a person who is Mid Level Primal Daoist, who is already an advanced septuagenarian.


    Ryuu secretly was grateful to his teachers who had been teaching him more about his Divine Body as such he was now able to control the effects it had on other persons, he remembered all those years ago how he was affecting people who were not only of the near the same rank but also the same realm. He shivered inwardly thinking this people who are much weaker than him under the influence of his Divine body starting a fanatical cult.


    As he neared his new friends Toni raced towards him as he hugged Ryuu tightly as he wept on his shoulders while muttering ''thank you!'', continuously Ryuu just consoled him as he gently patted his back.Soon the other children enveloped the duo in a group hug.


    Ryuu after everything had calmed own went towards Arpeasis as he asked, "Do you suffer this kind of attacks frequently?"


    Arpaesis: "Yes my Lord, but normally the beasts we faced are mostly of normal level not Spirit beasts, even if they wonder into our village they are very weak, but since last month more and more stronger beasts are attacking even the frequency of their attack has increased greatly, they seemed quite restless. The spirit beast of such caliber is usually deeper on the mountain range and we normally avoid entering those zones. But now I am afraid it seems we have to abandon our village and leave, if today your Lordship were not present here we might have lost a large number of our residents."


    Ryuu frowned in thought before he exchanged some pleasantries with some other people before he made his way back to his temporary place of residence with his guards.


    Aika greeted him as he entered, "Welcome back Your Highness, and was today''s excursion eventful."


    Ryuu smiled back at her as he replied, "I am back and more importantly today was bit more interesting as got to face a Stone Bear."


    Aika frowned as she quickly inquired, "Your Highness are you alright, were you hurt anywhere."


    Ryuu: "I am fine it was only a Peak Houtian beast, also I had Dani and Bani guarding me I doubt even Immortals would be able to touch me with any of you present, oh before I forget I have a task for you."


    Aika''s face turned serious as she spoke, "What do you wish of me your Highness?"


    Ryuu: "I learned from the village head that more and more beasts are appearing and they seemed quite restless recently, as such I believe some powerful beast might have taken residence on the mountain, so I hope if it is not too much please send some of the maids to scout the mountain for anything that is causing the spirit beasts to leave."


    Aika bowed as she replied, "Your wish is our command Your Highness, and as such we would gladly obey your command."


    Ryuu just gave a nod as he made his way to cultivate, whereas the rest went on with their respective duties.

 97 The Hunt Part-1

    Since the attack by the ''Stone Bear'', a couple of days had passed since then the schedule of Ryuu consisted of playing with his new friends, training, eating and sleeping then repeating it again, but he was very happy because of his new friends, unfortunately it also caused him to slack of a lot regarding to training but he promised himself that when he goes back to Ayindril.


    Today, as always he was busy playing with his friends hopscotch a game which he learned on the same day he became acquainted on his first day.


    As Ryuu was going to take his turn he was stopped by the arrival of a new maid who simple bowed in front of him, as he waited for Ryuu to speak.


    Ryuu just tilted his head slightly, as the maid just went by his side as she whispered into his ears while making sure to cover her hands as she spoke to prevent others from lip reading. Ryuu''s eyes widened momentarily as his face broke into a wide grin, as he suddenly gave a small jump and a clap as started laughing, "Good good you really are nice scout Anne, you have brought me a very wonderful news now I would trouble you to inform Aika to make preparations I wish to leave as soon as possible preferably before the sun rises tomorrow."


    Anne just bowed and left, as he turned towards his new friends as he spoke in a somber tone, "I am sorry to say this but I have to leave."


    His friends grew worried at that as such Xavier could not help but ask, "Why Ryuu did something bad happen forcing you to leave?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he replied with a smile, "No no nothing is wrong just that there is something that needs my immediate attention as such I will have to leave for a few days but I promise you all that I will try to finish my job and be back as soon as possible."


    His words calmed his friends as he waved them goodbye and left along with his escorts, today he was in a very good mood as such he did not get annoyed by the hero worship by the villagers who he passed on his way to his house.


    Aika was once again standing by the doorway in order to welcome him, "Welcome back Your Highness."


    Ryuu: "I am back and I hope you have already started making preparations, oh and please send the scout to the garden, I will be waiting for them there with some questions that I have regarding the prey for them."


    Aika bowed at him as he made his way towards the garden, as he sat on there on the grass enjoying the peace and tranquility that prevailed there, he did not have to wait long as soon the scout arrive, as she gave a short bow to Ryuu.


    Ryuu spoke with his voice giddy excitement, "Well what can you tell me about the prey?"


    Anne began speaking everything about the prey she had just scouted on Ryuu''s order.


    The next day a group of 6 left the house along with a couple of escorts one of whom was Aika herself, as they made their way towards the mountain, normally Ryuu could have asked them to directly fly him to the prey but unfortunately his sisters have forbade the maids to use more than the strength of a low level Primal Daoist, and forbade them from using any from flying with Ryuu, of course in case of emergency like Ryuu''s life being in danger all restrictions were off. Ryuu also knew he could do nothing to persuade them otherwise as his sisters'' orders will always take precedence before his.


    As such they were stuck with hiking to their destination, with Anne as their guide.


    As they reached the base of the mountain Aika and another as she spoke, "I wish you success and safety on your hunting trip Your Highness."


    Ryuu just nodded at that as he spoke, "Aika, please keep an eye on the villagers and make sure that no stray beasts harm them."


    Aika bowed acknowledging Ryuu''s command, soon Ryuu disappeared along with his hunting party disappeared from her views.


    Ryuu because of excitement had forgot a very important rule, which now hit him like a tons of brick, as his thoughts went back to the rule his eldest sister laid for such a situations.


    Flashback~


    Antariskh in a serious manner, "Ryuu, if you want to go on a hunt during out absence remember you will be in charge and have to plan the hunt without the help of our maids, they may help you to set the traps,help you carry the carcass of the prey, help you to scout, but they may not help you in combat until and unless your life is in danger as such they will not fight on your behalf at full strength but will always be at low Primal Daoist level only when your life is in danger will they fight with their true strength also as long as you do not fight neither will they."


    Currently Ryuu and his party was only half way up the mountain, on the other side is deep valley in between which was a large lake where their prey currently resided.


    Ryuu was currently going through a crudely drawn map made by Anne, as he spoke "Mary what do you think about this small gorge which connects the other side of the mountain with the valley."


    Mary: "I think it will be better your highness the gap is enough,I think we could trap the beast there with the help of our traps, it is a shame we could only use traps made for beast up to high Primal Daoist realm otherwise we could have completely immobilized it, the huge body will cause it to get stuck here enabling us to defeat it easily"


    Ryuu nodded at that before he turned to another blond haired maid as he spoke, "Jeeva, you are the most agile and fast among all of us, I hope you would be able to lure it towards the trap."


    Jeeva just bowed as she replied, "It will be done as you wish your highness."


    Ryuu then spoke as he stood near the edge of the mountain overlooking the valley, as he spoke with predatory smirk, "Well Let the Hunt Begin."

 98 The Hunt Part-2

    Aika kneeled in front of Antariskh as she gave her daily report to her.


    Shamiran who was present next to her listening to the report spoke to her eldest sister as soon Aika left, "Who knew our baby brother would stumble upon such a beast? What do you think of his chances of winning against the creature?"


    Antariskh just put a finger under her chin as she closed her in deep thought as she replied, "You should know that no plan survives the first contact with the enemy, as such about our brothers chances��."


    Ryuu''s eyes widened in horror as a huge mouth filled with razor sharp teeth descended on him, swallowing him whole as the events which led to the current situation flashed in his mind.


    They made their way towards the gorge during the way they came across a couple of mid Wanxiang Adept level spirit beasts, an ''Ice Leopard'' and a ''Thunder Panda''.


    The Ice Leopard had found them on their way up the mountain as it stalked them, but unfortunately for it there were quite a few good people in Ryuu''s group who had already sensed him as such had warned Ryuu about it.


    The Ice leopard glanced at his prey, he picked the smallest one among the group unfortunately that was Ryuu, its body tensed as it glanced at Ryuu from the vantage point, its strategy was simple ambush the tasty humans, make sure to break the neck of the most weakest among them and then make a run for it with it prey.


    It took a jump only for Ryuu to suddenly to kick the ground hard as it caused him to propel backwards he unsheathed his sword as he send a huge arc of sword energy as it bisected the Ice leopard in two, it died before it could understand that it was a prey all along.


    Kasir one of the maids accompanying Ryuu spoke with a disapproving tone, "Your Lordship if I may have permission to speak freely."


    Ryuu nodded at her with a smile.


    Kasir: "It was one of the most stupid things you have Your Highness, you have used your sword attack mixed with fire as such you have not only managed to bisect the beast but also burned a good portion of its inside along with completely destroying its pelt, currently beast you hunted is useless, you gained nothing from it."


    Ryuu looked as if he had been slapped by Kasir, he lowered his head as he understood you much he messed up, his group soon left not before Ryuu put up a silent prayer for the deceased ''Ice Leopard''.


    As they made their way down the mountain into the valley a loud crunch was heard by Ryuu startling, discreetly glancing he saw from the corner of his eyes he understood that his team knew but did not bother to inform him about it.


    He looked up to see a giant 10 meter tall 7th rank Wanxiang Adept level Thunder Panda sitting near a bunch of 500 year old Thunder Bamboo Shoots happily munching on them. The Panda lazily lifted his head as he glanced at Ryuu''s group a bamboo shoot in his mouth but his munching had stopped completely.


    Ryuu suddenly gave a happy smile as he spoke to the panda, "Yo nice too meet ''Brother Panda'', but it seems like you are somewhat busy so enjoy your meal so goodbye and have a nice day.", with that Ryuu waved happily at the panda as he left.


    The panda was surprised before he returned the gesture with a smile of his own as he waved back at Ryuu as he spoke with thick voice but filled with enthusiasm, "Goodbye Brother Human, have a safe trip and a nice day."


    As they left some of the maids had feeling that after the end of the day they will be suffering from serious migraine because of Ryuu''s antics, and among them Anne could not help but ask out, "If I may enquire your Highness why did you not attack the ''Thunder Panda'', they are very rare but the produce Thunder Beasts within their and are very helpfully for anyone below Immortal level."


    Ryuu gave a look which caused Anne to wince, "How could anyone kill such a cute and cuddly being is beyond me, I myself will never perform such a blasphemous act and I would also would not like any of you doing the same at least as long as you are with me."


    They nodded at what Ryuu spoke, they knew in spite his strength and maturity for all intent and purposes he was still a small child who sleeps with a a meter and a half tall Panda soft toy as such him not wanted to harm a panda was a given, still they had expected him to cling to the panda cuddling him wanting him to be his pet, but seems that he had matured somewhat.


    Before they sweat-dropped, as they all thought at the same time, ''Never mind he is still an immature child.'', as they looked at the comically crying and blubbering Ryuu who was apologizing to the panda as his teachers had explicitly forbidden him from getting any form of pets or forming Spirit Bonding with any Spirit Beasts no matter the circumstances until the state otherwise.


    They soon made their way into the gorge as Ryuu looked towards the calm lake, the only sign of the presence of the beast inside the otherwise calm lake was the shore line was painted with a great deal of destruction.


    Ryuu gave a sigh as he ordered his teammates, "We will hunt it tomorrow today we will set a camp here and prep the traps, tomorrow after breakfast we will begin the hunt."


    With that the put their gears down as they started setting up a camp for the night as Ryuu began working on the traps with the help of Laku another of the maids who went with him on this hunting trip, they also set up defensive perimeter all along the camp.


    Next day, Ryuu and his group consisting of Anne, Mary, Jeeva, Kasir and Laku were already as they assumed their respective position with Ryuu at the forefront of the assault and they were just going to support him.


    Ryuu swept a glance at the trap field as the thoughts about the previous nights downpour came to his mind, he was glad they made their camp a bit on the higher ground as such they did not had to deal with their camp getting caught by some streams caused by the downpour as the water flowed down into the valley after a last minute check on the traps he had set on the previous day he gave the signal for the hunt to begin.


    Jeeva skillful managed to anger the beast enough to cause him to chase after her, with a huge sky shaking roar which even caused the valley to shudder as a couple of small landslide occurred because of it the water of the lake exploded as giant 300 meter long Imoogi reared his head in anger as he began chasing after Jeeva who was luring him towards a trap.


    Ryuu''s heart beat was hammering like a drum not out of fear but out of excitement as his heart beat''s thundered into his ear like some ancient war drum, his lips curled into a predatory smirk, waiting for his prey.


    Meanwhile Aika was standing with another maid as she heard the roar which caused panic among the residents of Tardide, they were present in order to protect Tardide in case some beast sneaked into the village during the chaos, she glanced towards the mountain as her eyes showed a rare display of concern as she whispered lowly, "I wish for your success your Lordship."

 99 Mors

    Jeeva successfully lured the enraged Imoogi inside the gorge only for it to spring the trap causing it become immobile.


    It roared out in gravelly voice towards Ryuu and his companions, "How dare you trap me lowly wench?, it flared its rank 2nd Primal Doaist level aura trying to intimidate Ryuu and his companions.


    Ryuu scoffed at the futile attempt of the beast as he ordered others, "Move according to plan."


    Soon his teams moved in two different directions as they took aim at the beast''s eye and fired the arrows.


    The Imoogi''s eyes widened in fear as it witnessed the arrows flying towards his eyes, he quickly closed them and turned his head as much as possible under the present circumstances as the arrows bounced off his skin with a loud ding.


    As he snarled in anger while trying his utmost to free from the traps, which Ryuu had placed last night, this traps on being activated creates ethereal chains which wraps tightly around its victims, these chains have small spikes on them which were literally digging and injuring the Immogi further, but what made it worst that as time goes by the chains would shorten itself as such squeezing any unfortunate victim caught in between until they completely cut through them.


    The Imoogi roared in pain and anger, Ryuu knew if he left the Imoogi like that it will eventually die because of the trap but it did not sit well with him he would personally slay it as he took out his trusty sword and starting attacking the 300 meter long 20 meter wide Immogi .


    Within couple of seconds Ryuu managed to draw blood from the Immogi as well as taking some damage on its hood as it hissed out angrily, as it somehow managed to turn its head showing incredible as it sprayed a very hot flames towards Ryuu.


    Ryuu saw the flames which can be aptly said to be liquid flames as it made its way towards Ryuu who showing incredible agility on his part dodged the flames, using a rank 7 level Skill Prancing Dragon, which he had practiced to high Adept level.


    He looked back the place where he was standing with wide eyes as he saw a deep trench forming on the ground which seemed to have vaporized from the heat, this only caused Ryuu''s excitement to increase as he took on assaulting the beast.


    The Imoogi even though usually referred to as a false dragon was still worthy of being refer to as a dragon, even after taking relentless assault from Ryuu and his group was still roaring in anger and fighting for its freedom, its left side of the hood was heavily damaged but overall the various injuries which were sporting on it was not life threatening, but its left eye was already gone from an attack of the well placed arrow.


    Meanwhile on Ryuu''s side his clothes were dirty as he sweated heavily, from relentless dodging from the flame attacks of the Imoogi the gorge itself was reshaped by it as it continued spewing hot flames, causing small streams of lava flowed downstream towards the Imoogi who did not even bat an eye at him.


    Aika looked towards the mountain as another maid by the name of Navi stood beside her their presence had deterred any animals from venturing into the village, the villagers themselves were mostly inside the village only the village militia was still patrolling the village but they were nervous as they cast a worrying glance every now and then towards the mountain top.


    Navi: "I just hope his Highness is doing well during his hunt."


    Aika just sent a reassuring smile, "Do not worry his Highness was surely succeed in his hunt."


    No sooner that she spoke a loud roar followed by a huge thunderous sound they watched the mountain top getting destroyed as the Imoogi raised high up the air, as it flung its head, they watched in horror to see a tiny dot which they could identify because of their excellent eyesight as Ryuu who was send flying, their heart stopped beating when they saw the Imoogi opened its jaw and��..


    A few minute ago, Ryuu was preparing to send another of his deadly Sword Force attacks enveloped with the Dao of Fire and Ice, but unknown to him he had made a fatal mistake he forgot the condition of the soil, which was softened considerable because of last night''s downpour as such it gave under the relentless struggle of the Imoogi it destabilized causing the traps to fail as such the Imoogi was free, who bull rushed towards Ryuu, who was already swinging his sword trying to harm the Immogi, he somehow managed to dodge the beast as he held on to one of its scale as the beasts made it way up the mountain bulldozing its way through the rocks and trees, before completely collapsing the mountain top as it rose up in air giving out a triumphant roar, before he shook violently flinging Ryuu from his back.


    Ryuu''s eye widened in horror as he lost his grip from the Imoogi''s back and was send flying as he looked towards the ground which was thousands of feet beneath him, as he turned his head towards the Imoogi his eyes turned wide with horror as he saw the massive jaw of Imoogi wide open its foot long teeth glistening under the sun as saliva dripped from its tongue, that was the last thing Ryuu saw before he was swallowed whole.


    The Imoogi gave a triumphant roar as he made a few loops in the air as its glance fell on the village, as it thought, ''Those pesky humans have infuriated me I will annihilate every single human within a thousand mile that will teach them what it mean to infuriate me.'', as he began to descend down towards the village with incredible speed, he was sure the way it destroyed the traps he has certainly killed all the followers of the hairless ape.


    The villagers were frozen in fear as they were trembling under the awe inspiring sight of an Imoogi a beast of legend to them.


    Meanwhile Anne dug herself out from the rubble, as well as the other companions of Ryuu, they were not hurt in the slightest except they were just caught off guard by the Imoogi, a beast so low level that it was not even worthy enough to be in their presence as such they lost their interest on it but kept supporting Ryuu every now and then slowly they lowered their guard down when the accident occurred the Imoog got free.


    Jeeva spoke loudly with anxiety, "Your Highness where are you? Are you alright?", before she focused on searching Ryuu''s energy signature as her mouth widen in horror as a fearfully shriek escaped from her lips, "Cursed Heavens, it ate His Highness."


    This caused the others to freeze in fear as a single thought ran through their mind, ''They were so dead with a capital ''D'', they will not be able to escape from their punishment as their negligence caused Ryuu''s death they should simply slit their throats and hope they died long before they are punished for it they know if they are caught even death will become an unachievable luxury to them.''

 100 Punishmen

    Aika had never in her short life felt so much fear, she for over a couple of millennia had worked as a maid for The Royal Family of Ayindril, after a long and arduous journey she had succeeded in reaching her position of Senior Maid. In Ayindril the maids are all divided into 5 categories, ''Apprentice Maid'', ''Junior Maid'', ''Maid'', ''Senior Maid'', ''Head Maid'', currently she was Senior Maid as such she was well accustomed to the punishments and rewards granted to the people of Ayindril, and she knew she had failed she should have gone with the others and now even death seems like mercy to her.


    She took with great speedtowards the Imoogi with intense hatred in her eyes, at least if she bring backs the Imoogi''s head the Royal Family might just grant her a swift painless death, only to stop as the Imoogi gave a painful roar as it twisted and turned before it crashed on the ground with a loud bang.


    It thrashed on the ground hard causing earthquake strong enough to shake the village, as it painful roar brought chill in everyone''s spine. Suddenly it breathed out huge columns of smoke as blood poured out of its mouth before it vomited hard, a small human shaped person fell out of its mouth as the Imoogi regurgitated the contents of its stomach.


    Aika did not give the Imoogi any chance as her spear found itself impaling the Imoogi through its skull, as a loud explosion near the stomach area of the Imoogi occurred effectively killing it, she dashed towards the person who was on all four she did not show any form of disdain as the unbearable stench hit her nostrils as from the digestive fluid covered Ryuu, who was now emptying his stomach as the smell was too much for him, she just kneeled beside him as she gently rubbed his back as he vomitied.


    She asked with great concern, "Your Highness are you alright, do you need any help?"


    Ryuu just shook his head negatively, as he went to retort her angrily as such he opened his mouth to speak,''Bllluurrrrrrrgggggggggggghhhhh'', was the only noise that came out of his mouth as he emptied his stomach.


    A couple of minutes ago, Ryuu was swallowed by the thrice damned Imoogi, as he was send down the ooey gooey slippery caverns which was the esophagus of the Immogi as he got coated by the saliva he used his sword to stab hard inside the Imoogi''s flesh stopping his descend, he simple used his Ki to lit a fire which showed that he was near the stomach of the beast only a large fleshylower esophageal sphincter separating him from the stomach, a cold sweat dripped from his brow he was so glad that he was not inside the stomach itself as a quick plan came into his mind as he gave a devilish smirk.


    Ryuu spoke in a tone laced with anger, "You cheap imitation of a dragon you had the audacity to eat me, I will punish you for your insolence."


    Using the sword as a support he spoke with a devilish grin, "Let us all burn."


    Soon enough he became the very representation of human torch, a simple skill which was available to him after he gained enough insight in the Supreme Dao of Fire, at first he thought it was a unique trait only to have his joy doused by his teachers as anyone with enough mastery of the five basic elemental Dao could utilize it in such a way.


    Currently he was covered in a very powerful conflagration which was visibly roasting the beast from the inside out, suddenly another roar came which caused his ears to start to ringing, he knew he could not hold it for long his Ki was depleting at a visible space, but he did not give up as he started etching a powerful explosion Array on the beast''s flesh, then all of a sudden without warning the stomach acid came out along with partly digested carcass of food it had consumed before as Ryuu was carried along with it outside, all the while taking Ryuu a tumble up the esophagus in a rather violent manner causing him to forcefully ingest a bit of those stomach fluids, as soon as he was outside Ryuu detonated array ripping the insides of the Imoogi killing it but then it hit him he was completely drenched in foul smelling stomach fluids of the beast, normally because of his high level he could easily hold his breath up to more than an hour but during his escape he had somehow ingested the disgusted stomach liquid coupled with the smell caused him to vomit, he was feeling sick and dirty his vision stated to swim and soon he lost conciousness.


    Ryuu slowly opened his eyes as he saw the smiling visage of his 3rd oldest Sister Shamiran, "So how are you doing Ryuu we heard how got eaten by an Imoogi are you alright now."


    Ryuu gave a tired smile as he spoke with a hoarse voice, "I am fine big sister."


    Shamiran gave a smirk as she spoke, "So did you enjoy taking a dip in Imoogi''s stomach fluids?"


    Ryuu''s face turned an interesting shade of green as he quickly put his hands on his mouth trying to contain the bile that was rising up his throat, as he send a glare towards his sister, the last thing he needed now was to be reminded of his terrible ordeal.


    Shamiran picked a glass of as she helped her brother drink it.


    Ryuu: "So when di you arrive big sister?"


    Shamiran: "I arrived within a few minutes after you lost your consciousness, you''re other sisters wanted to be here but their wok prevented them arriving here. It was unfortunate that you had to go through such an ordeal rest assured those maids will be severely punished for their incompetence."


    Upon hearing about punishment Ryuu''s blood froze, after spending so many years he knew that his sisters were ruthless while punishing someone, and tend to go overboard sometimes, he still remembers a few years ago one of the maids accidently broke a favorite vase of one of his sisters, she was sentenced to a thousand whip lashes.


    Ryuu spoke with a kind smile, "I know sister but they were not at fault we were just caught by surprised, as such the accident took place."


    Shamiran just shook her head as she replied, "No brother they were slacking plain and simple as such they should be punished."


    Ryuu argued back, "Sister they were ordered to lower their strength to low Primal Daoist level, as such they were caught off guard as .....", he stopped speaking receiving a slight glare from Shamiran.


    Shamiran, "A cultivator just because they lowered their strength does not mean their awareness should drop as well, they were ordered to prevent any life threatening scenario from happening, yet not only had they failed to react they even got blindsided by a low Primal Daoist level beasts when they could slap an Immortal to death, such a folly is inexcusable."


    Ryuu tried to argue, "But sister...��.", only to flinch back as he lowered his eyes never had his sister had glared back so much with such anger.


    Shamiran spoke with anger, "Ryuu, since when did you become above the Law and Rules of Ayindril, what made you so cocky to try and by pass the laws."


    Seeing Ryuu had his head down, Shamiran spoke harshly, "If you have something to say speak up, Ryuu and look at my eyes when I am speaking."


    Ryuu spoke with teary eyes, as his sisters were treating him so harshly, "Sisters, I know they broke laws but please I know them from when I was a child so please do not punish them so harshly."


    Shamiran looked at Ryuu with a complete stoic look on her face, ''In any other person were present they would not have bothered with it on the contrary they would have called for even harsher punishment, but Ryuu only reluctantly agreed to the punishment because I acted harshly with him.''


    Shamiran as such gave a soft smile to Ryuu as she spoke, "I give my words I will make sure they are treated as leniently as possible."


    Ryuu nodded at that although he was not happy with that but beggars cannot be choosers and he knows how stubborn his sisters are.


    Shamiran: "Well if there is nothing more I will be taking my leave, although you have been asleep for more than an entire day I recommend a couple of days of rest as it will do you more good."


    Ryuu nodded but he remembered something, "Sister is there any way to get a few cultivation methods and couple skills."


    Shamiran raised her delicate brow in confusion as she asked, "Why do you need them brother?"


    Ryuu: "Well I made some friends in Tardide, who I want to help as such I want to gift them a couple of Cultivation manuals, as well as couple of techniques, nothing to precious as most of them have less than 40 spirit wells open in them, giving them stronger techniques will not only be wastage but will bring calamity for them, as for techniques they strongest they have is an axe based technique which barely qualifies as a level 2, I just wish if possible to donate something to them."


    Shamiran, ''Well we do not run any form of charity, but since my brother asked it will for his very first friend well we can easily procure something for him, but really he is sly he may not be allowed to spread Ayindril''s teachings, neither he is allowed to take students but deliver from sources outside of Ayindril''s library it is very clever tactics.'', "Well I will definitely deliver couple of low leveled cultivation manuals, and some low leveled techniques from Shangri-La. But now just take some rest I will be sending someone with some food try eating as much as you can.", with that she left leaving Ryuu alone in his room, but not before poking some fun on his horrendous experience, "Bye Bye Vomit Boy!"


    Ryuu froze as he heard his older sister''s teasing, as such he swore out loud enough for the entire household to hear, "Someday I will prank you so hard that you will all suffer terrible nightmares for eternity."


    His sister responded with a loud laugh as voice came floating to his ears, "Have fun trying to prank us in your dreams, ''V-O-M-I-T B-O-Y''."


    Ryuu shuddered with anger before he took deep breaths to calm his nerves, ''someday, someday there will be reckoning.'', he thought as he clenched his fists.


    Inside a dark dungeon 6 figures were hung from the ceiling with their hands tied with the help of meet hooks, they were stripped of any clothing and their body was covered with various bruises and welts some of them fresh as they were still bleeding, their beautiful face nowhere recognizable.


    Suddenly a person entered the room picked a buckets as the contents were splashed on them waking them up.


    The figure spoke with a light giggle, "So how does it feel to be bathed in the same liquid that caused my brother to become sick.", the liquid caused them to feel intense pain but they were unable to speak after hours of intense punishments their voice were to hoarse to speak, as such no sound escaped their lips.


    If Ryuu was present here he could have recognized the people as his teammates with exception to Aika as she was the one who chose them for the mission.


    Antariskh stepped in front of them, with Shamiran and Sylvana flanking her, "Well it seems our baby brother does not want to punish you, in fact he fought for your you lot to be exempt from any form of punishment but unfortunately because of the laws we cannot overlook it as such your punishment is as follows...."

 101 The Festival

    Ryuu woke up early next day as he sat up giving a huge yawn, a maid entered the room greeting Ryuu, "Good Morning you''re highness."


    Ryuu eyes focused on the newcomer as his vision cleared he was greeted with a smiling visage of Biskha.


    Ryuu was happy to see Biskha again, she was not only the first person he met after coming to Ayindril all those years ago but she had been one of the maids who had been taking care of him the longest, "Biskha Good Morning, but why are you here? Did not leave with Big Sister''s group?"


    Biskha: "Well her Highness send me to look after you in Aika''s place, why you''re Highness are you not happy to see me?"


    Ryuu: "No no I am very happy to see, you have been taking care of me for so long why would I not be happy to see you, I was just curious that is why I asked why you were here, and Biskha drop this you''re highness thing I told you I do not like it.", he finished speaking while pouting.


    Biskha spoke with a smile, "Well Lord Ryuu, I told you that I cannot speak with you, without giving you any form of respect, also my Lord the village head man came and he invited you to attend a festival that is held yearly at this village in order to honor their ancestors."


    Ryuu was stunned, "Festival, really so when will it be held?"


    Biskha: "It will start around late morning, also he mentioned that there will be a small feast held and we all are invited to attend. Oh also your sisters send the items you requested."


    Ryuu spoke happily, "That is the most wonderful news I received today. So any idea on what I should wear and any customs I should be aware of while visiting them, oh when do you think I should gift them those techniques."


    Biskha: "There is no restriction on wearing anything and as for customs well they are a few, they have to fast till the start of the ceremony when they will drop various food specially the favorite food of the deceased on a bon fire according to them the smell of the burnt food will be carried to the deceased."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Well then I also wish to join in their celebration, so send someone to inquire if it is possible for me to join, and if they have no problem then prepare a few of my mother''s favorite food as well as a glass of nice wine. "


    As the time for the celebration began Ryuu came along with a few of the maids present in his house as a few of them opted to stay back.


    As Ryuu stepped inside the village, his friends quickly surrounded him.


    Estelle: "Ryuu we were so worried we heard what happened while trying to hunt the Imoogi, it was so scary and huge, and we thought you were severely injured as such we tried to visit you but we were not allowed, boo hooo", she hugged him tightly as she cried hard.


    He was soon engulfed in a hug by all his friends, Ryuu was confused he did not know how to react if he should be touched at their concern or feel embarrassed at how he defeated the Imoogi, will they also make fun of him if they heard about it just like his sister as his mind conjured an image of an older Ryuu walking towards some faceless people as he raised his hand as he greeted them, "Hey Everyone howdy~"


    The people replied back in chorus, "Hello Daoist Vomit Boy!", he just wanted to crawl inside a hole and die.


    Seeing the mental crisis Bisakha quickly send a mental message to him, ''Lord Ryuu this people just know you defeated the Imoogi how you did is not known to them, they will only know what you wish for them to know."


    As such his face morphed into a big grin as his eyes lit up in an unholy flame and as such his friends were greeted with an awe inspiring tale along with some older people about how he defeated the Imoogi.


    His little group was star struck as they looked at him with awe and some even with jealousy wishing they were in his shoes.


    Meanwhile Bisakha looked with a frown on her face she was not in any form or position to say something to Ryuu but she did not like how he was mingling with some civilians who would never make a decent cultivator, Ryuu and those children are of different worlds this children will nothing but one day grow old and die without doing anything significant in their life where as her liege will not only become immortal but a very reverend person one day, this people will only cause heartache to her Lord nothing more nothing less.


    Soon the festival began a huge bonfire was lit the village head went near it as he dropped a few things into the fire as he moved twice around it randomly dropping things on it and as soon as he moved further away, a single member from each household stood in a line as they went dropping the food items while they rotated around the bonfire twice, soon it was Ryuu''s turn some of the villagers gossiped and his friends looked a little uncomfortable at that.


    As Salome grabbed his arms and dragged him amidst their little group, before Percy asked, "Brother, this was meant for people who are deceased but you are Immortal cultivator why were you participating in this ceremony."


    Ryuu spoke with a sad smile, "Just because you are cultivator it does not make you Immortal, they so called Immortal have such a huge life span that comparing them to normal humans makes them seem like Immortal but they too can be killed, and as for the ceremony I participated in order to honor my mother and aunt."


    They were stunned to hear that, Estelle spoke in a small voice, "What do you mean by your mother and aunt wasn''t she a cultivator?"


    Ryuu spoke while he stared into space as his eyes glazed slightly, "My mother and aunt were very strong cultivators, but unfortunately we garner attention of wrong kind of people, they died trying to protect me."


    The group was stunned silent as Xavier spoke, "What about you''re other family members? Your sisters you talked so much about, why did they not help you?"


    Ryuu: "My family is gone as for my sisters they are actually my teacher''s daughters, well since my teacher treat me as a family, I call my teacher''s daughters as such.", they were stunned to hear that, Ryuu continued, "The life of a cultivator is not easy it is filled with many difficulties and tribulations a single misstep will claim your life as well as your loved ones too."


    Ryuu watched the bonfire roaring towards the sky his eyes filled with sadness, is it crime to wish to revert back time to when it was just the three of them a small a happy family, he raised his hand as he rubbed his eyes preventing the tears that were threatening to fall, after all neither his mother nor his aunt would love to see him so sad.

 102 Sorry Mr. Sain

    A plethora of different foods were arranged for the feast, as the village people gathered around it before praying again as they started eating, Ryuu himself had been escorted with honor by the Village Chief himself, Ryuu eat a healthy serving of curry rice with a side of fried fish, normally Ryuu eats more than a few adult males themselves but he knew that the village did not have too much resource as such he did not want to sink his fangs on the already dwindling resources of the village, he saw from the corner of his eyes that his escorts understood the sameas they ate just to honor their host. To Ryuu who had tasted Spirit Food since as long as he could remember the normal food tasted a bit bland, but seeing the excited and happy smile on his friend''s face he understood that they did not get to eat even this too often.


    Soon they finished eating, and it was time for Ryuu to leave.


    Ryuu quickly gathered his friends around him as he spoke, "Everyone I got some gifts for you."


    At that everyone was happy only for their happiness turned to shock and awe as Ryuu produced a few cultivation manuals as well as a few manuals of various Techniques mostly of Rank 2 and below.


    Ladon the oldest among the village children, "Ryuu is this, what I think this is?", Ryuu nodded heavily with a smile, "But you said you could not teach us anything much less give us anything related to cultivation.", he stammered out.


    Ryuu spoke with a smile, "I said I will not be able to teach you anything from my master''s library, but this are something my sister bought from outside as such I have no problem giving you this and as for teaching you I have not taught you anything, and neither will I teach you anything but that doesnot mean I cannot offer my help and advice.", he finished with a wink.


    The children of Tardide were floored by Ryuu''s generosity, Cultivation Manuals and Techniques were very rare and priceless for the residents of Tardide, as such they were deeply moved now they will be able to become like those Heroes and Heroines they had read in stories.


    Ryuu smiled at their happy reactions as they nearly cried with joy specially the girls, and he returned the hug with equally jubilation, while inwardly he frowned, ''I may have given them various manuals and techniques but at the end of the day they have too low spirit veins, lower than 40 and the resources mainly the Ki present in this area is so low that they will be already in their thirties before they can evn thing of stepping into Houtian Realm, and if they want to step into even higher Realms, they have to move into much better places but then their lack of Spirit Veins will drag them down.''


    After sometime Ryuu returned back home as he entered he automatically nodded his head as he was welcomed by those who stayed behind, he turned towards Biskha as he spoke, "Biskha, please make me something I am famished."


    Biskha just nodded at Ryuu as she went towards the kitchen while inwardly thinking, ''His Highness is really hungry, for someone who can eat at least 5 adult''s worth of spirit food, for him to only eat normal food that to equivalent to a child, is too little.''


    When Ryuu left with his escorts to join the celebration during the evening, Ryuu had learnt that the people of the village celebrated the auspicious day by offering prayers and food for their deceased ancestors during the day and by continuing the celebration through singing and dancing during the entire evening, they believed doing so would mean that they will show their ancestors that they have nothing to worry about.


    But, when Ryuu arrived he was greeted by a pin drop silence, as he noticed that the people of the village were grouped together he found his friends distraught and the people of local militia lying on the ground in the pool of blood,a group of five people standing with one of themwhich he presumed to be the leader of the said group was standing with one of his legs on top of old man Arpaesis, the village Headman of Tardide.


    The dirty blond man who had his feet on top of Arpaesis, "Now Now it is not difficult to understand you are going to pay 5000 gold coins, and hurry we do not have any time, oh and do not forget to get us all of your harvest, look at you all getting fattened up like pigs you should learn to share, now hurry up do not waste our time."


    One of the elderly villager begged with a little fear, "My lord if you take all our harvest we won''t be able to eat anything for months, please we have children and as for so much money we can hardly scrap a hundred gold coins let alone 5000, please have mercy."


    The man got visibly angry if the pulsing vein on his head was any indications, as such shouted out in anger, "You senile shitty old fool if you have problem feeding those rat stains you call children then kill them, but I want my crops and as for money I do not care I want 5000 gold coins not a single coin less.", as he flared his 1st rank Xiantian level cultivation aura intimidating them.


    Then suddenly the aura dissipated as saintly smile took his face as he spoke, "However I am a merciful person, I should be called a saint since I show mercy to you bugs, even after you openly so brazenly deny to pay the tax for polluting my eyes by existing, as such I will show mercy by completely overlooking your audacity and exempt from you people by paying us tax, only if you allow every female in your village to accompany us and take care of our needs, do not worry after we get bored we will throw them back at this shit hoe, so boys what do you think ain''t I a saintly person."


    The other four stooges just laughed loudly at that as they spoke, "You are really so magnanimous boss, you are epitome of saint, hahahahaha", all the while leering at the females of Tardide irrespective of their age.


    Suddenly the leader of the group disappeared from his original place as a loud boom was heard from a few meters behind the rest of the group as a childish voice came to everyone''s ears, "Oops,sorry Mr. Saint,I got a little late and as such I tried to come as soon as possible but unfortunately I slipped I hope you did not get hurt ''Mr. Saint''."


    As everyone turned to look the saw a smiling Ryuu with his left leg stretched out and he was clearly missing the sandal on the said foot, all the while he was smiling with his eyes closed as he took a small folding fan as he opened it with a ''clack'', as he covered his mouth from other''s view with it.


    To the children and even some villagers of Tardide he looked like some Hero from the stories they read while inside his mind he envisioned chibi versions of his elder sisters gave him a thumbs up as they held a placard with number 10, while shouting, ''Congrats Brother, you just nailed the ''Perfect Hero Entrance''.''

 103 You’re Lowliness

    Ryuu kept speaking in a faux regret filled tone, "Oh seems like I might have hit you too much ''Mr. Saint'', I hope your lowliness will excuse me while I retrieve my sandal."


    With that Ryuu made his move to everyone except his escorts he just vanished from their eye.


    Gangu the boss of the group was lying inside a crater in daze, until he was brought back to his senses from the pain caused by a pair of broken ribs, but fortunately for him the adrenaline managed to fuel his anger as he tried to get up from his previous position, as he shouted out, "You piece of shit I.....", only to be stomped by Ryuu hard as a sickening crunch was heard his chest caved in a little as he sprouted out fresh blood, while the crater enlarged in size.


    Ryuu gave a false look of embarrassment which anyone even a blind person could see as he spoke, "oh my I am so sorry your lowliness, and your ''Saintly Aura'' blinded me so much that I ended up walking over you please forgive this ignorant child, let me help you up.", with that Ryuu bend down as if he tried to help the man by helping him stand up holding his hands only for another sickening crunch to be heard as the howling of the man followed soon after as Ryuu had snapped both his arms. This incident finally awoke the rest of Gangu''s men who roared in anger, "How dare you no name punk mess with us, we will show you the true strength of a cultivator and teach you the folly of meddling with the elders using some tricks.", with that declaration their strength of peak of Houtian level exploded causing the village people near them to cry out in fear as they rushed towards Ryuu.


    Ryuu looked at them with pity, since the young age his masters had pounded into his head that no matter how unappealing or harmless your opponent looks, no matter their age sex or color, no matter their cultivation level, no matter if they are mortal or immortal one should never underestimate ones enemy because it takes only a single well timed well placed hit to take one''s life. To Ryuu they looked like perfect definition of an idiot, just because he looks young does not correlate to his strength moreover if he has the audacity and if he were to borrow their words ''meddle with them using some tricks'', how did they not know that he might have some more to defeat them, he shook his head with a sigh a he looked up wondering if he had been cursed with being a magnet for this idiots, as his face took a melancholic look as he let out a tired sigh while he whispered lowly but loud enough for his escorts to hear, "Why what kind of crime did I commit during my previous life, who did I angered so much that I have to deal with this fools everywhere I go.", no one answered the melancholic boy as he did his monologue as if the universe itself ignored him, while a few of his escorts did not know how to approach him, while Biskha just a small smirk on her lips, even after all these years he still found Ryuu to be absolutely hilarious.


    As the men neared him Ryuu casually glanced at them as he raised the folded fan up before he took a step towards them, the first idiot came in with a mace he hit his arms hard with a snap it broke as a shrill cry escaped the first idiots lips, the second one he kicked had his ribs broken before he went and collided with the third, but before he could react his legs were snapped by Ryuu, the fourth hesitated long enough for Ryuu to come closer and slapped him, and slapping did he do as the man was send flying with his teeth escaping from his mouth like a geyser, the fifth one was real piece of work, he made Ryuu feel sick as he gagged from the whip of fresh bodily odor that escaped from him not to mention the dazzling teeth, seeing him a horrified Ryuu thought, ''The last time this fellow had taken a bath or brushed his teeth was when he was a toddler, and now he 40 something old person.''


    He quickly used his KI to form a huge torrent of water which hit the man hard enough to break a few of his bones.


    Ryuu went and stood in front of the villagers with his back turned towards them, as he spoke loud enough for everyone to hear his tone palpating with anger, "You mongrels how long are you going to lie down kneel already", he roared out to them but all he received was loud grown s from them.


    Ryuu ordered in a calm tone, "Biskha, it would be lovely if you were to find me a nice sturdy cane, it seems I have to educate these plebeians with some much needed manners and Navi please check and provide necessary medical assistance to the injured villagers."


    Biskha just bowed at him and vanished from sight only to return a few seconds later with a nice long and sturdy cane, while Navi was busy helping out the injured people of the village she was joined by the other villagers who wished to help their family.


    Ryuu spoke while checking out the cane, "Marvelous Biskha this cane will do amazing job", before he turned his attention towards Gangu and his crew as he spoke angrily, "I said kneel in front of me you worthless waste spaces."


    Landon and his friends as well as the other villagers were afraid they were being harassed by this bandits who were humiliating them hurting them, they wanted to go to Ryuu in order to ask for help but were stopped by the elders how could they ask for someone who was their guest for help when they themselves could not solve the problem in their own house, but then he appeared like those heroes of fairy tale, he crushed those people almost play fully and now Ryuu was angry and had gotten a cane!, they were perplexed about what he was going to do with it.


    Suddenly the air seemed to freeze around them, it was suddenly a lot colder and they felt the hair on their neck to rise up, as they all felt somewhat uneasy but they were stunned when they looked towards the villains who had tried to raid their small village.


    Gangu had never felt so much fear the child no older than some of the children of the village had defeated as he was swatting off a bug, he in his long life of more than 40 years never seen anything like that he was afraid, when the monster in human form had ordered them to kneel he was afraid to move then it hit them a monstrous KI so huge he had never felt before and then came the killing intent, so huge and monstrous that he could practically taste his own blood as such with great difficulty he kneeled in front of him.


    As soon as the kneeled came the torrential blows from the cane, Ryuu did not take a single step but to the onlookers he still managed to hit this goons with cane, as various cuts and bruises appeared on them as they started to cry out in anguish, it was quite the sight to see grownup kids bawling their eyes like little kids.


    "Please please stop, I will never try to loot anyone please do not hit me anymore, I have children and wife to feed please have mercy, please spare our lives your Lordship.", came the shout from some of them amidst the whacking of the cane.


    After a few dozen of hits the whacking stopped the goons whimpered in sheer fear of Ryuu.


    Ryuu: "Swear here and now, swear on the Heavenly Dao using you name that you will never harm this village, swear it."


    The group somehow managed to swear on the Heavenly Dao, the villagers watched in fascination as the sky suddenly thundered five times, they looked up only to see a clear star filled sky.


    Ryuu spoke with a smile on his face, "The oath with Heavens as it witness as you heard from the loud boom meant that no matter what you may never break that oath upon pain of death and having your soul erased from existence, now scram began from my sight I grow tire of you.", as he spoke he send a very powerful Sword Force induced attack near them which managed to draw a very deep yet a dozen of meters long on the ground scaring the goons who ran as fast they could with their injured self.


    As they goons scampered away, the villagers surrounded Ryuu with joy as he has saved them yet again from possible disaster, Ryuu sighed as he looked at his cane which looked as if it will fall apart any second, as he inwardly mused ''what a waste of a perfectly good cane'', as he gently tossed it away.

 104 Love?

    Biskha was kneeling in front of Antariskh giving her daily report since the incident with Imoogi she had taken up Aika''s responsibility who was currently indisposed because of her punishment.


    As she finished he report Antariskh gave a tired sigh as she thought, ''Oh baby brother I am utterly disappointed with you, and I do not tolerate disappointments it seems I have to teach you as your eldest sister a very important lesson.''


    Ryuu spent most of his days after that incident giving tips and advices to his friendswho had thrown themselves in training but alas all things should come to an end as at the end of the week his sisters had arrived and they will have toleave that place.


    Ryuu spoke in a sad tone, "Why sister? I do not want to leave from this place so soon."


    Antariskh: "Well brother it cannot be helped because something came up we lost a lot of time and we have still so much to teach you as such we have to leave."


    Ryuu: "But sister...��.."


    Sylvana: "No but Ryuu we have to leave today, so please go and say your goodbyes to them who knows how long it will be till you meet them, and we have only a little over a month left before we return to Ayindril to celebrate your birthday, now run along the longer you wait the less time you will have to spend with your friends and remember we have only a couple of hours at best before we leave not a second more."


    Ryuu sulked as his shoulders drooped as he made his way to his friends.


    Ryuu greeted them but he lacked his usual bout of energy, causing his friends to frown.


    Percy asked him with concern, "Ryuu what happened you look so sad?", a feeling shared by everyone.


    Ryuu: "My older sisters came back, I will be leaving within a few hours."


    This caused his friends to freeze thy felt as if the sky fell on them.


    Narcisa: "What this is not right why you have to leave no all of a sudden?"


    Ryuu: "My sisters took on a trip to teach me a few things like hunting and what not, but something came up which required their immediate attention as such they left me here but now since their work is done it is time for me to leave."


    Channah one of the youngest among them spoke, "Ryuu you do not have to leave why you don''t just defeat your sisters and make them agree with you."


    Ryuu shook his head as he replied, "My sisters are very powerful Channah, they can defeat beings many times stronger than that Imoogi with just a sneeze, as such there is no way I can win against them. Also it is not only not nice, it is something I will never condone and the notion of rising one''s hand on their elder sibling outside of spar is blasphemous to me."


    His friends just hugged him as they gave a tearful goodbye; Ryuu''s eyes became red with tears. Biskha suddenly appeared as she gave a low bow before speaking, "Lord Ryuu it is time.", her words were small but it was enough for them to realize that everything good must come to an end one day, their parents had warned them that no matter how close they might get to Ryuu one day he will return back to his home and they might never see him again, at that time they did not pay head to it but now it all seemed so surreal their memories they shared with Ryuu.


    Fresh tears leaked from their eyes as the hugged Ryuu who returned the gesture with a tearful hug of his own.


    Estelle: "Big Brother, please promise us you will come back. Wuwuwuw", the little girl cried as tears cascaded from her eyes like waterfall.


    Ryuu spoke as he choked from sob, "I promise I will return as soon as I am able to then we can have fun together again."


    Their cries had attracted the attention of the adults of the village they themselves were sad to see Ryuu leave, some quickly made their way home so that they could at least bring something to give Ryuu as a way for him to remember them.


    Biskha frowned at that the scene Ryuu was getting too attach to people who according to her was insignificant beings who had no right to stand at the same position, breath the same air as Ryuu let alone claim themselves as his friends the idea itself seemed ludicrous to her.


    As Ryuu was leaving he was gifted various items from wood carvings to pickles and dumplings he received them with kind smile, but what took the cherry on top of the cake was when Narcisa pecked him on his cheeks causing Ryuu start glowing red like a tomato, Narcisa herself had hid her face embarrassed as others made fun of them, few of them even wolf whistled at that.


    BIskha was very angry, ''how dare that no good peasant child dared to touch his Highness in such an in appropriate manner.'' she would have taken her head for her audacity the only thing stopped her was an order which was hastily transmitted to her by her Majesty.


    Ryuu stammered out, "G-go-good Bye N-narcisa, and ta-take care."


    Narcisa just nodded she was so embarrassed to even look up as she just nodded and whispered, "Good Bye Ryuu, take care of yourself and I will wait for your return."


    Ryuu left soon after as he boarded the carriage waiting for him, as he walked back his eyes were dazed his mind reeling in the memory of getting kissed as he was alternating between different shades of red.


    As he boarded he was greeted with a grinning visage of Shamiran a grin he was too familiar with causing him to pale, his sisters knew and now they would tease him relentlessly.


    Shamiran mimicked as false male voice as she spoke, "G-go-good Bye N-narcisa, and ta-take care."


    Sylvana quickly followed her lead as she spoke in squeaky voice, "Good Bye Ryuu, take care of yourself and I will wait for your return."


    Before they broke into laughter before an extremely embarrassed Ryuu descended upon them in order to unleash righteous fury on them, as Ryuu chased after them Antaariskh looked at them with an amused smirk on her lips before it turned to a frown as she noticed a troubled expression on Biskha''s face.


    Antariskha: "Is something troubling you Biskha?"


    Biskha just nodded as she spoke, "Permission to speak freely your Highness."


    Antariskh just gave a nod of affirmation with that Biskha spoke out her concern, "I do not like Lord Ryuu taking a likening to someone as lowly as that peasant child."


    Antariskh: "HO so you are troubled by it."


    Biskah just gave a nod of affirmation as Antariskh gave a small giggle at that as she spoke, "Biskha, dear how did you think that any of our sisters and I including our parents will accept Ryuu''s having relationship with such a lowly worm, it is like a dwarf trying to touch the moon, it is just a puppy love we will make sure to make Ryuu forget about it, my baby brother deserves much better but currently he should focus on cultivation he has goofed off enough for now."

 105 Golden Phoenix Pavilion

    Hayakawa, the largest city of Whuix province the same province where the village of Tardide is located, but the village is not only located in a much more remote corner of the province.


    The city lord of Hayakawa city is also the Province Governor ''Icas Brack'', a 3rd rank Primal Daoist at the age of 78 years, a righteous person who protects the week from the tyranny of the strong but according to Ryuu''s sisters, ''a rotten fish even if it is covered by a banana leaf it will still stink'', this was the case with the ''Icas Brack'', who under the cover of righteous nature is a corrupted person rotten to the core.


    As Ryuu''s group neared the entrance of the city he saw there were two different entrances on their side of the city, one was meant for commoners and the other for the cultivators. They had to pay a fee of 1 Low Tiered Spirit Stone for the whole entourage.


    Ryuu: "The city tax here is very Low compare to the last one where Mr. Porky was guarding."


    Antariskh: "This is the real standard Tax around the entire empire for capital city of each province, if the city governor/ province governor changes it without permission he/ she will be punished because of it."


    Ryuu nodded at that, as he drank into the sight of the city they visited all the new people customs their behavior the beautiful architecture he saw.


    Antariskh: "Find some nice hotel with nice rooms for us, we will be staying here for a couple of days at the very least. Now brother do you want to explore the city."


    Ryuu nodded so hard that his head might have gotten lose from his head.


    Ryuu accompanied by his sisters went out for a tour of the city, this time his eldest sister held his hands firmly.


    Ryuu a little embarrassed as he spoke, "Sister you do not have to hold my hand I am bug boy now."


    Antariskh: "uh huh we did the same mistake before and we lost you and you somehow managed to pick a fight with an Immortal."


    Ryuu blushed at that he had no excuse for his behavior even if his sisters saved him that day, as his 1st mistress always states ''Prevention is better than cure.''


    As they made their way through the ''Bazaar'', they were greeted by a plethora of cries as vendors tried selling their goods, they would usually try to literally drag any passerby passing in front of their stores but his sisters'' aura was enough to mark them as dangerous as such the vendors only tried to garner their attention without any form of physical contact.


    Ryuu''s attention was brought towards an old man selling some ornamental hair pins, he dragged his older sisters towards the man as he spoke, "Big sister I want to buy you all a hair pin, so please chose whichever you like."


    His sisters smiled at his kind gesture as they chose a few nice looking ones, while Shamiran helped Ryuu to bargain with the vendor and bought all three for them.


    Antariskh then guided them to an auction house, ''Golden Phoenix Pavilion'', was written in bold letters. Antariskh: "Ryuu we are going to visit the auction which will take place here within a few days there will be various things which will be auctioned here, also if you want you can sell some of your pills which you have concocted here as well as some of your talismans."


    Ryuu was always at awe at the information gathering capability of his sisters, they haven''t been here for much longer than a few hours yet she had already found so much about this place even the auction that will be held a few days from today, as such he voiced his concern nervously, "Sister, do you think that I should auction my stuff, I am only a peak level Wanxiang Adept Alchemist and Array Master, I do not think I should sell my stuff like this there will be much better people who would have their stuff sold."


    Sylvana snorted at that, "Baby brother I have seen your work as such I can assure you that your stuff is top notch compared to anyone work within this province."


    Ryuu was stunned hearing that a little bit more confident as he thought, ''If my sister says so it means I will not be embarrassing my teachers honor by churning out subpar stuff.''


    Sylvana spoke to her sisters, "Sister I will take Ryuu to register his stuffs for the auction, if you wish you may retire for today."


    Antariskh: "Well I will retire then what about you Shamian?"


    Shamiran: "Well I will follow our eldest sister, well so long then and take care."


    With that they left Ryuu with Sylvana who accompanied her into the ''Golden Phoenix Pavilion''.


    A very young woman, dressed in a borderline salacious manner greeted them, "Greetings, my name is Reuben how may I serve you.", giving out a sweet smile accompanied by a look which activated Ryuu''s flight or fight mode.


    Sylvana kept a stoic visage while she inwardly frowned, ''this floozy, this is why I hate second rate auction houses it is fine to distract customers to make them bid more but to directly approach to gain more from them through such underhanded means is where I draw a line, this woman must have mistaken my baby brother as some spoiled rich young master from those clans around this place as such she thought she might gain some personal favor by acting as such, ugh what a disgusting person.''


    Sylvana gave a reassuring one armed hug to Ryuu as she spoke, "My brother and I want to sell some of the products he created, I would love to speak with your manger about as such for wanting to put the items on auction.", she quickly flared a little bit of her aura causing the receptionist to shake with fear as she hurriedly informed her manager while guiding them inside a private room to conduct the business deal.


    A few minutes later a tall man with white hair came he had such a smile which seemed that only Buddha was capable of.


    "Hello my name is Jureks Lodi??, I was informed that you have arrived with a business proposition."


    He spoke politely, as he studied the two in front of him, a tall blue haired woman who had half of her face covered by a veil, but what caused him to shiver was the feeling he felt as he gazed at the woman who sat there looking like a queen and he a lowly peon tried to gaze at her face, not to mention the feeling of raw intoxicated power which was being released from her, ''this woman is dangerous very much so'', a thought ran through her mind.


    The companion of the woman was another matter a child of about 12 sat by her side, he was sitting like some price with prim and proper etiquette much better than the young masters he occasionally had to deal with.


    Sylvana spoke, "There are some items which my brother wishes to auction, and as such we accompanied him to strike a deal to have them auctioned on your ''Grand Auction'', which will be held a few days from today."


    The man while he had a smile on his face frowned inwardly at that, ''If the woman had some items which she herself had created it would be different but things created by a child, I will have to politely decline the last thing I want is some strong individual gunning for my life, but first at least I have to put up a show.''


    Jureks Lodi??: "My Lord and Lady, if you would be kind enough to show me items you wish to auction."


    Sylvana nodded at his request as she spoke, "Ryuu, would please show a single sample of each item you wished to auction, remember the best you can make."


    The man thought with disdain, ''the best does he have mud balls'', only for his disdain to morph into a mixture of horror, amazement and most importantly disbelieve as Ryuu placed couple of his items he wishes to auction.

 106 Negotiation

    Ryuu placed one ''Realm Ascension'' pill of peak Wanxiang Adept level, with near 80% quality, ''Thousand Poison Antidote'' of Wanxiang Adept realm with above 70% quality and a couple oftalismans each one of the of peak Wanxiang Adept realm comprising of binding, barrier and attack types.


    Jureks Lodi?? was dumbstruck because of the goods in front of him, various precious weapons, medicine or talismans is auctioned from time to time, but as Whuix province is actually on the more remote area, with the only saving grace are the wilderness and the trade routes which passes through it, but otherwise it does not have any such redeeming qualities, the Hayakawa branch of ''Golden Phoenix Pavilion'' had acquired many weapons, precious herbs, medicines etc. but mostly were of Low Wanxiang Adept, the only star of the show being a Rank 5 Spear Technique, which had been discovered in an ancient ruins, even though it is incomplete, he had thought that he would be able to reap a profit while selling them, but now as if a golden egg laying goose has fallen on his lap.


    Jureks Lodi??, almost drooled at the profit he would make, as such he decided to speak with extreme politeness laced with utmost devotion and flattery, "Your Highness this are extremely precious treasures, was this made by yours truly."


    Ryuu : "Yes, Mr. Lodi??, I am the one who made them."


    Jureks with a smile on his face spoke, "Truly incredible my old eyes have not deceived me, I knew when I laid my eyes on your highness, a once a millennia genius, I hope you will not mind if I inspect it a little bit."


    Ryuu gave permission with a nod, as the manager took one of the pill bottles, his hands shaking inside it was a single ''Realm Ascension pill'', as the bottle allowed him to clear vision of its content, but holding it in his hands as the smell of the medicine caused his thoughts to go haywire the quality is beyond anything he had laid his eyes on he had half a mind to consume it, but he with great difficulty put it down.


    He quickly checked the talisman''s each of them as precious as the other, he held them as if they were priceless treasure and incredibly fragile.


    The manager tore his attention from the stuffs lying in front of him as he smiled at them, "Your highness is these only things you have crafted or do you want to auction some more."


    Sylvana send a mental transmission to Ryuu and according to which he placed a few more ''Realm Ascension Pills'', bringing a set of 3 pills each for peak Wanxiang Adepts and Zifu Disciple respectively, but unlike the Wanxiang Adept ones, the Zifu Disciples ones were easily above 80% quality. The talismans ranged from a couple of attacks, defend, barrier, binding, detection types they worked as their name implied, they attacked, they increase the defense of a person, helps in creating a barrier field, helps in immobilizing and detect any forms of traps or any type of person/beings hidden. On top of that Ryuu was also selling a single pill for ''Thousand Poison Antidote'', as the name implied it can be used as an antidote for various kinds of poison a very rare kind of pill.


    Jureks: "Thank you my Lord I will have this priceless creation of yours showcased on the grand auction that will be held on 3 days from now, I promise that I will personally make sure that your goods will be sold with the highest price. So about the commission will 20% of the selling price suffice?"


    Sylvana: "You must be joking right, 10% and not a single percent more."


    Jureks: "Your Highness, you have to understand that there is lots of money involved in holding an auction the cost of staff and��.."


    Sylvana raised her hand making him to stop speaking, "Mr. Lodi??, I very much understand where you are coming from, but I will not increase the percentage it is non-negotiable, hence you better make sure that the items that my brother put up for auction gets a decent price, if you have any problem please speak now as we will be happy to visit some other place."


    Jureks just shook his head with a nervous laugh, "No no your Lordship there will be no problem the auction will be very successful."


    Sylvana nodded at that, as the Manager drew a contract under the scrutinizing eye of Sylvana, Ryuu and the manager both signed when Sylvana confirmed there was no legal loopholes, Ryuu gave the custody of his goods to the manger.


    Jureks: "Your Highness, will you be attending the auction yourself? And if so what kind of sitting arrangement will you prefer."


    Sylvana: "Of course we will attend and what kind of sitting arrangement will you be able to provide."


    The manager spoke with a soft smile as he replied, "The entrance fee is 2 low grade Spirit stones but as you are our special guests it is for free, then there is the VIp sections which are 10 Low grade Spirit Stones each, we have a few refreshment booths and much wider and cozier seats for our guest who are opting for it and the Royal Balconies we have only 10 of those they are covered with one way glasses to protect the privacy of the guests, you will be provided with personal assistant who will cater to your every need, and by every means everything", Ryuu had a confused look on his face heqaring that, whereas Sylvana had a scowl on her face, the man continued uninterrupted, "those booths each hold a maximum of seven person not counting the assistants, as such they are priced at 2 Mid Grade Spirit stones, for each booth."


    Sylvana: "Is it possible to book in advance?"


    Jureks : "Of course it is possible in fact we encourage booking in advance how ever you will get no refunds upon cancellation it is actually policy of our Pavilion.", he finished with a somber tone, making Ryuu feel as if the man himself is paying from his pockets.


    Sylvana took out a couple of Mid Grade Spirit Stones as she handed to the manager as she spoke, "I would love to book a Royal Balcony and I would hope you will have the best one for us."


    The Man stood up again while accepting as he bowed couple of times before he handed a token to Sylvana.


    Sylvana spoke in a kind tone contrary to the cold stoic voice she was using while speaking to the Manager of ''Golden Phoenix Pavilion'', "Ryuu, let us return back to our hotel, our work here is done."


    Ryuu nodded as he replied, "As you wish big sister."


    Jureks hurriedly spoke, "Please allow me to escort you Highnesses back to your hotel."


    Sylvana replied back in cold tone, "There is no need to trouble yourself, no please excuse us."


    With that they left the auction house, leaving a bowing Jureks Lodi?? who when they were out of sight started jumping up and down while shouting, "I struck gold I struck gold, hahahahaha".


    His laughter caught the attention of his staffs, who had peaked inside the room to see an excited Jureks Lodi?? jumping around like monkey.


    Jureks Lodi?? quicly summoned couple of his workers as he barked out orders to them, "You all are going to spread the news I want every people inside Hayakawa city now about ........"


    Meanwhile Sylvana and Ryuu made their way to their hotel, a fairly well decorated hotel situated in more posh area of the city, the hotel itself had the aristocracy vibe in it, as they reached the reception area of the Hotel, which was named ''Tengoku'', Biskha greeted them, "Welcome Your Ladyship, Welcome Your Lordship, I hope your business was well taken care of."


    Sylvana just gave a small nod as she spoke, "Yes it was satisfactory, please guide us to our rooms and inform our sisters that we have arrived."


    Biskha bowed as she spoke, "Yes you''re Majesty, but I bring a bad news and I wish to beg for your forgiveness for causing you inconvenience."


    Sylvana raised her delicate left brow as she spoke, "BIskha, what kind of inconvenience you speak of?"


    Biskha, "Your Majesty, as per the instructions we received we tried to procure the best rooms, but unfortunately the best rooms are not meant for single person, it is a double room, the single rooms were not up to your status, as such first Lady instructed us to procure double rooms, she also instructed us to inform you upon your arrival."


    Sylvana just smiled at that, "It is fine, I would not mind sharing a room with my siblings", she turned towards Ryuu as she spoke with a smile, "Seems like we will be having a sleepover."


    Ryuu returned with a big smile he loved sleepovers with his sisters.

 107 The auction Part-1

    Three days later, Antariskh opened her eyes groggily, as she fully conscious of her surroundings, found the other occupant of her room namely Ryuu missing, she cursed herself for letting her guard down, a peak Wanxiang Adept moving without alerting herself shows she had gone lax too much for her comfort, Ryuu was her brother but what about the assassins her family''s enemy might send after her head not only her but her baby brother would have been in danger because of her carelessness.


    Antariskh as such hastily tried using her divine sense to search for Ryuu, only to freeze as she found Ryuu entering the room looking a bit glum.


    Antariskh, "Brother where have you been?"


    Ryuu was startled by his sister, "eh, big sister when did you awake up? I just went to have some breakfast but apparently there will be none till 8 in the morning."


    Antariskh had a weird sense of d��j�� vu as she quickly checked the time to find it was only 4 a.m., "Brother I would love to inquire you on what you are doing getting ready so early in the morning but if I would hazard a guess it is about the auction that we will be attending today."


    Ryuu nodded eagerly at that with great enthusiasm causing Antariskh to have a twitch on her brows, with incredible show of agility she sprung from her bed made her way towards Ryuu so fast that to him it seemed she literally teleported before smacking his head hard enough to make him face plant on the floor, as she picked him up by holding him by his neck before throwing him on his bed, by the time Ryuu fell on his bed his sister was already by his side as covered him with the help of a blanket, after making sure Ryuu was fast asleep she made her way to take a quick nap.


    By 6 in the morning she woke up again but this time she sighed in relief seeing her baby brother was still sleeping instead of goofing around, as she got ready for the day her other siblings came in to her room.


    Sylvana: "Good morning sister, did you have a nice sleep yesterday."


    Antariskh nodded as she greeted back, "Good morning sisters."


    Shamiran smiled at her before looking towards Ryuu curiously, "Why is he still sleeping? I thought he was already awake a few hours ago."


    Antariskh shrugged as she replied, "Well he was too excited as such I lulled him to sleep."


    Sylvana and Shamiran were both worried at that as they had a good idea by what kind of person Antariskh was when she was awoken from her ''beauty'' sleep, as they checked Ryuu they deadpanned towards their elder sister as they treated their younger brother''s concussion andslowly brought him back to the world of living.


    Ryuu rubbed his head as he felt the phantom pains as he muttered, "Ouch, did anyone see the gorilla who slammed on my head.", his sisters would have laughed at that but Antariskh had amuderous aura on her as such they decided to save their brother from punishment as such Sylvana: "Brother it is already nearing 7 in the morning, please get ready and wash your face it has drool marks all over it."


    Ryuu blushed with embarrassment as he made his way towards the bathroom.


    Soon they were sitting in the dining hall of the hotel helping themselves with a nice helping of tandoor-baked bread with various options like honey, butter, cream and fresh cream to be used along with it, a sizable side of Piti served along with it, the heart breakfast which can be easily considered a brunch was accompanied by very hot strongly brewed black tea with a slice of lemon and a separate small jar containing cubed sugar, the tea was accompanied with a jam created with locally produced fruits.


    Ryuu poured himself the tea from its pot into a pear shaped glass, he casually took a couple of cubes which he mixed with his spoon, he loves the way the sugar melts as he stirred the contains of his glass, he placed the jam in his mouth as he was about to drink his tea through it as dictated by the local customs.


    His sisters watched as their breath hitched, over the years Ryuu had taken a liking to drinking tea, he might not be a tea connoisseur but he is quite fussy over it and is prone to violent outbursts if it is not to his liking.


    As the glass containing the tea neared he closed his eyes as he took in the smell, as he twirled the liquid releasing a fresh bout of steam from it as he drank the tea savoring every drop of it.


    He realized a content sigh, as he lowered the tea which had a hint of fig in it hinting as one of the ingredients used in order to brew it, he turned towards his sisters who were staring at him as such he could not help but ask out, "What?"


    Sylvana just smiled and replied, "Nothing dear brother.", the memory of his rampage across a tea house the visited a few weeks back still fresh in the mind, the place of the tea house is now a massive crater.


    Antariskh: "Well if you all have finished with your breakfast I believe it is time for us to leave."


    The group then made their way into the auction house, as they neared their destination they heard a various rumors floating by.


    Man #1: "Did you hear the items they are selling?, if I could get a single one of them��"


    Man#2: "You get a hold of it, the great clans including the governor himself will be attending moreover you a measly Houtian have enough money to afford them."


    At that everyone laughed aloud.


    A promiscuously dressed woman spoke, "If only I could snag some of this young masters my life will be set, did you know there is a rumor that the person who is selling the medicine will be visiting this auction house, oh if I could just....", she finished with a lust full moan.


    Ryuu shivered at that, he scooted close towards his sisters casting a worrying frightful glance at the woman, his sisters cast a questioning glance at him he mouthed out, "Kidnapper".


    His sisters just gave an amused smirk at that, while giving a couple of reassuring pat on Ryuu''s back.


    As they neared the entrance they saw long queue in front of it, the entrance was divided into two halves one was for people who were purchasing their entrance ticket another was for those who have pre-booked everything. When they were about to enter a couple of men around late twenties came forward as one of them the apparent leader stepped forward dressed richly as he spoke flaring his Xiantian level as he spoke with arrogance, "My what a great karma I have gathered to have witnessed stars that have fallen into the mortal realm in front of me, I dare not cause any taint in your otherworldly divine aura by staring too much as such I would love to offer you this flower as token of appreciation my goddess.", he bend his knee as he offered a rose to Antariskh, who just treated him as a bug and passed by.


    Ryuu meanwhile was busy taking in the site as he observed various people as such he did not pay attention to the road in front of him which unfortunately for him he ran into the guy who had his knees bend as he offered the flower, which found its way into Ryuu''s nose, causing it to tickle. "Aaaaaachooooooooooo! Aloud sneeze erupted from Ryuu, who had momentarily lost control of his strength had hit the group with full force which had caused the man and his group of lackeys to be swept off their feet and finding themselves getting acquainted by drainage system of the city.


    Ryuu for the first time glancing towards the group exclaimed, "Big sister what are those people doing inside a drain."


    Antariskh snorted with amusement, "Do not pay attention to them brother, they are weird people who love spending their time inside drains so stay away from them they are not only dirty but also diseased."


    Ryuu nodded as he looked at those people in disgust as he went inside the auction house.


    As they went inside they were greeted by Jureks Lodi?? the manager himself, "Welcome my Lord and Lady, I hope you are all in good health."


    Sylavan: "We are fine and I hope you are also doing well."


    Jureks nodded in affirmation with a happy smile on his face.


    As they were being escorted by Jureks towards their booth Sylvana spoke, "Mr. Lodi?? My brother is not only very young child, I hope your attendants will be responsible people.", she finished with a tiny hint of murderous aura.


    Jureks Lodi??spoke as sweat dripped down his forehead, "Of course you''re Majesty the attendants will be responsible and well cultured and mannered people."

 108 The auction Part-2

    A posh comfortable room was what they were led into, it was not the most dazzling room Ryuu had seen but it was comfortable enough for them.


    The armchairs were nice with a good footrest in front of it, as Ryuu sat group of four attendants stepped inside, they were wearing kimonos as was the custom of ladies around this parts.


    A woman wearing a red kimono stepped forward bowing towards Ryuu and his groups as she spoke, "Greetings esteemed guests my name is Shibata Ino, I along with my fellow female coworkers Nomura Saki, Takigawa Koma, and Morikawa Isome will be you host for tonight please feel free to order us any way you like.", the woman introduced the other ladies each one wearing a different color kimono ranging from lime green, royal purple to cerulean blue respectively, as they were being introduced they bowed lightly.


    The Royal Balcony consisted of seven sits as such alongside Ryuu and his sisters, Biskha, and two other maids joined them, one of them Minami and the other being Aika herself who had finished her punishment. Ryuu wanted to speak with her after her return but held back seeing the haunted look in her eyes, as for his teammates they have yet to finish their punishment, he shivered in thought about what kind of hellish punishments they suffered.


    His sisters just gave a short nod at them, before they began gossiping with each other, the temperature of the room was cozy enough to cause him to feel a bit drowsy, but unfortunately he was a startled awake from the shout as a lady came and stood in front of the podium which stood elegantly at the right side of the stage giving a good amount of free space for the items to be displayed.


    Ryuu glanced down through the balcony glass as he looked towards a plethora of men and women from different walks of life eagerly waiting for the show to begin, he noticed that some of the men were whistling, as he looked up towards the stage she saw a purple haired lady her hair was held by a pin, she wore a very tight red colored cheongsam, which hugged her form perfectly giving a perfect hour glass look, her big tantalizing twins seemed to pop out from her clothes which were cut in to give a very healthy glimpse of her cleavage, a darker shade of red lipstick on her kissable lips adorned her heart shaped face, the woman carried herself with an aura of maturity and had an irrefutable sex appeal which caused to capture the attention of all the male as well as some females in the crowd, some of the women even slapped their male companions to get them out of their dazed state.


    Antariskh whispered lowly, "Interesting the woman down there is at Mid Void Immortal level at 70 years of age. She might be the strongest person present here except us."


    Meanwhile Ryuu''s thought were on another matter, "Big sis why is she dressed like that?"


    At that his elder sisters were petrified they did not know how to explain it to a na?ve 11 almost 2 year old child.


    Sylvana stammered out while trying to think about some excuses, "Well you see it is a form of distraction..."


    Ryuu slammed his right fist on his left hand as he exclaimed out, "So I was right."


    At that everyone was curious including their attendants at what kind of conclusion did he came to.


    Shamiran: "What do you mean you are right little brother?''"


    Ryuu: "They are using the poor lady as a means to get others to sympathize to pay more, I wish I could help that poor lady at least then she would have a nice pair of clothes."


    Hearing his reasoning the attendants almost collapsed on the spot, it was impossible for them to fathom how the child came into conclusion about their Lady, who was the youngest daughter of the Head of the ''Golden Phoenix Pavilion Group.'', meanwhile his sisters just snorted in amusement at that, they always found their brother''s way of thinking cute and adorable.


    The lady spoke out, "Hello Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to Golden Phoenix Pavilion''s Annual Grand Auction, my name is Lang Yazhu, and I will be your host for today. As always we will present before you a various goods which we have acquired through various means as our believe in quality above, we assure you that as all ways you will deliver your top of the class products, as such without further ado let us begin the auction."


    "The first item that is being brought has been found in ancient ruins, it is a Spear which has an array which electrifies it enabling to cause devastating damage."


    A couple of men brought the spear which was place on a holder atop a table with wheels, everyone inspected it from afar as best as I could.


    "Item Number 1, the Thunder-Spear, a mid Xiantian level weapon its base price is at 100 Low Grade Spirit Stones, anyone who wants to offer a higher bid."


    Suddenly a person from the normal gallery spoke out, " 105 Low Grade Spirit Stones."


    Lang: "105 Low Grade Spirit Stones currently with number 5 o normal seats."


    Which was quickly followed by another shout, "110 Low Grade Spirit Stones."


    Lang: "110 Low Grade Spirit Stones currently with number 30 of normal seats, anyone to give 120"


    Another person just laughed loud as he stood proudly, "Hmf you beggars, I will pay 300 Low Grade Spirit Stones."


    Stunning everyone as he lady smiled as she spoke, "Well is there anyone willing to bet any higher, anyone willing to pay 310", she paused for a couple of seconds giving a cute pout as she spoke again, "well anyone", as she was about to raise an hammer another spoke out "350"


    Lang kept the charming smile on her face as he continued, "Well will I see a 360, a 355 anyone?"


    The same person who bid 300 spoke out, "550".


    Lang Yazhu: "550 once, 550 twice, 550 thrice", upon hearing no response, she banged her hammer on the gravel, "Itemnumber1 ''Thunder-spear'' sold at 550 Low Grade Spirit stones to number 69 from the normal gallery, Congratulations on being a proud owner of the Spear."


    The bear like man sat with a big smile on his face as if he had won a huge lottery, especially since Lady Yazhu sent a small smile towards him.


    While inside the Royal Balcony Ryuu slapped his forehead as he exclaimed, "What an idiot, the array on the spear is not only subpar but from what I sense that it will not only be taxing on the user but also on the weapon itself causing it break down."


    Antariskh smiled at Ryuu, "So true baby brother from what I sensed that the weapon will break after using it a hundred times, not counting the wear and tear of going through the battle, that man was a fool to pay so much for a lousy spear, but such an idiotic man is ideal for the auction houses they are good for business."

 109 The auction Part-3

    It has been almost two hours since the start of the auction, various items have been sold and Ryuu got to see some very heated bid wars between the participants.


    "My Lord please enjoy this.", Ino one of the attendant spoke to Ryuu as she presented a glass full of chilled orange colored juice.


    Ryuu took the juice as he took a sip the cold fuzzy drink hit his mouth causing him to feel elated the drink had a tasted like an orange fruit but it was bubbly and fuzzy, "This is wonderful drink what kind of fruit juice is this?"


    Ino smiled as she replied, "I am glad you were able to enjoy this fruit juice your Lordship, this is a local fruit known as ''Kinnow'' fruit is a local fruit, it is rich in KI as such a favorite for cultivators."


    Ryuu nodded at that while inwardly thinking, ''It is tasty but unfortunately it is not useful for me KI contained by the fruit is like a drop in front of the ocean I require to advance to next stage.''


    As he peered down towards the stage item number 7 was brought onto the stage a mesmerizing painting of an ancient battlefield as Ryuu looked towards the painting he saw as if the painting started to move he found himself standing on a battlefield surrounded by corpses the sky was red because of the setting sun as battle raged on and he watched with horror as men and beasts slew each other only to snap back into reality, the painting was hidden by cloth.


    Ryuu found a hand on his shoulder as he turned to see a Sylvana looking at him with concerned eyes, "Ryuu, are alright?"


    Ryuu calmed his nerves as he controlled his breathing, "I am now sister what was that?"


    Antariskh, "It seems a very powerful Array is placed on the picture which causes any person who looks at it to get trapped inside an array." Ryuu nodded at that, but before he could speak Antariskh continued, "Though it seems that the picture is actually a cover to hide something else, but the array is strong enough to even avoid detection by a low level Celestial, hmmm let us purchase it would be like giving out pearl to a swine if it were to be acquired by this people.", she finished with a condescending tone.


    Ryuu hated when his sisters looked down on others, no matter how high the level of the cultivator is once upon a time they were also at their level struggling their way to the top he wanted to tell his sisters to stop doing that but held his tongue after all no matter what they do they at the end of the day were not related to him he was just their parents student who was simply leeching off of them, as such he has no say in how they act, sometimes he wished his mother was still alive at least he did not have to grow up around strangers who did not have any blood relation with him after all family is family but unfortunately he was alone in this vast universe, those scums who shared his and his mother''s blood did not count, he shook his head quickly dispelling his sad thoughts.


    Lang Yazhu: "Item Number 17, a painting named ''The Ancient Battlefield'', a painting by an unknown painter discovered by our team while investigating an old tomb, this painting seems to have a miraculous way to temper ones will and heart through the use of an illusion, starting price for this picture starts at 600 low grade spirit stones."


    There was some silence after she spoke but one could easily hear a distinct murmur of whispers, "600 anyone willing to bet 600 once, twice��.", but as she was about to raise her hammer to strike the gravel a woman from VIP section placed her bid, " 650", Lang Yazhu''s face did not show any signs of worry or anxiety as she had a pleasant smile on her face but inwardly was another matter altogether if she could not sell even a single item it would reflect badly on her as such she was relieved on hearing someone bidding on it, " 650 Low grade Spirit Stone for VIP number 5, 650 once, 650 twice", soon another spoke out "700", as such the bid war raged on as the price started climbing and reachedto about 1Mid Grade and 600 Low grade Spirit Stone, Lang Yazhu was a little pleased at that, "Can anyone give higher than that, as she scanned the crowd watching as none bidding anymore she began the countdown only to for a bid of 2 Mid grade Spirit Stones being made from Royal Balcony Number 3, "2 Mid Grade Spirit Stones once, 2 Mid twice,��", but she was once again stopped by Royal Balcony Number 6, who bid ''3 Mid Grade Spirit Stones'',but before Yazhu could speak a counter bid of ''4 Mid Grade Spirit Stones'', from balcony number 3.


    A male voice came from the Royal Balcony number 6, which silenced the excited whisper of among the people present as this was the highest amount till now, "Fellow Daoist whoever you are I am Yang Chao from Yang clan I hope you will allow us to purchase this picture if so I will owe you a personal favor."


    After hearing the person''s name everyone within the audience went pale face who hasn''t heard of ''Mad Dog'' Chao, a complete madman who was known for killing his foes by biting their throats, a tyrant of peak Wanxiang Adept realm who was a close friend of the Governor.


    A loud giggle was heard which liketinkle of a bell it sped the heartbeat of everyone present even the announcer, as a sweet voice spoke out, "Trash if you do not have any more money go and beg outside I might through some Spirit Stones at you, Oh and I will now pay 6 Mid Grade Spirit Stones."


    Yang Chao was shaking with anger he was thinking how he will make that harlot pay for her insolence so engrossed in his thought that when he paid attention to the surrounding he heard, "With 6 Mid Grade Spirit Stones Item Number 17 sold to Royal Balcony Number 3". He frowned but then a cold smile appeared on his face as long as they were within the city they will pay for humiliating him.


    Meanwhile Ryuu saw the entire proceedings trying to garner his complete attention as he saw how his eldest sister bought the picture and how she insulted the fellow on balcony number 6, but unfortunately he was preoccupied.


    Ino spoke fearfully, "My Lady that person ''Yang Chao'' is the right hand of the Governor a very cruel and vicious person not only that he is a peak Wanxiang Adept cultivator he could harm you all greatly."


    At that everyone laughed giggled at that except Ryuu who had found hidden euphoria as he was munching through another pair of ''Fried Phoenix Chicken leg'' which was prepared and brought by Minami as snacks.


    Shamiran spoke her eyes shone hidden amusement, "A mere Wanxiang Adept of peak rank, even our baby brother can defeat him, right Ryuu.", at that Ryuu just lazily flared his aura causing the eyes of all four attendants to grow wide as their jaw dropped, Ryuu meanwhile just send a curious glance towards them as he could not understand, ''why are my sisters giving out so much information to outsiders?''


    Sylvana glanced at Ryuu with smirk mixture between teasing and knowing as she gave him a small wink, now Ryuu lost his appetite as he felt a headache coming his way his sisters were planning something troublesome again.

 110 Donating because I am a good boy

    A knocking sound came from the door of the Royal Balcony No. 03, Saki bowed as she stood up from her position, as Antariskh gave her permission with a wave of her hand, she went and opened the door.


    Jureks bowed as he came inside, "I am extremely sorry my Lord and my Lady, I just want to ask you whether you will claim your possession now or after the completion of the auction."


    Antariskh: "I would prefer if it is after the auction is over I hope it will not be inconvenient for you."


    Jureks quickly shook his head as he replied, "No no my Lady it will not be any inconvenience on my side, oh another thing I would want to inquire of is if my Lord would want to remain anonymous or he will announce his identity."


    Antariskh: "Please by all means announce my baby brother''s identity I have no problem and now if you have no other thing to discuss please you may take your leave."


    Jureks:"Yes your Highness, I will be taking my leave."


    Ryuu was stunned at hearing that as such he could not help but exclaim out loud, "Big sister! What are you planning why did you allow my identity to be revealed?"


    Antariskh: "Brother, do you trust me?"


    Ryuu nodded in affirmation at that to which Antariskh replied, "Then trust me it will be enjoyable to see see people''s faces when they realize how a child who is not even twelve is better than them."


    Ryuu deadpanned at that, ''it will be enjoyable to you, whereas I have to deal with the aftermath.'', he just rubbed his forehead in exasperation.


    After some time,


    Lang Yuzhu: "Now we are going to present you item number 48"


    Soon a few people brought in a tray which was placed on a table with wheels, on top of the tray were neatly arranged a few talismans.


    "This is a collection of 4 talismans, each of them are one of attack, defense, barrier and immobilization each. Each of these talismans is of peak Wanxiang Adept level and is guaranteed to even damage severely if not outright kill even a Mid Level Primal Daoist."


    At that the entire audience broke into cacophony although there was some rumor floating about those items, but the confirmation by the auction house was entirely different matter.


    Lang Yazhu used a special array formation to project the contents of the tray on a big screen for everyone to see, they were stunned at how picturesque the array drawn neatly on the talisman looked like it was more of an work of art than any talisman they have seen before, even the various cultivators including any array master present were looked in awe at the complicated array they saw drawn on the talisman.


    Yuzhu: "I am honored to announce that the array master is currently present among us please have a round of applause for him."


    At that the entire hall broke into a thunderous applause for Ryuu, who was so embarrassed that he his face which resembled a tomato behind his hands.


    Yuzhu did not stop there as she now dropped a metaphorical bomb on the audience, "Ladies and Gentlemen Young Master Ryuu the creator of the talisman is not only a genius but a heaven defying prodigy who is only a few weeks shy of his twelfth birthday.", Lang Yazhu herself was skeptic about announcing about Ryuu but his manger convinced her that this is genuine a eleven year old prodigy if at the end of the day it turns out to be a hoax she might have to atone for her sins and regain the honor of their ''Golden Phoenix Pavilion'' by disposing of both the phony and her manager in the most cruel possible way.


    After hearing her announcement everyone stopped clapping as they gawked at her before anyone could call her a liar she began speaking again, "I know it is very hard for you to believe but please hold your patience and have a look at the recordings of the study conducted by our research team on various beasts of Primal Daoist realm upon usage of other talismans he graciously gifted for us to determine his claims."


    The people watched with wide eyes at the display of workings of the talisman as the saw with open eyes some even began to drool at the prospect of having something in their possessions.


    Lang Yazhu took a deep breath as she spoke, "The entire set of talismans has been evaluated to be at least 50 Mid Grade Spirit Stones, so can I have more."


    With that the gallery broke out into chaos.


    "55, 65, 70, 100", various shout came out from the crowd so fast that even Lang Yazhu was unable to count the bid continued to rise fast until someone bid ''7 High Grade Spirit Stones''


    At that everyone was stunned into silence at the abrupt increase in price from a couple of hundreds of Mid Grade to 7 High Grade Spirit Stones.


    Lang Yazhu smiled as she spoke, "Will I have a more, 7 High once, 7 High Twice, ...��"


    "100 High Grade Spirit Stones", came another bid from none other than the booth of infamous Royal Balcony number 6, and the voice belonged to none other than ''Mad Dog'', everyone cursed and grimaced at that.


    Lang Yazhu: "100 High Grade Spirit Stones from Royal Balcony number 6, 100 High once, 100 High twice, 100 High thrice.", with that she brought down the hammer on the gravel," Item 48 sold to Royal Balcony number 6 for 100 High Grade Spirit Stones."


    Mad dog was very pleased at that, he had brought such high quality talismans, a few balconies away from him inside the Royal Booth number 01 sat the beacon of ''righteousness, benevolence and kindness'' Governor of the Whuix province, he was currently sitting on his chair being serviced by a couple of attendants who were practically naked as he held on to their waist he himself was without any clothes showing his various battle scars beside him was another person, "Seems like Mad Dog managed to score something good brother Icas."


    Icas: "True but it is matter of time before he gifts it to me like a good little doggy, hahaha."


    Only to stop as he face palmed himself as he heard the next words.


    ''Mad Dog'' true to his name had the intelligence of a dog, well putting him on the same pedestal as dog will be a great insult to the canine race as he opened his big mouth to taunt the occupants of Royal Balcony 03, "Oi bitches of Balcony 03, where is your money now if you have any problem step inside my balcony and I might pay you on hourly basis, hahahahah", at that a loud laughter was heard as well as a lot of jeering.


    Suddenly a childish voice was heard, "ummm, Hello Mister who bought my creations thank you for your patronage but I do not require your money anymore my elder sisters, with whom I am currently sitting inside of Royal Balcony No. 03, informed me of how much problem you are suffering with regards to money as such I will donate the talismans free of charge as for the announcer Big Sister please arrange for collecting the cost incurred by your auction house while selling to Mister Beggar here, after all Ryuu is a good boy."


    Lang Yazhu was stunned silence she forced out a smile as she moved forward without saying anything regarding this matter, whereas the audience were trying hard not to laugh except a few who were in direct opposition to the Yang clan as for the ''Mad Dog'' he was purple with anger as fire literally lit on his head out of anger after realizing the verbal slapping he got.


    Ryuu''s eyebrows twitched madly as he glared towards his snickering elder sisters specially Shamiran who had just mimicked his voice to insult the so called ''Mad Dog''.

 111 Panting like a dog under hot summer

    Ryuu spoke angrily, "Big Sisters I love you all a lot, I also did not like the fact that the flee infested rug insulted you, I can easily lay my life if it means protecting not only yours but even my masters honor without a second thought and smile on my face. If you so much as order me I will bring his head to you but that does not mean you can mimic my voice to insult someone I find it highly insulting and not so amusing.", he glared at his sisters.


    While his sisters winced a bit, may be they took it too far this time, beneath the cheerful and bubbly personality he has quite the temper.


    Antariskh: "Sorry baby brother we are so sorry, we did not meant to insult you as such please forgive us."


    Ryuu just gave a small smile, "It is fine big sister you did not have to apologize."


    Meanwhile Biskha, Aika and Minami all gawked at them, ''the three Empresses'' of Ayindril apologizing to someone was inconceivable to them, they are ruthless and merciless there is even a rumor that Antariskh had even killed someone because she found the person ugly and polluting her eyes.


    Shamiran: "Brother since we spoke on your behalf stating publicly that we will be donating the talisman free of charge we hope it will not mind it as such we are willing to teach you or gift you anything in exchange for it."


    Ryuu spoke with a kind smile, "Sister you do not have to think about it too much, I said it is fine so it is fine, I have already received a great experience from witnessing a real life auction there is nothing more I would like."


    Ryuu then turned his attention towards the auction as another of his item was being displayed.


    Meanwhile his sisters frowned at him, no matter how much teasing fun or attention showered to him, at the end of the day Ryuu always drew a line separating him from them making them remember that essentially they were not his family, they knew how lonely he would get they want to help him they want to make him accept them as his family, as not always sharing of blood makes one a family but Ryuu always separated him from them, which they did not like it they view him as their younger sibling but Ryuu''s earlier statement made it clear that he views them as his superior and someone who just gave him shelter nothing more nothing less, they vowed one day they will make him call them ''Big Sisters'' not out of feeling of respecting or some twisted sense of duty but as their little brother.


    "Ladies and Gentlemen, we of the ''Golden Dragon Pavilion'', would love to present before you item number 49, a set of Realm Ascension Pill for our fellow cultivators who have been stuck at peak level of Zifu Disciple for too long."


    A couple of workers of the auction house wheeled the item kept inside a transparent glass pill bottle, once again the contents of the transparent bottle was projected on the wall for everyone to see, a loud gasp ran through the crowd.


    "We of the ''Golden Dragon Pavilion'', can completely attested that the pills are of 83% pure.", she let the idea of which sink into the head of the audience the eyes of everyone seemed to be turned red with greed as the drooled thinking about it.


    Lang Yuzhu: "The starting price for these miraculous pills is 100 Mid Grade Spirit Stones, please start your bid."


    The crowd now went mad with frenzy most of them came here for them, "300, 450, 600, 10 High Grade spirit stones!"


    The bid rose quickly from Mid to High Grade level at the blink of an eye.


    Ryuu watched in amazement the frenzy at which they were trying to outbid each other, they seemed like sharks who have gained a scent of blood.


    Sylvana: "Little Brother, the bidding here is kind of lame if it were the capital city of the Empire it would have been much more fierce also the products of yours would have been displayed in some low level auction house as the high level one have clients who have no use for them."


    Ryuu nodded absent mindedly as he remembered his Master once said to him, ''One man''s trash is another person''s treasure.'' his products which were being sold with so much ferocity will be looked down as trash by others.


    Soon the big clans started to make their moves, ''Yang'', ''Brack'', ''Kong'', ''Deng'' and ''Lu'' clan made their moves. "100 High Grade Spirit Stones", came a shout from Royal Balcony number 7.


    Yazhu: " 100 High, Give me more, 100 High Once,��"


    "120 High Grade Spirit Stones", came another shout, which got instantly countered by another bid, "200 High Grade Spirit Stones"


    Yazhu: " 200 High, can I have some more, 200 High Once, 200 High Once, 200 High Once.", with that she dropped her gravel heard as she spoke, "With 200 High Grade Spirit Stones item number 49, sold to Royal Balcony number 9, congratulations."


    Yazhu: "Now Ladies and Gentlemen Item Number 50, another Realm ascension pill created by the same alchemist who created the Zifu Disciple ranked ''Realm Ascension Pill'', but unlike the previous one this time the pill is of Peak Wanxiang Adept Grade although unfortunately it is only of 76% quality, the starting price of which is only 500 Mid Grade Spirit Stone, please start your bidding now."


    Ryuu watched as once again his items raked a huge amount spirit stones which amounted to about 800 High Grade Spirit Stones.


    Soon it was time for the third pill he submitted to be sold ''item number 51'' as was dubbed by Lang Yuzhu , "This Miraculous pill is actually an antidote pill of Peak Wanxiang Adept Realm it is known to cure most type of poisons under Immortal Realm, a truly miraculous pill", she let her words sink as she spoke again, "YesI can see some of have guessed it right it is none other than the ''Thousand Poison Antidote'', please put your hands together for the Young Genius Ryuu who is the alchemist behind the creation of all the previous two pills as well as the current pill."


    Again thunderous applause was unleashed as the people were astonished, some were jealous and some even began to plot on how to capture or even kill him out of jealousy.


    Yazhu: "The starting price is 500 Mid Grade Spirit Stones."


    As the bid started Ryuu noticed that one person from the VIP seat was fighting tooth and nail for the pill, suddenly a loud laughter was heard from the Balcony Number 01, "Hahahahaha, Lu Shun why are sitting on such pitiful seats, I already told you that you could have send your sister I would have definitely helped you, now you are not only sitting on some lowly seat you are insulting our extremely talented guests with such low prices shame you here I will show you how to bid, 10 Peak Grade Spirit Stones."


    Ryuu frowned at that seeing the helpless look on the person''s face, as such he could not help but ask Ino, "What is the deal with that person?", Ino looked scared at being asked that, "Well the person belonged to the Lu clan, his Grandfather was the previous patriarch but unfortunately the Governor set his eyes on his sister, who refused him as such he plotted with the help of others and poisoned the Old Patriarch and placed someone who is his lap dog, now without thePatriarch the brother and sister duo who is his only relatively are being taken advantage of by everyone specially the Lu Family, if it not for the Brother being a strong cultivator ....", she trailed off at the end but it was enough for Ryuu.


    Ryuu was angry very angry Lu Shun''s situation was a bit similar like him, his entire family ahd turned against him and his mother as such...., unknowingly he started to release a healthy dose of Killing Intent, Shamiran who was nearest put a hand on his shoulder to calm him down, as he glanced at him she shook her head telling it was neither place or area for such.


    Ryuu released a deep breath as he spoke with conviction, "Big Sister I want to help him.", his sisters nodded at his request a tiny part of them proud and glad at the kindness showed by their brother.


    Soon the bid ended his pill was bought by the Governor Himself leaving a defeated and broken man in the form of Lu Shun, causing Ryuu to grit his teeth with anger.


    Yazhu: "The last item for today item number 52, a stone of unknown origin with a divine effect on those who neared it, it increases the cultivation level of anyone below the Primal Daoist realm by many times, we called it ''Fragment of Heavens''", as a stone as big as Ryuu''s palm was wheeled in, "The starting Bid is 1 High Grade Spirit Stone."


    Meanwhile the situation inside Royal Balcony Number 03 was different, when the stone was brought in it effected Ryuu greatly, his face flushed his pupils dilated his hands trembled his heart beat accelerated to the point it started hurting him, he started panting like a dog under hot summer, "Big Sister *pant* I *pant* want *pant* it.", he somehow managed to speak.


    Antariskh looked with great concern towards Ryuu, while Shamiran and Sylvana were already by his side fussing over him, "Little Brother do not worry I your Big sister will definitely buy it for you."

 112 Idiot Inc. strikes again

    The attendants of the Royal Balcony Room number 03 were under illusion while the rest were busy tending to Ryuu, except Antariskh who was bidding in order to buy the stone.


    Shamiran was busy massaging Ryuu''s hands which had fallen cold all of a sudden, his body was alternating between hot and cold, the maids were busy trying to keep Ryuu still as his body spasmed with another shock induced seizures as Sylvana drew various Arrays on him.


    Antariskh was getting irritated as the bid was progressing, but not only was it slow the people have not stopped bidding even after it crossed 900 High Grade Spirit stone mark.


    Antariskh: "50 Peak Grade Spirit stone.", she finished her bid her voice filled with annoyance, she was getting irritated by people trying to outbid her so she bid a huge amount at once.


    The hall was completely silent by it, but then the Royal Balcony Number 06 the resident tyrant of the city ''Mad Dog'' grinned widely as he quickly tried to increase the bid, "100 High Grade Spirit Stone."


    Antariskh gritted her teeth at that she had half a mind to blast all to oblivion but before he could react Ryuu''s condition improved greatly under everyone''s care as he became normal, he opened his eyes and spoke in a hoarse voice, "Water."


    Biskha quickly held a glass of water as she helped him to drink it.


    As he sat up he was hugged by his elder sisters, "Ryuu are alright now?", asked Shamiran with great concern.


    Ryuu nodded his head as he saw his eldest sister was engaged in a bidding war against ''Mad Dog'' for the possession of the stone.


    Ryuu watched with wide eye as his sister was spending so much for him as such he could not help but speak, "Big Sister please stop, you do not have to spend so much for me."


    Antariskh just smiled back she cupped his chins gently as she replied, "Little brother you are my family and someone who I cherish and love for you I am willing to even wipe out this entire world let alone pay some measly few spirit stones."


    Ryuu was touched by such an act spoke, "Big Sister thank you for caring so much for me, but that fellow is increasing the price of the stone just for fun, I do not want you to spend so unnecessarily for me."


    Antariskh gently caressed her brother''s cheek as she replied, "Nonsense brother for you I am willing to buy this entire planet but you do have a point, we need to teach him some manners."


    Antariskh turned her eyes towards the stone as she spoke, "This kind of bidding is known as shill bidding, the person does not want to buy he/she increases the price of the item just to cause inconvenience to others as such I am teaching you a way to deal with them."


    Yazhu: "Item Number 52, 990 Peak Once, 990 Peak Twice, 990 Peak Thrice, the item is should to Royal Balcony number 06."


    Mad Dog: "Hahaha, oi woman did you run dry or what."


    A small soft laughter like a spring breeze was heard, " KI Gathering of Array of Peak Wanxiang Adept Rank costs 30 Peak Grade Spirit Stones, it is even useful for people of Primal Daoist realm but you bought an inferior knock off with thirty times the price congratulations, you really are amazing."


    At that Mad Dog was bought back to reality from the imaginary high heavens he was residing was send slammed down to the planet hard ''990 High Spirit Stones was no laughing matter.


    Antariskh: "Shamiran you know what to do."


    To which Shamiran just smirked as she nodded, making Ryuu confused they let the stone be bought by the idiot but now what are the planning, soon a crazy idea appeared in his head as he let out a small smile he just have to stand and watch from the sidelines and see if his guess was correct.


    Lang Yuzhu: "I thank you all for participating on today''s auction and I wpuld congratulate those who have bought today and to those who missed out today well I would wish you better luck next time."


    She gave a short bow, but her dress caused her cleavage to be more pronounced and as she stood up her twins jiggled causing all the males to be entranced by them only to be slapped in the head by their female companion to which Ryuu giggled finding it funny.


    Ryuu: "Big Sister why did I react to that stone so much."


    Sylvana: "Brother that is not a stone but a container for something good for you, we will tell you more but first let us retrieve you possession intact."


    Ryuu nodded a that, meanwhile ''Mad Dog'' was really mad at the outcome he gave a roar as he used his nearest companion as his punching bag for his frustration, dropping the half dead man he took a deep breath as he ordered th attendants who were curled up at the corner of the room shaking with fear, they froze as ''Mad Dog'' Yang Chao ordered them, "You useless harlots go and get my belongings and the receipt for payment."


    Another man was by his side watching the events fold as he shook his head, "Friend I have a proposition for you."


    Yang Chao snarled as he spoke, "What do you want Dugu Cheng?"


    Dugu Cheng then elaborated his plan causing the ''Mad Dog'' to smile as he bellowed out, "Oi you fake Alchemist Ryuu, instead of hiding behind your sister''s skirt why don''t you step and confess to your sins a puny child like concocting a Wanxinag Adept medicine who did you rob while your sisters were bending their back to distract them."


    Lang Yuzhu was leaving the stage when she heard the challenge, she sighed as she rubbed her forehead, what she feared was coming to pass, now if the kid refused or turned to be phony their reputation will be ruined.


    Ryuu was incensed as he glanced at his sisters he noticed they were too, he turned towards the attendants who were now out of their illusion as he ordered, "You three will go to the manger and inform him��.."


    Yang Chao spoke with barely hidden glee, "What is wrong thief have you ...."


    The hall which had once been filled with sneers and jeering turned into complete and utter silence, in front of them stood a child a red headed child with heterochromatic eyes who looked to be about twelve dressed in sky blue color changsun with intricate patterns drawn in golden color with matching golden color shoes, he gave a kind smile towards the audience the audience went into a bit of frenzy even Lang Yazhu blushed upon seeing him before controlling herself with tremendous will power, then all went silent as he spoke which to their eyes it seemed to be angelic, "Hello everyone my name is Ryuu, I am almost twelve years old and as for my cultivation level", a immense pressure erupted making many of them who were planning to kidnap him and make him theirs to tremble with fear even Yazhu was astonished as she watched with wide eyes, "Yes as you have deduced I am Peak Wanxiang Adept, now you who have been barking too much and irritating me come down and face me in a showoff between Alchemists, or you are too scared to step forward, do not worry I am a good boy as such if you behave like a good doggy I might throw you some leftover bones."


    Yang Chao was so angry his face turned purple as he almost breathed out fire.


    Dugu Cheng stepped up, "I do not know what parlor trick you are using but child as a person who is righteous cultivator I Dugu Cheng will expose you."


    Ryuu glanced at him as his brow twitched and he had a sudden urge to bash his head over and over again, as he lamented and swore inwardly, '' whoever you are I will find and then kill you slowly how dare you have cursed me to always stumble upon people from ''Idiot Inc.'''', as he glared at the bald man with white mile long beard

 113 Lang An

    "Hahahaha little boy, are you afraid now facing my friend ''Dugu Cheng'' who is real alchemist unlike a phony like you.", came another shout from balcony number 06.


    Ryuu just sighed as he spoke, "Aika if you please."


    A woman of incredible beauty even more so than Lang Yuzhu stepped on the stage with a plate full of bones, which looked to have been scavenged from leftovers.


    Aika stood with the plates on her hand as she gave a short bow, "Your Highness I brought what you have desired."


    Ryuu gave a soft clap as spoke, "come here come here, good doggy I got you some nice juicy bones come here.", he raised his right hand as he beckoned Yang Chao with his fingers.


    A loud roar was heard and soon the door leading to the balcony was torn open as a man made a mad dash towards the stage, unfortunately the gallery of the VIP section was in between him and the stage as such he forcefully cleared the path by literally stomping and shoving others out of his way before he took a leap towards the stage his eyes glowing red as he bellowed loudly his arms stretched out wanting to catch Ryuu, his peak Wanxiang Adept realm strength exploded.


    Aika quickly went and stood forward as he huge mountain shaped man had taken a leap towards Ryuu.


    Ryuu smirked as he ordered Aika, "Stand down, Aika."


    As Aika moved from her initial standing position in front of Ryuu, he quickly took out an talisman which he activated and threw towards the ''Mad Dog'', a bright light was seen as a plethora of chains appeared and tied him very tightly, he dropped on the ground with a heavy thud creating a small cloud of dust, the inertia of movement mad him skid towards Ryuu who stopped him by placing his left foot on his head, "A Dog who barks a lot, does not bite.", he finished with a smirk.


    Dugu Cheng spoke loudly in a chastising manner towards Ryuu, "Have you no shame, disturbing the peace and tranquility of this place."


    Ryuu on the other hand gave a kind smile as he spoke in a serious manner, "It is as you say my fellow daoist, really this fellow has no shame barging in like that, I know he is hungry for some bones covered by my saliva but well what do you expect when his master forgot to discipline him."


    Dugu Cheng was dumbfounded how casually Ryuu used his own words against him.


    Ryuu: "Well we were going off topic, as all the concerned parties are present we should have a showdown of alchemy, how does it sound."


    A loud clap was heard as a middle aged man appeared, "That was some impressive display young one."


    Judging from his aura Ryuu and Dugu Cheng they came to a conclusion that the person was an Immortal Ryuu cupped his hands as he gave a short bow while Cheng seemed to be prostrating in front of him, as both greeted him, "This youngster has seen the senior."


    Meanwhile,


    Antariskh: "Sylvana your arrays are wonderful, I like this Ryuu much better a sharp tongued, with a little sadistic trait I look forward to the day when he does not need to be influenced by the array".


    Sylvana: "So do I sister, but I think it is high time to make our appearance the Immortal lurking around the outside of the city had made his appearance."


    The middle aged man was quite pleased on seeing Ryuu''s behavior as he mused, ''The child is so young yet has more pride and self respect than the other fellow.''


    Lang Yuzhu, "Uncle why are you here I thought you would be a few days late."


    The man spoke with an amuse tone, "hohoho and miss this ''Pill Duel between this two alchemists, especially I want to watch this young genius in action."


    Dugu Cheng blushed as he spoke with an embarrassed tone, "Such praise is unworthy of me from one as such high station as yours, but I promise I will try my best."


    Lang Yuzhu and her uncle sweat dropped at that, ''can this fellow be more shameless.'' was the thought that ran through their might.


    The man turned towards them as he spoke in a kind smile, "My name is Lang An, just called me Old Man An, I hope to see a fair showdown between you two I hope you will be using the standard rules and are there any stipulations you want to place on the losing side."


    Both nodded at him, the so called standard rules are simple in a ''Pill Duel'', the first two rounds will be challenge give by the duelist to each other, the judge will provide the challenge for the third round. If by chance the recipe is unknown it should be provided to the duelist in accurate measurement, the ingredients have to be prepared by the participants or the judge in case of participants challenges with an obscure recipe it is his/her duty to provide ingredients to both of them, the ingredients will have to used in equal quantity and of the same quality.


    Ryuu released the Mad Dog upon Old Man An''s request.


    The Mad Dog thought while growling angrily towards Ryuu, ''You Brat I will have my revenge.''


    Dugu Cheng spoke towards An with utmost reverence, "My Lord, this child has trampled upon the honor of my friend as such I want to seek justice on his behalf but for the stipulations I will leave the matter to my friend.", he finished in a somber tone shedding a few tears from his eyes.


    Meanwhile Ryuu gawked at him at his theatrics, he couldn''t help but whisper lowly, ''what a shameless despicable fellow.'', which was loud enough for the Immortal to hear as well who whole heartedly agreed with him this Dugu fellow was shameless.


    Ryuu spoke in a respectable tone, "Senior, they have since the beginning have tried to trample on my older sisters'' honor as such I would love if my older sister mete out his punishment for his insolence."


    Yang Chao spoke with a sneer, "My Lord with you as my witness I want that when the brat loses he along with his sisters be my slave for an entire week, and by slave I mean they will have to do anything and everything I order them to."


    Ryuu was angered at that, "How dare you try to drag my sis...."


    Antariskh spoke in a clear authoritative tone, "Little Brother enough we will agree to his request but since he dared to speak as such I would expect the same I want the same from him as well as his friend."


    Everyone turned to the owner of the voice a devastatingly beautiful woman no a goddess came up followed by two more making every person whether they be male or female blush at them, the way they carried themselves their aura made others want to bow and kiss the ground they walked.


    Yang Chao drooled openly upon seeing them he panted his nostrils flaring as he spoke, "I will love taming you three breaking you into submissive whores."


    A killing intent irrupted from Ryuu, only to be stopped as Sylvana put a hand on his shoulders, "Calm down show these worthless peons why you are our beloved brother, we believe in you.", she finished with a radiant smile.


    Shamiran, "since we are competing I hope you would swear on Heavenly Dao so as not to renegade the deal later."


    At that everyone nodded as the preparation for the ''Pill Duel'' began, meanwhile Ryuu looked at Yang Chao with immense hatred the man should count his lucky star if he was not fighting for his sisters'' honor he would have suffered worse than death on hearing such comments from him by the hands of his sisters.

 114 Heart Demon Pill.

    The stage was cleared as the two contestants stood facing each other their personal cauldron placed in front of them, Ryuu''s cauldron was grey colored with the depiction of four divine beast on four cardinal corner it stood on 4 legs it had nothing eye catching as it looked quite ordinary compared to Dugu Cheng''s which had colorful pictures of various beasts on it not only that it has covered with gold with various gems stones embedded on it, what separated from Ryuu''s cauldron was the aura it released somehow Dugu Cheng had managed to get his hands on a Immortal level treasure where as Ryuu''s was Primal Daoist level at best.


    People were awestruck at that as the murmured praises towards a smug looking DuguCheng, while Ryuu just frowned at that as he sighed as he remembered the teachings of his first mistress, ''Remember Ryuu, the most important thing for an alchemist is his concentration. Since the quality of the pill is also depends upon the cauldron most believe it is better to have higher level cauldron which I sincerely disagree you should use at the level you are comfortable after all swimming upstream is harder than downstream, if you use higher level cauldron your attention will be mostly on controlling them as such never use a cauldron that is more that a level above yours.''


    Ryuu glanced towards the audience where his sisters had occupied front row seats they gave a small smile full of confidence towards Ryuu, on their right stood the maids in perfect guard like position and on their left sat the old man An, on to the left of the old man sat the "Mad Dog'' whose eyes was glued to his sisters drooling which made Ryuu to frown, a sudden mental transmission came to him, ''Little Brother do not pay attention to this lowly beings just focus on your tasks.'', Ryuu turned and gave a thankful nod towards Shamiran, only to sweat drop when he saw Lang Yuzhu was busy collecting money for the bet being placed on, which did not look promising for Ryuu he had an odd of over 100 to 1, as his opponent happened to be not only a very famous alchemist but a legacy disciple of some big shot Immortal level alchemist from the capital.


    Ryuu snorted at that he had seen his teacher scold and making Immortal level alchemist do sit up while holding their ears before, he grimaced as he remembered what followed next he had snickered a their fate only to invite his teachers ire and in front of all his teacher bend him over her knees and tanned his buttocks, he still remembered he could not sit for an entire week.


    Lang Yuzhu stood in front of both the contestants as she took the position of a referee, while her uncle being the highest level cultivator present, which Ryuu coughed in his hands and muttered which surprisingly sounded something like bullshit, was given the position of the judge.


    Lang Yuzhu: "The battle of honor between two alchemists will now begin, on my right hand side is Dugu Cheng 78 years of age Mid Wanxiang Adept in cultivation, his alchemist skills are of Mid Wanxinag Adept Realm as well and on my right is a cute boy of almost 12 years, his name is Ryuu but please do not underestimate for in spite of his age he is a Peak level Wanxiang Adept as for his skills it is said that he is claimed to be a Peak Wanxiang Adept Alchemist who was openly challenged by Mr. Dugu Cheng and his friend Mr. Yang Chao as they claimed him to be phony, both parties have agreed the losing side will be slave of the winner for a week during that period the winner may treathowever the wish. So without further ado let us begin."


    Lang Yuzhu then turned toward both the duelist as she spoke, "On my hand is coin which I would toss, please tell me your choice before hand, remember whoever wins is the first to decide what kind of pill they will make and the second round the loser of the coin toss will decide on the type of pill."


    Dugu Cheng spoke out with a solemn voice, "Heads."


    Ryuu just shrugged as he spoke, "Well it is tails for me then."


    Lang Yuzhu tossed the coin and Dugu Cheng smiled brightly as he exclaimed, "Even the Heavens helping me o fight against the grave injustice. Brat, prepare yourself for I will challenge you to prepare ''Heart Demon Pill.''"


    Ryuu did not show any outward expression but inwardly he winced since his mother''s death and revelation behind his birth Ryuu has developed a heart demon which had started manifesting causing him various problems during cultivation, as such he had to consume lots of such pills which suppresses his inner demons, a condition which is even unknown to his older sisters.


    As the pill even though is very difficult to concoct was very common pill because appearance of heart demon in many cultivators because of various reasons.


    ''Purple Heart Shaped Lily, Spirit Grass, 500 year old Ginseng, 5 bladed grass and Calming Spirit fruit'' were laid in a set of 10, the rules were simple make as many of this pills as possible, the person with highest number of successful pill with the highest purity wins.


    Lang Yazhu raised her right hand and extended three fingers as she counted out loud, "Three, two, one you may start."


    With that both the contestants started making their pills, of all the ingredients the ''Purple Heart Shaped Lily'' and ''5 bladed grass'' required the highest temperature but the former melts instantly on reaching the required temperature and if kept on that temperature more than enough time, it will vaporize but the later melts very slowly at a particular high temperature but if it is increased beyond a certain limit it vaporizes instantly, while a fruit like ''Calming Spirit fruit'', requires its juice to be extracted before which vaporizes even before it reaches tenth of the temperature required for melting the ingredients mentioned before, but one thing they all share if they are cooled below their critical point they tend to solidify then it will require not only much more heat to melt but their effects drastically lessens.


    As such alchemists with the help of array masters created a special container which is used to store the processed ingredients in their required condition before the alchemist combines them, this was the method which was followed by Dugu Chen.


    Meanwhile Ryuu had diligently introduced all of his ingredients inside the many pockets inside his cauldrons each of them kept in their respective conditions, to the spectators they started laughing, ''oi oi see the no named brat playing fool.'', ''yeah putting the ingredients like that hahaha''.


    As everyone was laughing Lang An was watching with his eyes wide, the method used by ''Dugu Chen'', requires little to none insight on the Dao of Alchemy but Ryuu''s style can be used by only those who have gained considerable insight on the said Dao, and seeing Ryuu''s age it was a preposterous idea, normally people can become alchemist by following Dugu Chen''s method but in the long run they will have not only inferior products their accomplishment will be limited.


    Meanwhile Shamiran''s mind was racing towards different direction she frowned heavily, ''Why is brother so skilled on making this pill, I wonder only someone who has created it many times has such finesse.''


    While Dugu Chen was preparing it one by one Ryuu had finished even his opponent has finished his first batch, as he did his pills on one go.


    Ryuu closed the lid as he felt his pills were finished he would reveal them while the other finished his.


    The audience started making rude remarks towards him, while Yang Chao had already had a stream of drool in front of him as he gazed towards Ryuu''s sisters with lust in his eye and those who had placed a bet on him cursed the heavens and Ryuu for their foolishness.


    Ryuu did not pay any heed to them as he took a small nap, he was awakened by Lang Yuzhu who suppressed a squeal as she saw a cute visage of sleepy drooling Ryuu as he opened his eyes.


    He was greeted by a sweaty annoyed looking Dugu Cheng who just grunted towards him, before his eyes shifted towards Lang Yazhu who just smiled kindly towards him, with a hint of possession. She tore his eyes of Ryuu as she faced the audience as she spoke, "The First Round is over I would request the duelist to present their pills one by one.


    Dugu Chen with an air of confidence strode forward as he presented the pills to the judge, Lang An examined the pillsas he spoke, "Hmmm, 7 out of 10 pills are formed of which the highest has a purity of 68% and the lowest has a purity of 59%, not bad."


    Dugu Cheng puffed out his chest with pride as he looked towards Ryuu with disdained, Ryuu did not bother with him as he opened the lid of the cauldron, a gust of refreshing smell erupted from it as everyone experienced a calming effect as Ryuu collected his contents and presented them in front of the Judge.


    Lang An smiled as he replied, "Young man please wipe out the drool from your face", to which Ryuu went red from embarrassment as he quickly wiped them out, as everyone including his sisters giggled at his antics, as Lang An cast his gaze upon the pills his breath hitched at that, as he examine the pill he took a deep breath as he gave out his verdict, "10 out of 10 successful pills, with the quality ranging from 82% to 85%."


    The people who were insulting Ryuu were stunned into silence, until someone shouted out in joy, "Yes, brat win this duel and make me rich."


    Dugu Cheng was in denial, "Your Highness there must be some��..", but before he could speak further he was interrupted by Ryuu himself, "Oi old man I believe it is my turn to choose the next pill we have to concoct, as such I choose...."


    Lang An has seen many things and heard many thingsin his life but upon hearing Ryuu''s words he almost suffered a heart attack including the audience, as some of them drop whatever they carried from their hand while Dugu Chen almost fell on his butt on hearing the Pill Ryuu using to challenge him.

 115 Ryuus Choice

    What does one mean by mastering a Dao, what does one mean by gaining an insight on a Dao how does one evaluate how much one has comprehended a Dao, to understand it one has to know that when one gains insight on a Dao he/she like fertile soil which a farmer sows the seeds of a plant, a seed is planted inside them which is known as Dao Seed, and how well the seed is nurture dictates the future accomplishmenton the way of that particular Dao, once the seed germinates it sprouts and grows in whatever way the person dictates whether it be healthy or sickly it all depends on the comprehension of the person.


    Ryuu was exposed to Alchemy as early as 5 years of age, since then a seed which was planted had started growing into a fine tree under the careful guidance of his mistress.


    The level of comprehension one gets after the seed germinates can be divided into 8 categories from lowest to highest,


    1) Novice


    2) Apprentice


    3) Adept


    4) Expert


    5) Master


    6) Grandmaster


    7) Legendary


    8) God


    Which can again be subdivided into 5 levels, Ryuu for all intent and purpose had managed to reach level 1 Expert level, his insight on the ''Grand Dao of Alchemy'' can be attributed to the fact thathim being a Dao Child, a beloved and cursed child of the Heavenly Dao, and his First Mistress who is so high upon the comprehension ladder that unknown to Ryuu usually imparts her understanding of Dao regularly, but comprehending is Ryuu''s job alone.


    A Dao is very powerful more so if it is a Grand Dao which is a level above normal Dao, but people have a habit of degrading Grand Dao of Alchemy into simple Dao of Alchemy by splitting the poison making part and the normal Pill making part, thus also degrading the levels as such those who have already ventured into the Dao of Alchemy can never move past the Master level as it is the end of the road for them such a the fellow known as Dugu Cheng, who for all intent and purpose is a person who is still stuck at the seedling stage, as he had gotten complacent and vain over the years neglecting his practice, as such when Ryuu announced his topic he almost suffered a heart attack.


    "Dao Ascension pill", a simple name but it caused the entire room to fall silent, from the judge to announcer to the audience everyone was stunned to silence, only except the citizens of Ayindril specially Ryuu''s older sisters who had a proud smile on their face.


    Dugu Chen gathered his courage as he stammered out, "w-wh-what are y-you saying? Do you even know what kind of pill you trying to make?", he gathered his courage as he spoke with his tone laced with anger.


    Ryuu stated nonchalantly, "Of course I know, isn''t this the purpose of the duel trying to defeat the other with just the help of your knowledge as well as the Dao of alchemy."


    Lang Yuzhu then spoke out, "Duelist Ryuu, the pill you speak of has many ingredients and I do not think we would be able to provide them."


    Ryuu: "I know so I will prepare a list of all the 99 ingredients required for the pill to be formed, I could provide all of them but I do not want to be accused of cheating as such I would provide as many as you would allow, but I have only enough for only two sets, as such my fellow competitor and I will only have one set each of course I will allow him to take a pick first, also if you do not know the exact formulae I will write it down step by step the entire process for you, but the paper on which I will be write would be destroyedafter you complete making it.", as Ryuu spoke he mentally thanked Antariskh as he was repeating word by word of the mental transmission send by her.


    Lang Yuzhu and Dugu Chen both nodded in confirmation and then with the confirmation of the judge two sets of 19 ingredients were brought, Ryuu sighed muttering ''cheapskate'', he turned towards Biskha as he spoke, "Biskha be a dear and place the remaining ingredients along with those which had been graciously donated please."


    Biskha went and placed all the ingredients specifically the ''Enlightenment Fruit'', at the sight of the fruit the hall had descended into chaos a ''5 striped Enlightenment Fruit'', a legendary fruit that made even Lang An drool.


    Lang Yuzhu could not help but voice out, "Lord Ryuu, this is a very precious ingredient are you sure you want to continue, most of the ingredients are rare and very difficult to procure like this ''5 striped Enlightenment Fruit'' as such I would advise against using them.", although her voice held professionalism her eyes betrayed her as it clearly portrayed the greed in her heart.


    Ryuu replied in a bored tone, "So what it is only an ingredient."


    Lang Yuzhu repeated slowly, "Only an ingredient.", at first she wanted to lash out at the arrogant child before the reality hit her, ''the child has a backing of a very powerful force we should try not draw their ire.''


    Before they began Ryuu spoke, "Concocting this pill will take a long time, and lots of KI, as such I would like to suggest having someone as a helper who would feed ''KI replenishing Pills'' regular interval to avoid some accidents, please remember we will have only one chance to concoct the pill."


    A lanky person went and stood behind Dugu Cheng while Shamiran went and stood behind Ryuu upon being permitted by the judge.


    Lang Yuzhu once again started the countdown, "Three, Two , One Start."


    With that both of them started on their respective concoction, while Dugu Cheng was busy working on the ingredients, Ryuu''s hand glowed as he touched various part of his cauldron as there was a loud clanking noise the cauldron morphed into much bigger and sturdier version of the one he was using, it so big that Ryuu had to rely on a tool to work with it now, but it did not hinder Ryuu as his hands blurred as he used various ingredients each in proper way at correct intervals.

 116 Karma

    More than two hours had passed as both the participants were giving their all in order to win, but compared to Dugu Cheng, Ryuu was on much better position, his movements were more at ease and without hesitation.


    Soon there was a loud hissing noise from Dugu Cheng''s side followed by a loud bang, his cauldron exploded spreading its content in the form of boiling liquid mixed with shrapnel with great force, Shmairan stepped forward as she raised her hand an invisible shield was formed which shielded Ryuu from being victim of the accident, meanwhile Dugu Cheng as well as his helper both were near ground zero as such their condition was worst, their clothes shredded their body covered by burn and boils not to mention all those cuts and wounds they suffered, they laid on the ground moaning from pain.


    Lang Yuzhu was lucky she was not on the stage at that time as she saw the floor melting on a few places, "Emergency management staff quickly come and help them."


    Soon dozen of people came as they removed the victims of the mishap cleaning and treating their wounds, but Ryuu did not pay any attention to them he was busy concocting the pills, Shamiran would wipe out the sweat forming on his forehead so that it does not drop on the concoction causing failure.


    Yang Chao was enraged, "How dare you cheat you despicable scum.", he tried to move forward in order to move forward with the intention to hurt Ryuu, only to stop as Lang An flared his aura, "Shut up and sit down."


    Yang Chao grumbled while he sat down, he kept on mumbling cheating bastards, scum and every obscenity he had learned during his entire life, anyone who heard him blushed red because of embarrassment.


    Within the next half an hour Ryuu had added the last bit of ingredient, and thoroughly mixed the concoction and now he just had to wait and let the excess unwanted liquid to vaporize and the main content of the pill to coagulate and solidify into a pill, and after a few agonizing minute he could feel the pill was ready, he let out a sigh of relief as looked up and was startled in front of him seemed to be a battlefield, the floor had melted and various metallic shrapnel were scattered around, he saw of what remained of Dugu Cheng''s cauldron as well as copious amount of blood and pus lying on the floor.


    Suddenly a shrill voice was heard as a bandaged and deformed man limped into the area, "Brat, what did you do what trickery you hid among the ingredients.", Ryuu frowned at that, as he heard many people supporting.


    It took a few minutes to understand that the injured person standing in front of him was Dugu Cheng, he blinked owlishly before he asked innocently, "What happened to you?"


    Dugu Cheng bristled at that, "What happened to me, you little shit stain it was because of your ingredients I was injured."


    Ryuu trembled slightly, both Dugu Cheng and Yang Chao thought with hidden glee if they press on the might turn it in their favor but before they could open their mouth a tyrannical aura engulfed them forcing them on their knees, as fresh beads of sweat formed on their head, "How dare you nincompoop and failure of an alchemist accuse me of such, you lowly uncivilized cretin, how dare you accuse me, if you are an alchemist why did you not utilize the Dao of Alchemy, any alchemist worth their salt would always inspect and establish relation between ingredients using the Dao, why did you not do such a thing?"


    Dugu Cheng gnashed his teeth as he replied, "Do you know how hard it is to get an insight on some Dao how dare you whore child say somr....."


    His words died as his vision was filled with death by various methods as such he choked in fear and nearly lost controls of his bowels, the killing intent which cascaded upon him causing him to see such visions, the killing intent suddenly vanished as it came as Ryuu replied, "You phony how dare you call yourself an alchemist if you do not have a shred of comprehension of the Dao of Alchemy you are nothing more than a ''Helper'' of an Alchemist. Oh well I do not have time to lose on the likes of you I would like to present the result of concoction for judgment."


    Ryuu removed the pill from the cauldron as he presented it to Lang An for judgment, people were standing on their sit in order to catch a glimpse of the legendary pill, even Lang Yuzhu stepped forward as she looked at the pill.


    Lang An calmed his nerve with great difficulty as he replied, "''Dao Ascension Pill'',low Primal Daoist level pill with 68% purity. The second Round is won by Ryuu", the entire hall descended into chaos while Ryuu clicked his teeth in annoyance, ''tch what a failure mistress would be disappointed.'', Ryuu''s teacher always sought the best from him currently the best he could do was get near 90% purity for the pills of Wanxiang Adept level, but as there were some pills he had yet to cross the 80% threshold Veena forbids him to call himself a Primal Daoist level Alchemist on top of that anything below 80% is considered failure in her eyes, yet since Ryuu is young and still learning his cut off is 70% as such for him the pill was a failure, although he will not look the gift horse in the mouth after all he is bored dueling against the Dugu fellow as such he wishes to leave.


    Yang Chao''s world came crashing down along with Dugu Cheng''s but suddenly he perked up, ''Wait a minute, I have heard something before like this noble woman tend to keep male as their slaves in order to satisfy their carnal lustful desire'', as such he drooled letting out a perverted giggle as his nostrils flared up before he tried to look a gentlemanly and suave as he spoke, "Well it cannot be helped I will full and satisfy your every desire mistress~ ", he finished it with a wink as he leering towards the sisters.


    Ryuu felt crept out as well as disgusted as he hid behind Shamiran.


    Suddenly a voice came from Royal Balcony Number 01, "Immortal Fairies please show mercy and forgive my friend I think we might work something out."


    Icas Brack, the Governor of the province was incensed not only his minion lost he was willing agreeing to servitude as such he tried to save the imbecile but his hopes were dashed as the said idiot opened his mouth, "Boss man do not worry I will surely fulfill their desires", he finished with a thumbs up.


    Shamiran perked up as she spoke, "Really you will satisfy my every desire.", at that ''Mad Dog'' Yang Chao nodded vigorously as his nostrils flared even more.


    Shamiran: "Aika be a dear and please prepare them."


    Aika bowed in a blink of an eye they were under collar and leash like a dog, Aika then raised her hand and couple of array flashed and soon both Dugu Chen and Mad dog were on their knees on all fourthey tried to speak but the only sound came from their mouth was ''woof wurf'', then all of a sudden a pain erupted from their nether region as their genitals were melted off they whimpered in pain, before Yang Chao tried to harm Aika who was near them but the collar activated and fell writher on the floor as unbearable pain coursed through his body his angry howls and snarling now reduce to a whimper.


    Shamiran spoke in a kind tone, "A weak and frail woman like me is always fearful while walking through crowd with such nefarious people all around as such I want you to guard the market region like a brave knight", she spoke as put her right feet on Yang Chao''s head with enough force to cause a crater while Ryuu deadpanned at her,''if she is weak what are we amoeba'', "Oh before I send you let me bestow you another gift", she snapped her fingers and both Dugu Cheng and Yang Chao''sdantian were completely destroyed beyond salvageable by anyone she turned towards Aika as she ordered, "Be a dear and escort my new dogs to their new position or remember to secure properly so that even Immortal won''t be able to rescue them, oh take Minami with you as well, seems they are to lethargic so please walk slowly take your time while escorting them I do not want my new lazy dogs to be pampered more than they should be.",she finished with a matter of fact tone as Minami and Aika dragged them without a care of the world.


    Ryuu looked at them with slight pity in his eyes if only they would have been a bit smart they could have avoided such fate, but oh well they were getting what they deserved due to their karma.

 117 Lu

    Ryuu went inside the hotel they were staying, he did not speak anything with anyone during the way, as he entered their shared room as his sisters followed him, Shamiran asked with her voice laced with concern for Ryuu, "Brother is there anything bothering you?"


    Ryuu''s mind flashbacked to the incident that took place a couple of hours ago which had soured his mood.


    As both Yang Chao and Dugu Chen were led out by Aika and Minami a voice bellowed out from the Royal Balcony, "How dare you wenches I asked you to forget about the bet yet you defy me?"


    The entire hall was silent they were afraid that if they make a sound they will incur the wrath of the Governor except Ryuu and his sisters who were busy speaking about conducting the deal after all since Yang Chao is currently their slave, everything that was owned by him now belonged to them.


    "How dare you ign��.", began the voice again only to be stopped by Antariskh herself who replied offhandedly, "I heard you before worm stop annoying me with your squawking."


    The Governor Icas Brack trembled in anger, "How dare you challenge an official of our Grand Tianyu Empire, I will have you declared you a traitor and have you hounded by the entire empire, I will see where you run then."


    Antariskh let out a tired sigh as a humongous aura accompanied by terrible bloodlust encompassed the entire room, "Since morning your people are making me annoyed now you wish the entire Empire of yours to annoy me, a puny empire headed by a puny Golden Immortal, how laughable I have wiped out empires stronger than yours encompassing several planets in a matter of days and you who share this planet with several others dare to challenge me maybe I should wipeout this planet itself and be done with."


    While she was speaking everyone who were not related to Ayindril were already on the floor begging for mercy some were vomiting blood and some even let loose of their bowels the worse were the people of the Royal Balcony number 01, the occupants had tears leaking out of their eyes the attendants were already dead of heart attack as Antariskh had specifically targeted them.


    Icas Brack shouted out in fear, "Forgive me your holiness my eyes did not see mount Tai, I misspoke with what you want to do with your slave please have mercy."


    Antariskh just snorted as she spoke, "hmp, I am in good mood so I will let you off today, Mr. Lang I wish for my business to be concluded immediately I wish to live."


    Ryuu closed his eyes as he remembered that incident, "Sister the thing you said to the Governor about wiping planet, are really so powerful to do such a thing."


    Antariskh snorted as she replied with a haughty tone, "Of course who do you think I am, it is as easy as breathing for me."


    Ryuu frowned he was not amused, "How could you sister how could you kill all those people like that, there were some innocent people there the children the newborn how dare you slaughter them.", his voice increasing as he shouted the last part in anger.


    Ryuu for a short moment felt as if he was going to die, as Antariskh raised her hand towards him as if she was going to choke him but she gently patted his cheeks as she replied with a kind smile, "Ryuu do you think so lowly of me that I will harm innocents, there are many planets which are used as base by powerful cultivators there are no normal mortals present as for the planet I destroyed it was a barren one with no life on it and only a small group of evil cultivator hiding inside it so relax baby brother."


    Ryuu visible relaxed at that as he gave a bright smile he looked as if he had been freed from a great burden.


    Antariskh, "Brother did you not want to help the poor fellow from the auction house I advise you to hurry we will be leaving this city within a couple of days."


    Ryuu hurriedly left with Shamiran and Biskha in tow to find his target, ''Lu Shun''.


    Sylvana:"For a second I thought you were going to strangle him."


    Antariskh snarled as she replied, "No matter how much I refer to him as my brother he should know his place, who gave him the right to judge and question me."


    Sylavana, "So true but a barren planet, we have destroyed so many planets when slaughtering our enemies and some of them just caught in crossfire so many lives extinguish by our hands some of them innocents."


    Antariskh spoke somberly, "I know but I do not want our brother to view me as a monster, Ryuu is innocent but such innocence is unnecessary and harmful for us cultivators I plan to get rid of that innocence as soon as possible even if it makes our brother looks cute for the greater good I will wash him off his innocence."


    Meanwhile a giddy Ryuu made his way to Lu Shun''s house, the cause of his giddiness was because his sister suggested that the sneak in hiding from prying eyes so as not to draw calamity upon those people in their absence.


    Lu Shun entered their courtyard which was worn out beyond repair, his sister Lu Wu was tending to a sickly frail looking old man, the previous head of the Lu family Lu De was laying on his bed his breath labored.


    Lu Wu upon seeing his big brother smiled brightly, "Big Brother you are back, did you succeed?"


    Lu Shun winced at seeing those big doe shaped eyes full of hope, his only beloved little sister after their parents death he had helped his grandfather to raise her he sighed as he shook his head, "No baby, I could not afford it."


    Lu Wu''s mood plummeted but she put up a bright smile on her face so that her brother does not feel sad as she replied, "Do not worry brother everything will be fine.", she knew that the only way was to take the offer his uncle and aunt gave them, she will have to leave her brother and grandfather behind and give herself to the Governor.


    Lu Shun cursed the Lu family in this mind as he thought back to the past, how his own family member poisoned his grandfather and usurped his position, every friend of his grandfather soon turned their back on them without a second thought even his own fianc��e who he dreamed to spend his entire life is now ....ugh just thinking about that bitch makes his blood boil, he gave out a bitter chuckle as he thought ''even a dog bites an old toothless lion'', no he does not have time to think about anything he has to save his ten year old sister somehow, but how when they are monitored by so many people.


    Suddenly the siblings were startled as they heard young voice speaking happily to them, "Hello!"


    Lu Shun turned around to see currently the most famous person in the entire city Ryuu smiling towards him his head covered by cloak, behind him stood one of his sisters and another who seemed to be their maid, Lu Shun gulped at that the sight he felt afraid as he saw the grinning visage of Ryuu.

 118 Ice Fairys Embrace

    Sylvana accompanied Ryuu towards Lu Shun''s house, as her mind wandered back to the moment a few minutes ago, she really thought Ryuu was going to die today by Antariskh''s hands when she raised her hand to strangle Ryuu. If some were to ask her she would say Ryuu probably deserved it, who told him to try and question what is right or wrong who gave him permission to preach them, he who have yet to live a century what right does he have to judge them. During war, battle or even some kinds of skirmishes many people tend to get in between crossfire which causes their inevitable death.


    When Ryuu first arrived at Ayindril he was only a five year old, at that time they hoped he would be Pangu as such they approached him tried to befriend him, but when Celestia trashed their hopes, it seemed the time they spend befriending Ryuu was pointless they decided they would treat him like a mere acquaintance if they ever met each other since he would be like their ''sibling'' since their parent took him as their student. However their parents force them to forge bonds with them, and when they were forced to acknowledge Xiao Xiao as their aunt since their parent adopted her as their siblings she remember Antariskh throwing tantrums about it, but as time passed Ryuu warmed into their hearts and they began to seem him from a simple ''martial brother'' to a real blooded sibling, yet they will not take being lectured by a child, she knows that they are prideful and arrogant, in her case she is also sadistic, but they have earned the right through blood sweat and tears.


    They find the kind nature of Ryuu to be cute but in real life it will be dangerous, cultivators will eat him up alive if they get a chance as such they will have to break the rose tinted glass of his and expose him to the real world, they will dye him in their colors so that he will not die like their brother Pangu sacrificing his life for some no name people who would never learn or appreciate his sacrifice, she felt disgusted at that Ryuu doesn''t deserve to be like that and suffer the same fate astheir older brother.


    Ryuu gave a smile as he spoke in a giddy tone scaring Lu Shun, "Hello!"


    Lu Shun: "Wha.... How, when", he fumbled for words before he spoke in a stern tone, "Why are you here?"


    Ryuu: "Well I heard about your condition in the auction house, and as for why I am here I do not like the Governor as such I thought why not cause some trouble for him at the same time help someone."


    Lu Shun was still suspicious as such he pushed his sister behind him, "Why do you want to help us what do you want?"


    Ryuu gave a look as if he was speaking to an idiot, "I told you I just want to cause trouble for the governor nothing more nothing so why don''t you invite us inside already I could see what I could do for your grandfather before anyone notices and causes unneeded annoyances."


    Lu Shun thought about his options and found there were none if he were to try fight against them from what he has seen inside the auction hall the chances of him succeeding even inside his dream were none, as such he took a leap of fate as he invited them inside.


    As they went in Shamiran casually glanced towards Lu Wu as er eyes widened slightly.


    Ryuu checked the Lu sibling''s grandfather as she gave the verdict, "Well it is good thing Lu Shun I came to check your grandfather, the pill you tried to buy would have offered temporary solution only, come here and help me feed this pill to your grandfather."


    Lu Shun came forward but he was hesitating as such Shamiran spoke, "Why are you afraid kid, there is no other way your grandfather has very low chances of survival and I will give him a couple of week before he passes away, do you have any choice for dillydallying considering the vultures that have encircled you."


    Lu Shun went forward and helped Ryuu feed his Grandfather swallow the pill. Ryuu casually massaged the old man''s chest as he send his KI to help him ingest the pill, soon the Old man started coughing, "Lu Shun help me make your Grandfather sit up he is going to vomit the poison out."


    Soon the old man vomited putrid smelling tar like substance after Ryuu made sure that the old man has nothing dangerous inside him he with the help of Lu Shun laid the old man back on bed an soon after a few minutes later the oldman whose complexion looked a lot better opened his eyes, "Shun wu", he called out the name of his grandchildren his throat raspy.


    The little girl looked as if she flew towards her grandpa as she started crying, "wuwuwu Grandpa you are awake.", seeing the scene it brought tears in Ryuu''s eyes while Lu Shun quickly brought a glass of water and helped the old man drink it to help him get relief from the sore throat.


    The old man embarrassed his grandchildren as he cried tears of joy, it was a heart touching moment for the family.


    Shamiran cleared her throat bringing their attention on her, "Well I hate to break the touching woman but have you planned anything on what you want to do?"


    Lu Shun and Lu Wu were both silent, as they glanced at their grandfather waiting for him to speak.


    Lu De spoke his sincerely, "Thank You Immortal fairies, young hero I do not know what I could do without you help, as for after this", his face hardened as he spoke, "I will with the help of my sworn brothers seek for justice."


    Lu Shun who was quite spoke with regret, "Grandfather it is not possible, everyone turned their back on us, even the ''Kong'' family your sworn brother themselves claimed he helped to poison you."


    Lu De was thunderstruck at that, he could not figure out how someone who was like a brother for him, how someone who grew up with him, how someone with who he thought was always watching over his back betrayed him.


    Shamiran gave a kind smile, "If you want I can offer you a solution."


    Lu Shun''s heart soar at that, "Grandfather, please head her words they are very powerful the lady brought the governor to his knees just by her aura alone, she must be a very powerful Immortal I saw it with my own eyes."


    Upon hearing that Lu De''s eyes widened as he was eager to hear her advice, "Did you know your granddaughter has a divine body?"


    At that both the Grandfather and the grandson''s eyes widened with disbelieve, as the little girl looke with confusion.


    Shamiran, "The child has a unique tier Divine body known as ''Ice Fairy''s embrace, you should have noticed that on full moon her body becomes exceptionally cold and currently she cannot not cultivate."


    At that all of them nodded they were about to speak when Ryuu interrupted them, "Sister are you thinking of taking her as your disciple."


    Shamiran smiled kindly at Ryuu but her eyes had a stern glare, "Ryuu the child does not possesses any qualification to be my disciple, but I know someone who runs a sect for girls who have problem like her as because of her Divine Body she has very peculiar ''Yin'' type body I would recommend sending her there as the sect is for woman only she will be safe. As for you and your grandson the place where the sect is located is also home to various other sects as well he would easily get access to them because of his aptitude but he will have to work hard. Currently you are weak and you have two children to take care of if you do anything drastic not only will you lose your grandchildren may meet fate wrse than death, as such as this is current situation the only advise I could offer is to abide your time and grow strong or perish. "


    The man was deep in thought but was interrupted by Shamiran as she spoke, "I do not want to ask of you to answer immediately but I will arrive here tomorrow at the same time I will give you till tomorrow to make your decision. Come Ryuu we are leaving."


    With that she left the house with Ryuu and Biskha trailing behind her, as they left Ryuu turned around and waved at them which Lu Shun returned in a dazed manner and Lu Wu returned enthusiastically after all the kind big brother and sister helped them.


    As they left a figure who was spying them from a hidden place hurried towards the house of the clan head, ''I have to warn the clan head those outcasts are colluding with outsiders.'', the figure thought as it raced to the chief''s house.

 119 Holding ones nose in disgus

    Shamiran: "Ryuu, why did you think I would want that girl as my disciple?"


    Ryuu: "Well I thought since she had a divine body so you might want her to be your disciple."


    Shamiran shook her head as she replied, "It does not work like that brother, when you take someone as your disciple the entire wellbeing of your disciple is your job now, as such it is prudent to select students by performing various checks on them."


    Ryuu: "Eh so when my teachers took me as their disciple they performed various checks on Me.", he did not know what to think of it.


    Shamiran nodded at that as she replied, "It is done so that the disciple does not suffer from incompatibility by learning under someone, there is various points which are checked like ''Karma'' for example."


    Ryuu: "My Karma is humongous, but the girl''s Karma was small is that why you did not want her as your student."


    Shamiran: "It is one of the reasons, on top of that I will be extremely busy on days to come as such it will be injustice on the child if I could not spare some time to teach my students, as for her Karma it is average compared to others, not many have such large amount of Karma just after they are born."


    At that Ryuu bragged, "That means I might have been an awesome hero."


    Shamiran giggled at his antics as she ruffled his hair as her mood turned somber as she thought, ''yes Ryuu you were a great selfless Hero who gave your all only to be portrayed and killed off as villain when your so called friends and family had no use for you anymore.'', she knew about his previous life after all her parents are very thorough when checking.


    Ryuu: "The sect you said you were sending the girl and his brother are the sect leaders your friends."


    Shamiran shook her head as she replied, "Nope, they are actually employees of Shangri-la we have many such sects where we raise outstanding juniors who later join our company."


    Next day, Ryuu along with Shamiran and Aika made their way to the Lu Clan as they neared they saw a huge crowd in front of the Lu Clan house.


    Ryuu asked a person who was standing nearby, "psst, hey man is this some kind of festival."


    The man grunted in annoyance, "What part of this looks like a festival to you, they are trying to dispose of the old master of the clan, those ungrateful swine after all he did for the people of his clan, the current heir challenged Lu Shun to a duel then held his sister and his weakened grandfather as hostage and now is beating Lu Shun with the help of his lackeys, if he fought fair he would have never won."


    As he made his way he saw a bloodied form of Lu Shun as he was held down by five people, a woman with sneering smile of her face she held on to Lu Wu who was crying by her hair, Lu De was under same condition as he was tied up and laid on the ground as a person who bore his semblance had a chair on top of him where he sat with a pitcher of wine clearly enjoying it, suddenly there was a loud slap which drew Ryuu''s attention as he saw Lu Wu getting slapped hard by the woman who held her.


    The man standing in front of Lu Shun gloated out loud, "Here you are lying in front of trash you thought you could defeat me for I am ��"


    A voice completed his sentence from the crowd, "Idiot."


    "��idiot who ��", the man was brought to his senses as he shouted out, "Who said that, who dares interrupt the great ''Lu Sak''."


    The crowd parted as a boy of twelve years of age came forward he glanced towards Lu Sak gave out a tired sigh as he shook his head, to everyone present he was rather handsome looking considered to be princely as some woman blushed, causing Ryuu to have second thoughts and being torn between saving Lu Shun or escaping after seeing those ''creepy eyes'' staring at him. He went passed lu Sak as he kneeled in front of Lu Shun as he greeted him, "Yo, well we came for your answer, so Lu Shun what did you choose". Ryuu was pleased as he gave a mental pat to his back flawless entry.


    Meanwhile Shamiran snickered inwardly they had once joked that every hero makes a cool entry as such since that Ryuu has been obsessed about making ''cool'' entry.


    Lu Shun somehow managed to speak, "If we accept it will you save us."


    Ryuu spoke with a smile, "No, even if you say no I will save you."


    Lu Shun brightly at him as he replied tiredly, "I Lu Shun, agree to your terms, and I will be forever indebted to you."


    As soon as he spoke a female voice came to Ryuu''s ears, "What kind of trash have you become Lu Shun, to lower your head in front of brat who reeks of milk."


    Ryuu turned his head and saw the woman who was holding onto Lu Wu, Ryuu wanted nothing more than to beat the woman black and blue seeing how she was abusing Lu Wu, but he reign in his anger he could not act foolishly when the woman held Lu Wu, "What is so bad about smelling like something as awesome and delicious as milk", before he took a couple of sniff in the air and then he grabbed his nose as he spoke nasally, "Well you smell weird and ewww, Lu Wu after we get away from here you are going to take a long medicinal bath who knows where the woman has been and what kind of disease she has on her."


    As the woman trembled with rage the onlookers tried hard not to laugh at him, "Lu Sak this brat is insulting me beat him up for me and I will do something n-i-c-e.", she finished with a sultry tone.


    Lu Sak eyes glazed over before he let out a creepy giggle as he flexed his muscles as he spoke in a menacing tone, "As you wish my beloved.", he charged towards Ryuu with his peak Xaintian Level strength only for his face to becoming acquainted with Ryuu''s boot, he rocketed of towards the man who was seating on the chair colliding with him causing both of them fall in heap.


    Ryuu:"Aika please tend to Lu De and Lu Shun.", as he made his way towards the woman who held Lu Wu hostage, to everyone except a few namely Ryuu and his companions he looked as if he teleported, his face a few inches away from the woman he shouted out, "BOOO!", the woman shrieked as she fell backwards.


    Ryuu sweat-dropped at that, while Lu Wu ran towards her family crying only feeze in fear as a terrifying aura of a Peak level Wanxiang Adept enveloped everyone present.


    A giant of a man exposing his naked torso came forward, "Who the hell are you brat interfering in private clan matters.", his question was accompanied by another person with his a bit weaker than a peak level Wanxiang Adept, "You little shit how dare you hit my son."


    Lu De who was silent till now spoke, "Shut up Lu Shi have you no shame colluding with outsiders to destroy the hard working of our ancestors."


    Lu Shi spoke in a smug tone, "Oi shut up don''t harp like yourson and daughter-in-law, it was so annoying how much they could preach before dying and that harlot of your daughter-in-law bit her tongue and killed herself before we could enjoy her, hahahaha.", his laughter was accompanied by others who stood brandishing their weapons, Ryuu winced as he looked at Lu De his eyes had a broken look in them to see how his own clan betrayed him, while Lu Shun''s eyes were blazing with anger and hatred as he gritted his teeth.


    Ryuu turned his back as he spoke to his sister, "Big Sister let us leave."


    "Oi brat after attacking our clan members do you think you can run away.", with that the weaker of the two man hurled himself, his palm shining with toxic metallic color, Ryuu simply dodged and kneeled him hard enough to cause him to fly a good few meters as dropped while vomiting blood.


    "Old man Lu De is there someone amongst them who was with you.", Ryuu asked Lu De who just shook his head negatively, "I see", Ryuu replied with a heavy sigh.


    Suddenly someone spoke, "Clan head he is the brat whose stuff was sold at sky high price at the auction."


    Ryuu: "Since you attacked me allow me to retort.", Ryuu''s cheeks bulged as he spewed a purple mist which quickly covered the people of Lu Clan except Lu Shun and his small family along with their supporters, a Rank 5 skill ''Breath of Purple Mist.''


    It was fast so fast that no one could move as it hit them a loud laughter came, "Nice try brat but I Kong Uwa is immune to it, I consumed the antidote pill created by yours truly as such I will be immune to your poisons."


    Ryuu frowned at that as he recalled the set of three pills were bought by the governor, before his face lit up with a wide smile as he spoke, "Who said I used poison, not only you wasted the pill on something non poisonous, but oh well have fun."


    Suddenly a loud roar came from Uwa''s stomach followed by the stomach of others as with a loud sound followed by a bad stomach cramp as Ryuu''s victims groaned and fell on their knees from the bad stomachache the entire area was filled by dreadful smell as their trousers oddly became yellowish in color.


    Ryuu grinned widely as he turned towards Lu Shun''s group as he spoke excitedly, "Well I think this is our cue to leave the festival is over and they all will be busy cleaning the messy aftermath."


    Lu De and Lu Shun just nodded as their eyes portrayed fear as they watched their ex-family members defeated lying on the ground covered in their own filth which has no plan of stopping coming out anytime soon they winced at that a they stared at Ryuu as if they were in front of Devil King himself after all who else would be so devious to defeat their enemy in such a manner, a sentiment shared by all who were present, while Lu De just held her cute nose as her eyes wrinkled with disgust.

 120 Back To Tardide?

    Shamiran and Aika had teleported Ryuu along with Lu Shun and his family to the hotel, where they had booked another family room for them.


    Ryuu: "Well then Lu Shun I bid you goodbye as I believe it would do you good if you rest after that ordeal."


    Lu Wu: "May I refer you as big brother Ryuu?"


    Ryuu just shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "You may refer to me however you wish to."


    Lu Wu asked her voice full of curiosity, "Big brother how did you spray the purple mist from your mouth and can you teach me how to do it", heryoung mind filled with images of defeating her enemies in battle with a simple breath.


    Ryuu: "Well that is a technique I used it is good for spreading medicine or poison to multiple people at once as for teaching you have to learn to cultivate first, even thenthe skill is classified as ''Forbidden'' because a slight mistake will cause it backfire spectacularly."


    After a few minutes of talk he left the family by themselves, as he made his way to where his sisters were.


    Antariskh smiled as she spoke to Ryuu, "I hope you have settled all you business with this city Ryuu we will be leaving tomorrow."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "I have big sister we can leave tomorrow."


    Antariskh then extended a pouch towards him as she spoke, "This pouch has your earnings after the ''Golden Phoenix Pavilion'' took their cut."


    Ryuu just took the spirit stones he had earned as Antariskh continued speaking, "The Stone of unknown origin is actuall a container which has the essence of powerful dragon sealed inside it, unfortunately the stone is damaged as such we will be taking it back to Ayindril and we have to carefully salvage its contents."


    Ryuu was wide eyed at the revelation as he asked, "Is that the reason I reacted to it so badly."


    Antariskh, "Yes Ryuu, but due to the container being badly damaged we have to be careful while opening it, even then who knows in what condition the contents will be, essence tend to be highly volatile if kept unsealed and under less than ideal conditions for a long time."


    Ryuu looked downtrodden at that but perked up immediately, "But sister I reacted to it so violently so there is a chance that it might have survived."


    Antariskh, "There is something that I also agree is true, but we do not know how much degradation it went through and whose essence it is except it is some form of draconian being, as such we will investigate it thoroughly only when we are sure it will benefit you great will we give it to you brother, after all my little brother deserves the best there is.", she finished while ruffling Ryuu''s hair gently.


    Ryuu smiled at that he really was grateful to them, he was no one to them and the only relationship they shared is that he is their parents student nothing more nothing less yet they care for him so greatly he really is blessed.


    Next day the Ryuu and his companions left the hotel before the separated into two groups, "Aika please escort them and make sure to come back quickly.", was the only thing said by Sylvana before Lu Shun and his family were teleported by Aika.


    Meanwhile inside the governor''s palace various things lay broken as tables and chairs were flipped and a couple of broken body lay on their blood, "Useless the lot of them are useless, if they had fought and given their lives it would have been much better but to be defeated because of laxatives, ugh I want to go wring their necks, first Yang Chao And Dugu Chen then Kong Uwa and Lu Sak and almost all their people why do I have to have so much moronic people and from where did those devils pop up from, aghhhhhhhhhhh", he screamed in anger as the shameful defeat of Lu clan and the finest of Kong Clan spread throughout the city, and him being their leader under whom those clan sought refuge had also tarnished his honor when his subordinates suffered such shameful defeat normally he would have gone after the person have their head on a pike but unfortunately for him he was too strong for them and the best he could do is throw tantrums inside his own house.


    Few days passed since the visit to such a big city as Hayakawa and now a couple of days left before the returned back to Ayindril and Ryuu was giddy not because he would return back to Ayindril but because they would be passing by Tardide again he would meet his friends he was so happy then he blushed as he thought about Narcisa kissing him, it had given him some rather embarrassing dreams about her as such he came to conclusion ''puberty sucks'', the thought of holding her hands made him to steam literally from his ears, he had discreetly gotten one of the maids to buy a hair pin for Narcisa without letting his elder sisters know, he does not need their teasing anymore than necessary.


    Next day near noon the reached near Tardide, Ryuu happily stepped out of the mansion which was morphed into the shape of a carriage only to freeze at the sight, what stood in front of him was a picture perfect example of a ghost town the houses were burned as were the crops which he loved to pass by watching them lazily sway under the cool village wind, he raced into the village as the maids tried to stop him by calling out his name as he reached the village center the big banyan tree as he reached there he fell on his knees the banyan had corpses of various people who were nailed on it with the help of arrows, Ryuu looked at those corpses with tear in his eyes he could recognize any of them Xavier, Antonio, Arpaesis, Shamsir and many he could see their smiling faces he could hear their laughter he could still feel them, he could still smell them he could not believe the people who he got closed to were gone.


    "You��.", a voice suddenly came to his ears Ryuu turned around to see a grotesque looking human half of his face seemed to have melted awe his entire body had various wounds littered on them which had maggots poking out off, both of his legs seemed to be oddly misshapen scaring Ryuu but upon closer inspection he recognized him as someone from town militia.


    "You how dare you show your face if you hadn''t interfered they would n''t have to come back for revenge you killed them all." The man shouted towards Ryuu.


    Ryuu was startled at that he fearfully spoke, "What are talking about you make no sense."


    The man suddenly laughed loud spoke in a creepy sing song tone, "No sense no sense he says no sense, I call it nonsense, you killed us all why why did you have to play the hero, we could have paid them they would have left us untouched now because of you we are all dead it''s your fault, hahahahaha", the man rambled on and on until Ryuu''s sisters arrived on the scene.


    They saw a near catatonic Ryuu sitting on the ground as he looked fearfully at the near crazy person as such Antariskh ordered, "Chase that dirty mongrel from my brother.", as such as the maids flared there power and stood defensively in front of Ryuu the man just laughed uproariously as he pointed his fingers towards them, one of maids spoke in a commanding tone, "Scram from here if you do not want to die."


    The man laughed at the maid as he spoke, "You kill me no one can kill me I am invincible, hahahahahah", as he laughed he took a rusted sharp piece of metal slit his throat and died in front of Ryuu.


    Shamiran quickly went and embraced Ryuu tightly from behind letting Ryuu rest his head on her bosom as she rested her chin on his head before speaking soothingly to Ryuu, "Baby Brother, what happened why are you looking so scared?"


    Ryuu stuttered out, "Bi-Big S-si-sister th-that person he s-said the people of th-this v-vi-village all di-di-died because of me."


    Biskha had been the Senior Maid for Ayindril a very long time she could happily say she was one of the most trusted maids not only that she was also seen as the Head Maid''s replacement whenthe head maid retires. The first time she met Ryuu when he was just a 5 year old a clue less child, she was ordered by her second Holiness to take care of, since then she had seen him grow up his triumphs and failures his insecurities she knew them all after she had been taking care of him and later on his mother until her death every now and then as such she knew how much he wanted to be a hero like those fairytaleshis mother told him one day to be a selfless hero who protects and saves all she laughed inwardly at the na?ve fantasy of child a selfless hero in their world if a hero could not save even himself how could he even protect others, but it was what made Ryuu seemed cute and adorable someone she took a liking to greatly growing as far as to see him as pseudo-sibling.


    She knew from the beginning the Royal Princesses had something she saw how the let Ryuu form bond with this worthless rabbles who were just dwarf lusting after the moon when they met Ryuu, she soon the scheme and manipulations his beloved sisters did to him, the raiders why did they arrive to a remote area such as Tardide, why did they come here where people are so dirt poor that they could not fulfill their needs properly yet the raiders came having heard of rumors of riches beyond imagination raised the village to the ground because of them when they saw Ryuu''s attempt at scaring them as a challenge to their so called honor and might.


    To many it looked as a beautiful scene as the older sibling consoling her youngest sibling with a motherly care as they looked at the scene of Ryuu being gently embraced by Shamiran but to Biskha''s eyes it seemed as if a snake had coiled around Ryuu as it poured its venom on him as she uttered the word, "The man was right Ryuu it is all your fault."


    Biskha knew she has no right to think herself as Ryuu''s older sister after all she could not shelter his young na?ve mind anymore after all she was more loyal to his sisters than him as such her feelings for him does not matter, as such like any loyal maid would do she watched from the sidelines as Ryuu for the first time awoke from the na?ve innocent dream discarded his rose tinted glasses and cast a glance at the real world.

 121 I will Save Them

    Ryuu froze at what he heard he just managed to squeak out a single word, "Why?"


    Shamiran responded to his question, "It is simple my brother, you because of naivety showed mercy to those scum when they attacked the small village, it is true that you may have made those people swear no to harm the people of this village but that does mean nothing of their comrades if you had killed those people that day at least their comrade might have thought the perished by some spirit beast''s handsas because this place is so near the mountainous jungles but you let them leave the people whowere simply scouting but not only that you humiliated them this was done to restore their so called honor."


    Ryuu was stunned at what he heard from his sister he never liked taking a life, the last time he killed was under the compulsion of the array his older sister used on him, in fact he detest the notion of killing someone specially any humans as he firmly believed if he cannot create life who gave him the permission to take one, he might be hypocrite as if it were a beast he would not hesitate but when his opponents were humans did he drew the line and because of him he lost people precious to him again.


    Suddenly one of the maids appeared as she reported, "Your Highness all the males of the village are accounted for but a large number of females are missing."


    Ryuu was elated at that he would save them from those bandits hands, before he was about to speak he was beaten by Antariskh as she ordered, "I see well there is nothing for us to do here prepare to leave.", as such the maid bowed as she left to make preparation for departure.


    Ryuu was horrified at that as such he spoke in a serious tone, "I refuse until I rescue those ladies I refuse to leave."


    Antariskh looked incredulously at him as she spoke, "Well it is non-negotiable if I tell we are leaving means we are leaving and as for the ladies it is really unfortunate for them but their consequence is of no concern to us as such I will not spare any resource on them."


    Ryuu was visibly angered at her reply, "If you want to leave then please leave but I would not let them suffer I will rescue them."


    Antariskh looked at him with anger in her eyes as she spoke, "Oh and why do you want to help them do you play dress up as a hero and then what preach you opponent and turn them into to monks from bandits then everyone will happily leave ever after is this your grand plan."


    Ryuu spoke with conviction, "No I will rescue them and then I would punish them accordingly."


    Antariskh looked surprised as she spoke in disbelieve, "Really you will punish them by doing what making them kneel down on the floor, do sit ups while holding their ears, well I do not think we have time for you to fool around, after you finish punishing do you think they would change brother no never they will resume their activities once we are out of sight, don''t tell me you plan to stay back here in order to keep an eye on them.", she finished in mocking tone.


    Ryuu was angry he was so angry that he was visibly shaking with anger Antariskh''s words were the casue of which as such he spoke out aloud with anger as he tried to free himself from Shamiran''s grip, "I will kill those people like the mongrels they are."


    Sylvana spoke for the first time, "If he wants to let him sister what do we have to lose but Ryuu remember neither we will not help you and neither will I put that array which helped you while exploring those ruins all those years ago as such if you think you do not have the courage to kill then I suggest you forget your matter entirely after all sister is right this cretins will never either you slay them or let them lose to destroy someone else''s life."


    Ryuu spoke with conviction, "I will rescue the woman of this village and for that if I have to slay all those bandits then so be it, I will save them even if I have to give up my life as payment."


    Antariskh just snorted at that, "hmph we shall see, who slays whom at the end of the day."


    Shamiran looked at the scene her eyes twinkling with amusement and mirth at that she then turned towards few of the maids as she ordered "You You and oh you two track those mongrels down and inform us as soon as possible, now leave."


    At that Ryuu turned as he tried to glance a Shamiran''s face, who still held him against her, "Why are you helping me big sister?"


    Shamiran replied with a smile as she let Ryuu off, "It is very simple brother you are not a skill tracker and if we are to leave you by yourselves who knows how many months you would take to track them down as such this is the last and only help you would receive from my side."


    Ryuu bowed his head with gratitude towards Shamiran as he spoke, "Thank you sister I will be indebted to you, please excuse me I have to prepare."


    Shamiran as well as her other sister''s eyes opened wide at that Ryuu for all intent and purpose never bowed like that he usually gives a short bow towards others as his show of curtsy and politeness to elders or some senior cultivators, he gave a full bow to Shamiran who knew how much pride Ryuu has, the only person he has bowed before is his teachers and his mother and Ryuu is not someone who you can make him bow to you he did rather die than bow yet to show his gratitude he swallowed his pride and bowed in front of Shamiran before leaving to make preparation.


    Antariskh whistled at that as she spoke, "Damn I should have taken Shamiran''s position it would have been fun."


    Sylvana spoke, "Of course you would love to sister, but do not forget Ryuu is the type who has a very strong heart the thing we are going to do must never be known to him or we might give to a terrible foe in the future."


    Shamiran spoke, "Of course but still he truly deserves to call our brother did you see those intensity and conviction in his eyes."


    Antariskh nodded he knew that if Ryuu received even a small fraction of the conviction of Pangu just like he inherited the same Divine Body he would go far but for now she as thoughts led on to the bandit camp which Ryuu will attack a frown formed on her angelic face, ''show me baby brother show me that you are worthy of inheriting my big brother''s Divine Body show me you are worthy of carrying our parents'' names on your back and stand beside us proudly but if you fail brother I will be the one to slay you.'', her eyes turned cold at that a small part of her hoped that Ryuu succeeds in his endeavor but deep down she knew that the chances of Ryuu survivor in the next skirmish by himself without their support is almost null.

 122 Infiltration

    Ryuu took a deep breath he knew he will be fighting in an unknown territory against people whose strength was relatively unknown not only that he will be fighting to protect those poor people who would be likely used as hostage with no help from anyone he rechecked all the talismans and pills he would be carrying with him he was dressed in a what gave the impression of a heavy armor. He wore heavy silver colored gauntlets on his hands which were accompanied by matching vambraces and on his legs were silver colored greaves which complemented his silver toed boots which were again looked like a cross between normal silver colored sabatons and normal boots, he wore all of that sothat they may be used as a means of increasing effectiveness for hand to hand combats, he had silver colored pauldrons, he wore two layers of armor one a simple chainmail shaped shirt which acted as his inner wear on top of which he wore another silver colored armor, whose tassels were seemed to be made up off bluish cloth which went passed his knees. The armor had various arrays inscribed on it which not only increases Ryuu''s protection but it also made the armor incredibly light and flexible in spite of it looking incredibly heavy. The arrays were inscribed in such a way it looked like some form of designed done using black colored paint on the silver colored armor.


    He had been waiting for the scouts to report as such he decided to meditate to calm him mind down and prepare himself for the conflict up ahead.


    A knock woke him up from his meditation, as Antariskh came inside his room, "The scouts came back the bandit camp is South-East of this place a little over 700 km from here, we will be dropping you a few Kilometers away from the camp."


    Ryuu nodded at that, "Thank you sister for your help."


    Antariskh just gave a small smile as she spoke, "Nonsense you are our precious little brother it is the least we could do."


    As Ryuu returned with a grateful smile he thought inwardly, ''If I am your precious little brother then be a good big sister and instead of doing the bare minimum just help me out by taking care of those cutthroats.''


    Antariskh oblivious to Ryuu''s thoughts spoke, "Brother have you finished you preparations, your weapons, talismans and any kind of pills you require."


    Ryuu nodded, "Yup big sister I have already taken some talismans for demolition purposes, distraction purposes, and protection purposes along with weapons and enough pills, I hope they are enough."


    Antariskh: "How many did you take?"


    Ryuu gave a worried look as he spoke, "About 5000 each."


    Antariskh almost tripped at that, "You are carrying so many?", as Ryuu nodded a chesire grin broke in her face as she hugged Ryuu hard, "I am so proud of you Ryuu remember there can be never too many when using explosives use as much as you can."


    Ryuu spent his time getting advice from his sisters about do''s and don''ts and soon it was time for him to leave for his mission.


    He raced towards the camp while keeping his eyes out for any form traps that were around the camp, the camp in itself was situated inside of what looked like a fort.


    He was glad that the armor he had been wearing did not weigh as much as it looked he quickly ran towards the fort before he jumped on the wall and ran up to the top using a rank 3 technique ''Wall Climbing'', a simple technique but effective used in case of climbing on vertical surface, he was glad that this people did not have any array master or they would have surely used arrays on the wall to prevent him from climbing like that.


    As he went on the large wall he quickly took a glance at the inside of the fort quickly memorizing its layout as he infiltrated it, the guards manning the walls were none the wiser.


    As Ryuu made his way he came across various bandits and so far he had stuck to the shadows using one of his technique ''Shadow Walk'', a rank 5 technique which enables one user to travel short distances via shadow unfortunately for Ryuu he had not mastered it as such he could only use it for hiding while being completely still even the tiniest of movement would cause him to fail he was thankful that the night was that of new moon plenty of darkness for him to hide.


    He made out that the fort held a thousand strong bandits and some of them were of Wanxiang Adept realm, worse one of them was near Wanxiang Adept realm, if there are more of them it would be difficult to rescue as such he placed various talismans on places of strategic value which could cause immense damage like the armory, barracks, the stables etc. as he neared an area he heard some voices.


    Unknown person #1: "Well hurry up the boss would start his feast soon, how long do you think it would take you to cook."


    The unknown cook spoke with equal amount of anger, "Shut up do you think food for a 2000 people would pop just out of thin air if you command it, let me do my job and scram from here it would take a few more minutes for the soup to finish."


    Ryuu''s eyes glistened with malice, it was a chance but how would he do it he needed some distraction for it to work, a squeaking noise came to his ears as he cast a glance to see a rather large fat mouse with a reflex of a hawk he caught it before he quickly his himself with it.


    The mouse tried in vain to escape from his grasp as he squeaked a lot but to his ears it was clear as a day, "Let me go you stupid smelly human or else I would tear off your phallus and you won''t be able to ��.", its voice came to an abrupt halt under the baleful murderous aura aura as it looked up he saw a crazy demented grin on Ryuu''s face causing it to get pale considerably as it resigned to its fate while thinking ''my beautiful cute wife taking care of our cute children alas my time has come I will be not able to see the birth of our 200th child, teach and tell them how I face and fell by a demon god''s hand'', as it trembled and waited for its death Ryuu commanded it, " Listen you stupid rat I want you to cut those ropes inside the pantry so that the materials held by them collapse creating a large noise if you do not do it I will eat you. ", The mouse squeaked in fear as it nodded rapidly as Ryuu released it from his grasp it ran and soon a loud crash was heard from the pantry as a few people rushed towards the pantry including the chef, Ryuu took the opportunity to dump as much odorless and tasteless poison pills into the soup which quickly mixed well into the soup before he quickly left the area as he made toward the tallest building in the area to get better view of the fort, he was pleased with the results so far.


    Unknown to him he was being watched by a group who kept a close eye on him since he had infiltrated into the fort.

 123 Troublesome Dao

    The figures keeping an eye on Ryuu were none other than his older sisters who had keeping an eye on Ryuu''s progress. The watched as Ryuu skillfully created a distraction in order to poison the bandits which pleased them greatly as Antariskh spoke, "it seems that brother''s performance is really praise worthy he has till now performed splendidly."


    At that the others nodded in affirmation to her.


    Ryuu climbed the tallest building as he took a glance around the area so far he has yet to find anything that resembled a holding cell of any kind as such he had no idea where he has to search for, he knows that he had blundered a lot by coming here without any help, there are too many enemies and his best bet is that he will wait after the poison had worked its magic after that he will strike while coming to this tower he had eavesdropped a few times as such he knew a few things about the fort like the top of the tallest building is actually the office of the head honcho of this group of marauders as such he decided to take a peek inside maybe he will find the location where the people of Tardide were held.


    Ryuu opened the window and slipped inside he was so grateful for the flexibility of the armor his teachers were really a miracle worker the type of armor he had on him were unsuitable for this kind of job they are normally restrictive but also they make an awful amount of noises enough to alert the entirety of the fort.


    With a smile he slipped inside the dimly lit room but as he towards the desk to check the documents lying on it, he suddenly felt the presence of another as the sound of jingling chains came to his ears he griped the hilt of his sword hard and he spun around in order to decapitate the enemy only to freeze his sword already on the neck of the person as he took a sharp breath, as standing in front of him was Estelle someone whom he treated as his little sister during the time spend together passed together his first friend from Tardide, the memories of him spending time with Estelle went through his head as he lowered his weapon as he gave a smile his heart was elated on seeing the visage of his ''little sister'', "Sister I came se��.", his joy came to an abrupt halt as he looked at Estelle, as she stood naked her body had various bruises, moreover she had a leash on her neck but what caused Ryuu''sjoy to end was Estelle''s eyes her big ocen blue eyes full of life were dull they were better suited to be on a dead person not someone so young.


    Ryuu spoke in a fearful vice, "Sister what happened to you?", as he inched towards her Estelle suddenly dropped to her knees as she latched on to his pants trying to pull them, "Master��..how I should please you today", came the monotone voice from Estelle.


    Ryuu caught her hands as he looked at her as he spoke, "Estelle it is me your big brother Ryuu,please come back to your senses."


    No matter what Ryuu said he was unable to save Estelle from the madness her mind was too broken for Ryuu to help her no matter what he tried Estelle spoke like a broken toy and by now Ryuu was reduced to tears he hugged her tightly as he kept apologizing her profusely, "I am sorry, I am sorry", was what came out of Ryuu''s mouth but no matter how he said sorry Estelle never paid any attention to him while Ryuu learned the full implication of his actions as the words of the mad man he met at Tardide hit him full force.


    Unknown to Ryuu the head of the bandit had arrived just then a good number of men had fallen poison and he was sure he smelt a rat as such he raced to his office to procure the antidotes in order to save his men and then to find the culprit and skin him alive, the scene in front of him made his blood boil as such he thrust his bardiche with the full force of a ''low Primal Daoist'', the bardichewent through Estelle as it hit Ryuu who was thrown from the kneeling position and hit the wall with a loud bang.


    The armor on his body was a strong one it protected Ryuu from being skewered by the weapon but such was not the case with Estelle who was now reduced to bits and pieces the largest piece being her head which fell near Ryuu''s head. Ryuu looked at the man and uttered the single word, "why?"


    The man spat out in disgust as if he was speaking to the vilest thing in existence, "Why? You dare ask why it is simple you polluted my item by touching it that''s why. The only person from that backwater village who caused the most trouble while breaking them, well I was tired of her and I would have disposed her like the rest eventually.", he studied Ryuu for a little bit before he smiled and spoke mockingly, "You must be ''Ryuu'' right the brat used to scream how you would come to save them and what not she saw you as the ''Hero'' who would save them, until I broke them and killed them when they grew stale and now the ''Hero'' will die for crossing paths against I next life learn to pick your enemies.", he looked at distraught Ryuu mocking before he went for the kill.


    Shamiran meanwhile gave a disappointed look, "Well time to rescue the brat, it was failure and now we have to listen to our parents nagging at us.", as she was about to move she was stopped by Antariskh, "I don''t think so look."


    As the spear neared Ryuu he caught it by his hand hard, the assailant no matter how hard he tried could not make Ryuu release it as such he tried to used a mid rank 4 skill ''Flaming spear'' on Ryuu.


    Meanwhile with the sisters Antariskh looked with a smirk as she spoke, "Our old man may be old but he is not senile enough to raise a dog."


    As loud explosion destroyed the entire upper floor of the building as a figure flew out of the explosion.


    "How dare you brat kill my men and destroy my place", the figure shouted out to the person standing in midst of the explosion, the flames all round Ryuu had surrounded him like a protective guardian for a split second the person seemed to be in presence of a Sovereign.


    Before the man could continue his monologue Ryuu disappeared from his sight and only because of years of experience was he able o dodge the sword strike. Ryuu had jumped a good few dozen of meters in order to bisect him, his heart was beating fast the child was dangerous and was that sword force he watched with his eyes wide open in horror as the sword force tore down a few of the building, his eyes widened as Ryuu spun in air readying to release another devastating sword force towards the person, only to be punched hard by none other than Icas Brack.


    Icas Brack, "Chadli Bloodgood, keep your eyes on the target and your head clear we have to capture the little shit and get him to give us the antidote.", before he bellowed loudly so that everyone could hear him as he pointed to the wreckage of the building where his punch had sent Ryuu, "Men capture that inbred swine he has the antidote we need it to save our poisoned brothers."


    At his declaration the people gave a loud cheer as they made their way towards the rubble which had swallowed Ryuu when the building with which he collided fell on him their eyes glint with bloodlust.


    Only for multiple explosions went off all around the fort causing a couple of casualties among the bandits, which further enraged them as they made their way to Ryuu a childish voice was heard loud and clear, "Naraka", a shout came which was followed by a huge explosion from the rubble a few of the bandits who were near were badly injured as the rubble tore throw them. Then in front of their very eyes the fire caused by the explosions the fire from the torches or from any other source erupted like a volcano, a huge conflagration consumed the very fort that seemed like an invincible stronghold for the bandits was under an ocean of flames. Many cultivators of Zifu Disciple and below died painfully from it as their flesh melted and bones turned to ash even some Wanxiang Adept level cultivators were harmed greatly, water vaporized as even the stones started to melt from it to them it seemed they were in hell.


    Ryuu in spite of all this felt as if he was inside the safest place in the galaxy he felt safe he felt invincible he felt at peace he could just stay here, what was this smell the smell of burning ''ah some insects are getting roasted, why are they crying why are they not accepting and becoming one with flame it felt so nice, as he was drowned in absolute bliss.


    Icas Brack was mad the petulant child was destroying everything that had taken him decades to create, and it would take years for him to recover not only that the little shits rampage was destroying his treasures, the fire is moving as if the kid was ''God of Fire'' himself, then he realized, "Shit this kid has very high understanding of Dao of Fire.", someone kill him as long as he dies we will be saved he shouted out, as a few of the bandits rushed towards Ryuu they knew they would die whether the stop the kid or not as such they decided they would take the kid with them to hell.


    Ryuu watched his pupils changed into cross shaped draconic pupil with scales appearing on his cheeks, he cocked his head to the side as he saw the people charging at him they were disturbing his sanctuary. He was enraged how dare this insects disturb him he gave out an inhuman Ryuu as blood red aura enveloped him he jumped to the nearest bandit before biting on the neck tearing a good chunk of his flesh killing him as a demented mad cackle escaped his lips, "huhehueueheuehe."


    The charging bandits came to a halt as they saw the wide mad glee on Ryuu''s face dripping with blood from his teeth, freshly torn human flesh hung from his mouth as he started chewing it.


    The fire suddenly retreated before forming a bird cage around the fort trapping everyone inside it with Ryuu, the glanced at the child no the demon they were about to face as their hearts trembled with fear.


    Meanwhile Ryuu''s sisters were stunned into silence.


    Shamiran: "It seems he went completely berserk, and is that ��"


    Antariskh nodded wordlessly as Shamiran spoke fearfuly, "We are so screwed mom and dad are tanning our hides in the not so distant future."


    Antariskh nodded at that as she thought, ''Yep we are so screwed but who would have thought that of all the Daos their brother would have gain enlightenment into one of the most troublesome Dao during combat.''

 124 Asura

    Berserker a term used to describe a person intoxicated by blood lust lost in battlefield while being bathed in blood and gore that is one who had seen Ryuu would describe him, he moved from one person to another hacking, slashing, biting and stomping using every possible way to kill and maim his enemies, and like any good berserker he had already ceased paying any attention to himself, if it were any other person he would have already succumbed to their injuries received from the various attacks send towards him but fortunately for Ryuu the armor created by his teachers protected him.


    As the fight raged on the blood like aura clung to him like a robe woven out of blood which only seemed to increase causing Ryuu''s strength to increase as well as his insanity.


    Dao child exclaimed by others as the ''Blessed Son'' of heaven, looked at by others with great envy as where others spend years after years trying to get a glimpse of a Dao child the favorite children of heaven just have to ask and like an over loving doting parent they are gifted by enlightenment on any Dao which sometimes becomes more like a curse than a blessing.


    The Dao which Ryuu currently had received enlightenment is one of those Daos which others prefer steer clear off the very Dao had caused an entire race who are born with it into battle mad warriors who thrive only for wars where ever they go people simply burn such was the ferocity of the Orcs only because they were born attuned with the Dao of Asura the same Dao which Ryuu had gained enlightenment recently.


    Ryuu was in euphoria all he could understand was some sort of moving target in front of him like those balloons his teacher had used to hone his reflexes but this were much better the popping and breaking sound made it much better he was having the time of his life, he liked it he popped those moving ''baloons'', ''huh is that food it looks yummy'' was the thought of an out of control Ryuu.


    Icas Brack gnashed his teeth in anger he had long since identified the brat and he was angry how he had humiliated his subordinates back in his city, but now he was destroying his business, he knew that those terrifying sisters of him might be nearby and when they arrive they will die as such then and there he decided he would kill Ryuu even if he died he would take down the little demon in front of him.


    He had 4 Low level Primal Daoist with him being almost mid level as such he ordered them, "Keep some distance and use your ranged skills and we would be able to take him out, his face is exposed we could skewer him through his eyes."


    As they were planning a few more bandits were killed by Ryuu, for any bandits who went near him felt incredibly weakened before they were killed of some had their own blood taken control of before being torn out of their body some who had been hacked by Ryuu''s sword had either had their internal organ''s frozen or lit by fire because of the poison and a few unlucky died when Ryuu bit into them and tore them into pieces.


    Suddenly Ryuu was attacked by the Primal Daoists who bombarded with attacks blood dripped from his head which only made him more ferocious, Icas Brack smiled at that as he ordered, "Attack we can take him."


    Unfortunately for them the managed to garner Ryuu''s attention towards them as such he jumped.


    "Foolish child", another bandit floating high up in the air exclaimed only for his face to turn into that of horror as Ryuu looked to be walking on air itself moving very fast towards them, his lips curled into a snarl as he prepared to attack him only for Ryuu to vanish from his sight an unbearable pain erupted from his chest he looked down to see a bloodied hand coming out of his chest his still beating heart caught firmly on to it with his arteries pumping the life fluid furiously, "H-he-help��", was the only thing he stuttered out before Ryuu crushed it effectively killing him.


    The Governor Icas Brack was a shrewd man he did not wait for Ryuu to free himself of the corpse still hanging from his outstretched hand as he attacked only for the corpse to explode into blood red icy projectiles which penetrated them as another cried out "My eyes".


    Shamiran whistled at that which she idly noted that she had been doing a lot, "Ryuu is a very good fighter but I think it is time for us to step in he has done enough and last thing we want is some form of lasting damage."


    Antariskh nodded at that, "So true I hope our lesson had been taught to him properly.", as they tried to move a humongous pressure descended on them causing them to fall from the sky itself including Ryuu and his opponents.


    Antariskh saw red someone had gotten a drop on them only to turn pale with fear as they saw the calm and stoic visage of their father Maheswara although his face did not show any emotion but thesisters could feel it he was like a volcano waiting to erupt.


    He turned towards Ryuu who let out a roar and charged towards him like a wild beast his eyes turned into sadness as he caught Ryuu''s hands before speaking, "Sleep my child you have suffered enough.", like that as if the strings had been cut off from his body Ryuu fell into deep slumber Maheswara quickly carried Ryuu as if he was the most fragile thing. He placed one of his hands on a the head of sleeping Ryuu his hands glowed slightly as he read Ryuu''s memories his eyes were now crimson with rage, and responding to his rage every living creature within 5 Km radius felt his wrath, everyone who were not related to Ayindril had their soul torn from their body whether they be man or animals or insects fell dead.


    "Maids attend to me now", he bellowed out his order his voice shaking the Heaven and the planet itself.


    Soon the maids appeared in front of them as they dropped to their knees as he ordered them, "Who is the Governor of this prefecture."


    Biskha: "Your Holiness the man lying over there is the Governor he is in cahoots with this bandits."


    Maheswara''s clenched his jaw in anger as he ordered them, "Have the corpses of all the bandits including the Governor be hung on the main street of the Capital City of this prefecture before tomorrow with the words ''Death To Bandits'' carved on them and then destroy his house and if his people die in the process so be it, complete you duty with extreme swiftness before you all return back to Ayindril after packing anything left on this planet on and make sure that any evidence which would link Ryuu to this massacre except those who are related to Ayindril are erased. Now leave."


    With that the workforce from Ayindril left with the gust of the wind, Maheswara then send a baleful glare towards his daughters as he spoke, "You lots are a big disappointment."


    Before his daughter could reply the entire reality seemed to wrap as they found themselves inside the throne room ofAyindril."


    "Ryuu", an anguished cry came from Nuwa''s lips at seeing the bloodied sleeping form of Ryuu, as Veena quickly took him from her husband''s arms as she spoke in a professional tone, "I am taking him to the infirmary."


    Maheswara nodded as his wives left him alone with their daughters but not before everyone send a stern glare at their direction.


    Maheswara spoke no ordered his voice laced with anger, "You three are going to wait here while I go and check on your brother after that your punishment will be decided."


    With that he left Antariskh gave a weak sigh as she spoke, "So this is it."


    Sylvana gave a small smile to her in return, "No matter what we will be together through thick and thin."


    A thought appreciated by Shamiran also judging by her smirk.

 125 Why does this weirdo suddenly look so handsome

    "Welcome welcome my friend it has been so long since I last saw you.", bellowed out Maheswara happily as he hugged his friend hard.


    The unknown person returned the hug with equal fervor, as giggling were heard while another person with purplish hair held hands with Maheswara''s wives as they exchanged pleasantries.


    "Sister Neaera it has been so long how have you been?"


    Neaera a tall beauty with long purple hair with a small tattoo underneath her right eye spoke with joy in her voice, "I have been well Veena, it has really been many years since we spoke."


    Maheswara: "Well let us go inside there is no need for us stand outside now.", before his attention turned to the third and youngest guest, "Hello who are you child?"


    The child spoke with a shy demeanor, "Greetings senior My name is Megara and I am the only child of Neaera and Menelaos." She gave a small bow towards Maheswara.


    Maheswara gave a smile towards the child who was perfect blend between her parents with the perfect blend of purple hair and tanned skin, "It is nice to meet you Megara please call me uncle your father is like my brother, and how old are?"


    Megara gave a toothy smile as she spoke, "I am five Uncle.", she puffed up her chest a bit proud of herself.


    Celestia: "Ara what a cute child."


    As they entered the house they were greeted by Maheswara''s third wife, "Sister Neaera what a pleasant surprise."


    Neaera smiled at her before her attention was drawn to a child standing beside Nuwa with two more children behind him much younger than him.


    Neaera, "Are they who I think they are?"


    At that Nuwa nodded before glancing towards the child beside her as she gently put her hand on top of his head, "Introduce yourself and your sisters my son."


    The child stepped forward as he spoke, "Greetings senior My name is Pangu and the blond haired girl is Antariskh and the blue haired one is Sylvana.", at that both Antariskh and Sylvana bowed shyly to them, "Oh this one is my youngest sister ''Shamiran'', he raised his hands to show everyone a serpentine looking dragon with scales darker than night itself.


    The two adults eyes widened in shock on seeing Shamiran as they questioned in unison towards Maheswara and his wives through telepathic means using their Divine energy, ''Is she��"


    Hearing that question the mother of Maheswara''s children mood took a dive as they reaffirmed their query, ''Yes she is, we were too late save her parents and her other siblings, as such we are now raising her as our own daughter now.''


    Veena: "Children why don''t you take Megara and show here around the mansion and play."


    Pangu gave a big smile as he spoke, "Yes mama.", before he grabbed Megara''s hands and dragged her away, with the other girls trailing after him, "Wait Big Brother wait."


    Menelaos smiled at that, "It seems little Pangu is quite energetic isn''t he, at that Nuwa gave a tired sigh as she spoke, "He is too energetic and curious for his own good why can he not be a little shy like his sisters."


    Neaera: "Please sister boys are like that."


    Pangu literally dragged her through the entire mansion with his sisters trailing behind, he came to an abrupt halt as he reached the garden with a wide grin his chest puffed up with pride he spoke, "so how did you like our house."


    Only to be greeted by a swirly eyed girl who had fallen on her back, a couple of loud panting was heard as he glanced to see two glaring visages of angry 4 year old girls, "Big Brother is so mean.", they complained out loud.


    "What was that you weirdo.", Megara jumped on her feet as she pointed her fingers accusingly towards Pangu.


    Who had a tick mark on his forehead as retorted back, "What did you call me you idiot." As he glared back at Megara with equal force, which soon turned to an all out brawl between them filled with lots of yelling biting and punching.


    Antariskh trembled at that while Sylvana started sniffling meanwhile Shamiran despite being the youngest already sought her adoptive parents help.


    Maheswara arrived his face clearly showing annoyance, "Pangu what are you doing with our guests."


    He was closely followed by others who were greeted with the scene of Pangu pulling Megara''s hairs while she had sunk her teeth on his hands.


    Antariskh and Sylvana quickly went towards their respective mothers crying their heart out while Nuwa shot a disapproving glare at Pangu causing him to cringe, suddenly Veena laughed out loud startling everyone, "Hahahaha, it reminded me of the time when Nearea met Menelaos for the first time although their fight was more violent one.", after hearing that every adult laughed out loud remembering about that incident while Nearea blushed a little bit when reminded about the incident.


    Menelaos then remarked casually, "Then I have to watch out for Pangu or he might steal my daughters hearts."


    Soon months turned to years the children grew up, while Pangu and Megara became rivals always competing against each other while the trio of sisters became an inseparable friend with Megara.


    Currently 17 years old Pangu and Megara were hard pressed fighting against a mid Void Immortal level Armored tailed Thunder Tiger.


    Tiger send a swipe of its paw towards Megara who gave a smirk as she dodged by jumping upwards only to come face to face with the tail, she froze in fear as the shadow of death loomed over her, only to be shoved by Pangu who took the full brunt of the attack.


    Megara''s eyes widened as she was greeted by a shower of blood, as in intense anger coursed through her making her to break into low Void Immortal Realm as she relentlessly attacked the tiger out of anger.


    A few hours later she was found seating outside the infirmary room whose current occupant was none other than Pangu, his sisters had arrived shortly after and helped her to defeat the beast but the guilt of her being the reason for Pangu''s current predicament was eating her.


    Veena gave a sad smile on seeing the distraught visage of Megara spoke, "Pangu has awaken we all have already visited him please go and do the same."


    Megara seemed to hesitate at that, "Aunty I ha...��"


    Veena gave a slight stern look as she spoke, "Please Pangu insists."


    Megara walked into the room and winced seeing the sight of bandaged Pangu, "Hey stupid girl are you alright."


    Megara stood near the door as she spoke out in anger, "Who are you calling stupid you weirdo."


    Pangu gave a weak chuckle as he spoke, "You know sad face does not suite you in the slightest."


    Megara lowered her head as she asked, "Why? Why did you risk yourself to save me?"


    Pangu replied as he winced from pain, "Who knows why just the thought of that I might lose was so unbearable that my body moved on its own."


    Megara stood there with her hair shadowing her eyes but she had a faint blush on her cheeks as her heart skipped a beat, ''why does this weirdo suddenly look so handsome.''

 126 Betrayal

    Megara was in absolute bliss as she sat in the embrace of her lover basking in each other''s presence it had taken a few years but Pangu and Megara found love in each other. If someone would have told this to their younger self they would have laughed loudly and scoffed at the idea but matters of heart works in a mysterious way and now they could believe a world without each other.


    "Big Brother Big sister where are you?", came a shout startling the couple who quickly stood up on their feet keeping a distance from each just in time for Shamiran to arrive on the scene, "There are you two we all have been looking all over for you it is time for us to enter into the tomb."


    The couple nodded robotically they have not announced their relationship to others but their mother seemed to have caught on to it, they decided that they will announce it after the ascend to Dao Father level.


    As they arrived in front of the tomb both Pangu and Megara looked at the entrance which had now appeared with awe, as they appeared near the entrance they were greeted by Antariskh and Sylvana.


    "Big Brother stop disappearing now and then we are wasting our time if we are late others will leave us behind and we will be fishing their leftovers."


    Pangu mockingly put his hand over his heart as he spoke, "Ouch my sisters have become so cruel where have I gone wrong.", only to be kicked lightly by a blushing Sylvana.


    "Oi oi stop fooling around children you cannot be careless when you enter inside that tomb many had perished their carelessness.", came the voice of Menelaos from behind them.


    "Uncle we know that the tomb of Ancestors are dangerous, after all they are the people who paved the way for cultivations.", replied an impatient Antariskh.


    Pangu: "Even so we should listen to the people who have more knowledge about them than us."


    Another male voice spoke up, "So true Pangu, Antarislh you should listen to the warnings more the Ancients held numerous secrets as such we should be careful."


    Menelaos, "Really the children had changed so much when they were still children Pangu was the impatient one and Antariskh the patient it is as if their behavior had been flipped."


    Maheswara laughed at that as he spoke, "So true brother so true. Megara is something wrong you have been quite the whole time."


    Megara just shook her head as she replied, "I am just curious about this Ancestors who had just seemed to vanish one day leaving behind such reach heritages, do you thing in some corner of this vast Universe they are still arrive."


    At that both the fathers took a contemplativeas Menelaos replied, "That is one answer we all are seeking who knows what happen and where they are and like you many would love to meet them but who knows how they would react to people who took their legacy and taught themselves how to cultivate they would either welcome us with open arms or cull us."


    As they were about to entire a telepathic message was received by Pangu, "Brat I know what you two are doing behind our back and I would love to have a long lengthy discussion with you when you return back.", Pangu visibly sweated at that causing his other teammates look at him with concern none more than Megara.


    Megara with a worried look on her face asked, "Pangu are you alright."


    Pangu gave a weak smile as he replied, "I am fine there is nothing wrong, it must be the heat of this place is getting me.", which caused his sisters to look at him weirdly as the place was easily a few good degrees below the freezing point of ice.


    While Megara replied the real answer from Pangu through telepathic means which caused her to imitate Pangu as they both agreed, ''We are so not coming out of this place.''


    They fought and bleed hard in that accursed tomb more like an entire sub space by itself with how large it were they had ten years to explore and then get out of their before it sealed itself for ten thousand years.


    During the ten years they came across various people some became their friends others their sworn enemies.


    But most importantly Sylvana met someone and fell in love with, a black haired fair skinned person by the name of Shaghirbiy Otreshevy. Megara did not understand why but the person just seemd to rub her wrongly as such she shared her suspicions with Pangu.


    Pangu sighed as he spoke, "So I was not being overly paranoid about him, I do not know why but I do not like that person."


    Megara spoke in a serious tone, "Then we should dispose of him."


    Pangu shook his head negatively as he frowned, "No we cannot, not only he is always around my sister but he will be difficult to assassinate and the last thing I want is my sister to hate me for killing her love interest because of some form of suspicion as such the best we could do is keep an eye on him and catch him when he performs something suspicious."


    Megara nodded at that Sylvana may not be her sister by blood but she is her future sister-in-law as such she will protect her from any future dangers.


    Years passed on, and Shaghibiy wormed his way into the heart of Maheswara and his wives who accepted his relationship with Sylvana.


    Megara and Pangu had grown exceptionally strong they were currently peak level Chaos Immortal not only that they were about to get married, but something caused Pangu mood to sour it was the marriage of Sylvana withShaghirbiy Otreshevy.


    Pangu: "Father Please understand that fellow is not good for little sister he has some nefarious motives please stop Sylvana from marrying that cur."


    Maheswara replied jovially, "Son do you have some sister complex, is that why you are so against her marrying."


    Pangu spluttered his face looked sickly green, "What are saying father, eww just eww I do not think of sister as such I am just concern about that fellow."


    Maheswara: "Do you have any proof?"


    Pangu shook his head negatively, "No father no I don''t."


    Maheswara: "Then I forbid you from speaking about it anymore.", Pangu tried to argue only to be silenced by Maheswara, "No so no I will not hear about it, do you know how much you are hurting your sister acting like that, the boy is a nice person he genuinely cares for your sister as such I gave him permission to court and marry my daughter and I do not want you to hurt them in any means necessary."


    Although Pangu stopped arguing with Maheswara both him and Megara did not give up trying to stop the marriage between Shaghirbiy Otreshevy and Sylvana which not only caused a rift to appear between Sylvana and Pangu his parents were displeased even Menelaos and Neaera were displeased at their behavior.


    Sylvana currently a mid level Chaos Immortal was angry she was just having another bout of spat between her and her big brother, "What is your problem Pangu, can you not mind your own business I am tired of you incessant whining, and just because you are older than me does not give you the right to meddle with my life."


    Pangu: "Sylvana you are my little sister as your big brother it is my duty to protect you and I cannot watch you throw your life away like that."


    His other sisters glared at him as Antarish spoke harshly, "Pangu I do not care what you think but just because you are older and stronger does not give you right to decide anything for us who did you thing you are."


    Pangu tried to argue, "Please sister why��.."


    Sylvana finally snapped at him, "Enough I have enough of this nonsense I am tired of arguing with you, I hate you I wish you were never born the simple thought that the likes of as my brother simply makes me want to throw up."


    Pangu looked at her eyes wide as an unfathomable pain coursed through his heart at hearing such cruel words.


    "What is going on?", came an angry shout from Nuwa as she and her sister wives as well as her husband came to the scene all had varying forms of disappointed look on their faces.


    "Really Pangu what is your problem? Why are you acting like that?", came another angry female voice.


    Pangu: "Megara what are you saying we...."


    Megara raised her hand as she prevented Pangu from saying anything, "Stop right there Pangu,I confess I agreed with you initially but time and again he has proved to be trust worthy why don''t you cut them some slack. In fact currently I am disgusted to have feelings for you the poor man has proved time and again proved himself trustworthy why are harassing your sister and her future husband. I have enough of you and your shenanigans as such I refuse to marry you."


    Pangu was shocked at hearing that even the love of his life denouncing him like that.


    Nuwa: "Stop it Pangu, you are embarrassing us why are acting as such we never raised you to be such an uncouth fellow to thing you share our blood disgust me.", from the looks of it even Maheswara shared the same sentiment.


    Today was the worst nightmare for him something he would not even consider to fall upon his worst enemy, today it was clear he had nothing left he was all alone his parents his sisters his family even his beloved had made it clear that they chose Shaghirbiy Otreshevy over him whom they knew since his birth he could not take anymore as such he teleported out from that place.


    Neaera: "Please sister there was no need to be harsh with him, you could have given sometime to him but to say such cruel words."


    Maheswara spoke with a frown, "Even though the words were harsh but he has to understand that he cannot keep on slandering someone who is going to be his future brother-in-law, I know he is angry now but he will come down."


    Neaera frowned as she spoke, "If you say so brother after all he is your son you know him well but I hope he will do nothing hasty."


    Maheswara casually shrugged her off, "Do not worry if tries something I will give him a good lesson in pain."


    Menelaos turned towards her daughter as he spoke, "Megara are you sure you want to annul your marriage with Pangu you were in love with him for such a long time."


    Megara frowned as she spoke, "Please father can we discuss something else I do not want to talk about such thing right now, I love him but he lately he had become unbearable I cannot thing about getting married with the current him."


    Celestia spoke with regret in her voice, "Child on behalf of our son I ask for your forgiveness for such a shameful display, I do not know where we made mistake while raising him."


    Megara quickly went and grasped her hand, "Please aunty please do not embarrass me by saying such things if anyone is at fault it is Pangu."


    Meanwhile on a very remote part of the galaxy an uninhabited plane shook as a person cried in grief he was truly alone even how they could betray him like that after all those years how could they throw away his love and devotion the planet shook under his anguish filled cries.


    Megara''s betrayal stung him more she was the one who reported to him about something amiss about Shaghirbiy Otreshevy, she who always promised to be with him through heaven or hell so casually tossed does his love mean nothing to her.


    Tears of blood flowed from his eyes as his hairs turned white as he vomited blood, his suffered an intense pain in his heart as those words of betrayal kept repeating on his head as such he collapsed on the ground losing his conscious.

 127 Moksha

    "Huh, what do you mean by that Megara and Pangu''s wedding has been cancelled.", asked a tall white haired person as he was informed by a kneeling servant in front of him.


    "It is your Lordship.", came the sort reply by the messenger.


    "Why?", asked the startled man.


    The messenger spoke without any voice in his tone, "I am unaware of the reasons."


    The man then permitted with a wave of his hand for the messenger to take his leave.


    "Why did it happen beloved?", asked a charming looking brunet to the white haired person.


    "I do not know but I will have to convene news with our other friends maybe they will be able to shed some light on this matter."


    At this his lover nodded in acceptance as she spoke, "Then we have to hurry you know an emotional Pangu is a very troublesome fellow."


    The man nodded with a smirk on his face as he quickly contacted the rest of his friends who also had receive such news as well as invitation for Sylvana and Shaghirbiy Otreshevy wedding.


    Soon the group of Pangu''s friends gathered in a garden filled with exotic flora and fauna whose owner was none other than the white haired person who was sitting there with his love interest as others made their way there.


    One of them looked like a miniature hippo who spoke in a squeaky voice, "So Saidhal, what happened for their marriage to be suddenly canceled."


    The white haired person who was now identified as Saidhal spoke, "That was why I called all of you to speak with you all on this matter does anyone know about this?"


    The others nodded negatively at that, "I do not thing any of us know the reason but instead of wasting time we should check on Pangu who knows what he is going through."


    As the group of 6 friends discussed the next course of a action a rather enchanting smell of perfume entered there nostrils.


    "Che, Milena did you fall into a vat of cow piss again.", spoke a little bit muscular female with scars on her body from the group in distaste at the new comer.


    "Ara Ara if remain a sweaty pig like you could understand the charms of a woman, keep it up Neacht and no male would want you."


    Neacht just snorted at that as she replied, "I am not so desperate for me dress up like a cheap courtesan in order to draw someone''s attention."


    Milena''s aura flared at that as she was about to be replied Saidhal spoke up angrily, "Enough we do not have time for any childish squabble we should go and visit Pangu now."


    Another voice replied back to him, "It will be futile brother Saidhal, Pangu has already left Ayindril, well to be precise after being insulted he was forced out of Ayindril by his family.", she finished speaking in a way which caused others to wince at that.


    The fat person by the name of Netik spoke trying to calm the newcomer, "Sister Apolonia please take a seat and can you tell us more on this matter."


    Apolonia grudgingly took a seat, everyone knew how she developed romantic feelings for Pangu but it was not only one sided it was also unrequited yet when she saw how much happy Pangu seemed to be with Megara she stepped back even if it hurt her a lot thinking about Pangu''s happiness but now she was infuriated and if it were not for Milena she would have killed the Pangu''s sisters when she got the gist of the matter.


    As they learned with what transpired with Pangu their blood boiled.


    Zarina, Saidhal''s lover spoke out in anger, "How could they? How dare they betray their own blood, brothers and sisters let us go and destroy the damn woman''s wedding ceremony."


    At that many agreed only to be stopped by a gruff voice, "We will do no such thing."


    Netik: "How can you say something Brother Leo?"


    Leo spoke in a calm voice, "It is rather simple brother, before we go and disrupt the wedding ceremony can anyone tell me where is brother Pangu."


    At that there entire anger was diffused in matter of seconds, as he spoke calmly, "Pangu is our brother in all but blood in such a difficult time a family should watch each other''s back isn''t that right. Pnagu may not share our blood but he is like a brother to us who had always had our back and did he not refer to us as his family it is our time now to lend him a shoulder and protect his back."


    At that everyone cracked a grin as they left to with a new goal in their mind that is to find their beloved brother Pangu.


    Meanwhile back in Ayindril the members of Pangu''s family were wrecked with guilt specially those who insulted him at the heat of anger when their temper cooled down they thought about their actions and felt guilty, but they justified their actions by putting the entire blame on Pangu .


    Soon the day of the wedding neared and they put all the guilt they felled on the backburner of their head they will find Pangu and try to mend their relationship no matter how much Pangu have fallen he was still their family.


    Meanwhile on the remote planet a lone figure could be send seating on a meditative position, his long white hair moving under the whisper of gentle wind, his aged face looked like that of some wise old person who knew about the mysteries of the universe, yet he sat still like a statue.


    The person was none other than Pangu the shock of betrayal caused his silky midnight black hair to become white as his youthful appearance aged, he tried to meditate to calm his mind.


    As he meditated he saw visions, visions of himself as he went through his life in some case he died when he tried to protect Megara all those years ago from the wounds he received, he saw how his family were devastated.


    He saw another where he was abandoned just after birth as he was unwanted, another where he and Megara were married, he went on as he saw countless worlds filled with love and hate, life and death he felt them as if it were real, he saw himself as a beggar, he saw himself as king, as thief as well as a lawman. The countless possibilities went passed his eyes as he saw himself as a man as a woman he was started to lose himself in all those memories, some had different names causing him to lose focus of his reality.


    Then he noticed that all of these paths were choices of what could have happened to him if he had taken a different choice in his life if he or those who were related to him chose differently than what happened.


    As he meditated he learnt the truth of life and death, he learned the purpose of his life and all of a sudden he felt calm as he received enlightenment in the Dao, the Dao of Nirvana as he learned the truth of life and death unknowingly he received Moksha as such he suddenly felled his life to be complete and fulfilled there was nothing for him to gain anymore and nothing to lose he was at peace.


    If anyone were present they would have noticed that the old man who was sitting under the tree mediating suddenly had his white hairs fall from his scalp as new black hair grew at rapid pace, the wrinkles on his face suddenly disappeared as a healthy skin grew in its place, skin so soft and smooth even the most beautiful person in the universe would be jealous of him.


    Suddenly a terrible aura erupted as a pulse went through the uncharted space around the planet, the aura dissipated as quickly as it came.


    Pangu who was at Peak level Chaos Immortal had ascended and had become a Mid level Samsara Dao Lord.

 128 Grand Wedding

    Leo: "So anyone has any questions regarding the plan?"


    At that everyone nodded at that except Netik, "Brother Leo how sure are you that Brother Pangu will make an appearance."


    Leo looked down as he closed his eyes before speaking, "None Brother Netik, there is a chance that he might not appear."


    Apolonia, "Then there is no reason for me to visit the wedding of that slag, my time would better spend searching for Pangu."


    Leo looked frustrated as he spoke, "Then where are you going to look for him, I am betting on that he would give one last try to stop Sylvana''s marriage."


    Saidhal, "I understand Leo, and if and when Pangu appears we will support him on his mission or at least help him to escape."


    Few days later Sylvana looked in front of the ruined altar as many people lay dead in front of her, her wedding dress was completely destroyed and she was injured badly as her mind went back to the start of the tragedy that took place.


    She was the blushing bride standing beside her beloved soon she would be married to the love of her life and then have a family of her own a couple of children who were the mixture of Shagirbiy and her.


    Her mind flickered back to her confrontation with her older brother and a small part of her was sad at that but she crushed her sadness, ''I cannot start my new life being sad.''


    Her eyes flickered back to Megara, as she saw how brutally she had already removed her brother from her life as if she never had loved him and their marriage was just a dream. She saw Megara being closed to another person a close from of her would be husband, sometimes she wondered if Megara really loved her brother, and she clearly was on the fence on this matter on one side she was pissed of at how easily and quickly Megara replaced her brother on the other side how much embarrassing her brother had become lately.


    Soon her husband came and stood in front of her removing any thoughts on that matter, as her thoughts were filled by love and happiness.


    Meanwhile Apolonia sneered at Megara, ''How dare that harlot break my beloved''s heart, from today onwards I vow to not only make Pangu mine but to make sure cleanse any form of sadness from his heart.''


    Menelaos himself was saddened by what he saw he still wanted to see his daughter with Pangu even after everything but how quickly his daughter moved on he himself questioned his daughter''s love for Pangu, ''For how long was she pretending to love him.'', was the thought that went through his mind but fearing his wife''s wrath.


    Zarina looked at the people who came from the Shagirbiy''s side, Leo had explicitly cautioned them from being too close to them. Leo''s divine body had an unique skill which enabled him to judge a person if they are nice or not like for Pangu''s case he literally declared he would be honored to be his friend and it was exactly opposite in case of Shagirbiy.


    As the ceremony was about to begin, Shagirbiy''s eyes widened before a smile formed on his face, as she turned towards Sylvana as he whispered to her in a loving voice, "There is something I want to gift you my love."


    Sylvana blushed as she asked, "What is it my love?"


    Suddenly a searing pain erupted from her stomach causing her to cough out blood as she heard her mother shouting out her name in fear and panic she was stunned, "Wha��", as she looked down she was greeted with the sight of a bisento piercing through her with a flick oh his wrist he nearly bisected her, as she was lying on the ground fighting for her life as her life fluid spread around battle had erupted all throughout Ayindril.


    Suddenly a vicious fire exploded from her and Sylvana stood up all healed as if she had been resurrected from her death as she watched in horror as flames of war had engulfed around Ayindril, as she watched the scene unfold before her alone voice echoed in her head, ''Sister please do not marry him he is not a nice person.'', she never felled so guilty if only she had listened to her brother, of not for the unique skill granted by her Divine Body Phoenix Rebirth she would had been dead.


    She made her way towards Shagirbiy who was busy fighting against both her mother Celestia and her father Maheswara.


    Celestia spoke angrily, "Why Shagirbiy why are you doing this you were like a son to us why would you betray us like that?"


    Shagirbiy spoke in an amused tone, "Meh so what although now if I thought about it you are right I should have at least betrayed you after our honeymoon, it would have been nice if I got to taste that daughter of yours."


    Which caused Sylvana''s parents to be enraged causing them to attack him with renewed fervor, Shagirbiy dodged a sword swipe from Sylvana as he spoke jovially, "Woah woah you could have harmed my beautiful face my beloved, I would be difficult to seduce any woman."


    Sylvana screamed in anger, "How dare you betray me I gave you everything my heart my love yet you betray me I even insulted and betrayed my brother for you."


    Shagirbiy looked at her with boredom, "So what? did I tell you to insult or betray your brother, you did it by yourselves maybe deep down you never wanted him."


    Sylvana had tears down her face as she attacked him with full of anger.


    The battle raged on for a few more minutes but soon a bang was heard as a signal went on the air.


    Shagirbiy smiled at them as he waved goodbye at them as he spoke, "Well goodbye Mahe and Celes it had been a good party but next time please invite me by my real name ''Jose''."


    Both Maheswara and Celestia froze at that, "How are still alive we killed you.", they asked together.


    Jose: "Yeah it is true you killed my body but I took over this fellow''s body well it was fine."


    Maheswara: "Why was it some twisted revenge against us that you did such a thing?"


    Jose looked insulted at that as he spoke in a tone that seemed he was speaking with a retard, "Please I have many things to do than plan some pesky revenge on you, but if you want to know well I just took what you stole from me."


    Maheswara as well as Celestia''s face went white at that, "No you didn''t��."


    Jose spoke as if he was discussing whether with his closest friend, "Well it was fun, see you never again."


    With that they left as they all gathered themselves a piercing cry brought everyone''s attention to Megara and Neaera who were crying as they held Menelaos''s bloodied injured body.


    Today was sad day for the citizen''s of Ayindril they lost many friends and people but what hurt them most was that the betrayed the only one who had warned them of the danger beforehand, the only one whom they should have believed yet chose not to.

 129 Curtain Fall

    Veena: "Megara calm down and let me treat you father please move aside."


    The mother and daughter duo moved while Megara with the help of few of the servants carried Menelaos with them.


    As the survivors of the ordeal got busy with tending their injuries as well as mourning the dead, even Pangu''s friends were not unscathed by it, Netik was having his head bandaged by Zarin, "Keep still and let me take care of your head wound."


    Netik: "But Sister it is just a scratch there is nothing to worry about."


    Zarin glared at him balefully, "Brother Netik if you do not stop moving I will break all of your bones and make sure you spend your time recuperating on a bed."


    Netik withered under her glare as Saidhal just laughed at his plight, "Brother Netik you should probably listen to her you should have already learned by now how zealous she is while treating someone''s wounds."


    Leo suddenly appeared with a bright smile as he spoke in a whisper so that only his friends might hear, "Guys I have good news, my grandfather has already finished preparations and it is only a matter of time for us to find him."


    This excited his friends soon they were about to find him. Neacht exclaimed loudly, "Let us go we will...�� mphmph.", Leo had quickly put a hand on her face stopping her from speaking as he hissed at her, "Shut up Neacht do not shout so loud the last thing we want this ungrateful people listening and try to coerce into taking them with us."


    As such they were about to leave they were confronted by Antariskh, "Hello brothers and sisters, I hope you were not injured too much."


    Leo spoke with a small smile on his face, "No no we are fine just a bit roughed up but otherwise a bit fine.", while inwardly thinking, ''be cool and keep your calm Leo even if they had betrayed your brother if you start arguing now you will lose time which would have been spend elsewhere so keep calm and finish speaking then take you leave as quickly as possible.''


    Leo spoke with sympathetic look on his face, "I wish to express my deepest sympathies for what had befallen you family today."


    Antasriskh nodded somberly as she spoke, "Thank you for that and I want to offer you all our deepest apologizes from my family and my family for involving you all in this skirmish."


    Leo: "There is no need to apologize it was just bad luck that befell you, well then I hope you do not mind we wish to take our leave today was very tiring and we all wish to retire."


    Antariskh nodded at that, "Well before I bid you goodbye I wish to inquire you if you know the whereabouts of my big brother."


    Pangu''s friends were getting agitated at Antariskh as she was delaying their quest to find their friend and when she inquired about the whereabouts of Pangu some of them almost lost their patients if not for Leo.


    Leo spoke in a tone filled with regret, " I wish I knew his whereabouts but unfortunately I am still in the dark I thought he might make an appearance today but alas I was mistaken, but rest assure if I find any news of your brother I will inform your family first but till then goodbye."


    While inwardly he mused, ''Inform you my foot, I did rather die than let my brother suffer grief because of you backstabbing bitches.''


    As they tried to leave they were stopped none other than Megara herself who was stqanding nearby and eavesdropping on the conversation between Antariskh and a few of Pangu''s closest friends, "Brothers and sisters I will surely remember you kindness and try to repay you when you share me any news of my fianc��."


    As soon as Leo heard those words Leo felt a chill run down her spine and he whispered out, "Oh Shit."


    Apolonia was quite the entire time but now when she heard the woman who broke he beloved''s heart speaking like that she finally lost her temper, "HahahahahWahahahaha, ow truly Megara you make a very fine jester.", as she slowly clapped her hands.


    Her loud laughter and proclamation brought everyone''s attention to the group, a bewildered Megara could not help but ask out, "Not to be rude but can you let me on the joke that made you laugh."


    Apolonia, "Oh it is simply the fact that you referred Pangu as your fianc��. It was so funny I could not help but laugh out loud."


    Megara was enraged at that, "How dare you mock my relationship with Pangu?"


    Apolonia sneered at her, "What relationship dear? You publicly denounced any relationship with him and broke you engagement, on top of that you seemed quite chummy with that freak what was his name again Oh Shagi Shagi something''s friend. You did not break your engagement a long time ago yet you moved on to someone so quickly I really doubt you ever loved or were faithful to Pangu who knows how long you were being unfaithful behind his back."


    Megara looked ashamed at that, "That is different I was sad thinking about breaking my relationship with Pangu as such in a moment of weakness he tried to get close to me nothing more or nothing else."


    Apolonia snorted at that she wanted to tear Megara piece by piece but now was not the time they are wasting the valuable time which should be better utilized on finding Pangu, "Sisters and Brothers let us leave we have lot of things to do."


    Megara lowered her head as they were leaving before Apolonia stopped she spoke with her back turned to them, "You know Megara I was jealous of you, you had everything Pangu''s love, heart, mind and soul, I was so jealous the only man I loved more than anything the only person I loved enough to tear the entire creation and burn it down to ash had given his entire being to you, I was so jealous. ", she spoke the last part barely in whisper before she turned and gave a murderous glare towards Megara as she spoke in a barely unconstraint fury, "I wanted him but I stepped back when I saw how happy he seemed to be but not anymore you broke the heart of my beloved now I will mend his heart and make him mine even if I have to slaughter the entire universe I will be his as he will be mine so harlot GET OUT OF MY SIGHT.", she shouted out in anger as her Low ranked Samsara Dao Lord aura flared causing Megara to fall on her knees before she along with all her friends teleported out of the area.


    Everyone were silent specially those who had betrayed Pangu they did not know what to think any more.


    Nuwa quickly went to her meditation room as she went on deep meditation as she tried to sense and find out her son through her Divine sense''s as he was her descended and him being much weaker than him no matter how hard he tried he could not be shield himself from his own mother.


    Meanwhile Pangu stared intently at couple of strings coming out of his soul this strings were none other than ''Fate Strings''.

 130 What they los

    Pangu held each of the ''Fate Threads'' in his hands, this threads connected him with his family, no his previous family with whom those threads tied him. As long as this tied it to him no matter how they deny each other he was still there family. As his touched each of the threads his memories since his birth flowed to his head the first time his parents held him on their arms, the first time he met his baby sisters, learning to walk, to speak playing with his sisters as he lived through though those memories a small smile graced his visage as he saw himself grow up with his sisters how he befriended Megara then he fell in love with her he looked at his life passed before his life until the point where they turned theirbacks on him and disregarded him as a trash as there harsh words echoed in his mind. Unlike last time he did not feel sad neither disappointed but an understanding as a small smile came to his lips as he whispered to himself, " I am grateful to you all who had tried to be my family who had tried to love but it seems I was not the one you all wanted I hope you all forgive me for being the son, brother or lover you all had wanted and I hope you all behappy without the likes of me as such goodbye."


    With that he tore the ''Fate Threads'' that connected him with his family thereby disowning them forever, Pangu felt relieved after he did so even after he achieved Moksha he felt as if something was still missing but now after severing the Fate threads not only he felt free but he felt the most calm and fulfilled than he had felt in his entire life.


    Then he once again sunk into deep meditation as he had completely detached himself from the outside world.


    Meanwhile Nuwa had been trying to find the whereabouts of Pangu yet she was unsuccessful it seemed as if Pangu had managed to block her somehow which seemed to be an inconceivable idea to her after all because at the end of the day Pangu was only a Peak level Chaos Lord compared to her who was Peak level Samsara Dao lord it should have been easy, the only thing she could detect was her son was alive nothing more nothing less.


    Maheswara shook her out of her meditation as he spoke, "My wife what happened to you it would have been easier for you to search for Pangu what is taking so long?"


    Nuwa spoke with uncertainty in her voice, "We do not know we have been trying to find him but something or someone is blocking him."


    Maheswara frowned at that as he spoke, "That is troubling my love I suggest we combine our power in order to search for our son."


    With that the both sat on meditative position as they held each other''s hands as they combined their powers to search for Pangu. This time they had a better result soon they were able to sense him in a much better way but before they could pinpoint their son''s exact location both of them were bombarded with memories of old from Pangu''s birth as they taught him to walk and talk, teaching him how to cultivate his toothy smile as he held his younger sisters in his arms a plethora of emotions went through them a mixture of emotions went passed them being a mixture of their emotions along with their child until the fateful day arrived they felt the desperation from Pangu the disappointment and anger from them causing their hear to cry out in pain, more so when they felt the sadness anger self loathing and the horror and heartache when they chose an outsider over their own son they saw him rage until they felt the pain changing him causing their heart ache then they felt emptiness and sudden apathy, then to their ever growinghorror and sadness they saw him gaining Moksha and subsequently thereby he heard him whisper out clearly asking for forgiveness for not being their ideal son, to Nuwa and Maheswara Pangu was more than anything they could ask for as a son they could not be more proud of him but now because of their folly they watched with eyes widened with horror as Pangu caught hold of his "Fate Threads'', they understood what was going to happen.


    Nuwa tried to plead for him to stop even Maheswara a proud man who would rather die than lower his head wanted nothing more than fall on Pangu''s feet and beg for mercy if only two get a second chance but it was not to be as Pangu with a swift tug tore the "Fate Threads that bounded him to his family his parents, he disowned any form of relationship that was supposed to exists between them ceased to exists between them they were nothing more than strangers.


    Both the parents vomited blood as tears steamed from their eyes, Nuwa gave a piercing scream, "PANGU!!!!!!!!!!!", before she fainted from the shock where as Maheswara kneeled as he kept muttering "Sorry I am so sorry", over and over again like a delirious person.


    Meanwhile with others, Veena had just finished treating the people who were greatly injured during the skirmish some of them being her closest friends, thinking about how ''Jose'' duped them made her grit her teeth in anger not only he played with the feelings of one of her daughters because of him they even betrayed their only son their flesh and blood. No not because of Jose they did themselves, just thinking about how much their actions had made Pangu suffer made her eyes moist she felt so disgusted with herself but now they will just have to wait before Nuwa would find him, even Celestia was using her Divination to locate Pangu with both of them working and she was sure Maheswara would also help with the trio of them working together the only thing they have to figure out is how to bring him that.


    She knew that Pangu might hold a grudge but they will apologizeto him until he comes back but before she could do anything she heard the loud cry of Nuwa but before she could react she fell on her knees as tears streamed from her eyes she felt as if someone tore her heart out and an immense sense of guilt and lose hit her she sped off towards where she sensed both Nuwa and Maheswara.


    A couple of minutes before the incident Antariskh and Shamiran made their way to Sylvana''s room, "Do you think big brother will forgive us?"


    Antariskh bit her lips as she replied, "I do not know but I will beg for his forgiveness for as long as it would take"


    Shamiran nodded at that although she was doubtful, the eyes of Pangu when they all betrayed him still haunts her in during her sleep, she was doubtful if their relation would go back to the way it was before.


    As they went to Sylvana''s room they knocked a couple of times but when they did not hear any sound, they shared a couple of worried glance at each other before Shamiran spoke, "Sister we are coming in."


    As they entered they saw Sylvana sitting on a corner with her knees drawn together and her head resting on it, and her entire room was trashed, the sisters looked at her with concern.


    Antariskh spoke kindly to her, "Sister I know you are sad about how that Jose played with your heart, but I promise we will get him so please sister calm yourself."


    Sylvana raised her tear filled eyes as she spoke angrily, "Do you think I care about that creep, what I am upset is how I betrayed my big brother the same person with whom we grew up the same person who would sacrifice his life with a smile on his face for our happiness yet I doubted him and backstabbed him I cannot face him anymore I do not know what to do."


    But before anyone could say anything they Nuwa''s scream as the same feeling of sadness washed over them making them feel that they had lost something forever, they glanced at each before they raced towards where Nuwa was as they reached they sight greatly frightened them.


    Veena was torn between trying to revive an unconscious Nuwa while their strong proud father was on his knees his head on the ground as he kept on muttering ''Sorry'' over and over again like a mad man.


    Antariskh somehow managed to ask, "Mother what has happened?"


    But the answer did not come from Veena but from Celestia who stood behind them, as they faced her they saw not the beautiful or kind visage of their mother but someone who had aged a lot her eyes were red and puffy as tears streamed down considerably as she answered them while choking a sob, "We lost him, we lost our baby boy he cut off any relation we had with us.", with that she felt on her knees as she wept.


    The sisters were stunned as Sylvana fell on her knees lifelessly like a puppet whose strings had been cut, even Antariskh and Shamiran were stunned to silence everything seemed like a nightmare, a nightmare they do not want to live in.


    Megara felt like a scum since the declaration of Apolonia she had locked herself in as she thought about her behavior for the last few months how she betrayed Pangu, soon she was hit by an intense of lose causing her an intense heartache she felt as if her entire world had been torn asunder as all the times she spend with Pangu played before her, their rivalry, the time the confessed each other''s feelings, the time they fought side by side their first kiss under the moon to the time she betrayed him and became unfaithful.


    Before she gave out a piercing scream as she wept, she wept for the warmth she will not feel again, she wept for the love she may never feel again, she wept for the moments they shared which she may never feel again, she wept for the loving gaze of his eyes she may never feel again, his breath his sense of touch the beating of his heart his smell from which she will be forever forbidden, and more importantly their future which she broke with her own two hands.

 131 Blessed

    "Grandpa are you sure it will work." , asked a concerned Leo only to shrink back at the scathing glare he received from his Grandfather, "Well if you have any doubt give the item back and scram from here."


    Leo just snorted as he put the special compass he got from his Grandfather, "In your dreams old man well I am off I a have to find the idiot and drag him back."


    As he was about to leave he was stopped by his Grandfather, "Leo wait a minute I want say something to you in private, I hope you could spare a couple of minutes for your Grandpa."


    Leo turned towards his friends who just gave a nod and left the duo alone.


    Leo: "What is do you want Grandpa?"


    The old man looked sadly as he spoke, "Leo my child are you sure you want to follow this path, I have seen it��."


    Leo spoke with utmost conviction in his voice, "Grandpa, I have already decided plus did you not teach that ''men of our family.....''"


    "''...moves forward without regret'', aye so true I taught you that, and Leo always remember I am proud of you.", Leo just gave a short bow as he gave a bright smile as he left.


    The old man looked at the place where his Grandson had been standing as he went into deep meditation as a crooked smile flashed on his face, ''hmmm it might work, hmmm.''


    Leo made his way to his friends, "Well let us leave we will be able to find Pangu more easily using this compass."


    Netik nodded at that as he spoke, "At least we know the direction in which we have to search."


    That was what they said a month ago, they have been searching in that particular direction for a month now and the strength of the compass was starting to wane they have a couple of weeks before it stops working, not only this special compass was only a one time deal as Leo''s Grandpa will not be able to use it create it again, as such they were frantic.


    Meanwhile with Jose and his people stood in front of a special array which was fueled by a ''Blue Star'', by harnessing the power they were trying to recreate a special ''key'', one of whose components caused his excursion into Ayindril.


    His face could not contain the smile that formed as he looked at the key being nearly completed, they will just have to use it to open the thrice damn Vault and then he will be the ''Strongest Being'' in the Universe, just the thought of receiving such a strength was orgasmic.


    Apolonia was frustrated they have only a few days left yet they have yet to find Pangu, she had taken her frustration on Milena even if she did not deserve such treatment from her, she knew they were working tirelessly yet she snapped at Milena, even if she apologized profusely later on still she was ashamed of her outburst, suddenly her frustration was replaced by immense joy as a single message came to her from Neacht, "Found Him!"


    Soon they all reached the coordinates send by Neacht who stood in front of a planet with a smile on her face.


    Planet they could feel was inhabited by trees, birds and a few animals, located in some unexplored space of the universe, where they might not even visit if not for the compass pointed towards this direction.


    They could see some widespread destruction on the planet and from the familiar feeling of Ki they understood that it was done by none other than Pangu, just a quick sweep by their Divine senses made them known of Pangu''s exact location.


    As they reached the place they were stunned to feel the aura of peace and calm surrounding Pangu, it not only affected them but the planet itself, various trees and planets shown with life all around him, various baby animals played around him with joy, as they birds sang with happiness, it was as if life flowed from him causing them to smile softly.


    As they neared they alerted the animals of their presence causing them to run away in fear as they neared Pangu a powerful oppressive aura suddenly made them kneel as Pangu opened his eyes, the aura vanished as soon as it had came as a beautiful smile came to Pangu''s lips.


    "Sisters and Brothers, what are you doing here?"


    Neacht spoke angrily, "''What are doing here'', is that what you say after seeing here after all this time, since we heard about the incident we were searching high and low for you, why did you come in this faraway place we could have happily allowed you stay with us. Do you know how worried we were?"


    Pangu smiled sheepishly as he replied, "I am sorry but at that time I was emotionally unstable that I did not think clearly, but still I apologize for any trouble you caused."


    At that all his friends ran towards him as they embraced him tightly fearing that he might vanish if they do not hold him tightly as tears of joy came from their eys.


    ''I am blessed to have such nice friends, and I am glad I did not tear off my fate thread that connected with them.''


    Netik spoke as he rubbed his moist eyes, "Brother did you advance, your aura seemed so strong."


    Pangu nodded as he spoke, "Yeah after I was saddened by their betrayal I teleported out of Ayindril and found myself here on this planet where after throwing tantrum I had an enlightenment which caused me to become a Peak Level Samsara Dao lord."


    Saidhal whistled lowly at that, "Wow I am speechless, to reach such a level within less than a year just wow."


    Zarina: "Brother Pangu your warning to your parent came true, we thought that you would be there trying to save your sister, so we went there to support you, the Shagyy whatever fellow turned to be some person named Jose an old enemy of your parents, the wedding turned to be a skirmish many got wounded as some even died all because he wanted to steal something from the ''Vault'' of your parents."


    Pangu listened about the short summary of the wedding as he spoke, "What happens with the people of Ayindril is not my concern anymore I have not only washed my hands of them, I have already tore off the Fate threads that connected me to them.", this caused the friends of his to go wide eyed, before Pangu gave a concerned look as he spoke, "I hope you all were unscathed."


    Leo: "Well most of us except fatty here escaped unhurt, his fat weighed him down causing him to get hurt."


    Netik gave him a glare as he shouted out, "Oi!", before they all broke into laughter, including Pangu as he thought, ''Truly I am blessed to have such friends no such family.''

 132 S-o h-u-n-g-r-y.”

    Jose was the happiest man alive the ultimate power is within his grasp, soon he would be the strongest being on this planet, only for his mood to sour as a man came a broke him out of his fantasies, "Yes what do you want now?", he spoke in a tired tone.


    The man kneeled as he spoke, "Master, the preparations are complete we can leave as soon as you give us the order."


    Jose exclaimed jubilantly, "Excellent then let us leave with haste."


    As he was about to move he was greeted by another man his black greasy hair which dropped down his pale faced, "Kekekeke brother Jose so the time has arrived do not forget to share the loot with us."


    Jose put up a pleasant smile as he spoke, "Of course brother Vexacion, I always repay others you have worked for me so long you should knew me already."


    The Greasy haired man nodded at him as he gave crooked smile, meanwhile Jose smirked inwardly as he thought, ''Of course I will reward you in such a way you will never forget.''


    Soon they made their way to the vault it was a perilous journey full with danger but they made their way, as they neared the vault they were greeted by the guardian a 4 handed humanoid being, who spoke in gibberish but from its gesturing it meant from them to leave.


    Jose greeted his teeth the being in front of him gave a strong aura, it will be difficult for them to defeat it, he still remembered the last time he only escaped by sacrificing his teammates, but he learned one thing that day it was just a puppet and it is the last one still standing the others have been destroyed beyond repair through the ravages of time.


    Since the first time Jose witnessed the puppet he had made multiple trips just to study the puppet and each time he had spread false rumor of a great treasure just to lure people here and make them fight the puppet as he watched and learned about the puppets weakness and after long hard and arduous process he that even this puppet was not spared the ravages of time, as such as soon as they charged he quickly went and hit a couple of place on the spine of the puppet and with a loud groan it collapsed.


    One of the man whistled at that, "Damn Lord Jose you really are something to deduce something so quickly and defeating it, I am speechless."


    Jose basked in the praise he got he was not going to correct them that he learned of the weakness after sacrificing near three thousand people.


    The pushed forward and before long the group of a hundred strong able bodied people stood in front of the vault''s door.


    Jose took out the key which they had forged but now he needed a special ingredient for the vault to open, "Brothers please I need all of you to help me in order to open the door make a group of ten and stand over there and there...", as he pointed them to stand on various positions.


    Jose spoke with a smile, "Well then please on my word pour your KI through the floor as I will activate and then we will be able to open the vault door and claim our prize."


    Vexacion did as he was told but as he casually glanced at Jose''s men he was stunned to see they were the only one who did not pour any Ki he frowned at that before the truth hit him with a cold hard punch he shouted out, "You bastard��..", but before he could do anything everyone who was pouring their KI felt as if their Spirit Veins were tore out of their body, causing most of them to faint from the pain as they felt even their dantain getting destroyed.


    Vexacion looked at Jose with intense amount of hatred if it were possible his gaze alone would have killed him, "You bastard��", he muttered weakly.


    Jose had a false sad look on his face, "Awww did the big bad boy just became a cripple, awww now I do not thing you will be able to use the treasure anymore do not worry I will put good use to them."


    Vexacion lost conscious as under the both the physical and mental pain.


    A man kneeled in front of Jose as he spoke, "Master what is your order now?"


    Jose looked to his remaining men who numbered less than a dozen as he casually gave out the order, "Well we do not know what kind of danger we might face so we will use those useless cripple as meat shields."


    The rest of the way they passed through various traps which they easily bypassed courtesy of the so called ''Meat Shield''.


    Until they reached the final room the entire visit inside the Vault was a waste of time for them during the entire way they found a few dozen rooms but all of them turned out to be death traps causing Jose to be in a foul mood, if this final room turns out to the same as others he will seriously commit a few genocides on some planet just to take out the frustrations.


    Inside the final room looked to be what seemed as a tomb as a few words written in the language of the ancients he was not in any mood as such he without trying to read or decipher what was written he spoke angrily, "Open that damn tomb already this place seems like a sham already."


    Even his men were enraged after working so hard they did not even receive anything not even a single trinket, as such those who went to open did not pay heed to any caution, when the opened the entrance of the tomb it released an acidic mist causing the people of Chaos Lord realm to shout out in agony as their body melted from it.


    Jose greeted his teeth the attack just made him lose three of his men it would beso hard to find people who were not only obedient to him but strong as well.


    As they enter the tomb they found a casket inside surrounded by numerous arrays that was a couple of weeks ago.


    Presently they finished undoing the last of the array, as one of his grunts spoke, "Boss do you think that the tomb could have something?"


    Jose grunted as he spoke, "I do not know at least I will get to use the person''s skull as wipe cup.", since that day he has calmed down a lot it only took a couple of world to suffer one sided Genocide, and having his way with the Queens of few of those worlds in front of their people before slaughtering them, damn the simple thought made him orgasm again, ''Oh well I will have to change my pants again.'', he thought.


    The casket opened with a hiss, as they peered inside they saw a woman of incredible beauty lying there looking as if she was just sleeping and would wake anytime.


    The peerless beauty with her crimson colored hair and a face anyone would die to have a glimpse the pointed ears indicated she might have an Elven heritage, Jose and his men felt their blood rise as they looked at the woman who was surprisingly naked such toned and well endowed body coupled with her beauty was enough to make even the most celibate monk or nun lose themselves with lust at a single gaze from her.


    As Jose slowly raised his hands to touch the woman she suddenly opened her eyes, no that woman did not have her eyes it was missing scaring them but before they could move they found themselves paralyzed as the woman spoke in a strange tongue which caused their ears to bleed as their soul shuddered then an intense pain him them, as their blood boiled followed by their skin which along their bones liquefied.


    Jose was never so scared in his life as he tried to flee by discarding his body and escape with his soul, only for his soul to get paralyzed completely in its place, he watched with horror unable to say or do anything as every living being melt into liquid including him and soon his soul joined as well bringing an end to Jose.


    Meanwhile the woman had created a beautiful looking chalice out of nothing as she held it elegantly as if waiting for someone to pour wine in it, except the liquid form from the melted humans and their soul gathered inside the chalice from which she opened her red cheery lips and drank.


    Then a guttural voice came from her throat which hadn''t been used for a long time as she spoke slowly, "S-oh-u-n-g-r-y."

 133 A troublesome message

    Neacht scowled as she went towards her friends, after finding Pangu they have been moving from one place to another honing their skills when all of a sudden she received a troubling message from her father which was the cause of her current scowling face.


    Melina usually teases her and starts a fight but seeing the serious look on Neacht''s face she kept herself from starting another fight.


    Zarin raised her eyebrow as she spoke, "Is something troubling you Sister."


    Neacht nodded her head as she spoke, "Yes sister the purpose of the attack done during Sylvana''s wedding by that creep came into light."


    Melina, "So what of it I do not see any reason for you to be worried for any harm to befall those scums."


    Neacht gave a scathing glare as she spoke, "I know that Melina, but they attacked in order to steal a part of the key."


    Apolonia: "What key are you talking about? Pangu do you have any idea regarding it?"


    Pangu: "There are many such treasures in the vaults of Ayindril, but there is one such item I remember, it opens some vault of the Ancients, the translations of their language are a bit sketchy because of our lack of knowledge of their language but the item was a part of a key which could be used to unlock a vault which according to scholars would grant you according to some great strength and according to others cause death."


    Neacht gave a sigh as she spoke, "Well seems those who interpreted the latter seemed to be correct."


    At that everyone was interested as the spoke in unison, "Explain."


    Neacht began with a deep sigh, "well��.."


    Few weeks back a group of people arrived in Ayindril, they winced at seeing the gloomy atmosphere hanging around the place they had heard about the incident with their first born as such they could not help but feel pity for them specially seeing the dead look in the eyes of a once proud man.


    Ceallcach winced at that not only Maheswara but his entire family had that look on their face, the worst was Nuwa whom no one had seen since that day she usually spends her day inside her son''s room looking at Pangu''s belongings all day long.


    Ceallcach shuddered the first time he met Maheswara after the incident he was like a raving lunatic but he had somewhat managed to bring him and his family out of the funk with his words, he gave himself a mental pat on his back for job well done but now the entire family was focused on finding and begging Pangu for forgiveness and as for Jose, he shuddered in fear the girls can be sadistic and vicious some of the things he heard he would not wish even his most bitterest enemy to suffer them.


    It took a few days for them to catalogue every item from the destroyed vault before they could get the items missing.


    Ceallcach, Menelaos, Rishit and few others were in intense discussion with Maheswara regarding the theft of items from the vault of Ayindril each of this items if they fall in wrong hand can cause catastrophic disaster which unfortunately is the problem they are facing now.


    Rishit: "A key fragment, and where does this key fragment lead to Maheswara?"


    Maheswara frowned as he spoke, "This key fragment originally belonged to Jose himself, when my wife and I ''killed'' him he got the key fragment from his ''corpse'', along with a stone stelae which had information regarding it written in the language of the ancients, you know how the language of the ancients is difficult to translate well according to the stone stelae which when translate gives double meaning according to one gives Godly strength another version meant the end of creation."


    At that everyone frowned both of this versions were troubling a deviant like Jose with unlimited power or the end of creation both are troubling as such one of them spoke, "It will be difficult to find where the cur is hiding as such recovering those items will be difficult if not nigh impossible."


    Maheswara gave a blood thirsty smirk as he spoke, "Oh you do not have to worry each of those items have a powerful tracking array, and as such it is only a matter of time before we find them."


    Suddenly Celestia appeared as she spoke with a smirk, "We have located those items and they are in one place currently."


    Menelaos spoke with a grin, "So why are we waiting it is time for us to get even I have to pay him for putting the scar on him."


    At that many of them agreed mirroring their grin they were present what they are calling now as the ''Red Wedding'', where they lost some of their people as well as many got injured as such they were vying for blood.


    The very next day an army comprising of a few thousand strong cultivators made their way towards the last known location of Jose, the force were consisted by the people who had sworn their allegiance with the powers led by the people who were present during the meeting, the largest contributor being Ayindril herself.


    Maheswara and his entire family had joined the battle, and in an separate unspoken agreement everyone had decided to steer clear out of Maheswara and his family''s path specially Nuwa''s path whose eyes were burning with intense hatred and anger and maybe a pinch of madness, they did not want to draw the attention of an enraged woman by stealing her prey.


    They reached a planet which was the last known location of Jose, they very same planet where they had tried to open the vault a few days ago.


    Ceallcach, "Something is wrong the planet seemed to be dead there are no living beings present here even though there are traces of living creatures present here, no living creature even an ant could be found here", causing many to frown and tensed hearing that.


    Soon they found themselves in front of a vault, as they neared they found the broken puppet lying there as they neared they saw many clothes, weapons, space rings, etc. lying around.


    One of the man spoke, "Man are they having a naked party or what why did they through their belongings here.", as he went in order to touch a halberd lying on the ground only to stop under the harsh shout of Maheswara, "Stop do not touch who knows they might be bobby trapped."


    Celestia: "The missing items are all inside the vault."


    Nuwa spoke angrily, "What are we waiting for let us charge in."


    Neaera : "Patience sister they might be waiting to ambush us so please do not try charge in."


    Another spoke up, "I do not understand why I cannot feel the life force of any living being inside the vault with my cultivation technique it would be easier."


    Everyone who heard frowned at that the speaker was a great sensor for him to say something like that was troubling.


    Rishit ordered a person standing close to him, "You take 50 men and scout the vault now."


    The aforementioned person puffed his chest as he spoke, "Yes Sir."


    While inwardly he was crying, ''Why oh why did I have a bad luck whoever cursed me with such luck if I die today I will haunt you today for all eternity.''


    After almost an hour the men came out, "Your lordship there is nothing inside except a few corpses which seemed to have died a few days ago because of traps, but the most important thing is that the dead bodies seemed to have their spirit veins and dantians crippled, moreover there is small tomb inside the vault and like outside there are belongings of some of people lying there but no persent is present also I would like to report that there is a presence of an empty coffin."


    As they checked they found every stolen item from Ayindril causing them to frown at the mystery in hand.


    Nuwa meanwhile was trying to decipher the writings of the ancients present inside the vault especially near the tomb.


    Mahewara: "Everyone conduct a sweep through any nearby planetary systems for any clues."


    A few hours later the scouts returned except a few destroyed planets where the Ki of Jose was predominant indicating his hands in their destructions, they gave a troubling news like this planet many others had all their living beings disappeared the only thing spared are the clothing of any sentient being residing on the planet and the dead.


    Neacht delivered the news to her friends who themselves frowned at that as she continued speaking, "From what Lady Nuwa had so far deciphered that something or someone was kept imprisoned inside the coffin stored inside the vault and Jose might have released it.", she took a deep breath as she spoke, "As such our parents ordered as to return home immediately."


    At that everyone frowned as Pangu spoke with a calm smile on his face, "Well friends who knows what danger had been unleashed upon the world it is time for you all to return home."


    Netik, "What are you talking about we are not leaving you here alone."


    Before Pangu could protest Apolonia spoke, "Netik fret not we are not leaving here lone as he will be coming with me and Pangu do not protest if you know what is good for you.", she finished with a glare towards Pangu, who just raised his hands in a surrendering way with an uneasy smile in his face as he knew no matter how much he tried he would never win an argument with Apolonia.


    Meanwhile the other girls smirked at that as they send telepathic messages to Apolonia, ''Go girl conquer his heart we are all rooting for you.''


    While she kept a stoic visage inwardly she was a blushing mess as she replied them with a ''Thank You.''

 134 Tunglskinheimr

    Pangu went with Apolonia to her home at Tunglskinheimr, and just like Ayindril it was also placed in a separate dimension as such it served the purpose of deterrent to hostile forces attack as without the permission of the master of the realm or those who are permitted to enter it is incredibly difficult to enter almost nigh impossible but the attack on Ayindril showed one of the many ways of attacking.


    Apolonia guided Pangu as she went to the core of Tunglskinheimr, she gave a wide smile at the people who were present there as she greeted them, "Amma, Abba I am back and see who I have brought with me.", she spoke with such enthusiasm that it seemed as if she had conquered the entire world.


    Apolonia''s mother and father both looked stunned at seeing her enthusiasm before her mother glanced at Pangu and had the knowing smirk on her face as she sized up Pangu, ''So this is the boy who has stolen my baby''s heart.''


    Apolonia hugged her parents before she introduced parents to Pangu, " Pangu I would love to introduce you to my parents, my Amma Marta and my Abba Apoloniusz, and Amma Abba this is my friend Pangu."


    Pangu cupped his hand as he bowed, "This Junior has seen senior.", he greeted them with a polite smile.


    Apoloniusz studied him for a couple of seconds as he spoke, "You do not have to be so polite you are a friend of my baby girl as such please call us ''uncle'' and ''aunt''."


    That day went as Apolonia dragged Pangu with her giving him a tour of Tunglskinheimr, while Apoloniusz and Marta kept a close eye on Pangu and their daughter.


    Apoloniusz: "It is nice to see our daughter so happy right.", he spoke as he gently embraced his wife, who just nodded at that.


    Marta: "To think she would get a chance with her crush, and I hope they fall in love like us."


    Apoloniusz: "Yeah I did not recognize him at first, but as far as I have heard about him he is a nice kid, but about his parents."


    Marta spoke as she enjoyed her husband''s warmth, "What about them?, we are just mere acquaintance nothing more nothing less, the only person who has any semblance of friendship with them from our family is our daughter that also with the boy over there as such we owe them nothing."


    Apoloniusz: "So true I hope she gets him this time I do not want to see her crying face."


    Marta: "Me too, but enough of that love you were saying something before they arrived."


    Apoloniusz: "Nothing much the heirloom passed down our family is acting strange."


    Marta frowned at that, "Did the archive mention anything regarding it."


    Apoloniusz shook his head as he spoke, "No there is no mention of it any of the records so far, but there are so many of them it is too much for me to do so single handedly."


    Marta spoke with a smile on her face, "Do not worry I will help you so will our daughter and her love interest, I hope you have no problem with that."


    Apoloniusz shook his head as he spoke, "The boy is a nice person not only that he has already reached the Peak of Samsara Dao Lord realm, and if he was nice person you would have warned me already I know you were using your skill on him."


    Marta gave a smirk which turned to a frown, "I just hope they fall in love, you should know how we High Elves are in respect to love, and I one day wish to play with my grand children."


    Apoloniusz: "So do I love so do I."


    Meanwhile with Apolonia and Pangu,


    Apolonia: "So far what do you think of Tunglskinheimr."


    Pangu: "I do not have any word to describe how beautiful you home is, it is so peaceful and ��.. just wow just wow."


    Apolonia just gave a charming smile, "I am glad you liked my home."


    Pangu: "Tunglskinheimr feels so lively, the air is so fresh even the Ki gives of a refreshing feeling, you High Elves are really outstanding I have been too many places but the places created by High Elves are other worldly, would you believe me if I say I am jealous."


    Apolonia gave a laugh akin to tinkling of bells as she replied, "You really know how to flatter but seriously I do not see any reason for you to be jealous as to tell you the truth I would love you to stay here from now on."


    Pangu: "Thank you for the offer but I think I have already intr...."


    Whatever Pangu was about to say was stopped by the appearance of a death like miasma around Apolonia, a woman who could be sweat and charming but when crossed was one no sane person would dare face her anger as such a frightened Pangu quickly change the wording, "��well to tell you the truth if you will have me I would love to move here and request for the residency in Tunglskinheimr."


    Apolonia was visibly please at what she heard, " Pangu you are always welcome now let us go I think it is time for dinner."


    Pangu sighed in relief at the disaster averted.


    It had been a few weeks since Pangu arrived at Tunglskinheimr he had been welcomed with open arm, his relationship with Apolonia has also changed a lot.


    Pangu never thought that he would fall in love again with someone, especially someone as wonderful as Apolonia, unlike his time with Megara Apolonia was totally different as if they were one mind and soul sharing to bodies, he was happy as if the entire world no longer mattered to him.


    At the same time he was ashamed of himself, Apolonia was in love with him for so long yet he never noticed how much heartache he caused her because of his obliviousness and how much when he was together with Megara showering her with love in front of her, how much courage and strength did she have to withstand them yet be happy with the fact the person whom she loves is happy with so one else, he felt like a scum, but a few soothing words from Apolonia calmed him down and washed away his guit.


    Well all was well until he was called by a stern looking Apoloniusz who gestured him to sit in front of him, "So Pangu what is this rumor I am hearing about you, that you have been involved with my daughter.", he spoke casually as he picked up his saber as he used a whetstone to sharpen it as he glared at Pangu, while the scrubbing sound was the only noise in the background.


    Meanwhile Pangu was shaking with fear as a cold sweat dropped down his forehead, he gulped hard as an only thought ran through his head, ''I am so dead.''

 135 Descend into Madness

    Pangu if given choice about taking on a being that can swallow a world naked without any weapon in his hand and his level reduced to that of a normal civilian he would do so in a heartbeat rather than face Apoloniusz he would be anywhere rather than be here he prayed to anyone who would listen and save him from his fate.


    Meanwhile Apoloniusz was enjoying Pangu''s discomfort and slowly it was becoming incredibly hard to not laugh out loud at that, but his fun stopped short with the arrival of Marta who narrowed her eyes as she spoke, "My beloved husband what are you trying to do, with that ''ornamental'' saber that my father gifted you on my wedding."


    Apoloniusz sweated at that as he tried to placate, "nothing dear nothing I was just showing how majestic this saber looked nothing more right Pangu, right.", as he repeatedly gave small winks to Pangu from his left eye.


    Marta face palmed herself with exasperation as she spoke tiredly, "I hope you were not trying to intimidate the boy, you and I both know we both approve of him as a potential suitor for our daughter."


    Apoloniusz snorted at that, "hmp, you do not know how important the ritual is, since as long as this Universe existed countless fathers or brothers have followed this ritual when they speak with their daughter''s or sister''s boyfriend, and I should remind you that Father-in-law did the same with me and in a far distant future I could see Pangu doing the same."


    Marta''s hair shadowed her eyes as she clenched her hands hard, "So that is why you adamant about sending Apolonia and me away so that you could perform the ''ritual'' of yours, is that correct?"


    Apoloniusz nodded at that as whined, "Yes, but it is now ruined you broken the atmosphere, all the preparation is wasted."


    Marta: "I see", before she raised her face giving a sickly sweet smile as she spoke, "Well then I think one week on the couch will do you good."


    Apoloniusz stood upright as the saber fell on the ground with a loud clang as he shouted out in disbelief, "What!!!"


    Marta in faux surprised tone spoke, "oh my!, you want it for more than one week, then will two w��.."


    Apoloniusz by then was on his knees as he clasped his hands together and spoke, "Oh my beautiful goddess I swear I will never intimidate Pangu and I will give him my blessings with any hitch."


    Pangu could not help but smile at the scene the previous nervousness and fear gone from him but the man really has a point as such he stood up bowing before Marta and Apoloniusz who gave a curious stare towards him, "I want to apologize for trying to pursue any relationship with your daughter without seeking for permission as such even though I have been late still I would want to ask for permission.", he took a deep breath as he spoke again, "Mr. Apoloniusz and Mrs. Marta will you bestow me the honor of pursuing relationship with your daughter."


    Both Apoloniusz spoke in a serious tone even Marta looked serious, "Pangu what would you do if I would if I were to refuse."


    Pangu spoke with great conviction, "I only want Apolonia to be safe and happy, her safety and happiness is the most important thing for me in this entire world, for her if require I am willing to make the entire universe as my enemy."


    Both Apoloniuszand Marta stared at him for a few seconds before the shared a small smile, "Pangu you have our permission to pursue relationship with our baby girl, but", their aura flared as an insane bloodlust hit Pangu with full force as they spoke again, "We will make sure even death will seemed an impossible and unreachable dream."


    Pangu nodded at that, "I would rather kill myself before causing Apolonia any grief."


    Marta clasped her hands with happiness, "I am so happy today, oh and Pangu please from today onwards call us ''Amma'' and ''Abba''."


    Pangu nodded at that he could not wait to share the wonderful news with Apolonia as he took permission to leave Marta''s voice came to his ears, "Pangu I want to play with my cute grandchildren so hurry up.", causing him to blush red.


    As he neared Apolonia he found her sitting near a lake shore as he stared into the water, he quietly tipped toed towards her before hugging her from behind as he nuzzled his face on her neck taking in her sweet heavenly scent, Apolonia was startled before she leaned into his embrace enjoying it with her eyes closed.


    They sat there for sometime in silence basking in each other''s presence before Apolonia broke the silence, "What did Abba want from you?"


    Pangu spoke with a smile, "I asked for permission to pursue relationship with you from your parents and well they basically gave me permission to marry you."


    Apolonia''seyes widen at that as she spoke in disbelief, "My love you are not joking right."


    Pangu smiled kindly at her the same smile that set butterflies inside her stomach the same smile which caused her to fall for him in the first place as he spoke, "Apolonia since the first time I met you have been a true friend to me, you have always stood at my side at my glory as well as my defeat you have taught me the true meaning of love and sacrifice, as such I ask you will accept my love and give me the honor of spending the rest of my life as your ''Dao Companion''."


    Apolonia had tears of joy on her face as she hugged him repeatedly saying ''Yes, Yes over and over again.''


    Before she and Pangu shared a kiss full of passion and love.


    Meanwhile,


    Inside her room Megara sat as she hugged a life sized doll which bore the resemblance to Pangu as she spoke about her daily life to the doll.


    While the entire fiasco of the vault was going on she was busy searching for Pangu with the help of his ''sisters'', but as time passed on she became more and more impatient and started to show psychopathic tendencies recently, it worried everyone as such her parents with the help of Pangu''s ex-family had forced her to stay inside within her room with great effort, but then she became even more unhinged, she created a life size doll of Pangu started talking and treating it as if a real one, sometimes she cried begging for mercy while other times whenever she was reminded of Apolonia she cursed her threatened her with intense hatred, which recently had increased a lot as what she was currently doing.


    While her parents watched and shed tears from the shadows watching their beloved daughter descending further and further into madness because of her mistake causing Neaera to wish, ''Please Pangu please come back and save my daughter.'', while inwardly knowing how futile it was as he had already cut off any relationship with his ''betrayers'', but what mother doesn''t want the best for their child.

 136 The real identity

    It had been a few days since Pangu and Apolonia became Dao companion unfortunately for them because of the recent developments after the release of the being dubbed as a ''World Eater'', all of their friends were busy as such they were not able to hold any ceremony which caused Apolonia to be upset and angry she so wanted to rub it on Megara''s face that ultimately she was the one whom Pangu chose but no because of some crazy world eater they could not.


    Currently Apoloniusz was busy going through old scrolls which were kept by his family some of them incredibly old and incredibly fragile, until he came across a large stone staele which was not only incredibly old, but was kept in the most secure position of the library, a place only the current head of 1234, could enter.


    A tale of the time when the ancients roamed was etched on it, as he read his eyes widened as he paled, the stone staele was firmly planted on the floor as he was unable to take it out he quickly wrote its contents before he ran to his family as fast as it could.


    Currently Marta was enjoying talking with her daughter and son-in-law, "I know you are angry my child, but we can have a grand celebration after the culprit has been vanquished, you know how busy and jaded everyone has been trying to find the murderer not only we do not know where the creature is hiding she is eating one world after another, we do not know anything about that creature not only that we got a heart wrenching news that one of the scouts had encountered it and had perished you migh no one of the people, do you remember Netik''s younger brother Kartik he was one of those poor unfortunate person."


    Both Apolonia and Pangu looked alarmed at that they were well aware of Kartik the little brother of Netik he had just stepped into peak Dao Father Realm and Netik wouldn''t stop praising him, they themselves had meet him he was a helpful and kind person.


    "Amma, do they have no clue about what kind of creature had killed them.", asked a curious Apolonia.


    Marta replied with a frown, "Well they had an array on them which recorded everything they saw currently it is being analyzed as such, as of yet we do not have any idea of their killers but we hope to get it soon."


    Pangu: "This is troubling news I think we should visit Netik he would need us in such troubling times also I plan on helping to search the creature."


    Apolonia looked alarmed at that, "What are you saying Pangu you will actively go searching for this creature what if it harms you?"


    Pangu gave a kind smile in return, "I know there is a chance that it may harm us but if we do not act countless innocents will die something which I cannot overlook."


    Apolonia gave a loving smile as she gave a small peck on his cheek as she smiled lovingly at him, "That is why you are so lovable Pangu."


    Pangu gave a small smile as they held each other''s hands lovingly losing each other in their loving gaze only to bring them back to reality as Marta cleared her throat loudly, "I know that I wanted a few grandchildren but I do not want to see the process you may do it inside your room."


    Causing them to blush profusely as Apolonia sputtered out, "Amma please."


    Marta laughed loudly at that, "AHAHahahaha."


    Only to stop at seeing a panicked Apoloniusz arriving there causing everyone to tense as Marta asked him worriedly, "Love what has happened why are looking so tense?"


    Apoloniusz took a deep breath as he spoke, "I found it, I found the killer."


    At that everyone was startled at his revelations, Pangu asked in curious tone, "Uncle wha..."


    Only to get a glare from Apoloniusz making Pangu to change his sentence, "Abba what do you mean you have deciphered the true entity of the murderer."


    Apoloniousz gave a soft smile at that as he spoke, "Well while I was digging through the library I came across a stone steale belonging to my forefathers was kept inside the most secure region of the library where only someone of my blood may enter not only that the person should be the current head of 1234, here look at the information I collected from there."


    The read the information once then read it a few more times before a shocked Marta exclaimed, "It is incredible to think such an important piece of our history was lying in front of us but we never knew."


    At that both Pangu and Apolonia nodded dumbly, "To think we are descended from the ancients themselves, it is incredible to know such think."


    Apolonia: "We have to inform others about this as soon as possible."


    Apoloniusz nodded at that, "Yes I would love to accompany you but currently I will be spending even more time inside the library trying to find if there is any method our ancestor left for us to use in order to defeat her."


    Apoloniusz looked at her parents as she spoke, "Well mother Pangu and I will be taking our leave we will inform others about such development."


    Apoloniusz nodded at that as he spoke, "Well since you are going I want you to stay there with them ancd act as our representative I will be buried inside the library and you all will be no help to me as such stay there I will be contacting them through you."


    With that both Pangua and Apolonia left taking the parchment on which Apoloniusz copied the content of the stone staele.


    As they left Marta turned towards Apoloniusz and spoke in a serious tone, "Well love, and now please tell me what else you did not tell them."


    Apoloniusz took a deep breath as he spoke, "I have not read all of it but I know our family heirloom was connected to ''her'' somehow as such there is a chance she might attack here hence I send our children away."


    Marta: "But this is a separate dimension I do not believe they will be safe anywhere else."


    Apoloniusz shook his head as he looked much older than before as he spoke, "Trust me when I say that as long as she is not defeated no one is safe."


    Meanwhile Pangu and Apolonia made their way to Netik''s home planet which was currently the head quarters of the Cultivators alliance that were searching for the murderess.


    As they made their way there they were greeted by Leo with a solemn look in his face, "Hello brother and sister how have you been?"


    Pangu: "We have been good and I heard about what happened with Netik''s brother."


    Leo nodded at that as he spoke, "It is always sad thing when such talented youngsters die, and he was accompanied by a group of 50 strong cultivators none survived."


    Apolonia frowned at that before she spoke, "Listen my Abba was going through the family archives when he stumbled upon what could possibly be the identity of the enemy, he is searching for other clues as to how to defeat her."


    Leo quirked his eyebrow at that, "So the murderer is actually a murderess, and she is a very bad news."


    Pangu: "Incredibly so if from what had been mentioned in the stone staele is correct we are in very very bad situation."


    As they made their way to the command room they were greetedby Neact, "Apolonia Panguhow have you been."


    They smiled at her chatting casually as they made their way to the command room.


    Neacht whispered to Apolonia "So girl did you make a move on him yet."


    Apolonia spoke with a happy smile and her chest puffed chest, "Made a move oh please as of a few weeks me and Pangu are Dao Companion."


    Neacht was stunned at that before a loud scream tore through the quite atmosphere, "What do you mean you are A Dao Companion!!!!!!!!"


    Causing many people to get startled at that none more than their friends, as Leo spoke angrily, "What nonsense is this you two became Dao companion yet you did not invite us."


    Pangu raised his hands in a placating manner, "Brother please calm down we would have had a large ceremony even Apolonia is upset about it, but because of the murderess since all of you are busy we thought to have our ceremony after everything is over."


    Leo glared at him as he huffed angrily as he spoke, "I may understand but others may not be so. Oh Pangu your father is here."


    Pangu spoke with a kind smile, "Brother you forget the only father I have is now Apoloniusz I have no relation wit that man anymore."


    As they entered the command room the people that were present were able to see the first glimpse of the terror unleashed due to Jose''s stupidity, they were awestruck as well as speechless at what they saw.


    One of them spoke, "What is she what kind of demon is she?", but no one had any answer to him as they room erupted in chaos.


    Suddenly a loud voice broke the chaos, "Respected seniors and my fellow daoist brothers and sisters I might have answer to your query."


    Causing the room to be deathly silent as the figure placed a parchment in front of them.


    Maheswara''s eyes widened at the figure in front of him as he stood up shakily at the sight of the man in front of him as he exclaimed out aloud as tears appeared in his eyes, "Pangu my son, I ...."


    Pangu just turned towards him as he just greeted him with a bow as he spoke with a smile on his face, "Greetings senior, I am sorry you are mistaken I am but an ordinary orphan nothing more nothing less please do not presume me to be related to someone as honorable as yourself."

 137 Origin

    Maheswara was stunned at what he heard his own son disowned him the fact that he shivered the fate threads between them seemed like a bad nightmare he wanted to deny it and in a small corner of his mind he always believed it was just a hoax but now standing in front of him when he heard his own flesh and blood stating it in front of him he felt as if his world spinning causing him to fall on his knees.


    Menelaos quickly supported him as he looked at Maheswara in concern before he gave a stern gaze towards Pangu as he spoke in a scolding tone, "Pangu how dare you behave like this to your father, apologize now."


    Apolonia was incensed at that they came here to help them yet now this people were wasting time, "Senior with all due respect Pangu severed the fates of threads that connected them with his previous family as such any relation he had has ceased to exist. Now instead of wasting time on useless matters we should focus on the threats at hand."


    Menelaos frowned at that, "Child this matter does not involve you and I have every write since he is my daughter''s fianc��."


    Apolonia: "Fianc�� how laughable your daughter betrayed Pangu with a smile on her face, not only that within a few weeks she was seen frolicking with that Jose''s henchmen, I doubt she held any feelings for him, if so she would not so nonchalantly breaks of her engagement to be with someone else within less than a month and since after the engagement broke Pangu had also severed the threads of fate with her did your precious daughter not tell you that, as such I do not think you have any right to scold my husband."


    Milena whistled lowly at that Apolonia was always someone who was always blunt and never shy of protesting anything she doesn''t like she winced at the thought of the number of times Apolonia''s big mouth landed them in danger.


    Menelaos openly gaped at Apolonia at what she said before he remembered the rambling of his daughter which enraged him, ''This vile woman is the reason of my daughters grief, she was the one my daughter was rambling about stealing Pangu from her.'', the thought of his daughters condition was weighing heavily on him now, even though he knew it was just his daughter''s karma at play being a loving parent who loved to spoil his daughter he deduced the duo specially Apolonia as the culprit and gave out a enraged cry full of anger, "You vile woman, you are the reason of my child''s grief you stole the one she loved I will kill you and bring your head to appease my child''s anger."


    His rank 6th Samsara Dao Lord aura erupted along with his bloodlust causing others to stand up and move away with vigilance none wanted to get between the confrontation while Maheswara was still on his knees, Pangu quickly shielded Apolonia as his peak Samsara Dao Lord aura enveloped everyone but the main focus was on Menelaos who was already on his knees by now as his eyes widened and was sweating profusely under the intense focus of Pangu''s killing intent but his face was devoid of any emotion as he spoke with his eyes closed, " Menelaos there was day long ago when I refer to you as my uncle and the man beside you as my father, in another time and another place you could have been my father-in-law but my family as well as your daughter casually tossed me away like yesterday''s trash as such I granted them their wish I completely removed myself from their lives, as such what they do or want has nothing to do for me more importantly I do not understand why they are acting as such when they should be happy and celebrating at the obstacle which was ruining their happiness left them.", he took a deep breath as he opened his cross slit eyes the pressure increased to the opened it became difficult to breath as humongous silhouette of a Golden Dragon appeared behind him his eyes were the same as Pangu''s as it balefully glared at them, they felt small as if like a peasant who tried to glance and touch a Sovereign, their soul trembled some just wanted to prostratein front of him. The Golden dragon was one of the most beautiful and awe inspiring thing they saw, the horns of the dragon was lined up as if it was crown on its head.


    The gathering of people were not restricted to Humans but also people from other races such as dwarves, elves, orcs, even beasts were present there one of the was Beast sovereign ''Jinlong'' a five clawed golden dragon felt as if his blood commanded him to swear allegiance and worship Pangu like a ''God'', as such the proud warrior had already prostrated in front of Pangu. The dragon seemed to be alive and sentient as it judged each and every one of them but found them lacking as it gave a snort of disinterest as it released a soul trembling roar which caused the people who were still standing to fall on their knees and tremble in fear of the being in front of them, even people who were near him were no better some of lower leveled ones had fainted from the duress.


    As some of the people finally recognized him as the ''War Dragon'' or to some as ''War God'',Pangu as he had once fought against a Peak levelDao father and his entire force of 10,000 disciples while he himself was only a low level Dao father at that time to protect a simple planet whose had next to non cultivators as he could not watch the injustice wrought by the Dao Father, while most turn a blind eye to such atrocities as they have nothing to gain from the planet nor its people as such, but he did not he not only fought the Dao Father but also slaughter them to the last man till date that planet worships him as a ''God of Justice.''


    Pangu''s appearance had changed the crown shaped horns had now appeared on his head as he had a few draconic scales on his body he spoke in deep voice that reverberated through everyone''s soul, "I am a very selfish person I do not like when someone tries to take or destroy thinks I love and care for I tend to wipe their existence and sometimes even their entire lineage and legacy, try harming a single hair of beloved''s head I will destroy everything you love and care I will make your life living hell to the point even dying would seem like an impossible dream, as such Menelaos choose your next actions carefully if you try to harm the one I love and cherish more than anything in this universe I will promise you I will follow through my threat even if I have to burn the entire Universe to ash.", he spoke the last sentence almost in a whisper as he lowered his head near the prone form of Menelaos.


    Unlike others Apolonia felt warmth and peace sip into her entire being like a warm blanket during a chilly winter, but alas all good thing should come to an end as such she put her elegant hand on Pangu''s shoulder as her bell like voice was heard by everyone, "Beloved please enough, we came here to help them learn more about our enemies, so please stop releasing your presence like that we have other more important things to do."


    Pangu''s eyes softened at that as he spoke, "As you wish my love.", the entire pressure the murderous intent all vanished as if it was never there, causing some of the people look with awe and fear at Apolonia as single thought ran through their mind, ''What kind of monster is she to stop an almost rampaging ''Dragon'' with some simple words.''


    Meanwhile both Pangu and Apolonia were lost in their own little world as they kept looking each other''s eyes with full of love only to brought back by a loud coughing sound by Leo, "Well if you are done staring can we proceed with the important matters."


    Causing both of them to blush while Menelaos moved a bit further away his hands still shaking a bit from fear as he cursed himself, ''What possessed me to challenge Pangu like that he could already fight someone who was over an entire realm above him with ease since he was kid now he is even stronger than him it was foolish for him to enrage him.'', as such he took a seat further away with a sour look on his face.


    Pangu cleared his throat as he spoke, "This current information had been compiled by none other than Lord Apoloniusz current lord of Tunglskinheimr. Their family library had an ancient stone staele which had the mention of a woman who had similar characteristics as the murderess on loose.", he took a deep breath as he began reading from the parchment he brought with him, "During the time of the ancients there were 12 universes not one ruled by the ''Ancients'' themselves, each of them led by a an Emperor who had councilors under them who ruled part of the Universe, one of the universe was ruled by Emperor Felaeran and Empress Ochilysse, they were very kind ruler but unfortunately they were betrayed by some of the councilors who lauched a coup against them, although the Emperor and Empress won it came at a huge price except the Empress herself every other royal members of the family had passed away during the coup.Overcoming in grief and despair she sought ''immortality'' as ��.."


    Before Pangu could speak anymore a burly looking person with white hair interrupted him, "Wa wa stop right there kiddo, ''immortality'', please the ancients were immortal what kind of fairy tale are you reading.", he rudely interrupted the fear induced by Pangu already forgotten while many agreed with him except a few who gave him pitying look.


    A melodious voice came from a lady sitting a few more seats on the right, "Lord Vorgak please you are more intelligent than that, we may have increased our power and life span to the point that we may have become immune to the ravages of time to the point we will never die of old age but we can be killed by variety of means and as for the ''Immortality'' spoken by the one you called ''Kiddo'' , hints on true immortality where one cannot be killed."


    At that the room was filled with oohs and ahhs as Vorgak gave a loud hurrumph as he leaned back.


    Then suddenly one of the spoke fear evident in his voice, "Did that woman gain immortality?"


    PAngu nodded solemnly as he summarized the rest, "Yes she did she sacrificed almost 12 universe for her greed only a little bit of the last was left when she was frozen due to immense energy she gathered for a brief amount of time which gave them enough time for the remaining group of surviving ''Ancients'' to find a way to seal her by putting her in an eternal slumber, a slumber which that mongrel disturbed. But it did not come without a cost the strain on them was so heavy that it caused there body and soul to fragment and in an last ditch effort to save their total annihilation they created artificial bodies which they breathed life into using their already fragmented souls, those bodies later had descendents who are still present among us."


    One of them spoke anxiously, "Who are those people who are descendants of the ancients where are they hiding if possible we should seek them out if they still have any method to stop that murderess."


    It was Apolonia who spoke with a wary smile, "You do not have to look for them as the descendants are present in this very room."


    At that chaos erupted in the room, as a red eyed Netik suddenly slammed the a desk in front of turning it to dust as he spoke fiercely, "Who the hell is the descendants I want to know how to skin that harlot alive she killed my baby brother I will torture her."


    His outburst calmed the chaos in the room as Pangu spoke, "Brother Netik I doubt any of the descendants know of any way to defeat her, if they were we would not be having this meeting and as for the real identity of them it is.."


    Before Pangu could finish his sentence the same lady who made fun of Vorgak spoke again, "it is us isn''t it?"


    Pangu: "You are absolutely right Lady Khygnos, we are all their descendants and legacy."


    Causing everyone present to be wide eyed at that, Ceallcach spoke desperation present in his voice why wouldn''t it after all none present here could boast destroying the entire Universe, "My nephew Pangu and My niece Apolonia please tell me that Lord Apoloniusz had any way to stop her."


    At that they both shook their heads negatively as Apolonia answered him, "Unfortunately uncle my father has yet to find a way he is searching for any answer. We would have loved to help him but unfortunately the place inside the library from where the stone staele was found forbids anyone except the current head of Tunglskinheimr to enter."


    Rishit sighed loudly as he spoke, "Great just great we only learned how dangerous the opponent is."


    Meanwhile Maheswara did not pay attention to the meeting his mind was on Pangu only as he thought, ''My son always listened to his mother as such was teased as Mama''s boy when he was younger yes I should bring my wives may be he will listen to them.''

 138 Found him

    Pangu and Apolonia were sitting in a secluded area along with their friends, Leo raised his cup as he toasted, "For a long and happy relationship of our newlywed couple."


    At that everyone present raised their cups even Netik even if his was a bit subdued.


    Melina: "I am so happy for you two I had been rooting for you both to become a couple and now my hopes have come true."


    Saidhal: "Yes Zarina and I both were rooting for you too."


    As they gossiped Neacht suddenly spoke, "The revelation that you did that we are the descendants of the ancients was other worldly, never did any of us think of such theory before all of us speculated the reason for their disappearances but this is something else."


    Zarina: "So true Neacht so true, but it stilleludes me how they created us, all we got is the gist of the matter but the process of creating life that will further create more is unbelievable, but still why do we not have any knowledge about this matter."


    Pangu spoke with a small smile, "Well it got lost through the ravages of time, as for the written records well we have just discovered about them from the Library of Tunglskinheimr."


    As they were busy chatting Maheswara had already left for Ayindril, he needed a plan and his remaining family together if they want to bring Pangu back to their family, it always tore him to see the vacant look in Nuwa''s eyes after the event, as well as Sylvana who blames herself for the fall out, and in his own sick twisted way he agrees with her he shook his head to get rid of the depressing thoughts now was not the time to think of such things rather it was time to find a way to bring his child back.


    As he entered Ayindril he quickly scanned to find everyone from his now broken family was present as such he quickly send them a telepathic message to gather inside the throne room.


    Antariskh: "Father you are back so early is everything alright."


    Maheswara was silent for the time being as he slowly started speaking, "We learnt a lot of things from the meeting, some of them had utterly changed the entire history as we knew about."


    He saw that many were not even interested chief among them being Nuwa, who normally loved to learn about such things was uninterested only Celestia and Antariskh showed a little bit of interest but as he gradually spoke the others were listening as well.


    Veena: "If what you say is true then we have to double our efforts to find Pangu, I do not want anything happen to him."


    Maheswara: "About that you all do not have to worry about be��."


    Sylvana stood up as hse shouted, "Father, what do you mean by that? We are not abandoning our search for big brother we have to find him if not that murderess might kill him."


    At that everyone shouted out in anger at the thought of Maheswara even entertaining the thought of abandoning Pangu when such a dangerous enemy was on lose.


    Maheswara was getting annoyed at his family members, first they did not let him finish his speech, secondly they had assumed something as horrendous as that and now are shouting at him as such he flared his aura and shouted out, "Will you all be quite for a second and let me finish."


    At his shout silence descended inside the room he took a deep breath as he spoke, "The reason we do not search for our child is because I have already found him."


    At that everyone gasped loudly Nuwa''s eye was already misty as tears of joy formed on her eyes as she spoke for the first time, "Then why did you not bring him back?"


    Maheswara had a broken look in his face as he stared on the floor, "Pangu refuses to even acknowledge me as his father anymore, how could I make him to come here with me."


    Veena: "You are stronger than him you could have forced him to come with you."


    Maheswara shook his head and with a proud look on his face he spoke, "He is a Peak Samsara Dao Lord now and if you take into his rank into account he has already surpassed me."


    At that everyone''s eyes widen they knew what he meant by that, people like Pangu who has a God tier Divine body even if everyone calls them at a peak level of a realm he/she will always have the advantage of being 4 more ranks above any normal peak level person of that same realm.


    Shamiran was awed at that, "But how? How did big brother raise his realm so fast?"


    Maheswara shrugged before he spoke with a smile on his face, "I do not know but there is more apparently our baby boy has found a Dao companion for himself, and frankly speaking she is perfect match for him more so than Megara, not only they are not only deeply in love but the amount of trust they have for each other is admirable."


    Nuwa had a small smile on her face as she was happy to hear her child had gained someone like that , "What is his Dao companion''s name? Do we know her?"


    Maheswara gave a kind smile to his wife as she spoke, "Yes you do know her, her name is Apolonia."


    Antariskh''s eyes widened at that before she started laughing loudly which caused everyone to look at her weirdly.


    Celestia: "Child would be kind enough to share with us the cause of your amusement."


    Antariskh: "It is nothing mother just that on the day of that thrice damned wedding", the mention about that wedding caused Sylvana to wince but Antariskh continued unhindered, "Well Apolonia was here along with a few of big brother''s friends, now I went to ask for their help in order to find big brother Megara followed me she declared her love for my brother and how she wanted to rectify her mistake in front of them causing Apolonia to react harshly she went as far as to say that thinking about brother''s happiness she never mentioned her love for him and hid it but now since Megara had the gall to hurt him she will make sure to make brother fall for her, not only that she flared her power of low rank Samsara Dao lord and scared Megara."


    Maheswara snorted at that, "It seems that they are really mad for each other, during the meeting Menelaos threatened Apolonia and Pangu was very very angry at him he released his the skills of his Divine Body bringing everyone save for his wife to their knees before scaring everyone specially Menelaos to the point he did not stop shaking the entire time Pangu was present in front of him.


    Everyone was laughing hard at that, before Sylvana spoke, "Well as amusing as it may seem Megara has become completely crazy we have to make sure that she does not get close to Apolonia or else she might try to harm her which would enrage big brother and you all know how dangerous an angry Pangu is."


    At that they decided no matter what happens they will try to keep Apolonia from harm and through her they will try to connect with Pangu.

 139 Cracking skies

    Sylvana was humming with humming with happiness, after what she learned from her father they had formulated a plan and soon they will confront Pangu then they would douse the anger in his heart so that they maybe family again.


    As she made her way to her room she came across Antariskh who had taken leave from their earlier discussion before anyone, she found her sitting near a small pond in their garden, the fishes residing inside the pond swam lazily around her feet which she was dipping inside the pond with a melancholic look in her face.


    Sylvana frowned at that since she was a child she knew that whenever Antariskh was having some distress she would be found sitting in such a position.


    Sylvana approached as she coughed loudly bringing Antariskh''s attention to her, she quickly replaced her melancholic mood with a wide grin, "Sister what are you doing here?"


    Sylvana deadpanned at her question, "Sister the way to my room is through this garden."


    Antarikh gave a sheepish grin at that, "Sorry I was distracted."


    Sylvana sighed as she spoke, "Antariskh I do not know why you are so tensed, where as you should be a little happy big brother will be coming back home soon and you know what he will do if he sees you like this?"


    Another voice came to both their ears, "So true sisters, big brother does not like it when we are ad so cheer up a little and pray tell us what worries you?"


    Antariskh looked towards her sisiter emotionlessly before she broke out in a fit of giggles which evolved into laughter, "Hahahahaha, you two truly know how to jest sisters.", which caused both Sylvana and Shamiran to frown at that.


    Shamiran frowned at that as she replied back scathingly, "You are having too many laughing fits today, care to explain what you are smoking."


    Antariskh gave a pitying look at her as she spoke, "My my dear the little grass snake since when did she grow so bold to talk back to me."


    Shamiran bristled at that, but before she could reply Antariskh began speaking with a sigh, "Third Sister among all of our siblings you were the most perceptive and cunning, do you honestly believe we could ever go back to such a relationship again."


    At that the other two were stunned the stubborn not willing to give up Antariskh was admitting defeat it was simply preposterous to them.


    Antariskh: "Pangu has already severed the ''Fates of threads'' that connected him to us, any relationship we had with him, any hopes, dreams, joys or sorrowswe had once shared, or are sharing or would have shared are meaningless they have ceased to exists we are no longer even just an acquainted person but strangers nothing more nothing less, "


    Sylvana was speechless at hearing that, while Shamiran did not look too much shocked at that as she nodded in agreement with a melancholic look on her face.


    Sylvana looked at both of them stunned as she spoke, "Then why did you not say anything during the meeting why did you two agree with our parents in the first place."


    Shamiran was the one who answered on behalf of Antariskh and herself, "Simple have you seen how much devastated second mother and father looked, for them their entire world might have come to an end, even if they know that any form of relation is non-existent they have deluded themselves into believing that they will get him back, to a small extent it is true for both first and second mother to an extent."


    Antariskh nodded as she added to the reasoning of Shamiran, "Since the day we have been born we grew up seeing the tall back of our father, the kind and understanding mothers no matter what happened they were like a shelter for usalways protecting us, nurturing us yet everything came to an abrupt end all of a sudden. The broken look on their faces as they laid on the ground crying their hearts out, father''s repeated muttering of ''I am sorry, I am sorry'', still gives me nightmare everyday and worst of is Second mother as if she is dead woman walking. As such I kept pretense to keep up their delusions, did you not see how happy they were thinking brother will be back I cannot douse their hope."


    Sylvana was quite for a moment as tears started fall from her eyes, "Unfair it is so unfair, why did we have to lose everything, why do we have to suffer so much, everything is my fault if I had just listened to big brother than such a thing would not have happened."


    Antariskh went and embraced her sister, "NO no it is not your fault alone all of us are to be blamed brother warned us so many times but we did not listen to him as such we are now paying the price for our misdeeds."


    The sisters held each other in their arms as they wept.


    Meanwhile with Menelaos and Neaera ,


    Neaera was unable to decide whether she should be angry or she should be sad, her husband had just informed that Pangu had married someone else, on one hand her child was slipping into madness as each day passed on the other hand it was her on doing that caused her to lose Pangu, as such she did not know how to react.


    Suddenly a loud scream was heard with a huge explosion of Ki, causing both the husband and wife to make their way to their daughter''s room as they neared her room they were greeted with the sight of debris lying around as a few of their maids were on the ground their precious life fluid scattered around them, some of them tried to carry the injured away from their where as a few laid motionless at the look of their dim eyes the couple understood they had died.


    Menelaos asked one of the injured maids, "What happened here? Why are you all injured and most importantly where is my daughter?"


    The maid cradled her broken arm as she spoke, "Your Lordship, we do not know why but all of a sudden Princess shouted out that she will kill someone for stealing her beloved before dashing off to somewhere, we were unfortunately were present when she left her room and in a fit of anger attacked us before she left."


    Both Menelaos and Neaera''s blood turned cold, their daughter must have gone after Apolonia''s head in a fit of anger and both knew that she will end up incurring Pangu''s wrath and as Pangu held no love for her anymore, now if she foolishly attacks his wife he will show no mercy and they very well knew the consequences of waking a sleeping dragon.


    As such both Menelaos and Nearea cast a glance at each other before they raced after Megara leaving the maids to tend after themselves.


    Since the time Apolonia and Pangu had left Tunglskinheimr, Apoloniusz had spend every single minute inside the restricted section of his library, his eye s were blood shot and he was losing hope before he finally stumbled upon another stone staele, as he read through it his eyes widened in fear as his face turned white, he quickly penned down the contents as he made his way to his wife.


    Marta raised her delicate eyebrow at seeing the disheveled and panicking visage of Apoloniusz, "Beloved why are you panicking so much calm down, you are not young anymore you may break your hip.", she tried to calm her husband down and break the tension by joking only to have no effect on him.


    Apoloniusz did something she never did before he glared at her, before he realized his folly and tried to calm his temper as he apologized, "I am so sorry my love, I ...."


    Marta interrupted him as she gave an understanding smile, "I know love you are overworked and tired as such you snapped at my joke, but please do calm down or else you will not able to think clearly. But enough of that why are so stressed out like.", she ended in a more serious tone.


    Apoloniusz: "You will not believe what I learned, that..."


    ~Crack~, ~zing!!!~


    Apoloniusz was interrupted by noise as crack formed on the sky like it were a mirror.


    Apoloniusz eyes widened as he spoke in frightened voice, "I was too

 140 Apoloniusz Arrival

    Milena sighed in absolute bliss, Netik and his family has always been known to be excellent chefs when cooking spirit food, which had been proven by the food that was being offered to them cooked personally by Netik himself.


    In their little group Netik was always the chef for them when going off on any form of exploration trips and what not, but currently the heart of the group went for him whenever he was sad Netik would start cooking in great quantity and as his friends who were there trying to help him ended up being unintentional volunteer taster for him.


    Milena had been luckier this time, as whenever Netik got emotionally distress he starts creating various foods for his friends and if someone denies it he gets even more depressed as such they decided to consume it, but as the food consumed by Milena had been horrifyingly good the one consumed by Leo was magnificently bad causing him to faint as bubbles formed on his mouth.


    A familiar feeling of Ki washed over the group especially Pangu as a group of people approached them causing Apolonia to scowl at the sight of them, but before they could speak a tired voice came to their ears, "Pangu, Apolonia I have finished my research and have brought everything."


    At the loud exclamation of the voice which alerted everyone in the nearby vicinity causing them to gather around him as one of the man spoke, "Are you Senior Apoloniusz who had been researching about that murderess."


    Apoloniusz opened his mouth to reply only to be stopped by Pangu who had taken out his spear as he pointed towards Apoloniusz and spoke, "No he is not you are by no means Apoloniusz but someone impersonating him, I know his aura and by no means it is as feeble as you are."


    Even Apolonia looked confused at that, the person standing in front of them had similar to her father but at the same time it was incredibly weak.


    Upon hearing Pangu''s words and Apolonis''s reaction everyone drew out their weapon as they surrounded him.


    Apoloniusz raised his hand in a surrendering as he spoke, "Woah woah stop right there, I am just a clone my original created as such I am much weaker than him I do not have much time so please let me speak before trying to finish me off."


    Apolonia frowned at that it had been so long she had seen that particular technique developed by her father that she had forgotten about it not only that it was at the very least tenth of his father''s original power even it was a stretch.


    Pangu lowered his spear as he spoke, "Abba, or should I call you ''Clone Abba''"


    The clone of Apoloniusz laughed at that as he spoke, "Meh call me whatever you want to."


    Apolonia: "We were just about to leave to Tunglskinheimr, but since you have arrived we will travel back together after concluding your business."


    The clone just sighed deeply as he ran his hands through his hair casting a melancholic gaze as he spoke, "It is good that you were here my daughter, because as of now Tunglskinheimr has fallen."


    Everyone was startled on hearing that, as a green faced sickly looking Leo exclaimed in alarm, "Uncle what are you saying Tunglskinheimr is one of the most secure place in this universe, in the entire realm of "Pangea'', it is separate dimension itself only through your permission can anyone entire or leave how could some place as Tunglskinheimr fall. Who could be so strong enough to infiltrate into Tunglskinheimr."


    The news startled everyone present there, many not be acquainted with Apoloniusz neither do they know about his home but a home placed inside a separate pocket dimension everyone knew and for that to fall.


    Apoloniusz spoke solemnly, "Nephew you are smarter than this there is someone currently strong enough to break into my Tunglskinheimr."


    Apolonia spoke in a tone mixed with concern and fear, "Abba please tell me where you are taking shelter currently, I will be coming there to rescue Amma and you both we have to take care of any form of injuries you have suffered."


    Antariskh saw this as an invaluable opportunity as she spoke, "Senior please tell us your coordinates we will be there in a blink of an eye, my mother is one of the most if not the best alchemist we can treat you and your wife of any ailments."


    Maheswara quickly caught on to it what better way to try to reform a bond with Pangu other than to show compassion to his current loved ones as such he quickly spoke, "Please brother we will rescue and your wife so please let us help you."


    Apoloniusz gave smile as he spoke, "I happy for offering such help but I am afraid that it is too late my original and his wife had already fallen in battle."


    Causing everyone''s eyes to widen at that, Apolonia screamed out with sadness, "You are lying you are lying Abba and Amma both of them are too strong they cannot fall in battle.", as she fell on her knees.


    Pangu quickly held his wife to console her who was weeping profusely by then, as the clone went and kneeled in front of her daughter as he put his hand on top of her hand as he caressed her gently.


    "You are our pride and joy my child I do not have any words to say to you but remember we will always watch over you from afterlife, here show me your hand."


    As Apoloniusz took his daughter''s hands as he held it a tightly as if he was shaking his hands suddenly a mark formed on her hand as he spoke with a smile, "With this I relinquish the title of head of our family now it is your turn to lead our people, they have just lost their home and vulnerable so please protect them.", he then touched his daughter''s forehead as his fingers glowed transmitting the hiding location of the people he had managed to save before their complete annihilation.


    He then turned to Pangu as he spoke with a grin, "Take care of my baby daughter."


    Pangu spoke softly his head bowed in respect, "Of course Abba."


    He turned towards the people as his face hardened, "Well ladies and gentleman I think it is time I get down to the real business", as he took a parchment from inside his cloak, "This scroll contains the way to defeat that woman but unfortunately she did not give me time to prepare, but for you people it might be a different story."


    With that he led the remaining people to the meeting room leaving a few of them behind mostly Pangu who was consoling his crying wife along with a few of his acquaintance.


    Pangu: "I would like for all of you to visit the meeting that is taking place it is much important, and please leave my wife and myself alone."


    Nuwa wanted to protest but she was beaten by Shamiran as she spoke, "As you wish Pangu but you have to remember that the survivors of Tunglskinheimr lives are still in peril as such��"


    Antariskh finished for her, "As such I volunteer to use my ''Flying Fortress'', it is one of the fastest ''Flying Vehicles'' present we will be honored to help you.", with that she left without waiting for any reply dragging their parents with them.


    Nuwa was enraged, "What are you doing Antariskh, Shamiran why....."


    Antariskh sighed in frustration, "Mother I know that you want to stay by his side now, but please let big brother alone with his wife with the time being if you deny his wish he might get further enraged with you so for the time being give them so time."


    The meeting went on for another hour as they discussed strategies suddenly Apoloniusz frowned as he stood up, "My time is coming to an end and I have already told you everything there is to say and now I wish to spend my remaining time with my daughter."


    With that he left the room as he made his way to his daughter, who looked up at him with her red puffy tear filled eyes.


    Aploniusz held her head up as he glanced at her wiping away the tears that was flowing from her eyes, "Here let me see the beautiful face of my daughter."


    Pangu let them some privacy as he stood away from the father daughter duo as he watched with sadness over the time he spend in Tunglskinheimr, he began to treat that place as his home and Apoloniusz and Marta as his parents the way they teased him, spoke with him, helped him all appeared in his mind as his visions became blurry as a shout came to his ears, "Oi crybaby come over here.", he raised his face to see Apoloniusz was beckoning to him as he held his daughter with one of his hands.


    Pangu frowned as his vision was blurry he felt his cheeks wet, ''Am I crying?'', was the thought which appeared on his mind only to be interrupted by another shout, "Oi clumsy crying baby come quickly I do not have time."


    Pangu quickly raced towards Apoloniusz as he neared him he was brought into a hug by Apoloniusz, "You two are my greatest accomplishments I am glad to call both of part of my family, but now the survivors of Tunglskinheimr need your help, to me they are like my own children, now you two ate the head of the family as such take care of them and Pangu do not forget I need tons of grandchildren.", he finished with a teasing grin.


    Pangu spoke with a huff his voice wreaked with sadness, "I promise Abbai promise."


    Apoloniusz gave a bright smile, "Now I am happy and I can pass on without any regrets.", with that cracks formed on his body as it turned into ash.


    Apolonia and Pangu held each other as Apolonia wept in his arms as he thought, "Rest in peace Abba, Amma I promise I will take care of your family and your precious daughter.''

 141 BITING A DOG WHEN IT BARKS AT YOU

    Leo: "Well according to what we have decided we are going to keep this heir loom of you family on move, that woman was able to find it very easily as such we have decided to keep it on move for now so as to keep it out of her reach for time being."


    Shamiran suddenly spoke, "Is it possible to emulate the energy signature of the heirloom so that we may have multiple decoys?"


    At that everyone was once again storming their brains multiple decoys would be much better as it will make it more difficult for them to find the ''cube'', which according to Apoloniusz was an heirloom handed down by the previous head of Tunglskinheimr to the next head.


    It was a missing piece of the bigger puzzle to defeat that ''woman'', as such Nuwa spoke with great contemplation, "We can create a suitable decoy using arrays but it will take some time at least a day."


    Shamiran nodded at that as she spoke, "Well as soon as Antariskh arrives we can depart on her ''Flying Fortress'', mother can work her magic while abroad ''Flying Fortress'', as soon as she had finished it will deploy those decoys."


    One of the people present spoke out, "Why should we wait for your sister to arrive the faster we can make this thing mobile it will be better."


    Shamiran raised her delicate brow as she spoke, "Fellow Daoist how fast can your flaying vessel travel between two galaxies?"


    The man looked confused as he answered, "It would take almost a day, why?"


    Shamiran replied with a huff, "My sister''s can do the same with a couple of hours."


    At that many gaped at her while some just whistled in appreciation.


    Shamiran knew that among the crowd there may be some who could easily fulfill the criteria by supplying them with powerful ships which could go toe to toe with Antariskh''s ship, but they do not want to face the murderess and lose their life she scoffed at that, ''cowards the lots of them.'', if she succeeds we all will be dead regardless and in her mind it is better to die trying than dying hiding like a mouse.


    Meanwhile Leo just studied the group from Ayindril, well what was left of the group as currently Veena, Sylvana and Antariskh had left with Pangu and Apolonia to rescue the survivors of Tunglskinheimr.


    He thought that they would jump at the idea of trying to pursue Pangu to forgive them but they have still have to mention anything on the matter they are treating him like any other person, which utterly baffled him those people were not the type to give up so easily so what are they playing well I will be near them all the time so will the rest of our friends we will not let them pull anything funny on him and his wife.


    Soon Antariskh arrived along with a small group of survivors the strong group of 5000 workers of Tunglskinheimr has been reduced to a paltry 23, most of them are just children and rest are woman, it was a sad sight to see such a strong and fortified bastion fall in such a way a testament to Ochilysse''s strength causing many to doubt can they even defeat her.


    In an empty moon of a recently annihilated planet sat a woman of incredible beauty, so devastating was her beauty that no matter man, woman, children or aged were enthralled by it if anyone wanted to glimpse at a heaven people of old said even a glance at her would be more than enough.


    The woman sat on a rock with her back resting on another as she deeply sighed as she glanced towards the empty void of space she had already gained one of her eyes back she just snatched it from the thieves who had kept it with them, but now she needed a couple more of her stolen items before she can be completed, she scowled at the thought of the man and his wife who hid it from her it reminded of her time with her husband.


    The thought of her husband brought tears in her eyes again, her Felaeran, oh how much she missed his touch, his voice oh how much she missed him and now because of those blasted people he is dead and not only gone even his soul was destroyed because of those wretched people, she still remembers the broken look on his face as the symbol of their love their child who was still growing in her womb died because of those people, she still remembers the person she loved the most became mad with grief as he slaughtered them without remorse no matter how they pleaded or beg they died, but what they did not see was their own student whom they raised as their own son their own flesh and blood stab them in the back.


    His husband died taken that traitorous cur along with him but what about her she was his ''Dao Companion'', shouldn''t she have died along with him but no she did not yet her husband died leaving her alone, she could no longer stand the happiness of others while she wept as such she decided to create a method to bring him back but it would require immense amount of energy as such she sacrificed those insolent beings, ''why for what hath those peoplenot understand ''twerefor the ranker goodthey were sacrificed for what haththey struggle so much, if onlythey wouldhast listened we wouldhast revived him much sooner'' as she thought about it again and again about those days gone by more vicious her expression became she was so close to reviving her husband but because of some cur who were rebellious she was stopped but because of the process made her a true immortal she could not bekilled but those insolent cretins sealed her and made her wait so long, but now it is a matter of time she has awoken as she spoke with a blush on her face, "Anon mine beloved husband we shall be ''i each other''s loving embrace once again."


    Meanwhile back with the Pangu and his group,


    Rishit spoke with assurance in his voice, "Lady Apolonia please be at ease my people will look after yours as such please leave without any worries."


    Apolonia spoke with a smile, "Please uncle do not refer me as such you are my friend''s father please refer to me as ''niece'' as you have always done so."


    Before anyone could speak a loud roar came to their ear, "Apolonia you slut how dare you steal Pangu from Me.", causing the entire planet to tremble.


    Antariskh was quite pleased at her progress unlike her father who was shot down faster than a comet when he confronted Pangu, she was doing quite well she has been civil with him and had approached him as someone does with an acquaintance and Pangu had replied in kind but now that fool of a woman Megara had appeared and not only that she had the gall to call her brother''s wife a ''slut'', causing her mood to sour oh she will be well acquainted by her boots by the end of this day, yes she will be her punching back after all she has lots of pent up frustrations and a decent stress relief appeared in front of her now, she glanced at Megara with blood thirsty grin on her face a grin mirrored by her sisters as well.


    Meanwhile Pangu cast a mere glance at the woman who used to be his fianc��e before he gave his entire attention to his wife, no need to bother with the likes of her as you do not go biting a dog when it barks at you.

 142 Another Expedition?

    A frazzled haired red eye full of madness Megara appeared her presence shaking the planet to its core, as she unleashed the full brunt of peak Chaos Lord level aura causing anyone beneath her to fall on their knees some even outright fainted from it.


    A loud roar came, "Sheath your aura youngster", a furious Rishit came in front of him, and how he could stay quite while his planet was being put under strain by the girl in front of him.


    But Megara did not heed to Rishit''s warning as she had her target in sight she charged towards her with righteous anger her saber poised to decapitate her enemy, she was further enraged seeing her enemy did not even cast a glance at her.


    The charge came to an abrupt halt as she was punched hard causing her to fly off a few hundred meters, she coughed blood as she glared at the person who punched her as a tremendous amount of Ki fell on her interlaced with heavy killing intent causing her to freeze with fear.


    For the first time because of the Ki and killing intent it brought clarity to her mind as she threw up blood from being punch she shook like a newborn calf.


    "You have a lot of nerves child even after my friend Rishit told you to stop your rampage you continued to without paying attention to your elders now how should I punish you." , the gruff voice of Ceallcach sounded in her ears.


    "Megara my daughter are you alright.", came a concerned voice of Neaera as she rushed over by her side while Menelaos stood protectively in front of her.


    Rishit spoke calmly, "Fellow daoist Menelaos,I do not care what problem your daughter has with Apolonia and Pangu, and if you ask me frankly I do not care whether they kill each other or make amends but if your daughter decides that she will start a fight and destroy my planet my home I will not tolerate educate your daughter properly on that."


    A melodious voice came to everyone''s ears as she spoke, "Well we are wasting too much time we should get moving already, the longer we wait the easier it will be for her to detect us and if she arrives here the ''precious'' planet of Daoist Rishit will be lost and I for one do not want his ghost haunting him for eternity."


    Rishit''s eyebrow twitched in anger as he spoke with a huff, "Lady Khygnos will please stop making fun of me."


    Before anyone could speak a couple of ''Flying Vessels'', landed near them.


    Khygnos, "Splendid, now everyone some among us have decided that it will be a great security risk to allow only Apolonia''s ship to travel alone as such we are lending your ship as escorts, bringing the total number of ships to be around 5 carrying a total of a little over 1000 strong cultivators which include all of us who are lending our ships I hope there is no problem."


    Maheswara: "More the merrier I suppose so shall we leave."


    Megara looked with her eyes widened with horror as she shouted out, "No I will not lose you again, you are mine.", as she stood up trying to move towards Pangu as fast as possible Khygnos suddenly appeared in front of her as an alluring smell entered Megara''s nose soon her eyes closed as she fell asleep as Khygnos supported her.


    As she handed her to Megara''s parents who had forlorn look on their face she spoke, "I have just made her to fall asleep, currently she will be having a nice dream please take her back home and watch over her, she will wake up after 5 days."


    With that she left Neaera wanted to speak with Pangu but he had already boarded ''Flying Fortress'' along with his wife she knew that they wouldn''t allow her anywhere near him and they are all in a hurry as such it will be impossible for her to seek an audience as such with heavy heart she relented as she left with her husband who carried their daughter back to their home planet.


    As they group left the main leaders of each factions were all on Apolonia''s ship where as the remaining escort ships had their subordinate''s in them, most of them had send their successors away as they knew how dangerous this mission could become.


    Meanwhile most of the residents of Ayindril were full of gloom and doom, because of the presence of various cultivators who had been actively acting as a blocker whenever they tried to approach Pangu causing them to be frustrated and Nuwa was on verge of losing patience, but currently they were on an important meeting amongst themselves which had been called by Vorgak.


    Maheswara: "Fellow Daoist Vorgak why was an emergency summoned all of a sudden?"


    Vorgak: "It has come to my attention that the parchments given to us by Daoist Apoloniusz had location of another such place which held another part of that murderess, I recommend to send a team to investigate the place."


    Caellcach: "Why should we waste our people by sending them to a place which had been completely annihilated by that murderess?"


    Vorgak: "Well actually the idea is not mine but the lad Pangu''s, kid if you would."


    Pangu just gave a bow of acknowledgement to him as he stood up to speak normally any person would be slighted when treated like a child when they are equal in cultivation rank and in case of Pangu he is stronger but he understood in front of Vorgak who had existed longer than his own ex-parents he was only a child, "Well my fellow Daoist when my Abba Apoloniusz was having a meeting with you I was unable to attend as such when I met with Senior Vorgak I asked him about the contents of the meeting, he showed me the parchment written by my Abba the technique which he had written down was unfortunately incomplete."


    At that everyone was startled hearing the technique they were basing the entire operation on an incomplete technique as such chaos erupted as they started shouting at each other.


    Pangu had a twitch on his brow as he started to get angry but before he could react Nuwa herself slammed hard on the table breaking it while a crack formed on the floor causing everyone to stop their shouting match only for a wail to enter their ear ''My poor ship'', causing many people to have sweat drops to appear on many people''s forehead.


    Nuwa glanced at Pangu as she spoke, "Child and how did you determine it was an incomplete technique?"


    Pangu took a deep breath as he spoke, "The technique is heavily based on the ''Supreme Dao of Nirvana''��."


    Before he could speak again he was interrupted again by another person, "How sure are that this Dao is based on the ''Supreme Dao of Nirvana''?"


    Pangu replied to him in a confident tone as he spoke, "I am pretty sure as I have already gained complete insight and mastery over the Supreme Dao, as such I deduced using my insights that the technique is flawed. The contents of the stone staele of Tunglskinheimr mentioned the location of other stone staele which according to it would be near another person who had been tasked to watch over the remaining parts of the murderess."


    Khygnos: "As such you want to send an expedition to recover the contents of those staeles I see so how should we all proceed with it."


    Pangu gave a smile as he spoke, "Well I have a plan...."

 143 The Hand of Friendship

    As suggested by Pangu the various forces of alliance created a taskforce whose sole purpose was to gather the contents of the remaining stone staeles.


    It was by no means an easy task, the only thing that each of them got from the staele''s were the location of the next one but nothing about the challenges surrounding them.


    After an arduous 7 long months they had pieced together the entire puzzle thus creating a complete technique Pangu glanced at the technique as he sighed the memories of the last few months came to him.


    Flashback a few months ago,


    Pangu was moving towards the mess area when he came face to face with Nuwa herself.


    Nuwa glanced at her own flesh and blood as the feeling of guilt and remorse rose within her which was being reflected by her eyes as she gazed at her son, "Pangu how have you been?"


    Pangu: "I have been well, I married the love of my life though I recently lost my ''in laws'', and otherwise I have been fine and you?"


    Nuwa: "How can we be without our son? You have always been our pride and joy yet now you refuse to even acknowledge me as your mother."


    Pangu shook his head as he spoke, "Senior Nuwa you are mistaken you brought me to this world that is always true and always will be no matter what happens I will never claim otherwise, but our relationship ends there, I have already severed my ''Fate Threads'' that connected me to you as such we have no relation what so ever."


    Nuwa replied back, "We refuse, you are our child no matter how much you deny it, it will never change we will never allow it."


    Pangu gave a sigh of resignation as he said, "Fine believe what you want just leave me alone."


    Before he could move away he was stopped by a hand firmly grasping his legs stopping him he cast his glance down as his eyes widen Nuwa was on her knees as she held his legs firmly as she bowed her head low touching his feet as she wept, "Please please child come back home come back to your mother please we will do anything to atone for our sins anything so please give us chance please come back home."


    Pangu looked at her with pity in his eyes by now their confrontation had gather quite a few audience as he looked at them Pangu idly thought, ''the only thing they need is a couple of couches and wine.''


    Nuwa one of the greatest ''Array Master'' which had ever lived, was on her knees holding Pangu''s legs begging for mercy who wouldn''t want to see something like that.


    Pangu scowled at that they may not be related anymore but he will not let someone who held great respect for her because of her status as an Array Master.


    Pangu grabbed her hand as he tried to make her release him as he spoke, "Senior, please release me and stand up."


    Nuwa stubbornly refused, "NO we will never release you, you are our son, we will not let you leave."


    Pangu felt a terrible headache coming from all this, since the time they agreed to use Antariskh''s ship he knew a confrontation was inevitable but like this he did not want for it to be.


    Pangu spoke kindly as he held her shoulder as he spoke, "Senior, how about this you go and gather others then I will speak with everyone of you together not separately is this acceptable."


    Nuwa wanted to refuse but Pangu cutoff her, "Please", Nuwa nodded at that she will do anything to get her child back with that she let Pangu leave as she quickly went to gather others.


    Meanwhile Pangu changed his direction and went towards his cabin which he shared with his wife.


    Apolonia: "Love you look troubled is there any problem."


    Pangu glanced at her as he spoke, "Senior Nuwa came across me today, when I told her I am not her son she broke down crying as she held my legs preventing me from leaving, not only that she begged as she lowered her head on my feet for me to return back home."


    Apolonia was stunned she knew how prideful Pangu''s parents are, they did rather die than lower their heads but today was really something, to throw away their pride for their child was not something many cultivators would do rarely does someone has guts to acknowledge their mistakes and seek for atonement, especially in case of cultivators who did rather die than throw away their pride.


    Apolonia understood the amount of love Pangu''s mother had for her, but still her Amma and Abba are the best as they never betrayed her like Nuwa, but ��..


    She sighed as she spoke, "Love I believe you should give them a second chance."


    Seeing Pangu was about to protest she raised her delicate finger putting it on Pangu''s lips with a shushing sound preventing him from speaking, "I understand that any relationship you had with them had ceased to exist any future you had with them had vaporized while past lays in a meaningless heap with the present being frivolous. But upon saying that another road opens up for you that is of friendship, you can start anew with them as a stranger meeting another stranger becoming friend, in a way as a person had his clothes burned he buys another, it may look the same but at the end of the day it is not the cloth you had previously everything related to it is gone and now this new cloth is replacing it similarly why not extends a hand of friendship to them."


    Pangu silently contemplated Apolonia''s words before he cracked a smile, "I do not know what I would do without the brilliance of my wise wife."


    Apolonia gave a coy smile as she spoke, "Why of course you would be living a life of a cave man in that backwater planet."


    Pangu gave a playful glare as he hugged his wife who melted into her husband''s embrace as she genly kissed his cheeks.


    A couple of hour later Pangu and his wife made way into a private room where his ex-family were now sitting waiting for him.


    As he entered he gave soft smile as he spoke, "Greetings Seniors, it has been a while."


    A few hours of heated discussion filled with lots of begging, crying and lots of snot dripping his ex-family had relented to accept his offer of friendship although he knew it would be not the last time they will not pester him to rejoin his ex-family but what really astounded him were Shamiran and Antariskh since the beginning they tried to extend their hand of friendship to him instead like the rest of them who were asking him to rejoin the family.


    He sighed as he pushed back those memories into the deepest recesses of his mind as he looked at the complete form of the technique as he frowned hard.

 144 Search for Ochilysse

    "Megara, please look at me please I beg of you.", asked a voice filled with sorrow.


    The person speaking was none other than Menelaos who was trying to make his daughter speak.


    Megara had awoken a few days before from her dream, but as soon as she opened her eyes the reality hit her with full force before she again cried a lot before she became completely silent.


    When her parents came they found her sitting in the furthest and darkest corner of her room with her head tucked between her legs since then they tried to make her look at them but failed she looked as if she were dead causing her parents to suffer from intense grief.


    The look on her face caused even more grief to the husband and wife duo, Megara''s once vibrant and lively eyes looked dead she had dark circles on her eyes which were so red that it looked as if blood will flow out of it any minute.


    Neaeraheld her daughter tightly as she spoke, "I am sorry child for being such a bad mother, I could not heal the pain in your heart."


    Megara spoke with a hoarse voice, "No mother it is not yours but my fault I let someone like Pangu leave from my life now Apolonia snatched him from me I lost to her I do not have anything left."


    Menelaos spoke in an encouraging tone, "Child do not fret you are so beautiful, if you try you will have plenty of suitors so please do not think so lowly of you."


    Megara let out a sigh as she spoke, "Father there may be many but none are like ''Him'', without him everything is meaningless for me, I had him I had his mind, body his soul his everything yet I threw them away because of my pride my foolishness but now he doesn''t he even acknowledge me let alone care for me it is so painful, he did not even look at me when we met again, I would have lived with his hatred but this, this apathy it hurts so much.", she broke down again as she wept as both her parents hugged her trying to console her but how could they console her when their own heart and mind were disarray with sadness.


    Meanwhile back in Antariskh''s flying vessel, the ''Flying Fortress,


    Vargok: "It had been a few weeks since the kiddo got his hands on the entire Technique and since then he had not been present in any meetings, what is he doing?", he spoke his voice filled with irritation, as he kept sharpening his Great Axe.


    Apolonia spoke in an apologetic tone, "Senior, I apologize on his behalf he is currently meditating over the technique."


    Vargok snorted at that as he spoke, "Why does he need to meditate so much, you should make a move on her already."


    Khygnos spoke in exasperation, "Patience were never your strong suite fellow daoist brother, do not worry we would launch an attack as soon as Pangu gets a grip on the technique and we locate that ''woman''."


    At the mention of the woman everyone frowned hard it had been a few weeks since they had found any destruction caused by her it seems as if the universe had swallowed her whole causing even the most patient to get frustrated from uneasiness.


    One of the members spoke out loud, "Everyday passes as I feel more and more unease I do not know what that murderous whore is planning."


    Another nodded in agreement with him as he spoke, "So true it is getting frustrating after all we have been planning and then she suddenly disappears, tch it is getting too boring."


    Nuwa suddenly appeared with a slight panic look on her face, as she glanced at everyone present in the mess hall which had turned into a meeting room of sort owing to the number of people present on board of the ship as well as it being the largest room inside the ''Flying Fortress''.


    Khygnos looking concern asked, "Fellow daoist is something wrong? You look troubled."


    Nuwa took a deep breath as she spoke, "All they decoys we have set up have been destroyed at the same time."


    Caellcach was busy drinking some sake causing him to spit it out as he stood up, as did the others who were listening.


    Shamiran who was nearest to her spoke, "Mother what do you mean, they were destroyed at the same time."


    As Nuwa explained everyone Khygnos''s mind went at light speed as she analyzed the information before she spoke up, "At least we know that woman has mastery of both Space and Time Daos."


    At that everyone looked confused at her which caused her to let out a sigh as she spoke, "We know that for a person to move through teleportation what we do is create a tunnel through the space that exist between two places, although it is a level through technique but if we are to go through its mechanics the calculation it required is mind boggling as such I will not grow in detail, but you can compare it as two different vehicles moving side by side now you want to take the apple placed on vehicle number 2 since you both are at the same speed you can easily take it from the vehicle number 2.", she took a small pause as she let part of her reasoning settle inside the mind of those people present as she spoke, "Now think about this scenario you have to pick apples present on different vehicles which are moving at the same speed but at different distance from vehicle number 1, at the same time how would you achieve it?"


    Everyone stopped as they mulled over her question before Apollonia spoke, "I would try to stop the time, if the time is stopped we could easily pick the apples and when the time resumes it will be counted to others as it were done at the same time."


    Khygnos looked pleased at that as she nodded before replying, "Yes you are correct she is able to influence both space and time of different places at the same time."


    Maheswara spoke looking impressed, "Wow I think I should say as expected of them person who ingle handedly destroyed 12 universes."


    "We desire to grammercy for the laudation child", came an angelic voice which caused everyone to get startled at that before turning their heads at the source of the voice, everyone flushed as they glanced at the otherworldly beauty sitting in front of them like a queen, men and even many woman felt their desire rise within them while at the same time everyone felt as if they were polluting the universe with their looks in front of the beauty personified they were unworthy, as all of them felt conscious of their look.


    The woman with grace like that of an Empress took a piece of a cooked food lying on the table as she ate it, everyone looked at her mesmerized at her motions as she ate it elegantly she let out a satisfied moan causing everyone''s heart to skip a beat, ''How can such a woman exists as if she was the very definition of perfection'', her angelic voice once again entered their ears as she turned her head, "The exquisite cuisine''ifront of us is so delicious that it is almost making us regard twice about killing thou all", she glanced at them one of her eyes was shining with mixture of immense joyand happiness whereas the other was an empty socket which looked like an endless abyss.


    Upon hearing her words the people were brought out of their Stupor as they scrambled further away from her as a single thought ran through everyone''s mind, ''How did that woman arrive inside the ''Flying Fortress'' which is currently moving fast enough to transverse the distance between two galaxies within a couple of hours.''

 145 Waking up from nightmare

    Every cultivator presented quickly took out their weapons as they pointed them towards her as well as releasing their aura combine with their killing intent, who did not pay any attention towards them as she was busy tasting various items of food in front of her.


    "So whom amongst thou all made this delicacies", she inquired of the people present as if she asking someone about the weather while she cast a glance at them everyone felt as if she did not just glanced at them but their soul itself.


    She raised her one of her delicate as she spoke again, "Well do not thou wot that it is rude to keep a lady waiting for answer."


    Suddenly Nitek spoke up, "I made them I hope you enjoyed them your Majesty.", his voice filled with sarcasm.


    "Oh mine! what a sharp tongue thouhast, speaking like that it seems some one do forget to schoolthou manners", she chastise Netik.


    Suddenly a jovial voice came to everyone''s ears, "Welcome aboard the ''Flying Fortress'', Empress Ochilysse I hope your stay here has been pleasant.", everyone looked to see a smiling Pangu dressed in a battle armor.


    Ochilysse gave a slight smile at Pangu causing everyone who saw her smile felt their heart flutter, "Mine what a nice gentleman, and well to answer thy query our keep hither hath been well child,yetif thou wouldnot mind then please share thy name with us as thou seem to mineyeti am''ithe dark about yours."


    Pangu gave an apologetic smile as he spoke, "Ah how rude of me please pardon me your Majesty, please call me ''Pangu''."


    Ochiysse hummed in thought as she tasted the name as if it rolled in her tongue trying to pronounce it before she spoke, "Ho it seems that thy parents had high regards for thou to name thou after ''Pangea''."


    Pangu replied with a smile, "It is as you have perceived your majesty, although I hope you would not mind asking you, what do you want from us your majesty?"


    Ochiysse placed a finger under her chin as if in deep thought, "Well we should''st fulfill the hope of a dying man so that he may die without any regrets, so we shall fulfill thy hope child.''tis simple, we justcraveto resurrect our beloved husband by sacrificing thy universe."


    The cultivators were getting nervous every minute but the friendly banter between Pangu and Ochiysse seemed to calm their nerves a little bit.


    Suddenly before anyone could react a Ochiysse''s shadow elongated as Leo appeared behind her with daggers in his hands as he tried to stab her from behind only for her to turn intangible letting Leo to pass through her as she caught Leo by his outstretched hand before tugging it changing his direction as she reared her right hand back which was now covered in black smoke as she send a slap towards him only for her hand to be stopped by sudden appearance of a chain which was held by Saidhal, then all of a sudden Neacht appeared in front of her and with a shout of ''Fire Lightning Tribulation Punch'', a punch strong enough to destroy a few planets in a single hit.


    Flying Fortress could normally take on a couple of such an attacks and would have not have scratched by it but unfortunately for it the attack was done from the inside as such with a loud groan the vessel broke into two halves.


    As the other cultivators followed their lead as they started attacking her relentlessly, after a few minutes of continuous attacks when the dust settled they were dumbstruck by the sight in front of them, Ochiysse sat on a chair look as regal as before sipping on some tea as she spoke, "hmmm, this beverage tastes wonderful, oh are thou done then allow us to retort."


    The cultivators looked at her with dumbfounded expression each of them having enough power to destroy galaxies yet their combined effort was not even able to put a single scratch on this woman.


    Suddenly a couple of attacks came from the fleet escorting the ''Flying Fortress'', as a large number of cultivators poured out of it in order to support the assault.


    Pangu: "By me some minutes."


    He shouted out as Apolonia made her way to him, she felt her husband but unlike normal times even though she could feel behind the calm and collected fa?ade was a feeling of despair.


    Apolonia spoke with him through telepathy, "Love what happened why are you feeling such despair, you have learned the technique by now right and you have a plan."


    Pangu looked at her beloved wife with wide eyes before he gave a wary smile as he spoke, "Indeed I have a way the first is to let her absorb the last piece and allow her to rampage if I am not wrong after at least 98% destruction of the universe she will be open to attack we will be able to attack her, second is after the immediate absorption of the last part she will be vulnerable to my technique for a brief period of time but...."


    Apolonia finished the sentence for her husband in a somber tone, "It will cost you your life."


    Pangu spoke hesitatingly, "Love I cannot, I cannot sacrifice innocents in order to survive I��."


    Apolonia gave him a bright smile as she put a finger on his lips stopping him from speaking, "hush My love I understand then follow your heart''s desire, I have no problem with that."


    Pangu looked at her wide eyed before he spoke, "But you are my Dao companion if I throw my life you ...��."


    Apolonia gave a small peck on his lips causing him to stop speaking as he spoke, "Do you know why I fell for you it is because of your habit of helping others in need no matter if they are mortals or cultivators you always help them even if it meant endangering yourself you are kind, you are helpful, as such I fell for you."


    Pangu looked at his wife with his eyes opened with awe, ''I truly do not deserve someone as beautiful as her, I have never given anything even after we were married I did nothing to bring her happiness yet she is ��, ah I have no words to describe her.''


    Pangu smiled at her before he spoke, "Love I know it is selfish of me please forgive me for not being the husband good enough for you."


    Apolonia opened her mouth to protest only to be stopped by Pangu this time as he put his finger on her soft lips, "sush do not fight it, it is least I could do for you."


    With that Apolonia''s vision distorted as she felt Pangu''s Ki enter her being, she found her sitting on a bed feeling tired but in front of her stood Pangu he had two small bundles he held them as if it was the most precious thing in the entire creation with so much care that if a little bit more pressure is given it would break, she glanced to see Pangu''s eyes full of love and happiness as tears of joy glistened in them, causing her to look confused as he spoke, "Thank you love thank you very much would you like to hold them."


    Apolonia nodded dumbly as Pangu handed her the twin bundles as she looked at them her breath hitched in her hands led two small babies they were so cute yet so fragile but at the same time the perfect mixture of both of them the children opened their eyes as they seemed to smile at her she filled fulfilled as if she had just received the greatest treasure of her life.


    Years passed as she and her husband raised them, teaching them to crawl to walk and her heart leped with joy as they spoke the very first word ''Mama'', she was so happy, her beautiful babies the twins Leigh and Eli, the greatest achievements of their life was currently playing with their father who was acting as a horse while they rode on his back as the laughed in happiness.


    They taught them cultivation, helping them rectifying their mistakes and as time passed on they watched as they grew to famous cultivator until one day Eli brought home another boy in order to introduce him to them.


    Apolonia was greeted with a very familiar scene one she had heard from her mother, Pangu sat on a couch sharpening a huge war axe while her daughter''s boyfriend sweated in front of him, she laughed as she rescued her future son-in-law. Similarly one day her son Leigh brought a girl with him but unfortunately she was not lucky as Pangu did not dare to rescue her, well after all she had him whipped.


    Years pass on as their grandchildren were born she was so happy there was nothing more she wanted from her life anymore all her wishes had been fulfilled there was nothing she wanted more from her life, as she laid happily in her husband''s arms, under the same tree where they confessed to each other''s feelings all those years ago.


    Apolonia''s vision distorted as she was brought back to reality tears of pure joy appeared on her eyes as she spoke, "Thank you for giving me Leigh and Eli thank you so much.", as she shared on last passionate kiss with her husband.


    Meanwhile with others a quarter of the forces were already dead as the battle without much success many were injured, Maheswara who was nearby to Pangu and Apolonia had heard what they were speaking but it was faintly, "First��.98% of Universe....sacrifice.", as such he was unable to draw any conclusion.


    Suddenly Ochilysse shouted out, "Enough we tire of thy unprevailing resistances.", as she suddenly increasing her aura deciding to wipe out the entire resistance in single blow her attention was drawn towards Pangu who now taken out the only thing that she wanted mostin the world as such she charged at him with incredible force in order to snatch it from him, Pangu was concentrating into luring her into the trap was caught off guard, Leo made his move but before he could reach someone beat him to it, it was none other than his grandfather who had been impaled by her out stretched hand halting her movements buying enough time for Pangu.


    "Nirvana", he spoke silently as everyone watched in fascination as an almost ethereal looking flame consumed the cube and it was melting, the same cube which was previously impervious to all attacks was melting.


    As everyone looked gob smacked at the phenomenon in front of them Ochilysse gave a piercing screamas she tore Leo''s grandfather into bits, causing a grief filled sound come to everyone''s ears as Leo shouted out, "GRANDPA!!!!!!!!"


    Leo new every since he had went searching for Pangu all those months ago he knew his end was coming near he could feel it, he could foresee it he knew the consequences of trying to defy it and he knew today he would die trying to save a distracted Pangu and thereby saving the fate of the Universe so did his grandfather who just now traded their place thereby saving him.


    Ochilysse had an expression of panic on her face, she knew that the flame Pangu used was an unique flame which could harm her greatly it might be able to kill her but to injure her definitely yes, but the cube which held a part of her right eye to be exact was separated from her as such it did not have the luxury of surviving on its own much less escape unscathed a grievously injured eye would make her plan of resurrecting her husband to have negligible amount of success and heaven''s forbid if it is destroyed she can forget about resurrecting her husband after all only after she is complete could she fully utilize her full force and resurrect her husband.


    Pangu threw the melting cube towards he which she quickly assimilated within her body but the sudden increase in her due to assimilation paralyzed her and that was all it took for Pangu to act.


    He moved fast his left hand was holding on to Apolonia''s right hand as they smiled at each other before they raised held Ochilysse in a tight embrace in between them as they spoke together, "Nirvana''s eternal sleep."


    Nothing happened for a few seconds but suddenly a bright light came from them blinding everyone in the immediate vicinity, Maheswara for the first time understood fully what his ''son'' and ''daughter-in-law'' did, they had another way to defeat her but chose a way that had the minimum collateral damage.


    Pangu and Apolonia felt an intense pain course through them as they felt their skin vaporize, their blood boiling, their bones turning their dust as their soul was slowly being erased from existence, they knew it was the end of the road for them and their lives, yet they had a small smile of satisfaction on their face.


    Pangu felt Ochilysse relax in their embrace confusing him as his last vision was of Apolonia''s smiling face and a small smirk on Ochilysse''s face confusing him before it hit him like a bolt of tribulation lightning.


    Nuwa was tired she was bleeding from her forehead the murderess was a very dangerous and seemed to be an invincible opponent, feeling of despair was what she felt as she faced someone of Ochilysse''s caliber until her precious baby boy entered the fight, she saw and felt for the first time hope rising after all he was their trump card them Pangu and Apolonia embraced Ochilysse and all turned white.


    Maheswara''s heart thumped hard in fear and anxiety as he rushed towards his son and daughter-in-law as soon as he got his vision back.


    To everyone as soon as they got their vision back they were greeted with a scene of Pangu and Apolonia embracing each other as they held a blue crystal within them, the alliance cheered with joy.


    "Long Live Daoist Pangu, Long live Daoist Apolonia", they all cried as their shout seem to shake the Universe.


    The loudest amongst them seemed to be the trio daughters of Ayindril who were shouting out, "Hahahaha. Everyone look at our big brother and big sister they are so awesome."


    Everyone cheered except Maheswara who had made his way towards his ''son'' as he spoke his voice trembling with fear and uncertainty, "My son, my daughter are you alright he spoke in a shaky tone.", his fear increased as he reached out to them with shaky hands, but as soon as he touched them lightly, they turned to ash scattering into the vast expanse of space, as the cheering came to an abrupt halt as they watched the heroes of the hour turned to dust in front of them.


    In a far distant future, a figure suddenly sat up on the bed on which it lay previously as it awoke from its sleep drenched in sweat as it shouted out, "NO!!!!!", a few rapid footsteps were heard as the door to the room where the figure slept was opened harshly as a couple figures entered the room.

 146 A new day

    "Nuwa dear are you alright", asked a concerned Maheswara as his other wives tended to her.


    Nuwa took a deep breath as she calmed down before she shakily gave a nod but it did little to dispel the concern and worry her family felt.


    Veena held a glass of water in her hand in front of Nuwa as she helped her drink from the glass while Celestia just rubbed her back.


    Nuwa: "It had been sometime since we suffered that nightmare."


    Upon hearing her words her family winced they understood what she meant by it, specially Maheswara while to Veena and Celestia no matter how much they would claim the pain they suffered was paltry in comparison to those two especially Nuwa.


    Veena seeing her husband and sister wife falling further into depression she decided to change the subject, "So Celestia what are you going to teach Ryuu today?"


    At her question the two depressed people perked up, after all it was the only the four found interesting nowadays after all currently their cultivation had stagnated and as such they have no way of moving forward currently but who knows it might change in the near future.


    Celestia hummed in thought, "To be frank I have nothing to teach him yet accept maybe give him some more books to increase his knowledge otherwise nothing for now at least."


    Maheswara: "Well there was something I want to discuss with you all about Ryuu."


    Which brought his wives undivided attention to him as he spoke, "When we were younger, even our children all of us left the safety of our home ventured into the wild to further our strength. Ryuu is strong, his strength is good enough to fight someone of an entire realm above him but he lacks experience, even if I have sparred with him regularly a spar is a spar as long as he does not undergo any serious fights his growth will stagnate, previously he had the opponents who were weaker than yet he lost in one and almost died and then the last one he was completely berserk. His best way is overpowering his opponents with brute force with the help of his Divine Body."


    Veena: "So true but still you are a brutal taskmaster, not only that your sessions are quite harsh I do not think that he requires any adventure currently."


    Maheswara shook his head negatively, "No no it is not enough I understand where you are coming from but, I am one person with whom regularly spars but he has yet to put that to test, I have never gone with the intention to kill him and most importantly even if I call it a spar at the end of the day it is an one sided beat down, no matter how talented he maybe even if reduce my strength to his level he is not experienced enough to win against me, sure enough he has caught me off guard rarely but at the end it was nothing spectacular because he still lost. On top of that he needs to socialize a little bit more all he does is eat sleep and train, he needs to venture out and learn."


    Celestia: "Well I do not see any harm in that, so who is up for some vacation.", she finished with a smirk.


    Nuwa: "Well then let us decide a destination it will be fun.", she replied with a similar smirk.


    Maheswara sighed as he spoke, "If you all want to go on a vacation I will take you anywhere including all our children as well as our cute little student, but not this time I want Ryuu to venture out alone without any form of help towards him."


    Celestia: "What do you mean by that? He will go out alone he is only a child."


    Maheswara gave a deadpan look at her as he spoke, "I recall a certain someone who was of same age as him who ran away from her home kidnapping a pure innocent boy along with her."


    Celestia threw a pillow at him as she spoke, "Innocent my foot, you were the one who gave me that idea."


    Maheswara smiled as he spoke, "Well he might have no one with him at his immediate vicinity but we will keep an eye on him as always it will also be a good time for him to unwind a little we have been working him to the bone."


    Nuwa''s face had a serious look, "Beloved you are right, Ryuu needs to unwind a little but it is for his own good we have to be so harsh, he doesn''t have much time if he...."


    Veena grasped her sister wife''s hand giving it a small squeeze, "He will be fine you should not worry too much, I have complete faith in him."


    Maheswara stood up as he spoke, "Well I will be going to give him the good news."


    As Maheswara left the room he was stopped by Nuwa, "Wait we will go with you."


    With that Nuwa got up from her bed as she left with Maheswara with her other sister wives in tow with them.


    Ryuu had just turned 15 years old, his hair long blood red hair floated in the wind from the gentle breeze as he sat on top of a large stone currently meditating, his ivory like skin under the morning rays of the sun made him look like a statue one could look at and lost their sense of time itself.


    As they neared the garden where Ryuu was meditating his teachers looked at him as he sat there like a statue as a couple of birds flew around him chirping, he was no longer the hyperactive child he once was during his childhood, he was a lot calmer now a lot calmer now.


    Maheswara nodded in appreciation at the dedication shown by Ryuu, "Well look at him when he was still a child he would be jumping around like a monkey fooling around now he is an all serious cultivator, and with his good looks it will be difficult from keeping girls jumping on him."


    His wives hissed at that, he knew he they were protective of him, and view him as if he was their second son as such they were ready to protect him from any so called hussies sinking her claws on him, he looked at Ryuu who had taken a look of androgynous male easily mistaken by many as a female, but still he was growing more and more attractive as he climbed up the realms, and the skin tone that made him frown it reminded a bit of her.


    Maheswara: "Child I hope your mediation had been going well."


    Ryuu opened his eyes as he gave a smile as he dropped down from the boulder as he spoke, "Teachers a very good morning to you all and as for my meditation it is going on very well."


    Nuwa: "Child we have decided that you will be going on another excursion on your own this time there will be no one with you as such you will have to be more careful and more level headed as there will be none to help you out if you are in danger."


    Ryuu was wide eyed at that but he nodded at that eagerly he so wanted to venture out, Ayindril to many including him might seem like a paradise but his daily schedule made it so monotonous that he desired to be venture out of Ayindril and test himself at various challenges that he might encounter.


    Veena: "Well we will arrange everything you might require for your journey, you will be leaving within a week, I hope you have no problem."


    Ryuu replied enthusiastically,"No teachers I am ready whenever you may wish for me to begin another excursion."


    Maheswara teased him, "My my Ryuu has grown up so much, he is now so eager to see new faces did the girls of Ayindril bore you so much."


    Ryuu''s eyes twitched at that as he shouted out, "Shut up and die old pervert."


    The only male role model since his birth has been his master Maheswara and unconsciously he sees him as a father figure and Maheswara treats him like his own child.


    His wives one day made a fatal mistake of allowing him to give a young Ryuu going through puberty the much dreaded, ''the talk'', nobody knows the full extent of what Maheswara taught him, but Veena overheard them as Maheswara was enthusiastically explaining to him about candles and gags and whatnot.


    Veena came to the rescue of a sickly looking green faced Ryuu and because of her timely intervention she stopped him from taking a vow of celibacy with the Dao as the witness, well the fact that whenever he was near any females he used to turn a sickly green and vomit because of ''the talk'' and the therapy required to heal him, well it is a story for another time.


    But currently Ryuu was on cloud nine as the words echoed in his mind, ''We will provide you with your own Flying Vessel.''


    He punched in the air above his head as he whopped in joy as he jumped up and down causing his master to sweat drop at his childish behavior, as Celestia whispered to others, "I take back what I said about him growing up he is still a child."


    .As the others agreed in monotone, "It would seem so."

 147 Freezing with disbelief

    Celestia dragged Ryuu with her as it was her day for the lessons while the others left for their individual chores.


    Ryuu was sulking as he badly wanted to go with Maheswara to check out his new ship but was told that it was not ready as a result he will have to wait which caused Ryuu to sulk as he was being dragged off by Celestia.


    Celestia, "Do you know the real reason why we decided to send you out?"


    Ryuu mulled over his teacher''s question as he replied, "Well I need to gain more experience."


    Celestia:" In what do you need to gain experience Ryuu?"


    Ryuu: "Everything I guess."


    Celestia: "It is true that you are not so much experienced in various things but more importantly you lack experience mainly when it comes to fighting it is atrocious."


    Ryuu was shocked at that, "Third mistress with all due respect I do not think I can yet pose a challenge to master��"


    Celestia stopped him with a glare as she spoke, "No one is asking you to pose a challenge to my husband with your meager strength, you will not be able to become strong enough to pose a challenge to him for a long long time, but I was telling about your past battles once you almost lost life to other because you forgot you had daggers which could be useful in an enclosed area where a sword is too big for you to wield, another time you went berserk and would have been greatly injured where as you could have triumphed easily, least not forgot how instead of using your own strength to help yourself out of nay situation which you could have easily if you think a little bit you tend to rely on your Divine body and thereby causing you to defeat them with brute force.", she took a small breath as she spoke again, "You are strong Ryuu do not forget that but what should have been your hidden trump card you always use it in front of everyone, there are hidden places where you might have to venture into during your adventure and you may not have access to your Divine body and as a result you would fail without its support where as normally it would have been a breeze for you. Do you understand where I am going with it?"


    Ryuu nodded at that with a stoic visage causing Celestia to sigh as she spoke again, "Listen Ryuu we have given everything for you to flourish yet you fail to utilize it effectively grow, your body is a greatest treasure for many they will do anything to get their hands on them, we will protect you but you should know the universe is huge there are others who are as strong as us and could easily steal our body so remember to minimize depending on your Divine Body as much as possible."


    Ryuu nodded at that, he hated playing the part of damsel with distress he still remembered when he was younger he did not fight properly nor smartly opting the using his Divine Body to suppress his enemies the end result he nearly died and his team had to spend the remaining time hiding giving up their chances on exploring the ruins.


    Celestia smiled as she saw Ryuu taking what was told to him by heart as she spoke, "Ryuu have you heard the saying the ''String thrives and the Weak perishes.''"


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Of course I have heard about."


    Celestia nodded at that as she spoke, "You might have heard from my Daughters'', am I right Ryuu?"


    Ryuu nodded in confirmation as she spoke, "Yes big sisters were rather adamant about it mentioning it to me many times., and why are you asking about it 3rd mistress?"


    Meanwhile Ryuu''s mind was going on a different direction, ''ugh if even my teachers start preaching me about it I might hang myself.''


    Only for a shiver to run up his spine as he turned to come face to face with a Celestia glaring at him as her eyes narrowed in anger.


    Celestia spoke in an angry tone, "I am glad that you dislike the philosophy as do I too."


    Ryuu looked at her in surprise as he asked, "Then why did you allow them to think like that."


    Celestia just shrugged as she spoke, "There are adults even though if they do something to stupid they are not old enough for me not spank them but I do not want to take away their free thought everyone has the right to think freely and you should always be broad minded, ''which I learned by making the biggest mistake of my life''", she whispered so low that Ryuu was unable to catch it.


    Celestia shook herself from the regret she was feeling as she began speaking, "Personally I think the thought is flawed what I believe is that ''It is the fittest that survive.''"


    Ryuu looked confused at her as such she elaborated, "Think of this in terms of a battlefield, a group of say 100 heavy armored cavalry is facing a group of 100 light armored archers now I will give you 2 different scenarios, in the first case the two groups are facing each other on an open field do you know what will happen?"


    Ryuu thought carefully before giving the result, "The heavy armor will protect them from the arrows and it will be a matter of time before they reach the archers then it will be a simple one sided slaughter of the archers."


    Celestia nodded at that as she spoke, "Good child you are correct it will be as you say now in the second scenario they battlefield is a deep marsh full of big trees where the archers are hiding now what will happen?"


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "The cavalry would lose their heavy armor would cause them to get stuck in the marsh and owing to their slow progression it will give the archers ample time to defeat them."


    Celestia nodded at that as she spoke, "As you see just the change in battlefield yielded different results, the first one was because the cavalry was suitable in that kind of battlefield and second was because of the archers were suitable, I hope you understand what I meant by the word survival of the fittest."


    Ryuu nodded at that, "They were in the best position to survive in that area."


    Celestia: "Since the recorded history countless species came into existence but because they failed to adapt with the change in environment, as such remember Ryuu not all battles are fought face to face, in fact those who harp about being chivalrous and whatnot are either idiots or they have some nefarious plan for you."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "I understand that very well master in fact I tend to fight dirty."


    Celestia spoke with a small smile, "There are times when you are forced to fight in an honorable duel but remember if you fight each and every battle with honor and chivalry very soon you would end up becoming the most honorable and chivalrous corpse."


    Ryuu nodded at that it was something he himself believed that no war or battle is fought without deception after all ''Winners are Kings and Losers are Beggars'', as he replied to Celestia, "3rd mistress inside the library I was read a good advice, ''If after all the handicaps given to your enemies they end up to be in an equal position in a battle then you might have done something terribly wrong."


    Celestia nodded at that as she tousled Ryuu''s hair, "Very good child you are making a good use of the library come on I think I have a few things to teach you before you left."


    A few days later a star struck drooling Ryuu glanced at ''Flying Vessel'' in front of him, Maheswara idly noted that if Ryuu was dog he might have already lost his tail by wagging too much with the amount of excitement he was showing.


    ''Oh well lets trample his enthusiasm'', he idly mused, ''it was a good day to be a complete bastard.''


    Maheswara with a smile that of a saint spoke, "I actually Ryuu that is not yours the one over there is."


    Ryuu glanced at the ''Flying Vessel'' and froze.


    "Oh you liked it so much that you are speechless, I knew I made the right choice.", as Maheswara praised himself.

 148 El gato resbaladizo

    As Ryuu stood in front of his Flying Vessel his mind went back to the events that occurred a few days ago.


    Ryuu had been practicing in what was dubbed by his 2nd Mistress as the simulation room, he had been learning how to fly a flying vessel.


    "2nd Mistress why do I have to learn to fly the Flying Vessel using this simulation I could simply command it to move."


    Nuwa had a disbelieving look on her face as she spoke, "Ryuu we believe you are reading too much stories. In real world every ship has two modes one manual the other is commanding them using telepathic means."


    Ryuu looked aghast at hearing that, "But what about controlling staele or some arrays and what not."


    Nuwa raised her eyebrow on hearing that, "Why would we use something as cumbersome as that when we have much easier means of control."


    Ryuu looked like a kicked puppy all his dreams had been shattered by a few words although his simulations were cool but still his dreams of standing on top of his flying ship as he removed his sword from his scabbard thrusting it forward which his ship to move was in tatters.


    At present when Ryuu was being led by his master Maheswara he was giddy finally he would see his ''Flying Vessel'', the thought of which made him want to scream in happiness as he would dance around but he held himself.


    The think in front of him was a beauty personified, at 1.5 miles long and 0.5 miles in height it was a beauty, not only it looked as if it was nightmarish thing which could be used to conquer an entire planet and are those cannons he had learned about and are those gun turrets he could die happy now.


    He was brought out of his fantasy by Maheswara who tapped him on his shoulder as he spoke, "It is beauty isn''t it."


    Ryuu nodded at him dumbly as Maheswara continued, "I am glad you liked it."


    Ryuu''s eyes watered with gratitude as he spoke, "Master this think is beyond the word beauty it is so awesome that the word beauty should be redefined solely for it and those guns and cannons on it, it gives the impression that it could be used to capture an entire planet."


    Maheswara snorted at that, "Capture a planet it has enough firepower to reduce a planet to dust."


    Suddenly Ryuu had a realization as such he asked Maheswara, "Master I have a question, big sisters once told me a gun is useless thing but this ship has tones of those."


    Maheswara nodded at that as he spoke, "They are correct, the conventional guns used by civilians of some planets is useless for anyone above high Houtian level, there are some cultivators who use guns but the cost is humongous, when used with projectile, also there are energy based guns but the resource consumed is staggeringly high, take this ship for example normally it can run a month with a single ''Deva Crystal'', but if I were to use the guns it would require two such crystals per month."


    Ryuu looked confused as he asked, "Master what is a Deva crystal? Is it costly?"


    Maheswara sighed as he replied, "Ah I forgot you do not know what a Deva Crystal, well it is a type of crystal used by cultivators of very high realms as a currency as well as an excellent source of Ki during cultivation and no I will not show you one, it will kill you if you come within a few feet of it because your realm is very low."


    Ryuu looked a bit crest fallen before he perked up as he spoke, "Master if you are not showing me the crystal because it is dangerous I hope when I will be driving that ship, I will not be exposed to it."


    Maheswara gave a puzzled look, "What are you talking? Oh you meant that ship in front of us, do not worry about it Ryuu, it was gifted to me a long time ago by someone and as I was bored and had nothing to do, I removed its interior completely what stands in front of you is just a carcass I kept just for fun."


    Ryuu looked flabbergasted at him, "Then what ship will I be using Master."


    Maheswara spoke with a hint of pride, "Well do not worry about it Ryuu I will give you one I made for just for you."


    As he escorted Ryuu to his ship, Ryuu was greeted by the sight of many different types of ships some small to some humongous, each of them looked different some had an artistic touch other looked as if someone had haphazardly put all the parts together, it was the first time he visited this part of Ayindril, well to be exact one of the places he had yet to explore.


    Until they arrived in front of a worn out ship which seemed to have seen better days in comparison to others, it was only a little over 120 meter long and a height of 20 meters. To Ryuu it gave the impression of some feline beast which had its front legs spread as it sprawled on the ground with its head raised, he looked around as it saw the thrusters on the front and back with a hatch on the back for it to open and doors on both sides to enter. The rear part which was like a hind leg of the beast had various kinds of thrusters as well as the front leg with a couple of thrusters there were no windows otherwise it looked a bit old and worn out.


    Maheswara stood in front of the ship as he made a dramatic gesture as he spoke, "Well my cute little apprentice let me show you your partner for immediate future ''El gato resbaladizo'', let us go inside child."


    As they went toward the rear of the ship they were greeted by the a door which opened into a ramp which led them into a small room with red lights glowing all over as soon as the ramp closed, a few words popped on a screen, ''Pressurizing'', as various lights blinked all along.


    Maheswara, "This ship can be used underwater as well as in the empty voids of space, but to do so you will have to entry and exit through this door, remember to always wait for it to depressurize and pressurize itself or else you might face some severe dire consequences and oh see this lever in case of emergency I mean real emergency from which you may not escape easily use this to override the pressurization cycle, there is another such lever which is on the inside well actually it is the main one, you can also lock the outside one making it useless. "


    As Ryuu entered he was greeted with a fully functional interior which looked luxurious and glamorous the exterior didn''t do any form of justice to it.


    Maheswara smirked as he spoke, "Well Ryuu let us finish your tour."

 149 The Sisters are back

    Ryuu looked in amazement at the high quality wood work inside the ship, as he was given a tour of the entire ship, the kitchen was furnished with foldable parts to save space, the lavatory and shower were build separately but was small. Ryuu was being led by Maheswara as he was shown various parts of the ship before he was led into the engine room.


    Maheswara: "This is the engine room which holds machines solely dedicated for producing power for the entire ship as well as energy to enable the propulsion of the thrusters."


    Ryuu looked as different arrays flashed giving it a hypnotic look, he went to touch it only to be stopped by Maheswara himself, "Do not touch it Ryuu, it is a very important part of the ship if you touch it carelessly it will harm you to the point we might have to amputate your arm, now normally it is covered up but I had it opened in order to give you a glimpse of the Ki engine.", Maheswara took a deep breath as he continued, "The Ki engine uses mid level Immortal stones as its fuel, each Mid level Immortal stone provides it with enough energy for 3 weeks and I have stocked it with 500 such stones so normallyit is enough for 26 years easily."


    Ryuu''s jaw dropped at that, "But this is too much will I be roaming around for so long."


    Maheswara: "Of course not you will be out only for a few months to half a year at best, as for too much the shield which protects the ship can withstand attack of a low level Celestial Immortal, but it will consume the stones faster during the process."


    Ryuu was then taken to a room which was to be his bed room, the bed room had a king size bed which seemed to be melted into the surrounding, it contained a wardrobe, a desk with a chair the entire room was painted in white with lights hidden giving it an ethereal look Ryuu alos noticed a small reading lamp on placed on the wall which was at the head of bed which seemed to originate from it as the foot of the bed slopped to meet the floor just before the wall signifying the end of the room, Ryuu liked the design of the room a lot, "Now child you see this button.", spoke Maheswara as he pushed it suddenly the semi concave round wall in front of the bed became transparent giving Ryuu a complete look of the outside.


    Maheswara, "This room is exactly on top of the pressurization room leading to outside, the wall is made of a special glass from a material known as Dacroatium, it is very strong glass which can be used for making very strong glasses which is even more durable than the Vufluadian Steel which is used to build they exterior of this ship, but the best part is that upon using electricity it makes it as an one way transparent glass as you can see here from the outside there will be no change but from theinside it is entirely different matter."


    Maheswara then escorted him to the bridge of the ship, Ryuu really marveled the interior the decoration was meant for Royalty itself and was highly functional, it always made him appreciate it whenever he looked at it.


    Maheswara: "Now this is the bridge the same Dacroatium glass is used to construct here as such ��", with that he made Ryuu sit on the pilot seat which was hung from the ceiling, as he sat the seat inclined a little as Ryuu strapped himself to the seat with the help of seat belts he rested his head on the headrest of the pilot''s chair, the seat was surprisingly comfortable, as Ryuu switched it on the entire front of the bridge became transparent including the floor as he got clear view of the front, he held the joysticks firmly as various consoles including the thrust and clutch and many other appeared in front of him including an array powered screen which flashed various options.


    It had been a few minutes since he had a tour of the ship and to speak the truth he felt numb, he had read many books but no one spoils their disciple like they do to him whether it be his masters or his ''sisters'', they always spoiled him rotten and he as such he was confused as such he could not help but voice out, "Why? Why do you care about me so much Master, why spoil me buy giving me something as that?"


    Maheswara raised his eyebrow at his question before he gave small snort as he spoke, "Ryuu your mother Xiao Xiao is our sworn sister, as such our family which makes you our nephew, moreover you are our disciple not just any but our legacy disciple we might have yet to grant you your daoist name as such you may not be officially our disciple but remember this you are our legacy disciple in other words even if we do not share our blood at the end of the day you are like a son to us, never forget that.", he tousled a misty eyed Ryuu''s head before he started to walk again.


    Ryuu meanwhile nodded at that as he spoke quietly almost in a whisper in a voice full of emotion, "Thank you master.", Maheswara had a small smile at that.


    A few days later,


    "Ryuu have you packed your clothes properly."


    "Yes 2nd mistress", came a half hearted reply form Ryuu.


    "Your tooth brush"


    "Yes"


    "Your Cauldron"


    "Yes"


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    It went for a few hours as Nuwa went through a list of things as she made sure that her disciple had everything needed during his journey.


    While Ryuu had a twitch on his brow from all the questions asked by Nuwa, as the others watched the exchange between the duo with unconcealed mirth in their eyes.


    After the ordeal was over Ryuu was hugged by his teachers as they bade goodbye to him.


    Veena approached Ryuu as she gifted him a kiseru, a beautifully crafted 9 inch long kiseru with its body made up of bamboo while its head was made up of a silver colored dragon which seemed as if it had its mouth opened up as it looked up truly a marvelous piece of work, as she spoke, "Ryuu as we will not be with you during your adventure it will be not possible to suppress your bloodthirstiness under the influence of Dao of Asura.", Ryuu grimaced at that since that day because he gained not only insight into the Dao Of Asura he had a tendency of becoming angry easily and in anger he has a tendency to lash out violently. He shuddered in thought what would have happened if his sisters did not saved him that day, Veena handed a space bag to Ryuu as she spoke, "I have created a concoction using various medicinal herbs which you can consume by burning it and inhaling using the kiseru, it will have a calming effect on you, oh and do not worry you won''t be addicted to it no matter how much you consume."


    Ryuu attached the pouch to his belt as he store the kiseru in his space ring before flashing a grin to his masters, "Well then please allow me to depart teachers."


    His teachers nodded at him with a smile as Ryuu boarded his ship from the side door, as he climebed aboard the ship he turned and spoke as he remembered something, "Oh teachers please give my greetings to my elder sisters when they arrive after their business is finish and tell them I apologize for leaving before their arrival."


    Maheswara: "Do not worry child I will convey your words to them, till then have a safe travel."


    With that as Ryuu closed the door the ship was teleported by his masters form Ayindril to remote grassland.


    As Ryuu left Celestia spoke as her visage hardened, "Well I believe that our naughty children had finished their punishment."


    At that everyone nodded, as most of their visage became stormy when Ryuu was brought back three years his condition was not good he was deeply engrossed by the Dao of Asura even after he awoke his killing intent was haywire with bout of his berserk nature propping up now and then not to mention his insane thirst for battle and surprisingly blood.


    It took a combine effort of Nuwa, Veena and Celestia as they provide therapy to Ryuu to stable using variety of drugs, arrays and calming of his soul.


    During a practice session Veena still remembered she was having a spar with Ryuu when suddenly Ryuu went berserk and he purposely took a hit from her spear in order to get a hit on her, she still had nightmare of that day as an enraged Ryuu was pierced by her spear his blood splashing on the ground, yet he did not stop he moved forward just to take a hit on her.


    Never before had she felt so much shame seeing the product of their daughters meddling, but they succeeded in curbing the effects of the Dao though not perfect but Ryuu was much better now.


    Nuwa grimaced at the memories of the event that took place the last few years, they had lied to Ryuu stating him that his sisters had saved him but had to leave soon after that because of their work but in reality they were in Ayindril serving their punishment.


    That was also during this time they also learned something about Ryuu, who held a terrifying hatred and darkness for his birth family as well as self loathing for himself as he blamed himself and his birth family for Xiao Xiao and his aunt''s Zhu Zhu''s death, something they will have to help him to overcome.


    Celestia opened a dungeon where the trio of sisters were held, their cultivation sealed off as they were hung by a meat hook from the ceiling their entire body covered by a tar like substance, for the last 3 years they were here with all of their senses cut off, whether it be sight, taste, touch, sound or smell nothingcould be perceived by them as they served their punishment.


    Maheswara snapped his finger as the sisters dropped on the floor hard as the tar like substance released its hold on them and for the first time in three years they were granted rights to their senses once again completely overwhelming them as they felt happiness from being released from their prison only for it to turn in to fear as they looked up to see the stony visage of their parents causing them to shiver from fear, this three years had taught them something that was even worse than death.


    Veena: "Welcome back child I hope you learned your lessons about meddling in affairs which does not belong to you."


    The trio slowly nodded at them as they tried to sit up but failed because of their aching muscles and opted to just lie on the ground.

 150 Meeting a Princess

    Ryuu made his way inside the bridge before he sat on the pilot, the front of the bridge became transparent and he found himself staring into a sea of tall grasses, he could see from his position that a few hundred meters away the grasses were moving a little more violently than the others the sudden appearance of his ship might be its cause, he sighed as he quickly turned on the engine and took the ship high up in the air he could see various creatures looking at his ship as he increased his throttle and flew off in a particular direction.


    It had been a few hours and he had yet to see any sign of civilization causing him to get frustrated until he could not take it and shouted out, "Aargh where in this accursed planet is a village or town."


    He could have raged on if he did not suddenly remembered that he had a map which he did yet to consult to as such he blushed red in embarrassment it was good thing he was alone as such he would not have to suffer teasing and taunting.


    He put the ship which was currently 8000 meters in the air on hover mode which will make the ship float on the air without losing altitude or moving in any unwanted direction, as he made his way to the map table which was just behind his seat, he sighed and turned on the map table as the entire planet was seen rotating on a holographic screen, he searched for his position on it followed by the nearest city.


    The spinning projection of the planet suddenly became flat as it lied on the map table showing his position, Ryuu gasped to see that there was only one settlement marked on the map even that was on the edge if he had waited a few more minutes before consulting the map he would have missed it as there was no indication of any other settlement within a few thousand Kilometers. Ryuu looked at the map which had various markings on it various lines followed by markings, he was grateful for his teachers teaching him how to read the map as he mused, ''What do I have to do now, oh yes'', with that he quickly pressed a few more buttons which enabled him to mark the settlement shown currently on the part of the map he had, he glanced to see that the transparent part of the bridge which acted as the front widow of thebridge had a compass which was now indicating towards the marked destination, no matter how much he looked he was always amazed at the ship as the front of the bridge might be transparent but it did not fail to display some vital information like speed, altitude, direction with the help of a virtual compass and currently it was pointing him towards the direction he will have to fly his ship.


    He jumped on the ship as he flew towards the direction at incredible speed towards the marked settlement.


    The village of Lasholm situated within the southernmost border of the Kitopia Empire, as well as the last village before a humongous grassland began as far as the eye could see, it was already past noon when a large ship descended near their village.


    Normally whenever such ships descended near the village the people expected some of those big sects had send a few of their disciples here to hunt some of the beasts, but this time the ship came from the grassland as such they were scared after at the center of the grassland was the fabled ''City of ten thousands Beasts.'', a near mythical city whose exact location is unknown many strong cultivators had ventured into the grassland to find the location only to never be seen again and now this ship came from the direction of the grassland and had landed near their village.


    "Keep the woman, children and the elderly inside warriors we will confront your ''guest''", he spat out the word guest as if it was the vilest thing.


    In his entire 58 years of life Peter had seen many things from beast stampedes to bandits but now someone from the beast side might have arrived on a flying vessel as such the tension was high.


    A couple of people arrived from their rear with a woman leading them, a single glance from her had men eating from her hand.


    "Village Headman please leave it to us, it is the duty of us cultivators to protect those weaker than us.", as her group stood protectively flaring her mid Wanxiang Adept aura along with those following after her, she glared at the ship as she opened her mouth to shout the side of the ship opened with a hiss.


    A near 6 foot tall figure jumped down from the ship, the newcomer was wearing a white T-shirt with a black sleeveless hoodie with the hood drawn covering his face, he wore a metallic bracelet on his left hand while he had a bracelet made out of beads on his right, the person wore a light blue color jeans and a brown belt was used to secure the jeans, but he had a secondary belt much thicker than the first almost crisscrossing the first belt which held a pouch and on his feet were sneakers, and were those tattoos peaking from the sleeves of his T-shirt.


    The cultivators looked dub founded the newcomer was wearing casual clothes, and was walking leisurely near a grassland where one has to have some form of armor but the person in front of them looked as if he was visiting a park.


    Meanwhile Ryuu was having a meltdown, ''I asked my masters about the culture of the people residing on this planet and I have dressed accordingly sowhy are this people giving funny look, if I make myself a clown because of this dress I do not know what to do.''


    Ryuu: "Greetings fellow Daoist might I inquire the name of the place where I am currently standing."


    The female whom Ryuu presumed to be the leader stepped forward, "Stranger remove your hood and identify yourself."


    Ryuu was confused at the sudden hostility, "Wah fellow Daoist sister I come in peace", shouted out Ryuu as he raised his hands slowly before removing the hood from his head, " My name is Ryuu would my fellow Daoists be kind enough to grace me with their names.", he waited for a few minutes with the chirping of birds and creaking of insects being the only sound, Ryuu looked concerned seeing the people standing like a statue as he called out to them again, "Fellow Daoist is something wrong."


    Meanwhile with the cultivators and the villagers their brain had stopped working as they looked aat the flawless ivory skin and crimson hair blowing in the wind and those heterochromic eyes adding to the mysteriousness of the newcomer, to them it seemed like an those Immortals from the story had descended amongst them, both the men and women blushed as the drank at his sight, his looks made their hearts to flutter as they wanted nothing more than to ��..


    Ryuu''s voice filled with concern awoke them from their stupor no it was not a voice but most beautiful sound they had heard no human can have such a sweat voice as the women all sighed dreamily the thought of being held by his strong arms as the magical voice spoke to them made them weak in their knees.


    The leader stuttered as she blushingly replied like a teenager as she tried to be as seductive as possible to Ryuu, "Your Holiness my name is Jaelynn, I am the Head of the Disciplinary squad of ''The Holy Kitopia Academy'', as well as the only Daughter of the Emperor, oh I am only 34 years of Age.", she finished the last part shyly, before she began speaking, "I lik...."


    Meanwhile Ryuu was dumbfounded at Jaelynn''s introduction, ''Ehhh what is this? What kind of ridiculous introduction is this? Is this also the custom of the people of this planet? It is nonsensical, ridiculous and too lengthy? Are they crazy?'', unfortunately for Jaelynn who was telling Ryuu everything to know about her, Ryuu had already tuned her out as he made plans to leave this place and its crazt denizens and move somewhere far away, suddenly the grasslands seemed to be much betterchoice than the settlement.

 151 A solo hun

    Ryuu looked at those strange creatures specially the self proclaimed princess with deadpanned eye, he could not comprehend the sheer stupidity of the entire situation as he saw the woman began squabbling with her fellow cultivators their shout drew the attention of even more people who then joined the rest of the people already present whom he guessed as the remaining villagers.


    Jaelynn was incensed at the students from the academy her face was blackened with anger at their disrespect, ''How dare this little shits disrespect their elders, Lord Ryuu was meant for her and her alone and now those miserable wenches claimed to love her man.'', she scowled hard as even the villagers stated joining she was about to join and she was about to show them their place by flaring her aura when her superior hearing caught a sound coming from ''her'' Ryuu''s place causing her to turn as her eyes widen in horror.


    Ryuu was a very courageous person he could look into the eyes of death itself and mock it, a proud cultivator like him never flees from the battlefield but sometimes there is something known as tactical retreat, normally he would have like to study this creatures under strict orders from both his 1st and 3rd mistresses, but alas he did not have proper equipments as such her left yes he did not to contaminate or destroy the specimens because of dearth of proper equipments as such he neverretreated out of fear nope he is fearless.


    Faster than anyone could perceive he was already on his ''Flying Vessel'', or the common term on this planet ''Flying Ship'', or just ''Ship'' and was already sitting on the pilot''s chair starting the engine all within a single breath of space and before the mob could erupt he was already a few thousand meters up in air and was already flying of towards the direction the ship was pointing towards.


    Jaelynn was the only daughter of the Emperor Broderick Zimmermann, as such she was pampered from childhood her own aunt Brice was the current headmistress of ''The Holy Kitopia Academy'', as such despite being only a Mid Ranked Wanxiang Adept she was giving the prestigious position of being the head of the Disciplinary Squad of the Academy, her au wanted to groom her as the next Head of the Academy.


    Today she met someone who was as if even the word handsome failed to define him but now he suddenly left never before someone has insulted her as much as that person, men died in order to get a single glance from her but this person, no wait it might be different this person might be shy as such he might have gotten overwhelmed and fled, she giggled at the thought a naked shy Ryuu came to her mind as she giggled perversely as she drooled before she raced towards the ship provided by the academy in order to chase after Ryuu, with the students of the academy trailing behind her with similar thought in her mind.


    As Ryuu fled a sudden memory resurfaced his mind,


    Maheswara: "Ryuu the planet in which we are sending you is known as Planet Rogneron, this planet is technologically advanced planet compared to others, normally cultivators do not care about technological advancement but there are some who being inspired by lower realm usually opt to recreate or develop similar technology to smoothen their day to day life."


    Ryuu: "Master what do you inspired by Lower Realms, isn''t the lower realm people incapable of practicing due to lack of Ki as such their body developed and are born without Dantian?"


    Maheswara gave a amused smile as he spoke, "My dear disciple, you have much to learn, the people might lack the ability to become cultivators but life works in a mysterious way they have developed a thing called science which somewhat follows the Dao, with which they have created miraculous things which have enabled them the ability of flight, dive underwater or venture out into deep space, even they have some scary weapons such as in a planet called ''Earth'' they have something called Atom Bomb which has enough power to greatly injure a low levelled Immotal, and anyone below them would die not to forget the after effects of such devastating attack which would make the survivor beg for death."


    Ryuu gulped in fear and awe at what he heard.


    As such he decided instead of flying in a straight line he would take a turn and try to hide his ship from any potential chasers after all, according to his master the major power of this Planets had many flying vessel even if they were worthless compared to his ship, he did not want t deal with any of those creatures, he felt a cold shiver on his spine at their thought, no it must be the hater is malfunctioning yes that was it, he the Great Courageous and Awesome Ryuu did not feel any fear.


    Ryuu landed his ship near a forested are as he went to check the map he saw multiple settlements on them with the top left corner being the largest he marked the settlement as is next destination as he decided not to lower his hood, but now he will have to gather food soon enough as the sun was already setting.


    With a huff he went out of his ship, as he went out to hunt for some prey in the nearby forest.


    It did not take too long as he quickly located a 4th rank Houtian Jade Deer, he hid himself inside the bush he controlled his breath to the point as if he was dead before he slowly put his left hand behind him as he pulled out a circular object which suddenly took the shape of a peculiar looking bow, as just at the end of the handle of the bow it had two sharp short swords as big as the limbs attached to it, the bow was exactly designed to be exactly look like that used by Celestia herself who had taught him her personal style of fighting called the ''Thousand Flowing Wind'' style a style suitable for combat using this type of bow.


    Today Ryuu was not going to charge in to kill the deer but he will hunt him silently, the bow a proto-cosmic treasure just like his sword did not have any string attached to it, but when he poured his Ki into the bow gave a miniscule vibration as a string appeared which he pulled back hard with his right hand, as one of the beads disappeared from his bracelet on his right hand as an arrow appeared, he let it loose and before the deer could realize it dropped dead, Ryuu let out a disappointed sigh, it did not provide any challenge to him.


    He quickly dug a small hole inside the ground as he drained the blood of the creature he then proceeded to cut the deer open as he removed the innards and any other parts he did not feel like eating as he took the venison and the skin including the antlers.


    He returned to his ship not before burying the unwanted parts within the hole he had dug.


    Tonight the dinner will be served with Venison steaks with stroganoff sauce and shoestring fries, he happily made his way to the kitchen inside the ship with a slight spring in his steps. The eat is from a spirit beasts he would have to cook it properly unfortunately his talent for ''Spirit Cooking'' is below average than his talent for cultivation normally with best efforts he could at best produce food with 30% quality, the chefs of Ayindril praised him but he knew that it was a false praise if he were any normal person instead of the student of the owner of Ayindril they would have literally kicked him out of the kitchen in a blink of an eye, but oh well food is food as he drooled hard thinking about his dinner.

 152 Capital city of Kitopia Empire

    Ryuu began eating his dinner happily only to suddenly feel lonely since the day of his birth he had never eaten his dinner alone he felt incredibly sad and all of a sudden the dinner became incredibly tasteless.


    After he somehow forced himself to swallow his food he went to his bedroom, he pressed a button as the rear wall suddenly became transparent as the star filled sky greeted him and the twin stars of Rogneron greeted him and bathed him in their light it was so peaceful normally he would have just enjoyed the serene atmosphere if not for he had some blasted homework to finish the ship log, which was given by 2nd mistress.


    As such Ryuu began writing his ship''s log,


    Day 1,


    Today I ...��..


    Meanwhile back in Ayindril, Antariskh made her way towards the dinning room where her parents were waiting for their arrival as she approached them she spoke, "Greeting mother father."


    Maheswara beckoned her to sit near them as he spoke, "Chid how are you feeling, are you alright now?"


    Antariskh nodded her head in confirmation, Maheswara sighed it was a great pain for them as well to punish their daughters so brutally but their daughters'' action had forced his wives and his hands.


    Soon his other daughters came in for the dinner, Shamiran spoke, "Mother where is Ryuu, I thought he would be eating dinner with us."


    Nuwa: "Ryuu is not in Ayindril at present child he is currently busy having a solo adventure."


    At that the sisters nodded in confirmation normally they would have protested but as of late they have been a bit subdued.


    Suddenly Sylvana remember something as she spoke, "1st mother during our time with Ryuu we took him to an auction house where we purchased an item ...��."


    Veena raised her hand to prevent her from speaking as spoke, "I know child Ryuu told me about it, but as it was stored inside your space ring we did not search it as it would violate your privacy."


    Maheswara suddenly spoke, "I know what are you thinking about and the answer is no Ryuu does not know about your schemes we eve lied to him saying you all saved him."


    The sisters lowered their head feeling a little ashamed at the thought of their parents lying because of them.


    Meanwhile back in Rogneron Jaelynn trembled as she kneeled in presence of the Headmistress of the academy Lady Brice Zimmermann while the rest of her team was already on the floor prostrating as gallons of sweat poured from them, while the headmistress towered over them with a stormy visage, "What did you say Head of Disciplinary Department, I hope I did not hear that you came back before finishing your quota because you were such for a boy a mere BOY!"


    "Lord Ryuu is not some me BOY, he is the epitome of manliness and all that cool and handsomeness those innocent looking eyes and his voice it is...��"


    Jaelynn was lost in thought as she began giggling perversely even the students that accompanied her had a glazed look in their eyes.


    As the other head of different departments including the head mistress looked at her in shock, another higher up of the department came in accompanying the a few more students as he spoke, "Aunt Brice I have no idea what happened there but not only them but everyone who had taken glimpse of him is acting similarly like that I am actually glad that I was not there along with elder sister who knows what might have happened."


    Brice felt a severe headache from the entire situation the woman who according to her was her ideal successor had become like that for unknown reasons which baffled her last time she checked her niece was one of the most arrogant and shrewd woman in existence who never showed any interest in opposite gender suddenly became interested in a particular boy the entire situation was frustrating.


    Brice: "Jordan please take your sister back home, my brother and sister-in-law is worried about her I will join you later after I sought out this mess and oh keep an eye for this Ryuu fellow."


    After a goodnights rest Ryuu got up and got ready as he made his way to the largest settlement on his map, as he neared it he saw a long line of people trying to enter through the gate of the city many on their foot some on their carriages each had different lines he saw a couple of the people with carriages had to get in the line with most people on it while a rare few just passed without t entering the line specially people with a certain familiar looking uniform, normally he would have tried to flee but it was too much for his pried to handle even if he was faced with crazy people he would stand his ground this time.


    As he was contemplating his big ''Flying Vessel'', caught the eyes of the not only the the others seeking entry but also the guards soon someone was called by the guards who came as he glanced at the unknown vessel with a raised eyebrow.


    "So this fellow has been hovering around the gates without showing any hostile intention."


    One of the guardsmen bowed as he spoke, "Yes Sir Emerick, it seems to be a ship used by cultivators although I have never seen one which looks like this as such I immediately informed you."


    Emerick looked towards the ship as he spoke, "You did the right think let me go and ''Welcome'' the passengers of the vessel if something untoward happens with me you know what to do."


    The Guards nodded at his command the tension rising high amongst them as well as those outside the gat if a fight breaks out although they are sure to win but there will be lots of unnecessary deaths as well.


    Sir Emerick a proud cultivator of 2nd rank Primal Daoist Rank at 65 years of age, because of his good talent in cultivation he was allowed to join the King''s Guard an honour which was bestowed upon him by his Majesty himself, today he was near the Main Gates of the Capital City as such he arrived as fast as he heard the news and he was more than ready to fight with his last breath if necessary.


    Sir Emerick: "Fellow Daoist please state your reason for hovering around with your ''Ship'' in front of the gates of the Riyal Capital of Kitopia."


    There was complete and utter silence the people tensed some tried to forcefully enter the city to escape from the possible bloodbath as the children were sheltered by their parents who had look of pure fear in their eyes the cultivators who were entering at that time had already ran as fast as they could to inform their academy."


    Ryuu seeing the chaos outside frantically searched for any form means of communication with the people standing outside he remembered clearly his teacher mentioned a button which enabled him to speak with those outside only if he could find it.


    "Hello can you hear me fellow Daoist, ah sorry about that my ship''s speaker had a small malfunction as such I was unable to reply you."


    At that many relaxed except for the gate guardsman and Sir Emerick who spoke, "Fellow Daoist if I may inquire about what is your intention for visiting the Capital City of Kitopia Empire."


    Ryuu, "Fellow Daoist my Master has send me on a journey for in order to gain experience as such I am moving from place to place adventuring."


    Sir Emerick judged from the voice of the speaker to be very young, young enough to be a teenager.


    Sir Emerick: "Well then fellow Daoist please follow me with your ship I will be take you to the docking area."


    Ryuu happily followed him to the dockyard where he landed the ship on a specific area, he saw plenty of ships there but none coming anywhere near the one he had infact all of them looked archaic in comparison to him.


    Sir Emerick: "Fellow Daoist, please follow me to the Shipyard Master''s place we have a few formalities to fulfil for you to keep your ship in the Dockyard."


    It took a few minutes for Ryuu to fulfil the formalities that is filling and signing a few forms then a tax of 10 High grade Spirit stones and he was ready.


    Ryuu then suddenly asked Sir Emerick, "Fellow Daoist is there any branch of Shangri-la here?"


    Sir Emerick nodded in confirmation as he spoke, "Of course there is one here fellow daoist, do you want to know the direction for the auction house."


    Ryuu spoke with smile, "If it would not trouble fellow Daoist I would be grateful to you."


    Sir Emerick studied the youth near him he was polite as well as extremely courteous but he kept his face hidden with a hood, might be some sort of disfiguration which is making him from showing his face ah such was the fate of cultivator.


    Meanwhile a person ran to a group of people who busy partying he gave them a piece of news which caused one of the people present there to break into a huge smile as he laughed out loud, "Splendid truly splendid here slave take this spirit stones and enjoys yourself.", as he casually tossed a couple of Low grade spirit stones to the person who grabbed them as if his life depended on it as he bowed countless times as he left."


    As he left the person send a glance at his guard who gave a small nod and slipped away from the party his instruction was simple kill the slave and bring me my money back, while the girls surrounding him praised him as he further melted into their soft hugs, "Wow big brother is magnanimous he gave a peasant so much spirit stones just like that, ahhnnn~", the woman finished with a moan as the above mentioned big brother took a dive into the woman''s sweet buns.

 153 Xegreacium card

    Ryuu had a small notepad in his hand and a writing device called ''The Fountain Pen'', as he wrote down about various places which are of interests for tourist like him. He loved using this fountain which his teacher gave him on his 15th birthday by his 2nd mistress Nuwa. Since he had first learned to write he had learned it with the help of brush including when he creates any form of array he uses brush and ink from inkpot, but recently he was gifted a set of two almost identical ''pens'' one for writing and another for creating the arrays.


    His pen contains over 30 carats of diamonds on a solid platinum barrel. It has a two-tone, rhodium-treated, 18KT solid gold nib and is personalized with a picture of a dragon one with red one which was meant for writing and the black one for using while creating arrays.


    He fell in love with it while writing not only it is easier and convenient in comparison to brush but also much hassle free but he did not want to voice it to his teachers he did not need any after hours training he shuddered at those dreadful and painful memories.


    Ryuu: "Thank Daoist brother when my master send me hear I was flying blind I did not have any idea where I should I go and what to do, I am very lucky that I found you."


    Sir Emerick laughed loudly at that, "Hahahahaha, you do not need to mention that brother you are like a guest here and being a good host it is my duty to help you, oh and look we have arrived at your destination and I am afraid I will not be able to accompany you any more I have my on duty to perform."


    Ryuu: "Thank you for helping me Daoist brother I am grateful to you for your help in spite of your busy schedule."


    Sir Emerick: "It was no problem for me, in fact I am happy to be your help well till then goodbye and good luck."


    Ryuu nodded at him as he made his way towads Shangri-la pavilion meanwhile Sir Emerick was greeted by none other than Prince Jarrick the youngest child of Emperor Broderick, "Ah Sir Emerick how have you been? I heard there was a commotion at the font gate today."


    Sir Emerick gave a knightly bow as he spoke, ''Good morning Prince Jarrick, I have been good and as for today''s commotion it was just an adventuring Daoist who came here for the first time as such I helped him to get gate pass as wellas his strange flying ship."


    Prince Jarrick looked interested at that the gossipers of the city were working overtime as the new of a strange looking flying ship had spread everywhere as such with great interest he started asking various questions to Sir Emerick.


    Meanwhile Ryuu had entered the building as he went towards the receptionist who greeted him with a smile, "Good Morning Sir, my name is Charlotte how may I help you today."


    Ryuu: "To you to Charlottle my name is Ryuu and I have some business to conduct with Shangri-la, and oh here is my card."


    When Ryuu was leaving Ayindril Maheswara had given him a strange looking small card which was blood red in colour ruby but surprisingly when it was held in sunlight at certain angles it gave of different colour.


    Charlotte held the weird looking paper thin card which she had never seen in her life, the card was cold as if it was kept under ice for a long time, as well as it was even lighter than a feather and looked so fragile that it would break under a little bit of pressure, she would have rejected the card were it not for the logo and markings of Shangri-la engraved on it.


    She placed the card against a machine know as a card reader, the machine read the array placed on the card with whose help they separated among more frequent customers, normally the card was separated into 5 types, starting from the lowest value Bronze, then Silver, then Gold, then Platinum and ending with a Diamond card.


    In her entire life she had never seen this kind of card not only that the Emperor himself is only capable of holding a Gold Tier card.


    She sighed thinking this was another phoney and now after verifying that the card is a fake she will have to call the guards and following protocols give this fellow a sound thrashing before handing him over to proper authorities.


    Only for not only the card to be accepted but even the head of Shangri-la pavillion''s Kitopia branch to come running towards the reception his face filled with anxiety.


    As he approached he greeted Ryuu as he spoke with reverence, "Greetings esteemed Daoist are you the owner of the ''Xegreacium Card''?", as he took the card from the receptionist''s hands and holding it with extreme care.


    Ryuu nodded stiffly as he spoke, "Yes I am."


    The person escorted him to the V.I.P. room with utmost reverence to the point Ryuu thought that if given chance the fellow would lick his boots clean.


    Ryuu sighed as he understood it was another outrageous things that his teachers might have given to him as he mused, ''Children who are born to rich parents and are given access to various expensive material are often said to be referred to as being ''born with silver spoon in his/her mouth'', so what am I then, ''born with platinum spoon in my mouth.''"


    Later that day a group of people were present in a private if someone from Kitopia Empire was present they would have easily identified this people as the Emperor and the Empress even their older children were present, Lady Brice as well among others who were their closest friends.


    As they were speaking a woman suddenly spoke to the Empress, "Big sister Michelle, what is this rumour about your daughter being enamoured by someone who is this lucky person?"


    The Empress now identified as Michele sighed as she spoke, "How would I know sister, she suddenly proclaimed her undying love for someone completely unknown and is being stubborn about it."


    Jaelynn scowled at that as she spoke, "You would not understand mother I have yet to see someone as perfect as him, as such I view him as the only man worthy for him."


    Hearing her proclamation a sound of creaking was heard as the wine cup held on his hands cracked Broderick cracked as he hissed out, "I would love to meet that no good boy as well before I bash him to death for seducing my daughter.", as his killing intent poured out, while a hooded Ryuu shivered in fear as if his life was immediate danger.


    "Old friend, who is this dauntless person? who had the audacity to incur your wrath?", spoke another person in a jovial tone, if Ryuu was here he would have identified him as the head of the Kitopia Branch of Shangri-la who he was conducting business a few hours prior to the current event.


    The group present in the garden was some of the most influential people in the entire Empire from the General to Ministers of the Empire including their spouses as well as their children well at least their heirs.


    Before he could respond the youngest child of the royal family a thirteen year old Prince Jarrick came barging in, "Mother Father you will not believe how cool looking flying vessel a Daoist came in today."


    The Empress sighed sometimes her youngest can be handful as she spoke, "Jarrick behave yourselves you are in front of your seniors."


    Jarrick pouted as he spoke, "But mother this Daoist Ryuu''s ship was so cool and awesome looking I have never seen such ship like that if only I could get hold....."


    He was stopped from speaking by an impatient Jaelynn who shook him hard, "Brother did the ship had ..."


    Only to be stopped forcefully by Jordan himself as he spoke in an angry tone, "Sister please calm yourself this is unbecoming of you, and stop embarrassing behaviour and please release our younger brother you are hurting him."


    Broderick sighed angrily as he flared his aura as he spoke, "Jaelynn please stop this nonsense and leave now go back to your room you will stay there until I say so and General Vincenzo I want you to send some of your men to hunt him down."


    Samuel Duncan the Branch Head of Shangri-la spoke, "Does this Ryuu fellow have crimson hair and heterochromic eyes?"


    Jaelynn nodded in confirmation as she spoke, "Yes senior he has."


    Before anyone could speak anything Brice spoke happily, "Perfect if you have already met him it will be a lot easier to track him and Jaelynn from what he did to him."


    Samuel shook his head negatively as he spoke, "I am afraid it will not be an easy task Lady Brice."


    At that Michelle cocked her eyebrow as she asked, "Why is it difficult brother Samuel?"


    Samuel took a deep breath as he spoke, "In our Pavilion you all know that there are different cards like gold, silver, etc. many of you know that the highest card is Diamond and usually a lot of conditions need to be fulfilled for one to be granted one, but what others do not know that there is another card known as Xegreacium card, I have seen that card twice in my life time the first one during training and the second time today I never thought I would view it again. This card can be granted by the owner of the Shangri-la in this case the Legendary Empress Antariskh herself, the best part of this card I that I is oul bound to the owner which means it will remain active within 10 feet of the owner and be destroyed on the owner''s death."


    Vincezo: "Lord Samuel does his person knows ''The Empress'' personally."


    Samuel nodded as he spoke, "While speaking with him I was able to determine he knows ''The Empress'' on personal level."


    At that everyone was stunned on hearing that specially the older generation while the younger looked confused.


    Jarrick spoke looking extremely confused, "What is so special about this Empress person?"


    Samuel: "Many of the younger generation do not know but there are cultivators no monsters lurking amongst us who have immeasurable strength the Empress and her sisters being one no one knows how powerful she is but a few millennia a go a Daofather ranked cultivator belonging to Shangri-la tried to revolt, tried being the key word as he was caught broken into a lifeless husk and anyone suspected of being in leagues with him even if that person was just a simple maid had their entire lineage even if their descendants were a baby were burned alive."


    At that all the younger generations had a green face.


    Samuel took a deep breath as he spoke, "This Ryuu is not ordinary, junior Jaelynn is right about his otherworldly handsomeness which I a ashamed to admit even managed to shake my heart as such I advise to you all to not look directly at his face. But that is not the scariest thing about him it is his cultivation."


    At that everyone gulped hard as Broderick spoke, "Is this Ryuu fellow some cultivating old monster like that ''Empress''?"


    Samuel laughed at that as he spoke, "Hardly he is young very young in fact he is only a fifteen years old only."


    At that everyone sighed as Michelle spoke, "Please brother do not scare us like that how dangerous can a measly 15 year old be."


    Followed after his mother''s lead as eh spoke, "Senior I am already a rank 3rd Xiantian, a person who is only a cuple of years older is not much for me."


    Samuel just shook his head in exasperation as he spoke, "That it be true if he was only a normal 15 year old but a please show me another 15 year old who he is a Peak Level Void Immortal."


    At that everyone was stunned on hearing that some of them dropped their cups as their jaw dropped on hearing about that as a loud shout was heard throughout the beautiful garden, "WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!"


    As Samuel smiled warily as his thoughts went to the meeting he had with Ryuu.

 154 Meeting behind closed doors

    Samuel escorted Ryuu to a V.I.P. room which had various arrays placed inside it activated as soon as the doors of room were closed in such a way as that no outside person may spy on the meeting going on inside, a standard V.I.P. room creating protocol for Shangri-la Pavilion.


    As Ryuu lowered his hood Samuel was stunned silence at seeing the person in front of as his heart skipped a beat, but he quickly took control of his heart as he felt a little bit disgusted with himself at being stunned silence upon seeing Ryuu in such an unsightly manner, as he began his conversation with Ryuu, "Esteemed Daoist Sir would you like some Tea."


    Ryuu: "Yes I would love some, Senior Samuel."


    Samuel quickly bowed towards him as he spoke, "Please sir you do not embarrass me by calling me such titles you are our esteemed guest."


    Ryuu smiled as he replied, "That may be true but whether it be my cultivation, age or experience I pale in comparison to you Senior."


    Samuel smiled at Ryuu: "Daoist sir you really are not only humble but incredibly polite, a people like you are incredibly rare. But enough of this how may I be of service to you."


    Ryuu: "Oh yes senior Samuel I want to sell a few items through Shangri-la Pavilion.", as Ryuu was speaking he took a few items from his Space ring.


    A couple of bottles of "Tribulation Pills", a couple of "Tribulation Lightning Talismans"


    Samuel quickly inspected them as he spoke with small smile," This are all what I would refer to as premium quality each of them I will pay you at a mid level Immortal stones for both of them if you want to take cash just now but of you wait we will have a Grand Auction which will occur two months from now and I can assure you with such high quality products you can earn a lot more."


    Ryuu spoke with a sigh, "As much as I would love to wait for it, I would love to venture out and I do not know if I would return here at all."


    Samuel gave a smile as he spoke, "Daoist sir, you are the holder of Xegreacium card you may withdraw the amount from any branch of Shangri-la, you do not have to visit this branch particularly on top of this you have also the authority to invest on our business should you choose to."


    Ryuu was stunned on hearing that what did his Master gave him this time, he gulped at that as he took a sip from the delicious tea which calmed his nerve somehow, this card according to his Master was a belated gift from his sisters he did not understood the full implication about the card but now he did.


    Samuel gave a puzzled stare at Ryuu, "Did her Majesty not tell you about its functions when she gave you this gift?"


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "I haven''t seen Her Majesty for a three years now as she has been busy with her work as for this card I received from her as a birthday gift and I was told to figure out its purpose since it had the markings of Shangri-la Pavilion I came to the first one I found after I left for adventuring."


    Samuel was stunned to hear someone who had been in such close relation and from what he had seen the person looked to be a teenager he was curious as well as afraid to think about the family background of Ryuu.


    After a few minutes of discussion regarding various benefits and what not along with another cup of tea along with a few mouth full of cookies, cakes and biscuits later Ryuu stood up as he was bid farewell Samuel extended his hands making Ryuu confused as he spoke, "Daoist Sir, it is the custom of the people of your planets to shake hands as a means to say good fortune and good luck."


    Ryuu extended his hands only to frown as he spoke, "Oh before I forget Senior Samuel, I will be staying here for a few days can you recommend me any good inn for me stay."


    Samuel closed his eyes as he thought over Ryuu''s question as he spoke, "Actually Daoist Sir I might know the best inn for you to stay, but since I have unfortunately some urgent matters to attend I will not be able to show you personally and I hope you will not mind if I send one of my subordinates to show you the way."


    Ryuu: "Please I will not mind in fact I will be extremely helpful to you for your help."


    Samuel then called for his subordinates while Ryuu had already put on his hood hididng his face already from the view as he was escorted to the inn.


    As Ryuu left Samuel placed a hand on his furiously beating heart as he fell on the chair he was seating before as he muttered to himself, "What kind of being is this Ryuu fellow? All the time my heart was going out of crazy I have heard and seen beauties being called as ''Kingdom Destroying'', but today I saw the real deal if he goes without his hood he might cause a giant riot and the fall of the Empire I must warn the king, but to think it was a he not a she that made me feel like this.", his face turned green at the thought.


    Currently everyone who heard did not know what to say to him except forJaelynn who jumped up and literally shouted at him as she shook her finger towards him, "You old bastard stay away from him."


    Samuel sighed as he gave a wary smile, "See this is what I was afraid of, even though I feel no wrong about people falling in love with who so ever they want but this is too much, even more disgusting is I am a happily married person yet to feel like that is blasphemous, and Princess rest assure I want nothing to do with him."


    At that others gulped if the Princess is acting like that what of others who glances at him, Vincenzo suddenly spoke, "I pity that child he will be forced to spend most of the time hiding his face because of this but most importantly every person who will fall for him will be because of his face not because they care for him, I think it is a curse and heaven''s forbid some insane Devil or Demonic cultivator catches him in its eyes."


    Broderick was feeling the mother of all headaches from the situation as he frowned but suddenly a smile formed on his face as he spoke, "Sister the ''Nether realm Grotto , will open again sometime within two weeks right?"


    Brice nodded at her brother as she spoke, "What are you planning brother?"


    Michelle felt a shiver ran down her spine as she saw the grin form on her husband''s face much to her horror, ''Oh no he is going to do something insane again.''


    Broderick, "We are going to invite Ryuu to join our team going for excursion into the ruins."


    Brice was flabbergasted at that as the others started shouting protesting against the idea, "Brother he is an outsider are you going to trust him to accompany our team."


    Broderick gave an irritated shout, "Enough you all know how badly your team performed the last time it entered only one survived but was a broken woman who took her life as soon as she got out, those Stocaea and Idromore bastards betrayed our alliance and teamed with those blasted Wafaelia kindom slaughter our men then raped our woman until they were broken husk yet we could not take revenge on them because of their superior might, we were pushed hard by them for so long but no more after ten years I thought that we would be able to stand strong and have our revenge but as you all can see the strongest cultivators under 40 are at 5th Wanxiang adept rank yet from what my spies told me the combined strength of those three kingdom has produced not one not two but three rank 7th Wanxiang Adept do we have a chance when at all, when only two hundred people are able to enter according to their strength who knows how many hidden tiger and crouching dragons will be present there."


    At his speech everyone fell in deep thought the days of their beloved homeland seemed dark.


    Michelle: "I understand all that but how do we approach him after all we are strangers to him I do not think he will agree."


    Jaelynn with great vigor stood up as she spoke, "I will invite surely my beloved will listen to me."


    Brice suddenly shouted at her niece with anger, "Will you shut up and sit down you love sick fool."


    Even her youngest brother was now feeling creeped out at his older sister''s behavior.


    Suddenly Samuel had an idea as she spoke, "My liege if I am not wrong but isn''t General Vincenzo''s 00th marriage anniversary coming within two days."


    Vincenzo looked curiously at him as he spoke, "Brother Samuel what do you want with my anniversary?"


    Samuel: "I can visit him and tell him about the grotto and entice him with an adventure, and then I will tell him that I would help him get a place by getting him acquainted with his Majesty and his General and I will bring him during the party."


    Vicenzo immediately refused as he crossed his hands to further solidify the idea as he spoke, "No no no, you may not I do not want my marriage anniversary to be ruined by some handsome bastard, we will meet him in his Majesty''s office if necessary."


    Samuel: "Brother why do you not arrange for a masked theme party, by doing so he will be forced to wear a mask and your party will be saved moreover he will be more relaxed and it will be easier to befriend him while having his guard relaxed at the party otherwise it will be difficult to ask for his help and if we pressurize who knows who might appear to help him, and believe me when in say I have seen this kind of children from powerful families before they might claim to be alone but are usually surrounded by many strong guards and if we make any wrong move it might prove fatal to us."


    At that everyone feel deep in thought unaware of how true Samuel''s words were after all even unknown to Ryuu himself he was under constant surveillance of a group of five ''Wojownik Cienia''.

 155 The wedding anniversary Part-1

    ''Bored I am so bored'', was the thought running through Ryuu''s head at the moment he was lying on the floor inside ''The Serene Manor Resort.'', he had recently finished counting imaginary ships from one to thousand and back he had nothing to do he was bored suddenly he stood up as he began repacking his stuff he will be leaving today.


    A sharp knock at the door brought his attention as he was about to go and open the door until he stopped, he did not order any room service so who was visiting him.


    Ryuu quickly send his Ki towards his set of daggers a set of six daggers lined up perfectly poised to strike anyone with less than ideal intentions towards him.


    Ryuu: "Who is it?"


    A voice came from the other side of door, "Daoist Sir, it is me Samuel, the head of the Kitopia branch of Shangri-la, I have a small proposition for you may I enter."


    Ryuu opened the door as he was greeted by a smiling Samuel, "Please Senior Samuel please enter."


    Samuel entered the room or as he should say an apartment size hotel room with a separate bedroom along with drawing room, a dining hall, and from his prior experience he knew a Jacuzzi and a personal swimming pool was present as well.


    Ryuu: "Samuel what would you have tea, coffee or something cold."


    Samuel: "Well I would prefer the ice tea, it is one of their best product."


    Ryuu smiled back at him, "So true I might not be a tea connoisseur, but I am a bit nit picky about it and this place has done justice to my test buds."


    Ryuu ordered a pot of ice tea for two using Room service and some light snacks to go with it.


    Ryuu: "So Senior Samuel you were speaking about some proposition."


    Samuel: "Ah yes Daoist Sir, have you heard of ''Nether Realm Grotto''?"


    Ryuu shook his head negatively as he spoke, "No, I am not aware of something like that, but from the name is it some kind of hidden space?"


    Samuel nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes it is a hidden space but most importantly it is an ancient battlefield, many powerful beings had died there and from what we know that the hidden space actually had a ginormous city inside it and all those powerful beings seemed to have died while trying to invade it."


    Ryuu paid rapt attention to Samuel as he took a sip from the ice cold tea as the speaker continued, "The space is somewhat unstable it follows a cycle of 10 years when the barrier weaken for people to venture inside even then it has a restriction only people below 40 years of age could venture inside, unfortunately the place is highly dangerous many have died while exploring it."


    Ryuu was on a fence on the matter on one hand he could easily agree to enter and on the other he could play safely and reject him but he was bored and by playing safely one cannot be a cultivator, as such he spoke, "Senior Samuel do you have any map of that place because even though it would be quite adventurous I would prefer not to venture out into the unknown if at all possible."


    Samuel nodded at as he spoke, "Well I have a rough map compiled along with many different notes compiled from the experience of the previous expeditions."


    Ryuu: "Even then there must be many expeditions before it why should I bother going inside an old graveyard."


    Samuel sighed as he spoke, "Well the city I spoke of none of the people was able to enter it before because of dangers present there not only because of the exotic flora and fauna but due to various unique biomes which are immensely toxic to humans."


    Ryuu was now intrigued an unexplored city was too much to pass up as such he spoke, "So you want me to venture into such a dangerous place and why should I risk my health for you."


    Samuel: "Oh no Daoist Sir, I am not asking for you to venture into it alone if possible I know a team that will be venturing it and as you said you were adventuring in order to gain experience I saw a unique opportunity to do so, whether you grasp it or not is ultimately your decision."


    Ryuu rubbed his chin in deep thought as he spoke, "Senior Samuel may I take some time to think on this matter?"


    Samuel spoke with a smile on his face, "Of course, please do so but I would also state that the team which will be leaving I can get you acquainted by their financer tomorrow, if you take any more time you might be unable to join their team and if you ask me I would recommend you to join with them as my knowledge and findings are insignificant compared to them."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "Why so Shangri-la should have send some teams to explore did they not?"


    Samuel sighed as he spoke, "Daoist Sir, our branch is not the only branch of Shangri-la present on planet Rogneron, there are close to about 6 such branches on this planet and it is not our turn this time to explore it but some other branch but most importantly you are not our worker as such we cannot allow you to join with us, the last time any team of my branch went inside it was more than 30 years but this team has no such restrictions, as such I would recommend you to it."


    Samuel spoke but he knew inwardly he was panicking from the Xegraecium card alone he knew that if Ryuu used his relation to ask for help and Her Majesty decides on helping him he could easily get as many teams as he could to accompany him.


    Ryuu spoke with Samuel squeezing out as much information as he could in regard to the matter and aftera couple of hours of small talk Samuel stood up as he was about to leave, "Well then Daoist Sir, I would arrive early in the morning tomorrow for your reply."


    Ryuu shook his hands as he spoke, "Yes, Senior and I hope you would not mind guiding me to a decent shop as if I have nothing appropriate to wear for General Vincezo''s wedding anniversary and I would not want to embarrass him with my poor choice of attire."


    Samuel nodded at his request as he spoke, "Certainly sir certainly you have nothing to worry about I know just the shop for such attires."


    As Samuel left unknown to both Ryuu and Samuel their entire meeting was being watched by a hidden group of people.


    As Samuel left one of the hidden group of people turned towards the person standing on his/her right as the figure send a telepathic message, "Dwa!"


    The now identified figure Dwa nodded as the figure went out to gather as much information on Samuel, ''Nether realm Grotto'' and the General himself, after all their mission is simple ''Protect His Highness from all danger even at the cost of the entire planet as well as themselves.'', but for now they will keep an eye on him from the shadows.

 156 The wedding anniversary Part-2

    Samuel had helped Ryuu to shop for a nice suit and matching mask to compliment for the party at General Vincenzo''s place.


    Samuel: "Daoist Sir I will arrive along with my wife to pick you around 6 o ''clock in the evening."


    RYuu nodded at consent as he watched Samuel leave, Ryuu entered the Inn he was staying in as his eyes widened, ''Damn I forgot to buy any gift for the person, hmmm may be one of my oils will suffice ah yes I have that pill with me still.'', he went to the receptionist of the inn as he spoke, "Excuse miss but do you know where I may buy a pill box."


    The receptionist was a young brunette dressed professionally with a pleasant smile plaster on her face making Ryuu think, ''How do they always have a smile on their face all the time, are they born with it is that something else.'', he knew very well in normal circumstances he himself would fail to keep a smile like that all the time.


    The smiling receptionist spoke, "Of course esteemed Guest there is an alchemist shop a few blocks down this road, ''The Alchemist''s Cauldron''."


    Ryuu bade her good bye as he went towards the shop, he had his hood down but unlike last time he had a mask on his face which he had gotten yesterday evening under Samuel''s suggestion it would be bad if people left and right starts obsessing about him.


    A porcelain white mask with an inverted ''U''-shaped cut near his mouth, and thin slits for him to see through, he had placed a good few arrays on the mask to make it more durable and can only be removed by his will moreover it was comfortable.


    As he opened the door a bell attached to the top of the door jiggled as he entered he was greeted by a young man no a boy few years older himself wearing an apron.


    "Hello! Welcome to The Alchemist Cauldron my name is Nikolai Tyson how I may help you Sir."


    Ryuu: "I want a pill box big enough for a single pill, I will be gifting someone a unique pill as such I would require the best pill box you could offer."


    After a few minutes of choosing haggling and many shenanigans Ryuu was owner of a royal blue colored pill box with various patterns drawn using silver.


    At 6 o''clock sharp that evening a carriage drawn by 4 Skylark horses, a special breed of horses found in this planet, Ryuu was already waiting by the lobby wearing a black suit with matching shoes he had a black masquerade mask hiding his face with various patterns in grey drawn over it.


    As he entered the carriage Ryuu saw a woman richly dressed sitting by Samuels''s side, a masked Samuel spoke with a smile, "Daoist Sir, the woman beside me is my beloved wife Averie."


    The woman extended her hand as Ryuu held it and placed a small kiss on top of her hand as he spoke, "It is a pleasure to meet you Senior."


    The masked woman giggled as she spoke, "The pleasure is mine as well, I heard a lot about you from my beloved husband."


    Ryuu: "I hope you have heard good things about me."


    The journey was a short one it took less than a quarter of an hour normally it would be much faster if the roads were free of traffic.


    Ryuu walked by Samuel''s side while the husband and wife duo walked together hand in hand.


    Ryuu was greeted by the sight of a large number of people from various walks of life chatting in different groups some had wine glasses held in their hands as calming music was played in the background by the orchestra.


    Ryuu stood near Samuel and his wife who were busy addressing their friends but sometimes they would introduced Ryuu to a few of them, soon there was a small commotion as a small contingent of few people arrive who were flanked by guards on either side, as the people stopped what they were doing as a tall broad shouldered and a beautifully dressed person went forward to receive them as the others parted way for them to move the man bowed as the woman beside him held the side of her dress as she bend her knees.


    "Welcome your Majesty, thank you for honoring me with your presence in my humble abode.", spoke the man whom Ryuu assumed to be General Vincenzo.


    Emperor: "Please at ease old friend why would I not answer your invitation, everyone please enjoy yourself there is no reason to stop the celebration owing to my presence."


    With the people returned back to their normal gossiping but a bit more tensed than before, suddenly the man whom Ryuu assumed as Vincenzo hit a glass with his spoon a few times drawing attention towards him, "Welcome everyone, I would like to thank you all for honoring me with your presence and well wishes for 100th Anniversary of marriage between my beloved wife Esmeralda and myself, please enjoy yourself and let the party begin."


    As he spoke he and his wife were surrounded by various people who offered their well wishes and congratulations to him and various things as they offered their gifts to him whom they both received with a smile as they then passed it to a butler standing nearby.


    Ryuu was bored he was standing a bit further away from the crowd, he knew no one from this place not only that the only reason he was here was because Samuel dragged him here for some kind of expedition.


    He held a plate with food which were made by the finest chefs of the empire as he stood alone at the balcony overlooking the garden behind him a ball was going on as he was savoring the delicacies a voice came from behind him, "Not one for party I guess."


    Ryuu turned to look a person with white suit with golden embroidery standing behind him, he had seen the person arrive along with the Emperor.


    Ryuu: "Well not much when I hardly know anyone here. Oh by the way my name is Ryuu and who might you be sir?"


    The person''s eyes slightly widened before it returned to normal as he spoke, "My name is Jordan, I am sorry but I failed to recognize you even if you sated your name from which family are you from?"


    Ryuu: "Ah I was actually invited by Daoist Samuel, in order to introduce me to General Vincenzo for participating in the expedition into ''The Nether Realm Grotto.''"


    Jordan nodded at that as he spoke , "Ah the great convergence is within a couple of weeks and the hidden space will open again."


    Ryuu was confused at that as such he could not help but ask out, "Convergence?"


    Jordan with a tone full of surprise spoke, "You do not know about Rogneron''s great ''Convergence'', it is a very rare sight when a complete solar eclipse happens due to the presence of both the moons of our planet which forms a single line in between the planet and the sun."


    Ryuu looked interested at that but before he could speak Samuel arrived, "Ah there you are Daoist Sir, and oh I see you were with Crown Prince Jordan fancy meeting you here I did not know you were acquainted with each other."


    Jordan: "Well I found him a bit lonely as such I decided to spend some time with my new friend."


    Samuel: "Daoist Sir if you do not mind I think it is time I introduced yourself to His Majesty and General Vincenzo."


    Ryuu: "Yes please led the way Senior Samuel and friend Jordan I hope you wouldn''t mind accompanying us.", he finished with a smile.


    Jordan responded with kind as he spoke, "Yes sure I would love to.", as they went towards the Emperor and his General Jordan thought, ''It was nice speaking with Ryuu, at least he did not fawn and kiss my ass to get on my good side.''


    Broderick looked at the people approaching him and his people, he appraised the Ryuu fellow who had the air of noble man no a Royalty around him.


    Samuel: "You Highness this is the person I told you about his name is Ryuu and he wants to join in ti expedition."


    Ryuu gave a short bow towards the Emperor who just nodded back at him as he mused, ''Ho he is definitely showed me respect by giving a short bow but with dignity.''


    Broderick: "Young man you are so young yet you have accomplished so much your parents must be very proud."


    Ryuu''s heart clenched at the thought of his now deceased mother as he spoke with a smile, "I surely hope that they are."


    Broderick: "Young man, who is your teacher if I may ask?"


    Ryuu: "I am afraid your Majesty but it is a Law set by my teacher that until and unless I am granted my Daoist name I cannot make any claim nor can I insinuate in anyway who my teacher is."


    Some looked confused while others nodded in understanding as they were speaking a squeal of "Lord Ryuu.", as a blur rushed to tackle him only for a bewildered Ryuu to step out of the way and the said person to crash against Jordan.


    The Emperor rubbed his face with exasperation as he spoke angrily, "Jaelynn you are the first princess of the Empire please behave." Before he turned an angry gaze towards Ryuu as he spoke, "Although I have half a mind to through you��.."


    He was stopped when a shrill shout which attracted everyone''s attention even the Emperor as he looked baffled at the audacity of the person, "HOW DARE YOU LOWLY PEASANT DARE TO STEAL MY Fianc��e''s HEART."


    Ryuu was the one who was the most confused from the person suddenly jumping on him the Emperor becoming angry and then the person accusing him of stealing his fianc��e''s heart, what kind of mad house did he venture into.

 157 Crawl where you belong to

    Irritation and annoyance if anyone could feel Ryuu''s emotions they would have been double teamed by them. Ryuu was already regretting agreeing to team up with whatever team Samuel suggested first he was dragged into a part he was not invited then he was bored to death and now after some crazy girl literally jumping on him he was now being accused of stealing someone''s fianc��e, any sane man would be irritated and annoyed by all the useless shenanigans.


    Broderick, "Xavi Underwood stop acting in such an unsightly manner I will not tolerate such transgressions from the likes of you."


    Xavi


    Xavi just sneered at the king as he spoke, "Jaelynn is mine and I will have here not some peasant low born whelp that is just a product of some whore and a drunkard."


    Ryuu was getting angry as the person slandered his mother, he was on the verge of putting the piece of shit on his place when Jaelynn suddenly spoke up angrily, "Shut up you drunk bastard, I am no one''s betrothed you scoundrel."


    Now Ryuu was curious to talk like that to the Emperor as if he owned the place, but oh well before the end of the night he will put him to his or his name is not Ryuu.


    Xavi laughed loudly as he swayed a bit under the spell of alcohol as a group of people appeared behind him, "Oh you poor deluded fool I get what I want the debt 10 years ago your Emperor took from my father is still left, but if you want I can talk my father out of it you only have to submit yourself to me.", as he spoke a couple of people appeared behind him mockingly laughing at the Emperor, as two woman who according to Ryuu wore so much makeup it seemed that they might have taken a dip in it, the very same women who werecame as Xavi put his hands on their hip all of them reeking of alcohol and drugs! Ryuu was disgusted at them already having seconds thoughts about putting the useless creature in its space but he did not want to catch any strange disease by being near him too much.


    Xavi then turned towards Ryuu as he flared his peak Zifu level in order to intimidate Ryuu, who just yawned hard at Xavi''s display causing him to turn purple from anger at the blatant disregard and disrespect shown by Ryuu.


    Vincenzo was infuriated at Xavi, he had neither invited him nor did he invite this pathetic human''s father not only did he trespassed into his house now he was insulting his liege he was about to cut his head of when another voice came.


    "Anna, Julia have no shame you are the student of Kitopia Academy how dare you act in such a disgraceful manner.", came a furious shout from Lady Brice.


    Before the girl''s could reply they had their bosom squeezed hard by Xavi eleiciting a moan as one of the woman spoke coyly, "Ahnnn~ do not be so rough big brother, as for your worthless academy Brice brother Xavi has already has made arrangements for us to enter Holy Wafaelia''s academy."


    Lady Brice trembled in anger never had she been insulted like that as all the people present at the ball looked the group with anger.


    Xavi Underwood''s father Dominik Underwood the former Finance Minister came with the pretence of a messiah during their rough time and by blackmailing and debt he had managed to get most of the economy of Kitopia Empire in his hand and thus he with a single word could destabilize the entire the entire region causing civil war to break and with the other kingdom vying Kitopia like a piece of meat it will be matter of time before the attack and tear it in half, by the time The Emperor or his other ministers could realize the former Finance minister had enacted his vile plan and now the father son duo rubs the success of such a nefarious plot on their face and commits every form of atrocity for the people but now the Emperor was reaching his patience he could no longer tolerate anymore even if the Empire could descend into chaos or it might go extinct he could no longer tolerate them anymore.


    Xavi''s attention was now on Ryuu as he ordered him, "You whore child kneel before me and lick my boots clean and I might let you off with your cultivation crippled."


    As he spoke his minions who were standing with him jeered at him, as one of them suddenly spoke something to his ears and Xavi gave a big smile as he spoke, "Oh peasant since you dare lay your eyes on my property send that harlot you called mother I might grant her the honor of being used by...��.."


    His words died as a peak Wanxiang Adept pressure forcing them on their knees as Ryuu spoke as he cast a slight glance towards the Emperor, "Your Majesty I hopeyou wouldn''t mind if a take care of some trash will you."


    Broderick looked him into his eyes as he spoke, "Knock Yourself out young man."


    Ryuu''s full attention was on the people on the floor as he moved a group of four people jumped towards him from behind the group in order to attack him, their Peak Primal Daoist Aura erupted as the used plethora of attacks towards him as one of them shouted out, "Die you filthy worm how dare you try to harm young master.".


    A cry came from Jaelynn, "Lord Ryuu watch out."


    As they released various techniques on him Ryuu just snorted at their display, to the many present there it seemed that Ryuu was walking calmly as the attacks simply fazed through him but to those of higher realms namely the Emperor, his General and a few others they watched Ryuu with their eyes wide as he dodge the attacks extremely fast and with minimal movement sparing a few millimeters of gap between him and the various attacks.


    But what came next left speechless as the four men passed by Ryuu the people of higher realm caught a few flashes of light before the notice a meter long Jian sword.


    Ryuu''s voice reached everyone''s ears, "Who gave you worm to stand on your feet in front of me and act like a human, crawl where you belong to."


    Suddenly the attackers fell limbless on the ground, they squirmed on the ground in pain their voice seemed to be a bit muffled, normally when a person lost their limbs they tend to bleed so much that they died of blood loss, but that was not the case of the attackers as they audience looked closely they were flabbergasted to see that not only Ryuu had cut their limbs off he had even cauterized the wounds on their body, a shriek came from one of lady present there, "Ahhhh he even chopped off their tongues."


    Ryuu was only a few meters away from Xavi when he unleashed the entire might of his cultivation of a Peak Void Immortal Realm, as he looked down on the people writhing in fear on the ground under the effect of his aura to everyone it seemed as if a Heavenly Emperor was looking down on a criminal judging him.


    "Now what to do with you worms", came a amused voice of Ryuu then it hit them even though it was not directed to them but they all felt

 158 Getting ones hands dirty

    ''Agent number 34871, it is my identity my name I have long since forgotten my real name my birth name I do not even remember the fact if I had one just this number is my true identity, all I remember being brought into ''Wojownik Cienia'' by my master when I was but a child since then I and my brethren were raised as an effective member of Wojownik Cienia'' ,we no longer have any name no longer have any face all we exist is to serve our one true leader her Highness Shamiran, few years ago I was granted the name ''Jeden'', and I was tasked to keep an eye on the young prince and keep him out of any harm which I did along with my fellow comrades and now again after many years under the name of ''Cztery'', I was tasked to do the same, the seven year old child who was clueless and afraid to hurt anyone but had great potential and the only way to do so was under the influence Her Highness''s elder sister yet his performance was marvelous a couple of years ago there was a rumor that something bad had happened to him but today I witness with my own eyes as the young prince shown so brightly like a star on a dark sky.''


    Broderick in his long reign as the Emperor had done many things some good some bad and many regrets such as not keeping an eye on his finance minister and trusting him the backstabbing done by his once upon a time close friend hurt him badly, but unfortunately his hand was tied if he took action his empire would be plunged into civil war but today as if the Heaven''s received his plea and send him a solution in the form of Ryuu, if he kills that man''s son he would seek out vengeance against him and might provoke the power behind this kid, wining situation in his eyes only think he had to do is convince Dominil that he failed to save his son and direct his anger against Ryuu.


    The Empress of Kitopia Empire Michelle since the moment Ryuu appeared to greet them was sitting silently as she studied Ryuu, she saw the confrontation between Xavi and others and as he insulted Ryuu only to brought to knees by a superior cultivation of Ryuu but what happened next caused her eyes to open wide as her jaw dropped Xavi''s guards were peak Primal Daoist realm stronger than many pf their Royal Guards attacked Ryuu intent to kill him only for Ryuu to make his move with incredible finesse he dodged than cut those people down, even with her mid Immortal level cultivation she failed to see the movement of his sword juts a couple of flashes of it, but what came next caused her to shudder with fear.


    A bloodlust so horrible she had never felt such blood lust in her life every people present there for a brief second was greeted by a huge tsunami of blood racing towards them as the waves content everyone they held dear no their mutilated corpses was being brought by those waves, they could feel the blood, they could smell it taste as their mind was invaded by madness making them wish to join in bath in those blood and add to it from their own body and they will be free from any torment any regret only for it to vanish as they were greeted bythe same ballroom where the party for General Vincenzo''s hundred anniversary was to be held, she was shaking with fear who was responsible for it she never realized when she and her husband were already holding each other''s hand shaking like a leaf.


    Suddenly a jovial voice reached everyone''s ear, "My my, it seems that my killing intent was too much for you people some of you had already perished because of it, such a shame."


    A single thought ran through everyone''s mind including Samuel as most looked at him with fear in their eyes, ''What kind of monster is he? Did he just kill someone with his killing intent alone?'', and for the first time everyone including Jaelynn felt pity for Xavi.


    Xavi had already soiled his pant by then he wanted to runaway as far a possible hide inside his closet and then cover himself up with his blanket and hope that the nightmare was over.


    Ryuu tilted his head as he looked down at Xavi his eyes glistening with a hint of madness as he spoke, "What happened your lowliness cat got your tongue?"


    Xavi tried to plead but he couldn''t as if his whole body was paralyzed by this demon.


    Ryuu raised his left hand and in front of all the people a very complex looking array formed he slammed the array on the ground and suddenly a barrier in the form of a cube of 5 meters on each side was formed surrounding them and all of a sudden the killing intent as well the suppressing affect of his Peak Void Immortal Level strength disappeared all together.


    Ryuu: "Didn''t you say I could only survive by licking your boots and crippling myself, did you not call my mother a harlot so stand up if you manage to cripple then this barrier will fall if not good luck being my punching bag I have a lot of frustration to work out and oh if you think that someone will come to rescue you well without anyone having knowledge beyond Immortal level I doubt anyone could break it."


    Ryuu stood a few meters away from them as they got their bearing from their original group of 10 it was reduced to six, Ryuu lowered his strength to that of Peak Zifu Disciple level.


    One of the remaining girl suddenly sent a seductive and flirtatious look towards Ryuu, "Lord Daoist, please I was forced to associate with this scums but if you save me I will offer my mind body and soul to you. Please big strong Daoist sir save me I.WILL.LET.YOU.DO.ANYTHING.TO.ME.", she finished the last sentence with a seductive moan as she flutter her eyelashes and pushed her breasts up to givea better view to her cleavage to Ryuu.


    Meanwhile Lady Brice was frothing from her mouth the girl was from her academy even if she turned traitor the way she is acting in front of the entire crowd was so disgusting, she was afraid that the young hormonal mind of Ryuu would override any rational thoughts and he might act according to his lust.


    Meanwhile Ryuu was incensed at that since his birth he was surrounded by mostly women each of them respectable figure, each of them strong and honorable even the maids who worked in Ayindril were honorable as such over the years he had garner incredible amount of respect for the fairer sex but seeing the woman act in front of him like that made him mad.


    Another person spoke up from behind the group without letting Ryuu to reply, "Please senior daoist we did not recognize mighty being such as yourself please spare me I am only 30 I am as old as your grandchild so please forgive this grandchild''s impudence."


    It was a common notion for many people that the stronger the person is the older he is take for example Vincenzo he was a rank 6th Immortal he was celebrating his 100th anniversary, as such someone of Void Immortal might be old man of at least late 70s and he or she might already have a family.


    Ryuu: "Oi my grandchild wannabe I am only 15 years old so that way of begging mercy will not work hmmm, how about this cripple yourself and then let me cut off a few of your limbs and you may leave."


    Human mind is a very peculiar think whenever they suffer something traumatic or terrible in order for it to cope sometimes it latches into any sense of normalcy amongst all that is traumatic deluding itself to think it is in a safe environment, which happened with Ryuu''s victims.


    Xavi''s eyes widened at that hearing Ryuu was only a 15 year old boy, he let out an enraged scream as he spoke, "YOU PHONY PIECE OF SHIT I YOUR FATHER WILL TAN YOUR HIDE OUT, I YOUR GRANDFATHER WIL��..you, what are you doing?"


    Ryuu was calming drinking some iced tea from his flask as he looked up as he spoke, "hmmm you say something, and oh you people have finished your shenanigans then can we get started or are hoping to kill me through boredom."


    At that Xavi and his group let out an enraged yell as each of them send out their devastating attacks, most of them being Ki cultivators send their flying swords, daggers and a few of them actually used elemental based skills while Xavi and another flanked him from both sides, Xavi had a broadsword while the other was barehanded.


    Ryuu simply swung his sword as all the attacks were stopped even before they could reach Ryuu as an attack imbued with a level 7 sword force tore through them like paper it reached the attackers cutting two of them down from the waist while injuring the third and cutting off the left arm of the woman from the elbow.


    The punch from the right was stopped with the help of his sword and the broadsword of Xavi with a finger as Ryuu yawned loudly as he spoke with a sleepy look, "Oi what is this you three are so weak I am feeling so ah sl-ah-ep-ah-py-ahhh.", he somehow with great difficulty manged to speak while trying to stifle a yawn.


    The woman clearly enraged shouted out, "You despicable child there are 4 of us left did your teacher forget to teac....", whatever she was going to say was stopped as Ryuu cut down the person whose punch he had blocked just then.


    Only Xavi was left unharmed as he struggled to get his broadsword out of Ryuu''s grip which he held using only his thumb and index finger, he poured his entire strength of low level Wanxiang adept yet he was unable to make Ryuu who only maintained a peak Zifu Disciple level of strength to let his sword go.


    Ryuu: "Look at you, you trash dare to call yourself as cultivator, I have only maintained a Peak Zifu Disciple level strength yet you so called Wanxiang adept level cultivators failed to scratch me oh well here is two.", as he spoke he send another sword based attack bisecting him from head to crotch hence effectively killing the third survivor, "and now here is one.", he sends a thrust towards the woman so powerful that it seemed to drill a round hole through her torso specially where her heart was killing her."


    Ryuu turned towards Xavi with a smile befitting a saint as he spoke, "Now your lowliness how may I be of your service.", Xavi was already on the floor as his already soiled pant seemed to bulge even more as well as releasing even more amorous scent causing everyone to feel sick, as tears and snot poured like water from a broken dam.

 159 Dealing with Xavi

    Xavi spoke fearfully, "M-my father i-is a mid level i-immortal touch me a-and y-you w-will die."


    Ryuu looked at him incredulously before he raised his sword and slashed him all over leaving various wounds all over him.


    A semi naked Xavi looked fearfully as he begged Ryuu, "Please Daoist Sir, you are my grandpa my father please forgive me I will be a good boy please show mercy."


    Ryuu was startled at that it''s true that he had slashed the Xavi fellow but he had suffered worse during training yet he stood up never gave up yet this fellow is already a crying mess with few cuts he was disgusted.


    Ryuu: "Did you not tell me to lick your boots clean, where is that bravado now?"


    Xavi looked fearfully at him as he crawled towards him trying to lick Ryuu''s boots only for Ryuu to swing his sword hard and with a large explosion a naked Xavi was flung hard on to the barrier, as Ryuu spoke with disgust, "Stay away from me you creep, I do not want your saliva to touch any part of my body."


    The naked Xavi was prostrating on the floor as he cried hard, "I am sho sowwyy, folgive me."


    Ryuu sneered in disgust at the pathetic excuse of a human in front of him who dared to act like a cultivator in front of him, ''Pathetic'' a word which failed to describe this cretin who was prostrating before Ryuu in fact the whole group was such, ''Ugh, it seems the saying that birds of same feather flock together is not wrong.'', thought an appalled Ryuu.


    Meanwhile among the audience parents covered their children''s eyes while wishing someone to do the same for them after all no one would want to get a clear view of shit and piss covered male genitalia, as some became green faced and about to empty their stomach.


    Ryuu: "Hmmm, what to do with you so many options, maybe ah yes since you dared to dishonor my mother by debasing her name, and I know the suitable punishment for you."


    Ryuu simply thrusted his sword and just like the dead woman Xavi was attacked but unlike her the attack fell on certain male anatomy vaporizing it completely.


    At that the audiences cringed and as a few men quickly his behind the person nearest to them even the Emperor and his sons instinctively shielded their genitals.


    Vincenzo was shivering in fear not because of Ryuu but the woman beside him as she directed an ungodly killing intent on him, ''Invite him they said, it will be easier to negotiate they said, there will be no problem they said, he cried for himself, he cried for the calamity that will occur in his life soon after the guests leave today maybe he should make an one man charge into the grassland yes yes then...��.'', his thought process came to a halt as he felt his delicate and beautiful wife held his hand and squeezed it so hard that his fingers were on the verge of cracking.


    With a horrifying scream Xavi fell unconscious but it was not enough for Ryuu as such with a frown he summoned four blank talisman from his space ring, to the audience it seemed that his sword had vanished but in reality it had morphed back into a bracelet on his right hand along with the beads.


    Jordan suddenly spoke, "I was speaking with him a few moments ago, he was so calm collected and polite for someone to become so ruthless is unthinkable."


    Lady Brice scoffed at her nephew''s thoughts as she spoke, "This is how a cultivator should be ruthless and merciless to his enemies after all ''it is better to commit suicide than to grant mercy to one''s enemies.''"


    Michelle, "But what has amazed me is his ability to create arrays, has anyone seen array appearing with a touch and ��..", Michelle stopped speaking as he exclaimed out loudly in surprise, "What is he doing now? Aren''t those talismans blank?"


    The blank talismans hovered around him as Ryuu touched each of them with his glowing hands, to others it seemed to be countless scribbling appeared on those papers before one of them shot towards Xavi with an incredible speed it touched Xavi''s head as an array appeared covering his entire face and with a scream Xavi awoke again into his nightmare as he was greeted by a smiling Ryuu, "Did you have a nice nap?"


    Before the remaining talisman glowed as they went and hit him, as all over his body various arrays appeared on his body as all the array touched each other it glowed briefly as it vanished.


    Ryuu: "You threatened me, tried to besmirch my honor, insulted my family, my teachers and tried to make me bow to you and had the audacity of trying to cripple me, as such I Ryuu will grant you your punishment have fun reliving the experience of having your sensitivity towards pain increased by a thousand times while I cripple you."


    Ryuu were shining with a hint of madness as he raised his right hand up as he spoke, "Next life try to be a humble and choose your enemies carefully.", with that Ryuu snapped his fingers, the sound seemed to reverberate through the entire soon an inhuman cry reaped through shaking everyone through their soul.


    A surge of Ki went through Xavi''s body as his spirit veins collapsed completely as if it was being torn out of his body the pain was too much but another array kept him not only awake but kept him from dying due to shock, the surge of Ki went through his body and destroyed his dantian completely, but it wasn''t over yet half of his body caught fire while the half started freezing.


    Xavi could not withstand it anymore as such he tried to commit suicide by biting off his tongue.


    Ryuu snorted as he spoke, "What a colossal fool, the only time such method of suicide succeeds is in some fantasy novel, even if you hope to bleed to death, you are at the end of the day a body cultivator compared to others you are more tenacious you just added more suffering to yourself."


    A few minutes later the scream stopped, as an unrecognizable body half of which was charred while the other half was deformed blue due to extreme frost bite.


    The barrier Ryuu and his victims suddenly broke like a glass as Ryuu made his way towards Emperor and his group, while one of the Emperor''s men went and checked Xavi''s pulse as he announced his condition, "Barely alive but the kid is already brain death."


    Broderick ordered to the man "Send him to his father."


    Ryuu went and stood in front of the group as he gave a small bow towards them, "I wish to apologize for ruining the fine evening.", as he turned towards General Vicenzo and his wife, "Madam and Sir I humbly apologize and I have no words to describe how ashamed I am for disrupting your special day and before I leave I hope you would accept the gift I prepared for such an auspicious day."


    Ryuu brought out a pill box as he extended it towards the couple who accepted it with a smile as Vicenzo''s wife Ashtyn spoke, "Fellow Daoist Brother, you are leaving so soon please stay behind the ball is about to begin."


    Ryuu spoke with his tone laden with sadness, "I wish I could stay Senior, but I feel tired and I wish to rest."


    Samuel suddenly spoke out, "Daoist Sir, we still have to discuss about the expedition."


    Ryuu flashed him an apologetic smile as he spoke, "Please Senior, but I do not believe it will be wise to conduct business after so much transpired today in the evening may be on a later date, as I am already guilty of ruining such a fine party."


    Vincenzo hurriedly spoke under the pinch of Ashtyn, "Nonsense, you did no such thing Daoist brother you are our honored guest yet you had to deal with that filth by your own as such I feel ashamed as a host."


    host."


    As he spoke a few sounds of vomiting reached his ears causing his eye to twitch slightly as his beloved wife pinched him even harder it seems some people could not hold their dinner after such gruesome display .


    Michelle, "Daoist brother I understand how you feel and I hope you would not mind joining us for tea at our palace tomorrow where any form of discussion may safely occur."


    Ryuu: "Yes please I would be delighted to join you for tea tomorrow, well then I bid farewell till then."


    Jaelynn with a blush on her face spoke, "Lord Ryuu you were like a dragon just like your name laying waste to your enemies it was amazing.", if Lady Brice had not held her tightly she might have jumped on Ryuu then and there.


    Ryuu chuckled awkwardly as he spoke, "Thank you for your compliment", as he saw from the corner of his eye the fuming visage of Broderick.


    Ryuu left he was escorted away on a Vincenzo''s carriage, as soon as he was alone he quickly took out the kiseru, before he put the herbs given by his 1st mistress lit it in orderto smoke the concoction, it send a pleasant feeling as the lust for battle was quickly neutralized as his mind was at peace again.


    Ryuu as soon as he reached his room threw the mask off his face only to for his eyes to closed by a pair of hands as an angelic voice appeared in his ears, "Welcome back Ryuu."

 160 Conspiracy

    Ryuu had a huge smile on his face as he turned around to face the woman who was standing behind him, "Big Sis Shamiran, how have you been? I have missed you three so much."


    Shamiran responded with a grin of her own, "I have been well and I am sorry but we were all busy the last few years as such we could not visit, but now baby brother tell me how have you been and what we have you been doing?"


    Ryuu: "Well actually sister��.."


    Ryuu narrated everything from the first day he visited till today which Shamiran listened with rapt attention, before she broke out in fits of giggle, "Oh my hahahah, to think an entire village and even the Princess of this kingdom would fall for you this is hilarious."


    Ryuu pouted at that as he spoke, "This is no laughing matter and now I am forced to wear a mask whenever I go outside."


    Shamiran shrugged as she spoke, "It is something you have to deal baby brother, normally when a person increases his/her cultivation they have to deal with such problems but in your case it is even more dire owing to the divine body you possess and until and unless you learn to completely unleash and control your Divine body which I do not see occurring in the not too distant future you have to put up with it."


    Ryuu sulked on hearing such thing, he will now have to put up some form of mask wherever he goes.


    Shamiran: "Baby brother the ''Nether Realm Grotto'', sounds like an interesting space to me could you show me the information provided by the Samuel person."


    Ryuu quickly produced any information he had received from Samuel as he spoke, "This is all the information he could procure for me unfortunately the Kitopia branch of Shangri-la did not have any chance to participate for the last few times as such he did not have much with him, this was the only thing he could get me but they are so old."


    Meanwhile Shamiran had a frown on her face as she spoke, "You have been duped baby brother, our Shangri-la Pavilion does not work like that on a planet we might have dozens of branches but the only time they are referred to as a branch is when it is to signify the place of its existence in other words the branches will never send separate expeditions, in fact the only person who authorizes such is the planetary head whom all this branch heads answer to, he is the one who sanctions such expedition in fact one of such expedition was being organized I came here to ask you if you will join, the branch head could also recommend you and with your qualification you could easily join the expedition easily."


    Ryuu was silent as he listened to everything his sister told him he was feeling angry at Samuel who lied to him and tried to manipulate him into joining the expedition with this Empire''s team.


    Shamiran browsed the information as she spoke again, "This outdated information is also troubling, every branch head should have access to the latest reports regarding such an important hidden space that person had a hidden agenda."


    Ryuu growled at that the first time he left without any help and already he was taken advantage of, how dare that��.


    His thoughts came to a halt as he tapped on his forehead bringing him out of his thoughts as Shamiran began speaking again, "Now now dear brother do not let anger cloud your judgment first thing you have to try to deduce his reasoning if you move against someone without thinking you might fall into his trap as such you have to gather intelligence."


    Ryuu: "But how will I gather intelligence against him, I do not know how to."


    Shamiran spoke with a smile, "Tell me brother did he point you towards anyone when you decided to explore this hidden place."


    Ryuu: "Yes he said that an expedition team will be organized by the Emperor of Kitopia Empire, actually I was supposed to meet the Emperor today and Samuel had said that he will help me to get a place within the team, as such I went to a party but things took a different turn."


    Shamiran gave a serious look as she spoke, "Explain to me everything in great detail leave nothing no matter how insignificant it may be."


    As such Ryuu started described to her in great detail everything as she listened with rapt attention.


    As Ryuu finished speaking his eyes widened and Shamiran gestured with her hand to speak, "Samuel is working with the Empire and the whole��"


    "Meeting with the Emperor was a setup they wanted to hold all the cards in their hands so as to not only use you but also make you work for them to gather maximum profit without them dirtying their hand.", Shamiran finished the sentence for him.


    Ryuu gritted his teeth ad spoke, "That Xavi fellow was insulting the Emperor without any fear as such he might have some backing which prevented the Emperor from acting against him and I killed him, no they used me to get rid of him thus the person behind Xavi will now seek vengeance and I will be the target instead of them."


    Shamiran nodded in appreciation as she spoke, "Brother you have soundly deduced everything by thinking calmly there are many things you do not know yet which I will help you, so when did you say you will be meeting them again?"


    Ryuu: "Tomorrow, for Tea."


    Sahmiran: "Well did you have your dinner?"


    Ryuu: "Well I am kind of hungry since I went to the party as Samuel''s guest I ate very little and now I am hungry again, but now that I think of I should have eaten as much as possible on top of that I gave them a''Seven Treasure Soul Curing Pill''."


    Shamiran raised her eyebrow as she spoke, "Brother and what type of ''Seven Treasure Soul Curing Pill'' did you gave him?"


    Ryuu spoke with a tired sigh, "It was around 60% pure."


    Shamiran: "Well it is something even many Emperors will sell an arm and leg to possess. Well brother it is time I left I will see you or breakfast again when I will return with additional information so that you will have the upper hand during negotiation and as for the power behind that Xavi fellow leave it to me."


    Ryuu nodded at that as his sister seemed to be suddenly swallowed by shadow as she left.


    Shamiran stood alone on top of a very tall building overlooking the Castle of the Emperor as she ordered, "Report."


    All of a sudden a figure appeared beside her in kneeling position as the figure spoke, "Your wish is my command your Highness.", as the figure started giving report in great details to Shamiran who listened with a stoic face.

 161 An Eventful Breakfas

    Ryuu left his room as he made his way to the dining area of the resort for his breakfast, he took a eat a little bit further away from the crowd as he was about to order he felt a hand on his shoulder he quickly glanced back to see the smiling visage of his sister, "Mind if I join you."


    Ryuu greeted her with a smiling face, "god morning sister and please do join me."


    Shamiran: "So what will you be having for breakfast?", she spoke as she took the menu card in her hand.


    Ryuu: "I haven''t finalized but I am leaning towards quiche eggs and may be something baked."


    As they waited for the food to be delivered, Shamiran suddenly asked Ryuu, "Brother did you have a good night''s sleep yesterday?"


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "Of course sister but why do you ask."


    Shamiran: "You should be more vigilant brother a group of 5 assassins made their way to end your life."


    Ryuu listened with eyes wide at that, "What but I made sure to rig my entire room with various arrays which could not only wake me up for any possible intrusions but also paralyze them as soon as they step inside the room."


    Shamiran nodded in approval before she spoke, "True brother but still there are various other ways to deal with them I have studied your arrays before as such I will tell you two easy ways to bypass them among others, first using a very strong attack mostly done if someone wants to drag you out to duel or hopping to kill in with one shot, secondly the easiest is to pump in some form of poisonous gas through the vents and you would not detect them as your array isn''t programmed for it."


    Ryuu nodded at that with a sour look on his face as he spoke, "I did not realize such folly in my array design I will have to reviseit."


    Shamiran: "Fret not brother you lack experience it is common mistake made by many, in fact I learned by almost dying once."


    Before either of them could speak their breakfast arrived consisting of Bacon and Spinach Quiche, Apple Baked Lasagna, Bacon Mushroom frittata, Ham and Cheese Crepes, and finally Chocolate Banana Smoothie as drink to accompany with the rest.


    Ryuu: "All those assassins were the send by Xavi''s father."


    Shamiran: "Yup they were but I took care of them."


    Ryuu: "Damn that mongrel, I have half a mind to beat the Emperor black and blue now."


    Shamiran: "Oh Ryuu I also took care of Xavi''s father, so you do not have to worry about him."


    Ryuu: "What did you do with him, beat him to death or slice him."


    Shamira snorted at Ryuu''s question as she spoke with an offended look on her face, "Brother you think to lowly of me why should I act like a barbarian, when I could deal with him in much more creative manner. I simply took from him something which he values more than anything in this entire world."


    Ryuu looked confused at that, "What do you mean sister I already made his son brain dead."


    Shamiran spoke with a smile, "My dear brother not everyone holds their family in such high regard as you, that creature certainly did not the one thing he held above everything sigh of his own life maybe was money, by now he would wake up to the nightmare that not even the silverware of his house is present, someone who made his fortune by being a loan shark, cheating and embezzling then using the laws of the land to protect himself stealing from others by forcing them into debts including the ruler of the land, but every agreement he made with others including various deeds regarding property and what not is now stolen by yours truly and then distributed to respective owner."


    Ryuu''s eyes widened at that before he frowned, "Wow Sister that is amazing but even if he would not be able to use the law and loophole in his favor he would certainly go after them for vengeance."


    Shamiran smirked cruelly at that, "Oh brother you have yet to learn many things, first of all he is literally beggar now I have already stolen the deeds to his mansion and if given to right people than Dominik fellow would be on the streets and if you think that he will use his cultivation well I used a special poison which would melt his dantian and make him bed ridden for a few days by the time he will have the strength to walk again he will be weaker than a toddler."


    Ryuu shivered at the viciousness of his sister, if someone used such poison on him he would slit his throat and commit suicide, "I hope I do not have to deal with something as nasty at that."


    Shamiran spoke with a smile, "Brother that is why you are being fed so many pills by mother so that you will gain immunity against such poison.", Ryuu nodded at that as he reached for the glass with smoothie causing Shamiran to frown as she spoke with disappointment laced in her voice, "Ryuu I am disappointed what have I told you to always be alert, the smoothie you are about to drink please check it again."


    Ryuu checked the glass of smoothie by sending a strand of his Ki and was horrified to find it poisoned, it was mixed so well that without having any insight on Grand Dao of Alchemy they would have missed yet fortunately Ryuu had more than a little insight but unfortunately he was unaware of his surroundings as she he gave a sheepish smile as he spoke, "Oops!"


    Shamiran: "You should be more aware of your surroundings even peak level Immortals would have fallen dead within seconds fortunately for you, you would not have died but he you would have to suffer terrible stomach ache and permanent residence inside a toilet for a few days at least."


    Shamiran sighed before she called a waiter towards them, "Waiter, please call the manager."


    The waiter was nervous as he tried to placate her, "Ma''am is there any problem, please tell me I would try to solve it."


    Shamiran spoke harshly, "Did I not tell you to call the manager? What are you waiting for?"


    The waiter quickly called the manager, who hurriedly appeared to their table as he spoke, "Ma''am and Sir, how may I be of help to you?"


    Shamiran, "The smoothie you gave us is poisoned who touched the glass before it was brought to this table."


    Normally the manager would try to protect his staff but the accusation of poisoned food is not something he could casually deny as such he reluctantly spoke, "The Chef and waiter would be the only one who had touched them and may be the dishwasher."


    Shamiran with a bit of killing intent spoke, "Bring everyone here this instant, FAST!", she spoke the last part with a loud growl.


    Soon the all the people who would have touched the glasses were assembled as Shamiran spoke, "So is this everyone who works for you?"


    The Chef spoke nervously, "Well the normal dishwasher is sick so he send his cousin to cover for him."


    Shamiran spoke with a scowl, "And where is this cousin?"


    The waitress nervously spoke this time, "Well he took a smoke break just now."


    Shamiran sneered at the as she spoke, "So he conveniently took his time to take a smoke break as soon as we found poison in our drinks."


    She quickly beckoned the waitress to step closer before she put her hand on her forehead as she spoke, "Empty your mind and think about that person or else it will hurt you more."


    Shamiran closed her eyes as her brow wrinkled as she spoke, "I did not know your employees had to run half way across the city in order to smoke.


    Before anyone could speak Shamiran vanished from their side and with a few heart beat she was back with a startled looking person, as she was sitting comfortable on her chair again.


    Shamiran: "Welcome so you are the person who poisoned our drink."


    The person in question was frightened at that as he spoke, "I do not know what you are speaking ma''am you must be mistaken."


    Shamiran: "Please there is no need to deny Cory, I read your mind as such Ieven know who hired your organization."


    The person in question flinched before he gave an angry shout, "Damn you bimbo die.", he foolishly tried to kill Shamiran with suicidal attack only to freeze.


    Shamiran raised her finger as she waved it in front of him and scolded him like a child who was caught with his hand in the cookie jar, "tsk tsk, did no one teach you it is bad manner to curse before the lady, but what to do with such delicious looking drinks it will be a shame to through it, oh how about you drink it go.", she spoke as she send an inviting gesture to the person.


    Cory''s eyes widened with horror as his body betrayed him and began to move on its own as he grasped the glass and slowly brought it to his lips as he shouted out, "what did you��"


    Shamiran snapped at him, "Shut up and drink like a good boy."


    Cory drank the smoothie and within a few seconds he fell on the ground dead.


    Shamiran sighed as she spoke, "What are you all guys waiting for remove this piece of filth from my sight."


    The waitress had already fainted and the chef wasn''t too far behind some of the patron were watching the drama unfold for a while now possessed a sick look on their face after watching the death.


    The manager quickly summoned some of the guards as he left with the body, before he left Shamiran spoke again, "Manager you might want to send some people to your Dishwasher''s place he is already dead by his hands and next time please be wary about whom you hire."


    After the whole fiasco they finished their breakfast as if nothing happened prior to it, after which Ryuu escorted his sister to his room, "Well Ryuu, we have till today afternoon for us to go throw every information I have gathered for you so that we can finally lift off the curtain covering the plot, after that whether you decide to confront them or decide on a follow some other idea is up to you I will only advice you."


    It was almost near time for his departure when he finally reached the decision to confront them and decide after speaking with them.


    Shamiran: "I will be close by and if they try to harm you I will erase them."


    Ryuu nodded at that and soon he received a call from the reception stating a man by the name of Samuel waiting for him.

 162 The good cop and the bad cop

    Samuel: "It is good to see you again Daoist Sir."


    Ryuu gave him a curt nod as he replied, "It is good to see you to Senior.", and although he spoke with a smile but inwardly he wanted to beat Samuel black and blue.


    As Ryuu boarded Samuel''s carriage his mind went back to a few hours ago when he had a rather interesting conversation with his sister.


    Flashback~


    Ryuu: "Big Sister how did you control that assassin?"


    Shamiran : "Pretty simple brother Arrays, but do not worry your pretty head over it is something beyond your ability."


    Ryuu was astonished at that his older sisters were all so awesome compared to them, he was flicked hard by his sister on his forehead causing him to pout.


    Shamiran sighed as she spoke, "Ryuu never try to compare yourself against us we were born long before your mother''s great grandfather was even thought off, we have practically millions of years to perfect our craft you on the other hand are only 15 years of age you have a long way to go."


    Ryuu had a sudden urge to tease her but decided against it he did not know why but felt as if it would the most stupid thing he had ever done, "I know sister, but I cannot help but how should I say, in comparison to others in what position I am."


    Shamiran hummed in thought, "I understand where you are going with this, unlike our time you do not have someone to compare to or to be your rival, but I can say compare to us you are much faster because of you are both Dao child and have a Divine body, if I remember correctly I became an immortal during my late twenties while you are already knocking on the door to immortality, it is a huge achievement since you are not anymore in the golden age of cultivation."


    Ryuu looked confused at that, "What do you mean by that sister? Was the cultivation speed of the people different during that time?"


    Shamiran nodded at that as she replied, "The Golden age of cultivation was different the richness of Ki, the heavenly treasure, the exotic flora and fauna were different, I hope our parents have told you the story how the ''Great Divide'' came?"


    Ryuu nodded at that as Shamiran gained a faraway look, "So many died that day, we thought we won then we were greeted by the sight of the hero of the hour Big Brother and his wife turning into ash because of a taboo technique but the worse had yet to pass that worthless harlot of a sore loser did something terrible we do not know how she accomplished it but we all know she did it before she was sealed she released a pulse of power we thought it to be her final struggle but then the whole realm shook as it broke apart, a pyrrhic victory for us, all we fought for got destroyed in front of our eyes so many unnecessary deaths."


    Ryuu did not know what to say to her but Shamiran shook herself from depression as she spoke, "After that came the ''Chaotic Age'', with the fall of strong cultivators and loss of major resources the people became desperate as the richness of Ki also fell and with that the speed of cultivation fell drastically to the point where if someone managed to enter Immortality by his/her 70th birthday they are thought of as a Heaven defying genius, as such Ryuu do you understand your position you are someone who could give us the run for our money when it came to cultivation speed."


    Ryuu was awestruck at that as Shamiran spoke, "At the same time I doubt you will have the joy of having a rival, no matter how talented that person seemed to be you would easily outrun them."


    Ryuu nodded at that he knew how people would even sell their soul to the devil in order to gain his level of speed, but he knew how much blood sweat and tears he had to spend after each level up, although sparring and what not.


    Currently to Samuel it seemed that Ryuu was meditating on his way to the King''s palace but actually had established a telepathic link with Shamiran with her help and was currently on deep conversation with her.


    Soon they reached the palace of the King, they were greeted by someone Ryuu knew, "Ah Sir Emerick it has been a while, how have you been?"


    Sir Emerick looked confused at that as he spoke, "I have been good Sir, but please forgive me for not recognizing you."


    Ryuu: "Ah I had hood covering my face last time I met, well it hasn''t been to long actually but you might remember me as the kid whom you helped to enter the capital city with his flying ship."


    Sir Emerick''s eyes widen at that as he spoke, "Ah I remember you Sir, how have you been I hope the stay in the capitol has been nice."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Yep it was horribly good for me."


    Samuel raised his eyebrow at that but did not pay much head to it.


    As they reached the garden they were greeted by the sight of Lady Brice, Empress Michelle, General Vincenzo and Emperor Broderick sitting together and chatting with each other.


    Both Samuel and Ryuu greeted the Emperor and Empress with a small bow and the Royal couple just the returned the greeting nod as the Empress spoke, "Welcome and please have a sit.", as Samuel and Ryuu were both beckoned to sit next to them.


    As the duo took their seat a group of maids brought various sandwiches, scones and tarts accompanied with tea.


    Emperor Broderick: "Well Ryuu, ah I hope you do not mind calling me Ryuu do you?"


    Ryuu shook his head negatively, "I do not mind your Majesty, please feel free to address me as such."


    Emperor Broderick, "That was amazing display of your prowess yesterday I have never heard of someone so young specially the array you used I have never seen someone use array like that, to create one with just your Ki without using an ink, forgive me for being a little bit intrusive but just to satiate this old man''s curiosity how did you accomplice that."


    Ryuu: "Well it is not a difficult skill to gain if you have high enough insight into the Dao of Array and enough practice."


    Not a lie but not truth yet as Ryuu growled inwardly, ''like hell I am going to tell you such thing without my master''s express permission.''


    Vicenzo: "Daoist Ryuu, the gift you gave my wife and I was a priceless one thank you for such."


    Ryuu just smiled back at him as he spoke, "I am glad you have taken a liking to my gift."


    Lady Brice: "Daoist Ryuu we heard from fellow Daoist brother Samuel that you wish to join the expedition into ''The Nether Realm Grotto''."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Yes I would love to."


    Emperor Broderick, "Ryuu and why should I allow you to join the team comprised of elite member of my forces. I know you are strong for your age but why should I allow you to join my team where we can just stab my people in the back.", as he send a stern glare to Ryuu.


    Michelle frowned at that as she spoke, "Please dear, from what I have seen till now Ryuu is a very nice person, you should have understood from yesterday he should honor, chivalric ...��"


    Meanwhile Ryuu had already tuned her out he himself was confused at her words, as far as he could remember he had shown never honor and what not in fact he had shown his savage barbaric side, meanwhile he heard the giggling voice of his older sister as she send a telepathic message to him, ''Ryuu they are just playing the good cop and bad cop so that they may gain enough trust to dictate terms just play along for now.''


    Ryuu while inwardly sulked as he replied back to him, ''But sister it is annoying and boring and what do you mean by good cop and bad cop? What are those things?''


    Only to feel amusement rolling of her sister as she send another message to him, ''Oh baby brother just keep watching and learn.''

 163 Wonderful Tea Part-1

    Ryuu as he listened the quarrel between the Emperor and the Empress came to a conclusion, ''The Emperor is such a scum bag compared to his wife, she is very welcoming understanding and helpful.''


    Unfortunately due to the telepathic link established by Shamiran she got a front row seat to his thoughts and what Ryuu received was a howling laughter from her, causing him to be totally confused.


    Ryuu: ''Would you mind enlightening to me on the joke that made you laugh so uproariously.''


    Shamiran replied back to him after controlling her laughter, ''Well brother you asked me what a cop is, well a cop how should I say it is a rough combination of knights and guardsman of a city, now there is an old practice in interrogation, the bad cop aka the Emperor in front of you and the good cop aka the Empress in front of you, the bad cop plays the bad guy trying to harm you while the good cop acts like the good guy fussing over you like he/she is your best friend, overtime the person in question starts despising the bad cop but starts treating the good cop as his most closest confident and friend, but the person forgets that at the end of the day both the bad or the goodcops wants the same they want your confession and in your case they want you to agree with terms favorable to them.''


    Ryuu was stunned at what he heard as he messaged back to his sister, ''No way and I were thinking her to be a nice person.''


    Shamiran: ''That is the beauty of the matter brother and before long she would have dangled a proverbial carrot in front of you and you would have been taken advantage of by her, moreover if you think the royal couple will argue in front of outsider is then you have other thing coming, no matter what people say they have an image to maintain if they show such side in front of others there severe political and social repercussions for them as such any argument they have will always begin and end inside the bedroom until and unless they serve a purpose just like now .''


    Ryuu was stunned at that, ''Thank you big sister I do not know what I could have done if you were not here.''


    Shamiran: ''Baby brother do not worry since I regard you as my little brother and family of course I will protect you, oh I think it is time for us to begin the show.''


    Ryuu has not spoken much since he had arrived but under the assault of the ''friendly'' and ''helpful'' Empress and her helper Lady Brice with an occasional word or two from Samuel the ''angry'' and ''stubborn'' Emperor seemed to have been swayed from his stern position.


    Emperor Broderick: "Fine fine if you all say so I will relent, but Ryuu I will only agree to allow you to accompany with my expedition team only if you follow the rules set by me, are we in agreement with that."


    Ryuu simply nodded in agreement at his statement as the Emperor began laying down rules for him to follow, "Firstly you would be under command of my expedition leader you are not able to veto his decision until it relates to the survival of the team.


    Second my team will always have the first preference of the loot.


    Third you cannot hide any new discoveries you make.


    Fourth I want my team intact as such you will help them to survive and help them to return back in one piece.


    Is there anything you want to say but my offer is final and I will not change anything if you have problem you may leave."


    Empress Michelle gave a scandalized expression at that as she spoke, "Please beloved be a little bit more merciful you are putting some very harsh conditions on him."


    Emperor Broderick snorted at that as he spoke, "He is lucky that I have even allowed him to participate, he dares to seduce my daughter and you think I will let him leave after showing such insolence."


    Lady Brice rubbed her forehead in exasperation sometimes she hated her brother, it was clearly Jayleen''s fault not Ryuu and if he gives such unrealistic conditions he might opt not to join them after all the need Ryuu more than he needs them.


    Ryuu let out a sigh as he spoke, "Senior Samuel do you remember the time we first made how you asked how I got my Xegraecium card."


    Samuel raised his eyebrow unsure where this conversation was going as he spoke, "Yes you told me you got it from ''Her Majesty'' I do not understand why you are asking me?"


    Ryuu: "Senior do you remember how I told you that I do not know its function but I was told to solve its mystery and the only hint I had was to approach the nearest Shangri-la branch when I go out adventuring, but do you yourself know what this card signifies?"


    Samuel spoke with a confused expression as others listened to their conversation intently, "I told you everything I was taught during my training days."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "I see, seems like the trainer forgot to mention to you about much more finer details, well let me enlighten you on this matter than, since the beginning of Shangri-la Pavilion there have been many card holders but amongst all of them the people who hold the Xegraecium card is less than 50, the people who hold has the card has the absolute trust and friendship of Her Majesty as such as her token of appreciation she gifts this card to the said person and she gave me this as a gift to me on my 15th birthday."


    Samuel nodded at that but suddenly he began to feel a terrible foreboding as to what he will speak next.


    Ryuu: "You see I am very close to her Majesty and her sisters the 1st princess and 2nd princess in fact I had a rather interesting conversation with her today as we had our breakfast together."


    If Samuel had a terrible foreboding he was now downright terrified at what he heard the 2nd Princess had arrived here today and had breakfast today with Ryuu, no it is not possible Ryuu is bluffing yes it had to be.


    Samuel gave a small smile as he spoke, "Daoist Sir, please do not joke like that I ...��.."


    What he was going to say was stopped by Ryuu who raised his hand to make him stop his speech as he spoke with anger lacing his voice, "How dare you accuse me of joking while you lied to me old man, I gave respect to since the first day, referred you as my senior yet you dare to lie to me on my face, you yourself said that it was not your turn but of other branch''s turn to create a team."


    Samuel: "Yes it is...."


    Ryuu growled as he spoke, "You are still lying to me, no branch head has the authority to organize any expedition on ruins but the Planetary Head otherwise you boss who is responsible for all the 10 branches present on this planet is responsible and the maximum you can do is refer someone to him, you have no authority on creation of an expedition team, yet you tried to con me but also tried to make me work for an Empire I have no allegiance to."


    Samuel gave a sigh as he spoke, "Anything else you found out."


    Ryuu snorted as he spoke, "Of course I did the last expedition 10 years ago conducted by Kitopia was a horrendous loss you were betrayed by your allies", as he glanced at the Emperor he spoke, "On top of that your own finance minister betrayed you amassed a huge fortune and made himself untouchable using the laws of the land and whose son I made brain dead yesterday. Did I miss something?"


    At that everyone sighed specially Samuel since the jig was up, suddenly Vicenzo spoke up, "Daoist Ryuu you should know that the man is extremely shrewd and crooked you killed his only son he will take revenge on you, but if you ally with us we will be able to protect you."


    Ryuu snorted at that as he spoke, "Really General Vincenzo then when he insulted the Riyal family yesterday why did you not make a move against him, hmm."


    Seeing Vincenzo speechless Ryuu pressed on, "If you think about Dominik''s retaliation he already hired an group to assassinate me yesterday night a small group tried and they died and today another had the audacity to poison my breakfast unfortunately for him 2nd Princess was with me having breakfast and he had the honor to die by her hand and as for Dominik he is penniless beggar since the first assassination attempt and I think you might be interested in this file."


    Ryuu pulled out a file from his space ring and watched with hidden glee as the people present were eyeing it like a piece of meat.


    Ryuu chuckled as he spoke, "I see you recognize it and now Mr. Samuel care to tell me why you broke some serious laws on Shangri-la.", Ryuu decided to have some modicum of joy as he put the file inside his space ring again getting a murderous scowl to appear on the Royal family''s face.


    Samuel sighed as he spoke, "I owe my life to the Emperor I know what I have done is betrayal to the oath I took when I first joined Shangri-la and I will take any punishment that is meted out to me."


    Ryuu sighed as he looked up while running his hands through his hair, "I see then..."

 164 Wonderful Tea Part-2

    Lady Brice bristled with anger as she spoke, "Listen child we have tolerated your disrespect enough who are you to judge someone specially Samuel who had tirelessly worked for Shangri-la an outsider like you has no business sticking your nose where it does not belong to."


    Ryuu gave a small laugh as he spoke, "Hahahahah wow you really know how to crack a joke?", only for her to glare hard at Ryuu.


    Ryuu gave a surprised look as he spoke, "Oh my you were serious, just wow then please my lady please on who gave you the right to stick your Royal nostrils into a quarrel between with Samuel and I? Not only has he already confessed his crimes but is also ready to accept any punishment he might receive so why are you trying to cover the rotten fish with leaves."


    This time Michelle was the one who spoke, "Young man do you even know who you are trying insulting."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Your Highness yesterday a cretin insulted you all yet you swallowed all those words without protest do you know why?"


    Only to be replied with silence as with a smirk he continued speaking, "It is simple he or in fact his progenitor held your Empire''s existence on a lease and when it comes to me you people are deluded with the thought that no matter what I try or what I do I will be at your mercy and I will not be able to do any harm to you all."


    Emperor Broderick: "Now see here...."


    Ryuu spoke in a chastising voice, "Ah ha do not try to deny it Emperor, you tried to take advantage of me I understand your plight and I am very sorry for the condition of your Empire while you have to fend for enemies both inside and outside your Empire, but the truth at the end of the day is that you have lied to me, then tried to manipulate me and more importantly you not only deny the truth but also fail to acknowledge your mistake."


    Ryuu then spoke with a sigh,"Well then I have nothing more to say to all of you I will be taking my leave.", with that he stood.


    Lady Brice suddenly spoke up, "Now wait a minute you��."


    Ryuu turned as he glared at her, "Shut up! If you all had approached me without lying I would have helped but unfortunately not only you did not but you also tried to manipulate me and I do not like lairs as well as filthy manipulators such as you lot, here take this."


    Ryuu dropped a couple of files as he spoke angrily, "If I wanted I could make use of this files and twisted them used with the help of your own laws against you and have the entire economy of your own Empire in shambles a civil war would have torn the Empire into pieces for the vultures circling you all would have easily finished what would have remained of your precious homeland but instead I chose to be the better person as such I am returning to you without ant strings attached, and sinceI already helped you against your internal enemies do not expect any further help from me."


    Human mind truly worked in an amazing way, all this time General Vincenzo who had kept mostly quite through the entire ordeal burst out in anger, he had to suffer insult from Dominik and his spawn he had to keep a leash on his temper while they even insulted his Majesty to whom he had sworn his loyalty but when Ryuu today insulted the Emperor no matter how justified he might seemed to be General Vincenzo could not longer reign his temper anymore as such he burst out with unsuppressed fury as he shouted no ordered with the top of his voice, "All ROYAL GUARDS SEIZE THIS SCOUNDREL.", no sooner did he uttered the command a group of 50 Royal Guards charged in as they surrounded Ryuu, who idly took notice as the Guards flared their aura that five of them were low level Immortal where as the others were of various level with the lowest being of Primal Daoist realm.


    Ryuu sneered as he spoke, "Your Highness do you wish to wage a war against me?"


    Ryuu knew that he was stronger than most but there were those who were stronger than him and even if he could overpower them with trickery he was deep inside enemy territory who knows what trick they had hidden here, although his sister was nearby and would rescue him in a heartbeat but he did not wish it he wanted to get himself out of this situation through his own means as since his birth he was the one being rescued every time anything dangerous happened to him.


    Emperor Broderick sighed on one hand when they heard of Ryuu he got greedy and tried to use him for their goals and now their plot had been discovered even then Ryuu had been the better person anyone would have tried to take advantage of the situation with the important documents he had he could have easily done many horrible things yet he chose not to as such with a sigh he spoke, "Everyone stand down we have done great disservice to young Daoist Ryuu please escort him back to his hotel, and Ryuu I am sorry for any and all inconvenience caused due to us."


    Ryuu nodded as he went towards the exit as he neared the door he spoke suddenly without turning back, "If I meet the expedition team from your Empire I will make sure to keep them safe as much as possible.", with that he was gone leaving a bug eyed royal family.


    As he neared the hotel he was greeted by a large group of people who seemed to be arguing with the staff, "Ah excuse me miss would you mind steppi��"


    Only to be shooed of rudely, "tsk would you get lost if are here to profess your love to Lord Ryuu get in line."


    Ryuu sweat dropped at that before his eyes widened at what he saw, ''That uniform oh no those idiots have traced me inside.''


    A loud shout attracted his attention, "How dare you don''t you know who am I? Step aside and give me Lord Ryuu''s room number."


    Ryuu looked towards the voice and grimaced at what he saw, ''Oh no the biggest idiotic mad woman is here?''


    A loud voice full of authority thundered causing all the ruckus to die down, "Move aside child people have work to do."


    The turned to see a very beautiful woman standing with a cold look on her face as everyone moved aside giving her way the woman went and stood in front of a masked figure withwhom she spoke with a smile, "Let us leave brother, I have already finished the formalities it is time I leave."


    The duo only walked a few steps only for a loud shout to interrupt them, "My beloved future-husband, Lord Ryuu, please wait."


    Shamiran raised one of her eyebrow as she took a glance at the group standing in front of them, everyone shivered as her eyes seemed to pierce through their soul as if she was judging them.


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "You are Jaylene right, Emperor of Kitopia''s daughter?"


    Jaylene blushed at that as she spoke, "You have started learning about me so much already it seemed we were destined to be together forever."


    Ryuu was annoyed at her no scratch that he was pissed at her the only reason he knew her because she was trying to jump on him a few times and he had to deal with her family, but now it was simply disgusting and annoying looking at the group creating such a scene he went to give a piece of his mind to her and the worthless group she was leadingonly to stop as he watched from the corner of her eye his elder sister had a frown on her face, ''Oh no now I kind of pity them'', as such with great bravery Ryuu took a step back as she let her sister face the group of crazy male and female vying for his hand.

 165 A Heavenly Decree

    Jaelynn the only daughter of the Emperor of Kitopia Empire since she was a child had been spoiled rotten by her parents, she had received everything she wanted since her birth and sometimes she received a tad bit more attention than her brothers may be because of her being the only daughter as such her parents had developed a bit of soft spot regarding her.


    She was and her older twin brother Jordan had been hailed as prodigy as they managed to reach Wanxiang Adept level by the their 30th years of age and because her own aunt was the Headmistress she became the Head of the Disciplinary Department of the Royal Kitopia Academy, since she was young she had always idolized her aunt, she wanted to be like her a cool stern woman and had aspired to one day take charge of the academy as its headmistress, as such she focused hard on training honing her skills as she did not want receive such a coveted post with paltry skills, in fact her appointment as the Head of the Disciplinary department had caused a lot of gossiping and unsavory rumors to spawn behind her back yet she did not give up she strived harder.


    Jaelynn knew she was beautiful a real head turner she had received countless propositions for marriage from males and sometimes even female, but she did not pay any heed to them, she knew because of her beauty she could simply make them dance like puppets, and dance they did, all was well until she met her match in the form of Ryuu.


    She still remember how breathtakingly handsome Ryuu was when she first met him and it was love at first sight and then and there she decided she would make his hers as it supposed to be such handsomeness, such strength he was as if made for her but unfortunately Ryuu turned out to be ''shy'', and she found it so cute.


    The disciples who considered as her fellow competitors as if she would leave them in the dust at first she thought of killing them but how wonderful it would be to keep them alive and make them watch as she makes Ryuu hers, oh that will be a good lesson to those worthless maggots, sometimes it was so tiring being a good teacher.


    Today she went to the Hotel where Ryuu was staying and had purposefully let it slip on front of others Ryuu''s address she knew Ryuu will be working for her father and it will be good time as well as to get closer to him and also make others realize that the war was over before it began, her plan was simple Ryuu was a teenager and not only that he going through puberty it will be easy to seduce him make him fall for her and then they would be married and have as many children as she wanted.


    Today as she was arguing with the receptionist a woman came and for the first time in her life she felt conscious of herself she found herself lacking and a deep fear awoke within her, ''Oh no what if my beloved darling Ryuu sees her and falls for her? I will have to divert my husband''s attention from that woman.'', only for her eyes to open in horror as she saw that woman made her way to Ryuu, her mind was too occupied to even hear what she spoke to Ryuu as various methods of torture and what not followed by a string of curses went through her mind she dashed after them as an anger rose in her heart that cheating no good fellow after I catch him I will cripple him and keep him tied inside my room ''yes yes that way he would be mine forever'', was the thought that ran through her demented mind.


    As such she made her way and called out to Ryuu, "My beloved future-husband, Lord Ryuu, please wait."


    He was mystified as Ryuu cast a glance towards him and spoke in a charming voice, "You are Jaylene right, Emperor of Kitopia''s daughter?"


    ''Oh my to think he thought s much about me ah he definitely is a shy person as such she replied back to him, "You have started learning about me so much already it seemed we were destined to be together forever."


    She watched as Ryuu stepped back and was standing behind the woman, ''that no good strumpet is trying to steal my beloved, I will rescue her.''


    As such she roared out in anger, "You no good strumpet step away from my beloved."


    Her roar was followed by similar proclamation of all of her remaining competitors amongst others as an idea formed on her mind, ''Let this wenches kill each other then I will have Ryuu to myself.''


    A large crowd had formed to watch the drama unfold the only thing missing was a couple of snack sellers.


    Samuel was disgruntled a little bit after what had occurred he had as such left just after Ryuu left he decided may be if he talked with Ryuu and somehow managed to convince him then maybe just maybe if he is lucky his punishment will be a little bit lighter. As he neared the hotel he was greeted by a small mob gathered by none other than the Emperor''s daughter an audience had formed in order to watch the drama unfold, he curiously watched the mob glaring at a woman standing by Ryuu, who seemed oddly familiar to him. Suddenly the woman cast a glance towards him his blood ran cold, his trousers seemed damp and hot he turned around and ran like a mad man, he left his carriage his shoe had slipped from his feet, as he shoved others out of his path as he ran with his life.


    Shamiran raised a delicate eyebrow at the sight of the scared person, "Ryuu who was that insect that ran like a scared kitten at my sight."


    Ryuu: "That was the Samuel person I talked about.", before he gave an angry glare towards the rabid mob in front of him he was about to teach them a lesson for insulting his sister only to be stopped by her.


    By then a few of the Knights and City Guardsmen had arrived in the scene but before they could react the mob tried to attack the key word being tried no sooner did they took a single step a voice rang out, no a Heavenly decree seemed to come from the heaven''s themselves which shook everyone''s soul, "PROSTRATE YOURSELF", every man woman child, even animals no matter their rank status and strength all fell on their knees as if someone held them by their neck and shoved their head on the ground.


    Ryuu winced at the sight especially when children or even animals were forcefully made to prostrate in front of them, all living beings except Shamiran and Ryuu within a few blocks were on their knees, Ryuu whistled lowly at the sight in front of him, even though he had viewed the effect of the technique a second time but it still managed to awe him, his elder sisters were really something else.


    Some of the people specially the children started to cry, the animals began shrieking desperately out of fear, only for another decree to appear, "BE SILENT", and to the people it seemed someone had taken their power of speech, no it seemed as if even the power to make noise was gone from them, some of them fainted out of fright some soiled their pants out of fear and all the audience and those from the mob understood one thing, ''we are so dead''.


    Shamiran spoke with an angry tone, "You lots who were so fervently chasing my baby brother raise your head."


    The people of the mob were forcefully made to raise their heads up, they felled as if someone once agin caught their chin and forced them to look up at the stoic visage of Shamiran as if looking through their soul itself judging and from the disgusted look that appeared on her face she found them lacking.


    "You lowly insects, how dare you think that a vile filthy cur such as yourself will have the honor to stand by my brother''s side as his lover and in the future as his wife, how sickeningly blasphemous thoughts how rabid plebeians had the audacity to conjure up within your deranged mind."


    As she spoke a very ferocious pressure and killing intent fell on the offending people who felt it was difficult for them to breath.


    "You lots do not have the qualification to even lick my brother''s stool what gave you the idea to even consider yourself to be his equal, huh the strongest of you is 34 years old and only at the 3rd rank Wanxiang adept. Brother at what age did you stepped into the 3rd rank of Wanxiang Adept realm?"


    Ryuu: "I was 8 at that time."


    Shamiran: "Only 8 and he was already at the same level as the strongest amongst you lot, brother please enlightened them regarding your current age and level of cultivation."


    Ryuu: "I am 15 years and 3 months and my current cultivation level is 9th rank of Void Immortal Level."


    His voice clearly resounding at the ears of everyone present as some of them shook in amazement and fear, the Emperor''s children were called Heaven Defying Genius when the stepped into the Wanxiang Adept realm by their 30th birthday, if so what is this child in front of them, some of them wanted to take a glimpse at them but unfortunately for them their heads on still on top of the ground.


    Shamiran spoke but her voice had lost a bit of the edge and had a bit of pride in them, "My brother is someone high up in the heaven''s while you peasants lying on the ground how dare you try to raise your hands to touch him, you disgrace of cultivators instead of cultivating you did rather spend your time pursuing and satisfying your carnal desire, if you so want then go and copulate with that dog by garbade dump, a worthy being for someone like.", as she finished her speech the angry edge had already returned to her voice.


    Jaelynn was never so humiliated in her life she just wanted to just commit suicide to save herself from any further humiliation, but what really broke her heart when she casually glanced towards Ryuu she watched with wide eye as he did not pay any heed to any of them he was busy glancing elsewhere as her plight did not seem even draw the slightest ounce of emotion from him.


    "Look at me you little girl, I am speaking to you so stop glancing at my brother and look towards me did you parents forgot to teach any form manners to you, or the little strumpet in order to get into my brother''s pants even forgot even about how to behave like a civilized human being."


    Shamiran huffed angrily before a cruel smirk appeared in her face, "Now how should I punish you lots for your insolence?"

 166 Back on Road

    Shamiran''s hands had a menacing glow as she mused loudly, "May be I should simply destroy your cultivation and then disfigure you to the point that you lot might get immortalized in horror stories as the ugliest of harpies."


    Jaelynn and her group were shaking in fear, but they could not move could not speak but wait for their inevitable doom.


    "Big sister it is getting late?Let us leave I tire of this place.", came a bored voice accompanied with an enormous yawn from Ryuu.


    Shamiran glared at the people lying in front of her specially the mob of strumpets as she turned on her heels and left with Ryuu in tow with her.


    It was a long time after she was completely gone did anyone dared to stand up from their prostrating position and it was even longer for those who were chasing Ryuu.


    By then Ryuu and her sister had made their way to the dock area where Ryuu had finished all the necessary procedures with the Dockyard Master and was ready to leave.


    As they made their way to Ryuu''s flying ship Shamiran suddenly spoke, "Brother why did you prevent me crippling those mongrels do not tell me you fell for some among them.", she finished her sentence with a scandalized look on her face.


    Ryuu almost feel on his knees at what he heard he whipped his head so fast that Shamiran feared he might break his neck, by then an unmasked green faced Ryuu spoke his voice dripping with disgust, "What have you been smoking sister, I just eww eww I want to through up."


    Shamiran chuckled as she spoke, "Sorry sorry I did not meant to offend you or anything but it still deludes me why did you let me spare them more importantly why did you spare the Emperor you could have used those files for revenge."


    Ryuu shrugged as he stood in front of his flying vessel waiting for the door to open as he replied, "What would I accomplish at the end of the day just harming a couple of people who could not even protect themselves what purpose would it serve in the long run nothing I would gain nothing from it and lose nothing, no matter how much the wolf cry for the moon the moon it would never be able t reach it neither the moon would climb from the heavens for it.", he took a deep breath before he continued again, "As for the Emperor it is the same if I were citizen of his me Empire it would have been different story I have no time to waste in order to gain influence in a place I have neither use nor need, as for blackmailing him to get any precious item I doubt he could have anything worthwhile for me to resort to such and as for using those to tear his Empire apart, well that thought crossed my mind but at the end of the it will be the innocents who would suffer the most my decision would have torn families apart something which I could never condone."


    Shamiran raised her hand as she simply pated Ryuu''s head while she spoke, "You are a nice kid Ryuu too nice for this world."


    Ryuu raised his eyebrow but did not speak anything as he boarded his ship ready to move towards his next destination.


    As his ship became airborne Shamiran suddenly appeared by his side as she spoke, "Brother here I have already marked your destination on the map if you do not have any form of distractions you should reach your destination within 1 week from that you will have exactly a 4 days since the hidden space opens and I hope you will be in time, and if you have nothing to say I will be taking my leave then."


    Ryuu suddenly remembered something which he could not help out by ask his sister, "Actually big sister what about Samuel what kind of punishment he would receive?"


    Shamiran suddenly gave a smirk as she spoke, "Well he would be given a choice."


    Ryuu looked confused at that as he spoke, "What do you mean by choice?"


    Shamiran: "Well according to the rules of the organization he would be asked to choose between having him and his immediate family crippled and his memory of everything regarding Shangri-la wiped clean, or a simple demotion and transfer."


    Ryuu frowned at that as he spoke, "I do not understand it seemed that the condition is unbalanced one of them seemed to be harsh and the other seemed to be just a simple slap on his wrist."


    Shamiran gave a grin which had send shivers down his spine as she spoke, "Of course they aren''t if he is wise he would chose the former after all."


    Ryuu was totally confused as he voiced out his concern, "Sorry sister you have lost me there I do not understand."


    Shamiran''s grin did not increase in the slightest as she spoke, "Brother remember ''all that glitters is not gold'' the place where he will be shipped to is a very dangerous one people prefer to commit suicide rather than be transported to that place, if there is a hell on any place it is surely there. But unfortunately for him he has no prior knowledge about that place as such like all other unfortunate soul who was in the same condition he will choose it and I give a month''s top before he will try to commit suicide in order to escape from that place."


    Ryuu gulped hard, as Shamiran asked him, "Brother why did you not ask me to spare him I could have done so if you had asked me."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Is the punishment same for all workers who do the same for kind of blunder as Samuel?"


    Shamiran nodded as she spoke, "Of course brother it is same for all, although if position of that person is higher it will be even harsher."


    Ryuu shrugged as he replied, "If I asked you to spare him it will a great injustice to all whom had erred before him, and I believe rule for one is rule for all as such I believe it is just and moreover I have no say in how you punish your subordinate."


    Shamiran nodded in agreement at his reply, "Well it is time for me to leave I will see you after you arrive, till then stay safe and have fun."


    She then teleported away from inside his ship as she watched from afar Ryuu disappear into the horizon, she spoke "Keep him safe and three of hunt down and slaughter every person who are related with that organization who had the audacity to accept the assassination contract on my brother, no shall leave whether they be retired or active oh and for the person who were directly involved make sure to make death seem as an unreachable dream to them, now leave. ", five figures who were in kneeling position spoke in unison with their disgruntled voice, "Your Wish is Our Command Your Majesty!"


    With that they disappeared in a smoke, Shamiran stared towards the horizon towards Ryuu''s direction before she glared towards the city behind her specially at the Royal palace, she snapped her finger as a large bolt struck the tallest tower of the palace as countless array''s lit up in vain, the lightning completely destroyed the tower as she spoke harshly, "You should count yourself and your ancestors good karma you puny Emperor that Ryuu spared you and I decided to honor his wish otherwise this entire city would be a gigantic smoking crater.", with that she simply vanished from the scene so fast as if she wasn''t there in the first place.

 167 A Lazy Day

    A half submerged structure could be seen floating lazily under the sway of the river currents at the end of the structure a figure could be seen lounging on a beach chair with a fishing rod held firmly by a rod holder, upon closer look the person was a male only wearing swimming trunks as a hat covered his face, he had a swimmer''s build but lacked any form of fat on his body which seemed to be sculpted from the most expensive piece of marble itself with having 6 pack abs, the person had a tattoo of draconic looking figure on his back.


    "My my Ryuu we did not raise you to be a lazy bum.", came a melodious sound in his ears startled the half asleep person to jump up with a shriek as he jumped a few feet up from his seat and falling head first into the river.


    The weather being pleasantly had convinced Ryuu to try his hands on fishing taking the fishing rod which his master had packed for him to use along with he had taken out a beach chair a rod holder and had set them up before he lounged on the chair, and before long Ryuu found himself drowsy only for a voice to suddenly pop by his head scaring him and as such he currently found himself taking a head first dive inside the river.


    He looked up with a glare only to have his eyes widened to see his 2nd mistress standing on top of his ship with a small smile on her face, it was only yesterday did he part with Shamiran and now Nuwa herself was visiting him.


    Ryuu quickly soar in the air and landed in front of his teacher as he greeted her, "Greetings Second Mistress."


    Nuwa smiled back at him as she spoke, "Although I should reprimand you for your lack of vigilance but I understand such a pleasant weather can anyone lazy so did you manage to catch anything?"


    Ryuu replied sheepishly, "No teacher I did not I have been here for more than a few hours yet I did not manage to catch any."


    Nuwa sighed as she ordered Ryuu, "Please reel in the fishing line Ryuu."


    Ryuu obediently reeled the line in as the hook was raised from the water he watched with wide eyes as fish or to be exact only the fish head was there and remaining part seemed to have been eaten already it was extremely embarrassing sight for Ryuu.


    Nuwa just shook her head in exasperation as she spoke, "Well get dressed Ryuu I will make something from you."


    With that Nuwa just casually made a gesture wither right hand as a 5 feet long Diamond scale sturgeon was literally tore from the rivers bosom and was currently floating in front of Nuwa who rotated the already suspended fish as she inspected it closely, while Ryuu grimaced as he was given the first row seat of a pleading and begging fish, sometimes his Divine Body was a curse him understanding the language of various animals was something he did not like specially in such a situation as he quickly asked for leave and made himself scarce.


    Nuwa cleaned the fish as she made preparation to prepare a fish curry with a side of rice for Ryuu, she loved cooking and it brought great happiness to her when she watched her whole family enjoy her cooking she clearly remembered the first time she cooked from Ryuu he had to spend some time at the infirmary due to over eating.


    As she began cooking she saw from the corner of her eyes Ryuu was standing nearby with a goofy grin and was that drool, she shook her head at that, she remembered when his son was young he used to do the same standing near kitchen with a goofy grin and drooling from his mouth waiting for moment to pounce on the food she had prepared. It is too painful she hurriedly prepared the dish currently she wanted to be anywhere but here but she had already said she would cook something for him as such she with great will power withstood the sadness guilt and pain wailing in her heart.


    Sometimes it felt someone was mocking her using Ryuu, he was so similar but at the same time he was different as such as soon as she finished cooking she turned towards Ryuu as she spoke hurriedly, "Ryuu we have some work to do as such we will take our leave but before that take this necklace always wear it on your neck specially if you are with someone it will prevent all those hassle you had to suffer recently as no doubt you are handsome and owing to Your Divine Body it will cause anyone with weaker will to fall madly in love with you as such it would suppress the effect of your Divine Body and even if you are handsome to others I do not think you would have to be wary about someone chasing you around fanatically like those worthless harpies, as such wear this it was our fault we are so used to you that we did not think about the effect your Divine Body could do to others, well then we will see later by Ryuu.", with that she teleported away leaving behind a stupefied Ryuu who wore the necklace robotically still stunned on what transpired he was planning on asking his teacher to have lunch with him but she suddenly left before giving any time to reply.


    Ryuu with huff climbed on top of the ship this time he placed the beach chair again on top but at the front of the ship while changing into swimming trunks again as he placed a table near the chair on which he placed a plate on the recently cooked hot and steaming food but unlike before he found and umbrella thus under the shed of an umbrella he ate his lunch as he let out a sigh of pure pleasure, "Ah this is life."


    Yup it was so peaceful that he felt content as the lazy afternoon sun crawled its way towards its home, a loud yawn erupted from Ryuu as he thought, ''hmmm I am full and now I should go back and rest inside my cozy bed.'', as he packed his stuff drowsily his peace was shattered by a feminine scream as he sighed, "Way to ruin a perfect day oh well let us go and see who is so heartless enough to destroy such a nice afternoon."

 168 The Hero and the Villain

    Ryuu flew towards the area where he saw a woman was trying to get away while a man was holding her hand tightly no matter how much the woman cried or begged the man simply laughed at her as he tried to drag the woman with him somewhere, Ryuu had seen enough from the looks of things he deduced that the two person were mortals or in other words non cultivators as even after all this he had yet to sense even a an iota of Ki leaking from them as such he descended as he send a drop kick on the villainous malehe heard a loud crack and was certain the person he kicked hard if not taken to a very nice medical practitioner would be eating from a straw for the long time if not the rest of his life.


    He turned towards the stunned woman as he spoke, "Are you alright my lady?"


    Only for a loud voice interrupting them, "Who the hell are you brat? How dare you interrupt our rehearsal?"


    He turned around to see a few dozen a people standing there as few of them rushed to check the downed person and did he kick him into another from the look and way the person was currently sprawled on top of another.


    The person in question was a portly man who was raging, cursing and glaring to the point if possible he would have vaporized Ryuu long ago with their help.


    As the remaining people became busy between trying to calm the portly person and the two unconscious males he turned to the nearest person the female whom he ''rescued'' earlier as he asked, "Sister if you would please enlighten me on what you are doing here from the commotion I can assume this person was not doing anything nefarious to you?"


    The actress in question was currently a bit stunned at the situation unfolding before her before she cleared her throat as she spoke, "Well we all work for ''Cloudfire Studio'', we were all rehearsing scene for a drama to ��."


    She looked at Ryuu and blushed and suddenly she was inside his personal space, "Hello there handsome what is your name?"


    Ryuu while was about to hurl, ''What is this noxious smell is this coming from this woman ugh it is ewww''.


    As a person steps into cultivation world their senses get much more enhanced than any average non cultivator which further increases as the rise in cultivation level, as such Ryuu who was never accustomed with any form perfume was being overwhelmed greatly by the smell.


    To the actress it seemed that Ryuu simply vanished as he went and stood in front of the huffing nad puffing Director who had been calmed down by his people only to be once again enraged seeing Ryuu so close to him he once again sprung from his seat again as he shook his portly finger with acquisition, "YOU YOU��"


    Whatever he was going to say was stopped by Ryuu who gave a charming smile towards the Director as he spoke, "I am sorry honored Sir, I hope I could be any help to you in any possible way."


    The Director began lowly, "Help you want to help me, COULD YOU GET ME ANY ACTOR BEFORE TOMMOROW BECAUSE OF YOU...��"


    A young woman suddenly came to his aid as she spoke, "Please Director Sir, calm down you will aggravate your blood pressure."


    Although the woman was trying to help out the director she was discreetly glancing at Ryuu and was blushing, Ryuu felt annoyance and irritation will the events of Kitopia occur again as he checked for the necklace and sighed in relief it was still on his neck before he realized his mistake, he came here without wearing nay shirt on he just wanted to crawl in a hole and die.


    Ryuu cleared his throat as he spoke, "Actually I believe you are one who is at fault the most in this situation."


    At that pin drop silent descended the Director jumped from his seat as he tried to strangle Ryuu only to fall on the ground as he roar in anger with curses so colorful enough to make sailors blush.


    Ryuu spoke sincerely, "Why are getting so angry? It is the truth why did you make your actors act so well that I thought it was real."


    At that the Director stopped as he trembled but not in anger but happiness, "Are are you sure my young friend?", his voice hopeful as he grasped Ryuu''s hands as he spoke.


    Ryuu wanted to be anywhere but near this person, it seemed everyone here is trying to get into his personal space.


    The Director just laughed a loud as he spoke, "of course I knew it rehearsing the river bank scene near a real river bank will work magic I knew.", Ryuu sweat dropped at that it seemed the Director had forgotten that the two of his actors were out of commission for foreseeable future due to Ryuu''s glorious rescue.


    As the Director was busy day dreaming he went towards the Assistant as he spoke in an embarrassed tone, "Sister I hope you do not mind if I heal those people?"


    The Assistant spoke with a blush as she averted her gaze, "N-no I do not mind Sir."


    The actress came stomping her way as she spoke in a sweet voice to Ryuu not before sending a glare to the assistant which spelled ''beat it'', "You are a medical practitioner, wow I never knew someone so young could be an amazing practitioner."


    Ryuu just gave an awkward chuckle as he made his way to the fallen actors he checked them and grimaced, ''I have medicines to heal all the wounds but they are not cultivators if I feed them any medicine it will cause more problem than help, but what to do wait I have it.''


    He quickly produced a vial of a substance he created well a failed product according to him and more importantly his teacher a 50% purity bone melding pill he tried to develop on his own by changing the original concoction and failed, he kept it with himself for study purpose so that he learnt from his mistakes, he mixed a couple of pills and forced the concoction down the two actors throat one with shattered jaw another with shattered nose and a pinch of smelling salt later the two actors were wide awake.


    Everyone watched with their eyes opened wide at the near miraculous healing they saw the two actors were as good as new, while Ryuu sighed in relief those trashy pills for working, if it were any cultivator he would have hesitated but the mortal or non-cultivators had impure bodies as they do not go cleansing as the cultivators and he knew if used on cultivators it would have set problems in their cultivation long way down the road and in some case over usage of low quality pills could cause some serious problems specially if the pill is very powerful but non-cultivators had no such problem except they might have some upset stomach but nothing major.


    Ryuu spoke with a sigh, "Well I have already healed them, I wish you all success in your venture till then goodbye.", with that he took to the sky in a blink of an eye.


    The actress cursed at the missed opportunity, ''tch I missed the chance to charm a cultivator if only I could ensnare him with my charms I would practically swimming in gold.''


    While others had various reactions accept the Director who shouted, "Yosh I have another idea finally I would have a big break and my plays will finally succeed."


    After all it was tough being a Director/ Playwright especially when no one wants to watch your play.


    Meanwhile Ryuu went back inside his Ship as he thought, ''Well since I have already returned to my ship I should make my way to the nearest city.''

 169 Pirate Treasure

    Ryuu had never felt so much gratefulness towards Maheswara before, normally out of all his teachers he was his only male role model but sometimes he hated him as he had send him to infirmary more than anyone had sometimes because of him he spend days getting healed, he knew it was for his own good but still would it hurt him to hold back while training him, even after all that currently he was really grateful to him after all the ultimate secret book for man ''Thousands way to Escape'', authored by none other than Maheswara had helped him escape from such a shameful situation he raised his hands against a mortal who was just practicing acting it was so shameful and he conveniently left that out of the Ship''s log recording. Unknown to him his action was recorded and relayed to his master by the ever faithful shadows sent to keep an eye protect him on his sister''s orders.


    Meanwhile Maheswara did not know but felt immense sense of happiness, while his wives sent an irritating glance towards him as the gossiped amongst themselves.


    Veena: "My guts tells me that the senile old fool did something disastrous again regarding Ryuu, the last time he had the gleam was when he gave sexual education to Ryuu, although Celestia caught him but the damage was done by then."


    At that their eye twitched the bird and bees talk to Ryuu by Maheswara was so much educational that whenever Ryuu got in front of any female including them he would simple suffer from nausea, it took a bit of therapy and lots of using Maheswara as pi?ata by them did Ryuu heal from his mental scaring.


    The river on which Ryuu''s ship was floating previously was named Glassy River which emptied its content at Habakar Bay, near the river mouth was the Habakar City which was also the capital city of the Habakar Dynasty.


    Ryuu had two choices now either to enter the city or stay outside and it was not difficult choice for Ryuu he had fallen in love with Ocean when he first saw it all those years back and now he was going to fulfill his secret desire he guided the ship splashing loudly on the ocean water before he dived deep within the ocean waters and soon he was at least 100 meters below sea level and was already on sea floor, owing to him that the particular part of the sea lacked depth he quickly raced through his ship towards his bedroom and with a push of a button he was greeted with a sight of underwater scenery ofHabakar Bay, he was breathless and speechless it was so amazing all those and incredible sights.


    Meanwhile the beach overlooking the bay was filled with chaos,


    A man in a strange bluish uniform asked a person in his swimming trunk, "Are you positive you saw correctly?"


    The man nodded as he spoke in an annoyed tone, "Of course I did I am 3rd rank Houtian level cultivator I clearly saw a ship crashing on the ocean and sinking, you can ask anyone there were dozens of witnesses here."


    The man in uniform nodded as he sends an emergency call to his colleagues, "This is Coastal Guard No. 098, Urameshi, and I have come across multiple eye witness accounts testifying a crash of a flying shipon Habakar Bay, I repeat..."


    Unaware of the chaos spawned by a wide eyed smiling Ryuu who was jumping from one place to another as he treated with the exotic fishes inside the sea, before a sudden idea occurred to his mind, ''Wait a minute did my teacher not tell me that I may get out from the rear door of ship.''


    A very excited Ryuu ran toward the rear of his ship, he was still wearing his swim suit as he dashed towards the rear door, he closed the door separating the rear chamber from rest of the ship and with a push of a button soon the chamber started to fill with water as he held his breath and within a minute it was safe to open the door.


    It was an awesome experience for Ryuu swimming with fishes and was that dolphin, but what startled Ryuu that he was unable to hear or understand any form of communication between the fishes except dolphins, ''why could I no��oh oh I understand this fishes are not emitting any sound unlike this dolphins, as such my Divine Body cannot understand their speech.''


    Ryuu was swimming for hours with various shoals of fishes, chasing sharks around and with him being a very high level cultivator he could practically survive for hours on end without the need for breathing I air. All was well until he came across very important news from one of the dolphin groups.


    Ryuu: ''Are you sure?''


    One of the dolphins spoke back to him, ''Of course weird human we are absolutely sure.''


    Ryuu scowled at that as he spoke, ''Why are you calling me ''weird''?''


    Another spoke, ''Because you can speak and understand us.''


    Ryuu spoke in an annoyed tone, ''I know but stop calling me ''weird''.''


    One of them suddenly spoke out, ''You humans really have a huge ego but it is alright with us we will call you ''Super Weird'' human no let us go.''


    ''Yes yes Super Weird human let us go.''


    Ryuu gnashed his teeth in anger he did not know if he should go and bang his head on a rock or bang those nincompoops'' heads.


    As such his new ''friends'' led him towards the greatest romance of every teenage male a pirate treasure trove.


    As Ryuu reached there he came across traps in the form of nets which he easily bypassed and was greeted with a sight of a huge half broken pirate ship with plenty of skeletons and what not giving it a creepy vibe, but it was not what drew his attention but the glittering gold and rubies and what not and is that a crown wow it was so beautiful if only the lighting was a bit brighter but of course the dregs of society would love to hide in a dark gloomy place, Ryuu did not pay attention to detail too much ashe needed to loot those things quick fortunately those dirt filthy buccaneers were nowhere to be seen but where is the romance if they cannot sneak in to steal the loot from them.


    Ryuu did not wait he stored everything he could lay his eyes on all those fancy looking swords crowns jewels and the mountain loads of coins were stored inside his space ring it was a shame he did not have enough space in his space ring for the ship but the part where the name was carved would do.


    With the looting done Ryuu once again dived under the bosom of the sea as he met with his fellow looters.


    They went to a specific spot as Ryuu unloaded their share inside what seemed to be their nest as he spoke, ''I have finished my bargain as such I will be living.''


    The dolphins all spoke in unison, ''By super weird human thanks for shiny, bye bye weirdo.'', Ryuu made himself scarce from their sight very fast lest he loses his temper.


    He entered inside his trusty ship with his chest swollen with pride he had looted a pirate treasure trove even if it was of no use to him it will be worthy tale to tell others back in Ayindril after all the ship name and the flag will be proof enough.


    He took out a coin as he inspected the shiny ill gotten coins of the pirate as looked at the coin his eyes widened at what he saw causing him to shake as he spoke in disbelieving voice, "I cannot believe this is ..."

 170 Arrival at Habakar city

    "So do you have any suspicion on someone?", questioned a black colored uniformed person as another was busy writing his statement.


    The man in question was tall man with greenish hair who wore a suit, he shrugged as he spoke with a sigh, "I am a business man and a successful one at that as such I might have unknowingly stepped on a few toes still I do not understand what they wish to accomplish."


    The one writing offered some help to him, "May be they felt threatened by the success of this setup."


    The man dismissed it, "Nah I do not think it will be because of that as I have much better money maker and the only thing missing are the props of that particular attraction it does not cost too much for them but still it is baffling to me, but one thing is certain we have to close down the attraction for a couple of days at the very least."


    "It is certainly a giant puzzle even if the loss is not great but it was good thing you informed us who knows what the thieves were planning."


    Meanwhile Ryuu was sitting near his bed with bloodshot eyes as he glared at the coin lying in front of him as he thought with immense hatred, ''How how did I let myself be fooled by some dolphins do I have even lower IQ in comparison to some fishes, I should commit suicide after all I done and achieved I should really kill myself.''


    As kept glaring at the coin lying innocently in front of him as if mocking him as a certain words minted on it taunted him, ''Open Water Park''s Brown Beard''s Cave.''


    It was a few more hours after which Ryuu once again reentered his ship but his face had a large scowl which even deepened further as the dolphins had surrounded his ship singing praises of the ''Super Weirdo'', who gave them even more ''shiny''.


    He changed his attire from his swim suit into more casual clothing before he powered up his engines as he planned to enter the city away from all this madness before he loses his sanity.


    "Did you find the wreckage yet?", asked a blue uniformed person as his radio answered back with lot of crackling, ''Naw, we have been searching for hours yet we have to find anything, are you sure it was not a prank.''


    The man replied with a tired sigh, "I am certain it was not after all dozens of witnesses reported it and some separately, I doubt so many wit��"


    His words stopped coming as the radar in his boat caught something as he spoke excitedly, "I think I have something on my radar I will....wait a second it is moving and moving fast towards...��"


    Was the only thing that was received by the other side before a loud static was heard.


    Meanwhile Ryuu who was driving his ship did not attention accept the sudden warning of collision and with a small bang it stopped before he was air borne as he made his way towards the docking area of Habakar city leaving behind a broken destroyed and sinking Coastal ship in his wake as his ship rose as he made his way inside the city a silver of light was scene at the horizon indicating the arrival of dawn.


    A human figure plopped out of water as he spewed water from his mouth he looked around with glare trying to locate the object which had the audacity to wreck his boat, he was Coastal Guard the blue knight of the sea whose duty was to rescue others not the other way round he let around a string of curses as he could not locate the object of his current misfortune, fortunately for Ryuu as the person was not a cultivators as such he lacked a better vision than normal non cultivators causing him to miss Ryuu''s ship otherwise Ryuu had to make a run from the Empire or would have to pay a huge fine.


    Habakar Dynasty is one of the most technologically advanced cities of Rogneron many years ahead in comparison to Kitopia Empire,


    A man with a pleasant smile spoke to Ryuu, "Welcome Sir, are you by any chance visiting our glorious Habakara Dynasty?"


    Ryuu replied back with a smile, "Yes I am."


    The man then produces a thin pamphlet to Ryuu as he spoke, "Sir please read through this before proceeding through various procedures."


    Ryuu tore through the entire pamphlet containing all the rules and regulations within a few second he was glad as owing to higher cultivation the cerebral activity was very high enabling him to finish reading it faster.


    Ryuu returned the pamphlet back to the official who looked as if he could fall asleep any moment not did Ryuu mind after all it was almost dawn, the official on the other hand just gave him a stink eye as he thought, ''What a lazy bum he should have taken time read it thoroughly, oh well his loss when breaks some law and is hauled off to jail.''


    Ryuu: "Well since I am a cultivator I would need form 8c and 9b, are there anything you need?"


    The man looked dumbfounded as he spoke, "You read the entire pamphlet?"


    Ryuu: "Of course I did so that I do not foolishly break any law at all.", although in his mind was a different story, ''15 years for stealing yup I have already earned that if someone finds out.''


    The clerk quickly produced the form after Ryuu filled it the person produced a plastic card as he spoke to Ryuu, "Look at the camera please."


    He took a picture of Ryuu told him to put some Ki along with his left thumb impression before he gave him card with Ryuu''s picture on top of it as he spoke, "Sir please take care of the card it is your passport and is very essential inside the city if you lose it you will have to pay a fine of 10 low spirit stones for another one or else you will be considered as illegal immigrant and punished by law accordingly, also do you require a guidebook and a map?"


    Ryuu nodded in confirmation as the official spoke with a smile, "Then Sir your total is 6 low spirit stones if you wish to extend your stay you have to appear here again for extension."


    Ryuu forked out the fee as he left to acquire a hotel room, Habakar City is quite scene to look at river to the west and hills to the north with ocean at the south with great plain on the east.


    He followed the map and the guidebook as he narrowed down a possible place of residence a bit towards the hill further from the beach but it was alright for him, he had already spend a couple of hours finally selecting the inn in front of which he stood now.


    Check in at 9 o clock it was currently 8 so oh well he will have to wait a few more minutes.


    ''Little Cloud Hot spring & Resort'' was his choice as he entered the inn he was greeted by the receptionist who welcomed him, "Welcome Sir, welcome to our ''Little Cloud Hot spring & Resort'', how may I help you today Sir."


    Ryuu: "I need a room for 5 days."


    At that the person in reception nodded as he began to make all necessary procedure as he spoke, "Sir our check in is at 9 o clock and it is almost time so I will be putting the entry time a couple of minutes after 9 is that ok with you."


    Ryuu nodded at that he was all for saving money and soon Ryuu had the key to one of the luxurious room at the resort with a price tag of 50 Mid Level Spirit Stones for 5 days.


    As he was about to leave to receptionist suddenly remembered something as he spoke, "Sir I would like to remind you that a group of ''Golden Immortal Fairy School'' are currently our guest their cultivation school is female only and are not so tolerant to males as such please be careful and we humbly apologize for any inconvenience we caused."


    Ryuu just shrugged as he replied, "Thank you for the warning and when the hour for the breakfast is?"


    The receptionist: "Sir it is from 8 to 11 o''clock, if you want you can order it via room service a detailed menu card is present inside your hotel room."


    Ryuu: "Cool", as he made his way towards his room as he twiddled with his room''s keys.

 171 Breakfas

    Ryuu''s room was decorated by a king size bed a couple of chair made using bamboo and from the looks of it, it seemed to be rather cosy, the flooring even thewalls were made up special wood and the temperature of the room seemed rather comfortable, except the entrance door everything screamed traditional. A table was placed on what seemed to be the dining area with a few zabutons placed around it. A nice furnished modern bathroom but it was decorated in a way to give a traditional vibe, the room contained murals and paintings which gave a peaceful feeling and the smell of soothing incense coupled with the hidden lights which had cast a rather calming effect did wonders for the ambience of the room.


    At one side of the room was a shoji which further gave way to an indoor hot spring, the room was big almost as big as his room inside his own personal mansion.


    A couple of wardrobes were present inside the room for his personal usage, on top of his bed was neatly placed a light bluish yukata accompanied with a royal blue colour haori a pair of geta sandals were neatly placed in front of his bed.


    Ryuu decided to get refreshed before going to the dining hall for breakfast, he wore his yukata, haori and his geta sandal the necklace he wore poke its time to time from behind the yukata.


    As he reached the dining hall it was near 20 minutes till 10 o''clock in the morning, it was almost full of people the only place that was a couple of zaisu here and there as many were occupied mostly by girls as they gossiped amongst themselves most of them were wearing pink coloured yukatas with royal blue coloured haoris.


    It was a flower garden to be exact as various ''bees'' tried to fly around the garden touch the flower but were extremely afraid of the said flower after all this flower were dangerous a single tough would be lethal as such with heavy heart they kept themselves from those dangerous flowers.


    As Ryuu entered he was greeted by a waitress in yukata who spoke with a smile, "Greetings Sir how many seats do you require."


    Ryuu: "One."


    Ryuu was escorted to an empty zaisu on a table for 6 as the waitress spoke, "Excuse me ma''am I hope you do not mind sharing the table with another of our esteemed guest."


    The woman just raised her head and looked towards Ryuu judging him as she flared her 1st rank Immortal level cultivation level for brief period focused mostly on Ryuu before she looked back at the waitress as she spoke, "I do not have any problem with that."


    Meanwhile Ryuu''s brow twitched at that, ''what is wrong with her if she does not want she can say no I would order room service but no I have to bully the weak flex my muscles and what not.''


    Ryuu decided to be polite as he cupped his hands as he greeted her, "This junior has seen the senior."


    The black haired purple eyed woman with cream coloured skin just gave a small almost an unnoticeable nod at Ryuu before she concentrated on her food.


    A small snow coloured snake came up as it glared at Ryuu who returned the glare with equal force which was enhanced further by his usage of Divine body as such the snake suddenly flinched and lowered its head and breaking eye contact with Ryuu, as it shivered a little bit drawing a look of concern and astonishment from the woman who looked towards Ryuu and found him going through the menu with great concentrationas she frowned hard.


    Ryuu turned towards the waitress as he spoke, "Excuse me miss but can you point to me if any local speciality is present here?"


    The woman nodded as she spoke, "Of course Sir it will be my pleasure.", as she pointed out a few dishes on the menu.


    Ryuu, "Well I want this set then."


    Waitress: "Of course I will be back soon."


    As she left Ryuu felt awkward as he could feel multiple glares towards him especially from the women present he was warned about them but this was ridiculous, they were basically ruining the business for the hotel as many male guest had left out of fear.


    A sumptuous breakfast consisting of gohan, miso shiru, yakizana, tamagoyaki, kobachi and a pot of freshly brewed green tea, was laid in front of Ryuu who broke his chopsticks and dug into it.


    As Ryuu was having his breakfast the group of students from Golden Immortal Fairy left breaking relief to all other patrons.


    As Ryuu was having his breakfast the students were gathered by their chaperons as the black haired woman along with her snake which rested on her shoulder asked her spirit beast partner, "Miyuki what happened to you when you tried to intimidate that person?"


    The snake was silent as if contemplating something before she spoke, "Yura you might have noticed that when you flared your aura in order to scare him a little bit he not only shrugged it off but also seemed a bit bored, as such I tried to intimidate him as such I tried my ''Death Stare'' on him not only did he shrugged it off its effects, but he returned the stare of his own, I do not know what happened but suddenly felt as if I am inferior to him on every sense as if not only I am unworthy to be in his presence and it even was forcing me to lower my head and s-su-sum-submit to him."


    At that everyone was alarmed including the other chaperons as such one of them stepped forward, "We do not know what his intentions are so we have to stay vigilant, I do not want make to him an enemy if he is a neutral person but if he is I hope that we will have to keep an eye open in case he tries to attack and also if he has any co-conspirators."


    Ryuu suddenly sneezed hard causing him to spill his tea, he watched with wide eyes as the tea fall down he shook a little before becoming deadly calm Ryuu''s face darkened as he mumbled, "Who is this dead man walking talking behind my back and disturbed my tea time, it seems i have to break the dead man''s illusion of being alive with my sword."


    The students as well as their chaperons did not know why but suddenly felt as if they should start writing their will.


    An irritated Ryuu went back to his room as he opened the guide book in order to decide his next course of action, ''hmmm maybe I should go to the beach I want to try this surfing stuff.''


    As Ryuu got ready he did not know why but felt as if his bad luck has yet to end, ''Why do i get the feeling someone very troublesome is going to barge into my life.''


    Yura: "Ok girls we are all going to the beach stay on your best behaviour and if you have any problem always remember we are here for you and we will always help you."

 172 Not again

    Ryuu had changed into his swim wear as he stood with rapt attention as the person in front of him gave Ryuu a crash course on surfing.


    After a whole 2 hours of lecture his head was swimming with different facts and what not about surfing.


    Ryuu had never had so much fun before surfing was amazing and he was cherishing it a lot, his instructor had helped him a lot it took a lot of falling and having a mouthful of sea water for him to manage surfing he would have done it much faster if he used his powers as a cultivator.


    ''It is so much fun it is incredible I wish to enjoy it every day'', only for his mood to sour, ''ah as much as it was fun but I do not like myself doing it alone anymore I wish my sister or even my teachers were here to share the fun.''


    "Yura it has been a while how have you been.", asked a very excited voice.


    The person named Yura was reading a book while sunbathing on a beach chair she raised her head before standing up with a smile on her face as she spoke, "I have been well sister Katsumi, how have you been?"


    The person was a black haired female with reddish eyes wearing a white swimsuit which hugged her well endowed figure nicely she went and hugged Yura as she spoke, "I have been well sister but why are here?"


    Yura: "I am escorting a group of young disciples from our school along with few of our teachers, so have you finished your work."


    Katsumi: "Oh it was nothing it was actually my brother''s engagement as such our Royal Father asked me return home, you were in secluding meditation after your ascension to Immortal realm solidifying it otherwise I would have dragged you with me and oh I think you may know her."


    She beckoned to another purple haired woman with black eyes who was wearing a matching swimsuit, she arrived with a smile on her face, "It has been a while Yura and congratulations on your ascension to Immortal realm."


    Yura returned her smile a she spoke, "Thank you Akishi, but what are you doing here?"


    Katsumi decided to reply on her behalf, "Well she is my brother''s fianc��e."


    Yura looked pleased as she replied, "Congratulations Akishi, may the heavens grant you happiness."


    Before they could speak another person interrupted, "Ara it seems my little sister''s best friend is here."


    Yura turned towards the newcomer as she spoke with a smile, "Sister Tsuji it has been a while."


    Tsuji: "It is nice to see you too, the last time you and Akishi met was when you both fought at the ''Hundred School'' competition right."


    At that both the above mentioned woman nodded, as they gossiped with each other Tsuji''s eyes fell on Ryuu who was returning back to the shore his time for renting thesurfboard was up and now he had to return back and either increase the time of the lease or return the board.


    Tsuji shamelessly ogled at Ryuu as she let out a low whistle in appreciation as she spoke with a purr, "Where have you all you life come to mama and let her rock your world."


    At that the remaining woman even a few of the teachers who had joined including some of the students had a scandalized look on their face as their face turned red from blushing.


    Ryuu reached the shore with the surfboard held by his right hand, his naked torso giving the full view of his 6 packs his toned and chiseled body as if curved from the most expensive marble, his wet long hair fell on his shoulder and some from over his eyes, almost all of the female present there ogled at him.


    A blushing Katsumi shouted towards her sister, "Big sister have you no shame, you are the First Princess of our Habakara Dynasty."


    Tsuji gave an annoying look as she spoke, "So what I have courage to express my views while you lot are ashamed to even admit that he is a very fine piece of male specimen I do not in fact I am going to introduce myself to him who knows I might make a good catch."


    As she was about to make a move on Ryuu she was stopped by none other than Yura, "Sister that person is not normal."


    Tsuji raised one of her eyebrows as she asked, "How did you know that?"


    Katsumi tried to stop Yura from speaking but failed spectacularly, "He shook of my aura and almost made Miyuki submit to him with his presence alone, but here is the kicker he referred to me as ''Senior'', which means he should be my junior."


    Tsuji had a wide smile on her face as she dashed towards Ryuu causing Katsumi to shy, ''tch if big sis was going to ignore him before now it is impossible."


    Ryuu had just finished handing the surfboard at the shop counter when she was approached by a very beautiful looking woman with mid night black hair and reddish eyes and porcelain white skin her hair was made into a ponytail that went to her knees, she wore a lime colored two piece swim suit that granted her an aura of sexiness and charm she approached Ryuu and spoke with a sultry smile, she could she every male in her vicinity gulp hard as their eyes were glued to her assets.


    She studied Ryuu from behind specially the tattoo on his back of a dragon taking up most of his back making its way to his leg.


    As Ryuu turned her breath hitched as she could practically smell him from such closeness the water dripping from his body as it glistened giving her an eyeful of his naked torso, he was perfect simply perfect she had to just play her cards right and he would be hers, she licked her lips lustfully before she schooled her features.


    Meanwhile Ryuu was having another heart attack, he had seen the look on another person''s face as his hand quickly shoot up to his neck as a thought went through his mind, ''Oh no not another one, did the necklace stopped working.'', the only thing would require was for the strange woman to claim her as the princess and it would be Kitopia all over again.

 173 Chaos at the beach

    Tsuji: "Greetings fellow Daoist my name is Tsuji may I inquire of your name.", as she spoke she put a hand on her hip as she gave a small bow to him winking as she let out her aura of Mid tiered Immortal. level


    Ryuu eyes widened briefly before he schooled his features, ''It will be a tough battle which has 50% chance of me losing even after I go all out, not to mention any form of allies she might have.''


    Ryuu cupped her hand as he gave a small bow towards her with a smile on his face, "Greeting senior my name is Ryuu, how may I be of service to you."


    Tsuji nodded at that as she spoke, "Polite I like that, walk with me I have something to speak and relax I won''t hurt and we will be in public.", as she turned around walking with swaying hips giving a eyeful to Ryuu causing every other male present to drool whereas Ryuu simple ignored her attempts at seduction.


    Ryuu followed after her as he mentally scoffed, ''If she wants to attack me I doubt she would take heed to any people here.''


    As they neared Ryuu''s frowned the group which this woman was leading to was mainly composed of ''Golden Immortal Fairy School'' as he neared them Ryuu was again greeted them with small smile, "Greetings Seniors and my fellow Daoists."


    At his greeting a few of them just gave a hesitant nod only a handful returned him a pleasant smile but the rest simply glared at him.


    Katsumi send a discreet glare towards Tsuji before she spoke with a smile, "Greetings Junior Daoist, if I dare guess, Are you from the ''Dritha'' kingdom?"


    Ryuu: "I am sorry senior but I am not from Dritha, in fact I am not resident of your planet Rogneron."


    At that everyone gave him a wide eyed stare at Ryuu he is not from this planet that means he is disciple of someone very powerful or hails from a very powerful clan.


    Yura: "Junior Daoist if I may where you are form."


    Ryuu: "I am sorry Senior but I cannot divulge the location of my home."


    Tsuji changed the topic understanding that Ryuu would not want to answer anything regarding his home, "So Ryuu did you like our Planet so far and what places have you visited."


    Ryuu spoke with a smile, "Well it has been a nice experience so far till now.", while inwardly he thought differently, ''yep nice very nice.''


    Ryuu continued from before as he spoke, "Well the only place I have been to was Kitopia Empire."


    As Ryuu spoke he saw many of the ladies present winced at that causing him to frown at that as he asked, "Is there any problem with the said Empire."


    Tsuji sighed as she spoke, "Well it is not that much powerful Empire but currently it is dying not only that it does not have any allies and basically it is alone not to mention last��..", she trailed off with a frown.


    Ryuu raised his eyebrow as he saw most of the woman specially the senior daoists were all grimacing at what Tsuji was about to say.


    Ryuu: "Did they do something atrocious?"


    Tuji shook her head as she spoke, "No no they did not actually our plant has a hidden space located it opens during specific times the last time it opened the expedition from Kitopia got betrayed from its own allies who joined hands with another not only they wiped out the entire expedition mebers but for the girls it was worst they did may bad things for,,,,,,,,,,,", she trailed off with a sigh as she spoke again, "Listen Ryuu I hope you do not mind but there are things I am not proud of telling specially thinking about those horrid day."


    Ryuu nodded he had read about that from the information he got from his sister no woman should experience something like that, he had vowed if he saw those countries responsible for the incident a decade ago doing slightly similar he would personally take their heads off consequences be damned.


    As they were talking a group of boys sauntered him causing Ryuu to groan inwardly already aware of in which direction this was heading, ''Is it too much to wish for peace and tranquility.''


    The leader of the group approached them as he spoke, "Hello beautiful ladies would you mind joining me and my friends, we could show you some good time."


    One of the woman spoke angrily, "You worthless mutt are not welcomed here scram."


    "My my what a spit fire I call dibs on her I bet she will be a screamer.", spoke another baring his lust for all to see as well as showing off his Peak Void Immortal aura scaring the students of the school but not their chaperonswho simply scoffed at his paltry show of strength.


    Tsuji sneered at them as she spoke, "Pitiful peasant I will have flayed alive did you thing you could waltzed in here and try to get in our pants."


    The first male who spoke, sneered right back at her as he spoke, "So what if we try to get into your pants, do not worry after we are done with teaching you, you would be begging with anything male to plug your holes."


    Sometimes Ryuu hated his own gender, although woman can be equally cruel but still him being a male while people of his gender insulting the other did not seemed well for him.


    As such Ryuu spoke for the first time, "Senior Daoists sisters you are being unreasonable if he wants your pants so much you should donate some of your older clothes I believe the poor fool would be grateful."


    Tsuji caught into that as she spoke with a smile, "Ah I understand Ryuu, and since he wants to get into female pants so much I will gather some for each of them they can wear as much as you like."


    "Oh the bitches'' boy toy spoke, I think after being with a real man they would understand how pathetic you are".


    At that the group of 10 laughed out loud at Ryuu making fun of Ryuu going as far as to insult his family causing not only Ryuu but also the other women present ot be visibly angered.


    Ryuu: "How lowly of you cur, did you speak your mother with that mouth although seeing your behavior I doubt your father copulated with any living being let alone a human female must be some filth from the sewer spawned you."


    At that all the women present laughed loudly making fun of them, suddenly Tsuji who was standing on Ryuu''s left side felt an arm snaked around her waist as she brought closed to Ryu, her chest pressed closely with Ryuu as she literally felt Ryuu''s hot breath on her face her entire being consumed by Ryuu''s scent causing her to blush crazy, before she felt Ryuu''s hand on her butt she was so embarrassed at the public display of such shameless groping she was about to blast Ryuu with righteous feminine anger only to find herself being flung hard towards the other woman as she watched with wide eyes as the smiling visage of Ryuu was consumed by an inferno.


    An anguish scream escaped from her throat, "RYUU!!!! NOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!."

 174 Digitus concremabun

    Maheswara was whistling a song he had heard recently as he sat on a swing which hung from the ceiling of the patio of his mansion.


    "A spirit stone for your thoughts beloved husband.", came a melodious voice causing him to smile.


    Maheswara: "Nothing I was just thinking about Ryuu and his shenanigans."


    Celestia giggled at that as she spoke, "Really I never thought he would be dumb enough to confuse a theme park attraction for real pirates."


    Maheswara hummed in thought as he felt the presence of his other wives as he spoke, "Nuwa you are still concealing Ryuu''s presence from his birth family are you not?"


    Nuwa raised one of her eyebrows at his question as she spoke, "Of course we are but why are you asking us such a question?"


    Maheswara gave a devilish grin as he spoke, "Pretty simple you are going to remove the concealment for a short period of time only for them to feel his presence but not much just maybe his emotions and the general direction of his current location before concealing his presence again and also make sure they do not detect his current cultivation level"


    Nuwa asked her husband curiously, "Why?"


    Only to get a mischievous smirk in return causing them to groan it was clear to them that their husband was plotting something but what they were unaware.


    Veena send a dissatisfied glare towards him as she spoke, "I hope you are not plotting something terrible."


    Maheswara: "Please I am not plotting something terrible may be diabolic from certain point of view but rest assured it will be fine for Ryuu at least."


    Nuwa gave a tired sigh she knew full well her husband was plotting something and she hoped that it will not cause any problem for Ryuu.


    She closed her eyes as she concentrated on Ryuu removing the concealment she had placed on Ryuu for a brief period of time before she placed it back again on Ryuu.


    She opened her eyes as she spoke, "Done, but why is Ryuu angry, annoyed and was that hatred I felt from him."


    Maheswara spoke with a sly smile, "Oh nothing much a couple of good for nothings set him on fire.", only to wince at the loud scream of "WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!'', from his wives.


    He sighed as he waved his hand causing the water present in the koi pond inside his garden to rise up and form a screen which showed Ryuu currently engulfed inside a huge inferno as a couple of girls looked worriedly while a group of boys were laughing hard.


    Meanwhile back at the beach the attack was so sudden that the girl''s did not have any chance to protect themselves even if their chaperon''s were present who managed to prevent further damage they still felt the sweltering heat causing them to wince with pain, then a startling shout came, "RYUU!!!! NOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"


    They opened their eyes as a few of them gasped loudly seeing the towering inferno while Tsuji was incensed at what she saw Ryuu just sacrificed himself to save her, he had thrown her out of harm''s way just to save her with a smile on his face she was enraged, "I WILL SKIN YOU ALIVE DRINK YOUR BLOOD AND PISS ON YOUR CORPSE."


    "My how vulgar I will have to train you it seems and why are you angry the peasant should be honored that he passed away from my hand after all a weaklings should turn over and die.", a lanky figure came into view as he spoke condescendingly as he spit towards the towering inferno.


    "Your Highness! Are you alright?", came a couple of voice.


    Katsumi gnashed her teeth as she spoke scathingly, "Where were you people? when you should be protecting us from this ingrates."


    "I am sorry my lady but please allow us to help you your Highness.", with that one of the menfrom the reinforcement stepped forward.


    Katsumi held on Tsuji as she ordered, "What are you waiting for? ''OFF WITH THEIR HEADS''."


    "As you wish my lady.", before the girls could react anymore they were suddenly paralyzed causing them to fall on the ground.


    A low whistle was sounded as the same person who was speaking suddenly spoke, "Larek Sama these array tags are amazing even this so called Immortal bitches dropped like flies."


    "Hiroshi, how dare you betr...", whatever Tsuji was going to say was stopped as an armored boot smashed against her face drawing blood from her.


    The now identified Hiroshi spoke with a snarl, "Shut bitch a woman should only open her mouth to service man."


    Larek: "Hiroshi stop it, you are damaging the goods and also good job I am sure our gracious Lord Uzul will definitely reward you.", he spoke as he gave a bow to the person who approached them first.


    Hiroshi removed his feet from atop Tsuji''s face as he spoke with flattery, "Of course as you wish Larek Sama."


    Yura: "You cur after I free from this I will ground you to dust."


    Uzul: "Oh na?ve girls do you see this.", he spoke as he held a vial of medicine as he spoke, "A single drop will turn the most pious of nuns into the most degenerate of sluts, it is potent enough to even bring a peak Immortal level beings. Since you are so feisty I will grant you the honor of being the first to taste its magic."


    A slow clap brought their attention as they watched with eyes wide as they watched the towering inferno which they had thought had turned Ryuu to ash seemed to have been standing protectively like a knight protecting his king.


    Ryuu: "Wow just wowhow long have you been targeting them seeing this dogs no dogs are very loyal to their masters comparing them with any animals will be disgrace to them, but seeing them working with you filths you have been planning for a long time."


    Larek: "How how dare you peasant...��"


    Ryuu: "SHUT UP!!!!!!! You weakling who gave you permission to gaze at my visage who gave you permission to speak to me as my superior, did you really think that your weak pitiful attack will scratch me."


    Uzul: "How dare you talk to my men like that what trickery you used to escape from my men''s attack speak and I might spare your life."


    Ryuu gave an annoyed look towards him as he spoke, "Spare my life, it seems that all those debauchery has finally caused your brain to rot, but I am a kind fellow as such I will bestow an itsy bitsy knowledge to you lots, so that next life when you reincarnate remember to use brain and never try using an elemental attack on any cultivator until and unless you have gained enlightenment on the Dao of the said element."


    The people present watched with awe as Ryuu spoke the towering inferno had shrunk to almost near his size and it seemed as if it was caressing licking Ryuu in the most sensuous way causing some of the woman blush at the sight specially seeing Ryuu enjoying himself.


    "Fire the most devastating of all elements, even its counterparts cannot snuff it out, water vaporizes, earth becomes scorched, and air becomes unbreathable such is the might of fire, yet the same fire loves me like the most passionate lover one could imagine as such fire will never harm me.", Ryuu spoke with his eyes closed as he enjoyed the warmth and gentle caress of fire.


    Uzul spoke with an annoyed tone, "Silent y��."


    He was cut off from his speech by none other than Ryuu who looked at him lazily, "Will you stop talking, I have never heard more annoying than yourself do everyone a favor and shut up."


    Uzul shook with rage, even more so his companions whose face seemed to have taken an interestic shade of black it seemed as if Ryuu had just insulted and humiliated the last fourteen generations of their family.


    Ryuu smirked before he raised his fingers while speaking "Idiots the lots of you.", them he snapped his fingers.


    Every member of Uzul''s group except 3 of them fell on the ground paralyzed where as all the women seemed free.


    The remaining member of the group one of them was Larek himself the person who had tried to kill Ryuu a few minutes prior, Ryuu smiled at them which looked devilish to them as he spoke, "Aren''t you the one who said I should roll over and die after you attacked me with fire. Let us see how much fire loves you."


    Everyone looked at him with wide eyes as the fire seemed to contract itself forming into a tiny ball in Ryuu''s hands before it became shinier as it became blue colored miniature ball which seemed to pulse with incredible energy like a miniature sun and the heat was tremendous even Tsuji who was a mid tiered Immortal gulped she was sure even a peak immortal cultivator will be injured from facing the attack head on.


    Ryuu then raised his right hand and dipped his finger into it and the blue ball of fire enveloped his finger completely as he spoke with a sneer, "let us see how much passionate fire is about you."


    Larek stammered out, "You you fool do you not who have you raised your hands against Lord Uzul is...."


    Ryuu spoke with irritation in his tone, "Will you shut up son of this, son of that I am tired of listening to such prattle now let see if you survive my attack."


    Ryuu flared his peak Void Immortal level aura the trio of opponent in front of him were of same level but they felt shiver down there spine they tried to use every possible defensive technique aginst him but it proved futile as it seemed as if Ryuu simply teleported in front of him touching just above his heart as he spoke, "


    Digitus concremabunt".


    A huge explosion occurred from the point of touch as it went a few more than 600 meters as it seemed to vaporize the ocean and turning the ground to glass, a humongous explosion shook the entire beach as many looked at eyes full of fear.


    Ryuu simply raised his smoking index finger as he blew the smoke there was no sign of the trio not even there skeleton it seemed whatever Ryuu did it vaporized them entirely.


    He then turned toward the remaining people lying on the ground as he spoke, "Now how to punish you for your transgressions."

 175 The sCures for the sick sPatientss

    Maheswara face palmed himself hard as he kept muttering ''not another one'', over and over again.


    As two of his wives glared hard at the giggling third wife Celestia who spoke with a coy smile, "Oh come on don''t be such a stick in the mud, he was natural as such I just gave him a push in the right direction nothing more nothing less."


    "What are you talking about mother?", came a curious voice from behind.


    They turned around to see their daughters arriving, Maheswara smiled at them as he spoke, "We were speaking about your baby brother."


    Antariskh looked interested as he spoke, "Really what did he do this time."


    As they were narrated the recent events by their parents the trio burst out laughing loudly.


    Sylvana spoke trying to reign in her breath, "This is so hilarious, w-wh-who in their ri-right mind loots a theme park thinking it to be some kind of pirate cove."


    Shamiran replied to her as she wiped the tears that had gathered on her eyes from laughing so hard, "Only someone who believes some scatterbrained fishes."


    They finally controlled their laughter as Sylvana asked, "What did mother mean by natural?"


    Celestia gave a wide smile as she spoke, "Ah about that you see��."


    A few minutes ago with Ryuu,


    Yura summoned her spear from space ring as she spoke with disgust and hatred, "What is there to think of them just kill this people and dump their bodies to become vultures'' food."


    Ryuu: "Senior, please be reasonable if you feed them to the poor innocent vultures they might suffer from some strange disease."


    Ryuu had paralyzed but did not make them unconscious, they could perceive every word spoken, every thought of those around them yet they could not react at all but if anyone looked closely they could see anger and hatred burning in their eyes so intense that if they could they would have vaporized Ryuu ten times over.


    Akishi: "What do you suggest we do junior brother?"


    The innocent serene smile on Ryuu''s face made a few of them blush after all who wouldn''t after being saved from their horrifying fate that would have befallen them by some handsome knight in shining armor.


    Ryuu: "My teacher always told me that the rapists are usually very sick individuals who are indeed of immediate treatment as such we as good Samaritans should administer the specialcure to them thus saving them from the clutches of such a horrible disease."


    Tsuji narrowed her eyes as she spoke, "Oh then o great ''Samaritan'', what medicine would you recommend for such unfortunate diseased soul."


    Ryuu simply bend down as he removed a space ring from Uzul''s finger as he spoke, "My how gracious of him he is willing to offer the contents of his space ring for the cure.", Ryuu then produced a couple of vials of the aphrodisiac Uzul had blabbed about using on the girls.


    Seeing the vials caused them to take a couple of steps back as they watched him with wary expression, as Ryuu started speaking, "Well the treatment consists of using this wonderful medicine contained within this vial, a few good bottles of honey and ant hill."


    Tsuji''s eyes widened before she started laughing as she spoke, "Ryuu if you keep this up I migt fall for you hard, and I like your cure well what are you all waiting for let us carry this imbeciles and administer the cure to them."


    By then all the girls had sported a vicious grin as they looked towards the rapidly paling ''patients'' of Ryuu.


    "My sisters, my beloved are you alright", came a shout which drew their attention towards a figure that was flying towards them closely followed by a group of armored guards.


    Tsuji placed her hands on her hips as she gave a mocking glare, "My dear brother I send you a distress signal and it took you so long to appear, what you would have done if something happened to us."


    The newcomer in a silver colored armor just grinned sheepishly as he smiled, "Sorry sister I was a little late.", before his eyes turned cold as he spoke, "Now please tell me who decided to harm you."


    As the incident was narrated to him he grew increasingly furious as he glared balefully at the figures prone on the ground specially the people who were supposed to guard his sisters the sworn protectors of his country.


    Ryuu suddenly took out a few dozen of array talismans which hovered around him.


    Akishi: "Daoist Ryuu what are you doing?"


    Ryuu: "Nothing much but when I rescued you I simply reversed the effect of the array talisman lying over there but it will lose it effect soon as such I will be placing my own arrays on them."


    They watched with wide eyes as Ryuu''s fingers shone with bright greenish light as words seemed to forming around them as he simply touched the arrays and complex array appeared on them to others it looked like as if a great conductor was conducting an orchestra as he skillfully and delicately moved his hands the ''musicians'' of the orchestra responded in kind.


    Under the awed expression of the people present Ryuu created those talisman before he guided them towards the ''patients'' each of whom had three different talisman attached to them, the talisman glowed briefly as arrays spread on them before disappearing as the talismans turned to ash, except the traitorous knights of Habakar.


    Tsuji: "Ryuu what did you do to them? and why did you leave this scums?"


    Ryuu: "Those scums were knights belonging to your Empire as such I will leave them to you and as for the talismans I used one of them paralyzes them another seals off their cultivation and the third makes their sensory input increase by a thousand times.", he finished with a devilish grin and a sensuous tone causing many of them feel fear while a few including Tsuji and Yura blushed at him.


    One of the girls raised his hands as she asked, "Excuse me senior may I ask you something?"


    Ryuu was shocked before he was elated, ''Yippey now I am also a senior to someone it feels so awesome.''


    Ryuu: "Yes you may junior."


    The girl: "When we were paralyzed we were able to speak but why are they unable to?"


    Ryuu coughed to clear his throat as he spoke, "Well Junior, the array which they placed on you only made anything below your neck paralyzed by stopping anything other than your involuntary muscles but when I flipped it on them I strengthen it to the point where they cannot even speak because I tire of their voice."


    Another girl questioned him, "Senior, why did you seal their cultivation? When they paralyzed us they did not need anything like that."


    Ryuu gave a ghost smile as he spoke, "There are cultivators who also cultivate their souls as such if the cultivation is not sealed even if they might not be able to move they could use soul based attacks to harm you or if they are good they might be able remove the array all together but by sealing the cultivation the will not be able to do so I would take tremendous amount of knowledge and strength of one''s soul to break free which they all lack currently."


    The girls looked impressed at Ryuu as many bowed in respect.


    The silver armored person came forward as he cupped his hands as he spoke, "Greetings Daoist brother my name is Yoshitoshi may I inquire of your name and cultivation level."


    Ryuu imitated him by cupping his hands as he said, "Greetings Senior my name is Ryuu and as for my cultivation level is peak Void Immortal level."


    Yoshitoshi nodded with a smile glancing towards the ocean as he spoke, "The technique you used was truly devastating."


    As others looked towards the ocean it seemed as if a slope made up of pure glass went and vanished into the bosom of the deep dark ocean.


    Tsuji looking impressed spoke, "Cool now our beach seemed to have a new attraction now we have to put some booths here��", she trailed of thinking about various ways to commercialize it.


    Ryuu''s eyebrow twitched hard at that, ''Really this woman is an opportunist."


    Ryuu cleared his throat bringing everyone''s attention to him as he spoke, "Well then I will be off, it was quite the adventure we had but now I believe it is time for me to make my way to my hotel room. Oh before I go Senior Yoshitoshi here."


    Ryuu handed him a talisman as he spoke, "The array which intensifies their pain is not activated only when someone uses this talisman will it activate, and well have fun and goodbye."


    As Ryuu was about to leave Tsuji stepped forward as she spoke, "Ryuu please allow me to escort you back to your hotel room."


    Ryuu: "Please there is no need for that senior I can make my way to the hotel of my own."


    He was stopped from speaking by Tsuji who just spoke, "Nonsense you just saved us from a life more horrible than death please this is the least we could do for the guest of our empire."


    Ryuu seeing her adamant he spoke with a tired sigh, "Well I will be in your care then Senior."


    Tsuji looked pleased as they were about to leave they were approached by Yura, "Junior, I hope you would not mind if I leave with you, I saw those arrays you made they were beautiful as such I wish to discuss about arrays with you hope you do not mind."


    Ryuu replied back with a smile, "Of course I would love to discuss about array who knows what we can learn from each other about arrays."


    Ryuu nodded inwardly, ''Knowledge is power who knows I might gain a new idea or learn something completely new from a fellow array master.''


    Tsuji frowned at that as she gnashed her teeth, she was even more angered when the students'' of ''Golden Immortal Fairy School'' also decided to take a rest after such a hectic day.


    As they made themselves scarce the other people got busy rounding up the culprits and what not, but everything came to an abrupt as aloud shout from Tsuji reached everyone ears, "What do you mean by 15!"


    ================================================================


    Hey everyone author here. Well because of having problem with internet connections my release schedule has become a bit wonky as of late as such I hope you all will forgive me.

 176 Hidden Dragon Obelisk

    Tsuji looked at Ryuu incredulously as she spoke sarcastically, "Yeah and I am 2 year old, and the joke of yours is tasteless."


    Katsumi: "Why did you shout sister?"


    Tsuji: "What are doing here sister I thought you would be with our dear brother and as for me shouting it was because Ryuu is making a bad joke stating he is only 15."


    Katsumi rolled her eyes as she spoke, "I felt as if I was a third wheel between them as such I left to join you, and you are right fellow daoist brother it is not nice to lie about your age and here I thought people accused us woman of being trying to hide our age."


    Ryuu literally pouted at that as he spoke, "I am telling you I am 15 years only, if only I could prove to you."


    Yura: "We could use the ''Hidden Dragon'' obelisk to taste Ryuu''s claim."


    Tsuji: "Hmmm it would work well then let us take a small detour."


    Ryuu looked confused at that as he asked them, "What is this ''Hidden Dragon'' obelisk thing?"


    Tsuji spoke with a smile, "When my ancestor founded our empire, he first started with a small village this very city rests on the ground where the ancient village of Habakar was once present. One day an obelisk fell from the sky and landed near the village, which is currently the center of our city, we do not know how or who created the obelisk but it has strange powers as it seemed to record the cultivation level, age and name of a person, but it is some limitations such as it is firstly only able to hold a hundred names whenever someone better touches it the person whose name is at the lowest is removed another limitation is that it only records the name of a person who is below 45 years of age."


    Ryuu was now intrigued at that as he spoke, "Cool then let us go there will the students from your school participate as well Senior Yura."


    Yura: "We were planning to as well at the end of our trip but if we are visiting there why not."


    They soon reached the tall grey colored obelisk which seemed to have nothing special except names of people written on them.


    Ryuu looked at that with interest he could not identify the material used to make the obelisk, ''interesting may be if I move close I might be able to identify the material but if not because of lack of knowledge about various materials I could ask my teacher about it later on.''


    It looked like a carnival as a large number of people were present from various walks of life trying their luck on the obelisk a long queue had been formed in front of it as the guards managed the line a fee of 10 low tier spirit stone was required for anyone who were hopeful about putting their name of the obelisk, but unfortunately so far none succeeded even after that everyone just wanted to touch it as a joke.


    Ryuu mumbled under his breath, "People have too much free time and money."


    Katsumi who was nearest to him just snorted at that.


    Yura: "Girls form a line here and Ryuu where do you want to stand?"


    Ryuu: "I am well off near the back."


    As the queue moved forward only a single person was able to have his name imprinted on the obelisk only to have it erased soon after as all of a sudden a group made their name on the obelisk replacing many previous name holders."


    Tsuji just grumbled in frustration causing Ryuu to take a glance at her as he asked, "Is something wrong senior?"


    Tsuji sighed in exasperation as she spoke, "Well nothing my sister''s name fell to the 15th position. Ryuu do you see that name up there.", Tsuji pointed to a name at the top of the list Nobuyoshi, "That name is my great great grandfather it has been more than a few thousand of years since his name took the first position no one has been able to dethrone him, when he reached a very high realm he just left with his wife since then no one knows where he went."


    Ryuu looked at the name which was at the very top, "Nobuyoshi 42yrs. 4th rank Primal Daoist, glowing in gold."


    "Ah Yura how have you been?", came a suave voice as man walked towards her dressed in expensive looking clothes.


    Yura groaned as she spoke in a tired voice, "What do you want Dong Bao?"


    The person named Dong Bao smirked as he spoke, "Why so cold Yura I just came here to say hello to you nothing more."


    Yura: "Since you have done so now leave."


    Dong Bao gave a sly smile as he spoke, "My you all girls from ''Golden Immortal Fairy'' school are such cold hearted."


    Suddenly there was huge commotion amongst people as the obelisk gave released a small chime, "Look look the second name on the list has changed, ''Dong Guo, 40yrs., 9th rank Wanxiang adept''."


    "Who is he? Who is this heaven defying genius?", "Don''t you know he is the son of the Emperor of Aslasan Empire, he is called the ''Dragon of Aslasan'', he is literally dragon in human skin."


    As the people discussed amongst themselves they parted ways to give way to an black haired person with a permanent scowl on his face, he walked with his chin held high as if it was beneath him to even let alone breathe in the same air as those around him, even the way he let his foot fall it seemed as if the ground should be grateful and honored that he had stepped on it.


    To Ryuu it seemed funny he could easily point a half a dozen people who could kill him with a single poke yet this person acted as if he was better than them such arrogance. His sisters have always said to him that, ''It is good to e arrogant if you have power to back it'', but this fellow doesn''t have anything even if he is acclaimed as a heaven defying genius including himself but if they get killed even before they could realize their full potential it will mean nothing and the current fellow was too eager to anger some powerful senior and have a one way ticket to afterlife.


    The person named Dong Guo approached Dong Bao as he spoke, "Bao let us leave."


    Dong Bao hurriedly spoke, "Yes your highness but before that let me introduce you to the famous beauty of ''Golden Immortal Fairy'' school ''Yura'', by then Yura had already turned her head and started moving towards other students standing on the queue as such Guo did not see her visage as he arrogantly spoke, "I do not have time waste on some lowly cultivator so that they may bask at my brilliance."


    Dong Bao smiled awkwardly as he spoke, "Yes your Highness let us leave then."


    Guo just gave a loud ''Hn'' as he started moving.


    Ryuu muttered loudly, "Wow from the looks of things it seemed that not only he is suffering from severe case of constipation but is also touched in the head."


    At that all those near him started laughing loudly even Yura was snickering at that while Tsuji was loudest of them all.


    Suddenly a humongous aura of a 2nd rank Immortal level cultivator fell on their shoulders causing the anyone in their immediate vicinity to all on their knees causing everyone who were of Immortal realm or above to draw their weapons as they pointed towards the transgressor their bloodlust filling up the air.


    Ryuu looked nonchalantly even if he did not draw out his sword his muscles were tensed ready to fight at moment''s notice, the pressure of Dong Bao''s cultivation could have asked any other ordinary peak level Void Immortal to be tremble with fear but such was not the condition for Ryuu he was anything but ordinary he just tilted his head as he looked towards Dong Bao who was shaking with anger as he whispered to himself, ''I hate lackeys.''


    Dong Bao: "How dare you cur insult his highness I will kill you today."


    Ryuu put up an innocent look as he spoke, "I insulted someone what are talking about, and moreover when did I say something in order to insult someone."


    Tsuji spoke in an annoyed tone, "Who do you think you are trying to cause a scene here?", she flared her aura scaring Bao.


    Dong Bao: "Please Senior I beg of you to allow me to seek justice on my master''s behalf this man over there has insulted my master as such as his retainer I cannot withstand such in justice."


    Ryuu: "You really are a good actor whoever you might be but what did say to insult him when I do not even know him and for what reason."


    Dong Bao: "How dare you no good liar I heard clearly you called my master is ''constipated'' and ''touched in his head''."


    Ryuu had an innocent look on his face as he replied back to Dong Bao, "I do not know who your master is but if you mean that fellow lying face down near the sewage then yes he kind of looks such, well if he is your master then I must apologize.", Ryuu stated as he pointed towards some beggar.


    Dong Bao was incensed at that as he shouted out, "How dare you twist the truth you, I clearly heard you speaking about his Highness."


    Ryuu raised one of his eyebrows as he asked Dong Bao, "Did I state his name?"


    Dong Bao was stunned into silence as multiple eyes bored on him with anger he squeaked out low, "No you did not state his name."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Yet you accused me calling your master as such, I hope it is not your own way of calling your master as such."


    Dong Bao became red with anger and shame before he shouted out, "I did not and my master does not suffer from constipation and is not an airhead."


    Ryuu gave a scandalized look as he spoke, "How do you know that? Do not tell me you spy on him when he...��..ewww just ewww I want to vomit.", Ryuu held his hands over his mouth as he acted as if he was suffering from nausea.


    The man was now wanted to just die the look of disgust from everyone was too much for him.


    Tsuji spoke with a smirk, "Well seems like his master decided to support his claims by doing his business in public, what a shameless group."


    Dong Bao turned to look behind to see his master Dong Guo on the ground twitch his eyes rolled up foaming in the mouth and his pants were wet and yellowish, it seemed the combined killing intent and aura of many Immortal level cultivators were too much for him.


    He hurriedly picked up his charge and then they made themselves scarce from the scene, as the people involved burst into laughter.


    Tsuji howled with laughter as she spoke, "That person was really a colossal idiot he dug his own grave like that how he even reached the Immortal level is beyond my understanding. Yura how did you even meet him."


    Yura just shrugged as she spoke, "It seems that I have very bad luck."


    Meanwhile an old man was meditating inside dark room he suddenly opened his eyes as he spoke out, "He is alive my great child is alive.", he quickly left his room to give the news to the rest of his family specially to his granddaughter, but the downside was he was unable to pinpoint the exact location only the direction and nothing more before he lost the connection again, he sighed as he mused, ''I hope you are alright child, wherever you are be safe your parents will one day surely bring you back home where you belong to.

 177 Taking the Throne

    "Welcome back Tsuji, Katsumi", a woman who looked like an older version of Tsuji welcomed her with a wide smile as Tsuji made her way along with her younger sister inside the Imperial Palace.


    The woman kept on smiling towards the duo but they did not pay nay heed to her presence as they made their way towards their room their mind swirling with various thoughts.


    The woman''s eyebrow twitched a couple of time as a terrifying aura of 1st rank Golden Immortal hit them with full force making them kneel as well as bringing them out of their dazed state as she roared out to them, "TSUJI, KATSUMI I NEVER RAISED YOU TWO WITH SUCH POOR MANNERS, I GREETED YOU AND YOU TWO HAD THE AUDACITY TO PASS IN FRONT OF ME WITH EVEN ACKNOWLEDGING MY PRESENCE."


    Tsuji spoke with an astonished tone, "Mother since when have you been standing here?"


    The woman suddenly had the urge to slap her daughter but she reigned in her temper as she spoke, "I was standing here since you two entered the palace but it seemed you two were not paying attention and I wonder why is that?"


    As they were about to answer they were prevented by the arrival of the Emperor of Habakar Dynasty who asked curiously, "Love why are so angry at our cute daughters what did they do to incur your wrath today."


    Accompanying the Emperor was none other than the Crown Prince Yoshitoshi who just smirked as he spoke, "Oh I hope it is not that Ryuu fellow who managed to capture my sisters'' hearts."


    The Emperor was stunned as his visage darkened as he spoke, "Oh it seems I will have to speak with this Ryuu fellow."


    Tsuji sighed as she spoke, "Yes it is about Ryuu and no we are not smitten with him it is actually something else."


    At that the other three gave their undivided attention towards her as Tsuji''s mother spoke, "What else did the young man do I have already heard him saving you two as well as our future daughter-in-law but now what else did he do?"


    Katsumi began speaking as she began to reminisce the events that occurred a few hours prior, "Well it began with ....."


    Few hours ago,


    Katsumi: "Ryuu you are now going to try the ''Hidden Dragon Obelisk'', when you touch it push your Ki as you speak your name out loud, I know you might have seen people doing it while standing waiting for your turn at the queue I would like to still remind you the rules also if you opt out now no one will think badly about you we promise we will forget about the whole ordeal."


    Ryuu just rolled his eyes he would love watching their jaw drop on the floor as he spoke, "You should have at least let me pay the fee for using the Obelisk."


    Tsuji snorted as she spoke," You already decide to wait in the long queue and being our guest we cannot ask you to pay for something as a fee."


    Ryuu wanted to argue but like the last few times he knew they would not listen to him as such with a sigh he went towards the Obelisk with his hands outstretch he touched the ice cold surface of the ''Hidden Dragon Obelisk'', as he poured his KI and stated his name loud for everyone to hear, "RYUU!"


    The ''Golden Immortal Fairy'' school''s students along with their chaperons which included Yura were all standing wanted to witness the spectacle in front of them their presence had drew the attention ofmany people who had focused their entire attention towards Ryuu.


    At first nothing happened for a couple of seconds before the surface became hot as the Obelisk gave off a calm silver colored light before it let out what seemed to be a roar a draconic roar to be exact as the names moved downwards the leading name which had been on top of the Obelisk which had stood unmoving for centuries suddenly took a step down causing everyone heart to stop beating it seemed as the undefeated King had finally met his match and was forced to abdicate as anew name was written its place in dazzling golden letters, ''Ryuu 15yrs. 9th rank Void Immortal''.


    Couple of thud was heard as Ryuu finished inspecting his name that had appeared as well as the material which was used to construct the Obelisk he would have taken a chip of it but unfortunately it is a national treasure as such he is not allowed to, ''hmmm the material used must be extremely costly but unfortunately for me it is beyond my meager knowledge to identify it.''


    He turned around as he was greeted by jaw droppings and unconsciousness and denial, he saw the two sisters making the perfect imitation of fish causing him to giggle at them he simply raised his finger as he snapped at them bringing them out of their thoughts.


    As they shouted out at the same time, "WHAT WAS THAT? HOW DID YOU ATTAIN SUCH HIGH LEVEL OF CULTIVATION AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE?"


    Ryuu had a smug look on his face as he spoke, "I told you I am just 15 years old and you did not believe me."


    With that as he made his way outside the fence which surrounded the obelisk people suddenly started treating him as a God as some kneeled in front of him some just wanted to touch him shouting out, ''Oh great cultivator let me hold your hands so that I might get a ounce of your talent'' and what other nonsense causing him to feel really uncomfortable.


    There were even some who were giving him a wide berth as f he was diseased and it was highly contagious, when Ryuu looked towards them as they flinched he even heard murmur of ''Devil Child'' and what not causing him to get angry he wanted nothing more than punch the day lights out of this people he reached this level through sweat tears and blood, ''Happy thought I should think about happy thoughts, oh I need to smoke now again because of this lazy good for nothing.''


    Yura was the first one to speak among his new acquaintances, "How, how did you advance so high so quickly? Did you use some form of ''Heavenly Treasure''?"


    Ryuu snorted at that as he spoke with a shrug, "No I have never used any kind of ''Heavenly Treasure'', what you see is through my own hard work."


    By then Ryuu had begun to leave the place he was being annoyed by the other peoples'' reaction as he was about to move he was stopped by a couple of people, "Please great master take us as your disciple."


    Ryuu spoke with a smile, "I am sorry but I cannot accept any of you as my disciple."


    A couple woman wearing a scandalous outfit which hug their body tightly showing healthy amount of cleavage with slits showing their long legs suddenly one of them spoke flirtingly to Ryuu, "Oh great handsome master if you accept us we will show you something wonderful later on~", she purred at the end as she stood near her friend who send a small wink and a small kiss towards Ryuu the males around her became beet red as they watched the interaction and cursed, ''Damn this two the hormonal teenager will surely take them as his disciple and this two would stand in the heavens.''


    Ryuu just turned his head as he neither showed any form of reaction towards them as he began walking away, Tsuji finallycaught up to him as she asked, "Ryuu are there anyone amongst your family who are as strong as you?"


    Ryuu: "Of course my older sisters became Immortals before their mid twenties, why?"


    Again everyone was stunned at that as Tsuji cannot help but ask Ryuu, "How did they become strong we also work hard yet we are not as strong as you or your family."


    Ryuu spoke as he scratched his chin as he spoke, "There are various reasons I can think of resources, cultivation techniques, talent, and lineage to name among the few."


    Tsuji begrudgingly accepted Ryuu''s answer it was true no matter how much people say at the end of the day what Ryuu said was true.


    The women suddenly reappeared as the stood by Ryuus''s side as they held in each other more tightly as they let their clothes fall below their shoulder as they spoke again coyly, "Handsome Daoist Senior��."


    Only for Ryuu to brush pas them again for them to run after him with a group even larger than before approached him as one of them spoke, "Daoist Senior please except me as your disciple.", the person went to kowtow before him as Ryuu stopped him as he spoke, "What are you all doing I will not except any student I am not only young I am still in the learning phase as such I am sorry."


    At that many were silent although there were those who still pestered Ryuu on who was losing his patience fast especially the two women.


    Tsuji and Katsumi had enough of everyone disturbing their guest as one of them asked Ryuu, "Why wise one? Surely you are knowledgeable enough to teach us."


    Ryuu sighed in exasperation as he spoke, "I am sorry but my master did not give me permission to accept student.", before turning towards the two sisters and the member of the school as he spoke, "Seniors if you will excuse me, I will be in my hotel room and see you all later" with that he literally vanished in front of everyone''s except a few amongst them.


    Back at the present the sisters just finished recalling their encounter with Ryuu as their family listened with wide eyes and rapt attention.


    Katsumi sighed as she spoke, "Frankly speaking I do not want to fight against him I was barely able to see his movements he is fast insanely so."


    As the royal family was discussing with each other about Ryuu, he had decided to order his lunch to be delivered at his room via room service, while he sat near the pond at the private garden of his dipping his legs in it while leaning on a tree as fishes just played around his legs while he held his lit kiseru on his left hand and sake cup on his right hand except it had fruit juice in it he drank from it as he sighed, ''ah this is life.''

 178 Arrival of the academy head

    "What do you mean there was a kidnapping attempt on our girls?", asked a very middle aged beauty to another who was kneeling in front of her.


    The woman kneeling in front spoke about the occurrence of the day in great details to not only the woman but others who were present there listening to everything in great details.


    One of the woman queried to the kneeling woman, "Daoist Honomi what punishment has the Emperor decreed on this people since the even had the audacity to kidnap not only his daughters but his future daughter-in-law?"


    The kneeling woman cracked a grin a she spoke, "Well the knights will be publicly shamed before being executed as for the others according to the savior named Ryuu, and this people are ''diseased'' as such they should be given a proper ''cure''."


    At that a few of the present woman raised their eyebrows as one of them asked in a stern voice, "What is this ''cure''?"


    Honomi cracked a savage grin as she spoke, "The ''cure'' consists of using their own medicine on them, and lots of honey on their private parts followed by introduction to ant hills."


    At that there was silence before a few giggling and snickering was heard even the middle aged beauty cracked a smile as she spoke, "it is good news but about the savior what do you know?"


    Honomi had a frown on her face causing the happy mood to vanish as they had a stern look on their face, "Sister Yura had informed us that when they met her spirit beast tried to scare him but he made her spirit beast nearly submit to him, as well as during battle it was clear that he has a very high level of understanding regarding the Dao of fire, he also seemed to be very adept with arrays enabling him to create one with a simple touch, but here is the most shocking about him is that he is only 15 years old but has already reached the peak level of Void Immortal."


    One of the women jumped up from her seat as she shouted out in a shrill voice, "Excuse me Honomi, but did you hear correctly, did Yura say he was a 15 year old peak Void Immortal."


    Honomi nodded as she spoke, "Yes Elder Uka, sister Yura herself confirmed that the person named Ryuu tried the ''Hidden Dragon'' obelisk challenge and he is the current top cultivator according to him."


    At that everyone was stunned as the middle aged beauty suddenly spoke, "Well there is nothing we can do by sitting here Elder Iako, Elder Sumi I hope you will not mind accompanying me to Habakar City."


    One of the Elder stood up as she spoke, "Academy Head surely you could send anyone in your place, I do not see any reason for you to visit them personally."


    The woman just waved her indicating her to sit down as she spoke with a small smile, "The girls of our academy were attacked as the head of our academy it is our duty to comfort them for having suffered such troubling and traumatic experience, as such I will leave within an hour."


    Ryuu woke up with a huge yawn yesterday was a nice experience he finished his daily morning routine before having breakfast he idly noticed that there were only a few people present in the dining hall he finished his breakfast as he made his way he noticed a couple of girls making their way towards the dining hall but he did not have any time to chat he has a long day ahead of him and if wants to finish his sightseeing across the city he should start early.


    As such he left the hotel room before making a query about few things as he left the princess and their future sister-in-law stepped in as they were greeted by the smiling visage of Yura as she hugged them before speaking, "Good morning, how have you been?"


    The trio gave her an uneasy smile as Tsuji spoke, "Well not good yesterday night we were unable to sleep at all those people and those terrible nightmares."


    Yura grimaced as she spoke, "Seems like it is common for most what woman would not suffer from such a traumatic incident it was good the second group was visiting different places it helped us greatly on top of that our academy head will be arriving shortly it will calm the girls nerves even more."


    "Yura", a voice filled with authority brought everyone''s attention they were greeted with the sight of three other women and they were none other than the Head of ''Golden Immortal Fairy'' academy and along with two of their elders.


    Yura and Katsumi bowed towards them as they spoke in unison, "Greetings Academy Head Yutsuko, Elder Iako and Elder Sumi."


    Tsuji meanwhile bowed as she spoke, "Greetings Seniors."


    Yutsuko smiled at them as she turned towards Tsuji as she spoke, "Ah Princess Tsuji how have you been?"


    Tsuji: "Well I am well senior."


    Yutsuko: "I heard about the incident as such I came hurriedly to check on my dear students so Yura would you please escort me dear and oh can you all so introduce me to this ''Ryuu'', who helped you all."


    Yura nodded as she was about to move but froze in her place as she spoke with regret, "I am sorry teacher but I do not know Ryuu''s room number I hope you will not mind about inquiring about his room number at the reception."


    Yustsuko: "I do not mind. So Princess did you also arrive here to meet with Ryuu."


    Tsuji nodded as she spoke, "Yes senior, our Royal father wanted to invite Ryuu as well as all the ''''Golden Immortal Fairy'' academy students today evening at the palace for dinner, and I hope Senior would grace our home with your presence."


    Yutsuko tapped her chin as she thought about it, "Sisters what do you think, should we attend?"


    Sumi stepped forward as she spoke, "I do not see why not it would be nice change from our monotonous life as well as it would help the girls if someone they know spends some time with them."


    Yutsuko smiled as she spoke, "Well it would be my honor to accept the invitation."


    As they were speaking Yura returned as she spoke apologetically, "I am sorry teacher I was able to get Ryuu''s room number but it would seem he had already left for sightseeing."


    Yustsuko: "It is a shame but I hope to meet him soon, so what is today''s schedule Yura."


    A few hours later Ryuu was looking towards a huge fort at the near outskirts of the city, surrounded by moat, he could see various carnivorous water animals swimming around he along with other tourist were moving towards the fort through the bridge he watch the animals with a smile, as he thought ''This Haarton Fort is cool and the moat filled by vicious animals is other worldly, especially with that ....", Ryuu''s eyes widened in horror as he looked towards the certain direction of the fort wall.


    Yura: "Teacher there was no need for you to accompany us."


    Yutsuko smiled as she spoke, "Nonsense child it is on the contrary a very refreshing to accompany and mingle with the future of our academy my dear disciple."


    Behind them were a group of students from the academy who were very eager and excited to have the academy head walking along with them.


    As they reached near the Haarton Fort one of the students suddenly pointed and shouted out to draw everyone''s attention, "Everyone look that person kneeling on top of the Fort is he going to jump.", her voice shook a little with fear, they had just suffered from being kidnapped and now are they going to witness someone committing suicide now.


    Everyone looked with wide eyes as a couple of group had already noticed the figure perched on top of the wall kneeling and looking towards the water filed with carnivorous aquatic creatures, a chaos erupted as everyone was scared at seeing a person about to commit suicide.

 179 Suicide???

    "Eh isn''t that Daoist Ryuu, is he trying to commit suicide?", remarked another from the group.


    Tsuji with a panicked expression raced towards Ryuu as fast as possible screaming at the top of her lungs,...��.


    Meanwhile Ryuu was kneeling on top of the fort''s wall as he glanced down with rapt attention his brows furrowed in deep thought, suddenly his senses went haywire as he simply jumped towards his right as a sword flashed on his hands as he got ready to deal with the transgressor only to be confused as he saw a woman passing through where he was previously as if trying to tackle him while shouting out at the top of her lungs,"...SUICIDE."


    A chill ran down his spine at that was the person trying to assassinate him by using some suicide attack his eyes widened as he realized that this person must be someone related to those scum he defeated yesterday no matter who they are he will defeat them.


    The figure turned herself towards Ryuu as she shouted out as she spoke, "Ryuu, why are you trying to commit suicide, tell me what owes you I will help you."


    Ryuu was stunned as he heard what the woman was saying, and as he looked towards the deranged woman he recognized her as his eyes widened, "Senior Tsuji what are speaking about? Why would I try killing myself?"


    The now ''deranged'' woman whom Ryuu recognized as Tsuji spoke, "Then why are you kneeling near the ledge like that if not for committing suicide?"


    Ryuu had a deadpanned look on his face as the sword disappeared from his hand as he spoke, "Senior, you know how to jest, I saw something dangerous growing from the moat as such I was searching for a better vantage point to have a closer look."


    By then the Headmistress along with Yura and Katsumi had also made their way towards where Ryuu was standing as they heard Ryuu''s reason Yutsuko stepped up as she spoke her voice full of authority as she flared her aura a little bit, "Greetings Junior, my name is Yutsuko I am the Head of the ''Golden Immortal Fairy'' academy, on behalf of my academy I wish to thank you for protecting the honor of my students."


    Ryuu cupped his hands as he gave a small bow while speaking, "Greetings Senior, and it was nothing any respectable cultivator would have helped them."


    Yutsuko looked at Ryuu intently before speaking, "Junior I cannot help but overhear your conversation with Princess Tsuji, what kind of dangerous creature are you speaking of."


    Ryuu spoke with a serious frown on his face as he spoke, "Senior, actually I noticed a certain plant growing from the moat near the fort''s wall directly below where I was standing."


    The group landed on top of the wall as they peered down towards the moat''s water as Ryuu stood beside them as he pointed towards the plant as he spoke, "Over there senior the plant was the one I am speaking about, the plant is mostly submerged under water as such I was unable to determine the exact type of plant it is."


    Yutsuko peered down her eyes narrowed, "Oh and what type of plant do you think it is?"


    Ryuu: "I have narrowed down two possible types of plants ''Devil''s Enlightenment Lotus'', and the ''Famine God''s Lotus'', but I am unable to discern between them they look so alike from up top."


    Yutsuko gave a small smile as she spoke, "Impressive child you have been taught well by your teacher and as for the type of plant you should already know we have to discern by looking at its stem but because of the murky water it will be difficult."


    Yura asked curiously, "Teacher, What type of plants are the above two?"


    Ryuu replied her question as he spoke, "''Devil''s Enlightenment Lotus causes the personwho are exposed to its spores become insane for a few days they gain terrible temper and often under its effect tend to violent outburst even resorting to murder, whereas the ''Famine God''s Lotus'', it is even more dangerous with a mortality rate of almost 90%, known to cause death within a week because of extreme cases of nausea, diarrhea, dysentery and dehydration among others."


    Causing everyone present to pale rapidly on hearing about the effects of the plants from Ryuu as Yutsuko tapped her chin as she thought, "It will be difficult to remove if it is ''Famine God''s Lotus'' only a female may touch it, if any male approaches it, it will release its spores, and from the looks of it is mature enough and will release its spores any day, oh also the diseases caused by it is highly contagious."


    Tsuji and Katsumi paled rapidly by what they heard, as Yutsuko turned towards Ryuu as she asked, "Child what is the level of your alchemy?"


    Ryuu: "Senior I am a low Immortal Level alchemist and poison master."


    Yutsuko as well as others looked towards him with wide eyes before Yutsuko shook her head as she smiled before speaking, "Impressive child impressive."


    Yutsuko: "In order to harvest it we need to alchemist working together as such princess please notify His Majesty about the situation we need the help of at least one female top alchemist in his court."


    Tsuji nodded as she left the with insane speed, while Yutsuko turned towards Katsumi as she ordered, "Katsumi uses your status as a princess and make sure to evacuate every tourist within a kilometer as well as have them close this fort until it is dealt with and Yura take your fellow sisters from academy and leave."


    Yura was stunned as she protested, "But Teacher I can help you."


    Yutsuko smiled as she spoke, "Child you have no knowledge about it as such if you were to help a single mistake would be deadly as such maybe next but now please listen to my advice.", seeing the stern tone Yura reluctantly left the scene escorting the others.


    As they left only Ryuu was left standing along with Yutsuko, "Child you may also leave this place there is no need to stay here it will be very dangerous soon."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "I know senior but I am also an mid Immortal level Array master as such I believe I might be of help by placing arrays which could contain the fallout, as well as array to destroy the plant if necessary."


    Yutsuko: "Is this what you had planned?"


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Yes Senior I was planning to notify the proper authorities then create a barrier to isolate the plant before burning it to ashes."


    Yutsuko, "The plant if it is a ''Famine God''s Lotus'' it is born with a twin both of them are connected by the roots and will be within 500 meters of each other if one of the perceives any threat the other will release its pollen as well as such it requires two alchemist working together to harvest it, you would have to create at least two arrays on two different places and activate both at the same time as it spores are highly resilient to adverse conditions and even if one of them survive it would be dangerous, but do not worry we have methods to deal with it."


    Yutsuko mused as she spoke, "Well there is something you may be able to help with your arrays."


    But they could speak a huge entourage of people arrived lead by a more mature looking woman who looked like Tsuji.


    Yutsuko simply bowed with a smile on her face as she spoke, "Welcome Your Majesty how have you been."

 180 Incinerator

    The woman who had just arrived simply smiled as she spoke, "Sister Yutsuko please we have been my sister for so long call me by my name."


    As the woman landed Ryuu greeted him, "Greetings Senior."


    The woman glanced towards Ryuu as Tsuji stepped forward as she introduced Ryuu to her mother, "Royal mother, I wish to introduce you to Daoist Ryuu he is the one who rescued us yesterday from the terrible ordeal."


    The woman''s eyes widened in recognition as she spoke, "Daoist Ryuu you have my gratitude for helping not only my daughters but also my future daughter-in-law, we are in your debt."


    Ryuu replied with a smile, "Thank you for your kind words your Majesty but I was merely did what any other person would have done in my place."


    Katsumi joined them soon as she spoke, "Academy Head I have already started the evacuation process and it will be over soon enough."


    Yutsuko turned towards the Empress as she spoke, "Sister Tamafune let us proceed and check about the plant."


    Empress Tamafune turned towards her guards as she ordered them, "Make sure you help the local authorities to evacuate and cordone off the area also make sure to prevent any form of mass panic.", as she turned towards Yutsuko speaking in a much kinder tone, "Sister as I am the highest level of authority on alchemy at the court at present I will be accompanying you."


    Yatsuko nodded at her with a smile as they swooped down to get a closer look at the plant, while others followed the others given out by their Empress leaving a few people including the princesses and Ryuu.


    Tsuji turned towards Ryuu as she spoke with faux angry tone, "Ryuu why did you not catch when I jumped towards your arms what would have happened if the poor weak me had slammed on the wall at full force."


    Ryuu deadpanned at her as he thought ''''weak'' if the likes of her is weak than what does it entail for the people beneath her cultivation level.'', as such he replied back with an innocent smile, "I am extremely sorry Senior but next time I would definitely catch you it would be bad if because of your recklessness the cultural heritage site got damaged."


    Tsuji had a tick mark on her forehead but before she could say anything Katsumi intervened, "Junior Ryuu, it was amazing how you managed dodged the flying tackle from my elder sister, I thought you were concentrating a lot."


    Ryuu smiled sheepishly as he spoke, "Well that can be attributed to my teacher actually, and in order for me to gain awareness to my surrounding my teacher would attack me randomly like while I was sleeping as such and eventually I build up awareness to sudden attacks. When Tsuji tried to tackle me my body moved on its own trying to evade the attack."


    Katsumi blinked owlishly at that as she spoke, "It must be hard right."


    For a moment Ryuu''s eyes glazed as he gave a demented giggle, "Hard kukukuku, oh the word doesn''t describe the feeling of getting thrown out of the while window sleeping, scared and having your cauldron blow on your face,��.."


    As he spoke more and more he began taking a derange look scaring the sisters but he was brought up from his deranged behavior by the arrival of the two woman with grim look on their face as they were discussing something with a frown on their face.


    Tsuji stepped forward as she asked, "Is there something wrong?"


    Tamafune frowned as she spoke, "A s we feared the plant is none other than the dreaded ''Famine God''s Lotus'', not only that it is fully mature enough to release its spores any day now.", she turned towards Ryuu as she spoke, "Sister Yutsuko informed that you are a mid level Array master?"


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes your Highness, is there anything you want to me help you with."


    Tamafune spoke with a stern visage, "The currently the plant is so volatile that even a small jolt might cause it release its spores then we have to incinerate it, moreover the roots have to be removed entirely or else it will spawn again."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "It is easy I can create a mobile barrier which will enclose the lotus head completely even if it releases the spores it will be trapped within the barrier as long as you will allow them. After the entirety of the plant is uprooted I could create a barrier and place the plant inside it where we will incinerate it completely."


    Tamafune nodded with a smile as she spoke, "I see it is a nice and safe idea. Junior Ryuu the array masters accompanying me are very low leveled as the ''Royal Array Master'' of our court is currently on an expedition as such unfortunately he is unavailable to help as such I would wish to hire your services Daoist Ryuu I hope 50 low Level Immortal spirit coins will be enough."


    Ryuu simply nodded at that, normally he would have done such free of charge but if the Empress wished to hire him who is he to say no, he was the reason that their capital city would not be suffering greatly more importantly they were rich not someone poor and he was send out to garner some experience, he would have tried to haggle a bit more but he did not feel like it.


    Ryuu took out a couple of blank talismans as he noted, ''I need to buy a few more talismans but the quality I have seen at the market is not good may be big sisters can help me get the high quality grade used in Ayindril, even if I have enough for near about 15,000 talismans but still I wish to get more it would be great."


    Ryuu quickly wrote the array on the talisman using his special pen gifted by his second mistress Nuwa, before handing two talismans each to both of them as he spoke, "Use the ''Red'' colored one on top of the Lotus head it would seal it and the ''Green'' colored to deactivate the barrier."


    The woman quickly took the talisman from him as Ryuu spoke, "Excuse me your Majesty may I ask for a place to place barrier for the incinerator."


    Tamafune just closed her eyes in deep thought before she pointed towards a large raised platform inside the fort as she spoke, "I hope that platform will be big enough.", with that they left as Ryuu made his way towards the platform as he began writing on top of the platform with great concentration.


    It took him a few minutes to make the necessary preparation to create the incinerator, for maximum efficiency he needed to make it semi manual, as he will be pouring his own Ki in tandem with the what the array itself will draw from the surroundings, even if the bulk will be from the surrounding his job is simple he will make sure that the fire used will be of the highest level as under the influence of the Supreme Dao of Fire, which he will be supplying on basis of his own enlightenment.


    As he sat there in front of the array meditating the sisters stood a few meters away from him guarding Ryuu and his array.


    Suddenly two blur appeared carrying with them a titanic sized plant more than 600 meters long with two lotus shaped flower at full bloom, and both of them surrounded by an orange colored barrier, which was filled by grayish particles causing everyone to grimace it seemed that the plant had already bloomed.


    Ryuu pointed towards the array as the two woman drenched in water lower the entirety of the plant as Yutsuko spoke, "We were lucky to have the barrier it bloomed no sooner did we placed the barrier, if it had been not for you it would be a large disaster."


    Ryuu nodded as he activated the incinerator with a clap, a large white translucent box formed around the entirety of the plant as two circles formed in front of Ryuu as he rolled up the sleeves of his shirt above his elbows before placed his hands on them, as they watched intently.


    Ryuu let out a deep breath as he spoke, "Release the barrier."


    The two women nodded as they used the green colored talisman as the barrier around the lotus head was removed soon the entirety of the barrier was filled with the grayish spores.


    Ryuu spoke, "Agni Pralaya".


    A humongous aura of peak Void Immortal erupted causing the Headmistress''s as well as the Empress''seyes to narrow as a single thought ran through their mind, '' The kid is not normal the quality and density of his KI far outstrips an Void Immortal I have encountered through their entire life including myself just what is he?"


    The watched as Ryuu''s hands became black as erratic white light ran from it and seemed to fuse with the box as the box itself became white hot as they were forced to shield their eyes and hide their face from the heat.


    A few minutes later a sweating Ryuu released the array as there was not even small ash of the palnt survived, the heat was so much that the platform on which the array was erected had melted.


    Ryuu gave a small huff as he spoke, "Well it seems to be a job well done."

 181 Captain Liang Meng

    Yutsuko and Tamafune checked the end result as they nodded in appreciation before turning towards Ryuu who was seating with his hands on his laps as his right leg was stretched forward while his left leg had its knee pointed upwards.


    Tamafune: "You have done well Doaist Ryuu and as per agreement here are your hiring fees.", as Ryuu stood up.


    She simply extended a bag full of Low Immortal tier spirit stones towards Ryuu who accepted the bag with a bow.


    Tamafune: "I hope my daughter already passed the invitation for tonight''s dinner to you."


    Ryuu looked confused as he spoke, "Please excuse me your Majesty but what do you mean by ''invitation''."


    Tamafune: "Ara so it seems my darling daughter forgot to invite you as instructed."


    Tsuji stepped forward as she spoke "Mother I would have invited Daoist Ryuu but the entire fiasco distracted me."


    Tamafune nodded as she turned towards Ryuu as she spoke, "Junior Daoist Ryuu, I hope you would honor us by participating at today''s dinner at our palace."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke as he gave a small bow towards Tamafune, "I would be honored your Majesty."


    Tamafune turned towards Yutsuko as she spoke with a smile, "Sister I would love if you would join as well it has been a long time since us sisters spoke with one another."


    Yutsuko returned her smile with one of her own as she spoke, "Sister I would love although I hope you would not mind if I arrive along with the same time as Ryuu."


    Tamafune: "Of course not sister well till then take care."


    With that the Royal family left Yutsuko turned towards Ryuu as she spoke, "Well fellow Daoist I will rejoin with my students who should be at the hotel by now what about you?"


    Ryuu: "Well it is already around time for lunch as such I will also return."


    Yutsuko spoke with a smile, "Splendid I hope you would not mind if I accompany you."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "Not at all, Senior."


    As they made their way back, Yutsuko suddenly spoke to Ryuu, "Ryuu, I would like to thank you again for helping us during such a plight."


    Ryuu: "Please Senior there was no need to thank me, I just did what I had been hired for nothing more nothing less."


    Yutsuko nodded as she asked, "Junior I noticed that you used ''Pre-Marijs reform tactics'' when creating the array."


    ''Pre-Marijs reform tactics'' is the way an array creation method used to work before Daoist whose real name was Marijs Mikaelson and with a very audacious Dao name ''Imperial Array Master'', he was responsible for creation of Marijs reform tactics way back during the ''Dark Ages'' just after the ''Great Divide'', a way of creating array by simplifying in a much larger way making it easier and popular for everyone around, but it had a serious fault, it was highly erroneous when used in advanced arrays as it took the Universe into a static and steady state, which caused any form of advanced arrays practically useless.


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Yes senior I did."


    Yustsuko raised her eyebrows as she spoke in amazement, "I am amazed at that mostly people go for Marijs reform tactics while constructing an array as it is much much easier, it seems your teacher taught you well."


    Ryuu beamed with happiness as he spoke with a smile, "Thank you for the complement Senior."


    As they talked with each other they soon reached the hotel where the parted ways.


    Ryuu winced as he applied the ointments on the burn marks on the palm of his hands caused by using such powerful technique which he had yet to master full a forbidden technique which he was able to utilize only due to his very high understanding about Supreme Dao of Fire almost nearing Grandmaster level, could he have done the same with another technique maybe but he did not wished to technique any chances as such he has severe burn marks on his palm.


    He knew he would heal soon but that does not mean it was not hurting him, his teacher makes very nice medicine and her healing prowess is really unmatched and if not for her he would have either died or would have become crippled a long time ago."


    He had his lunch ordered to be delivered to his room, which consisted of Saba Shioyaki, Nikujaga, Sunomono, Miso Soup and Genmai.


    Meanwhile at a distant place a figure was reading through a report written on paper her face was stoic as she went through the report, before turning towards a few kneeling figure as she spoke, "You have your orders now here take this, you are to hand this to him it would explain everything and then make sure to escort him here safely. Now you may leave."


    "Your wish is our command Your Majesty.", with that the figures left the person sitting alone behind her desk finishing her job.


    Ryuu dressed in elegant robe left together with the students of ''Golden Immortal Fairy Academy'', while many of the students as well their chaperons including the Academy head and the eldersviewed him with positive lights there were a few who were a bit wary of him due to various reasons.


    As the large group approached the Imperial Palace they were greeted by the Crown Prince Yoshitoshi along with a group of guards dressed in ceremonial gear, "Welcome Honored Guests, we are honored with your presence, please follow me."


    They were then escorted to a large guardian where many people were already present, some of the people from the academy went on to greet people whom they knew prior to arrival, leaving poor Ryuu alone once again causing him to feel a bit of d��j�� vu at the situation presented in front of him, ''I hope this will not be the repeat of Kitopia, and I hope the Emperor and Empress arrive soon I will then be able to finish my dinner and make way to my hotel room.''


    Suddenly a herald announced loudly, "Presenting the ever glorious, magnanimous Emperor of Habakar Dynasty, Emperor Tsuramatsu,��..", Ryuu turned a blind ears as the herald droned on and on about all titles and achievements and what not.


    Soon the Emperor arrived along with the Empress by his side closely following them his two daughters and his future daughter-in-law.


    Ryuu was glad to see them as it meant now he could finally have his dinner and then take his leave.


    Emperor Tsuramatsu: "Greetings our Honored Guests, I would like to express our gratitude on behalf of ''The Habakar Royal Family'' for gracing us with your presence now I wish for the feast to begin."


    Since the arrival of Ryuu most of the people were stealing discreet glances towards him, but it turned into gossip as Tsuji made her way towards Ryuu as she spoke with a smile, "Daoist Ryuu I am glad you came."


    Ryuu simply replied back with a smile, "Me too your highness."


    Tsuji: "Well please follow me and allow me to introduce you with my father."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he was brought in front of the Emperor who was sitting on the throne.


    Tsuji: "Royal father I would like to introduce you to my savior as well as the person who saved us from the dreaded ''Famine God''s Lotus''."


    Tsuramatsu studied Ryuu briefly as he spoke, "Daoist Ryuu I would like to express my sincere gratitude for saving my daughter as well as my people."


    Ryuu simply bowed as he spoke, "Your majesty I only did what was necessary for any cultivator in my position."


    But before any of them could speak a guard came rushing as he kneeled hastily as everyone''s undivided attention fell on him waiting for Tsuramatsu''s order, "Guard why have you disturbed the feast."


    The guard spoke from his kneeling position as he spoke fear evident in his voice, "Your majesty a contingent of some armored troops amounting to 50 has arrived in front of the palace each of them are cultivator of immense strength they are here requesting audience with one your honorable guests Your Majesty."


    Tsuramatsu frowned as he ordered the guard to escort only the leader of the said contingent.


    Soon a tall person of near 8 feet in height clad in blood red armor his flowing cape showing the marking of twin black dragon each other from their tail came forward.


    Everyone was scared their hair rising near their neck while they were sweating heavily as they were faced with a person of immense strength as everyone understood a simple truth that none of them had any ounce of chance of survival against the person.


    The person came forward before he feel to his knees and bowing towards Ryuu as he spoke, "Captain Liang Meng of the Ouroboros regiment of the Royal Guard greets Prince Ryuu." Causing everyone present at the scene including Ryuu, to get shocked at the sudden revelation, as they watched the immensely powerful person kneeling and addressing Ryuu as a ''Prince''.

 182 Leaving Habakar

    Ryuu glanced towards the person who identified himself as Liang Meng who was currently kneeling with his hands cupped and his head bowed in front of Ryuu. Suddenly it struck like thunder to him the markings on him were that of one of the regiments of Royal Guards who actively act guard the core zone from unauthorized intrusion as well as act as Guard for his eldest sister.


    Ryuu gave a small cough before he spoke, "Please raise your head Captain Liang Meng, if I may inquire about the purpose of your visit."


    Liang Meng raised his head as he produced an ornate cylindrical box in front of him as he spoke, "Your Highness, Her Majesty send a personal message for and ordered us to escort you back."


    Ryuu''s brow furrowed in thought as he thought, ''Why did my sister send what seemed like a Royal Decree for me to return back.''


    Ryuu studied the cylindrical box as he thought, ''hmmm it seemed like those puzzles the third mistress used to give me to play as a child.''


    He used a few combinations on the dials on top of the cylindrical box and soon with a hiss the box opened revealing a jade slip inside it, Ryuu picked it up as he put it against his forehead and a quick insertion of Ki he had the contains of the slip was known to him, as he went through it Ryuu cracked a smile, as the jade slip destroyed itself.


    He stored the box inside his space ring as he turned towards the Emperor and sweat dropped upon seeing the look of fear at many people present some of them looked as if ready to run, ''Well seems like my sister''s guards can be scary.'', he cleared his throat as he spoke, "Your Majesty I wish to convey my deepest apologizes as owing to private reasons I have been recalled back as such I will have to take my leave from your wonderful party."


    The Emperor Tsuramatsu wanted nothing more than for Ryuu to leave currently, the guard kneeling behind Ryuu was not only scaring him but also everyone present as such he forced a smile on his face the last thing he needed was annoying Ryuu and meet a swift end, the guard was strong enough to deal with any and everyone present.


    The Emperor stood from his seat as he spoke, "Please Prince Ryuu you do not have to apologize for anything I understand as family is important, but I would love if you would visit my country and stay as my guest in my palace the next time."


    Ryuu just gave a short bow towards the Emperor as Tsuji stepped forward, "Royal father with your permission I wish to see Daoist Ryuu off."


    Tsuramatsu: "You may my daughter."


    With that Ryuu left the garden with Tsuji as Captain Liang Meng trailed behind him.


    Tsuji spoke with a hint of sadness on her voice, "So I guess you will be leaving then, Ryuu."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Yes I will be but who knows we might meet again in the future, Senior Tsuji."


    NO words were spoken as Tsuji escorted him towards the palace entrance before facing each other, "Well then Senior Tsuji I bid you fare well."


    Tsuji nodded at that as she spoke, "I hope that you may have good fortune in your future adventures.", with that she leaned forward before kissing Ryuu on his left cheek.


    Ryuu blushed a little as Tsuji spoke, "This was my way of thanking you for all the help you gave us."


    Ryuu just nodded before he left with Liang Meng as he stepped outside, a group of 50 guards suddenly kneeled in front of him as they spoke in unison, "Long Live Your Prince Ryuu.", loud enough for everyone even the people inside the garden to hear them.


    Ryuu: "Captain Liang Meng, I have still some business inside the city such as checking out of the hotel I was staying in, I hope there will be no problem."


    Liang Mengs poke reverently with a bow, "Of course my lord there will be no problem."


    As such the group started to make their way towards the hotel Ryuu was staying, as they were out of direct sight from the palace Ryuu took out a blank talisman as he wiped the marking of lips on hhis cheeks with a bit distress the last time he was kissed by a girl Ryuu found her a few days later broken and ... the thought made his blood boil again as such he took out his kiseru as he lit it for a quick smoke, all the while the while the people simply gave them wide berth upon seeing the imposing visage of guards behind Ryuu as well as the little bit of killing intent Ryuu leaked.


    By the time he reached the reception the receptionist was already have a slight nervous breakdown even then with an extreme show of professionalism he managed to force a smile as he spoke, "Greetings Sir, how may I help you?"


    Ryuu: "I just want to check out and return my key."


    The man nodded as he took the key as he did quickly sorted out the expenses which occurred during Ryuu''s stay which included the restaurant bill boosting the grand total came to be about 24 Mid level Spirit stones as such with heavy heart the receptionist returned the remaining amount Ryuu had paid beforehand.


    Then he made his way towards the dockyard but he was hungry because of the untimely arrival of theguards he was exempted from dinner at the party.


    As he made his way towards the dockyard he was greeted by the sight of a stall selling ''kaarage'' the smell and sight was making him hungry but unfortunately he was in a hurry as such he decided he would bug his sister after arriving at his destination.


    He surrendered his city pass, normally the Immigration office and the custom would bug anyone without permission who had stepped inside their city but currently they were dealing with their self preservation.


    Ryuu: "Captain Liang Meng, I will be driving my flying vessel but I do not think it will be able to hold all of you."


    Liang Meng: "Your Highness there is no need for you to worry we have brought a flying ship large enough to accommodate your flying ship as well, not only that our flying ship is fast enough to reach her Majesty''s location within a couple of hours."


    A few hours later Ryuu escorted inside a palace by the maids as he parted ways with the Royal Guards, he soon found himself in front of a room with closed doors.


    The maid knocked the door as a order came for them to enter, Ryuu found himself face to face with Antariskh writing something down on a piece of paper with a serious look on her face.


    Neither the maid nor Ryuu spoke anything as they watched Antariskh toiling on some paperwork, they had to wait a few minutes before a tired looking Antariskh raised her head which soon became full of happiness as she spoke, "You may leave now and Ryuu please take a seat."


    Antariskh stood up from her chair as she made her way towards Ryuu hugging him, "It has been a long time dear brother, let big sister see your face properly.", as she held Ryuu''s face in her hands with a smile on her face and eyes full of love.

 183 Helping his big sister

    "That was nice of you Ryuu but remember never use such tactics in hostile environment unless and until it is necessary even a small wound could be exploited by your enemy.", Ryuu nodded at his sisters advice before he spoke, "Big Sister, thank you from saving me when I went berserk all those years ago."


    Antariskh just gave a small smile as she spoke, "You are my brother of course I would help you.", while inwardly it was a different story, ''If Ryuu knew I was the one who planned and caused the entire incident he would be not only mad at us but I fear another incident like Pangu would have occurred, I am glad our parents lied to him.''


    "My my it seems like Her Majesty is shirking from her job.", came a melodious voice to their ears.


    Ryuu turned his head as he offered a big smile, "Welcome 2nd big sister how have you been?"


    Sylvana smiles as he spoke, "I have been fine brother, I heard you had some problem related to lovers", she finished with a mysterious smile.


    Ryuu just grumbled at that as he spoke, "tch it was annoying although 3rd big sister took care of them."


    Antariskh: "Before I forget you may remove the necklace on your neck I doubt there is anyone present here who would so low willpower to resist your charm , and you do not have to worry it work as good as new the next time you wear it."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he removed it, as the effect of his Divine body went full force on his charm, but it did nothing on the sisters.


    As they spoke amongst themselves another person strolled in as she spoke, "Well we all can gossip as much as our heart''s content but more importantly Ryuu did you have your dinner."


    Bringing everyone''s attention towards the newly arrived Shamiran, as Ryuu replied back to her with a smile, "Welcome 3rd big sister, but to answer your question no, I was escorted back from the party before I could have my dinner.", he gave a stink eye towards his eldest sister, who just laughed at his accusation.


    Before long they were in a dining hall satiating their hunger, there were lot of various kinds of foods as they were eating Sylvana suddenly questioned Ryuu, "You are already a rank 9th of Void Immortal level just a few more levels and then you will be undergoing tribulations, if you want any kind of help before it begins feel free to ask us."


    Ryuu stopped eating as helooked towards his sisters with a serious look on his face, "To tell you the truth I am kind of scared sisters, you know unlike normal cultivators if I fail to pass the tribulation I will cease to exists there is no other way for me."


    Antariskh who was sitting next to him just gave him a one armed hug as she spoke soothingly, "Brother let me tell you a secret to success, as long as you believe on yourself you will succeed, you are strong and I, no we all believe in you would succeed splendidly after all you are our beloved brother.", she finished with proud look on her face which was reflected on her other sisters causing Ryuu to smile a little bit.


    After dinner as they made way towards their room Antariskh spoke, "Ryuu tomorrow you will be meeting your teammates they may not be at your level but they will be able to help you reach the city inside the hidden space, as such I hope you could get some form of understanding with them, you only have a week to get decent level of understanding amongst yourself."


    Ryuu nodded as he neared his room his eldest sister let out a tired sigh causing a concerned Ryuu voice his concern, "Big sister is there any problem you look a little tired."


    Antariskh just waved her hand trying to disperse Ryuu''s concern as she spoke, "Nothing brother just that all those years of absence had generated lots of paperwork I will have to stay awake another night in order to finish them, it is quite taxing and more importantly boring job."


    Suddenly Antariskh''s eyes widen as a bright idea struck her, ''I should introduce Ryuu to the kind of work I do may be even increase his interest for my position as the head of Shangri-la, after all it is good to be ambitious and having a goal to succeed my throne is a very good one, and then I, Antariskh will be gloriously free, free from all the paperwork and dealing with the idiots, yes yes I am such a great genius.'', as she inwardly cackled at her brilliant plan.


    Ryuu suddenly felt a chill on his spine as if something very wrong was about to happen to him, and he needed to find his happy place as such without waiting for his sister to speak his 9th rank Void Immortal level exploded as he stated running towards his room his plan was simple, ''Enter the room, close the door, jump on the bed, pull up the cover and then fall asleep. Yep, simple easy and a great plan''.


    Ryuu''s hands stretched forward as the door was slammed open before suddenly he found himself staring at a desk filled with lots of paper and a couple of trolleys filled papers stacked high enough to almost touch the ceiling, ''eh where am I should be inside my room but why��'', he suddenly felt someone hugging him from behind as hand was casually slung on his shoulder as the sweet voice of his sister came to his ears, "My oh my, my baby brother loves me so much he decided to help me with my paperwork, oh you were so eager to help me you should have told me before instead of make a run for it I would have simply teleported you here.", with that she tighten her hold on Ryuu as she dragged him to her chair while hoisting another with her right hand Ryuu tried to break free from her in vain as he found himself being shoved on the chair with his sister occupying the other.


    "Well brother let me teach you how to��.."


    Next day at the breakfast table, Sylvana and Shamiran had already arrived for their breakfast currently discussing some matters regarding Shangri-la.


    Sylvana sighed as she spoke, "I miss those days when Ryuu would appear for the breakfast before anyone out of excitement, today he is going to meet his teammates, yet he is running late."


    Shamiran frowned as she spoke, "I went to wake him up but he was not present in his room as such I thought he would have already arrived here."


    Suddenly with the arrival of a footstep which seemed like someone was dragging their feet under large load.


    "Good Morning Sisters.", came a happy greeting from Antariskh who entered the room with a skip on her steps glowing with happiness.


    As the others were about to return the greeting only to be stunned into silence by the appearance of a disheveled, pale faced person with blood shot eyes to the point it seemed as if blood will start pouring out of it, on top of all that his appearance looked like he had just gone through war mumbling various curses under his breath.


    Sylvana and Shamiran both jumped from their seat so fast that it caused their chair to fall on the ground with a loud clatter as they shouted out, "RYUU!!!!!!!!!!, what happened to him?"


    A loud groan followed by a moan of pain greeted their question as an almost crying Ryuu who had fallenon his kneeswith his hands on his ears spoke no literally begged, "Please please no more noise my head is splitting apart."

 184 Aonia

    Shamiran sighed as she sends a glare towards Antariskh as she spoke, "Really sister tormenting our brother like that is not cool."


    She quickly poured some water on a glass as she went beside Ryuu before making him swallow a pill with the help of water, she then massaged his scalps and with a few minutes Ryuu was in a bliss all the torment and pain forget not only that he was actually feeling quite refreshed.


    Shamiran: "I hope you are all right brother would you like some breakfast."


    Ryuu somehow managed to give a reply, "Yes I would love to big sister."


    As Ryuu took his seat he send a scathing glare towards Antariskh who simply grinned at him while winking, causing him to bristle with anger as he silently swore, ''One day, one day I will have my revenge.''


    After a hearty breakfast Ryuu went towards his room to get ready for the day, today was the day he will meet his new team mates and he was excited because of it.


    An hour later Ryuu was accompanied by Sylvana as he was taking in the sights of the place, "Sister what is this planet the sky looks a bit funny as if��."


    Sylvana finished Ryuu''s sentence with a smirk on her face, "Artificial right, as if it was lit artificially, is that what you are thinking Ryuu?"


    Ryuu nodded at her as she spoke with a smirk, "Brother, the think you are currently witnessing is kind of very rare, not only the sky the entire planet is artificially created, well it is already late but welcome to ''Aonia'', Ryuu"


    Ryuu was awed at what he heard an artificially created planet. Seeing the awed expression on Ryuu''s face Sylvana snorted loudly as she spoke, "Brother Ayindril is present inside a hidden sub-space as such you should not be so much startled about some artificial planet, on top of that after you gain certain level of strength you could turn a planet into space dust with a swipe of your hand, so creation of planet is nothing to be awed about ."


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "I cannot help it after all it is the first time I have heard or seen something like that, but why does it require artificial lighting does this planet not orbit around any star."


    Sylvana: "It is better to use some planet than creating a new one which orbits around any star, ''Aonia'' is not restricted by something as star system it can move from one place to another although it is slow but still it is a mobile planet closely guarded by fleets of warship, the exact locations of this base is only known to highest ranked officers of Shangri-la, even then it tends to change after sometime."


    Ryuu was now awed at what he heard as he thought, ''The universe is such huge and amazing sometimes it feels as if I am a frog inside a well.''


    After a quick tour by Sylvana it was time for Ryuu to meet his teammates, "Well brother it is time for you to meet your teammates I will escort you to them, they will be assembled at the biggest city of Rogneron, ''Aurelia City'', the capital city of ''Idreabburyn Dynasty.''"


    With that they again boarded a flying vessel and within a couple of hours Ryuu was standing within Aurelia cty.


    A wizened old man approached them with a few people as he kneeled in front of Sylvana, the people behind him followed suit.


    "Arise, Agrippa Loreius Avienus, we hope all the preparations are complete."


    Agrippa, "Yes your majesty I have finished everything as per you Highness''s wishes."


    Sylvana nodded at him as she commanded, "Very well then escort us to them, we wish to meet the group."


    With that Agrippa escorted Sylvana to a carriage waiting for her as they neared the carriage Sylvana turned towards Ryuu as she spoke sternly, "Ryuu you will be riding along with us as well as you too Agrippa."


    Ryuu simply gave a short bowed to her as he spoke, "As you wish your Highness."


    While Agrippa bowed low enough to touch the ground as he spoke, "I am honored by your kindness your Highness."


    Ryuu was feeling uncomfortable as the people who have accompanied Agrippa were checking him out some even looked with disdain their looks screaming, ''How dare this peasant try to ride the same carriage as her Highness.''


    As they rode the carriage Agrippa mainly presented various request in front of Sylvana some of them which she gave to promise of fulfillment where as the other she became annoyed and a rare few she rejected harshly, Ryuu did not pay much attention to their discussion as his mind wandered drinking into the sight of the busy city life as the carriage stormed through the streets, with Agrippa city by his side directly opposite to Sylvana, outside the carriage the Royal guards raced keeping pace with the carriage.


    Sylvana pointed towards to Ryuu as she spoke, "Agrippa the boy sitting by your side is Ryuu, a very talented cultivator who has close relation with our family, he will also participate in the expedition, oh and during his stay here, if even a single hair on his head is harmed outside the hidden space you will lose your head."


    Agrippa gulped at that as he spoke, "I will make sure that Young Master Ryuu''s stay here is as comfortable as possible."


    Sylvana turned to Ryuu as she spoke with a bit of softness in her voice, "Ryuu while staying here feel free to consult Daoist Agrippa here regarding any problem you may face."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke with his hand cupped showing gratitude as he spoke, "I will your Highness.", before turning towards Agrippa he spoke, "Greetings Senior, I will be in your care for the remainder of my stay on this planet."


    As they reached the Shangri-la Pavilion building Ryuu noted that it was much bigger than those present in Kitopia and Habakar, they were then led into the inner sanctum inside the building as the door was opened they were greeted by a group of near about a group of hundred people.


    The people present simply kneeled in front of them.


    "Raise your heads", Sylvana commanded the people present as they raised their heads as Sylvana studied them, before turning towards Ryuu as she spoke, "Ryuu they will be your future teammates spend some time with them so as to know them better."


    Ryuu simply bowed at her as she turned to Agrippa as she spoke, "We think we have some businesses to conclude and as such we will take our leave but do not worry we will visit you before we leave."


    With that she started to leave only to stop near the door as she glanced towards the people present as she spoke, "We hope that the people who are directly involved are present inside the room not some unnecessary people, and do not waste your time try to form a bit of understanding amongst yourselves it will be useful."


    As Sylvana left with Agrippa trailing behind her along with a few personal of Aurelia branch of Shangri-la, Ryuu was left alone with other people who would be his future teammates.


    Before any of the could speak a loud shout of "Big brother Ryuu, is it really you?", drew everyone''s undivided attention to the speaker.

 185 Meeting an old acquaintance

    Ryuu looked at the girl standing in front of him he had seen her before but he could not remember her until it hit him like a ton of bricks, "Are you Lu Wu from Hayakawa city?"


    The 13 year old girl nodded happily at Ryuu as she spoke, "Yes big brother Ryuu I am glad you remember Lu Wu, it has been 3 years since I met you."


    As Lu Wu spoke Ryuu''s mind wandered off to another girl he met during his travel one who was the first to call him ''Big Brother'', the one whom he failed to protect, ''Estelle'', thinking about her made his heartache he shook his head freeing him from the depressing thought as he paid attention to the one standing in front of him.


    Ryuu smiled back at her as he spoke, "Lu Wu how have you been and what about your family? Did both of you join any school?"


    Lu Wu spoke with a beaming smile, "I have been fine big brother, as for my grandpa he has joined a mercenary squad while both my brother and I have joined different schools, he has joined the ''Immortal Guardian Academy'' and as for myself I have joined the ''Frozen Immortal Convent.''"


    Ryuu cracked a smile if he remembered correctly the girl in front of him had a divine body albeit much lower tiered compared to him and as per his sisters promise she has joined a school suitable for her.


    Before they could speak again a woman approached them, bluish hair wearing an unblemished white robes with a white veil covering her mouth, her icy blue eyes seemed trying to pear through his soul a very powerful cultivator.


    "Child may I inquire who is he?", she asked Lu Wu who send a happy smile at the newcomer as she introduced Ryuu to her, "Teacher he is big brother Ryuu whom I told you about before, the person who saved my family and I.", she turned to Ryuu as she spoke, "Brother she is my teacher ''Fairy Immortal Empress Frozen Flame''.", she finished with a smug look causing her teacher to roll her eyes in exasperation, while Ryuu simply smiled at her.


    Ryuu simply turned towards the woman as he bowed to her, "This Junior greets Senior.", as he looked at the woman in front of him, from her Dao name he could easily deduce that the woman in front of him was a cultivator of ''Mystic Immortal'' realm an entire realm above his deceased mother ''Xiao Xiao''.


    The woman studied Ryuu as she spoke in a monotonous voice devoid of warmth, "Junior Ryuu, I wish to convey my gratitude for saving my disciple, I heard a lot about you how you have saved her family and have saved her from a fate worse than death."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "Senior I did what any other people would have done nothing more."


    Before they could speak further a loud clap was heard as a grey haired person successfully managed to draw everyone''s attention towards him.


    "Greetings everyone my name is Lucius Laberius Ramio, I am the assistant overseer of the Planet Rogneron. Many of you might be aware of the reason so many of you have been gathered here most of you from different planets, even if you may know the reason for your arrival I would still love to remind you all that the reason you all have been for exploring the ''Nether realm Grotto.'' Under the order from Her Majesty Herself, there has been many explorations inside it, but the main reason you all have been gathered here is because the previous explorations all the participants have only managed to explore the outer area even then not much because of various hazardous reasons which you will learn within this week, the most importantly you all are best of the best amongst all those below 40 years of age as such you will be able to enter it safely.", he took a deep breath as he continued again, "Inside this hidden space is a city which is the goal of this expedition till date no one has succeeding even getting near to the city let alone enter it, during a previous expedition a peak Level Wanxiang Adept tried only to meeta horrible end, some of you are our employees and the rest are associates both of you all are precious to us as such if you people get selected for the team that will try reaching the city I would advise you that if you do not feel comfortable you may decide to switch to team that will be exploring the outer areas, you may even leave if you feel as such no punishment nor anything unsavory will befall you I assure you that much."


    As he paused from speaking one of the people present spoke rather rudely, "tch there is no need for wasting our time by speaking nonsense if someone is just a cowardly chicken let them leave."


    Lucius only chuckled as he spoke jovially but had a certain edge in his tone, "Well youngsters confident reckless as such die young, but oh well let me do something other than wasting your oh so precious time."


    Lucius cleared his tone as he spoke, "We will try to form teams during this period of time except the primary team which will be formed today, as such please make a line as we register you and check on your age and cultivation level accordingly we will form the primary team and the secondary, you may have noticed a token was given to you all upon your arrival except one of you. ", he glanced towards Ryuu as he was speaking indicating him as the one without token, "You all will be queuing according to it, and if anyone tries otherwise you will be dealt with accordingly.", he finished his sentence with a good healthy dose of killing intent causing most of the people shiver in fright as he turned towards Ryuu as he spoke, "Junior as you are last to arrive you will be the going last, now you all will be registering here and this thing here will measuring you age and cultivation, this stone steale was given to us for this purpose and no one will be allowed to enter any team without going through this is that clear."


    He studied everyone seeing no one trying to say anything he spoke in a commanding tone, "You all may begin."


    As they formed a queue Ryuu being at the last, but his mind was on another matter entirely, ''The hidden space found 300 years ago and has less than 10 expeditions inside it, who knows what we might find.''


    He was broken out of deep thought by a tug on his clothes by curious Lu Wu, "Brother what are you thinking?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "Nothing Sister I was just thinking about what we might encounter within the city, but what about you, are accompanying someone who will be participating."


    Lu Wu: "I am actually accompanying my senior sisters they are the one participating."


    As they were speaking another person came near to them as she spoke in a melodious tone, "Oh and who might you be junior are friend of little Lu Wu."


    Ryuu turned as he saw a silver haired woman who wore bluish robe with a veil covering her mouth, Lu Wu bowed towards her as she spoke, "Big Brother Ryuu, this is my martial aunt, ''Fairy Immortal Empress Frozen Sky'', and aunty he is the person who saved me."


    At that the person''s eyes widened a little but before she could speak another shout came from the front, "Stop yapping about rules and what not finish with my registration.", an all too familiar voice spoke arrogantly at the people present causing many to frown.


    Ryuu spoke with distaste, "What an arrogant fellow?"


    "Gaius PetilliusFlorens, 36 years, 8th rank Wanxiang Adept", came an announcement from the people at the registration station.


    As Ryuu spoke with Lu Wu and sometimes with her teacher and her Martial Aunt, a shout came causing Lu Wu to smile with happiness, "Alhma, 36 years, 2nd rank Primal Daoist.", the announcer''s voice seemed impressed as Frozen Sky spoke haughtily, "That''s my girl."


    As people began discussing loudly about that what they heard most of them in awe and a select few with distaste out of jealousy specially the Gaius fellow being the most vocal of them all.


    But what caused another sensation which was even greater than the previous one, "Aliyah, 36 years, 3rd rank Primal Daoist."


    Again Frozen Sky looked happy which was shared by Frozen Flames as Lu Wu was gushing with happiness it seems that ''Frozen Immortal Convent'', will be stealing the limelight.


    Lu Wu turned towards Ryuu as she spoke, "Senior Sister Alhma and Senior Sister Aliyah are twins who are both disciples of my martial aunt, they are so cool one day I wish to be as good as them."


    Ryuu nodded at that with a smile, as the twins came towards their location and was hugged by their teacher while frozen Flames just gave a pat on their back, they were sure that they will be into the primary team, as Lu Wu went and hugged them which they both returned with a smile.


    As the queue moved further it seemed most of them were in Wanxiang Adept realm and a few were way past the required age and were tossed out of the room in a very humiliating manner.


    Soon it was turn for Ryuu and from what it seemed Lucius did not seemed all that pleased and from what Ryuu had heard the basic requirement for approaching the city would involve a lot of flying as such anyone below Primal Daoist did not make the minimum requirement for being selected and currently only 2 made the cut.


    The person sitting behind the stone steale spoke in a tired tone, "State your name."


    Ryuu: "Ryuu."


    The person quickly noted his name on a notebook he held in his hand as he spoke, "Now pour your Ki on this steale."


    Ryuu simply put his hand on the stone steale and the person dropped his notebook as he turned pale rapidly bringing the attention of Lucius on him as he asked, "What happened Vel? Is something wrong?"


    The person named Vel shakily raised his finger at the result which caused Lucius''s eyes to widen as he mumbled out impossible over and over again, their reaction brought attention of everyone present on Ryuu.


    Ryuu: "Is there any problem senior?"


    Lucius: "Problem, how are you at the peak of Void Immortal level at 15 YEARS OF AGE!!!!",he shouted out loudly causing a pin drop silence to occur before the entire room erupted into cacophony of various shouts

 186 New Teammates

    Ryuu was annoyed at that the people treating him like some exotic animal inside a zoo, as such he turned towards Lucius as he spoke, "Senior, is this enough for me to register."


    Lucius nodded at that wordlessly as Ryuu made his way to a remote corner further away from this people, he was even incensed when people moved from his path treating him like a leper, but what took the cherry on top of the cake was the Gaius fellow who was for the better part complaining and cursing Ryuu with great hatred and jealousy, as Ryuu heard about everything because of his superior hearing because of his higher cultivation level he frowned, ''That arrogant self-centered fellow with superiority and inferiority complex, I would never want to be near him, I could bet all the spirit stones I have that he would try to kill me out of jealousy.''


    As he stood alone he was once again approached by a giddy Lu Wu who was literally jumping up and down, "That was totally awesome big brother I knew you were awesome but this is otherworldly you are so cool."


    Ryuu smiled at her enthusiasm as he spoke, "Well if you try hard and listen to your teacher you will be as strong as me one day.",his eyes briefly flickered to Gaius who was looking towards him with intense hatred and for a brief moment his eyes landed on Lu Wu as his mouth turn into a vicious snarl.


    Ryuu was getting angry as time passed, ''That no good wash up cultivator, if he damages a single hair on Lu Wu''s body I will skin him alive then make him cook and eat his own entrails.''


    He was about to give Gaius a good dose of his killing intent but stopped himself upon hearing a cold voice in his ears, "Junior do not worry about that jealousy dog, I will protect my student you do not need to worry."


    He turned towards Frozen Flames as he gave a short bow full of gratitude to her, before he began speaking with Lu Wu again, "So sister what is your current cultivation level?"


    Lu Wu puffed up her chest as she spoke in prideful tone, "I am currently at peak Houtian Level and soon I would catch up to you, just you wait big brother."


    Ryuu cracked a smile as he ruffled her hair as he spoke, "Of course I expect nothing less from you Lu Wu."


    As they were speaking Aliyah and Alhma made their way towards Ryuu as they approached him Aliyah spoke, "Sister Wu, how do you know Senior Ryuu?"


    Before Lu Wu could speak she was interrupted by Lucius who once again clapped his hand bringing everyone''s attention towards him as he spoke, "Well we have finished sorting everyone out of the 60 people who have tried to register only 56 makes the cut now as you have seen a couple of them were thrown out as they did not meet the requirements but that does not mean you all are safe, because at the end of one week we will drop anyone whom we find detrimental to the expedition, during this time you all will be trying to form a sense of teamwork with your teams, ''Nether realmGrotto'' is a treacherous area the minimum level of strength required is at least peak Wanxiang Adept at the outer area only which most of you are not as such we will send only those whom we find that they would survive, now moving on to the primary team will Fairy Aliyah, Fairy Alhma and Daoist Ryuu step forward."


    At that they both stepped forward as Lucius spoke to them, "You three will be inducted in the primary team now you will follow me I will show you your room and for the rest Vel will take care of you."


    As such the new group was escorted out the teacher of the two women decided to follow them along with Lu Wu and her teacher, "Daoist Lucius I hope it will not be a problem for you if we follow our students."


    Lucius shrugged as he spoke, "No I do not have any problem as long as you do not disrupt or cause any form of problem."


    As they were being escorted they were being escorted Lucius showed them the canteen location, alchemist''s room, and an array master''s room where they could perform their craft.


    Lucius escorted them to a large room with a couple of bunk beds as he said, "This will be your room for the rest of your stay and now I will lay down the rules.


    1) In case of any problem you are to approach me or Senior Agrippa.


    2) Secondly attached to this room is two bathrooms and a kitchen feel free to us the kitchen but remember to that use all the items present carefully.


    3) No fighting amongst yourselves is allowed, but sparing is allowed as long as you approach one of us for permission and we would allow it under proper supervision.


    4) You have male and female staying together in a room as such I hope there will be no form of illicit relationship which would be punished severely.


    5) Remember this is done to form a sort of bonding between team members before the expedition as such you are to spend as much time as possible with each other in order to build trust."


    Frozen Sky, "Is there any problem if we maintain contact with my disciples during the stay?"


    Lucius shook his head as he spoke, "No there is none Senior, as long as you do not cause any problem for the team there is no problem, you are free to visit them, teach them, advice but you may not spend the night here with them."


    Lucius: "Information regarding the ''Nether realm Grotto'' has been provided to you, they are all lying on your study table if you wish you may even carry them with you. Is there anything you may want to ask please feel free to ask now or I will be taking my leave and remember any form queries do not hesitate to ask your safety is our primary concern."


    Ryuu: "Excuse me senior but what if we require any form of resources can we buy��."


    Lucius stopped Ryuu''s speaking with a chuckle, "Ah I forgot about the most important thing yes you can have any resource within limit for free of charge as such you do not have to worry about them just approach me or senior Agrippa with your requests."


    He waited for a few seconds for any more questions before he spoke with a smile, "Well then I would leave all of you to settle down.", with that he turned towards the door to see Sylvana standing with a stoic visage studying each of them.


    Lucius shook out from his shocked state as he greeted out as he kneeled in front of Sylvana, "Greetings Your Highness, how may I serve?", others following his example except Ryuu.


    Sylvana spoke in a commanding tone, "Be at ease, Ryuu follow us.", with that she left with Ryuu running after her to catch up with her.


    As Ryuu reached by her side an array flashed as a barrier enveloped them, Sylvana did not stop walking as the barrier moved along with them its work was to prevent anyone from eavesdropping on their conversation.


    Sylvana: "Brother there is something you should know, the hidden space is very fragile to the point that anyone above Immortal Level Cultivation entering it might cause the hidden space to start collapsing, we have tried to access it before and the result is disastrous the entire space started collapsing as such we had to postpone it, remember brother last time you had to a group protecting you secretly."


    Ryuu nodded at that after how could he forget it, if it were not for the group he would not only have died even his soul would have ceased to exist because of his own foolishness.


    Sylvana spoke with a heavy tone, "Unfortunately this time it will not be feasible so you have to watch your back seriously, if you make a mistake you might die as no one will be there to help you this time except your teammates who are very weak compared to you."


    Ryuu sighed at that as he spoke, "I will try to keep it in my mind and be careful as much as possible."


    Sylvana nodded at that with a smile as she spoke, "Ryuu so what do you think of you teammates?"


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "I have not spoken with them more than a few words as such I have no idea about anything about them, but one of their junior sister turned out to be a girl named Lu Wu, I hope you remember the girl we saved from being sold to the bastard of city lord''s grasp by her own family."


    Sylvana frowned hard before she cracked a smile as she spoke, "Ah I remember, also she had a Divine Body is that not right."


    Ryuu nodded in affirmation as he spoke, "Yes big sister, but among them there is boy named Gaius, I have never seen someone so jealous with superiority and Inferiority complex, I will not be surprised if he tries to assassinate me out of sheer jealousy, the anger he showed towards not only me but anyone who surpassed him was astounding, not only that seeing Lu Wu speaking with me amiably I fear he might try to harm her just to spite me. How did someone like join the expedition is beyond me?"


    Sylvana frowned at that as she spoke, "That is troubling I will make sure he will be thrown out of slightest of mistake, now baby brother I will have to leave so take care one of our sisters will definitely visit you again soon till then goodbye."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke innocently, "Good bye big sister and have fun with your paperwork.", before he ran away with a cheeky grin leaving an enraged Sylvana behind.


    As Sylvana made her way to the carriage in front of which her guards and Agrippa stood dutiful, she stopped for a second as she whispered lowly, "You are already aware of our conversation with my brother, protect him from an hidden threat till he enters the hidden space and keep an on anyone trying to be hostile deal with them as you see fit but make sure they suffer for their transgression."


    A shadow casted by a pillar simply shook a little as Sylvana resumed her walk towards her carriage.


    Meanwhile Ryuu reached his room with a small smile on his face only to find himself being stared at by his future teammates as well as their teachers and their student he cursed himself from almost barging into the room without even being considerate of his roommates as such with a polite cough he spoke, "Excuse me but may I enter."

 187 La zuppa di pollo

    Frozen Sky: "Of course junior you are welcome inside it is your room after all."


    As he entered the room he noticed that the two teachers were sitting on chairs where as Aliyah, Alhma and Lu Wu were both sitting on a bed.


    Frozen Flames: "Please take a sit Junior Ryuu.", as she pointed towards a chair.


    As Ryuu sat Frozen Sky suddenly asked him, "Junior Ryuu if I may ask you, what your relation with her Highness is?"


    Ryuu: "It is very simple she is a family friend."


    At that they nodded as Frozen Sky spoke again, "I hope you could get along with our disciples well, as you see our disciples are academy is an all female academy and the girls are raised in a way that they have problem adjusting to male company as such I hope you will be a little bit understanding as they can be a handful."


    At her word both Aliyah and Alhma both grumbled at bit seemingly discontent with their teachers words, who simply giggled at their expression.


    Ryuu: "Excuse me senior but are fellow Daoist sister Aliyah and Alhma twins?"


    Frozen Sky simply nodded at that, as this time Frozen Flames spoke, "Junior Ryuu, is there any profession you are involved in?"


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "I am a Mid Immortal Level Array master and Low Immortal Level Alchemist."


    They were stunned but were brought back into reality by Ryuu''s query, "Senior, if I may ask the same about my fellow Daoist sisters."


    Frozen Flames nodded at that as she spoke, "Both Aliyah and Alhma are mid Wanxiang Adept level Alchemists."


    Ryuu nodded at that as loud groaning noise interrupted them as everyone''s undivided attention fell on a blushing Lu Wu, as Frozen Flames shook her head in exasperation while Frozen sky giggled as she spoke, "Seems like little Wu is hungry, why don''t we make our way towards some restaurant, and junior Ryuu I presume you have yet to have your lunch."


    Ryuu nodded at that as Frozen Sky spoke, "Then I hope you would not mind accompanying us would, in fact I insist you accompany us.", she finished speaking as her eyes promised something unpleasant if Ryuu declined.


    Ryuu sighed at that, ''What a pushy woman meh I have nothing better so I will accompany them.''


    As such they made their way towards a restaurant just a little further away from Shangri-la Pavilion, Ryuu glanced up as the name of the restaurant was displayed on a big signage board with lights glowing on it, the name ''La zuppa di pollo'', displayed in bold letters.


    As they entered the restaurant a well dressed person stepped forward as he asked with them with a smile, "Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, did you have any prior reservations."


    Frozen Sky: "No we do not have any reservations, but I hope you could provide a table for 6."


    The man nodded as he spoke with a small smile, "Madam we have normal and VIP seats which would you prefer."


    Frozen Sky: "The kind of seats which would provide the most privacy if you would."


    The man nodded as he spoke, "The VIP seats then please follow me.", with that he escorted the group of six to a booth on the 4th floor.


    As they went towards the VIP seats which was actually a private booth, the man simply opened the door of the booth as the group settled down inside the room, the man spoke with a smile, "Would you like chilled or normal water as your waiter arrives."


    They all asked for chilled water and the man left soon after.


    No sooner did the man left a waiter approached the booth as he spoke, "Good afternoon Ladies and Gentleman I will be your waiter for the day may I have your order please."


    With his piece said the man patiently waited as the group decided on what to order, before long another waiter arrived with six glasses full of chilled water.


    Ryuu was the last one to order, "Frost Crab cakes, Chopped salad (large), Gnocchi alle Bristecca, Lemoncello cake for desert and Spirit apple juice (Large) as my drink, oh and make them all at the highest level."


    With that the waiter just bowed and left, as Frozen Sky spoke, "I have heard that La zuppa di pollo is a good restaurant they make the best spirit foods in the entire city I just hope it is true."


    Ryuu who was sitting on the left of Frozen Sky where as Lu Wu was seating on her right, as for the others Frozen Flames was directly opposite to him with Aliyah followed by Alhma to her left respectively, Ryuu simply nodded as he went back to study the menu which had variety of dishes he noted that all of the dishes have different ratings starting from the lowest no ratings meant for civilians or simple non cultivators and the 7th star rating was for Void Immortal level dishes which was also the maximum level they could cook as well as the costliest.


    As they were waiting for their food he idly noted that in between Frozen Sky and Frozen flames the former was more extrovert whereas the latter more strict in comparison.


    As they waited for their food to be delivered Frozen Flame decided to question Ryuu as little bit, "Junior Ryuu do you have ever participated in any expeditions before."


    Ryuu: "Yes, senior when I was 7 and a few months old I had participated on an expedition, this one is my second one. I hope my fellow Daoist sisters have more experience than me."


    Aliyah: "Of course my sister and I have participated on quite a few expeditions over the years but why are you asking me?"


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "Nothing I just wanted to clear who would be leading our group and I am glad we would have a reliable leader that is all."


    Alhma: "You are stronger than both my sister and I so why are you not leading?"


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "I lack experience not only that the last time I lead it was a small hunting trip and because of my own folly I ended up getting swallowed by an Imoogi."


    Lu Wu gasped at that as she asked, "Big Brother when did this happened?"


    Ryuu: "A few days before I met you my older sisters had sudden business to attend as such they left me alone with a few bodyguards and maids during that time I learned about that an Imoogi was sighted and went to hunt it but because of my bad judgment andinexperience I ended up getting swallowed by it."


    Lu Wu was stunned hearing about the incident, "And then how did you survive?"


    Ryuu: "Well I burned the Imoogi from the inside and caused it to vomit me out, but the smell ugh it was terrible it made me sick for a couple of days."


    Lu Wu wrinkled her cute nose hearing about getting vomited out by someone is very nasty, only Frozen Sky giggled at Ryuu''s experience.


    Before any of them could say anything their lunch started arriving.

 188 Strategy

    As they finished their dinner Ryuu was about to pay the bill, only to be stopped by Frozen Flames, "You are our junior and we invited you as such let me pay."


    Ryuu reluctantly relented at that, well mostly under a glare from Frozen Flames, ''Oh well free lunch if nothing else.''


    As they left the restaurant Lu Wu suddenly spoke, "Teacher what are we going to do now."


    Frozen Sky spoke with a smile, "My dear martial niece we will be touring the city a bit.", she turned towards Ryuu as she asked, "Junior would be accompanying us."


    Ryuu shook his head as he replied, "As much as I would love to accompany you all, but unfortunately I have some work to do as such may be next time."


    Frozen Sky: "Well it is a shame then maybe next time."


    With that as they were about to part ways, all of a sudden Ryuu stopped them, "Excuse before we part ways I would like to ask something if you all would not mind."


    At that they all stopped before looking at Ryuu with curious eyes as Frozen Flames spoke, "What do you want to ask junior?"


    Ryuu: "Nothing much just if I occupy the top of the bunk bed near the door is there any problem?"


    Aliyah and Alhma looked at each other before they spoke in unison, "We do not have any problem fellow Daoist."


    With that Ryuu started making way towards his room where as the others went on with their city tour.


    As Ryuu made his way into to the room his mind went back to the conversation he had with his future teammates and their teachers, ''hmmm, I know I am stronger than them and I may be more knowledgeable when compare to them, but I lack experience but that does not mean I will let them dictate me as they please I have learnt from my experience during my last expedition what lack of knowledge could cost. Oh well I will have to finish the arrays before catching some much needed nap.''


    Ryuu quickly made a few more talismans each for variety of functions ranging from simple paralysis to barriers to much needed lethal ones before he quickly placed a few dozen arrays to secure the room leaving a good amount of nasty surprises for any uninvited guests, but unfortunately he would have to activate it afterwards as he did not feel to energetic to wake up from his nap and allow his roommates to enter their room.


    Then he rummaged through his space rings before sighing loudly he was missing some blood replenishing pills, ''Great I will have to make some when I get some free time and after I wake up.'', as he yawned loudly he was tired as the previous nights shenanigans were catching up to him.


    With that he stripped off his dress before changing into a something casual before jumping on the top of the bunk bed drifting onto dreamland for his much needed sleep.


    "Hahahahaha, that was really funny teacher.", spoke Aliyah trying to contain her laughter which Lu Wu was failing spectacularly even the most stoic ad strict Frozen Flame''s shoulder shook as she tried to contain her laughter.


    Ryuu suddenly jumped up from his bed battle ready at the sudden intrusion his sword drawn in order to intercept any threat, before his eyes focused on them as he lowered his weapon.


    The group especially the teachers and the twins tensed for few seconds seeing Ryuu pointing a sword towards them only to relax as he sheathed it.


    Ryuu smiled sheepishly, "I am extremely sorry I was taking a nap as such I was startled by your sudden arrival as such I��"


    Frozen Sky raised her hand to stop Ryuu from speaking as she spoke, "It is alright junior Ryuu, I understand although I would suggest that you wipe out the drool on your face.", although Ryuu could not make out her expression but the twinkle of amusement in her eyes portrayed everything to him.


    Ryuu shakily raised his hands as he touched his face and his face turned a deep shade of red from the embarrassment as he stuttered out, "P-p-please make yourselves comfortable, I have some business in the washroom."


    With that he literally vanished from the eyes of Aliyah, her twin and Lu Wu, a loud thud signifying the closure of the door brought their attention.


    Frozen Sky could not contain anymore as she broke into laughter, "Oh my, what a cute child."


    A few minutes later Ryuu left the bathroom with a stoic face he walked casually as if the entire situation with drooling never occurred.


    Frozen Sky spoke in a teasing tone, "So did you have a nice nap junior."


    Ryuu simply blushed before he tried to change the topic, "I hope the excursion into the city was eventful."


    Frozen Sky: "Of course junior it was greatly eventful, so did you just take a nap or did you do something else.", as she spoke everyone including Ryuu took their previous seats.


    Ryuu: "Well I created some talismans, also I created a couple of arrays around the room for some uninvited guests."


    Frozen Flames looked interested as such she asked Ryuu: "Junior what kind of arrays did you place inside this room."


    Ryuu: "It has detection array, barrier array, paralysis array, shock array, sleep array, illusion array among many others I wanted to make sure that my fellow daoist sisters might use them as such I have yet to activate them."


    Frozen Flames sweat dropped at that as she spoke, "Don''t you think that it is too much."


    Ryuu: "Not at all senior after I register my fellow daoist sisters when the array is activated anyone not registered will have to suffer all those effects."


    A dumbfounded Frozen Sky simply replied, "I see, then junior I hope you would not mind registering all of us then we would not want to suffer some nasty suprises."


    Ryuu nodded that as he produced a talisman and a quick application of everyone''s KI they were all registered.


    Alhma cleared her throat bringing everyone''s attention to her as she spoke, "Well I believe it is time for us to discuss about the ''Nether Realm Grotto."


    Aliyah: "I believe so Daoist Ryuu have you read anything about this place."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "I have but currently I am more interested on the special suit that we will be supplied with, I want to study the arrays inscribed on them and maybe tweak a little bit."


    Frozen Sky stood up as she spoke, "Well then I should pay a visit to Daoist Agrippa and ask him if there is a possibility to get hold of the special suit, what Daoist Ryu has suggested is a very good idea if we could tweak a little bit maybe we could possibly enhance them a little bit.", with that she left the room.


    As the others began brainstorming about various ideas Ryuu suddenly realized something even if the Shangri-la pavilion had provided with everything they forgot to provide them a very important element the temperament and relationship between countries.


    Ryuu: "Everything is good but it seems that there is something they forgot to mention, that is the relation between various countries as well as races."


    Frozen Flames: "Explain Junior."


    Ruu quickly took out a map as he pointed towards a particular spot on the map as he questioned Frozen Flames, "Senior how much do know about the relation between various races of this planet?"


    Frozen Flames: "Nothing much junior we have just arrived yesterday, and to tell you the truth there is not much that we know about the races of this planet.


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "The place I am pointing is known as Knife edged cape, and it is here that the portal will open, it has access from both from sea and land, and the entire world could be divided into two factions the beast and the human factions, the human faction led by an united alliance created by various kingdoms and empires even though I would say that at the end of the day it is just on paper only they wouldn''t hesitate stabbing each other in the back, now the beast faction are consisting of both land based beast led by ''Beast King'' and the sea based beasts led by the ''Sea Emperor'', are much more united. Not only that but the human side and the beast sides are at war with each other for centuries,outside of the portal is a cease fire zone but inside the hidden space it will be��"


    Frozen flames frowned as she finished Ryuu''s sentence, "It will be a slaughter inside the hidden space."


    Lu Wu: "Does the Shangri-la not do business with them."


    Ryuu: "Yes they do, why?"


    Lu Wu sighed in relief as she spoke, "Then there is no need to worry I do not think any group will try to antagonize you all."


    Aliyah shook her head as she spoke, "Sister it is not so simple, if someone attacks us they will make sure to never leave any form of evidence behind, as such Shangri-la will not be able to pursue justice on the deceased''s behalf."


    Lu WU looked glum at that, but it was necessary for her to be aware of how dangerous the world around her is, as such no one decided to sugar coat neither did anyone try to cheer her up.


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "We have to be vigilant about not only humans but also about various beasts, on top of various anomalies and hostile biomes it will be difficult."


    Lu Wu frowned as she spoke, "But you all are so strong you could easily overpower this bad people."


    Alhma: "Sister it is not easy many will see us trying to reach the city, as such we will be their primary target even if we are strong others will give into their greed and try to defeat us using various traps and what not. Also in what condition we will be during our return trip. Remember sister an elephant will kill an ant but an army of ants will kill the elephant."


    Lu Wu frowned hard as her eyes reflected the sorrow inside her heart as such Ryuu tried to cheer her, "Sister cheer up, we will always put our safety first as such if we are in danger we will simply abort the mission."


    Aliyah supported Ryuu''s claim as she spoke reassuringly to Lu Wu, "Yes sister, we can enter and exit the portal within a month''s time as many time as we wish for as such we will abort the mission and leave immediately if we face any danger, so cheer up sister."


    "Ladies and Gentlemen see what I have brought back with me.", came an excited voice bringing everyone''s attention towards the newly arrived Frozen Sky.

 189 Spar

    Held in Frozen Sky''s hand was the ugliest piece of armor Ryuu had ever seen, it was clay colored bloated with pipes running from a box at the back as it joined a mask while it ended on a circular disk.


    Aliyah: "Teacher what is that ugly thing?"


    Frozen Sky: "This ugly thing is something that you will have to wear during your stay inside the hidden space."


    Ryuu meanwhile took the armor as he inspected it, ''hmmm my personal armor has better arrays on it as well as the material used to make it are more durable, and is that a glass visor on the mask, hmmm, this array are good at peak Void Immortal level, what a cheapskate they should have tried to provided much better armors. Oh well he will tinker with them on his free time.''


    Frozen Sky: "I know that this are not the best looking armor but believe me they will provide much better safety for you all, this armor better known as ''The Hazard Suit'', is made for using it during hazardous situations and do not worry Flames and I will update the arrays on them, Junior brother do you wish to join us."


    Ryuu nodded at that, ''They are strong cultivators maybe I will be able to learn a thing or two for them.'', after all his teachers always told him to keep his eyes and ears open who knows what he might learn during his journey.


    They were discussing about the topography of the place when a sudden knock on the door brought their attention, Ryuu stood up as he went towards the door as he opened he was greeted by an unknown person but from the white uniform and the markings he deduced that the person was a staff from Shangri-la, "Greetings Seniors and adventurers my name is Lar, I came to inform you that it is already late evening as such the visiting hours had ended so I would request the visitors to leave for today you may visit tomorrow morning again."


    Frozen Sky stood up as she sighed loudly followed by others, "Well looks like our session is cut short, see you all tomorrow and oh I hope you would not mind sparing it is a great way to form a bond, I hope you do not have a problem Junior Ryuu."


    Ryuu: "Of course not senior, I also believe it will be nice if we could gauge each other s strength and weakness and analyze our fighting styles it will be great."


    With that the two Mystic Immortal level cultivators along with Lu Wu bade them farewell for the night.


    "Well I propose we leave most of this things as it is.", Alhma spoke as she pointed towards the notes, charts and what not.


    Aliyah seconded her proposition, "I like it sister, since one of the lower beds is being utilized along with the study tables I will occupy top of the other bunk bed. But now I think do we cook or do we visit the cafeteria?"


    Ryuu mused on the matter as he spoke, "I believe we should visit the cafeteria and if we find the menu unappealing we can cook our own meal."


    At that they all agreed but before they could leave Alhma spoke, "I think even before that we should take a peek at the pantry as well."


    As such they went to take a peek at the pantry which was stocked with various flours, vegetables, a few cartons of eggs and what not.


    They approached the bustling cafeteria which instantly became a graveyard, upon the trios arrival as everyone whispered and pointed fingers towards them specially Ryuu who felt as if he was some form of exotic animal from the zoo, Ryuu let out an audible sigh as he whispered,"I regret coming to the cafeteria now."


    Aliyah who was also frowning at the attention vested on her and her teammates, "Should we head back."


    Ryuu: "No we have come all this way and if someone wants to gawk at us let them gawk and bask at our presence, we do not have time to waste on them."


    As such the trio made way towards the buffet table, Ryuu simply took a plate, and then he took some salad and an entire large size of dish known as pizza and a glass full of a carbonated drink.


    Then the trio made their way towards an empty table taking their seats.


    Ryuu: "After all this is over try touring this planet a bit there are different cultures and food items you might like."


    With that they began digging in their food only for Alhma to sigh hard as she whispered, "I have half a mind to make my way to that creepy disgusting fellow and introduce his head to the ground."


    Ryuu looked towards the creepy fellow and groaned loudly, "This good for nothing I think I will have to beat him to the ground to teach him some manners."


    As the third member of the table looked towards the side to see Gaius glaring at them with intense hatred causing her to nearly choke on food as she thought, ''I doubt if a kill someone''s family they will have as much hatred as the jealous fellow over there.''


    As they finished the dinner and left the cafeteria Alhma spoke, "Even if the food is good I have half a mind not to step inside there."


    Next day they woke up at the crack of dawn as they finished getting ready for the day Frozen Flames and her group arrived.


    Frozen Sky spoke with a smile, "Good Morning everyone did you have a good night''s rest."


    Aliyah: "Good morning to you too teacher, martial aunt and sister, and yes we had a good rest."


    Frozen Flames: "I think it is time for our sparing session to begin."


    As such they went to a field provided by the Shangri-la pavilion guided by Lucius himself on the outskirts of the city, when they reached there they saw a few participants of the expedition already present there.


    As the reached there Frozen Sky decided to referee the match between Ryuu and the twins.


    Frozen Sky, "Are you sure Junior you wish to take on them both together."


    Ryuu: "Yes Senior I wish to fight them as a team as well as individually, as I think it will benefit us the most."


    Frozen Sky nodded at that as she spoke, "Okay then both teams get ready.", she raised her hand as both the teams took out their weapons, Ryuu his sword, whereas Aliyah and Alhma a spear and whip respectively.


    Frozen Flames eyes opened as she glanced at Ryuu she shouted out, "Stop the spar."


    Everyone present were anxiously waiting to see the duel between the strongest including Lucius glanced at her but she did not pay any heed to them as she spoke, "Daoist Ryuu, sword force concealing your sword is very strong, I hope you do not mind if I as a fellow practitioner of the Grand Dao of Sword request a ''Swordsman''s duel'' with you."


    Hearing that Ryuu''s eyes widened as a blood thirsty grin broke on his visage, "I would love to Senior Daoist Frozen Flames please instruct me."

 190 Dance of Swords Part-1

    Frozen Sky sighed as she rubbed her temples with exasperation as she spoke, "Sister, are you sure?"


    Seeing Frozen Flames giving a slight nod she turned towards Lucius as she spoke, "Daoist Lucius is there any problem if a ''Swordsman''s Duel'' occurs here."


    Lucius: "I have no problem but this place has no array placed I hope senior can help me with some so that we spectators do not get harmed by their duel."


    Frozen Sky: "Well it is a shame but I am not a good array master, I merely know basics nothing more.", before she turned towards Frozen Flames as she shouted, "Sister before you start would be kind enough to erect a barrier so that us spectator d not get injured."


    Frozen Flames huffed at that as Ryuu spoke, "Senior I think it would be nice there are many who would love to witness our duel as such I do not mind if you erect a barrier so that spectators do not get hurt."


    Frozen Flames simply raised one of her eyebrow as she went to work on a barrier as Frozen Sky spoke to Ryuu, "My my, Junior Daoist Ryuu even if it is a Swordman''s duel my sister could wipe the floor with you, are you sure you wish to fight her like that in front of audience it would be extremely embarrassing to you."


    Ryuu laughed loudly at that, as he spoke, "Senior, you do not have to worry about that my teacher has a habit of lowering teacher''s cultivation level while sparing with me and till date the score is ''1398 �C 0'', I have yet to defeat my teacher, as such a simple defeat will not discourage me instead it would show me what I lack."


    Frozen Sky had her jaw drop at that as she thought, ''what kind of fellow is he who openly states he lost to someone so many times even if that person is his teacher if people hears they might twist it and ridicule it, but oh well show me how much enlightenment you have on the Grand Dao of Sword, let alone our school even in my peers as well as seniors the sister disciple of mine is not called the ''Goddess of Sword'', for nothing I would love to see child how you fare against her, fare against someone who suddenly took interest on you.''


    By the time Frozen Flames had erected an array the word had travelled around and people have arrived to see the duel between a Void Immortal and a Mystic Immortal Empress.


    One of the person who had arrived spoke rudely, "Why are there so many people wasting their time on this nonsensical duel, unlike us who works hard the kid rose through the ranks because of some medicine, if I had those I would already be an Immortal let alone a puny Void Immortal, now not only they are occupying our practice are they are wasting our time.", the disgruntled person was none other than a certain person Ryuu had the misfortune of being on the same place, a jealous being who had been consumed by hatred against Ryuu for simply being stronger than him despite being less than half his age, the being was none other than Gaius.


    As he spoke many agreed with him though most did not voice out due fear of so many seniors around even Agrippa the head of the local branch had arrived in order to witness the duel.


    Swordman''s Duel, a type of method of sparing where the participants as the name implies will only use swords and will attack using each other as they try to gauge each other''s accomplishment on the Grand Dao of swords, most of importantly the participant will be fighting each other on equal level that is the person with higher cultivation level will lower it to the level of the person with the lowest.


    Frozen Flames: "Are you ready Junior?"


    Ryuu nodded as Frozen Flames took out a nodachi from her space ring as she pointed it towards Ryuu as she spoke, "Frozen Flames, 1st rank Mystic Sword Immortal Empress, Grand Master Level."


    Ryuu mirrored her by pointing her as he spoke, "Ryuu, 9th rank Void Immortal, Master level."


    Every Dao even if they fall under the same classifications according to one''s understanding of a Dao, Novice, Adept, Apprentice, Expert, Master, Grand Master, Legendary and God level. Accordingly as one''s understanding of the dao becomes the stronger their attack becomes, but there are a few things ike a sword force, it is said that only a blessed and strong swordsman may use sword force, a person who had spend a lot of time studying the sword even if they may have not gain any enlightenment in the Grand Dao of sword may use sword force but their level is only stuck at level 2 of sword force, but such as not the case of one who has gained enlightenment as the enlightened person will be able to access much higher level of sword force.


    The two opponents looked at each other with a stoic expression before closing their eyes as they cleared their mind out of any unnecessary thoughts soon the entire world ceased to exist for them.


    Meanwhile Frozen Sky had took out a couple of chairs as she invited his students as well as martial niece to sit beside, Lu Wu was getting anxious and worried as she looked at her teacher figure and big brother figure standing not moving at all, as she such she turned towards Frozen Sky as she asked her, "Aunty, what are they doing why is brother and teacher standing absolutely still."


    Frozen Sky just gave a lopsided grin as she spoke, "Do not worry your pretty little head my cute niece, they are just concentrating and now it is about to begin."


    No sooner did she finished speaking both Ryuu and Frozen Flames opened their eyes, an indescribable aura suddenly fell on them, all of them felt as if they were about to be pierced by multiple swords, Lu Wu trembled with fear as her eyes watered, seeing her like that Frozen Flames hugged her tightly in order to dispel fear while her uttering soothing words to her.


    Ryuu swung his sword with his right hand as a large part of the soil seemed to be sliced out, the aura infused with sword vanished as Ryuu charged towards his opponent, with an upward slice by both hands, Frozen flames simply parried it with her nodachi, but their attack created a giant sword force which cleaved through the soil and hit the barrier with a loud boom as the people looked at the duo mesmerized as they looked like they were dancing with each other, a very deadly dance of swords.

 191 Dance of Swords Part-2

    Clang clang boom shing~ were the sounds herd by the audience as the two fighters fought in a blur of speed so fast only a few maybe able to witness, as the ground itself bore various scars of battle than was being raged on top of it.


    Lu Wu shuddered at seeing such a ferocious battle, seeing someone she considered his brother and someone who was not only her teacher but also her mother figure going against each other like that was too much for her.


    Ryuu tried to hack Frozen flames only for her to push the oncoming blade by the back of the pam of his hand as she send tried to slash Ryuu''s throat who suddenly bend his knee let the momentum of his movement to make him slid on the ground as he bend his back at the same time turning his head to avoid contact but alas it would not be as a cut appeared on his forehead on the left side, but Ryuu was not to be done he simply send a slash towards her with his left hand.


    Frozen Flames simply did a couple of back flips as she moved away from Ryuu who ahd recovered from his kneeling position and had send a few swordforce based attacks mostly hitting the ground in front of her causing a dust cloud to form hindering her vision.


    Her body tensed and as expected a frontal lunge came no not a lunge but a thrust made up of purely sword force came, as she parried the thrust, Ryuu appeared his body was so low on the ground it seemed as if he was sliding on the ground itself, as he send an upward cut at her only for her to step on his sword as she tried to cut him, showing an incredible feat of agility Ryuu turned his body as he kicked her.


    Frozen Flames eyes widened in alarm as she saw Ryuu sending a kick towards her, not because o the kick but it seems as if his leg had transformed into a sword itself owing to it being enveloped by potent swordforce, she somehow managed to bring her sword to block coalesced by her own swordforce although she was did not suffer any injury she was flung from her position, Ryuu did not look at the gift horse in the mouth as he send a barrage of swordforce towards her.


    Frozen Flames dodged and parried them but unfortunately one of them managed to cut the veil from her face revealing her face to the entire audience as a small scratch appeared on her cheek.


    Frozen Flames stood tall as she waited for the dust to settle as she was greeting at a familiar sight of Ryuu with a bleeding forehead as he reigned in his breath with a huff.


    Frozen Flames had a smile on her face as her eyes held a predatory gaze, "Impressive Ryuu, you have managed to harm me, from the way you fight I could say that you have the ability to fight and defeat people a few ranks above you easily. It seems that bringing my strength to your level is already unfair."


    Ryuu simply snorted at that, "No matter how much a person of higher cultivation lowers there cultivation they will have advantages on durability and stamina to name a few, as such I do not believe you are at that much of a disadvantage."


    Frozen Flames simply giggled at that, causing Ryuu to blink in surprise from what he had seen his opponent was a bit stoic and strict does not smile and certainly does not let out a girlish giggle like that, the only person who was likely to giggle like that was Frozen Sky not the one fighting him, he rubbed the blood flowing from his forehead trying to hinder his vision as he got ready.


    Frozen Flames grinned at him as she spoke, "Well then entertain me more Ryuu, I will be showing the difference between a ''Master'' and a ''Grand Master''."


    With that she swung her sword, fast it was fast if Ryuu had blinked he would have missed it, it seemd as if her sword had turned gaseous and had lengthened itself as simply cut through everything in its path, and Ryuu was certain if he takes it head on he would be cut in half his musing was cut short as Frozen Flames spoke, "Are scared child, do you need to leave you can leave if you want just admit defeat and leave."


    Ryuu: "Admit defeat? Senior, you know how to jest why would I leave when I just got started, well senior shall we dance.", he finished with a grin on his face which was mirrored by Frozen Flames.


    Then they dashed towards each other as they began their deadly dance, meanwhile among the audience many were stunned at seeing Frozen Flames face with the veil she was incredibly beautiful looking causing many male to blush at her sight going as far as to having fantasy about her as their eyes glazed, only to be brought back to reality form a quick flash of terrible killing intent.


    "Martial Aunt is grinning and giggling sister, is it the end of the world sister." , asked a stunned Alhma to Aliyah, who simply turned towards Lu Wu who was seating on the other side of Frozen Sky as she spoke hurriedly, "Junior Sister have you ever seen Martial Aunt acting like that?"


    Lu WU herself was stunned normally her teacher was strict, stoic and calm and even if she was kind and caring towards her, she rarely smiled even if it was a slight thinning of her lips but today she was giggling grinning what happened to her teacher.


    Frozen Sky just rolled her eyes as she spoke, "There is nothing to be alarmed about it is very simple��"


    Alhma nearly shouted out at her in near disbelief, "What is so simple teacher, there is nothing simple, Martial Aunt is a strict stoic and no nonsense person who never smiles, I do��"


    She stopped at seeing a glare from Frozen Sky who turned her head towards the fight as she spoke, "Disciple of mine, do not interrupt me I was about to tell you why she is acting strangely.'', she took a deep breath as her student and martial niece gave an undivided attention towards her as she spoke, "It is simple children she is having fun."


    Ryuu''s bone rattled as he blocked another strike his arms were getting numb trying to defend against her relentless attacks, he had long since fallen to simply defending himself from the relentless attacks of Frozen Flames, which he was not very unsuccessful at seeing the numerous bleeding cuts on him much more than Frozen Flames, but he did not falter the simple act of crossing sword with her to him was euphoric, no the word itself did not do any justice to his feeling as it was orgasmic he simply wanted to sparring against her till the end of time and seeing the smile on her face she was enjoying herself.


    To Frozen Sky it seemed as if the duo simply in front of her dancing a ball, with her sister leading laughing as they flirted with each other intoxicated in each other''s love as if the whole world ceased to exist for them , yet both of them at the same time blushed at the slightest contact between each other, it was so romantic to her it seemed as if they were build for each other, a twinge of jealousy was felt by her she shook her head to get rid of such a thought.


    As they fought the understood each other, they could feel each other''s temperament they could understand each other much better as if they had known each other their entire lives, they could feel their sorrows their joys their triumphs, their everything.


    Ryuu frowned he did not like it, he was felt dissatisfied all of a sudden he wanted more he wanted to fight on equal footing to her he wanted to give her the same satisfaction as she granted him, back in Ayindril he had no one to compare to, his teachers as well as his sisters except his second sister no one used sword, as such he never got chance to test his mettle against them in a pure sword fight, he had wanted to spar with Sylvana the person who caused him to gain enlightenment in the Grand Dao of Sword but had yet to get his chance to spar with her, and now he could fight against someone and he wanted to stand as his equal.


    ''Wring out my strength, let my muscle burn I want my speed, I want to fight more even if my bones break, I want to be as strong I want to fight her as her equal, I want to succeed, I want to be better than I was yesterday, I want to be better than I was today an hour ago, a few minutes ago, a few sword strikes ago, a second ago I want to surpass my limits. '', was the thought that ran though him as he became more and more desperate as the time went and all of a sudden with a swing he send a cut on Frozen Flame''s torso from her shoulder to her sternum, as she jumped back.


    Meanwhile back at the audience Agrippa spoke in disbelief, "What a child, he broke through, he broke through his limits in the midst of battle and has ascended into ''Grand Master ''realm, incredible."


    Frozen Flames huffed with a smile on her face, which caused many males to blush even harder as she spoke, "Congratulations Ryuu for ascending into Grand Master realm, although I would love to fight a bit more, we have other things to do so shall we decide our fight with one last attack.", a she spoke her voice became melancholic as she pressed a hand on her bleeding wound.


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke with a saddened voice, "Alas it would seem so, Senior.", as he gave her a sad smile.


    Then they vanished from others eyes as a large cloud of dust appeared upon their clash as it settled down everyone saw that the duo were standing a few feet away from each other, with their backs turned on each other Ryuu glanced up towards the sky as he spoke with a chuckle, "It seems I lost.", with thathe vomited blood as a large cut appeared on him spraying his red life liquid as he feel on the ground slipping into unconsciousness.


    Meanwhile Frozen Flames fell on her knees as cut appeared on her stomach as she coughed out copious amount of blood.


    "TEACHER!!!!!!", a heart rendering scream came from Lu Wu as she raced towards her as the barrier deactivated upon Ryuu''s defeat, Frozen Flames took a few pills ate them quickly as she took out a cloak to cover herself as her clothing were destroyed on many places while fighting Ryuu, she turned her head as she gave a kind smile to her teary eyed disciple, "I am fine child, see for yourself", before she turned towards Frozen Sky as she spoke, "Sister please check on Ryuu he is injured badly.

 192 Late Night Visi

    Agrippa: "That was a wonderful duel Daoist Frozen Flames and even if he lost Junior Daoist Ryuu was really exceptional."


    Frozen Flames: "He is a very good, Daoist Agrippa may I ask you something?", she spoke as she was resting on a arm chair that had been brought inside Ryuu''s room, where a bandage covered Frozen Flames was resting along with her associates who took various position around her.


    Agrippa: "Please ask away."


    Frozen Flames: "Do you know anything about his family? Who is he really?"


    Agrippa sighed as he spoke, "No nothing about him is known except her Highness the first princess brought him, in fact she also warned me that if a single hair of him is harmed before he steps inside the hidden space."


    Frozen Flames eyes widened as she heard that, "I hope she does not take offence to my sparing with him and injuring him."


    Agrippa: "Me too, I would love my head attach to the rest of my body."


    Ryuu''s eyes fluttered open as he was greeted with a white room and smell of medicines hit his nose.


    "Where am I?", he muttered as he tried to seat up, only to wince at the pain which hit him as he put his hand on his chest his breathing became ragged.


    "Easy there sir you took a nasty hit, I think you should lie down for sometime", came a voice from his side as woman slowly made him lie down.


    Ryuu spoke, "Who are you?"


    The woman gave a kind smile as she spoke, "My name is Marcia sire, and I am your nurse sire, you had injured yourself during the spar we have administered necessary medicine to treat you from your wounds and to speed up your recovery."


    Ryuu''s mind flashed back to his fight as even under so much pain a small smile etched his face as he asked, "How long was I unconscious?"


    Marcia: "Sire you were unconscious for almost 5 hours. Do you need anything at the moment, Sire?"


    Ryuu: "No nothing, dame Marcia and thank you for helping me."


    Marcia: "Thensire I would ask you to please rest and if there is anything yourequire just press the button and I will immediately arrive, oh and please take this medicine it will elevate your pain and help you to sleep."


    Ryuu: "Thank you again dame Marcia.", he spoke with a grateful tone as he raised his head a little as he was fed the medicine by Marcia.


    She waited for a few more minutes as Ryuu fell asleep, Marcia then turned and left the room leaving Ryuu alone.


    Ryuu''s eyes opened wide as he quickly made assessment on his body, the worst injury he had suffered was on his torso although there were many other cuts and bruises but it was the worst amongst others.


    He quickly took a few pills as he swallowed them, they were medicines and with a couple of hours he would be all healed up and even the dizziness from all those blood he had lost would be cured, the medicine he got from his teachers were wonderful he just had to lie down and sleep, he could see from the window that it was already evening.


    Ryuu was unable to move owing to pain from all his injuries as such he took out a couple of blank talisman as he quickly added a few arrays on them and send them on various corner of the room.


    "tch, the medicines are worthless they could not dull the pain.", he took another pill and soon a soothing feeling rushed through his body he felt as if after toiling through hot and unforgivable desert he had finally reached shelter as well as he finally received some cool water to rest his parched tongue and body, although it was not the medicines problem but Ryuu himself, since he was a child his teachers had fed him various items in order to increase his immunity to poison, and as a side effect most medicines tend not to work if they are either not very powerful or are not in extra large doses.


    It was around midnight just after Marcia had just finished checking on Ryuu who was soundly sleeping, the door of his room opened slowly as a couple of figure stepped inside the room, one of the figure revealed a dagger as the figure stood near Ryuu . The figure tried to slash Ryuu''s throat with its right hand as its left went to cover his mouth to prevent him from making a noise.


    Only for Ryuu''s eyes to open as he spoke with a bored tone, "It is well after visitation hours, and I believe the get well soon gift you carry is detrimental to my health."


    The assassin clearly male paused for a split second only to proceed with his quest, then to paralyze and fall unconscious as well as the other person.


    Ryuu sighed only for a him to catch a loud clang from outside the window, as a loud boom occurred as the glasses shattered, while the outside of the room was consumed by a red colored flames with black fumes arising from it, a pale yellowish barrier was placed inside the room which prevented anyone from entering without Ryuu''s permission, even the two assassins managed to enter only because Ryuu allowed them to, the enter time Ryuu was meditating as his injuries were healing which the nurse Marcia thought him to be sleeping, he was in fact accessing the damages, the array which he had created only protected the inside of the room as such all the damage was done outside.


    Ryuu did not wait any longer he dashed towards the window as an arrow appeared on his right hand while a bottle of bluish liquid appeared on his left hand he poured it on the arrow head as he put the bottle back and his trusty bow appeared he aimed at the transgressor and before the person could run he let the arrow lose, through the broken glass window.


    The person when he noticed that his fellow companions had been caught had tried to blow the room destroying not only the target but also the evidence he did not expect that the arrow to be stopped by something, a huge explosion followed by a roaring fire he knew the jig was up, his teammates had suicide pill they will surely kill themselves while he will make a break for it the mission was a failure.


    He turned to leave only for his danger senses to go haywire only from years of experience he was able to move from the arrows flight path but still he was scratched by the arrow near his shoulder, the arrow hit a wall in front of him causing a huge explosion of dust as the shop building it hit started collapsing he used the cover of the dust to sneak away from the place which he knew would attract all sorts of people.


    Unfortunately for him he was able to take only a few steps when his vision started to swim as his body suddenly felt cold, so cold that he could not even move as his body started shivering uncontrollably, his body ached as it slowly become numb. He managed to walk a few more steps before he fell over coughing blood, he was having difficulty in breathing as he hiccupped a few more times as he passed away while cursing inwardly, ''That devious bastard, the arrow was poisoned how did he know we would arrive, were we betrayed damn him and his entire family, damn even after I had such high poison resistance I am dying, I curse him, I cu��.''.


    Meanwhile Ryuu watched as the bead reappeared on his wrist signifying that the arrow he let loose had returned back, he smirked as he felt the arrow was slight reddish signifying that it hit the target before his attention was brought back to a frantic footsteps as he felt quite a few people appearing outside his room he let the barrier deactivate as the door was opened wide, by then the fire was encroaching inside the room as the fumes entered.


    Marcia: "Sire, are you alright? FIRE FIRE THERE IS FIRE.", she started screaming a t the top of her lungs upon seeing the fire.


    Ryuu: "Dame Marcia please try to control your outburst.", as he turned towards the other people who had arrived as he spoke, "I need a place to hold these fellow assassins here, they tried to assassinate me while I was resting, as such I wish to interrogate when they wake up from their beauty sleep."


    At that everyone stiffened as a few had their eyes open wide upon seeing two people clad in leather suit and cloak lying on the floor fast asleep, they approached the duo as Ryuu quickly put a few more talismans as he spoke, "The fire was done by a third one who tried to blow the room and failed he/she should be dead sprawled on the ground nearby you should send someone to check for the body, now please move we do not have all time in the world. Oh also this flame is not ordinary it was done by igniting the oil from Devil''s Tongue if you inhale the smoke you would die of poison, it will burn for an hour and if wish to extinguish immediately use ''Monk''s Prayer water'', now move fast."


    With that the dumbfounded people obeyed as they brought the duo inside a room, as soon as they laid the duo inside Ryuu chased them out as he sealed the room using array to prevent anyone from entire before taking out a device from his pocket, he was informed that the ''Aonia'' will be nearby and if he wishes to contact any of his sisters he would just have to use it.


    A few seconds later a small holographic image of his eldest sister appeared who spoke with a small smile, "My my did my wittle bwother miss me so much that he called me, does he want to help me at my work again."


    Normally Ryuu would have enjoyed a friendly banter with her a little but now was not the time as such he spoke with a serious tone, "Big sister I need your help urgently."


    Antariskh frowned hearing his brother serious tone as she spoke, "Please ask brother and I will help you."


    Ryuu: "Big sister I had a late night visit from assassins in order to kill me just now, and I need your help in order to interrogate them."


    Antariskh eyes widened at that as she let a low growl at that before speaking, "I will be there shortly brother."


    With that the communication was cut off, and with a few seconds his sisters were standing beside him,

 193 Interrogation

    Antariskh spoke with her voice laced with concern, "Brother, are you alright?"


    Before Ryuu could speak he was being diagnosed by Shamiran who frowned as she checked over him, "How did you gain such injuries? Although it has been a few hours since you have started healing."


    Ryuu smiled as he spoke, "Well I had a swordman''s duel with someone, well it got a bit heated and ended up getting injured."


    Sylvana: "Oh and who won?"


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "I lost", before he perked up again as he spoke, "Although I might have lost but I gained something invaluable.", he finished with a smug look on his face.


    Antariskh raised one of her eyebrows as she asked Ryuu curiosity evident from her voice, "Oh and what did my brother gained from his loss."


    Ryuu puffed up his chest as he raised his fingers gathering a bit of sword force generated with the help of the Grand Dao of Sword on them as he spoke, "I finally broke through the Grandmaster realm."


    The sisters'' eyes widened before the cracked a smile as they hugged him.


    Antariskh: "I am so proud of you brother, I am so proud words cannot describe how much pride I feel because of you."


    Ryuu simply scratched his cheeks as he blushed hard at that.


    Shamiran: "Well but let us get into the matter at hand, who did anger this time Ryuu?"


    Ryuu pouted as he spoke, "What do you mean by that?, I so do not anger anyone."


    Shamiran just gave a disbelieving look as she spoke, "Yes yes, who was the one who picked a fight with a few people and had assassins send after him."


    Ryuu simply get a sheepish look as he spoke, "Well that was different and this time I do not know who is trying to kill me, the last place I visited I have defeated a few people but I doubt they have the ability to track me down."


    Shamiran: "I see so you want to interrogate this two you caught, how many did escape?"


    Ryuu: "Well I do not know the exact number but there was another who tried to kill me along with them as soon as I captured them, he/she is already dead I used a poisoned arrow on that fellow."


    Sylvana: "What type of poison did you use?"


    Ryuu smirked as she replied, "I used undiluted version ''Frozen Maiden''s bliss''."


    Antariskh: "Do you know anything about interrogating someone Ryuu?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No sister nothing except a few general ideas from some novels I had read back in Ayindril as such I sought you all out."


    Shamiran nodded at that as she spoke, "A good think brother, the moment you would have awakened this mongrels they would have died, see here they have poison stored inside their molars.", she pointed as she opened one of the assassin''s mouth.


    Ryuu: "Is it common for people of their professions."


    Shamiran: "In case of professionals yes they do, in fact I have seen some having some sort of suicidal arrays placed on them which they would detonate if their mission fail."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke in distaste, "ugh, what a sore loser they are."


    Only to get bonked on his head by Antariskh, "Brother, do not say something like that, I know my parents taught you well, ''After all losers are beggars and��.''"


    Ryuu finished her sentence with a sigh, "''...��.Winners are kings'', as such I should try to win any means necessary, except in an ''Honorable'' duel."


    Antariskh nodded before giving a teasing smirk, "Also I remember a certain 7 year old who tried to blow himself up along with his adversary using a ''Taboo technique'', he stole from his master."


    Ryuu winced at that, he still clearly remembered the disappointment and sadness in his mother''s eyes upon learning that he had tried to commit suicide in order to defeat his enemy.


    Shamiran with great skill not only removed the molars she even stripped them naked had them hung with both their hands and legs tied.


    Shamiran: "A person''s confidence is greatly shaken when they are devoid of their clothes.", she nodded towards her sisters.


    Ryuu looked towards the both assassins a male and a female, both stripped naked one with blonde hair another with black hair. Sylvana stepped forward as she snapped her fingers as the duo seemed to be enclosed inside small transparent room, Sylvana and Shamiran both nodded towards each other as they stepped inside the room.


    Meanwhile Ryuu was dragged by Antarisksk who made him seat beside her on a table present inside the room as she spoke, "Interrogating someone is a delicate art, it not only takes time and patience in order to break a person and extract their knowledge. There are various methods for successful interrogations which are based on deceptions, playing with emotions such as fear, sometimes playing with their ego and pride, using of various arrays or medicinal pills, and last but not least torture."


    Ryuu was listening to her attentively as she kept speaking, "See those two they are employing different methods to achieve their objective, Sylvana is using a combination of arrays and medicinal pills causing the woman to develop a sense of trust to the point where she will soon divulge everything she knows and Shamiran on the other hand is using a combination of arrays and medicinal pills along with various methods of physical torture to make that person loosen his tongue out of fear and possible promise of freedom from pain."


    Ryuu watched in awe as his older sisters skillfully extracted the information from them within a quarter of an hour, and soon they stepped forward discussing the intel they gathered amongst themselves before they nodded to each other as the molars flew back into the two assassins'' mouth but this time broken and within mere seconds the duo passed away.


    Shamiran: "So brother did you learn anything?"


    Ryuu nodded at that, as Sylvana spoke, "Well even if you learn anything from watching I strongly suggest that you should not try yourself as of yet you need a few more demonstration then a few practice material before you could call yourself decent interrogator, if you make mistake you could instead cause them to clamp down on the information even more."


    Antariskh: "So who is after our brother''s head?"


    Shamiran:"Someone has contacted the assassin''s guild named ''Crooked Tavern'', a sizable bounty of 100 low Immortal level spirit coins on Ryuu''s head, unfortunately they do not know who placed the bounty."


    Ryuu frowned at that, "That is problematic sister, the more time passes and more powerful assassins will come after my head and from what I have seen till now they will try anything and everything in order to kill me I do not want some innocent to die in the crossfire."


    Antariksh: "Do not worry about Ryuu, leave all those worrisome things to us."


    Ryuu sighed before he spoke again, "Sister how did you discern if the person is speaking the truth?"


    Shamiran: "Well you can do such by studying their body language, using arrays or using certain medicinal pills, in this case since we had two different people we simply compared the result of our interrogations, but if you reach certain level of strength you could have easily read their mind which we did just at the beginning."


    Ryuu''s jaw dropped at that as he spoke, "That mean all this time you��"


    Sylvana finished with a smile, "Well we already knew everything it was to know by reading their mind we just gave you a demonstration of interrogation."


    Ryuu simply shook his head as he muttered under his breath, ''Too overpowered seriously is there anything they cannot do.''


    Shamiran: "Well brother you have the bodies disposed of while you go take some rest, if someone asks you, you say that they committed suicide before you could extract any information I have already made sure their bodies are as they were when they were captured as such you will able to convince everyone, and as for the person who put the bounty on your head leave him to us, when we find anything about him we will inform you."


    With that the trio of sisters left after exchanging goodbyes to Ryuu who simply sighed as he thought, ''I hope I do not have to deal with more of their guild mates last thing I want is tearing apart someone''s family because they were at the wrong place at the wrong time.'', he deactivated the barrier as he informed the people waiting outside about his failure and also requested to dispose of the bodies, ''sigh, I need some fine tea to clear my head.''

 194 A cup of Tea

    "Daoist Ryuu please wait a moment.", a voice stopped Ryuu on his tracks he was greeted with the sight of both Lucius and Agrippa.


    Ryuu gave a small bow as he cupped his hands as he greeted them, "Greetings Seniors how may I help you?"


    Agrippa: "I heard what has happened and as such I rushed back as quickly as possible, are alright?"


    Ryuu: "Yes sir I am fine, just a little bit annoyed at everything."


    Lucius: "Daoist Ryuu did you managed to find anything form them?"


    Ryuu sighed while he spoke putting up an irate expression as he lied to them, "No Senior they committed suicide before I could interrogate them, they seemed to have ingested some sort of poisonous pills that were with them."


    Agrippa pursed his lips in deep thought as he replied, "Such a shame but fret not we will try our best to uncover the plot, also we will be tightening the security even more around."


    Lucius: "I think you should go and rest Daoist Ryuu for now, we will see you in the morning."


    With that as Ryuu made his way towards the kitchen adjacent to the room allocated to his team and him, he was greeted by his teammates, "Daoist Ryuu, are you alright? There was so much commotion outside."


    Ryuu: "Yup I am alright but you should not have left our room, let us return back to our room where I will explain everything that has happened recently, but before that let me make some tea it was quite hectic day for me and I need a cup or two, maybe even a whole tea pot for myself, oh and do you two need some."


    Ryuu made his way towards the pantry where he searched for some tea leaves and milk.


    Ryuu: "Oh an One horned Dragon Cow''s milk nice, and this is��", he took out a sealed jar with a label ''Dawn Tea'', "Hmmm, I hope it tastes nice."


    Ryuu unsealed the jar as he sniffed inside as he frowned, "Who is the nincompoop who stocks up our pantry that person should be fired he placed this at the place where is it marked as ''milk tea'', this tea is suitable for brewing plain tea only, tch."


    He quickly closed the jar''s lid as he placed it back but not before scratching of the milk part from the label.


    Alhma: "Daoist Ryuu there is some scones and biscuits over there if you want too.", she spoke hesitatingly as she watched an irritating Ryuu who had begun leaking some killing intent.


    Ryuu nodded as he started heating a pot full of water on a stove others as the twins watched him silently, as Ryuu took out a mortar and pestle as he powdered a few cloves, cardamom and a stick of cinnamon into fine dust.


    Ryuu checked the temperature and found it to be around 190F, he quickly poured the entire content of the pot which amount to be more than a liter which was followed by the powdered spices as well as a few tea leaves.


    He found a tray from the pantry as he carried the tea pot, a milk pot and a bowl full of sugar cubes and a few spoons, three cups and trio of matching tea plates, he turned towards the duo as he spoke, "I hope you do not mind breaking something to accompany with the tea."


    The duo quickly grabbed a few boxes of various types of biscuits and scones before making their way towards Ryuu who was waiting by the door Alliyah closed the door of the pantry as the trio entered their room as Ryuu placed the tray he was carrying on an empty table.


    Ryuu waited for a couple of minutes before he poured the piping hot liquid on three cups before pouring milk in it followed by a couple of cubes of sugar before using his spoon to stir it while a frown marred his face, the duo glanced at each other as they followed suit.


    Alhma: "Daoist Ryuu if I may ask, why are you mixing milk with your tea?"


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "It is different type of tea which can be used with milk and it tastes nice at least I find it nice, why don''t you try it you might take a liking to it."


    With the twins followed Ryuu''s example as they made their tea in a similar manner, after taking a sip they found it rather enjoyable and after a few minutes of silence Ryuu began speaking, "When did you two realize there was something amiss."


    Aliyah, "Actually a few minutes before we met you we were actually meditating then some commotion drew our attention as such we left the room to investigate and we came across you. So Daoist brother Ryuu do you know what has happened?"


    Ryuu: "Well nothing much rather than someone tried to assassinate me."


    Alhma who was drinking her tea chocked and spit it out in an unlady like manner, while her sister gawked at Ryuu as she questioned him, "When, how and by whom?"


    Ryuu: "I was resting inside the infirmary when it happened there were three of them one killed and other two got captured, the person who killed tried to burn me alive with the remaining assassins but my barrier protected me before I killed him as for the other two I tried to interrogate them but they both committed suicide, as such who they were working for I have no clue."


    Alhma: "May be enemies of your family?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "I do not think it is possible my being here is known to many and they will never betray us and as for any enemy well if they wanted me dead they would have send someone stronger not some Void Immortal level cultivators."


    They spend the entire night chatting with each other as they shared small stories about themselves causing a bit of trust and friendship bloomed among them.


    As the dawn broke the trio got freshened up before they indulge in debate about alchemy, the twins were able to learn a great deal from Ryuu who helped them a lot.


    Soon a luck knock brought their attention as Ryuu went and opened the door, he was greeted with a familiar visage of Frozen Flames and Frozen Sky with Lu Wu standing behind them.


    Ryuu gave a short bow as he greeted them, "Good Morning Seniors."


    Both Frozen Flames and Frozen Sky acknowledged his greeting as they spoke, "Good morning Ryuu."


    Frozen Flames: "How is your health today, Ryuu? You were injured greatly yesterday."


    Ryuu smiled as he invited them into room while replying to them, "I am fine Senior as you can see that I am perfectly healed up."


    Lu Wu: "Brother Ryuu did you know a few shops outside of this place had been destroyed because of fire not only that the road adjacent seemed to be as if it has melted and there is also a house which had collapsed and people are still removing the rubbles to search for their possession."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "So yesterday''s fire was not snuffed out fast enough."


    Frozen Sky asked curiously, "Junior, do you know what happened outside this place yesterday."


    Ryuu then began speaking tiredly, "Well yesterday I was resting at the infirmary when someone decided to send a get well soon gift in the form of....."


    Meanwhile at a different place,


    "What do you mean they failed I am paying such a huge amount of money yet you are clearly sending some incompetent fools for the job, if you cannot finish the job I will have to search for someone else then, I will give you one more chance now get out of my sight.", a figure hidden in the dark left as the speaker grumbled loudly in a mocking tone, "We are the best as such our hiring cost is greater, best my foot even a nutless brain dead monkey could do a better job, hmp."

 195 A Heartwarming Letter

    Frozen Flames frowned as she spoke, "What will you planning now Ryuu?"


    Ryuu: "Well this time the lost but that does not mean they will not try again another time, and from how they were acting they had no problem sacrificing others for their goals including their own teammates as such I believe I should try to avoid going outside too much the last thing I want is some poor bystander getting caught in it."


    Frozen Flames: "The barrier you have erected inside the room will prevent any unwanted person from snooping but let me update it for you and make it even stronger.", with her piece being said she started working along with Ryuu to update the arrays.


    Frozen Sky: "Well since they are working let me prepare breakfast for all of us. We do not know who else is involved with them, it can also be someone trying to sabotage your group and I will be more relaxed knowing at least you lot will not be poisoned."


    Ryuu watched intently as Frozen Flames tweaked and upgraded the array while the rest were busy with the kitchen.


    A few minutes later Frozen Flames finished her work as Frozen Sky along with the help of others carried a few pots and pans full of different types of foods ranging from simple tortillas, to breads, butter, hams, bacons, eggs with mixed fruit juices.


    Ryuu''s eyes lit up as he tasted the food it was nowhere as delicious as he used to eat back in Ayindril but it was by far the best he had outside of Ayindril, "Senior are you the one who made all this?"


    Frozen Sky: "Yes I am Junior Ryuu, was it not to your liking?"


    Ryuu spoke with a grin on his face, "Senior, the food made by you is incredibly delicious."


    Frozen Sky smiled at that as she spoke, "I am glad you like it."


    A couple of days had passed since the assassination attempt on Ryuu and yet there were no more attacks on Ryuu, it was all too quite making Ryuu to feel a little bit of restlessness.


    On the third day at dawn, inside a very richly decorated room a couple could be seen sleeping, the man''s face scrunched up a bit as a foul smell hit his nose as he moved groggily on top of the bed, while the female feeling her partner moving all of a sudden let out a disgruntled moan.


    The felt something wet on his face used his hands rub as he opened his eyes with a groan, he stared at an unknown visage before he screamed and fell from his bed awaking his partner who sat up only to scream and faint.


    Rapid footsteps accompanied as guards and servants ran towards the room as one of the guards knocked on the door hard, "My Lord, my Lady are you and alright?"


    They knocked no they banged the door loudly but seeing no sound coming from inside they became increasingly worried, "Titus break the door.", one of them suggested as such they soon kicked the door open as they were greeted with inside of the bedroom.


    A couple of maids who were able to glance inside the room the screamed out loud as they fainted from what they saw even the guards felt a bit queasy at the sight.


    Inside a room were dozens of people who seemed to have died from brutal torture their eyes and nails seemed to be missing and their face contorted into pure agony as their body was riddled with various wounds, their body decorated the entire room as they were hung by their entrails the entire room smelled of death and blood as if it was a slaughter house.


    The Lady of the house had fainted while the Lord needed immediate change of his pants, he stared at a message on the wall written by blood, ''Your only child decided to send someone a get well soon gift through the hands of ''Crooked Tavern'', I decided it was unhealthy for my baby brother as such I returned the gift through the hands of higher ups of ''Crooked Tavern'', also remember if similar stunt occurs your darling wife and you would suffer from indigestion from feeding on such well wisher''s flesh.''


    The man snapped out of his shock when he was nudged out of his shock induced state by one of the guard he held the guards hand with incredible strength as he barked out an order, "Bring my son back home now this instance, you will not stop at anything no matter what anyone says or wants even if my son protests drag him here even if you have to break his limbs, no GO!!!!", with that he pushed the guard away from him who quickly left to bring his master''s child.


    Meanwhile Lucius made his way towards Ryuu''s room he knocked the door, within a few seconds Aliyah opened the door as she greeted Lucius, "Good morning Senior Lucius."


    Lucius gave a kind smile as he spoke, "Good morning Junior, may I inquire if Junior Daoist Ryuu is available."


    Here is name called Ryuu approached the room as he spoke, "Good Morning Senior, How may I help you?"


    Lucius: "Ah Good morning Ryuu a letter came for today but unfortunately there was nothing on it that could identify the sender, we decided that it might be dangerous as such Senior Agrippa send me to inform you that our employees will try to open it so as that you may not be affected by it if it is a trap."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he gave a grateful smile, "Thank You for your consideration Senior but if it is not too much I wish to witness the opening of the letter."


    Lucius nodded at that as he spoke, "Well of course but we are to view it from safe distance who knows what array will be present inside the array to harm you."


    The trio escorted by Lucius reached the training ground a barrier had been raised behind which they took shelter as a few employees of Shangri-la pavilion were present watching the entire situation warily as one of the employees used his KI to levitate a knife with which he used to open the envelop as the letter fell out of it he prodded the letter and after a few seconds he raised his voice as he announced his verdict, "It is just a harmless letter."


    The man then picked up the letter handing it to Ryuu by then Agrippa had also arrived so that he could better protect Ryuu incase the trap had bypassed their security check.


    Ryuu opened the letter and read the letters contents,


    Dear Brother,


    Those assassins vying for your head has been dealt with and as for the mastermind you will know as soon as one of the participants will make a run for it, the cretin out of jealousy tried to have you killed, if you wish him any harm just burn the letter as soon as the person tries to leave and announce the sentence out loud, otherwise just destroy it letter on or keep it is your choice.


    As for the association who was tasked with assassinating you is already history all of their members massacred with extreme prejudice and their bodies are now decorating the bedroom of the cretin''s progenitor with warning.


    With Love form your Eldest sister.


    Ryuu smirked at that as he laughed loudly startling everyone, as Aliyah asked curiously, "What is it Daoist Brother Ryuu that made you laugh out loud?"


    Ryuu: "Well it is pretty simple Daoist sister my eldest sister dealt with the assassins as such as of now ''Crooked Tavern'' the organization which accepted the commission is no more and the jealous person who had commissioned the entire thing out of mere jealousy has the bodies of members of the now deceased organization decorating his parents'' bedroom, wow what a heartwarming letter."

 196 Passing out a judgemen

    Agrippa looked shocked when he heard the content of the letter from Ryuu as such he could not help but ask Ryuu, "Daoist Ryuu , if I may ask since when did your family get involved in this mess."


    Ryuu gave a smile when he spoke, "Since the start of this mess, my family cares for me deeply as such they always kept an eye on me in order to protect me, even as we speak now there are guards hidden who are secretly keeping an eye on my well being."


    Upon hearing that everyone tensed an unknown number of experts are keeping an eye on Ryuu whom they could not detect at all made them a bit scared.


    Alhma: "Since they are protecting you then why did you have to defend yourself like that, they could have thwarted the ploy before it even begun."


    Ryuu: "Debar me from learning from such an experience, no I do not think so they would do no such thing, and the only time they would make a move is when the situation is out of control and my life is in extreme danger or something horribly bad is going to happen to me."


    Aliyah: "Can we meet with them."


    Ryuu snorted as he spoke, "I myself have yet to meet them personally, they only listen to my uncle and no matter how much I through tantrum or anything they will never appear, the only reason I am even aware they are following me is because my older sister might have let it slip.", he mixed truth and lies as he spoke, he does not know much about their chain of command and with whom their loyalty lied as he knows that Shamiran is their Supreme Commander but there is a high chance that even his teachers may command them as well, and as for claiming about his ''uncle'' well his teachers didclaim his mother as their sister.


    Agrippa frowned even harder as he spoke, "Since your family knew about this mess then her Highness must know about everything."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he replied to him, "Of course she knows but there is no need for you to think about the matter too much because as far as I know about her she is not known for dilly-dallying, if she was displeased by someone she would have retaliated already."


    Lucius spoke with a frown, "As much as I agree with you about your right to punish the transgressor but as he is still part of the expedition if you retaliate we are honor bound to intervene."


    Ryuu send a smirk at Lucius, "Senior, if he leaves the expedition then��"


    Lucius send a smile as he replied, "As long as he is outside of Shangri-la Pavilion and not the member of the expedition you are free to do however you wish too."


    As they made their way towards room they were greeted by Frozen Flames and her group.


    Frozen Sky: "Where have you all been to? We were so worried."


    Aliyah: "Daoist brother Ryuu received an anonymous letter as such we all went to check with the help of staff of Shangri-la Pavilion to see if it was rigged as an attempt to assassinate him out it turned out to bea letter from his older sister, explaining to him that the situation was dealt with."


    Frozen Flames looked curiously at Ryuu as she spoke, "Dealt with does that mean, the people trying to assassinate are dead."


    Ryuu: "Yes Senior they are dead but the person who wanted me dead is still alive from what I learned jealousy was the motive behind the entire fiasco, big sister has allowed me to pass of the judgment on him."


    Lu Wu looked visibly displeased with all the talk about death and what not but before she could speak she was interrupted by Froze Sky, "Who is this fellow you are talking about?"


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "No clue except that he will make a run for it today even leaving the expedition."


    Frozen Flames could not help but as curiously, "How do you even know that? When you yourself have confessed to that you have no idea regarding the person''s identity."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "My family gets a tad bit over protective when it comes to me, as such when my sisters learned about the assassination attempt on me they hunted the group otherwise known as the ''Crooked Tavern'', slaughtered every member of theirs and then decorated the bedroom of the parents of the person who had issue a bounty on my head with their dead bodies."


    The teachers'' eyes widen at that for a fraction but the most distraught was Lu Wu who looked visibly sickened by it as appeared from her pale visage."


    A commotion drew their attention as they saw a group of armed guard trying to enter forcibly as the guards prevented them entering.


    "You Shall Not Pass!", came a shout from one of the guards stationed outside of Shangri-la Pavilion as the newcomers shouted out in equal amount of fervor, "We Shall Pass! And you will not prevent us from rescuing our ''Young Master."


    "What is going on here?", a loud shout came from one of the staff members who flared her cultivation realm in order to scare the people creating commotion who had calmed down upon having the person''s aura slamming on them with full force.


    The woman gave an irritated look as she spoke, "Well speak I am waiting and I do not have the entire day so speak what do you want?"


    A guard cupped his hand as he spoke reverently, "Honorable beautiful gracious saintly merciful Immortal Fairy, we simply wish to escort our young master from the danger he is to the protection of his home."


    The woman spoke with a snarl, "Oh and who is this young master of yours is."


    The man bowed as he replied, "My young master''s name is Gaius Memmius Frontalis."


    The woman sighed as she send someone to fetch Gaius, as Frozen Sky growled, "So that mongrel who was eyeing each of you with hatred from the previous day, what kind of parent raises such a despicable child?"


    Frozen Flames snorted a she replied with disgust evident in her voice, "What do you expect sister a rat will raise a rat not a dragon."


    Soon an irritated Gaius came into view he walked as if he owned the place itself and spoke in an arrogant tone as he looked at the guards with eyes filled with disdain, "What do you want slave speak I am extremely busy."


    By then most of the staff of Shangri-la Pavilion had gathered here had already guessed him as the culprit behind hiring the assassins, and his way of speaking and his manners had left a lot to be desired in the eyes of the staff but now it reached all time low as treating someone who would be protecting him with their life if need to be in such a manner made his image to plummet further as they already marked him to be expelled from the expedition within the next few days.


    The guard bowed deeply in front of Gaius as he explained everything in vivid description the entire situation causing him to become visibly pale before he kicked the guard hard on his head as he shouted out, "You FOOL! What are you waiting for take me back home immediately and if ��."


    Before he could speak a loud cough interrupted him he turned his head glaring and openly tried to rebuke the person for his insolence trying to prevent him from speaking only to come face to face with a frowning Agrippa, "Child if you leave now you will be expelled from the expedition as we will not allow you to participate in this expedition anymore."


    Gaius nostrils flared as he shouted out in anger almost spitting on Agrippa face as he spoke, "Screw you and your stupid expedition I am more important than this silly expedition, Guards let us leave! And Protect me with your lives you good for nothing waste of space,"


    As they left Agrippa turned towards Ryuu his face red with anger from being spoken to in such rude manner, he took a couple of breaths to calm his anger as he spoke loudly, "Gaius Memmius Frontalis is no longer allowed to participate as a member in the expedition as such I Agrippa Loreius Avienus, hereby revoke any and all privilege granted to him.", he gave a small nod at an already smiling Ryuu who simply gave a small but grateful nod towards him.


    Ryuu took out the letter as it caught fire as he spoke loudly, "The one who tried to assassinate me may he suffer for an entire year from injuries severe enough to make him feed through straw during the entire time and live a life as a non cultivator during thrice the said period of time."


    As the letter turned into ash there were a few loud shouts and a huge bang sounded from outside followed by another loud shout, "NO!!!! Not another of my stores."


    Ryuu smirked as he spoke lowly, "Oops!"


    A few people from Shangri-la raced outside to see the guards lying out cold unconscious as a couple of stores were damaged but what drew their attention was a giant crater inside which laid a mass of flesh and broken bones with copious amount of blood pooling around the person.


    With that as Ryuu and his group made their way inside Lu Wu suddenly spoke, "How could you be so cruel you were not like this when I met you all those years ago.", as she spoke with tears appeared in her eyes.


    Ryuu turned towards Lu Wu his face was devoid of emotions as he asked Lu Wu scaring her, "So what do you suggest I should have granted him mercy."


    Lu Wu hesitatingly nodded as Ryuu suddenly burst into laughter as he replied to her, "Hahahahaha, you know you remind me of the time when I was young and na?ve, people say that only the strong, courageous and just have the guts to forgive someone, if it so then I applaud them I salute them and I praise because at the end of the day I will never be as great as them because at the end of the day forgiving an enemy is akin to suicide. I learned it the hard way Lu Wu.", Ryuu sighed before he started speaking again, "Before I met you for the first time I made some friends simple village children who would never be able to glimpse at the world of cultivators because of their poor constitution but still they became my friends my first friends. One day a group of bandits came upon their village by mistake and tried to loot them but I thwarted their plans but when it was time to kill them I showed them mercy and chased them away, a mistake a huge mistake I learned later one when I to visit them again the entire village was killed they strung the bodies of the male on a tree as a warning while the womanirrespective of their age were taken as sex slaves,I tracked them down but it was too late they were just mindless statues by then existing to simply please thei ''master''", Ryuu spat the word master as if it was the most disgusting thing in the world.


    By then Lu WU''s teacher as well her martial aunt and her students looked at Ryuu with concern his eyes were filled with guilt, regret and a bit of madness in them.


    "''Estele, Percy, Xavier Toni, Landon, Silvestre, Antonio, Channah, Salome, Narcisa'', my friend were all dead and gone because of my foolishness because I showed someone mercy till today I whenever is sleep I see their faces screaming at me because I failed them, that day I slaughtered more than 500 people including the person who wanted to forcibly make you as his concubine the City Lord of your Home City."


    By then Lu WU was openly crying and trembling, Ryuu simply let out a sigh as he rubbed his face trying to gain control of his emotions as he spoke, "A thousand apologizes my unsightly behavior, I wish to be left alone for some time."

 197 Entering the Nether realm Grotto

    Ryuu sighed as he got ready it will be a few hours from now that the hidden space will open and will allow access for the next month within this time period they will have to get in and out or else they will be trapped inside there until the next eclipse which will be exactly 100 years from today.


    Ryuu: "Fellow Daoist Sisters are you ready?"


    Aliyah gave a weak smile as she replied back, "Will we ever be ready for such a thing."


    Ryuu: "So true sister so true."


    After his outburst a couple of days ago, Lu Wu seemed to be avoiding him, he was saddened at that but if at the end of the day if that is what she wants she will receive as such since Ryuu decided to cease any and all relation with her.


    But yet he seemed that he had become closer with the rest specially Aliyah and Alhma who had even persuaded Ryuu to take the mantle of the leader.


    Suddenly they heard a knock on their door as Alhma opened the door she was greeted by Agrippa, "Good morning Junior Daoist are you all ready?"


    At that the trio spoke simultaneously in an enthusiastic manner, "Good morning Senior and yes we are ready."


    Agrippa gave a grin at their reply as he spoke, "Excellent now please follow me."


    He then proceeded to lead them to a place where others including the secondary team along with the staff of Shangri-la Pavilion were waiting.


    As they reached the other team felled completely silent as they watched their group with wariness in their eyes, during the last few days of their stay they have been to cafeteria many times but they were unable to make any friends because they were always treated like exotic animals as such they started to avoid them, but that even worsened the situation as Ryuu could hear clearly, "tch, see those arrogant whelps just because they are stronger they are acting so high and mighty."


    Another voice came in, "Shut up or do you want to suffer like poor Gaius, he only was a little bit jealous but he was attacked in such a horrible manner poor Gaius."


    Ryuu''s eyebrow twitched as he had to sudden urge to strangle them, ''Me arrogant, if you want to talk with us then approach me without staring us like some otherworldly animal and you fellow he was just jealous, that mongrel tried to have me assassinated, whoo, cal down Ryuu calm down and do not pay attention to them you have yet to enter the hidden place, there is no reason for you to have a headache over them.''


    AS the others gathered they were approached by Frozen Flames but before they could speak Lu WU suddenly stepped forward and stood in front of Ryuu as she spoke, "Brother Ryuu I am so sorry that day I reacted like a spoiled child my master explained to me and now I understand how na?ve I am, although I do not like the idea of killing someone but I understand your reasoning now as such please forgive me for saying those words to you."


    Ryuu smiled as he spoke, "It is no problem sister it is fine, there is nothing for you to ask for forgiveness."


    Lu Wu smiled as she gave Ryuu a hug.


    Agrippa: "Well everyone get ready the flying vessel will be arriving soon."


    A big flying ship/vessel descended in front of them as everyone boarded in orderly manner, as Ryuu''s group boarded they were escorted to a big room with chairs and sofas placed having a sitting arrangement of about 20 people but since they were only six they occupied whichever they desired with Lu Wu occupying the one near the window.


    Ryuu chose to mediate during the entire trip a few hours later a voice sounded in the room, "To all participants of the expedition we are about to land soon, please follow instructions our staff member to the letter in order to avoid an unfortunate situation from taking place.


    As they landed they were escorted towards a big tent where Lucius was waiting for them as they entered he suddenly spoke, "Welcome explorers this is the forward base and as you can see the cave over there is the entrance to the hidden space, it will open within the next few hours till then please feel free to relax."


    Ryuu looked towards the entrance of the cave while standing a few feet away from Shangri-la Pavilion''s tent, as he watched rows of tents bearing various color and flags fluttering each having different number of people some having a small army some having only a handful people, from what he knew there were even some who were not affiliated with anyone who would try their luck inside.


    As he looked towards the left as he was greeted by a large gathering of what seemed to be non-humans each of them looking different some of them were a little bit more humanoid than the rest.


    Frozen Flames: "Ryuu it seemed as if they are two sides of the war with the middle being the no man''s land each vying the other with mistrust."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "It is such a pity if only they could overcome their needless hate, they could have worked wonders combining each other''s knowledge but seeing them a simple misstep from one side would start a massacre."


    Before either could speak a shout seemed to distract Ryuu, "Daoist Ryuu is that you?"


    He turned towards to see the smiling visage of Princess Tsuji, "Greeting s Senior Tsuji, how have you been?"


    Tsuji spoke with a smile, "I have been fine, and are you escorted the people of your kingdom."


    Tsuji nodded with a smile as she puffed up her chest as she spoke, "Of course I am but what about you? Did you join some team?"


    Ryuu : "Yes I did join a team, I am currently working with Shangri-la Pavilion."


    Frozen Flames, "Ryuu and who might she be?"


    Ryuu: "Ah sorry I forgot to introduce you senior but she is the First Princess of Habakar Dynasty Princess Tsuji, and Senior Tsuji the woman visit me is Mystic Immortal Empress Frozen Flames."


    Tsuji''s eyes widened at that as she quickly bowed and greeted, "This junior greets senior."


    As they gossiped they were joined by Frozen Sky and his two teammates and Lu Wu, but soon their talk was broken by some loud shout as they watched the eclipse starting.


    Tsuji: "Please excuse me but I will have to go back to my team for now."


    They did not have to wait for too long as soon as the complete eclipse began and soon the cave mouth began to glow with a dull yellowish light, from a distance it seemed as if a curtain had formed covering the entrance.


    Agrippa: "This is it we have to move quickly or else we will be caught in a stampede."


    No sooner did he speak various beings humanoid or non humanoid were all rushing to enter and unluckily for them their tent was a bit further away causing them problem trying to enter the cave.


    The entrance was becoming a warzone as a few unfortunate were already suffering the worst under the other''s feet even few person from other camps had begun attacking the other to decrease the competition.


    Ryuu sighed before turned towards Frozen Flames as he spoke, "Senior if you would please."


    Frozen Flames smirked as she eyed towards Frozen Sky who both nodded as they let loose their tyrannical aura shaking everyone and causing the other participant to collapse on their knees, that was enough for Ryuu and his group who flew towards the cave and in a blink of an eye had already reached the entrance, by then their flight had caught the attention of several individuals who were shocked at seeing people of Primal Daoist realm.


    The yellowish curtain felt like a dense liquid which they passed as soon as they entered the ''Nether realm Grotto'', they were hit by a foul stale air which smelled as if it had been trapped inside a room for decades not to mention the yellowish color of the sky and the vast wasteland in front of the devoid of life.


    Seeing the hidden space Aliyah could not help but comment sarcastically, "What a lively space!", causing her other teammates to crack a grin.

 198 Yatagarasu

    Ryuu let out a deep breath as he turned towards his teammates as he spoke, "I think it is time for us to move towards point A, we will set up a fall back shelter there, in case of emergencies."


    With that they dashed towards their point of base camp, as a few people who had entered before them looked at eyes wide opened as they saw they flying.


    Ryuu: "We will not move directly towards our base but move in a zigzag pattern so that other cannot guess our location easily."


    The sisters nodded at them as they moved towards the point A, if Ryuu was alone he would have reached the point by now but currently he had two low Primal Daoist level with him.


    Even though Ryuu was being considerably slow but to the twins he was very fast as such they were trying hard to keep up with him.


    A normal human on a clear day can see up to 20kilo meters, but some one of Ryuu''s strength he was able to see up to a few thousand meters with ease, as such while his two teammates were busy trying to keep up with him he was busy trying to keep an eye on the surrounding, with keen eyes he studied the entire landscape.


    ''Damn this entire place is even more depressing and dangerous than it was written in the report all those gargantuan creatures dead and are lying here some of them had turned to bones where as some of the have their flesh attached to their bones. I cannot believe it they must be incredible expert while they were alive.''


    They soon passed over an acidic lake, as Ryuu looked down at the lone island at the middle of it he stopped abruptly as he motioned the others to stop as well.


    Aliyah, "What is it Daoist Ryuu?"


    Ryuu: "That Island in between the acidic lake is actually a corpse I wish to take a look at it a bit closer, I have an idea on what creature it might be but I need a closer look at it."


    As they descended Ryuu let out small squeal startling the twin sisters who looked at him with worried eyes.


    Alhma: "Is everything alright Daoist Ryuu?"


    Ryuu spoke with a bright smile, "This corpse is none other than a Nine Nether bird, it must be strong when it fell as its body is still decomposing, I hope I can secure a bit of its blood."


    As Ryuu tried to extract its blood essence he was engulfed by incredible fear as if he was in front of an enraged powerful expert, he took a deep breath trying to control his nerves as he mused, ''What a powerful being even after its death it caused fear in me.''


    Ryuu managed to gather only a handful drops of blood essence from him as he sighed, "I guess this is it, the rest is too much contaminated and not worth the time."


    Ryuu was practically giddy as he turned towards the twins with sparkling eyes, "This place is a treasure trove, I am so glad I joined in this expedition. Let us move we will divide any loot among us after we reach the shelter."


    The twins nodded slowly their eyes opened wide, they have been here and with an hour they had some serious gain.


    As they left Ryuu thought with happiness bubbling, ''I wanted to have such a cool adventure for so long and now I am getting it, I even got to extract the blood essence like was shown by my sisters all those years ago but what to do with it maybe I will take this back to Ayindril or might simply sell it. Hmm nah I will consult my teachers before doing anything.''


    He was busy thinking about how much treasure he would collect and what other things he would be able to find here as such he missed a large incoming black cloud, by the time he noticed it was less than a hundred kilometers away and approaching fast towards them from the right side.


    Ryuu''s eyes squinted as he looked towards the incoming cloud before his eyes widen with horror he spun around as he hurriedly spoke to the twins, "Turn back and Run if we stay we all die."


    He did not wait for them to reply as he held them by the waist causing them blush they would have struck him but because of the urgency in his tone they let him hold them in such close manner as they began to move away from the cloud at an alarming speed so fast that the twins had to close their eyes while they caught hold of Ryuu tightly.


    Within a few minutes they made it to their hiding spot the only way of entrance is through a narrow entrance between falls completely made out of lava.


    The place was scouted out by a previous explorer from Shangri-la who was a puppet user, as such he upon accidently spotting the entrance of the cave in between the lava flow he had send his puppet which mimicked a flying bird to scout the area, a place only those with flying capabilities or with strong body can reach the cave but the best part is that because of the heat and yellowish glow of the hot lava stream most missed the cave.


    As the trio entered inside Ryuu quickly placed every know barrier known to him, mainly those that prevented sound, detection of soul among many other things.


    The twins were scared as they Ryuu work like a mad man with blood shot eyes as he laid one barrier after another ina blink of an eye each one of every high quality.


    Ryuu then heaved a small sigh as he spoke in a somber tone, "I hope this will be enough if it fails we are dead."


    Aliyah gulped seeing the worried and scared expression on Ryuu''s face as she asked, "What are those things?"


    Ryuu sighed as she spoke, "Have you heard about Golden Three legged crow?"


    Alhma: "Of course I have heard it is said to be messenger of prosperity, growth and happiness, where ever it passes by it blesses seven generations of the people who live there with them as such they are also called ''Heaven''s Blessings'', why?"


    Ryuu: "There is another beast that is known as the evil twin of Golden Three Legged Crow, they are called ''Yatagarasu'', and they are exactly opposite of a Golden Three Legged Crow, they bring Death, Misery and Plague with them cursing seven generations of the people who livethere as such they are called ''Heaven''s Curse''. Moreover they are beast who use soul based attacks a flock that large only an Immortal of exceptional strength may survive against so many soul based attacks not only that they are said to eat souls of the living as such we have to stay away from them. But do not worry you both will be safe here."


    The twins could not help but worry at the prospect of encountering such a deadly foe but what they did not know that those crows are attracted to emotions like rage and bloodlust which can be found in battlefields where they thrive as such they are often painted in such dark light, and Ryuu who had accidently gained enlightenment in the Dao of Asura, which makes a person drown in rage and bloodlust to the point making them insane as they drown themselves in the blood of their enemies, is like a giant catnip.

 199 Meeting the sárbol que chupa sangres again

    Even after Ryuu had placed the barriers preventing them from being detected the trio had kept a vigilant eye open for anything unusual with the help of various arrays Ryuu had created, to some it may seem like an overkill having so many arrays being placed here but to experienced cultivators they od not know about such words.


    At the crack of dawn next day the trio began preparations to leave, Ryuu: "I will keep the barriers activated so that no one may enter, also this place will also hold a few emergency items have you prepared them in advance?", Aliyah nodded as she handed him a bundle which Ryuu placed on a specific spot as he spoke, "Is there anything else you wish to leave out here?"


    Alhma: "No not at this moment fellow Daosit last day we were lucky that we already knew about this place from before but now we would venture out into the unknown and from what we know the place should be at least a few thousand miles from here."


    Ryuu nodded and soon they left into the shelter venturing into the unknown.


    Under the yellowish sky as the further they moved towards the city the more scars of destruction greeted them, corpses of various beings were all lying around and more they reached towards the city, the skeletons became much less and less as mostly intact corpses were to be found, even the flora was twisted by all the yin energy produced by the corpses not to mention all those poison and acidic pits.


    But even after all this they had gained a lot from looting the corpses.


    Alhma: "Hey this one''s spear is laying beside him, the armor is badly damaged so it is of no use but the helmet is still salvageable check for any space rings."


    Ryuu went and touched the space ring as he sends his ki inside it, most of the other''s space ring had some form of security which made it impossible for them to open it but this one was open.


    Ryuu checked the ring as his face broke into wide grin, "This one is open Aliyah space bags."


    Before they had left, each of them had been provided by at least 300 space bags courtesy of Shangri-la pavilion, top of the line quality with each having 100sq.feet of area, unlike his space ring which has 500sq.feet of area, but unlike him the other two had only space rings with 50sq.feet of area.


    Ryuu smirked as he shoved the things inside it, and due to constant danger they had to face it was decided by them that they will only divide their spoils when they are at a safe place and if it means back in Shangri-la Pavilion outside this place then so be it.


    Normally they had no problem shoving so many space bags inside their space ring but they were warned not to put any space ring inside the space bag which could cause problem as such Ryuu put the ring as he pored the contents inside before throwing the empty ring away.


    They quickly left the place as Alhma questioned Ryuu, "So what did you get from the space ring?"


    Ryuu: "There plenty of metals and what not, some precious herbs and medicines but mostly techniques and cultivation methods this person seemed to be walking talking library."


    The others nodded as they left the place, as they were moving Aliyah suddenly pointed towards a plant as she spoke, "Daoist Brother is that not a ''Human Faced Flower''?"


    Ryuu looked towards the flower before hissing loudly as his voice held a little bit of hatred in it as he spoke, "It is but is near a very troublesome plant, ''��rbol que chupa sangre'', I almost once died by one of such things hands.", he spat out the last sentence with clear disgust evident in his voice.


    Alhma grimaced as she heard the name and Ryuu''s tone as she spoke, "Seemed as if all this death around it has given it quite a lot of nutrients. Let us leave Daoist Ryuu."


    Once again the trio started moving only to be stopped by Ryuu, "It seems or way is blocked by a forest of ''��rbol que chupa sangre''."


    Alhma: "Who in their right mind would build forest of ''��rbol que chupa sangre'' like that?"


    Aliyah: "It seems they are mass grown for specific purposes may be they were planning to use them as some form of barrier, but why?"


    Ryuu: "We do not know but we have to find a way around it, there is something wrong on the air current, see that bird over there,"


    They looked up to see a bird got too near only to be pulled from the air as it crashed towards the ground near the trees which wasted no time to feast on the poor bird."


    Ryuu: "See the air above the forest is weird we have to take a detour now."


    They sighed as such they started moving towards East hoping to see the end of the forest.


    Ryuu: "There it is the end of the forest let us move from that part."


    As such they raced towards the end of the forest, as Alhma spoke sadly, "There are so many precious loots but because of the tree we cannot go near it such shame."


    Aliyah: "So true sister, Daoist Ryuu the place feels a bit funny over there."


    Ryuu just glanced back at Aliyah as he spoke, "Then let us descend here and see."


    As they spend more time with each other, Ryuu learned that Aliyah has gained a sliver of enlightenment in the Supreme Dao of Earth as such she was able to detect precious metals underneath the surface as long as it is a bit near the surface.


    As they landed she crouched on the soil with her eyes closed before she clicked her tongue in annoyance, "It is nothing just a superheated lava tube filled with lava nothing to see about.", with that the two sisters flew up in the air leaving behind Ryuu in deep thought.


    Alhma could not help but ask with wariness in her voice "Daoist Ryuu is there any problem?"


    Ryuu gave a grin as he spoke, "Nothing much just thinking that this place is like on a higher position than the ''��rbol que chupa sangre'' forest if we are to puncture the lava tube from here and let the superheated lava to flow out and if I am not wrong the magma of this place is surprisingly Yang oriented while most things on the surface are yin oriented and if we take the slope of this place as well as the way the forest has been build the lava will take care of it."


    The twins grinned as they descended beside as Alhma spoke, "What do you need Daoist Ryuu?"


    Ryuu: "Find the place where the distance is the least and leave the rest to me."


    Aliyah nodded an within a few minutes located the place which Ryuu wanted her to find as she spoke, "Here it is only 2800meters from the surface."


    Ryuu nodded as he began working magic with his arrays and a few minutes later the trio had moved at least a few kilometers form that place as Ryuu used a talisman the place where Aliyah pointed out a gigantic array shown for the first few minutes nothing happened then the ground shook hard and with a large boom the surface erupted, it was loud enough for trio to cover their ears as magma spewed out of the hole on the surface before it flowed down towards the forest in a mad rush to destroy anything on their path.


    The trio grinned before the resumed their journey.

 200 Entering the City

    ''~pitter patter pitter~'', was the sound of rain falling from the darkened sky, and in a distance a red glow could be seen from the lava spouting out from the surfaces bosom. Boom a loud thunder struck the ground every now creating crater as the ground and the air shook with deafening roar of heaven''s rage.


    Even remembered it was during one such rainy day he created his first technique but unlike that day today it was different, the rain well if it called as such was not only highly toxic but acidic as well from the hiss it gave when it collided with the ground not to mention the toxic fumes it gave off, as such the trio found themselves inside the cave taking shelter for the rain, whose entrance had been sealed off by Ryuu to prevent any noxious gasses from entering their place of refuge.


    Ryuu glanced down as he looked at his hand which had a slight discoloration in certain places only visible if someone looked closely, but when he looked at the two sisters he grimaced at seeing as if they suffered second degree in places where the rain water had hit them, he had used ointment on them and it would be better again but this proved how dangerous the climate was here.


    Aliyah: "It seems we will be stuck here for the time being, if it were not for the thunder we would have tried using the special suits they lend us and try and make our way through the rain."


    Alhma: "So true sister and now we have to wait, Daoist brother Ryuu what are you thinking about?"


    Ryuu gave a sheepish smile as he spoke, "Nothing much sister I was just thinking that we are very near to the city, only half hour away from where we are if we can finish the inspection fast we can hurriedly make or way to the outside world unload our items there, and return back we can earn a lot if we could manage couple of trips with a month''s time, we have reached this place within four days worth of time, that was because we had to navigate through the danger and what not, but since we already know the route it would be faster.


    Aliyah: "So true now if only the blasted thunderstorm be over."


    They tried spending time by gossiping only to find Alhma getting a bit depressed which did not go unnoticed by the other two.


    Aliyah: "Sister is there any problem?"


    Alhma: "Nothing I was just thinking how lucky we are, we have been able to ward off any danger till now very easily but others may not be so lucky such as us, just think what would happen if they were to face that flock of Yatagarasu. I doubt anyone would survive."


    This caused their mood to plummet as they felt saddened by the thought some of the people who entered here will meet there end here.


    Ryuu suddenly spoke, "When I arrived in this planet for the first time a few weeks my first stop was in Kitopia empire, I learned about this place there, the branch head of Kitopia branch of Shangri-la along with the King of Kitopia tried to coerce me into joining their expedition force, he wanted me to act as the personal attack dog for them, keep them safe and sound and bring them out of here."


    Aliyah spoke in disbelieving tone, "That is unbelievable Shangri-la Pavilion is known for being neutral and honorable for one of its member acting like that is truly unbelievable."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "It is for such a gigantic organization to operate smoothly they have to maintain a level of trust and honesty with others the person acted on his own as he tried to repay the debt he had with the King. Kitopia kingdom was also not in proper condition as well as the last expedition their team went was disastrous their allies betrayed them, the male members of the team were wiped out, and the female members well the males were lucky to have died from what I have heard when they left this hidden space they paraded the females naked their mind broken because of them and eyes lifeless before killing them."


    Hearing that the girls face turned green at that before growling with anger, "Such mongrels they ought to be put to death, did no one retaliate against them."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "Nope as far as I know no one did anything and if the King of Kitopia had approached me without trying to con me I would have helped him, in fact I did a free house cleaning for him."


    Alhma: "House cleaning???"


    Ryuu: "Well the finance minister of the King made it as such that he almost had the economy of the kingdom hostage through various schemes such as blackmailing bribery and what not to the point even the King was forced to bend his knees for him��..."


    Aliyah interrupted him as she spoke with distaste in her voice, "What a worthless King, to have his kingdom being held hostage like that it is disgraceful."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "So true now I was told about this hidden space by none other than the branch head and he used the party held in honor of the marriage anniversary of the general to introduce me to the king, there I met the finance minister''s only son, well an A grade douche, if you ask me just because he could cultivate he let it go over to his head pissed me off royally and at the end of the night became brain dead, now his father wanted revenge hired assassin''s to kill me but unfortunately when he tried to attack me I was having a rather pleasant breakfast with one of my older sisters and the rest is history."


    A few hours later the rain was over as Ryuu spoke, "Let us visit the city what do you say."


    The two sisters nodded at that as they all wore the special protection suit provided by Shangri-la which they might have tweaked a bit.


    "Well lets see what the city has to offer."


    With that they flew towards the city as they neared the city Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "Whoever created it must be a gloomy person, mile long black walls, and full of towers and what not, the door seems to have been taken apart from outside I hope the things inside are intact."


    The entered the doo to see tall buildings some of them damaged, but one thing that separated from everything was the fact that the windows were too small, more like a small ventilation outlet except for a few which were mostly high than the ground floor, there were signs of destruction but no bodies to be found.


    Aliyah: "What is this place, it cannot be a city, it looks more like a��."


    Alhma finished the sentence for her, "Prison, this is ''Black Rock Prison''."


    Ryuu looked at her incredulously as he spoke, "How did you know it?"


    Alhma raised her hand as she pointed up, and just above the gate through which they entered it was written in big letters, "BLACK ROCK PRISON"


    Ryuu: "Cool we wasted so much for a prison if we loot the corpses outside at least we could have earned something."


    Aliyah sighed as he spoke, "Well since we have already entered let us check it out."


    As such they decided to check the prison, they were there for almost an hour but to their dismay they found nothing.


    Alhma: "There is nothing here as if the whole place has been looted by others already, this is so annoying."


    Ryuu: "Hey everyone over here I found something."


    As they moved to the spot where Ryuu was crouching as they neared him they saw a couple of foot prints causing them to frown.


    Aliyah: "It was raining cats and dogs couple of hours ago, and from what we are seeing this is recent."


    Alhma: "But who could be here were there other teams here?"


    Ryuu: "If there were we would have at least met them or they might have taken a different route than us who knows, but let us check who they are."


    The twins gave their consent as the followed the tracks trying to blend into the surrounding as such as possible.


    As they neared the spot they froze seeing the amount of blood on the floor as skeletons of various beings were placed in a heap, a mad laughter made them curious as well as a little bit cautious and with small reassuring nod from each of his teammates the trio started moving again.


    As they turned a corner Ryuu''s blood froze as he saw the person in front of him.

 201 A rather frightening Discovery

    The Great Divide which lead to destruction of the realm of Pangea and eventually caused the creation of three major realms and countless smaller sub-realms.


    After the age of Great Divide came the age of Everlasting Nights, the most treacherous time for everyone, countless Kingdoms appeared and disappeared, civilizations rose and fell.


    The sudden death of many powerful cultivators caused a power vacuum, many cultivators tried to fill the vacuum but countless failed, and the quality of KI as well as a sudden decrease of treasures caused an age of unrest, turmoil, debauchery and anything unsavory.


    During the period of time a type of cultivation gained favor among cultivators which was dubbed as the Path of Devil or the Damned. Those cultivators indulged in debauchery, caused mass genocide, some even became cannibals, and as long as they could become stronger they did not care anything.


    During that time of unrest two factions became most prominent they were dubbed as the factions of Righteousness and the faction of the Damned which war against each other, even after the age had long since passed the two factions are still locked in battle with each other, and it was also during the time that the three major realms received its name.


    Deva Lok, Manushya Lok and Preta Lok, among the three realms Preta Lok became the main bastion for people who followed the way of the damned, whereas the Deva and Manushya became the home base for the others. Well even if it was referred to as such there were people who were residents of the Manushya and Deva Lok who are Devil practitioners but unlike the Preat realm they thrive in huge numbers, as the other two realms are in constant battle with them. The residents of Preta Lok are more often than not referred to as the ''Demons'', due to their way of cultivation most of thetime they end up distorting their own bodies more often than not taking on a distorted form, the abominations the lots of them develop various methods to disguise themselves using various methods.


    Currently Ryuu eavesdropped on the group of four who were speaking with each other, a toad look alike, a blackened skeleton, a normal looking woman but half of it was like a snake and last but not least a very beautiful woman, until you looked at her stomach which looked as if it had been turned inside out.


    Ryuu and his group hid behind wall as they heard them talking with each other, "When will his Majesty be released from this infernal prison I cannot wait to soothe his tired body personally with my body and soul.", the voice clearly a feminine in nature.


    A squeaky voice spoke in annoyance, "You slut did you thing that his Majesty would touch a slut like you."


    "How dare you speak as such I will crush you completely.", she flared her aura causing Ryuu and others to suck their breath the woman was at least mid tiered Immortal.


    A gruff male voice spoke flaring his aura mid tiered aura he spoke, "Silence you two there is only a few hours left and it is incredibly crucial, if we fail then all those years we have spend here waiting for him to release will be for nothing. As such stop your petty rivalry the completion of the task is of supreme importance."


    Another voice spoke, "I hope the anchor holds on after he is released because of his presence and the blast from the seal breaking is sure to cause the conduit to collapse, I so do not want to fall neither into the nothingness nor into the realm of those hippies."


    The voice which scolded the duo spoke, "Relax you do not have to worry the anchor will hold on to us firmly on the event it collapses it will draw with it all those who had been tethered to it, but where is that Angroth he should be here by now, we are going to change places with the others who are currently carrying on the ritual it is almost time for them to rest and for us to take over the ritual."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen at what he heard this place was a prison of some Demon Emperor, and this people from Preta lok are trying to free him and from what he heard he knew he had to get out of here fast they only have a couple of hours to not only make it to outside, but also warn others to evacuate as soon as possible otherwise there will be a massacre.


    A conduit is a gateway between two realms that are used to travel between them and from what he had heard the prison was built in between them for some reason who built it and why was it build and more importantly who are they trying to free was no longer any concern for them.


    Ryuu signaled them as the trio slowly tried to move away from the spot, only to freeze as they heard some shouting, "What do you mean we have intruders?"


    "Every few years a few greedy stupid ingredients try to enter this place, they fuel our ritual so what if some enter this place send Elzomer usually sends his animals after them and have them killed and then collect their soul, we have done this many times before so what do you need.", spoke a woman in an irritated tone.


    The other shouted out in anger, "You idiots someone has found their way here."


    At that more shouts came as the trio left hurriedly, "We have to jump down from the city walls I have no doubt by now there will be people already guarding the entrance from this prison."


    Suddenly they heard sounds of dogs barking and shouting with a quick glance they quickly climbed on top of one of the tall building as they watched a group of the ugliest looking dog look alike arrive, followed by a man with so many piercings on his body that he looked like a porcupine.


    Ryuu tapped on the twin sisters indicating them to follow him as he made a mad dash to a nearby building as they followed him closely, he took out a vile of strange powder as he sprinkled on them before making a break for it while hiding in the shadows.


    Meanwhile with the demons, "Shit those rats were standing here that means they heard everything, we have to capture them if they reach the outside world they might blab it and we might get jeopardize there is still 16 hours left for the seal to break. We cannot let them escape."


    "Leave it to us Xozran, we will take it from here you go and take over your shift, your job is of crucial importance.", causing her to turn as she glanced before smirking at the new comers as she spoke, "Well then good luck with your hunt."


    By the time Ryuu and his teammates had reached the top of the wall, the prison was already alive with activity as a siren had started wailing and more and more demons came out searching for them some had already taken to the sky and from the aura they released all of them were immortal and above causing Ryuu to swore, he might be able to take on a couple of Immortal level cultivators using his current level of strength but there is no way he would survive the onslaught of so many of them.


    Ryuu whispered towards his teammates, "We will have to stealthily make our way out if we are caught we will be done for, I can at most take care of a couple of Immortals but the whole group is impossible for me."


    The sisters cursed there weakness but they could do nothing they were outmatched and outnumbered they just hopped their luck will hold on.


    Ryuu: "We have to at least have to gain a large distance between us and these demons or else we might get caught, before we can use anything that would release KI even escaping techniques release KI and at their current level they could easily catch up to us."


    The trio jumped from top of the wall as they made a mad dash to the nearest cover a couple of rocks big enough to hide them, they did not have any luxury of time yet they cannot brazenly make a run for it.

 202 The Chase Part-1

    The trio ran as fast as possible trying to put as much distance between themselves and the prison.


    Ryuu: "A few more miles we have already put a little under a 200 kilometers between us and the prison, just a couple of kilometers more and we could take to the sky. Then it is only a few thousand kilometers trek from here, I know it will be a strain on you guys but please try to fly as fast as possible. I believe if we give it out all we would be reaching the entrance of Nether realm grotto within 10 hours."


    Aliyah grunted as she spoke, "We will try our best Daoist Brother, but we would like to apologize for the inconvenience we are causing because of our weakness."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "There is no need to apologize to anyone, and we were just unlucky that we got caught in such a bad situation and as for your weakness please you two are plenty strong."


    Alhma spoek with a bit of depression, "But still if you were alone by yourself you would have already made it near the exit by now."


    Ryuu: "May be, may be not but one thing I know that without any of your help we would not have made so far, and as for getting out of here if push comes to shove we will simply drag them down to our playing ground. ", he finished with a devilish smirk, causing his teammates eyes to widen before they shared one of their own.


    As they raced towards the exit, unknown to them a pair of eyes caught them in their sight.


    Meanwhile back at the prison a masked person smiled as he spoke, "I think I might have found them."


    Another person came towards him as he spoke, "Oh and where are those rats hiding?"


    The masked person, "They have already left the prison it seems, one of my animals roaming outside detected them, and from what I learned from lip reading they are the ones we are seeking they have a head start of a thousand kilometers by now on foot."


    The woman who had suggested that they were the one who would hunt Ryuu''s group stepped forward as she licked her lips as she spoke seductively, "My what a delicious looking guy, I wish to taste him."


    The masked man laughed loudly as he spoke, "Oh well you can taste him after all you prefer dead over the living."


    The woman just smirked as she spoke, "So who are you sending after them, Rolgonath."


    The masked man or hi real name Rolgonath smirked as he spoke, "Well my flock of Yatagarasu are nearby and my babies need fresh food."


    The other person beside him spoke, "Oh and what about the other animals?"


    The person shrugged as he spoke, "Well most are far away and even if they have speed to catch up to them, there is no need for them my birds are enough it is not that this children could fly."


    The group was making a good progress as they ran fast across the waste lands, until Ryuu watched in alarm at the familiar flock of birds coming towards them at break neck speed.


    Ryuu: "Damn of all things this infernal birds had to make an appearance."


    Aliyah spoke her voice filled with concern, "Ryuu!!!!"


    Ryuu gnashed his teeth as he spoke, "I know I would have preferred not to use it as it might draw unnecessary attentions to us but there is no other choice it seems. Girls we will try to reach trap number 31"


    The twins nodded at his words as they turned slightly from their course and started moving towards a certain direction.


    Aliyah: "Those birds are approaching fast we will not make it."


    Ryuu gritted his teeth as he spoke, "We will absolutely make it", he took out a couple of talismans as he threw them towards the approaching flock of birds as a blackish smoke engulfed the flock like a cloud as lightning flashes could be seen inside the fog."


    Ryuu: "It will buy us some much needed time now move there is only a kilometer left between us and 31."


    The fog managed to stop the flock by disorienting them as well as killing a few off them with lightning style for a few minutes but alas it only bought a few precious seconds, as Rolgonath had began remotely controlling them. But it was enough for them to enter what looked like a cave, to Rolgonath it looked cute three rats trying to hide from he felt intense amusement as he saw the male within the group trying to close the mouth of the cave using the boulder and failing he had only been able to move it partly and his flock was almost over him.


    Ryuu saw the flock to close he gave up pulling the boulder as he ran inside.


    "tch, Rolgonath what a weakling I thought there might be something special about him since he ventured out this far but he is a weakling just have him killed I have no use for someone as weak as him.", the woman spoke in irritation."


    Rolgonath just laughed as he spoke, "oh well it is time to feed my children go ahead."


    As the entire flock of Yatagarasu entered the cave, the boulder suddenly closed the outside path as an array activated from cave entrance, the birds did not have to travel far as Rolgonath he was greeted by the sight of another opening meaning the place was not a cave but a tunnel, as the birds neared the other entrance of the tunnel an array sprung up trapping them and before Rolgonath could react a vicious array created by Ryuu activated a fire so hot that it was comparable to a star''s heat hit the flock burning them to ashes within a few minutes.


    The trio monitoring the group was stunned before the woman and the other man burst out in laughter seeing Rolgonath''s failure causing him to now grind his teeth hard before flaring his aura and KI as he shouted out at his companions, "Shut the hell up befor��"


    Whatever he was going to say was stopped in his mouth was stopped as a scythe appeared near his neck as the woman spoke in a sweet tone, "Before what Rolgonath, you are the weakest amongst us only at peak Void Immortal level where as I am a peak Immortal Level do not make a threat you cannot follow up to."


    Rolgonath gulped hard at that, the woman then spoke with a smirk, "Well since they are so crafty I think it is time for me to personally chase them.", with that she started leaving.


    The other person turned as he spoke, "Wait lady Urilrahne, I will follow you coupling up inside this area is boring, what do you say brother would you like to follow us."


    Rolgonath sighed as he spoke, "I would and I think the other two would as well I have already sent a message for them when we spotted them first."


    "Well seems like we have arrived fast enough to see certain dumbass loose the prey.", came the voice of another female.


    Rolgonath gritted his teeth as he swallowed the insult he knew he was the weakest and each of them had enough strength to crush him like a bug whenever they want to.


    Meanwhile with the trio, as soon as they had entered the tunnel Ryuu had ordered them to start flying instead of running and take to the skies, while he had stayed behind to activate those arrays.


    As Ryuu caught up to his teammates he spoke, "Keep this speed up, and we will reach the destination within the period of time, I hope we are far away from them to prevent them from feeling our KI if we use any strong movement skills but at the same time we have to be cautious we do not know how many are there neither their strength and weakness we can assume that even after sneaking so far we might have someone tracking us so keep an eye out for anything unusual."


    Aliyah nodded as she bit her lips, "How did those people enter this hidden space, last time I checked only those who are below 40 may enter this place so are those people below forty?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "Daoist sister how much do you know about realms?"


    Aliyah looked puzzled as she spoke, "Well to be honest we know nothing."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Well our universe was one giant real known as Pangea, a huge event caused it to break into numerous realms some big some small amongst them three major realms which are not only the biggest but the most resource abundant, the three realms are known as Preta Lok, Manushya Lok and the Deva Lok. ", he took a deep breath as he continued, "Those demons are residents of Preta Lok and this place is what one would call a conduit or a bridge between two realms one of which is the Preta Lok, the home of those demons, they had entered from that side of the bridge."


    The twins gulped as they wordlessly flew at break neck speed along with Ryuu towards the entrance of the conduit as fast as possible.

 203 The Chase Part-2

    "Allan are you alright? You seemed to have spaced out a little bit.", asked a black hair beauty.


    Allan just shook his head as he spoke, "Nothing much, I was just thinking about those people we saw a few days ago."


    The woman''s face scrunched up in confusion before her eyes widen as she exclaimed, "You mean those super strong cultivators right."


    Allan simply nodded as he spoke, "Yes Euphemia, just thinking about them makes my blood boil, the way they entered this place like a king, although they are of our age group yet they are so strong."


    Euphemia: "Yes, I too envy them I do not know from where and which place they have arrive but their presence is simply unfair, they are so strong."


    Another voice spoke in an condescending tone, "hmp, those guys are nothing the only reason they are strong is because the family that they are born having feeding them precious medicines left and right, if I were in there place I would have been an Immortal by now."


    "Yeah yeah we get it Mister I-would-be-immortal-by-now Norman, but luck is also a part of cultivator''s strength."


    Norman looked at the person another woman as he raised his finger comically as he shouted, "You evil woman since when did you become so wise and who did you rip off for that philosophical speech you put together."


    Before the woman could retort a loud feminine voice sounded in their ears, "Nether Realm Grotto is no longer safe, demonic cultivators have sneaked in and have triggered a destruction sequence that will destroy the entire hidden space within an hour, I repeat Nether real��.."


    As they heard the sound they saw a woman flying high up in the air announcing a few more times before she moved at a blinding speed from that place.


    Allan spoke fearfully "One hour even if we use full force to escape we are will barely make it."


    Euphemia: "That woman was she not one of those stronger ones, and what did she mean by that."


    Norman scoffed at that as he spoke, "tch, ruse simple ruse to get others out so that they can loot all those resources themselves."


    Euphemia: "And what if they are right and it is really the work of some demon cultivators."


    Allan: "I believe we should play safe, we should move towards the entrance even if there is a chance we might lose the resources but at least not our lives."


    Norman was about to argue with them but was unfortunately was stopped by a large explosion as the gigantic fire was seen in the horizon, even if it was at such a great distance away from them the killing intent and the amount of KI made their skin to shiver out of fear.


    Euphemia: "W- we s-sho-should run."


    They did not need to be told twice before they began running as fast as possible.


    Meanwhile Aliyah did not have as much luck as her twin she gritted her teeth as she dodged another volley of arrows, as the group of fools wolf whistled at her calling her many degrading names, ''I refuse to help scum like this.'', suffering from so much mental pressure snapped something in her she moved so fast that she seemed to disappeared from their view and reappeared in front of them and then their whole world erupted in pain. She left their bleeding and broken bodies to die a very agonizing death.


    As the twins left they glanced back with worry visible in their eyes as they gritted their teeth as their eyes became red out of helplessness while glancing towards the horizon, they watched helplessly cursing their weakness, after all they had left a boy less than half their age behind so that they might make their escape.


    The sisters steeled their hearts before they began to warn others to evacuate as fast as possible while at the same time they were slowly making their way towards the entrance as a single thought ran through their minds, ''Ryuu you better not die, we will not be able to forgive ourselves if you fall today.''


    Ryuu stared in front of him he glared at the people floating in the air in front of him, he was bleeding from his head his armor looking worse for wear, he glared extra hard at the grinning woman who was standing the furthest away from everyone even from her own comrades who was grinning mockingly towards him, suddenly dozens of beings from various genders and races attacked him from all sides, as his mind went back to the events which occurred a few minutes prior to his current predicament.


    An hour ago the trio was moving fast towards the entrance, as Aliyah gave a small sigh of relief, "We made it just an hour from here and we will be safe."


    Alhma: "So true sister, I am happy they never found about us, and Ryuu you really are a genius for thinking out a plan for helping us escape from the certain death.", she gave a grateful smile towards Ryuu.


    But Ryuu did not share the same line of thought as the twins he turned back at them as he glared, "Why are you two slowing down if you have time to be happy then move fast, the only safe place is outside this wretched place so move."


    The twins were taken aback at the sudden anger in his voice as they spoke, "What happened to you, Ryuu why are you shouting at us?"


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Sorry I was just a bit stressed out but we should focus on escaping to safety then we may celebrate, what if they have some sort of flying machine and they use that to catch up to us."


    AS such the twins sighed before they began increasing their decreased speed as the ate a KI replenishing pill, travelling so fast required so much KI that they required to consume some pills to replenish their KI.


    Ryuu sighed before he casually turned his head back as he was gritted with a sight that cause his eyes to widen, a large group consisting of humans, demons and various assortment of animals gaining on them fast, at current pace they will never make it, as they group chasing them will catch up to them within the next few minutes, he narrowed his eyes as one of the chasers a woman waved back at him as if he was a long lost acquaintance of hers.


    Ryuu sighed as he thought, ''What an unlucky situations, if only this two girls were a little bit faster but alas they are already at their limit being held down by their low level if it were only him he would have already made it outside the hidden space, in fact if he ditches them and makes a run for it then he could reach the outside within minutes instead of an hour, but I will not be able to face my teachers, my mother, my sisters, tch I would not be look into the eyes of my reflection staring back at me from a mirror, me and my bleeding heart.''


    Ryuu let out a big breath as he spoke, "Girls listen to me carefully, at the current speed we will get caught soon."


    The twins looked at him with disbelief as they glanced back their eyes wide opened as fear gripped their heart.


    Ryuu barked out an order, "Stop looking back and focus on my orders."


    The twins looked forward their eyes full of fear and desperation as they gave their all to squeeze out whatever strength they had to move faster, they knew if they are caught a fate worse than death will occur.


    Ryuu: "There is no way we will make it at our current speed as such you two continue moving forward, warn as many as you can but most importantly make sure you two make out of this place without waiting for others including myself and now go do not look back."


    With that Ryuu gave them a pat on their back they wanted to protest but they knew at their current strength they will be a liability, as such with helplessness they shouted out, "Ryuu promise us you will get out of here alive, promise us you will be safe."


    Ryuu flashed a smile at them as he spoke, "I will I promise now move and no matter what you hear do not turn back and do not look back."


    Ryuu slowed before he came to a standstill before he turned facing the enemy with his sword in his hands, he removed the necklace that was on his neck so as to prevent any interference it might run with his divine body, he sighed as he raised his sword to his eye level before he kissed it gently as if it were his lover as he whispered lovingly to it, "Let us do it partner, you and me against all of them, let this be the day our saga begins which trembles the world."


    He swung his sword as if trying to send an invitation to the enemies taunting them as his eyes blazed with fury as hundreds of enemies descended upon him.

 204 Fighting against all odds Part-1

    "My my look who we have here a puny Primal Daoist sacrificing himself to protect his teammates so touching I might cry.", spoke a masked fellow.


    Ryuu''s eyes widen as he heard that, ''They must have judged from our speed that we are all primal daoist now I have to just use this information."


    "Oi Roglonath, wasn''t this puny Primal Daoist killed your flocks of bird.", came a snide remark from his side.


    Roglonath shook with intense fury at that, even if his face was covered by a mask Ryuu could feel the anger he had towards his teammates yet he did not say anything against him that only means, ''This fellow is the weakest among them and now if I could use this to my advantage'', as such he spoke in a serious tone, "What is wrong with you? How can you say something like that to him, the poor fellow maybe the most worthless cultivator in existence but you should not make fun of him it is not nice since nobody bother to raise him correctly."


    At that everyone was silent before they all broke into laughter poking fun at Roglonath, "Sorry Roglonath, I did not understand you...��.pfft hahaha, the kid is so funny."


    Roglonath gave a roar of anger as he shouted out, "You damn kid how dare you make fun of mw the great Roglonath.", a terrifying aura of peak level Void Immortal erupted causing Ryuu''s eyes to wide open not out of fear but because he knew he had correctly chosen the weakest among the enemies and he just have to reel in the catch, and if the reaction he is getting is true this person is not only the weakest but also has short temper and is hot headed. He carefully studied the rest as he found most of them busy poking fun at him but the only one who did not was the lady standing at the back she was looking directly at him and he did not like the stare at all he felt dirty all of a sudden.


    Ryuu cleared his throat as he spoke out in a bored monotone, "I am incredibly sorry senior, I did not recognize mount Tai, I did not recognize you are so great, your parents were so much greater, and your grandparents were even much greater, and let not speak about your ancestors they were the most useless being to be born in this verse so do not feel bad about your uselessness as it seems you have proudly embraced your heritage."


    Rolgonath was stunned even his companions were stunned at that, "YOU WEAK PIECE OF DOG SHIT.", with that he took out a mace as he went to hit Ryuu with it at blinding speed, too fast for anyone who was at Primal Daoist Realm.


    Ryuu smirked and when Rolgonath was near he let loose his cultivation aura which was peak of Void Immortal Realm, stunning Rolgonath for a moment and it was enough the onslaught of sword attacks from a Grandmaster level Sword user proved too much for him as within the moment he was stunned Ryuu had cut him into many tiny pieces killing him effectively, Ryuu stood as he gave a cocky smirk while flinging the blood from his sword as he spoke, "No who wants to dance with me?", while inwardly he was of nervous, ''I m acting cocky and all that jizz & jazz but the previous idea worked but now they will be cautious the previous one was weaker the rest must be at least an Immortal and enraging them will further make my problem impossible.


    The lady behind suddenly clapped her hands as she spoke with a smile, "Wonderful child wonderful a peak Void Immortal, and how you played with that useless idiots mind was nice, mind sharing your age with me."


    Ryuu: "I am 15 years, my lady but may inquire whom you were trying to free from the prison."


    The lady smiled as she spoke, "My my so young and so powerful already, wonderful indeed as for his Majesties name you do not have the qualification to inquire, but enough of that call me Urilrahne dear~", she purred seductively at the end make Ryuu shiver feeling a bit more dirty than before.


    Ryuu, ''I have to buy as much time as possible before I make a run for the entrance may be just maybe I will make it if I use trickery and what not.''


    Urilrahne: "Child what about you what is your name?"


    Ryuu: "My name is Ryuu."


    Urilrahne spoke out his name a few times as if tasting it sampling it as she spoke with a seductive smile, "What a nice name dear, I might let you keep it after all."


    Ryuu: "Oy oy you let me keep it, and who do you think you are to do so."


    Urilrahne: "Why you are future owner dear."


    "Oi sister do not tell me you will hog him all to yourself, share something with the poor sister of yours as well, he is young quite appetizingly handsome."


    Urilrahne pouted as she spoke, "But you know me I like them dead."


    The other woman drooled openly as she literally eyeing Ryuu as she spoke, "I have no problem sister, but how about sending him to after life in a pleasurable way at least he will die a happy death."


    The two women chuckled as they spoke various disturbing things making Ryuu want to vomit as his face turned green, ''I have to stall for time but if this is the way then I am not sure whether fighting is better or speaking with this depraved harlots.''


    Suddenly one of the person spoke, "Wellthenyou can pay with you new toy but us males want some as well his two teammates will be enough so mind if I go and capture them."


    Urilrahne spoke in a surprised tone, "Khumzuk you are still here I thought you would have already gone after them."


    Khumzuk chuckled lightly as he spoke, "Well I am off then.", he moved a few meters only to be stopped as Ryuu appeared in front of him.


    Khumzuk chuckled likely as he spoke, "Well I know I am handsome but I do not swing that way, and I am already getting late for my date with some fine juicy female flesh move aside child.", he leaked some of his in human killing intent.


    Ryuu: "You will not go after them Khumzuk, and that goes for any of you retreat or die.", he finished the last part as his killing intent enhanced by the Dao of Asura exploded making their eyes widen.


    "It seems we will have to use the corpse it seems oh well it is time to die handsome."


    Ryuu simply took a stance with his sword ready to fight them, "Bring it on you worthless demons."


    Urilrahne just kept smiling at him as the other three flared their aura Ryuu clicked his teeth in annoyance, ''Two mid tiered Immortals and another at least 2nd rank Immortal just my luck and the way that woman was speaking to others she is at the very least a peak Immortal, what a bad luck. Now I would have to fight using my strongest trump card, not to mention except this five all other people seemed a bit off. I doubt I can outrun all of them especially that lady over there so I might have to resort to direct combat if I can kill a few before they get close my chances of surviving will increase.''


    "It seems someone needs to learn some discipline. ", the other male with a toad like face spoke.


    Ryuu smirked back as he spoke in a taunting manner, "Why don''t you try toad, and I might reward you with some flies."


    The three smirked back as they jumped on Ryuu with sadistic glee on their faces, the two man flanking him from two side with a sword and a halberd where as the woman with a whip, ''Here they come, 100 meters, 50, 10, 5 now!'', with that Ryuu used his trump card.

 205 Fighting against all odds Part-2

    Even if inwardly Ryuu projected a calm face, but inwardly it was a different matter, he was nervous taking on three Immortals will be incredibly difficult, and he knew there was no other way to defeat them without using his Divine body, ''tch at the end of the day nothing changed I am still overly dependent on it.'',as such he with a small sigh he got ready as he waited for them to be a bit closer before he let loose his divine body, the tyrannical aura of his God Tier, ''Diabolic Divine Dragon Overlord'' slammed against his opponent.


    Ryuu''s body underwent a startling change, parts of his face as well as most of his hands had undergone complete change as it began to look like Draconic scales, and even his pupils changed giving the visage of a feral beast and an illusion of a Dragon appeared behind him which glared back at them snarling in displeasure and anger.


    The demonic beings eyes widen, especially the trio who were much near to Ryuu, but they really proved to be much better cultivator than the recently deceased companion of theirs, they did not get stunned at the sudden increase in Ryuu''s strength in fact even if they were astonished their body kept on moving but under the influence of the Divine Body when the mind wanted to take step their body recognized Ryuu as a threat and pressed forward, but it was much slower and sluggish than before and that was enough for Ryuu.


    ''The woman with whip is the most dangerous, she has the ability to restrain a part of my body from a distance not only that given chance she might snatch my weapons from my hand as such she has to be dealt with before others.''


    Ryuu had activated his skills the ''Buddha''s mind'' and ''Divine Eyes'' before he send three sword attacks on different directions making each of them to block it with their individual weapons, as they tried to block Ryuu did not waste any time as she lunged towards the whip wielding woman, he neared the woman as he swung his sword hard at her. Combining the sword attack from a Grandmaster level swordsman along with the strength offered by activating his Divine Body he hailed down his attacks at her as he unleashed his self made Mid level Rank 9th skill ''Joyous Rain'', to the onlookers it looked like an army of swordsman attacked the individual with incredible might.


    As soon as the attack reached the woman a greenish bubble enveloped her which tried to hold under the onslaught of numerous Fire, Ice, Thunder and Poison attacks combined in the form of swords which was formed using sword energy, the barrier shook before it broke apart like a glass as the attacks hit her causing her to suffer from burns, frostbite, paralysis and poison at the same time before anyone could come to her rescue dozens of talismans wrapped around her then with a hiss it ignited, a large earth shattering boom followed causing everyone including Ryuu to be thrown from the epic center quite a few distance the sweltering heatwas so immense that it caused any Immortal within five hundred meters of it to have their skin singed, the explosion was loud enough that it drew attention of people hundreds of miles from there.


    Ryuu shook his head as he felt dizzy from the bang tying to clear up his head, at the exact last moment he had deactivated his skills the ''Buddha''s mind'' and ''Divine Eyes'', for which he gave a pat on his back otherwise his heightened sensory perception would have backstabbed him.


    He reactivated those skills as his vision cleared he was greeted with the sign of an disoriented sword user lying on the ground, he did not waste any time, he used his High level Rank 7th movement skill , the Graceful River steps as he neared his enemy trying to decapitate him only to suddenly move from his path as a bulky humanoid being attacked him creating a gigantic crater on the place where its punch hit after Ryuu dodged him.


    With an incredible feat of agility simply moved around the figer as he severed its left hand and its head, only to get punched by the now headless being hard, he felt a couple of his ribs cracked.


    Ryuu stared at the figure in anger before his eyes widened seeing the headless figure moving and upon close inspection he gave a frustrated snort as he wiped out the blood trailing from his mouth as he thought, ''Of all things a Jiangshi, now I know why I felt it was odd, except the trio still alive as well as the dead duo all the others are freaking Jiangshi of all things.''


    "Khumzuk are you alright?", a voice inquired of him as he was helped him to stand up by the halberd wielding .


    Khumzuk gritted his teeth in anger as he spoke, "This little piece of shit took out Jaenaya."


    "Boys do I need to hold your hands, I simple Void Immortal is killing you, you worthless maggots.", Urilrahne spoke in a stern voice.


    Khumuzuk spoke in a low tone, "Sorry, we will take him out soon."


    The Jinagshi simply stepped back as the duo lunged towards Ryuu flanking him again.


    Khumzuk was faster as his sword reached Ryuu he simply dodged only for him to tilt his head a little as a few hairs were cut, as the tip of the halberd passed by the side of his head, he simply leaned back as he tried to slice the halberdier, who simply jumped tried to move out of his way as Ryuu blocked the sword with a dagger on his left hand.


    9 additional daggers appeared as they raced towards Halberdier as he tried to dodge while Ryuu engaged the swordsman in a flurry of blows, which he easily overpowered, before sending him flying with punch.


    The halberdier once again jumped in fray as he lunged once again towards Ryuu who seemly side stepped this time as he cut of the head of the halberd before kicking it towards Khumuzuk, making him to step back providing enough time for Ryuu to engage the other person, he using his knifes he was able to get close and he kicked the halberdier hard on his head sending him flying.


    Ryuu stood back creating a distance between them as he raised his sword pointing towards them his breathing a bit labored as he spoke in a condescending tone, "Oi you idiots, are you done playing around? Then please kill yourself and save others the embarrassment of knowing you."


    The other two gritted their teeth as they cursed him, before the ex-halberdier took out a pata which he wielded on his right hand.


    The enraged duo screamed in anger as they released their aura, Ryuu scrunched his nose at that, ''Their KI around them is so tainted I do not like it, oh well time to end it.''


    Ryuu brought his sword down as he took to the sky as he spoke, "Stop shouting so much, dead men should not shout."


    Khumuzuk: "Shut up you son of��.."


    He could not finish as Ryuu simply snapped his finger as with a loud bang both of his adversaries became headless and fell dead.


    Ryuu took a deep breath as he had taken four of them out of five of the threat, now he has to take care of the Jiangshi and their master which was definitely Urilrahne, controlling more than 70 Jiangshis, that Lady over there is exceptional, I have to tread carefully she is very powerful if I have to fight so many Jiangshis along with her I might die, I have to make a run for the entrance as soon as I can I just hope I will be fast enough. But wait a minute the number of Jiangshis��"


    Ryuu did not get a chance to think as he heard a familiar ''twang'' sound and brief whistling sound hr tried to move from his position but his speed failed him as he fell from his place on the sky hitting the ground hard, he coughed up blood as pain erupted from his back which was riddled with more than 10 arrows.


    Ryuu, ''That no good whore she stayed behind and took advantage of blindsided me, I was busy fighting with them and she took advantage of it, I am grateful to my mother''s parchment, if I had not learnt the ''Shifting Organs Technique'', I would be dead.''


    He held his sword in reverse grip as he cut those arrows but the tip was deeply embedded inside him, he stood up shakily coughing more blood as he smirked at her, "Oi oi that is unfair your companions at least fought face to face with me."


    Urilrahne did not speak she simply spoke in a commanding tone, "Aim and send another volley."

 206 FORBIDDEN TECHNIQUE: THUNDER FIRE TRIBULATION

    Ryuu looked up as he was greeted by the sight of rain of arrows he gritted his teeth as he held his sword tightly, he let out a deep breath before he began deflecting the arrows with his sword, as soon as he got a breathing space, he changed his sword with his bow as he fired a few well aimed arrows towards Urilrahne as he lowered his arrows


    Urilrahne scoffed as she simply used her large scythe to stop the arrows which turned out to be mistake as a bright blinding light erupted as she screamed in pain, the Jiangshis'' all converged on her position guarding her, before Ryuu released the another arrow towards the soil as the entire area was covered in thick smoke.


    It took a little over a minute to gain back her vision as he looked down to see the smoke dispersing, she smirked as she began laughing loudly as she shouted out at the top of her voice, "Kukukuku, Run run little cultivator run and hope I do not capture you, Ahahahahahahah."


    Meanwhile Ryuu''s breathing labored as he consumed various pills to recover his KI and blood, but still having so many arrow head penetrating deep inside his body caused intense pain, his breathing was labored, ''tch normally I would have pushed those projectiles out of my body, but it is making it difficult for me because of their edges are digging deeper inside I have to cut my back in order to remove them but now is not the time. On top of that my defense also increase when I use my divine body, but those arrows must be released by at least mid level Immortals in order to injure me, I have stealthily make my way to the entrance if I wish to survive.''


    As he was running away from her he heard Urilrahne''s proclamation as he scowled, ''of course I would run who in the right mind would fight with a peak Level Immortal at my level who has an army of strong Jiangshi.''


    Ryuu wanted to jump in the air to a make a mad dash towards the entrance, but he knew he would be located the moment he jumps up in air, as he will stuck up like a sore thumb, at least when on ground he was able to hide behind rocks and trees.


    His eyes lit up with joy as he thought, ''Only 50 km left.''


    Only to come to an abrupt halt as something landed in front of him raising a huge amount of dust, as the dust settled down he was gritted by the smiling visage of Urilrahne causing his heart to drop, ''I was so close.''


    Urilrahne: "What a naughty boy are you, but to think you have a ''Divine Body'', if I present your body I might gain a favor from his Majesty."


    Ryuu frowned as he took out his sword , ''The only way to control so many Jiangshi she must have an incredible control over her soul energy, I am not so good at it, I do not think I could be able to fend off her soul force attacks, she is the worst opponent for the current me.''


    No sooner did the thought passed through his head a tremendous soul force hit him, his vision swam as he vomited blood he collapsed on the floor, blood dripped from his nose, eyes and ears.


    Urilrahne spoke in a singsong tone, "So little mouse had enough."


    Meanwhile outside the area was chaotic, those as more and more people raced outside fleeing with their lives.


    At first when Aliyah and Alhma had warned them many had scoffed at them, some behaved rather rudely, but now after seeing such huge explosions, the killing intent even though the fight was taking place further away they did not want to remain there especially after the terrifying aura of the Immortals.


    "What is going here? Why are you running out?", an cultivator from the beast side asked as he pulled a human cultivator to the side, at first the human cultivator thought about giving the person a piece of mind but the intimidating aura of the Purple Sphinx stopped him as he spoke respectfully, "Senior I do not know much but somehow demonic cultivators have entered the hidden space which they are trying to collapse, not only that they are all of Immortal level, those people who entered the place flying warned as to get out of there fast."


    The beast was stunned as he spoke, "If they are Immortal level how are you alive?"


    The human cultivator: "Someone is fighting them, but I do not know who but at present a big battle is raging on the inside."


    By then most of the people had heard about the incident as the people outside became anxious waiting for their people to escape.


    Frozen Sky had fearful look in her eyes she was in hysterics, "Someone fighting it must be Ryuu, but what about my students they will be killed they are not so strong."


    Frozen Sky held her friend tightly in her arms trying to reassure him, "Do not worry, did you not here they are warning others, instead of just escaping by themselves they are helping others, they are not facing those Immortals and I am sure they will escape as fast as possible."


    Lu Wu held her hand over her mouth as tears formed on her eyes.


    Meanwhile inside the hidden space Ryuu had seen better days, his armor was in pieces, as his bodies was riddled with wounds from various weapons, both of his legs broken as bones seemed to poke out of them, and his left hand from the elbow missing, lying in a pool of his blood, his eyes were closing.


    He had fought ferociously but at the end of the day the enemy were too many as well as strong as such here he laid there dying.


    Urilrahne stalked up to him with a sadistic smile on her face, she placed her boots on his chest before stomping it hard breaking his ribcage he just whimpered, his entire body hurt a lot.


    Urilrahne snarled as she spoke, "No witty remarks or bravado, you destroyed a little over 80 of my pets, now less than 20 survived I am so angry so I will tie up your soul and torture you for eternity."


    Ryuu mumbled something which sounded in coherent to her, as she picked him by his throat as she spoke, "What are you mumbling about I cannot hear it, SPEAK.OUT.LOUD", she slapped Ryuu hard as she finished speaking her sentence slowly causing his spit and blood flew from her mouth.


    Ryuu raised his voice as he spoke, "Got you now whore.", as he grasped her wrist tightly with his right hand.


    Urilrahne cocked her eyebrow at that before her eyes widen she wanted to flung Ryuu as far away from her but he was faster, "FORBIDDEN TECHNIQUE: THUNDER FIRE TRIBULATION."


    The sky became so dark it seemed as if all the light of the world had been snuffed out, the ground shook with such a magnitude that even mountains would crumble.


    Then all was bright as a massive red thunder fell from the sky while the ground parted and a white hot fire went to touch the sky, it was so devastating and so loud even the people from the prison could hear it as they glance towards direction, to others it felt as if the God of thunder and God fire clashed trying to destroy everything in their sight.


    As the attack came to an end, Ryuu was kneeling on the ground, singed, he let out a puff of smoke escape from his mouth, his body felt as if molten from inside, his spirit veins damaged and his cultivation felled from pick Void Immortal level to 5th rank Void Immortal Level. Within the radius of 20Km every living creature had turned to ash.


    "You you insufferable whoreson.", came a raspy voice into his ear, he glanced as he saw a badly burned figure still clinging to her life, most of her body missing yet and the rest of what remained was burned to crisp yet she was clinging to her life.


    "Just die already.", came a hoarse voice of Ryuu, who had by then fallen on his front.


    Urilrahne hiccupped a little bit before she passed away.


    ''I have to live, I have so much to do I will not die here.'', Ryuu tried to slowly crawl towards the entrance but it proved to be incredible difficult for him, he managed to move only a few meters before darkness took over him.

 207 Thousand Life Petal Flower

    ''My agent number is 0311, and I am only a small time recruit of Peak Celestial level strength, compared to others I am merely a small timer, as such I have been posted here to keep an eye for when young Prince returns from his trip inside the Hidden Space and accordingly inform Aonia, but currently there are rumors of some Immortal level Demonic cultivators trying to destroy the Hidden Space, even with all my strength I am not forcefully able to enter the hidden space but if others arrive they may be.''


    With that thought the figure send an emergency message back to Aonia, ''Immortal Demonic intruders Prince in mortal danger.''


    The figure did not have to wait for long as a group of 3 appeared beside the figure as the one in the front spoke gruffly, "Report".


    0311 gulped hard the person in front of him is none other than the one of the four Commanders of ''Wojownik Cienia'', just below the Supreme Commander Her Highness ''Shamiran'', as such he kneeled down as he spoke, "Sir, the people who have entered are all exiting currently in panic apparently there has been a sighting of Demonic Immortal cultivators who are fighting someone, I am not strong enough to forcibly enter the Hidden Space as such I send an urgent message."


    The person merely grunted in acknowledgement as his focus turned towards the Hidden Space as he spoke, "We are breaking in."


    Meanwhile inside the Nether realm Grotto, Aliyah and Alhma had managed to find eachother, thye hugged each other as they collapsed on the ground in fear.


    Alhma: "What was that humongous explosion? It was so scaring it is too close to the entrance."


    Aliyah nodded as she spoke fearfully, "Yes sister, but what about Ryuu? Did he die?"


    Alhma spoke her voice quivering in sadness, "He promised he would not."


    Aliyah gulped as she gathered her courage as she spoke, "We cannot idle around we have to check on him."


    Alhma spoke in anger, "Are you out of your mind what if we get killed out there we should run from here."


    Aliyah glared at her twin as she hissed at her, "If you want to you may run, but I am not, if not for him we would be dead as such I am not leaving without him.", with that she flew towards where the large explosion occurred.


    Alhma cursed at her sister''s stubbornness as she followed her, "Hey wait for me and remember if something happens it is on you."


    As they made their way towards the center of the explosion they were greeted by large miles upon miles of scorched earth with no living beings in sight except still smoking trees.


    Aliyah grasped Alhma''s hand as she spoke, "What kind of devastation is this? Do not tell me Ryuu used some form of suicidal attack on them."


    As they went further in molten rocks became a common site, they gulped suddenly to them the amount of destruction seemed unreal, suddenly Alhma shouted out, "Look over there it seems that burnt corpses are lying around."


    As they looked the place their heart almost leaped out of their throat, as a single thought ran to the mind, ''Where is Ryuu?''


    They neared the epic center of the blast as they were greeted by a heavily injured person lying on the ground barely alive they landed near the person cautiously as the checked for any hidden traps, the person was lying face down having not only bad burns but there were multiple wounds even his left arm seemed to be missing , they turned him around only to get gasp out loudly in shock seeing the blood covered Ryuu''s face full of cuts and bruises, his chest seemed to have collapsed and breathing was slowing down with time.


    Aliyah: "Sister please help me carry him."


    With the help of his sister she somehow managed to pick Ryuu up in a princess carry as they ran towards the entrance as fast as possible.


    Meanwhile a few kilometers away from the entrance a group of cultivators stepped out from their hiding place behind a few rocks as they looked towards the place where the cataclysm took place, a black cloud was still present on top of it, as the smell of burnt earth came to their nose.


    Allan: "Let us get out of here fast I do not wish to get caught in cataclysm, I pity those who get caught in that."


    Aliyah and Alhma never moved so fast they squeezed every drop of their KI to propel them as fast as possible, as they moved Aliyah simply looked at Ryuu being so closed to him she could feel his breathing was getting slower as well as his heart beat tears appeared in her eyes, "Ryuu do not give up we are almost there, you will be safe.", her heart lurched at that seeing Ryuu in such a condition he was less than half her age yet he had suffered so much trying to save them it was too much for either of them.


    Her dress was progressively getting coated with blood but she did not care about it, the speed with which they travel was like a blur to others as they neared the entrance they were greeted with a large chaos two groups seemed to have been fighting on who would get out first and what not preventing others from leaving.


    Aliyah greeted her teeth as she spoke, "Alhma clear a path."


    Alhma nodded as she released her KI along with her aura as she shouted at the top of her, "Move or Die."


    Only for the sky just above the entrance to suddenly develop cracks as it broke like glass, a couple of figures hidden by cloak and mask entered, no sooner did they enter they glanced at the people below who were frozen at their sight the figures sight suddenly had fallen on the Ryuu''s group causing Aliyah and Alhma''s eyes to widen in fear but before they could react, couple of figure arrived in front of them and in a blink of eye they disappeared with the entire group, the crack on the sky started closing but not before the entire hidden space shook a bit as if showing its displeasure. The sudden turn of events mad the other people not only more impatient but scared as such as they tried to move trampling others in their path.


    Meanwhile back in Ayindril,


    Veenawas conducting a class on ''Alchemy'', it was a habit of theirs where they would sometimes help out with any form of doubts or any problem the alchemist of Ayindril was facing, even Ryuu had attend a couple of classes, but unlike Ryuu whom they considered him as their disciple this session was more like a general lecture which they gave out.


    Veena was giving such a lecture when her eyes went wide as she stopped speaking with a wave of her hand a flowering plant appeared incased in a glass jar, the was none other than ''Thousand Life Petal Flower'', a special type of flower that can be tied with someone''s life force, when a person is brimming with life the short plant has a giant camellia with a thousand petals blooming on top of it with a slight pinkish hue. But if the person suffers some form of injury or some form of sickness it even affects the flower, such as now it seemed to have taken a rather black color with rotten appearance as the petals were falling rapidly.


    One of the people who were listening to one of her lectures suddenly spoke, "Eh is it not the ''Thousand Life Petal Flower'', if it has taken these form then��."


    He was unable to finish his speech his speech as Veena teleported out of the place as she appeared in front of the others no word was needed to be said as Maheswara teleported his wives and himself to Aonia.


    While back in Aonia, Ryuu was literally taken from Aliyah''s hands before the twin could say anything as he was taken away inside a room, while they themselves found being forced to sit on a couple of chairs as incredible powerful people were guarding them causing them to shake with fear.


    One of the mask man gave order to one of his men, "Someone send a emergency message to .."


    Only for him to stop as he took out his weapon as a couple of figures appeared, the people there dropped on their knees as they greeted in unison, "Long live your Holiness."


    Maheswara did not have any time for such frivolous activities as he ordered, "Everyone go back to your work, but how is Ryuu?"


    The man who was giving out orders bowed as he spoke, "From diagnosis we have found Prince to have suffered from fractured bones in his legs, hip, and femur, his spinal column is broken in three places, as well as majority of his ribs have fractured and his skull is fractured. His skin is showing 2nd degree burn, his spirit veins and branches are damaged as his cultivation level had fallen from Peak Void Immortal Realm to 5th rank Void Immortal Realm indicating usage of forbidden technique, internally his left lung and stomach have been punctured, and his right kidney is completely destroyed. There is multiple weapon wounds in his bodies including some weapon fragments still lodged in side his body. Moreover his left arm seems to have been cut off by some sharp object."


    Upon hearing this everyone''s eyes widen as Veena quickly dashed inside the room cursing, Nuwa almost fell on the floor if it were not for Maheswara holding her quickly, in all Ryuu should have been dead by now if he were any ordinary human being, he was only alive because of the tenacious life force of being a cultivator as well as having a very top tier Divine body.


    Celestia spoke with anger evident in her voice, "How did it happen?"


    The masked person spoke without emotionlessly, "We are not sure of the details as such we have brought these two women, when we arrived there we found them desperately trying to take Prince out of the hidden space."


    At that Ryuu''s teachers eyes fell on the twins who wanted nothing but to hide somewhere far away from them, the aura around each person was making it difficult for them to even breath.

 208 Ryuus Fate Part-1

    Maheswara spoke in an angry tone, "Who had the audacity to harm Ryuu like that?", his aura flaring up causing the duo to become catatonic.


    Celestia put her hand on Maheswara''s shoulder as she spoke sternly, "Calm yourself, you are making them uneasy."


    Maheswara reigned in his temper as well as his aura, allowing Celestia to speak with the fear stricken twins.


    Celestia: "Child may I know who you are and what your relationship is with Ryuu?"


    Alhma gulped as she spoke completely shaken by the recent events, "I am Alhma and this is my twin sister Aliyah, we are Ryuu''s teammates."


    Celestia once again spoke with a kind smile, "I see so can you tell me what happened and how did Ryuu suffer so much."


    Aliyah and Alhma nodded slowly as they began telling them about the incidents of ''Nether realm Grotto'', how they found the prison, about the person they were trying to unseal, they being discovered and the chase, how Ryuu himself suggested to stay behind in order to but more time, while telling them to spread the words about demonic cultivators so as to warn others to leave the hidden space.


    Celestia: "I see, but did you girls Ryuu''s battle?"


    The twins shook their head as they spoke, "No ma''am we did not but we were able to hear it from a long distance away, the killing intent and attacks were too much, we know we should help him but we were so out of place there each all of them were Immortals we could not do anything. Moreover if we stated we would be a hindrance to Ryuu as such we left.", as they spoke they had a guilty look on their face.


    Celestia listened patiently as she replied, "Then why did you return back?"


    Aliyah spoke in a somber tone as she looked down, "We felt guilty about leaving him behind then the cataclysm happened all of a sudden and we could not stay away anymore as such we made our way we know we are too weak but even if we could provide a little bit of help."


    Celestia: "Child the cataclysm can you tell me what happened?"


    Alhma: "Well dark clouds appeared on the sky snuffing out all the light, then the ground shook because of a very strong quake and then the horizon lit up with a deafening roar, when we went there no enemies were to be found except a few burn out corpses and Ryuu was lying face down near the middle of the blast zone."


    Celestia sighed as she closed her eyes as she spoke, "So he really did use the forbidden technique: Thunder Fire Tribulation."


    Maheswara who was listening the entire time spoke, "Those demonic cultivators who were they trying to release from the prison did you get his name or anything?"


    Aliyah shuddered upon hearing Maheswara''s voice as she spoke, "No we do not know his name but they would soon be able to release him."


    Maheswara nodded at that as he turned towards the person who brought them, "Take a few of your men, capture those bastards including their so called Emperor and bring them here alive and intact. Now leave."


    The figure simply bowed as he vanished from their sight, before he turned towards the girls as he spoke, "Girls were you there alone or did you have any more teammates."


    The girls simply shook their heads as they spoke, "No we did not have any other as our teammates, though our teachers were waiting outside the hidden space."


    Maheswara nodded at that as he snapped his finger a couple of people draped in black cloaks and mask appeared, "Escort these fine ladies back to where their teachers are staying."


    Alhma: "Excuse me Senior, but about Ryuu.."


    Nuwa spoke for the first time, "Children do not fret, our child is in capable hands as such you may return to your teachers they might be worrying about you and as for when Ryuu wakes up we will send someone to inform you and thank you for trying to help our child."


    Aliyah and Alhma nodded at that as Aliyah spoke, "There is no need to thank us senior in fact we owe our life to Ryuu had sacrificed so much for us yet we��."


    Celestia: "There is no need to feel guilty about that, Ryuu is like that he loves helping others even if his life is in danger."


    The kneeled person stepped forwards as they placed a hand on their shoulder teleporting with them.


    Meanwhile inside the prison, the people were anxious when their other companions did not arrive but now they were a in a joyous mood, a couple of hours and their master would be freed. But unfortunately their joy did not last long as a huge sound of glass breaking was heard as a humongous pressure landed on them causing them lose their consciousness, as dozens of figures appeared who quickly picked them up before their leader made his way to a glowing array on top of stone, he touched as he pulsed his KI through it, the arrays shone as the stone broke a figure appeared laughing loudly, "Bwahahahahaha, I am free and now��..", he could not finish his monologue as the leader punched him so hard he fainted as he vomited blood, before carrying him as they left through the cracks which appeared on the sky.


    The entire hidden space shook, as grounds caved in, mountains collapsed, lava spewed on the ground, the sky itself seemed to collapse, it seems that apocalypse had arrived early, any remaining cultivators fled for their life as everything was coming to an end around them.


    Outside the Nether Realm Grotto it was a chaos the doorway was showing signs of collapse as it shook, more and more cultivators poured out as the words of the destruction of the hidden space spread people were anxious especially Frozen Sky her students have yet to arrive then suddenly the door seemed let out huge amount of groans and glowed before it detonated with a loud bang.


    Frozen Sky was stunned before she slowly whispered, "Aliyah Alhma, where are you?"


    Frozen Flames held her tightly as she broke down in tears, as many send pitying glance at her, who wouldn''t be after seeing their students die.


    "Teacher!", a voice came toher ears as she spun around she was greeted by the sight of her students, she quickly held them close as she hugged them so tightly sound of bone creaking came to others ears.


    Alhma cried out in pain as she pleaded to her, "Teacher please you are hugging to tight."


    As she released her hold the figure covered in black cloak and with face covered in a mask spoke in a distorted voice bringing everyone''s attention to him, "Since you two have reached your destination I will take my leave.",with that the figure simply vanished from view before anyone could say anything.


    Frozen Flames: "Martial Niece, may I inquire who was that?"


    Aliyah: "That person works for Ryuu''s family."


    By then some people have already arrived near them including Tsuji first princess of Habakar Dynasty, "Where is Daoist Ryuu? Should he not be with you?"


    Aliyah and Alhma looked pained at her question as Alhma spoke, "The city inside the hidden space is a giant prison, a powerful demonic cultivator was trapped inside his minions were trying to rescue him, but more importantly if that person is released the entire hidden space would collapse, we tried to sneak out but they managed to find us, we used traps and what not to throw them from our tail but it was all for naught."


    Aliyah began speaking from where her sister left off as she spoke as tears appeared in her eyes, "Ryuu stayed behind to help us escape and warn others, each off those demonic cultivators were at Immortal Level, and faced them alone and in a battle of titanic proportion he defeated and killed them."


    Suddenly one of the listeners spoke up with disbelieving tone, "You mean to say a person of our age was fighting against so strong cultivators."


    Another spoke on listening him, "It was so scary those killing intent, those fearsome aura it was maddening, and then the cataclysm it was otherworldly, he is such a strong cultivator I wish I could meet him."


    Alhma spoke in a somber tone, "Ryuu did not escape unscathed he was injured severely one of his arm missing and some of his internal organs are badly damaged, on top of that the cataclysm seemed to be some form of forbidden technique he used. The person who escorted us works for his family, we do not know how but they entered the hidden space and took us back to Ryuu''s home. He was so badly injured I do not know if he would even survive the ordeal."


    Hearing that many who had met Ryuu felt sorry for such an outstanding cultivator''s death at such a young age before he could make any repels anywhere.


    Meanwhile in another part of the universe, the Vance clan it was pure chaos for years they were searching for the grandchild of the Clan Head and the nephew of the Emperor of the Xia Dynasty, all searches were fruitless, over the years the only have found a few imposters nothing more, until one day the youngest child of the clan head passed away, the very same person who had taken the child after his birth and fled from the clans.


    But today was different, every member of the clan especially the elders were present along with Ryuu''s immediate family members most had somber look on their faces as they looked towards a particular name on engraved on the wall.


    The room was full of names, every member of the Vance clan whether dead or alive had their names on the room, which also included Ryuu and his mother/aunt Xiao Xiao''s name. But a stark difference could be seen amongst the other names, every living person had their name glowing dimly with a dull yellowish hue where as the ones who were dead had not only their name crossed out but lacked any glow like in Xiao Xiao''s case.


    Ryuu or as the clan knew him as ''Feng'', had his name glowing rather brightly for the past hour signifying him in mortal danger. Everyone were tensed none so other than his Ryuu''s birth parents, as they watched the glow with their breath hitched. Then all of a sudden Ryuu''s birth mother gave out an anguish howl as a crossed out mark was slowly started to appear on top of Ryuu''s name.

 209 Ryuus Fate Part-2

    Antariskh sighed tiredly, the entire session of the court was tiring the people kept blabbing about this issue and that was starting to grate her nerves, ''Why are this idiots holding such important position can they not solve this small issues by themselves, it is grating on my nerves will this idiots now ask for permission for breathing, I went away for 3 years not 3000 years, I cannot take it as soon as Ryuu grows up a little bit more I will dump all the responsibilities on his shoulder and be glorious free.''


    A sudden arrival of a messenger halted the proceedings of the court giving slight respite to Antariskh from his immediate headache.


    Antariskh: "Speak messenger, what news have you brought us?"


    The person spoke in a kneeling position, "Your Majesty, an encrypted message arrived from Aonia, it is meant for your eyes only."


    Antariskh raised one of her eyebrows curiously, "Bring it to us."


    One of the guards went near the messenger who gave a jade slip, which the guard then presented to Antariskh who lazily picked the jade slip up, as she went through it, her face suddenly became blank.


    Her sisters looked curiously at her before everyone felt a terrible killing intent, from her so potent that the entire place reeked of blood lust followed by her KI, the entire planet shook because of her untamed fury, the sea churned up to touch the sky as the mountains started collapsing, it seemed as if the end of the world had arrived.


    Inside the throne room everyone except her sisters had turned white, even her Royal Guards were shaking out of fear.


    Anatrishk suddenly ordered, "Shamiran, Sylvana we are returning to Aonia immediately."


    As she left the room hastily followed by her sisters closely, her guards shook off the effects of the killing intent and the KI they felt and left hastily after her.


    The room was quite for a few more seconds but soon sounds of people falling came to some of the people''s ears, as the room itself was filled with rather amorous scent causing some of the people to gag as they jolted out from their fear induced state.


    As one of the person spoke shakily to the other beside him, "Wh-wha-what w-was tha-that about her M-ma-majesty see-seemed to be angry.", when he got no answer he turned to see the person beside him sitting with his mouth open wide his eyes reflecting terror, the person beside tried to feel his pulse but there was none, it seemed that Antariskh''s killing intent had claimed some victims.


    Shamiran and Sylvana raced after Antarikh who had already boarded the Royal Flying Vessel as she ordered it to move.


    One of the maids came running towards her as she kneeled in front of her, "Your Majesty, some of our people are left behin��."


    Only to be blasted by killing intent causing her to shiver out of fright, ''I am going to die.''


    Sylvana quickly put her hand on Antariskh''s shoulder as she spoke, "Sister please calm down what has happened to you?"


    Antariskh turned her head towards her she could feel the anguish that was threatening to burst through her eyes, Sylvana turned towards the maid as she ordered, "Leave us alone."


    The maid fled from the place fast.


    Shamiran: "Please tell us what has happened sister."


    Antariskh choked a sob as she spoke, "Ryuu��."


    The others heart skipped a bit as it shook upon hearing their beloved little brother''s name being spoken in such a morbid fashion.


    Antariskh: "Ryuu is dying."


    At that her two others sister''s gasped loudly as Shamiran wordlessly fell on her knees, as tears fell from her eyes.


    Sylvana was stunned into silence before she held Antariskh''s elegant shoulder with a strong grip as she spoke with a snarl, "I do not find your joke to be amusing sister."


    Antariskh eyes blazed with fury as she spoke, "You think I am joking, how dare you, how dare you accuse me of such.", he aura erupted as they glared at each other.


    Shamiran closed her eyes as she shouted at them, "Shut up! Both of you shut up! We have to return to Aonia as fast as possible we cannot let him die, he is still alive right the message said right then we can save him, so please make it move fast."


    Anatariskh nodded at her as she looked at her with misty eyes as her flying vessel began to move forward in an incredible speed.


    As they moved forward the time they spend with Ryuu began play in their mind, from the small child with whom they only spoke because they were ordered to the boy who wormed his way into their hearts, as they accepted him into their family as their younger brother, all the time they laughed together, the time they consoled him while he suffered from nightmare the time when the hugged him and spoiled him.


    It had been few hours since Veena had entered the operating room, Nuwa was sitting on a chair while Celestia held her trying to console her, and she had steadied her heart for her family as she readied herself for the news. Maheswara was a small distance away from them leaning on the wall as his eyes locked on to the door.


    Meanwhile inside the operating room Veena was facing the toughest battle in her life and she knew she was losing.


    "Your Holiness blood formation pills will not work anymore we have feed him too many, if we feed him anymore his blood vessels might rupture, moreover all this toxins present inside of him is making it incredibly difficult."


    Veena growled as she spoke, "I know, I know plug heal all the internal injuries, I will try to work on his damaged organs and try to stop there bleeding. Damn them they used some form of anti-coagulation poison on him."


    "His blood pressure is declining! We are losing him!", one of her assistants shouted. But Veena did not have time for fear to grip her heart, and if she was one of the best healers, if she losses her nerve her child will die.


    Her heart shook as someone spoke, "His pulse is gone.", ''No no this cannot happen I will not allow you to die. Please please Ryuu do not give please somebody anybody a miracle.''


    One of the people present cursed loudly as he spoke, "If only his soul was not damaged it would have been so much easier to save him"


    Veena cursed loudly as she spoke, "Damn it! Shut up and focus I will try restarting his heart.", as she literally grabbed Ryuu''s heart pumping her KI to it trying to start it, Ryuu''s body twitched violently, causing Veena to form a lump in her throat.


    "No change", one of the people present reported.


    "I am turning it up.", Veena spoke stoically, but inside she was breaking apart, as Ryuu''s body went through a violent twitch again.


    "Still no change!"


    "Again!"


    This time Ryuu did not even move anymore.


    Veena''s eyes started to get misty, as she looked at Ryuu''s prone form.


    The entire operating room was deathly silent as Veena tried to jump start Ryuu''s heart for the tenth and final time.


    There was no response.


    Everyone present inside the operating room stood in silence as they assembled around the pale and still body of Ryuu slowly bowing their head with dejection.


    Veena''seyes looked dead as she gently caressed Ryuu''s signed face which looked as if he would wake up any second, as she spoke it in a hoarse voice, "Call it."


    Only for a soft gasp to escape from Ryuu''s throat as if somebody had imbued life into him, by forcibly pulling his soul back from afterlife, with renewed vigor they began working on saving his life.


    A few minutes later the sisters arrived with anxious face as they looked at the worried look on their parent''s faces.


    Antariskh: "How is he? What is his condition?"


    Maheswara raised his eyes to meet them before he shook his head negatively as he let out a tired sigh.


    Shamiran: "I am going in, I will be able to help mother out."


    No sooner did she say those words the door of the operating room opened as a tired looking ashen faced Veena stepped out still wearing the doctor''s gown covered in blood.


    The world stood still for them for a few minutes as she relayed the news, "He made it, Ryuu made it."


    The others gave a cheer of joy as Maheswara went near to her, upon seeing her husband she collapsed on his arm as she starting crying letting her pent up emotions loose as she spoke shakily in a whisper low enough for only Maheswara to hear it, "It was close it was so close that I thought he would die, I was so scared."

 210 Ryuus Fate Part-3

    Shamiran stood near Veena as she asked a question that had been in her mind for a very long time, "Mother why did you use such crude and archaic way of treatment, there are plenty of medicines in Aonia as well as in Ayindril, not to mention all those precious herbs and medicinal plants we have."


    Veena sighed at Shamiran''s question it had been a few hours since the successful operation of Ryuu and now Shamiran''s question caused others to look at her questioningly, "It is as you said there are various medicinal plants and herbs from which life saving medicines could be created but unfortunately Ryuu''s condition prevented it from any form of medicine to be useful."


    Maheswara frowned at that as he queried of his wife, "What do you mean by that?"


    Veena: "There are several reasons which forced my hand to use such archaic methods. Firstly, during his fight Ryuu had consumed various amounts of pills like ''blood formation pills'', ''bone mending pills'' as well as a few anti venoms, but he was exposed to large amount of death KI as well as ''Corpse Corrosion Poisons''. When it all mixed together it created a very lethal cocktail which had tainted not only his bloods but even his cells and organs, because of them even if I gave any medicinal pills it increased the toxicity as more tainted blood was being created and the best part his body itself treated the toxicity as something helpful causing it to be harmed greatly, but I still gave him some blood formation pills, he was bleeding so much that it was required."


    At that everyone frowned hard, it was incredible difficult to remove something which the body itself dims as help full while in reality it is harmful is difficult, but not impossible for someone of Veena''s skill.


    "Secondly, his spirit veins are damaged, whether it is branches or stems, it is damaged and you all know for a medicinal pills to work a we need a working spirit vein system, this also links to my third reason if I used my KI to heal Ryuu, there was chance of not only crippling him but causing the vein to burst causing even more fatal damage to him and as for the fourth reason his soul is damaged."


    Nuwa shouted out in disbelief, "What? How did his soul get damaged?"


    Veena shrugged as she spoke, "I believe one of his enemies used soul based attacks on him causing his soul to get damage, normally I would have extracted his soul then operated on his body before putting it back but it was damaged and could not dare to help him, and I doubt even with your help it would be difficult to help him."


    Celestia sighed as she rubbed her face in exasperation, "Leave it to me I will heal his soul and for other injuries how long will it take."


    Veena: "Well the spirit veins need to be healed first and foremost for safely using the pills, if I take account to the therapies and what not it would be within a couple of months for him to heal properly but during the time he is not allowed to use KI at all."


    Maheswara stood up as he spoke, "Well then let him rest so many people crowding inside his room is not well, we will take turns to keep an eye on him, Nuwa would you take the first watch."


    Nuwa nodded at that as the others left her alone with Ryuu who was covered from head to toe in bandages.


    Antariskh spoke with her voice laced with anger, "Father, the people who had attacked Ryuu where are they?"


    Maheswara: "Well there being held inside the prison."


    As he spoke many from his family gained a dark look on their face as Celestia spoke with a sadistic glee, "Daughters it has been a while since we had a mother daughter bonding time would you mind accompanying me to the dungeon."


    Shamiran brightened up at that as she spoke, "It really has been a long time since we had a mother daughter bonding time."


    Anatriskh: "3rd mother it seems I have been frustrated a lot lately I wish for some method to unwind."


    Celestia giggled as she spoke, "My cute daughter do not get your hopes up at the end of the day they are weak so weak I doubt they could even stay alive if you let all of your KI out."


    It had been a few days since the incident, and Ryuu had still to wake up, and his teachers and his older sisters were all anxious, currently Antariskh was keeping an eye on him, she did not like how feeble her brother looked.


    Suddenly a low painful moan entered her ears along with a very low voice asking for water. She sprung on her feet as she looked at Ryuu who was asking for water, she quickly brought a glass of water to his lips as she helped Ryuu to drink it.


    As the cool water hit his parched lips and calmed his hoarse throat Ryuu opened his eyes groggily as he was greeted by the sight of his older sister looking down at him with a smile as she caressed his hair gently.


    Antariskh: "Welcome back baby brother, did you have a nice nap."


    Ryuu spoke in a hoarse voice, "It is good to be back big sister. How long was I sleeping?"


    Anatriskh: "You have been sleeping for 5 whole days, brother."


    Ryuu: "Ouch, it hurts a lot."


    Anatriskh looked at him with concern in her eyes, "I have already called first mother she will be here soon, and you took quite the beating brother."


    Ryuu gave a weak smile as he spoke, "Yup my opponent was highly dangerous, I had killed four out of 5 enemies but the last one was not only peak Immortal but also controlling large number of Jiangshis, she was using them to kill me, and I believe she nearly succeeded if it were not for her overconfidence I would be dead."


    Before Antariskh could speak anymore, the rest of her family arrived as they stood beside Ryuu.


    Veena: "Ryuu how are you feeling right now.", worry evident in her tone.


    Ryuu gave a strained smile as he spoke, "My body is aching horribly as well as some parts of my skin is itching very bad."


    Veena: "Well that is because your wounds are healing as such it is causing some itch and as for the pain I will give you some pain killers."


    Ryuu suddenly remembered something as he asked with a frown, "How did I get here?"


    Nuwa: "The words about the demonic cultivators spread outside and one of our men informed us about it, you were rescued soon after in not so ideal condition."


    Ryuu was about to use his KI to check his injuries when he was stopped by Sylvana, "Brother don''t your spirit veins are damaged if you forcibly use your KI in such a condition it will be bad for you."


    Ryuu stopped with a frown on his face, "Oh yup I remember now, it hurt so much when I used the forbidden technique."


    Shamiran frowned as she spoke, "If I was able to get my hands on those they would wish they were never born, they hurt you so badly."


    Ryuu just gave a smile to her as he yawned loudly.


    Veena: "Well Ryuu would need his rest for a little bit more so let him sleep we can talk about it later."


    Maheswara simply tousled his hair as they left Ryuu as he drifted onto the land of dreams again.

 211 UrilRahne

    Ryuu sighed as the warm soup entered his mouth, it was so delicious his Second Mistress makes the best food, he has yet to find another who is a better cook than her, it was such a shame he was only limited to six bowls, so unfair the Second Mistress''s cooking was to die for.


    As Ryuu ate the soup Nuwa looked at her with kind smile as she spoke, "Ryuu there is something we wish to know."


    Ryuu nodded with a mouthful of soup.


    Nuwa: "Can you tell us about your fight against those demonic cultivators."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "My team was chased by 5 demonic cultivators, one of Void Immortal realm, one low Immortal and two mid Immortal levels but the last one was half-a-step into being Golden Immortal. The Void Immortal one was the easiest as he was the weakest one in the group as such he was looked down by his comrades making him the easiest to deal with I just had to make him angry and he simply thought I was a cultivator of Primal Daoist realm as such he charged in blindly, the other 3 were not much of a problem but the last one a demonic cultivator by the name of Urilrahne was the main problem."


    Ryuu took another sip of his soup as he spoke, "She was able to control Jiangshis, there were at least a hundred under her control. As soon as a I finished dealing with four of her comrades I was hit by a volley of arrows from behind, then when she send a second volley I dodged her only to be hit by a soul based attack."


    "What are you talking about Ryuu?", came a voice from the near the door, Ryuu turned towards the voice a he smiled, it seemed his teachers and their entire family was here now.


    Ryuu: "Nothing much I was just telling teacher about the fight I had inside the hidden space."


    Antariskh raised her eyebrows as she spoke, "Really then I too wish to hear about it."


    Ryuu nodded as he began speaking as his mind travelled back to the fight he had a few days ago.


    Ryuu was hit by a full force of a soul based attack, causing him to helplessly collapse on the ground as his sword fell out of his grip, the Jiangshis did not waste and time as they fell on him with their weapons ready to skewer him making a mince meat out of him, Ryuu managed to somehow bring out a talisman and activated it.


    A loud ~Ding~ was heard as their weapons were blocked by a shield erected by Ryuu, but it did not stop them as they rained relentless attacks trying to kill him, but it was enough for Ryuu to gather his bearings as a couple of Talismans raced out wrapping around the Jiangshis before it detonated loudly leaving only chunks of meat lying everywhere.


    Urilrahne frowned as she orders, "Attack that cur."


    A few more Jianghis stepped forward as they used ranged attacks in the form of arrows, flying swords, talismans what not, causing huge explosions to occur as the ground shook as the dust settled down she was greeted by a broken greenish looking semi transparent shield.


    She used her scythe to block a few dozen arrows that rained from behind her, as she smirked while turning her head slightly looking towards as she spoke in a chiding tone, "tsk, tsk You ha��"


    Only for they arrows explode in a amalgamation of Lightning and Fire, Ryuu did not wait to see the effect of the attack as he turned an started dashing towards the exist, nad he was right to do so , as the dust cloud cleared a badly damaged ball of flesh parted as an enraged Urilrahne shouted out, "I will skin you alive you brat."


    Ryuu who was moving fast suddenly coughed out a copious amount of blood as he crashed on the ground. ''Why am I feeling so tired and dizzy all of a sudden few arrows shouldn''t be able to ��..'' his eyes widened at the implication of such behavior ''Poison''.


    He couldn''t react as a humongous jaw appeared from the ground trying to swallow him only for it to be stopped by another barrier. ''tch this is becoming annoying.'', he simply slipped out of the barrier as he left behind a few highly explosive talismans which detonated shortly after.


    He quickly dodged as a scythe strike came to take off his head, he parried it with his sword before he blocked another scythe swipe before his opponent changed the direction of the scythe''s movement trying to skewer him, he dodged and parried before he used his flying daggers to attack and block as the Jiangshis attacked him following their mistress.


    Ryuu knew he could not fight against the woman as such he decided to thin the herd of Jiangshi, a few quick sword force based attacks enclosed with a good dose of ''Dao of Fire'', he had successfully taken a few dozens of Jaingshi.


    Unlike any living and breathing person the Jiangshis never had any form of self preservation as long as they could move they were trying to rush towards him, as Ryuu cut more and more Jiangshis down his vision seemed to swim, ''What is happening to me? Why are my wounds not closing? I used so many antidotes pills, so many blood replenishing pill but none of them are working.''


    He gritted his teeth as he fended off some attacks as he shouted out towards Urilrahne, "What did you do to me? What poison did you use?"


    Urilrahne just laughed loudly as she spoke in a teasing voice, "Oh my you caught on to it, you have been slaying so many of my Jiangshis did you believe there is no consequences for your actions, brat my Jiangshis have a special toxins in them most prominent among them is ''Corpse Corrosion Poison.'', and from the looks of it, it is working."


    Ryuu coughed up a good amount of black pungent blood from his mouth, he watched as suddenly a couple of Jianghis stood in a circle around Urilrahne with her in the middle, Ryuu''s eyes widen he tried to move but another soul based attack hit him so hard he even lost his consciousness for a few seconds, which proved fatal for him as he ended up being skewered by various weapons, fortunately because of his instincts he managed to shift most of his vital organs except for his right kidney which was destroyed, his lung punctured, but he was barely able to protect his heart, both of his legs seemed broken, including his hip.


    ''Kill, kill, kill, slaughter��''


    Ryuu knew once again he was losing control his survival instincts was causing the "Dao of Asura'', going out of control, with a snarl Ryuu showing great will power managed to stop himself being succumbed to the ''Dao of Asura'' as he began preparation to use one of his strongest attacks, ''This bitch is planning to harass me to death, my mother named me a ''Dragon'' and I refuse to go out like this.'', his aura erupted as he shouted out, "Naraka."


    Urilrahne would never forget the sight in front of her it seemed as if the a Fire God descended in front of her, fire so hit that even if they were at least hundred meter above ground, the moment Ryuu used this attack the ground seemed to have melted underneath.


    "Agni Pralaya."


    Another attack soon followed as almost her entire collection of Jiangshis seemed to be reduced into ash, she quickly used the remaining Jiangshis to make a protective barrier never in her mind she thought a Void Immortal Cultivator would be so strong, Ryuu who had been like a cornered animal coupled with the boost he received from ''Dao of Asura'', provided him enough energy to make him go for the kill, Ryuu rushed forward as the fire burned through Urilrahne''s meat shield as he swung his sword using his sword skill ''Joyous Rain'', combined with the Grandmaster level swordsman, along with his understanding of Dao of Fire, Thunder, Ice as well as the Grand Dao of Alchemy he tore her apart into many pieces.


    He huffed and as he grinned, "I won."


    He suddenly felt danger he quickly used his left arm to block what looked like a snake, his eyes widened as the snake dug it''s fangs into his arm emptying it''s poison gland, ''Damn I got bitten by a ''Devil Naga'''', he quickly destroyed the snake, but from the place where he was bitten it started to rot fast as such he quickly cut of his hand just above the elbow, he watched with wide eyes the amputated portion of his hand shriveled up and began to rot in a rapid manner.


    Ryuu did not have time to think as a hulking giant appeared in front of him hitting him so hard that the right side of his ribcage simply caved in as the bones all broke as he was send flying hitting the ground so hard he felt his spine cracking even his neck was not left unscathed.


    He coughed up some blood as he glanced at the newcomer, a hulking giant covered in trench coat, a feminine voice entered his ears full of anger, "Never never have I been humiliated so far, but today a snot nosed brat, I will make you suffer I will destroy your soul."


    Ryuu watched as a the trench wearing hulking giant suddenly opened as a naked woman came out of it her eyes burning with anger.


    "You destroyed all my beloved Jiangshis even had the audacity to destroy my favorite Jiangshi I created from my twin, I Urilrahne will punish you."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen at the implication, ''This entire time this woman was simply hiding inside one of her Jiangshi and I was simply fighting with a false one.''


    Urilrahne stalked up to him with a sadistic smile on her face, she placed her boots on his chest before stomping it hard breaking what remained of his ribcage causing Ryuu to whimper in pain as his entire body hurt a lot.


    Urilrahne snarled as she spoke, "No witty remarks or bravado, you destroyed a little over 80 of my pets, now less than 20 survived I am so angry so I will tie up your soul and torture you for eternity."


    Ryuu mumbled something which sounded in coherent to her, as she picked him by his throat as she spoke, "What are you mumbling about I cannot hear it, SPEAK.OUT.LOUD", she slapped Ryuu hard as she finished speaking her sentence slowly causing his spit and blood flew from her mouth.


    Ryuu raised his voice as he spoke, "Got you now whore.", as he grasped her wrist tightly with his right hand.


    Urilrahne cocked her eyebrow at that before her eyes widen she wanted to flung Ryuu as far away from her but he was faster, "FORBIDDEN TECHNIQUE: THUNDER FIRE TRIBULATION."


    At the current moment every listened quietly as Ryuu told his tale about his fight inside the ''Nether realm Grotto.''


    Ryuu sighed as he finished, "To tell you the truth I never thought I would survive because of all those wounds and the strain caused by the ''Forbidden Technique''."


    Ryuu was immediately hugged tightly by his listeners only for him to cry up in pain, causing them to quickly release him as he spoke, "Please no death hugs until I get all right."


    As the others chuckled sheepishly only to be reprimanded by Veena for their reckless reactions as a word ran through everyone''s mind, ''Hypocrite.''

 212 Lazy Days

    Ryuu was sitting near the pond, he was lazily moving his legs through the water as he dropped small bits and pieces of food inside it giggling as the fishes were trying to eat it.


    Celestia arrived from behind him as she approached Ryuu she grimaced as the wind lazily blew the sleeves of his left hand.


    Ryuu was alerted by sound of the movement of feet behind him, he turned to see one of his teacher arriving as such he tried to stand up in order to greet them only to be stopped by her, "How are you Ryuu?"


    Ryuu: "Good morning and I am fine third mistress, although I wish the training ban on me is lifted."


    Celestia simply smiled as she spoke, "Well your Spirit Veins are healing so it cannot be helped, but we can help the cultivation of your soul. In fact I should be blamed the most for your mishap I should have upped your training even more than you could have been able to protect yourself against soul based attacks even better. Those attacks caused you to get disoriented and I know how difficult it is to focus after receiving a soul based attack, and you even managed to counter attack so fast I am very proud of you, but you do not need to worry even you cannot train in anything you can cultivate your soul in this case, I believe we should start immediately since you have nothing else to do you can completely dedicate your time training your soul to make it stronger so that similar situation does not happen and if you manage to complete the training I will teach you some cool. "


    Ryuu started heavily sweating at that amongst all his teachers ''Celestia'' was a sadistic slave driver and it did not help him as she was the ''LIBRARIAN'', of the creepy library of Ayindril it was the cause of his nightmare when he was younger.


    Ryuu: "But teacher my soul is injured how I am going to train it."


    Celestia: "Your soul getting damaged may have been a boon actually, the next phase of your training I was going to have you do after you came back from your adventure would have caused me to break and heal it continuously in a controlled environment, it is already damaged now I have to simply heal it and then repeat the cycle for 1000 times. Now let us go child it is time to begin your lesson", she chirped happily.


    Tears welled in Ryuu''s eyes as he became visibly pale as he thought, ''Why why do I have to suffer so much. Getting my soul damaged and heal a 1000 times, what kind of masochistic person devised such method the horrible of training. If I find that person I will��. No trying to hit or kill the person will not be the perfect punishment because of masochistic tendencies it might just be opposite but��.''


    As Ryuu was suffering his internal crisis Celestia certainly burst out into laughter at seeing Ryuu suffer from internal crisis, as she spoke, "Oh my you seriously fell for the ruse? There is no such training method that I know off which includes self harm."


    Ryuu''s jaws opened wide at that as he shouted out at Celestia with his outstretched finger pointing towards her, "That was mean so mean."


    Celestia controlled herself as she spoke, "Well joke aside, I will be helping to heal your soul and I will not lie it would be a painful process, akin to sewing a part of your body to another, then we can work on strengthening your soul, but now follow me I have something to show you."


    With that Celestia placed a hand on Ryuu''s shoulder as she teleported Ryuu in front of a room, she then moved forward as she injected her KI inside an array which caused the door to open with a hiss.


    Ryuu had never been inside this room before, he walked in looking curiously looking a t various arrays and jar with greenish liquid before he was guided towards a jar containing a lone hand from just above the elbow.


    "Ah you brought Ryuu here.", came a calm voice from behind him.


    Ryuu turned around as he greeted the woman standing in front of him, "Good morning First Mistress."


    Veena smiled at him as she replied, "Do you like that hand, Ryuu."


    Ryuu''s eyes widened as he spoke, "Is that for me?"


    Veena nodded at that as she spoke, "Yes Ryuu it is for you. Normally there are heavenly treasures and pills that can be used to grow our hand but I do not wish to strain your already damaged Spirit Veins too much as such possible as such I created your hand like this, now I will be attaching it to your body within a couple of weeks."


    Ryuu smiled as he spoke with gratitude, "Thank you."


    Veena dismissed it with a wave from his hand as he spoke, "No problem child, you are our student as such this is nothing."


    Meanwhile back at the clan home of Vance clan,


    Fang: "Sabine what are you doing?"


    Sabine: "What do you think I am doing, I am going to find my baby boy and bring him back home."


    Fang sighed tired as he spoke with anger in his voice, "Pray tell me from where you are going to search for him?"


    Sabine spoke with anger in her voice, "I do not know but I will find him I am sure of that."


    Fang:"Really that is best answer, I do not know but I will find him, he is not lost in a city or a planet he can be anywhere in this freaking universe.", as he spoke he flared his power drawing attention of every other member in nearby vicinity.


    Sabine replied with equal force, "My son almost died that day, you have seen in the ''Lineage Stone'' how my son''s name was almost struck off, so HOW DARE YOU TRY TO STOP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!", she shouted out in equal bouts of anger.


    Fang: "Feng is my son as well I worry for him to you he almost died I know. Where is he? How is he? I want to know as well I want bring him to his right full place here, but no one knows where is he, for all we know he can be at the end of the Universe so tell HOW ARE WE GOING TO FIND HIM BY SEARCHING BLINDLY like this."


    A concern voice suddenly came to their ear stopping them in their argument, "Please stop it, stop it you two, I understand how you to feel I lost my only daughter I know how you are feeling seeing your youngest child like that but please stop fighting amongst yourselves if you two fall out like this how do you hope to bring your child back."


    Sabine just broke down in tears as Fang held her with tears appearing in his eyes cursing himself for his own stupidity if only he ...


    Back in Ayindril,


    Maheswara gave a big smile as he spoke while hugging his guest, "Welcome brother, Welcome Rishit it has been a while."


    Rishit: "Yes it has been a few millennia since we last met each other. So how have you been?"


    Maheswara smiled as he thought, ''Well I think it is high time for Ryuu to get acquainted with some major players of our Universe.'', "Well not much my wives and I have taken an apprentice as such we are a bit busy with him now a days."


    Rishit looked interested at that as he spoke, "Really to have captured your interest he must be amazing."


    Maheswara simply smiled at that.

 213 Caught between a rock and a hard place

    Rishit: "So where is this student of yours, I wish to meet him."


    Maheswara: "Well both my wives and him would he arriving soon, he should be currently having lessons with them."


    As they engaged in idle talks Ryuu arrived along with his teachers as Nuwa met with them on their way here.


    Veena: "Brother Rishit it has been a while. How have you been?"


    Rishit smiled at her as he spoke, "Ah sister I have been well, but how have you been?"


    Veena: "I am fine."


    Celestia: "Where is sister Mira, I thought she would have arrived with you."


    Rishit: "Well my beloved had been a bit busy as such she was unable to visit along with me as such I apologize on both of our behalf."


    Nuwa spoke with a small smile, "Such a shame but we hope to meet our dearest friend one day again, it has been so long."


    Rishit did a double take at that, as long as he could remember after Pangu''s untimely demise she had completely closed herself, she looked more dead than alive to see her smile was something he thought it would be never possible.


    Rishit: "I will convey your wish to her and I am sure she would love to visit you again."


    Maheswara than beckoned Ryuu to come near him as he introduced Ryuu to Maheswara, "Brother, this is ''Ryuu'' our newest disciple."


    Ryuu glanced at the rotund person as he gave a short bow as he spoke while placing his hand over his heart, "This junior greets Senior."


    Rishit frowned at first before he smiled at him as he spoke, "Nice to meet you child, but please call me ''Martial Uncle'', your teachers are like my own brother and sisters."


    As Rishit patted on his back with a jovial smile on his face, Ryuu felt as his bones rattled because of it.


    Suddenly Rishit''s eyes widened at Ryuu as he held his shoulder tightly as he stared at him with disbelief, "Diabolic Divine Dragon Overlord."


    As he turned towards Maheswara spoke in a serious tone, "Explain."


    Maheswara just smiled as he spoke, "What is there to explain, he was born with it and we took him as our disciple."


    Rishit stared at Maheswara as Maheswara kept smiling at him he simply sighed as he changed the topic, "Nephew seems to be quite injured what happened."


    Veena spoke with a scowl, "He had gone on an expedition where he was attacked by a few very strong demonic cultivators form PretaLok , he managed to kill them but he was injured in the process."


    Rishit was stunned as he spoke, "PretaLok last time I checked the conduits are always monitored how did they enter."


    Celestia: "Ryuu had stumbled upon a weak conduit which the residents of the planet he was visiting thought of as a hidden space, after he entered he stumbled upon a group of Demonic cultivators."


    Rishit shook his head as he gave an expression of deep regret as he spoke, "Ai, Ai those demonic cultivators from PretaLok are a nasty bunch, you had very bad luck Nephew."


    Rishit then gave a joyous expression as he spoke, "Oh before I forget the main reason I came here today is to invite you all to ''Ten Thousand Year Banquet'' that will happen 3 months from now, and I hope you will all arrive at my home to participate and I hope you will bring nephew along as well you know the food at my banquet will have very miraculous effects it will be good for his health after such ordeal."


    Nuwa smiled at that as she spoke, "We will certainly visit your home brother, and the Banquet of yours will be great for Ryuu''s recovery."


    Rishit was once again mind blown, since Pangu''s death Nuwa never attended the banquet, even amongst the members of Ayindril only a few of them would arrive that was also just to honor him and his family but now she was, his eyes widened as he cast a soft glance towards Ryuu, ''I see that is why.''


    Maheswara quickly followed after Nuwa preventing Rishit''s any other thoughts as he bragged to Rishit, "Ah it was such a shame young Ryuu had to suffer such tragedy only 15 years old at Peak Void Immortal Level but he lost a few ranks after the confrontation with those demonic cultivators."


    Rishit''s eyebrow twitched at that, he clearly understood what Maheswara meant, ''A 15 year old Void Immortal, who had just lost a couple of ranks due to an accident from which he would recover quickly'' and he knew if all went well this child will surely reach Immortal Level by his early 20s a feet only a select few including their children had accomplished.


    Rishit put on a smiling face as he spoke, "Well brother bring him to my banquet and I promise you I will bring him to the top again."


    Before anyone could say anything Nuwa suddenly spoke, "Well brother Rishit if you do not mind it is time for Ryuu''s rest and medicine, as such we will be escorting him."


    Rishit spoke with a frantic gesture, "Please please sister you do not have to wait for me, nephew is still injured so please take him back to rest and I do not believe he would have much fun hearing us old timers reminiscing.", then he turned towards Ryuu as he spoke, "Nephew, I will wait for your arrival at my banquet and do not worry after I am through with you, you will be better than you were before."


    Ryuu simply smiled back as he spoke, "I thank for your kind gesture Martial Uncle."


    Rishit simply nodded back at him with a smile, as he watched the teacher student duo leave.


    As they left Rishit turned towards Maheswara as he spoke, "I am glad to see sister smile after so long, it was so heart rendering to see her like that, but most importantly the arrival of Ryuu has at least brought her out from her mourning."


    At that the husband and his wives nodded at that somberly, inside their heart they knew how much it meant Pangu meant for Nuwa and for a mistake they all made they lost him, they knew all along Pangu''s death was their fault if they had listened to Pangu and did not let the traitorous bastard and his followers enter Ayindril then none of this would have happened.


    Meanwhile with Ryuu and Nuwa,


    Ryuu: "2nd Mistress if I may ask who is this senior."


    Nuwa: "Well he is a very good friend of ours, since we were young and his son was my son''s closest friend. We had actually forgotten about this banquet it is a very unique opportunity for you Ryuu, unlike our family brother Rishit''s family almost everyone are ''Spirit Food Gourmet'', I have yet to taste someone as good a chef than he and his wife is."


    Ryuu looked at Nuwa in disbelief as he spoke, "Even better than you 2nd Mistress?"


    Nuwa gave a small smile as she spoke, "Much much better than us in fact comparing our cooking is like comparing a snake to a dragon, and to tell you whatever we know about from cooking is what I had learnt from Brother Rishit and his wife Sister Mira."


    Ryuu''s eyes widened as his mouth was already watering thinking about all those delicious food only to be bonked into his head by bringing him back to reality by Nuwa as she spoke in a very serious tone causing Ryuu to gulp, "Ryuu we would like to inform you about something before we take you, it is true his cooking is treated as heavenly treasure to the point people will die just to get a sniff of it but is equally dangerous if you take them lightly, it will kill you."


    Ryuu was now having second thoughts about visiting the banquet on one hand the idea of tasting such an appetizing food was otherworldly but on the other hand the idea of dying so soon when he had just escaped from the icy claws of death made it unappealing. At the end Ryuu sighed as he thought, ''I am really caught between the rock and a hard place.''

 214 Phoenix Reborn Flower

    Ryuu was sitting on a chair with his new left hand placed on top of a table, he was moving his fingers, opening and closing the palm of his hand under Veena''s intense observation.


    Ryuu spoke in amazement, "It is amazing, it feels exactly like my own hand there is no difference at all, Ouch, what was that 1st mistress."


    Veena did not say anything as she continued checking his hand as she mumbled to herself, "Hmmm, it seems the nerve are working properly.", as she prodded and probed his left hand.


    Veena gave a small smile as she spoke, "Well it seems that everything went perfectly well, now Ryuu gather your KI and release it from your left hand."


    Ryuu followed her instruction as he focused his KI before he smiled at his teacher as he spoke, "It feels fine."


    Veena nodded with a smile, as Ryuu spoke, "I have to thank big sister Antariskh for the ''Phoenix Reborn Flower'', but I have never seen that flower here in Ayindril''s Herbarium before."


    Veena: "Well it is an incredibly rare flower it takes over 1000 years to bloom, not only that it is very difficult to grow as it withers away very quickly if a person steps within 100 meters of it let alone touch it as such growing and harvesting is difficult not only that, the flower with healing properties as soon as it withers it releases its spores which is not only parasitic in nature but the host itself is unaware, until it is too late, as the host''s life energy is completely drained off. Then using the life energy it gives birth to a new seed the host then completely moves from civilization and using the corpse as a fertilizer as a new plant grows.", she then became busy with her work.


    Ryuu suddenly turned green at the thought of such flower existing, as he spoke with disgust laced in her voice, "The flower you used was it the same��"


    Veena spoke without looking back towards him as she spoke, "Of course it is."


    Ryuu spoke with equal amount of disgust, "You used such a vile flower on me."


    Only for Ryuu to face plant on the ground hard as Veena stood with her hand outstretched and her face scowling hard as she spoke with anger palpable in her tone, "Ryuu, this flower is just an ingredient nothing more nothing less. Did you think most of the ingredients you use just grow up like that, don''t you eat meat, Ryuu?"


    Ryuu, "Yes I do."


    Veena:" Then why is it anything different. There are creatures you have eaten who feed on another."


    Ryuu: "But but this plant is it not evil."


    Veena sighed as she spoke, "Ryuu this plant does not consumes anyone''s soul as such it is not classified as an Evil plant but rather chaotic. Moreover it mainly feeds on lower level beasts with rather low intelligence, not some human as such you do not have to worry too much about it. Do not confuse with some plants you have learned before those even feed on the souls compare to it, this flower is really tame. If it helps you then let me tell you something, the seed cannot grow inside any beast that has fully functional KI system in it, as such it grows using common animals as their hosts not even a spirit beast."


    Ryuu sighed at that, "There is so much to learn."


    Veena smiled at that as she spoke, "Child you are feeling frustrated already when you are still so young even us who have been alive for millions of years learn something new every day, so you can imagine how beautiful this Universe is."


    Ryuu nodded at that as Veena continued, "Also about this flower you should be grateful as it reduced your recovery period from 6 months to only a couple of months, a few days rest and you could be ready for heavy exercise as usual. Now run along."


    With that Ryuu under Veena''s permission left, as he made his way to the library, since he had nothing else to do he decided he should spent time reading something.


    It has been an arduous period for him, his near death experience gave him some nightmarish dreams for a few days it was so scary that even thinking about them makes him shiver out of fear.


    As Ryuu was moving towards the library suddenly he remembered something causing him to curse inwardly, ''Damn it has been a couple of months since that day and I have completely forgotten about it.''


    He changed his destination as she made his way to the private garden of his teachers where he found Maheswara sitting with his 2nd and 3rd wives as well as all his daughters were present there speaking amongst themselves.


    As Ryuu stepped inside the garden everything stopped as he received undivided attention, he greeted them.


    Maheswara spoke in surprise, "When did you wake up? And you have been released already?"


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Yes 1st mistress said I am healthy and after a few days rest I can begin training."


    Maheswara spoke in a jovial tone, "Good Good."


    Ryuu turned towards Antariskh as he spoke, "Thank you big sister for getting the flower for me I was able to heal fast enough because of it."


    Antariskh just waved her hand as she spoke with a smile, "This was nothing you are my baby brother after all."


    Ryuu then turned towards Maheswara as he spoke, "Master there is something I need help with."


    At that everyone got a bit curious as Maheswara asked Ryuu, "Yes child what do you need help with."


    Ryuu: "Well during the expedition my teammates and I have gathered a few good amounts of various items, most of them are still in my space ring, but because of the incident I was unable to give them their share of the loot."


    Celestia: "Do not worry, if there is something you want to keep with yourself you may keep it others we will send them."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "There are various technique and skills present here I do not know if they are suitable for the Ayindril''s Library."


    Nuwa beckoned Ryuu to come closer as she gestured him to seat near her as she spoke, "Well why don''t you show us what you have and since we have time we can easily check them out."


    As Ryuu was bringing out the items from his space ring he suddenly remembered something as he asked, "Ah I remember teachers what about the stone slab that big sisters got me in the auction all those years ago."


    Nuwa frowned thinking about the item as she spoke, "About that...."

 215 Sparring with Older sister

    Nuwa: "Child the container contained the essence of a Peak Celestial level ''Azure Dragon'', but unfortunately it is tainted, not only it had been stored for a few millennia, the container was damaged causing it to get tainted we as such gave up salvaging tit completely child, but you need not worry after you ascend the Immortal realm we would provide you with essence from a dragon suitable for you."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he brought one item after another as his teachers and his ''older sisters'' helped him sort out the items required, Ryuu would not lie he really enjoyed spending time with them it made him feel safe and happy, a feeling he wished he could share with his deceased mother and aunt.


    A few days had passed since then, currently Ryuu was sparing with his 2nd eldest sister Sylvana, unlike his ''Swordsman''s duel'', with Frozen Flames where he was at least able to give her a good fight he was not even able to touch her let alone even scratch her even if she lowered herself to Ryuu''s level.


    A heavily sweating Ryuu covered in cuts and bruises stood panting in front of Sylvana who was standing lazily waving her sword with a smile on his face, he growled lowly since the beginning of the spar he had given his all but still he could not let alone touch him but she had yet to move a single step.


    Ryuu: "How, how are you so strong? You have already lowered your cultivation level to mine yet how I am still unable to touch you."


    Sylvana simply smiled at that as she spoke, "Brother you should know the answer to that, I am a God tier swords woman, I have achieved God Tier realm a many millennia ago. As such even if I were to lower my cultivation level to your level I am still stronger than you."


    Ryuu sighed before he spoke with a frown, "Sister I have read in the libraries of Ayindril, as someone who has reached Legendary level develop something like domain, so can you show me yours."


    Sylvana frowned as she spoke in a stern voice, "Brother I do have a domain, but unfortunately if I activate it you would die you are not strong enough yet to see it, moreover my domain cannot be deactivated without me drawing some form of blood."


    Ryuu gulped at that before Sylvana appeared in front of him as she tousled his hair as she spoke lovingly, "Well I think it is enough for today, you should go and get cleaned up and have some rest or else I might get scolding from mothers."


    Ryuu nodded as he left, no sooner did he leave Shamiran appeared beside her sister as she spoke, "So what do you thing about him after crossing your swords with him."


    Sylvana: "Well he is good to reach ''Grandmaster'' realm so fast at such a young age is good, although he lacks experience, he is still progressing well, I am proud of him, he really reminds of HIM."


    "Well you would say he is good after all you are the reason he became a swordsman.", came Antariskh''s voice who was leaning on pillar with her eyes closed.


    Sylvana gave a smile as she spoke, "Of course as such I am taking full responsibility for him, after all seeing my awe inspiring ''Sword Dance'', showed him this path.", she finished with a proud smirk on her face.


    Antariskh: "Ho, you just got lucky that you were practicing that day otherwise he would have gained enlightenment because of Me.", as she spoke a broadsword appeared in her hand bigger than her height.


    Shamiran just giggled as she spoke," My my you two became such a braggart, let me show your place then, ''Thousand Weapons'' and ''God Sword''.", a highly decorated halberd appeared in her hand as she twirled it playfully as the trio moved in a circle their eyes sharp.


    The place around them suddenly morphed as they appeared on a desolate plain, with nothing in sight for miles and miles except broken landscape and empty black sky, then with a war cry they charged against each other.


    Back in Ayindril, Maheswara was walking alongside Ryuu speaking with him suddenly looked up as his eyes glazed before he gave a small snort as he shook his head with a wry smile in his lips.


    A curious Ryuu asked, "Yes there something the matter Teacher."


    Maheswara looked at him as he spoke, "Nothing child, just your older sisters are having an all out spar with each other."


    Ryuu eyes shone in amazement with a light bounce on his feet he stood in front of his teacher as he opened his mouth to speak only to be stopped by Maheswara, "No child you may not watch you are not strong enough to witness it, maybe later on I might show you some recordings of their sparing but you are not strong enough to come within a few thousand kilometers of them when they let loose let alone watching them spar."


    Ryuu was disappointed at that but there was nothing he could do now.


    Since his birth the only male role model in his life was Maheswara whom he subconsciously has started viewing as his father as he did not wish to disappoint him he did not say anything.


    Maheswara spoke with a smirk, "Ryuu, have you ever heard of ''Soccer''?"


    Ryuu''s eyebrow rose at that as he shook his head negatively, "No teacher."


    Maheswara spoke with a smirk, "Well after you heal up, why don''t I show you this game."


    Meanwhile Netik was having a serious conference with his fellow brothers and sisters.


    Leo: "What do you mean Uncle Rishit was being adamant about all of us visiting the banquet you should know until and unless there was any serious reason we always visit but what makes this banquet special."


    Rishit shrugged as he spoke, "I do not know but he has been in a good mood as of late even my mother is kept in the dark about it, normally even if she wears the pants in the relation making me completely surprised. Not only that he has specifically stated that all of you should visit or else you will be regretting later."


    Saidhal: "If he is acting as such it must be a good surprised."


    Zarina: "I cannot wait for the surprise."


    Leo spoke with a smile, "Well then all of us will surely visit you."


    A couple of weeks later a frightful Ryuu looked with wide eyes at a snarling visage of a person whose eyes burned with immense hate and fury as the person shouted out, "DIE YOU FILTHY DEGENARATE��.", as she released the aura of her cultivation level as Ryuu''s vision turns black.

 216 Arrival at the Banque

    Ryuu sighed hard as he wore the ceremonial dress his teachers had gotten him even if it was light and comfortable it was excessive in his opinion, as he did not like wearing Longpao, which even after all this seemd stuffy to him. The silver colored Longpao with Royal Blue colored embroidery on top of it, moreover Ryuu''s hair had to be tied up using some form of ornamental hair pins, nope he did not like it according to him it is highly excessive and unnecessary.


    Maheswara: "Why such a long face child?"


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Why do I have to wear such an excessively stuffy dress?"


    Maheswara raised one of his eyebrows as he asked Ryuu, "Stuffy, the dress is made by one of the costliest silk available it should be comfortable."


    Ryuu: "Well it is comfortable but I believe it is excessive."


    Maheswara smiled at that as he spoke, "Well it might be but remember it is a common psychology that people kind of judge others by their looks manner and dress even before trying to know them, and you are our disciple as such you will be at spotlight as such we made you dress as such, and between you and me I also do not like it, but at that same time I do not wish to be at the receiving end of my beloved wives."


    Ryuu grimaced at that, when his own teacher does not want to defy his wives who is he to do so, and the last thing he would wish is getting spanked again, it is so embarrassing.


    Ryuu sighed at that as he took out the specially crafted necklace given by his teacher, as he tried to wear it he was stopped by Maheswara, "What are doing Ryuu? You will not need it keep it inside your space ring."


    Ryuu looked like he was about to protest, but he was stopped by Maheswara, "Do not worry I doubt there will be some weak minded fools. But where are your teachers and your older sisters we have been waiting for so many hours will they arrive anytime today or the next century."


    Ryuu shrugged at that as he spoke, "I do not know but I am so bored."


    Maheswara: "Me too child this waiting is so boring."


    "What is so boring? My beloved husband.", came a sweet voice of Veena as they turned towards her while Maheswara sweated heavily as he spoke, "Wow my beautiful ravishingly gorgeous wife you look so well in the dress of yours."


    Veena appeared wearing a blue colored with silver colored embroidery on it, as well as a bluish hair pin. They did not have to wait much longer as the others appeared each wearing the dress matching with their hair color, like Antariskh golden, with sky blue for Sylvana and black for Shamiran, where as his other too teachers had Cherry red for Nuwa and Royal Purple for Celestia, along with matching hair pins.


    Mahewara: "Well since everyone is here then let us leave it is already getting late."


    With that Maheswara escorted them to a richly decorated carriage waiting for them, a long red carpet was spread as various maids and guards were on their knees kneeling as they arrived the carriage.


    Ryuu whispered loud enough for Nuwa who was near to him to hear him, "I can never understand how such a big flying vessel can be changed to look like simple carriage."


    Nuwa whispered low enough for only Ryuu to hear her, "Well because you have yet to learn such arrays, after which such feats will be child''s play to you."


    Maheswara''s family along with Ryuu boarded the carriage as they went to a big room with lots of comfortable chairs, Maheswara took the center most and the biggest of them all as the others took the one around him with Ryuu being on his left most side furthest from Maheswara on that direction.


    Ryuu felt as if the entire atmosphere changed, he had witnessed many facets of Maheswara from kind and fatherly to a seasoned warrior, but this was all new to him, this Maheswara was like a proud awe inspiring Celestial Emperor, his golden Longpao which was decorated by blood red colored embroidery and his golden crown on top him presented a rather imposing figure.


    Maheswara spoke in a deep voice with a hint of warmth towards Ryuu, "Ryuu, the banquet we will be attending will have various prominent figures from various corners of the Universe, some are our friends and some are simple allies who might desert us if that benefits them and there are a few whom are our enemies, since you are our disciple you will be testes time and again by various people with various agendas, some because of curiosity others simply because they wish to insult us through you."


    As he stopped speaking Veena continued from where he left off, "In the banquet, in order to not insult the honor of our host we may not attack each other or creating unwanted commotion but you are different, disciples of various masters would wish to spar with you, but fret not without our express permission you will not have to fight with them."


    Ryuu nodded at that, he understood perfectly what would happen when they reach there and if what his master had said is true he will be facing many challenges causing him to grimace at that before his eyes widened as he turned towards Celestia as he spoke, "3rd Mistress is that why you made me wear an armor beneath the Longpao."


    Celestia nodded at that as she spoke, "Yes child, oh when you will be there please add the word ''Honorable'' along with how you address us."


    Ryuu nodded at that as Nuwa spoke this time, "Child, when you are there be polite and respectful to your seniors no matter how despicable they may seem to you, be humble to your peers and be helpful and understanding to your juniors but never lose your pride and never let anyone take advantage of you."


    Ryuu nodded as he had a serious expression on his face but inwardly was a different matter, ''troublesome, so troublesome and why did I bother to come here again, ah good food yep just good food I hope all this troublesome and painful things will be worth it.''


    The people presented inside the room that is Maheswara and his family had a twitch appearing on their face, seeing him since he was a small child they already knew about his thought process and they did not know how to react.


    A couple of hours later a carriage appeared surrounded by thousands of soldiers as it landed on the ground Rishit and his wife Mira both went towards the newly arrived people as Rishit went and gave Maheswara a warm hug as he spoke, "Welcome brother, I hope your journey was well."


    Maheswara: "Thank you for your warm welcome brother and yes it was very pleasant for us."


    Mira went and greeted Maheswara''s wives with a warm smile specially Nuwa, "It has been so long sister, you really are a sight for sore eyes."


    Nuwa: "Yes it has been many many millennia since we have been here, we apologize for not arriving here before."


    As she spoke Mira''s eyes fell on Ryuu who was standing behind his teachers, "Ah who might he be?"


    Veena beckoned Ryuu closer who cupped his hands as he gave a small bow as he spoke, "This junior greets Senior."


    Mira nodded at that as Veena introduced Ryuu to Mira, "Sister this is our disciple Ryuu."


    Mira gave a small smile a she spoke, "Please call me ''Aunty'' from now on."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "As you wish aunty."


    As Ryuu spoke Mira''s eyes widen slightly as spoke with small smile while looking towards Ryuu, "I see, I see now why my beloved husband was so excited for your arrival, now it all makes sense a truly great surprise indeed."

 217 A Frightening Experience

    Netik raised one of his eyebrows as he suddenly received a message from his father, he turned toward his friends and spoke, "It seems everyone from Ayindril had arrived and father suddenly send a message to me stating to escort all of you there."


    Leo: "Strange I can only guess the surprise must be related to them I guess."


    Zarina: "Well then why wait let us move towards their direction then."


    Saidhal: "Yes love but where is Cezary?"


    Zarina: "Well here he comes he just went to say hello to his friends."


    A white hair male who had Zarina''s facial looks arrived as he greeted others, "Greetings Aunties and Uncles. How have you all been?"


    Leo send a warm smiled towards Cezary as he spoke, "My my you have grown so much, a mid level Celestial not bad not bad."


    Neacht: "Well someone has been working rather diligently."


    Milena: "As you say sister, Cezary really has received his parent''s talents."


    Saidhal looked at them as he spoke, "Well let us not keep them waiting, and come along son."


    The group slowly made their way towards the guests from Ayindril, who have just arrived.


    As they neared they saw the familiar visage of Pangu their brother''s family, it has been so long since they met all of them specially Nuwa, who never visits any occasion such as this as such it was surprise to them, over the years any resentment they had on them had dwindled with the passage of time seeing them suffer like that, as such they are once again in talking terms with them. But what drew their attention was an additional member along with them.


    "Greetings Uncle and Aunties, it has been a while", the group greeted the elders of Ayindril.


    Maheswara smiled at them as he spoke, "it really has been a while, seeing you all together is a sight for sore eyes, it has been so long since I saw you all together in one place.", before his eyes fell on a white haired youth.


    Seeing everyone''s questioning glance Saidhal introduced him to Maheswara, "Cezary, come forward.", as he approached his father Saidhal spoke again, "Uncle he is my first born, Cezary recently he has become a Mid Level Celestial."


    Cezary cupped his hands giving a small bow as he spoke, "This junior greets Seniors."


    Veena spoke in a praising tone, "Not bad not bad, it seems like your child has inherited both of yours talent, but first born does that mean you have other children."


    Zarina was the one who replied to her, "Yes Aunty, I have a daughter who is a Mid Level Mystic Immortal, but unfortunately she is doing a close door cultivation trying to advance in Level."


    Celestia spoke in a praising tone, "Good, good you have been blessed with a very diligent and hardworking daughter and son it seems."


    As the group greeted Antariskh and her sisters their attention was drawn towards Ryuu who was speaking with Mira.


    Nuwa beckoned Ryuu by her side as she spoke, "This young man here is Ryuu, our disciple and Ryuu remember how I told you about our son Pangu''s closest friends this ladies and gentlemen are them."


    Ryuu cupped his hands as he gave a small bow to them as he spoke, "Greeting s Senior."


    The group simply smiled at him, except Leo who frowned slightly, ''I do not see what the surprise is, many has taken ��.'', he knew it was polite but he expanded his Divine he knew it was rude buthe had to be sure, as he inspected Ryuu his jaw nearly dropped as his eyes widened he almost stumbled if he was not caught by Netik who was nearest to him as he frowned hard, "Brother what happened?"


    Leo quickly composed himself as he spoke a few words which send the mind of others in disarray, "Diabolic Divine Dragon Overlord".


    Pangu, Leo, Zarina, Saidhal, Neacht, Milena, Netik, Apolonia had met with each other while adventuring and had become close friends their friendship was unshakeable even transcending their bonds with their respective family to the point each of them would give their life for the other in a heartbeat and a smile on their face, but both Pangu and Apolonia had not only passed away, their souls have ceased to exist as such they will never reincarnate such was the tragedy that befell their small group.


    Never in a million years had they dreamed about meeting another with same type of Divine body, it was as if he their brother in all but blood had returned back to them. Milena had her clasped over her mouth as her eyes glistened with tears, Saidhal and Zarina had their mouth open wide.


    In a blink of an eye Neacht was in front of him grabbing him up startling him greatly as she inspected him like a farmer would inspect a cow in an animal market.


    Seeing the uncomfortable look on Ryuu''s face Antariskh decided to rescue him as she spoke to Neacht kindly, "Sister, he is not going anywhere, but for now please release him you are kind of making him uncomfortable."


    Upon being release Ryuu did not waste any time as he ran and hid behind Antariskh, ''Who is this crazy woman?'', was the thought that ran through his mind, meanwhile Shamiran and Sylvana had a hard time getting over Ryuu''s antics.


    Neacht turned towards Nuwa as she spoke rapidly with desperation in her voice, "Who? How? When?"


    Nuwa gave a kind smile as she spoke, "We came across Ryuu when he was 5 years since then we are training him, and raising him."


    Rishit coughed into his hands drawing attention towards himself as he spoke, "Well it seems that Ryuu has healed a lot since the last time I met him."


    Netik frowned at that as he spoke, "What do you mean father?"


    Rishit, "Well when I went to Ayindril to invite my brother and his family, I met him he was recovering from near death experience from fighting a group of strong Demonic Immortal Level Cultivators, he was missing his left arm, all though he seems to have been healed he had dropped from peak Void Immortal Level Cultivator to Mid Immortal level cultivator. Such a shame as such son I hope during his stay here you will make sure to help him regain his levels I hope."


    Netik turned towards Ryuu as he gave a small kind smile as he spoke, "Sure I will have no problem helping young Ryuu."


    But alas all thing should come to an end as piercing scream mixed with anger, anguish and intense hatred came from behind Antariskh and others as they turned around and immense killing intent hit Ryuu with such force he could not breath any longer he was paralyzed even his heart stopped, asa frightful Ryuu looked with wide eyes at a snarling visage of a person whose eyes burned with immense hate and fury as the person shouted out, "DIE YOU FILTHY DEGENERATE FAKE COPY", as she released the aura of her cultivation level as she made her move trying to wipe out Ryuu''s existence in swift stroke.


    Antariskh''s face visage became cold and murderous as soon as felt the murderous intent falling on Ryuu she quickly enveloped Ryuu in her KI trying to shield him from any unwanted damage as she flung him towards Shamiran who seemed to have turned into smoke as she caught Ryuu disappearing into her sister''s shadows along with Ryuu.


    The person did not stop her attack as Antariskh intercepted it with a shield deflected it towards the sky, with grunt as Sylvana moved forward with her rapier drawn trying to skewer the attacker for trying to harm her baby brother.


    Meanwhile Shamiran had taken Ryuu to a world of devoid of any color, except black and white, she inspected Ryuu and finding him not breathing she shook him, "Ryuu snap out of it, Ryuu!!!", ''SLAPPPP!!!!!!'', a loud slap echoed around the area as she slapped Ryuu into his senses who looked back at her with fearful expression causing her heart to clench, "S-si-sister wh-who w-was t-t-that."


    Shamiran snarled as she spoke, "A rabid dog that should have been put down a long time ago."


    A few million miles away from the planet on which Antariskh had intercepted the attack on Ryuu, a family consisting of a couple of humanoid being and their 5 year old daughter were celebrating along with many others who were present at the moment.


    "Congratulations, Agula and Aqilus, soon you will be parents.", an older looking man congratulated the couple who blushed as Agula lovingly caressed her swollen belly, suddenly their attention was brought by their 5 year old daughter, "Mama, Papa what is that glowing thing on the sky.", who pointed towards something at the sky which was glowing brighter than the sun itself and it seemed to be growing bigger and brighter every minute, before anyone could say anything the bright light hit the planet exploding it turning it into space dust as well as extinguishing all those billion and trillions of life present on it in a blink of an eye.

 218 Confrontation

    Saidhal took a defensive stance in front of his son to protect him from getting him caught in crossfire, as his wife, Zarina did not waste any time as she took hold of her son and fled. Cezary may be powerful cultivator of Mid Celestial Level but in front of all the powerful cultivators he is just an ant whose life will get extinguish at their mere whim.


    All the others had already taken position beside Antariskh and Sylvana waiting to kill the newcomer, from the stunt she pulled, even Rishit and Mira were not happy at all, if that attack would have been released it would be devastating for their planet, and Heaven''s forbid, if someone very important lost their people because of such person it could lead to a devastating war.


    Rishit as such spoke in an authoritative tone, "Enough Megara, stop shaming yourself more than you already you have and Menelaos control your daughter, do not blame me for being merciless on her."


    Menelaos spoke as he glared towards Maheswara, "Oh I know what you can and cannot do, but what about you, Maheswara since when did you pick up your son''s copy, last I checked you loved your child I never thought you would replace him so easily."


    Veena''s face turned murderous, "Pangu is, was and will always be our child and I do not see where this is going we not replacing our child with another, in fact I do not see any problem if we have him as our disciple. Don''t tell me you are jealous that we got such a talented disciple."


    Megara growled as she spoke, "I could care less, who is whose disciple, just bring that fake copy here and let me kill him, I will not tolerate someone posing as Pangu."


    Both Antariskh and Sylvana growled hard as their temper started rising if it were not for their parents stopping them, they would have slaughtered the harlot in front of them, how dare she try to kill their baby brother, they will kill her and destroy her soul.


    Antariskh: "Of course you would the great big Megara would love to kill an innocent 15 year old kid just because he has something she will never posses."


    Neaera: "I think there is some big misunderstanding, how and where did you even find him, and most importantly I never think sister Nuwa would agree to have her son replaced by some no name trash."


    Nuwa greeted her teeth as she spoke, "Sister Neaera, who are you to suggest us what we should do, and as for who brought him to Ayindril, it was WE who found him, and it was We who brought him when he was 5 years old, We raised him so you do not have to ''think'' too much about our reaction, and we are happy to have him as our disciple."


    Menelaos, "But are sure that he is what he seems, how would you know he is something different after all you have a very bad track record of trusting criminals how would we know you once again did not do the same, what��.."


    Maheswara: "Oi be silent, instead of giving such stupid excuses why not confess your spawn simply wanted to kill my disciple because she felt like it, and who are to teach me who I can trust who I cannot the last time I checked you are not my father."


    Rishit: "Sorry but I believe I have something to say in this matter when your daughter start fighting ON MY PLANET, ON MY AREA without caring for any other people, you used an attack with so much power that it destroyed the nearest planet to deal with a Mid level Void Immortal, I do not doubt you tried not to kill many others present here in cold blood, please do not say I did not warn you if I am forced raise my hand against you, and as for the child I invited him here as such I cannot allow you to harm him and thereby trample on my honor."


    Netik: "I very much want to kill you now Megara your action almost caused my nephew death."


    Sahidhal spoke with immense hatred in his voice, "Kill her? I am going to skin her alive for trying to kill my child."


    "mah mah, can you all not cool down, we have arrived at such a joyous occasion why ruin by fighting and trying to kill each other like that, and please it is beneath your stature Megara trying to kill a mere innocent child, it will be dishonoring our gracious host by acting as such."


    Everyone turned towards the jovial voice, who turned out to be nine other than Lady Khygnos, "I believe you should all cool down, and enjoy yourselves instead of fighting amongst yourselves, your small confrontation have already claimed billions of life so please, for their sake come down."


    Seeing the situation not in their favor Megara and their family relented, as did the others normally they might try to kill each other in such a situation but for cultivator of their stature fighting amongst themselves often lead of huge amount of destructions often leading to enormous loss of life.


    Even if they had relented Megara had the last word, "Ryuu wasn''t it the child''s name, I wonder how he would react knowing how his ''Teachers'' treated his predecessor.", she finished with a smirk.


    Sylvana: "You bi**h."


    Megara gave a malicious smile, "Oh my you have not told him, how unfortunate if you ask me when he learns the truth, especially you Sylvana after all ��."


    Only to stop by feeling Khygnos''s killing intent on her who was glaring at her, "Megara, you are crossing the line here, what happen with Pangu was a tragedy which no one had control over and before pointing at others look at yourself fast. As for the child, let him be at peace, Pangu is no more but this child here is someone who could one day becomes his legacy."


    Megara just huffed at that, as Neaera spoke, "Come child we better be on our way."


    With that the trio left, as the others shared a sigh of relief, suddenly the shadow united as a woman stepped out of it while holding a boy''s hands.


    Nuwa quickly turned towards the boy as she fussed over him, "Ryuu are you all right, we hope you are not hurt anywhere."


    Ryuu simply smiled as he spoke, "I am fine honorable 2nd mistress, big sisters saved my life, and although I would not lie it was very scary.", he was still a bit afraid from earlier confrontation.


    Veena simply stepped forward as she caressed his head trying to calm him down.


    Celestia decided it would not harm to introduce Ryuu to Khygnos as she spoke, "Ryuu this lady here is sister Khygnos please greet her."


    By then Ryuu was able to shake off his feeling of as he greeted with a smile on his face, "This junior greets Senior."


    Khygnos simply stepped forward as she studied Ryuu as she pinched his cheeks playfully while speaking, "My what a nice and polite boy you have here, please child call me ''Aunty'', from now on and Sisters if he so handsome already I fear you will have to beat girls off him with a stick."


    Shamiran snorted at that as she spoke in an accusing tone, "Already did that Senior, a few months ago I had to scare a princess of a kingdom along with a large group of females to death because of Ryuu."


    Ryuu pouted at that as he spoke, "Big sister it is not my fault, not to say it was annoying they started following me everywhere."


    Rishit just patted him on his back as he spoke with a kind smile, "Well enough of all this, you all must be tired and Ryuu would definitely need some rest after such an ordeal, Netik why don''t you show them their palace they will be staying for the time being.", bedfore he turned towards Maheswara as he spoke with an apologetic look in his face, "Brother please excuse me, Mira and myself had other guests to welcome as well so I am sending Netik in my place."


    Maheswara waved it off as he spoke, "There is nothing to say brother, in fact it has been so long since I had a good chat with my nephew, it would be a nice uncle and nephew boding time, right Netik.", he turned towards Netik with a smile, who simply nodded.


    Khygnos: "Well I hope you do not mind if I join with you all."


    Celestia simply spoke at that with a smile, "Of course not more the merrier."


    As the left Mira''s smiling face turned to a scowl as she spoke, "tch, such an unnecessary tragedy, Menelaos and Neaera should reign in Megara, she is mentally not sound and I hope this will just be an isolated incident."


    Rishit justr snorted, "I do not think so, I just hope this few days will be hectic after all we have not seen the last of her and her family. I so wished I could simply throw them out but because of politics I had to stay my hand. But enough of this we have lot of work to do, I will tell Netik to keep an eye on the kid, poor kid he did not even know how dangerous enemy he gained today just because he was born."

 219 A smudge of Truth

    Currently Ryuu was lounging on a couch as he had nothing to do, and as he was feeling sleepy as such he had closed his eyes off dozing off into ''lala-land'', only for his eyes to wide open as he sliced the incoming projectile using his sword.


    "My what a waste of a perfectly good apple.", came a voice full of mirth causing him to turn to see a smiling visage of Antariskh.


    Maheswara was already standing behind her as his face reflected displeasure as he spoke to Ryuu in a chiding manner, "Child why are you so care free?"


    Ryuu was taken aback by the sudden change in his voice, "What do you mean teacher I clearly reacted to the apple��"


    Maheswara: "Be silent, the apple was take from a fruit basket placed on top of the table in front of you, Antariskh used her KI to pluck it from there before she flung it towards you,then you decide to cut it without looking what it was, if she were an enemy you would be dead Ryuu, this is not Ayindril where you can be carefree."


    Antariskh sighed as she placed her hands on top her father trying to calm him down as she spoke, "Father, please calm down, and don''t scold Ryuu like that, we are at fault here for not telling him to be vigilant."


    Veena approached them from behind as she spoke, "Beloved please listen to our daughter she si right we should have warned Ryuu to be vigilant."


    Maheswara sighed as he spoke, "You are right", before his eyes softened as he spoke with Ryuu, "Child, this place may be our friends jurisdiction but as you have already seen there are strong cultivators who would do whatever it is to kill you just to spite us, so do not let your guard down."


    Ryuu: "But, there are arrays around this palace erected by 2nd mistress so what��"


    Veena sighed as she spoke, "I do not wish to demean sister Nuwa, but you should know that prevention is better than cure, and why take unnecessary risks, she may be the best Array Master in the entire Universe, but that does not mean that you can let your guard down."


    Ryuu nodded at that as Antariskh spoke, "As such it has been decided that during our stay here you will always be at least with one of us, so that we can protect you from any harm."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "I understand but who was that scary crazy lady that tried to kill me are they enemy of yours teacher."


    Veena: "That is complicated child you ��."


    Only to be stopped by Maheswara as he raised his hand indicated her to stop speaking, "Ryuu what do you know about my son''s wife."


    Veena gaped at his husband in disbelief including Antariskh who looked at her father with her eyes filled with worry.


    Ryuu was taken aback by such a question as he replied back, "Not much but from what I was taught by 3rd mistress, Senior Pangu and his Dao Companion Senior Apolonia sacrificed their life and soul to defeat a great evil thus saving the entire Universe nothing more than that."


    Maheswara nodded at that as he spoke with a solemn sigh, "The crazy woman as you called her name is Megara, her father Menelaos and her mother Neaera were once our very close friends, in fact Megara group up playing together with our children, as they grew up love blossomed between Pangu and Megara she became his fianc��e, then a great tragedy struck us a villain painted Pangu in bad light and believing the villain Megara betrayed Pangu breaking off the engagement, causing my son to be heartbroken.", he took a deep breath as he continued, "During that period Apoloniya, approached my son healed his broken heart and before long they were in love and they became each other''s Dao companion. But by then Megara realized her folly but it was for naught they were happily married by then, and no matter what she or her family did they could not separate them, and Megara''s sanity began to slip because of it, and when Pangu passed away she finally lost every shred of sanity, it is a pity her family instead of trying to curb her insanity tried to place blame on others mainly us as such the relation between us is like oil and water."


    Ryuu digested the entire thing as he contemplated the entire thing, as he asked something that was bugging him for some time, "Teacher I have a question."


    Maheswara raised one of his eyebrows at that as he asked, "What do wish to know child?"


    Ryuu: "Teacher, are there any more people I have to be aware of while we are staying here."


    Maheswara hummed in thought as he spoke, "Well you remember all those people who came to welcome us."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes teacher I remember all of them."


    Maheswara nodded as he spoke, "All of them mostly Pangu''s friend I can trust will give their life to save yours if need be others not so much, which also includes lady Khygnos."


    Ryuu nodded at that, as Antariskh spoke, "Ryuu you will be having sleep over so why don''t you follow me."


    Veena simply smiled at Ryuu as he left before her gaze turned serious as she glared at her husband, "Maheswara what were you thinking? Why did you tell all those things to him?"


    Maheswara hummed in thought as he spoke, "Why shouldn''t I tell him all those things to him Veena, he is entitled to know the entire truth one day, the truth of our sins."


    Veena gaped at her husband in disbelief as she spoke, "You wish to tell him everything, but Mahes he does not need to know anything that is our close family secret and if he knew then��"


    Maheswara finished her sentence for her, "If he learns about it he might leave our tutelage, I know there is a chance and if so wishes to I will accept his decision but I do not wish for someone else outside our family to present before him the truth, what Megara said was true, if someone tells him truth he will be hurt and I know for sure they will twist it to full fill their need as such if he ever learns anything about those incident from all those millennia ago it should be from us."


    Veena: "But if after learning everything there is a chance his heart demon might rear its head then."


    Maheswara sighed as he ran his hand through his head as he spoke, "Rear its head, of course it would, beneath all those fa?ade of smile and happiness lies a child wracked with guilt, his mother''s death coupled with his hatred for his birth family and himself had left deep cracks in his psychology causing the birth of a heart demon, then that incident caused by our daughters had further strengthen it."


    Veena snorted at that as she spoke, "Do not tell me something I do not know, because of it Ryuu almost died in the hidden space, he could have made a run for it while carrying his teammates, but no he had to save as many people as possible, medicinal pills, arrays or any other techniques are simply temporary solution to suppress it not a permanent, do you know he still suffers from nightmare from the incident, he cries up at night, it was specially worse after his near death experience."


    Maheswara frowned at that as he spoke, "What are his memories of the incident not sealed or erased then, anyone could have easily."


    Veena shook her head as she spoke, "It would be not possible if we take away the reason, and it could further harm him than help him if it were not for his heart demon."


    Maheswara sighed at that as he spoke, "Ai, it can only be dealt with permanently by Ryuu himself but he is neither strong enough nor he is mature enough to deal with it."


    Veena nodded as she embraced her husband as she spoke, "It is a good think his karma is so high that he would be able to bypass the ''Heart Demon Tribulation'' during his ascension to Immortality otherwise he would have failed it 100 out of 100 times."


    Mahesara held her wife close as he spoke, "So true, you know it makes me seem like a failure sometimes when it comes to being Ryuu''s teacher."


    Veena agreed with him as she spoke with deep regret, "Me and you both, beloved me and you both."

 220 Banquet of Ten Thousand Years

    Nuwa made last minute check up on Ryuu''s dress as she fixed his hair before she spoke with a smile to a pouting Ryuu, "Now you look perfect, I think it is time for us visit the banquet."


    Ryuu nodded as he followed after his teacher, as they stepped outside they were greeted by Netik himself who had arrived to guide them, as they arrived all other members of Ayindril were already present there as he was chatting with Maheswara as they neared them Netik greeted Nuwa with a smile on his face, "Greetings Aunty, I hope your stay here has been pleasant."


    Nuwa smiled back as she spoke, "Of course child, the arrangements you have made was outstanding."


    As Netik cast a glance towards Ryuu he cupped his hands as he greeted him, "Greetings Senior."


    Netik smiled at him as he spoke, "Ryuu please call me big brother, and your teachers are my parents'' brother and sisters as such because of it you are in relation my brother now."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "As you wish Big brother."


    With that they were escorted to the banquet on a open air carriage driven by Netik himself, the carriage itself was a few dozens of feet up in the air, all the way towards the banquet Ryuu had his entire attention focused on the carnival going below as he took in to the sight.


    There were a plethora of people who were busy laughing and talking as they moved from one place to another, children played with each other, some of the looked up as they watched them in complete awe. Ryuu winced at the loud sound produced by singing and dancing below, he created a thin film of KI over his ear to block of most of the noise.


    Sylvana seeing this tapped on his shoulder as she spoke, "Do you not like their singing, Ryuu?"


    Ryuu spoke with a frown, "NO on the contrary I am quite enjoying the song but unfortunately they are too loud for my liking."


    Sylvana nodded in understanding she knew from her experience firsthand how loud this concerts can become sometimes.


    Soon they reached their destination as they climbed down a servant arrived as he left with the carriage as the others went to join the banquet guided by Netik.


    "Brother Mahes it has been a while.", came a loud voice, so loud in fact Ryuu felt his bones rattled, he watched with wide eyes as a giant of a muscular man full of muscles came in as he bear hugged Maheswara with all his strength, Ryuu winced at that, he knew for sure his master would definitely have a sore bone or two now.


    Maheswara winced as he returned the hug as he spoke, "It certainly has been a while brother Caelcach."


    Ryuu watched from the sidelines as more and more people came and greeted his teachers as well as his older sisters, he seriously hated such gatherings, where ever he went he was always alone satnding in a corner as he knew none amongst them.


    Cezary had heard from his parents about ''Pangu'' a lot, in fact he was like a super hero to him while growing up wanting to be like him as such when he had heard about ''Ryuu'', whom his parents were calling him as his hero Pangu''s legacy, how could he not make an acquaintance with him.


    As such Cezary approached Ryuu with a smile as he spoke, "Greetings fellow Daoist my hope you remember my name, Daoist Ryuu."


    Ryuu was excited that at least he did not have to wallow in self pity while standing alone as such he spoke with a smile, "Of course Senior Cezary, I remember you present along with other Seniors who came to welcome my teachers."


    Cezary smiled as he spoke, "Yes, not to mention the ''incident'' after that. I hope you are all right?", ending in a grimace.


    Ryuu shuddered at the thought of the incident, "Of course how could I forget, such a powerful and senior cultivator tried to kill me, her killing intent even managed to stop my breathing, I have to thank my big sisters for protecting my life. But what about you Senior you were there as well?"


    Cezary grimaced as he spoke, "I was lucky my mom and dad were nearby who protected me, and the killing intent even if it was focused on you it nearly made me catatonic as well, it was so not nice for her to act like that.", as he shuddered along with Ryuu."


    Cezary then changed the topic as he spoke, "Well let us push back those incidents from your mind and focus on joyous occasion. But there is something I want to know I hope you would not mind Ryuu."


    Ryuu just shook his head as he spoke, "I won''t mind senior but what do you wish to know?"


    Cezary: "How did you become such esteemed Seniors'' disciple?"


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Well when I was about 5 years old, my family was attacked by some demonic cultivators, my mother was trying to escape with me and was greatly injured, and by pure chance one of my teachers happen to pass by and she rescued us and since then they took me as their student.", while speaking his mother''s face flashed in front of his eyes as his breath hitched a bit.


    Cezary nodded at that as he was about to speak, his attention was drawn to a group of people entering as his eyes widen as he spoke in a hushed yet hurried tone, "Ryuu she is here we should move closer to your teachers just in case."


    Ryuu did not need to be told as he moved towards the person nearest to him which coincidentally was Maheswara, he placed himself in a way that he blocked the woman''s line of sight.


    Maheswara was curious at seeing his disciple''s behavior, before he looked at the people who ahd just arrived as he drew Ryuu closer while placing a hand on his shoulder as he introduced Ryuu to his friend.


    The moving mountain of a man, simply gave a small pat on Ryuu''s back as he laughed, but it was enough for making Ryuu almost fall sprawling on the floor as he winced hard, ''What kind of person is he does he not know the meaning of the word restraint.''


    Cezary had by then left his side, and as a curious Ryuu was studying the entire area only for his eyes to meet with the woman with a blood thirsty smirk causing his stomach to flip, only for the woman''s gaze to flinch under the glare of Maheswara.


    A loud sound was heard produced by a gong, bringing everyone''s undivided attention to a richly dressed portly person who was hovering as few feet up in the air as he spoke, "Greetings my fellow Daoist Sisters and Brothers, I Rishit on behalf of my family would like to welcome you all as well as thank you for honoring our invitation, as such with further ado I wish for the ''Banquet of Ten Thousand Years'' to begin.


    Soon a very melodious sound of music entered Ryuu''s ears, it was so soothing and calming that it was otherworldly the woman who was singing with the sound of a zither was the most beautiful thing ever heard by Ryuu as such he decided to savor the feeling with his eyes closed, suddenly he felt the gently breeze against his skin as he opened his eyes he was greeted by the scene of a very beautiful and picturesque scenery, the mountain draped in mist under the cool breeze where the sun rose gave him the feeling of a otherworldly beautiful looking fairy covering herself with a bed sheetmade from finest and costliest of silk, was being gently awoken under the caress of the morning sun, as the mist moved like the cover being removed revealing herself for the whole world to see, as the river changed into a fall looked like a long silver hair as it touched the floor.


    Ryuu suddenly felt his head being smacked by someone, suddenly he found himself standing inside the banquet hall as he turned to see who awoke him from such a sight he was greeted by Maheswara who simply was smirking at him as he spoke, "It is not good for you to get caught in such an illusion child, whatever you saw was because of her singing child."


    Ryuu was flabbergasted at that as he thought, ''no way it was an illusion, but it felt so real I felt so at peace.''


    Maheswara then pulled Ryuu gently along with him as he spoke, "Well I think we should make our way to a table for now."

 221 A Duel

    Maheswara: "It seems you already made an acquaintance Ryuu."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes he is a very nice person."


    Maheswara nodded at that as he spoke, "You should make more friends, sometimes having friends help a lot in life, Pangu had some incredible friends who have done a lot for him to the point I am ashamed to say that his family failed to do, as such I am grateful to them a lot and you becoming acquaintance with Cezary makes me bit happy."


    Ryuu was stunned to hear that, ''What did teacher mean by that, I have heard a lot about that age how Pangu gave his life but beyond that nothing, no matter how much he asked he was always told he will told when he was a bit older, what happened, who happened and now his teachers speech made him want to know more but how he knew the library of Ayindril definitely had something within it but it will be in the restricted sections, he knew it was futile for him to try to sneak in, as he suspected the library itself was alive and the last thing he would want to face the wrath of 3rd mistress.''


    Maheswara and Ryuu made his way to a table where the other members of his teacher''s family were already seating. Ryuu found a seat beside Nuwa, he did not know why but amongst all the other people of Ayindril she was the one he could always trust more than others maybe not as much as his own mother but he did not know why, he just felt it, all those years ago he did not know why but when she gave her hand towards him he took it without hesitation as if he knew he could trust her with her life.


    They did not have to wait as soon various alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks arrived, Ryuu did not like any form of alcohol, and as such he chose an orange colored juice, as he took a sip into it felt as if his entire body was energized all of a sudden causing his eye to go wide not only that the taste he was in heaven he needed more, only to be stopped by Nuwa who gave him a stern glare causing him to wince a bit, "Ryuu we know it is incredibly tasty but you are forgetting that what you are eating is spirit food, it should not be rushed neither should it be eaten in great quantity, the thing you tasted was ''Flaming Citrus Lemonade'', a very good for drink which cleans away impurities inside one''s body gathered due to consuming many pills, but if you drink a lot of it will not only cause you ulceration in your stomach but also a very bad stomach ache."


    Ryuu just gave a weak chuckle, this place was indeed dangerous, and someone who had frequent history of visiting infirmary for over eating it was a very bad place.


    Something was bothering him as such he could not help but as his teacher, "2nd Mistress why there is such an arena in between the banquet hall."


    Nuwa simply glanced towards a direction as she spoke, "Look over there Ryuu, what do you see?"


    Ryuu looked at the as he spoke, "From the looks of it seems as if,��.ehhh some one is challenging another person, ahh so that what I was warned about.", he nodded sagely about it, oh well him a small fry amongst all this strong cultivators as such he doubted anyone would challenge him as such he gave his undivided attention to a plethora of salads passing by, he was disappointed seeing most of them was beyond his level as such he was forced to let them go with heavy heart, but then he was able to get one, ''Phoenix egg salad'', it was so yummy he could die happy now.


    The sitting arrangement at Ryuu''s table was such that Maheswara sat at the left most end of the table, from the side where all the delicacies were arriving, followed by Veena, then Antariskh, then Nuwa with Ryuu sitting on her right, while Celestia was at his right and Sylvana sat in between Celestia and Shamiran who was at the extreme end.


    Celestia hid her smile behind a small fan as she watched with amused eyes at Ryuu she could easily guess at the end of the day they will have to carry an almost dying Ryuu from overeating.


    A couple of fights went by as various cultivators were testing each other''s mettle, which they the senior cultivators as well as the juniors paid attention to except for a glutton who was busy trying to eat while Nuwa was trying to stop him from overeating.


    When all of a sudden a woman came and stood in between the arena drawing everyone''s attention as she spoke her voice enhanced by KI, "Greetings Senior, my fellow daoist brothers and my daoist sisters, my name is Dora, I am disciple of Senior Daoist Megara. I, 90 Year old, a mid Immortal level cultivator hereby wish to challenge disciple Ryuu, disciple of Daoist Maheswara."


    Ryuu who was about to take a bite from the some freshly cooked still steaming hot fish frowned hard, how could he not this woman was trying to take him away from his precious, before his eyes blazed with anger the way that ''Dora'', mentioned his teachers name was as if he was on her level as such how he could not answer her, he glanced at his teachers silently asking for permission.


    His teachers nodded at that none happy at the insult thrown by the girl as well as the blatant attempt to shame them by Megara, as he was standing up from his chair heard Maheswara''s voice in his ears, ''Do not hold back, and remember as long as you do not fatally injure or cripple her everything is allowed.''


    Ryuu nodded as he bowed towards them as if asking for permission as another voice appeared in his ears from Celestia, ''Humiliate her or no food for you.'', Ryuu was never scared in his short life as much as today the simple threat of losing his food lit an unholy fire in his eyes.''


    Ryuu stepped in to the arena as he spoke, "Greetings Senior, my name is Ryuu, I am 15 years old, ranked 6th Void Immortal level cultivator, I hope for your guidance senior."


    No sooner did he say that a loud cacophony erupted specially among those who were not born or were alive before the Great Divide, a 15 year old Void Immortal was an inconceivable idea to them even people who were present before the Great Divide were surprised at that, only children from great heritage and upbringing during those times were as fast as Ryuu, and were often grew up to be great figures one day whose name spread far and wide, and the so called heaven defying geniuses nowadays were simply trash, but now another came as such everyone watched with anticipation at the incoming duel, many were knowledgeable about bad blood between Megara''s family and that of Ayindril.


    As Ryuu proclaimed that his opponent''s eyes widen before she controlled her emotions as she drew out a long sword which she pointed at Ryuu, as she spoke, "I so happen to be an apprentice level sword mistress I hope your teachers have been able to teach you how to wield weapon otherwise you might bore me.", she spoke condescendingly as if she was speaking to a slave.


    Ryuu''s was angry at that, ''How dare this no good whore insult his teachers like that, I will make her pay.'', he simply gave a small smile as he spoke, "Although I would love to cross blades with you but are you qualified to give guidance senior."


    A murmur ran throw the crowd as many called him arrogant and petulant, as Dora snorted as he spoke, "Your funeral brat, don''t cry if you lose to me, consider it an honor.", with that she dashed towards Ryuu in an incredible speed.


    Only for Ryuu to sidestep, then he caught hold of her wrist as he twisted it, taking her sword before he slashed at her with such precision that her cloth was cut off, with an embarrassed shriek the woman simply held her clothes which were falling apart somehow managing herself from being completely naked in front of so many people.


    Ryuu did not pay any mind to her as he inspected the sword, as the woman boiled in anger as she shouted out, "You perverted leech, swine, how��"


    Her words came to a halt as a very strong sword aura infused sword attacks passed very close to her as deep trenches were formed on the ground.


    Ryuu: "Well thank you for your guidance Senior but unfortunately I am dunce as such I was unable to learn what you wanted to teach me."


    With that he threw the sword by her side as she spoke lowly but he was able to hear it accurately, "You bastard how did you defeat me I am an entire realm above you, and where do you think you are going.", as she flung a couple of throwing knives at Ryuu.


    Ryuu kept walking away from her as he spoke without turning back, "I have lost interest, crossing blades with you is boring, and you may be an entire realm above me but when it comes to the Grand Dao of Sword, miss ''I so happen to be an apprentice level sword mistress''", Ryuu send a sword force based attack with his fingers thus stopping the throwing knives as he spoke while releasing his sword aura for the entire audience to witness, "I so happen to be a Grandmaster level Sword Master, you are beneath me."

 222 Punishment Part-1

    As Ryuu was about to leave suddenly he felt a killing intent from behind him as a person stood in front of ''Dora'' protectively, they person puffed his chest up as he bellowed out loud, "I do not know who do you think you are brat, neither do I care for who your teacher is, but seeing how you treated a lady they must be some small fry, let me Novo Bonic, peak Immortal Level Cultivator legacy disciple of Peak level Dao Father, ''Juan'', will restore my fellow Daoist Fairy Dora''s honor, you cur."


    The person struck a heroic pose with his spear raised high looking pleased at his performance. From the time he had casted a glance at ''Dora'' he had fallen in love with her at first glance, as such the present situation granted him a golden opportunity.


    Meanwhile Daofather Juan was sweating heavily, during the time of great divide, which happened a few million years ago, he was a small time cultivator not even worthy of participating in the great battle, but his father did. The ''Ten Thousand year banquet'', was held since then and the people who are invited mostly were those who participated in this battle or are relative of the people who had fallen in battle, as such he knew and learnt a lot since then grew up to be a respected cultivator of peak Dao Father realm, but today it all crashing down because of his legacy disciple when he was not paying attention his student not only challenged someone but he even went and insulted those old monsters from Ayindril, the best that could happen was that he would have to cut all relation with his idiotic disciple and worst that would happen would be he will have his head cut along with that idiot. Moreover he could already feel the hatred and anger emanating from another person Megara, who is known to hold deep grudge and now because of Novo he will die. But if his student''s manage to win then it will be different story at least he could seek shelter from Megara, but now he has to at least make sure to placate those old monsters a little bit.


    Before he could speak a little his idiotic student opened his mouth again, "Come here and I will teach you pathetic waste of space, whore child, the consequence of angering me, I will cripple you and teach those insolent wastrels you call teachers what a true cultivator is."


    Juan fainted out of fright, as for the others it was as if the entire banquet was pin drop silent at that even singing and everything had stopped, every senior cultivator who were allied with Ayindril were incensed at that, even Megara and his family, they may be currently their enemy but that does not mean they did not respect them, and as for Megara she hated when someone else interfered with her business she send her disciple to humiliate Ryuu but in turn her disciple was humiliated she will give appropriate punishment to her on later date for not taking the brat seriously but this fellow who has no relation is meddling with her prey how could she not be incensed at that.


    Ryuu''s blood boiled as a red miasma started forming around him he took a deep breath as he controlled his temper it would not look to good on his teacher if got influenced by the ''Dao of Asura'', but a few people on the audience had their eyes widen before they gave an undivided attention to him especially those from ''Orc'' species, for as they grown the ''Dao of Asura'' was one they gain enlightenment almost instinctively as they start cultivating, but to see it on a human child they were now interested on him.


    Ryuu growled hard as he glared at Novo, by then Dora had already joined by her teacher''s side, shivering in fear thinking about her teacher''s wrath.


    Ryuu turned towards his teachers as he kneeled in front of them as he bowed deeply to them as he spoke, "Teachers I have two request."


    On hearing that Novo tried to insult him again as he spoke, "Hurry up swine I do not have all the time for the day neither do this esteem senior we do not have time for yo��"


    What was he going to say was stopped by a loud voice which seemed the entire heaven and the planet to tremble, "Be silent trash, my disciple is speaking to me.", Maheswara turned towards Ryuu as he spoke in a much kinder tone, "What do you wish for child?"


    Ryuu: "Teacher, I always believe treat one as they treat you, as such since the esteemed Daoist not only insulted my parents and my teachers'' honor as well as confess so openly that he will cripple me I wish for permission to fight for justice against the person who tarnished your honor, although I will never degrade myself to insult one''s parentage but I wish to met out the same harm he so wished to inflict upon me. Secondly by doing so I am dishonoring Senior Uncle Rishit who invited me here by not only breaking by the rules of the arena but causing such incident on such a joyous occasion but also because my second request may cause a rise to conflict between you and your brother, as such I beg for his forgiveness and I will take any punishment for it even if my life is asked I will lay it down, but I a junior would be audacious enough to request you teacher that during the period of the fight no matter the result please do not let anyone to interfere."


    The entire audience was stunned by that, a mere mid level Void Immortal was fighting against a peak Immortal was like a death sentence, even then he requested teachers to not let anyone interfere with his fight.


    After hearing the request, Ryuu''s teachers face became stoic at that as Maheswara spoke in a firm voice, "Ryuu, do as you please, I will accept your request, but do not hold back go all out", as the others gave a small nod.


    Ryuu simply smiled back at them, his teachers have already given him their permission no one could stop him now not even his sisters, it did not matter to him what anyone would say he will not stop.


    Ryuu simply brought out his sword and swung it casually as soil beside him was ripped apart as he spoke in a deathly calm tone, "Come step forward and die."


    Novo dashed forward as he lunged at Ryuu at incredible speed only for his eyes to widen as thousands of sword seemed to form and was falling on him like raindrops as Ryuu swung his sword, he quickly flew up in air only to come face to face with Ryuu''s sword, he blocked it as he smirked, various array lit up on his spear only to Ryuu speak at him with a monotone, "Too slow."


    Novo suddenly felt a hand holding his left wrist, before he could react an array formed on him completely cutting him from his KI, then a few talismans appeared as it wrapped around him, one increased the gravity as Ryuu let go of his hand, he felt as if he was struck hard by as he was flung to the ground catering the ground, only because of his high level of cultivation even if it was sealed he was able to protect himself from having his bones broken. Normally Ryuus''s array was not strong enough to paralyze as well as seal of the cultivation of a person of such strength for more than a couple of seconds, previously when he fought against Urilrahne who was half a step into the Golden Immortal realm he would not be able to hold it for half a second let alone a few precious second, but now after a few month of study he was able to do so, as such taking into account of the paralyzed and completely sealed off state he placed a few arrays on him with a touch, the same arrays he placed on the son of the finance minister whom he had killed in Kitopia. Then he activated them, the array caused the KI of Novo to burn his spirit veins, branches and spirit wells to burn and the intense agony multiplied by the array caused him to pass out in pain, the only reason he did not die was because he was an peak Immortal level cultivator, but his life as a cultivator was over.


    Many who were watching the duel nodded in approval, it was the child''s fault for opening the big mouth and insulting such powerful cultivator as Maheswara and his wives, and some simply winced a bit, but did not do anything other than that and soon others will forget about a cripple who simply got punished because he poked his nose where it did not belong to.


    Ryuu satisfied at his handiwork went towards his teacher as he prostrated in front of them as he spoke, "Teachers as I have sinned and sullied Martial Uncle''s honor as well as I dishonored your relationship with him as such what is my punishment."

 223 Punishment Part-2

    Before Ryuu''s teachers could speak a voice came to Ryuu''s ears, filled with terrible killing intent as an incredible aura fell on him pushing him further on the ground, creaking his bones, "Oi brat you caused such a mess and from your action it seems you are unrepentant at that, what a wicked child you are did you not learn how to behave."


    Ryuu was pissed as such he spoke with a snarl, "With all due respect Senior, I regret the fact that I have cause problem during such an auspicious occasion but if you mean my act of crippling that mongrel who insulted my masters as well as threaten to cripple me first, then I will tell this to you, I would repeat the act a million times with a smile on my face.", he shouted the last part out while flaring his puny Void Immortal level aura showing his defiance.


    There was a silence in the stadium before laughter was heard as one of the voices Ryuu recognized spoke out loud, "Lord Vorgak, did it satisfy your curiosity?"


    Vorgak replied back at her with smirk on his face, "Yes, lady Khygnos, he is young and he does not have strength but he has the same fire as him."


    As another spoke out, "It would be million years before he could be equal to HIS level, I still remember the first time I met HIM, he simply made us bow our heads with his aura, I wish to see this hatchling how far he treads."


    As murmur of approval passed on Rishit and his wife stepped forward as everyone became silent he spoke towards the group from Ayindril, "Brother and sisters, I hope you will not be punishing my nephew because of this incident, after all if I were in his position I would do the same."


    Maheswara snorted at that as he spoke, "You, please you were even more daring than him, you eloped with your wife on her wedding day by disguising yourself as the groom not only that the headache you gave us when we had to rescue you two."


    Causing Mira to get flushed as Rishit just laughed loudly at that as he spoke, "Ai it sure brings backs some memories."


    Maheswara then turned towards Ryuu as he spoke, "Child what are you waiting for, come back and take your seat."


    Ryuu simply bowed towards his teachers as he occupied his seats, only to come under Celestia''s scrutinizing glare causing him to sweat at that as he gulped hard, before she broke into a smile as she placed a dish full of salad mixed with meat as she spoke, "You did well as such here is your reward."


    Ryuu gave her a big smile as he spoke, "Thank you teacher.", only for his attention to be grabbed as Nuwa spoke, "You did very well child, when Lord Vargok questioned you and if you have not shown such defiance you might have not only lost a lot of respect but also cause us to lose our face as well. But by doing so you should you are no pushover and not to be bullied easily as well as honorable and fearless with a strong morality."


    Ryuu was very happy, he could feel his teachers beaming with pride as his debut with their friends went well, but now was not the time to waste on ''frivolous activities'' according to him as mouthwatering delicious food were lying in wait for him to ravage, as he was about to reach for the food, his vision started swimming as he came face to face with a badly injured naked girl with her eyes removed as blood flowed from it, the girls he knew from all those nightmares, a girl know an abomination that wore the only female he considered as his sister aside from his teachers'' daughters, Estelle, she opened her mouth as various insects crawled out of her mouth as she spoke in voice combine with male, female ''Why��'', Ryuu knew where it was heading to he quickly popped a pill in his mouth as he waited for its magic to work, while Nuwa and Celestia gave a worried look, as Celestia, gently massaged Ryuu''s back while sending small strands of her KI and soul energy trying to soothe him, as she did that she frowned as spoke with her husband and sister wives through telepathic means.


    Veena: ''Dao of Asura created a problem yet again.''


    Maheswara: ''Yes it seems so, combined with his heart demon it is getting problematic, since his near death experience it has increased a lot.''


    Nuwa: ''Yes it has, we had managed to curb his problem a lot but his near death experience had caused his recovery to regress a lot, he is once again hallucinating in broad daylight.''


    Celestia: ''This cannot go on any longer we have to deal with it soon or else it might be too late.''


    Veena: ''I think we should ask for Lord Vorgak''s help, his species gain instinctively enlightenment in the Dao of Asura.''


    Maheswara hummed in thought as he replied, ''Maybe later on, that man is shrewd for an Orc and I do not wish to make involve in something like this he will surely find a way to cause us problem later on, and I believe it is not beyond our abilities yet. ''


    Nuwa sighed in exasperation as she replied, ''So true, we just wish to deal with it fast using those pills is simply suppressing the effects not removing it. ''


    Veena: ''Me too, if it were not for the interference of that blasted Dao, he would have been healed a long time ago, it makes me so angry at your daughters sometime.''


    Meanwhile Ryuu who was center of attention a few minutes ago had eyes of many senior cultivators including many who could be called his masters equal, many of them could recognize the pill at a single glance, ''Heart Demon Pill'', a pill consumed to suppress the effects of Heart Demon formed due to regret, guilt and what not within a cultivator, many have tasted this pills at least once in their life, and many knew that the easiest way was to face the problem, but from what they had seen so far they deduced that the child''s enlightenment in the ''Dao of Asura'', may be linked to it.


    Meanwhile for his older sisters it was something they were unaware of, seeing their brother eating a heart demon pill, stunned them they never knew that Ryuu was suffering from the influence of Heart Demon, something they decided they would inquire of their parents not currently but later on when they will be away from spying eyes and ears.


    A few hours later, the group left with Ryuu looking as if he shoved a couple of football in his belly as he moaned in pain.


    As they reached their palace Maheswara took him to a meditation chamber filled with pure KI to brim as he spoke, "Well now Ryuu sit here and start meditating, the spirit food will greatly help you increase your constitution but some of it also will cause your soul to grow much stronger, and if everything goes well you might even regain your previous level much faster, so start working."


    Ryuu with great difficulty took a meditative position normally his teachers would not have allowed him to eat so much but thinking about the benefits he might receive made them relent a bit and such was the result at least he did not faint nor was he lying on a hospital bed, as such it was a great improvement on his behalf according to him, and if he was asked whether he would eat the food in the banquet till he drop dead he would answer it with big ''YES!'' after all it was so worth it.

 224 Berserk Part-1

    Next day a sweaty and stinky Ryuu stood up from his meditation spot as he stretched popping his joints in place as he gagged at the putrid smell coming from his body covered with black slimy stick filth, he so needed to take a bath. Maheswara was sitting opposite to him on a meditative position opened his eyes as he spoke, "So you have regained one level over night."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he frowned, "Well why do I look like I the first time I had regained the level, I should not have sweated like that."


    Maheswara snorted at that as spoke, "Who told you that, when you lose a level it basically means that the building you have created has some part of it which has collapsed, and you are rebuilding that part from scratch although you will have much easier time building it back since you already have the blueprint with you. Now run along you stink too much it is time for your bath."


    Ryuu nodded as he left for his bath, with a yawn he felt a little bit tired.


    Meanwhile the palace they were staying was having a guest in the name of Khygnos was visiting him along with Milena and Neacht.


    Veena: "Welcome lady Khygnos, Milena and Neacht, welcome to our temporary aboard."


    Khygnos: "Pardon me for the intrusion Lady Veena."


    Celestia: "It has been eons since we had got together like this."


    Khygnos: "So true and I believe not only that it has been even much longer since I have spoke with lady Nuwa herself."


    Nuwa: "So true, it really has been many years since we spoke."


    Milena: "Where is uncle and brother Ryuu?"


    Maheswara who had just arrived replied on behalf of his "Ryuu broke into Level 6 Void Immortal Level and after his success he is taking a bath to get read of the gunk covering him."


    Khygnos: "Ah brother you really are lucky to have such an uncut diamond in the form of Ryuu to have reached Level 6 Void Immortal is nothing short of amazing, I doubt there are any cultivator in this day and age who are as amazing as him."


    Antariskh snorted as she with a smug smile bragged about Ryuu, "Lady Khygnos, actually that is not his true level a few months ago he suffered a tragedy which caused his level to drop from level 9th to level 5th."


    At that the listeners eyes widened before Milena spoke, "Was the tragedy the reason he had to take the Demon Heart Pill.", as she asked the question the trio of sisters winced inwardly at that, last night they asked the same question to their parents, which resulted on the getting chastised by them, and it was not nice experience for them.


    Maheswara sighed at that as he spoke, "No no, it only aggravated his condition but the reason he is suffering from it was because of his personal reasons regarding his family, and because of people he had befriended during his travels and were killed he blames himself greatly as such causing his suffering."


    Khygnos: "I see and I believe it was one of the reasons he had gained enlightenment in the Dao of Asura."


    Veena replied to her somberly, "Yes it was a tragedy."


    Neacht winced at that as she spoke, "It is a Dao suitable for people who love combat too much specially the Orc race who love to bath in the blood of their enemies, I doubt Ryuu would appreciate it though."


    Nuwa nodded as she spoke, "You are right, if Ryuu fully embraced the Dao he would be actively seek out battle just to satiate his lust for blood and what not but he is not like that causing his suffering so much."


    Neacht suddenly spoke with a frown in her face, "Uncle, Aunty I do not mean to insult you but you know I had once gained enlightenment on the Dao as such I have some experience on it, so if you do not mind if I help him getting better control over it, you know well that as long as he actively tries to avoid it, it will cause him more harm than good.


    As they were speaking the Ryuu had finished taking his bath as he arrived at the drawing room of the palace, where his teachers were having tea with their guests.


    Ryuu gave a small bow as he greeted them, "Greetings Seniors."


    Khygnos smiled at him as she spoke, "Ah the person we have been speaking about, Ryuu come here seat beside me."


    Ryuu''s teachers slightly tensed at that, except Maheswara who just gave them a reassuring look, before they arrived here they placed various arrays and what not even when Rishit came to visit Ryuu for the first time they had placed such things so as to prevent him from understanding he was a Dao Child, amongst all their acquaintances Khygnos was the one with the most keenest senses as such they were a bit tensed at that yet they could not speak anything openly so as to draw unwanted attention, even if Maheswara made sure to reinforce it, they were a bit tensed.


    Fortunately for them Neacht''s words came like a blessing in disguise, "Aunty I hope you do not mind I wish to test Ryuu in the art of sword."


    Khygnos shrugged as she spoke, "Well I do not mind you children can go and mingle with each other."


    Neacht stood up as she spoke, "Well I hope, you would not mind Ryuu."


    Ryuu simply shook his head as he spoke, "I have no problem Senior, and it will be a great opportunity for me to learn."


    Sylvana stood up as she spoke, "Well then please excuse us, we will be leaving with sister Neacht and brother Ryuu."


    With that they left the older generations together as they went towards the courtyard of palace in order to spar.


    Milena: "Neacht I do not understand why do you wish to spar against Ryuu specially a sword fight."


    Neacht looked confused as she spoke, "What do you mean I use sword as well as such I do not see any problem with using sword to have a spar with Ryuu."


    Milena had a false surprised look on her face as she spoke, "Since when do you use a sword, do not tell me you mean that giant slab of metal that you swing around like a headless chicken."


    Neacht had a tick mark on her head as she began angrily, "Why you��", only to be stopped by Shamiran herself as she spoke, "Please Sisters stop it, and I do not want Ryuu to get some weird impression you two because of your rivalry."


    The duo in question huffed at that as they walked silently towards the courtyard, as they reached courtyard Ryuu took a position with his sword pointing towards Neacht.


    Neacht raised an eyebrow as she spoke, "Ho a proto cosmic treasure, must be something uncle made for you, well one advise Ryuu do not hold go all out, and by that I mean using your Divine body as well as even the ''Dao of Asura'', my family has some history with that Dao I wish to help you."


    Antariskh: "Go ahead brother I believe mother will have no problem with it right.", she turned her head towards Nuwa who had just arrived.


    Nuwa simply smiled at that as spoke, "Child you have our permission."


    Ryuu gave a small smile in return towards Nuwa before he spoke seriously to Neacht, "Sister Neacht, before we began our spar, I wish to tell you how sorry I am for my behavior, under its effect I am unaware of my behavior as such I am sorry if I caused you some anger because of it."


    Neacht spoke with a smile, "No worries brother, come at me when you are ready.", with that she took out her weapon.


    Ryuu looked at it with wide eyes at the weapon, ''It seems sister Milena was right, it is really a giant slab of metal no matter how I look it, I cannot think of it as sword after all who in the right mind would classify a freaking 15 feet long and 3 feet wide slab of metal with a long handle as a sword.''


    Neacht eyes eyebrow twitched she could already understand what was going throw Ryuu''s mind from his facial expression, it looks like she will have to teach him the long, hard and painful way about why her weapon is a sword.

 225 Berserk Part-2

    Neacht spoke with a smile, "Ryuu, take a deep breath calm yourself then close your eyes and envision the thing you hate and detest the most , envision the moment which makes your blood boil, do not try to hold it, give in to your blood lust."


    Ryuu looked unsure at that but Nuwa gave him a reassuring nod as he focused on his memories filled with sadness guilt and others, slowly his body started letting out a reddish aura which began giving out a blood like miasma. His physical appearance started to morph as well, his body had scale like feature appearing all over his body.


    Neacht glanced at Nuwa who although looked a bit calm but worry was clearly evident in her eyes as Neacht spoke to her, "Aunty are the array in place."


    Nuwa spoke with a small nod as she said, "It is but try not to be too hard on him."


    Neacht gave a small smile, as she turned towards Ryuu who had just opened his eyes. Neacht noted that when Pangu used his Divine body, his eyes became draconic, but Ryuu''s was a bit different it seemed as if two pupils overlapped one another as it formed a cross, his sclera was pitch black, even then Ryuu had the same overwhelming presence like that of a young Pangu when she had first met him, it was so nostalgic.


    Neacht let her killing intent so that Ryuu becomes completely focused on her, before he let loose his 6th rank Void Immortal level aura combined with his killing intent as he let lose a loud roar as he dashed towards her, his visage changing into a snarl like a feral beast.


    As Ryuu neared her he attacked with his strongest sword skill combined with his ''Grandmaster'' level Sword force, ''Joyous Rain'', Neacht whistled in appreciation as the sword force clearly took the form of multiple swords, as it dashed towards her.


    Milena: "Wow, this sword attack is something else."


    Shamiran replied with a smirk, "Yep, it is a skill he created and perfected."


    Milena''s eyes widen at that as she spoke, "Impressive, it is really impressive."


    Neacht simply raised her left hand as she spoke, "Impressive by not enough.", with that she swatted the attack as if it were mere flies.


    Only to be followed by another attack with equal ferocity, "Naraka."


    If the previous attack made deep trenches on the courtyard, this literally set everything on fire which sought out new things to devour a scene truly fit for the most hellish place on earth not to mention the heat it gave off, turning even the ground to lava, Neacht smirked as another attack was used by Ryu from her side, ''Agni Bhasma'', if the fire was great it turned even greater now, as sword came hidden by the flames trying to skewer her, she snorted, it was brilliant tactics coming from someone whose intelligence was being consumed by madness and blood lust.


    Neacht simply blocked with her sword as she kicked him hard sending him flying as she breathed cold air, effectively extinguishing the flames.


    She then dashed after Ryuu, with her sword trailing behind her, her fighting style was a bit unique, and she used her sword as a means to defend in most of the cases, unlike others who used it for attack, she was using the weight and size of her sword as a means to increase her momentum for her attacks.


    Meanwhile Ryuu found himself face to face with a place he had seen only once, the last time it was all those years ago it was such a peaceful and intoxicating feeling, he could not forget, all those lights dancing around him as he moved danced with them, as he laughed with them.


    Ryuu was attacking Neacht with everything he had, and was becoming apparent that it was time for her to stop it or else he might use something troublesome and she might get an earful. Her belief came true when she caught hold of Ryuu''s right leg as it was going to kick her only for him to twist his right leg in order to kick her with his left leg, effectively breaking his right leg, she could feel the glare from Nuwa. She let go of his leg as he held her hand trying to bite off her fingers, causing her to sigh with a burst of her KI she flung Ryuu before she effectively went after him knocking him off.


    She picked an exhausted Ryuu, as she took her towards Shamiran who quickly began healing Ryuu, as Nuwa appeared by his side.


    Neacht: "Aunty, your disciple is really strong he could give anyone below Golden Immortal realm a run for their money. Under the Dao of Asura''s influence one loses their sanity if not I wish to spar with him when he could effectively use his strength and tactics."


    Nuwa nodded at that as she spoke to Shamiran, "How is he?"


    Shamiran: "Well nothing much a bit of bruise here and there and a broken leg, it will be healed before long, currently he is exhausted as such he will be sleeping for some time."


    Antariskh, "Well let me carry him to his bed room then.", she picked up Ryuu as she carried him to his bedroom as the others followed her.


    Neacht who was silent for sometime spoke with a frown, "He has so much hatred in his heart, which he covers with a smile it is not nice, not only that while I fought it felt as if the Dao itself was trying to posses him, as such I ended it as fast as I could. It is a bad thing if the hatred is not lessened it will spell disaster for him and you should know current him has next to no chance in passing the tribulation until and unless he can somehow increase his Karma to the point where it will help him to bypass the trial of heart. But who is the person he has so much hatred and loathing for."


    The trio of sister perked up their ears trying to listen at that already planning on tearing the person who caused so much grief for their brother, but before they could speak they were greeted by others as even Khygnos came up to see them as she felt the clashes of energy.


    Khygnos spoke with a frown, "Such amount of hatred is unhealthy, and with whom is he so angry?"


    Nuwa sighed as she replied, "With himself."


    "Huh", was the most intelligent reply from the listeners.


    Sylvana spluttered out, "What do you mean that he hates himself?"


    Veena gave a sad sigh as she caressed Ryuu''s head as she spoke, "You all know what happens during the birth of someone with Mythical level and above type of Divine body."


    Khygnos spoke with a deadpanned look on her face, "Don''t tell me his parents abandoned him."


    Veena: "In a way yes, they not only did such a thing but also tried to have him killed, but his own aunt saved him and raised him with the help of one of her friend until one day her enemies caught her, her friend who was like an aunt to Ryuu died, while she became not only cripple but even passed away within 5 years of the incident. It left a deep impression on a young Ryuu, who when learned about it started blaming himself for his ''mother'' and ''aunt''s'' death, he started believing that if he were not born they would have been alive."

 226 Suffering near heart attack

    Neacht hummed in thought as she spoke, "It was a damn shame, ''Tunglskinheimr'' got destroyed they had the ideal place for him to practice, needs a place where he can achieve peace of his mind and soul. Uncle what was the second tragedy that happened to him."


    Maheswara sighed as he spoke, "Well when he was 12 years he left with my daughters they took him to get some experience and what not, during that time he befriended some children near his age, he grew close to them save their village during a bandit raid, but instead of killing them he left them alive, when he once again arrived back there he learned firsthand about human cruelty, which caused him to gain enlightenment in the Dao of Asura."


    Khygnos: "If I am not mistaken he blamed himself for their death, again."


    Celestia sighed at that as she spoke, "Yes, yes we did but we were making such a good progress but then he had to fight against demonic cultivators and it aggravated the cause."


    Milena frowned as she spoke, "What about his birth family?"


    Maheswara: "I believe it would be wise for Ryuu himself to face them himself and gain closure, as such it will be years before he would ready to face them, after all his birth family has a celestial."


    Neacht rubbed her temples in frustration as she spoke, "I know there are few techniques back home which will help him a lot I will send them to him, when I first gained enlightenment in that Dao my father gathered a lot of such techniques for me to use, some of them were useful others were not compatible with me, and I will send all them to him as well as guide him to chose the perfect technique for him. I hope you all would not mind."


    Nuwa simply smiled at her as she spoke, "Not at all, in fact we would be grateful to you for your help."


    A few hours later Ryuu opened his eyes as he awoke from his slumber his entire body was sore not only that his leg was aching the most, as he sat up on his bed, he glanced down at his leg as he grimaced, the right le must have been broken although it was almost healed he let out a sigh at that.


    He left his bed he stood up and floated towards the table next to him as poured a glass of water which he immediately drunk, the water to him felt as if after a long period of drought rain had finally arrived, as he drank the water he thought with a sigh, ''It is great because of my cultivation level I could fly, but more importantly my teacher could make killer medicine, I shiver in fright thinking what might have happened if I was a normal mortal.''


    As he finished drinking the water, a knocking was heard on his door as Celestia appeared, "So you have awakened already Ryuu, how are you feeling?"


    Ryuu simply bowed as he spoke, "Greetings third teacher, well I feel mostly fine but a bit tired and sore".


    Celestia went near him as she spoke, "You must be hungry child I will instruct some of the maids to bring you something to eat."


    Ryuu looked alarmed at that as he spoke, "The banquet ended already!!!!!"


    Celestia: "No it is still going on in full swing, in fact it is a week long event, but you will be resting today maybe tomorrow."


    Ryuu felt as if the entire world collapsed around him, he could not believe he got debarred from eating that delicious and tasty goodness as he stammered out, "B-but bu-but teacher that is��"


    Celestia smiled as she spoke, "What child? Don''t tell me you do not wish to eat that spirit food sister Mira specifically send for you, my I never thought you took shine to my cooking, do not worry I will make something for you."


    Ryuu froze upon hearing that he was elated with joy only to be slammed down as he heard the rest of the sentence his face morphed in to horror at that, he had once had the misfortune to tast something made by Celestia, well tasted would be wrong thing to say the smell itself was enough to make him almost comatose, it was the disgusting thing he had the misfortune to witness on top of that he was fairly certain it could be classified as some form of biological weapon.


    Meanwhile Celestia was relishing the look of horror in Ryuu''s face, she herself knew she has no talent in cooking let alone make some form of spirit food, the best she can make is some grotesque poison, ''Well I had my fill for today.'', with that she cleared her throat as she spoke, "Child, stop acting so scared I will be giving whatever sister Mira send for you."


    Hope blossomed in his heart as Ryuu spoke, "Really teacher, you really mean it.", the smile in his face threatening to split only to be whacked hard by Celestia as she spoke with a growl, "You petulant child, when a lady makes something learn to compliment it not to hold the failure and dangle it in front of her like that."


    Ryuu rubbed his head as recovered from his near heart attack before he spoke, "Sorry Third Mistress I will remember it the next time."


    It was near evening Ryuu had just awoke from his small nap, when he heard a few more voice, as such he decided to leave his room, he stretcheda bit as a few pooping sound came to his ears as he left his room, the sound was coming from the living room.


    Ryuu made his way to the Living Room as he was greeted to the sight of his three older sisters as well as Milena, Neacht and another woman gossiping if he was not wrong her name is ''Zarina'', present there.


    All the women present turned towards him as Neacht spoke, "Ah Ryuu, come here sit beside us.", as she beckoned Ryuu to take a sit beside them which h found beside Antariskh.


    Neacht: "Ryuu are you alright now?"


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Yes, I am hundred percent better currently."


    Neacht nodded at that as she spoke, "Good, good well while you were unconscious I spoke with you teachers and they agreed that since I have much more experience regarding ''Asura'', since like you I had gained enlightenment in it I would guide you I hope you have no problem with that."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Thank you big sister, I do not know how I should repay your kindness."


    Neacht spoke with a smile, "Nonsense, you are uncle and aunt''s disciple as such there is no need to over think much about it."


    The group gossiped with each other while Zarina, Neacht and Milena asked Ryuu a few questions before long it was already evening as such the Zarina spoke with a sigh, "Well it is getting late and I believe it is time for us to leave."


    Shamiran: "You could all stay here for the night, and we could all have a small slumber party."


    Zarina smiled as she spoke, "I wish but I have to return but what about you two."


    Neacht: "Well I will be staying."


    Milena replied with a smile, "So will I."


    With that Zarina left, a few minutes later she reached her place of stay as she was greeted by her son.


    Cezary: "Mother I have good news."


    Zarina asked curiously as she gently tousled her son''s hair as she spoke, "What is it son?"


    Cezary spoke with a grin, "We just received a good news that sister has successfully ascended into rank 6th Mystic Immortal level and has stepped out of from her close door meditation, Father left in order to bring her here, they will arrive here by morning."


    Zarina was extremely pleased at that as she felt immense proud of her daughter as she spoke, "I cannot wait to meet her any longer."


    Cezary himself cracked a grin as he spoke, me too mother me too.

 227 Zywia

    "Hahahahahaha", a loud laughter erupted from inside a room the voice clearly feminine and person whom the laughter was directed was currently decided the best place for him was under a pillow, which he used to hid his face in anger and shame.


    "Awww I am sho sowwy bwaby bwother.", came a babyish voice in his ears that was what beoke the camel''s back as with a roar Ryuu jumped towards his oldest sister, she was retelling some of the most embarrassing moments of his life, but no more he will have his vengeance, but alas she proved to be a tougher foe, as she skillfully flipped him under her as she tickled him hard, "P-please st-stop, ahahahah stop hahah sis"


    Milena took pity on him as she pulled Antariskh away from Ryuu who was huffing and puffing trying to regain his breath.


    He spoke with glare, "That is so not cool big sister, those things are embarrassing, please stop trying to embarrass me any further."


    Antariskh snorted as she spoke, "You are lucky Ryuu that sister Milena took pity on you and stopped me or I would have tickled you to death and as far as trying to stop me you are a million years too young to make me stop."


    Ryuu spoke in defeated tone, "Ha you are right how can I, a young man of 15 try fighting against a few million years old grandmother, and wouldn''t want someone to break her hips due to old age."


    The room was pin drop silent before an enraged Antariskh whacked Ryuu so hard that he went through the floor of room situated in the second floor of the palace, then through the first floor before he made a crater on the ground floor effectively passing out."


    Shamiran and Sylvana gave their older sister a deadpanned stare as Sylvana spoke in a tired voice, "Again, this is the 3rd time you did this to Ryuu, and this is not Ayindril where you can break anything and do not forget we are a guest here."


    Neacht and Milena looked at the downed form of Ryuu lying on the ground floor as the spoke in concern, "Will he be alright?"


    Shamiran carelessly waved her hand as she spoke, "Nah don''t worry about that, this was the 3rd time something like this happened but unfortunately he lost his memories of the event as such he never learned the important lesson to never mention a lady''s age."


    Neacht was silent for a minute before she spoke in a somber tone, "He reminds me so much of HIM, that it is uncanny, that when HIS soul ceased to exist, I never thought I would meet someone like HIM, yet here he is acting talking exactly like him but at the same time they are completely different. Even when a few minutes ago, the entire ordeal was like those days when we used to go out for an adventure Pangu used to argue and fight a lot with Antariskh just like this. "


    Antariskh nodded at that as she spoke, "You know when he was first brought here we all thought that may be, because of some miracle Pangu''s soul was not destroyed and he reincarnated as Ryuu, but no it was not to be."


    Milena: "How are you planning to increase his karma, it took eons before he will be ready to successfully cross a tribulation."


    Sylvana thought for a bit before she spoke, "Promise me not to tell anyone and I will tell you a secret."


    Milena and Neacht looked at each other as they spoke in unison, "We promise."


    Sylvana grinned as he spoke, "During his previous life, Ryuu save the people of his planet from complete annihilation."


    Milena and Neacht looked with wide eyes at that as they spoke, "Really, but even then it would not be enough."


    Shamiran spoke with a smile, "Yes but he had reincarnated many times and almost all the time it has always been the same."


    Milena: "So he is a hero."


    Antariskh looked at that morosely as she spoke, "Yes, a selfless hero who always stood for his people, helped them no matter the danger without asking or wanting for anything but at the end died by the hands of the very people he saved."


    Neacht: "Seems like he is plagued by betrayal just like his predecessor."


    The sisters'' mood plummeted at that but they did not say anything else, after all it was true especially for Sylvana whose gave the opportunity to their enemies and which ultimately was the reason for Pangu''s death.


    Antariskh spoke with a frown, "I despise the way of his thinking you know, always putting other before him and I hate him for that, a cultivator should not be selfless like him, a few months ago he almost died because he decided to save a few cultivators who never even knew him, never even heard of him if he had fled that day he would not have almost died, even his victory was fluke because his opponent got careless thinking she had mange dot kill him."


    Shamiran stood up as she spoke trying to change the topic, "Well I will be checking on him and the last thing I want for mom and dad to get angry with us again."


    An hour later Ryuu opened his eyes as he sat up from his bed as he winced from the dull throb in his head.


    Shamiran: "Ryuu how are you feeling?"


    Ryuu winced at that as he spoke, "Like some ''hippo'' jumped on my head, did you see where the ''hippo'' went?"


    Antariskh''s brow twitched madly at that as she spoke, "Do you remember anything at all?"


    Ryuu''s brow scrunched up at that thought as he spoke, "No big sister the last think I remember we were spending time with sister Milena and Neacht then nothing else."


    Antariskh sighed as she spoke with stern tone, "Brother, really you should never try something out of your reach without proper supervision you caused a training mishap brother which destroyed a part of the palace, on another matter it is almost time for breakfast as such let us leave."


    Ryuu was never given time to think as a bewildered Ryuu was dragged by his sisters for breakfast as he thought, ''What do they mean by that I am not so careless as to make such a horrid mistake specially inside someone else''s place.''


    Meanwhile, a very happy Zarina hugged her daughter with tears of joy in her eyes as a proud father stood beside her as Cezary stood by their side with a huge smile on his face.


    Zarina: "Let me see you child, let me see my little Zywia, I am so proud of you child."


    Zywia simply pouted as she spoke, "I have accomplished nothing much mother, just raised my rank but not my realm. But enough of it, so did someone exceptional appear in this banquet."


    At that the other three sighed, ''ugh the battle maniac rears her head once again.''


    Cezary: "Sister, there is one who is exceptional, but he is too young but a nice kid if you wish I can introduce you to him, he looked as if he needed some friends badly."


    Saidhal sighed as he spoke, "Well what do you expect, he is only 15 years of course what do you expect since none knew he existed."


    Zywia deflated at that as she spoke, "What can a 15 year old do? What is he a Zifu Disciple?"


    Zarina smiled at her as she spoke, "Well when you will meet him you will know, but for now let me spend some time with you, it has been more than 10 years since you went into a close door meditation."

 228 Fighting a losing battle

    Cezary spoke with a smile, "Brother Ryuu, good morning."


    Ryuu smiled back at Cezary as he spoke, "Good Morning brother how are you today."


    Cezary: "I am fine Ryuu, and I am just waiting for mother and my little sister to arrive."


    Before they could speak Zarina arrived along with another woman who looked like a younger clone of her mother but with having silver hair of her father.


    Before anyone could speak, Maheswara had already appeared beside Ryuu as he spoke, "Ah Zarina and Cezary, how are you this fine morning? And who is this young lady?"


    Zarina spoke with a smile, "Uncle this is my youngest child Zywia, she had been in closed door meditation for 10 years and have recently succeeded in ascending up to 6th Ranked Mystic Immortal Realm. "


    Maheswara gave a bright smile at that as he spoke, "Congratulations young lady, you do your parents proud."


    Zawiya simply gave a bow as she cupped her hands while speaking, "Thank you for your kind words senior."


    By then Cezary who was near to Ryuu spoke, "Brother Ryuu, we are planning on visit the carnival, nearby because of the ''Ten thousand Year Banquet'', many people have set up their shops where they are selling and exchanging various items, as well as many places of fun do you wish to visit with us."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen at that as he spoke with a bright, "Of course I would love to. Are we leaving now?"


    As Cezary nodded in affirmation, Ryuu spoke in an excited tone, "Well I will have to ask Teacher permission first, so I hope you will not mind waiting a few minutes more."


    Cezary spoke with a smile, "Ah you do not have to just ask your Teacher for permission, in fact a few more people will be arriving and I am waiting for them."


    Ryuu nodded as he moved near Maheswara as he spoke with a smile, "Master, brother Cezary invited me to visit a carnival may I go, Master."


    Maheswara normally would have prevented Ryuu from leaving without any supervision because of the presence of Megara but fortunately that was not needed as Maheswara spoke with his voice filled with regret as he spoke, "Unfortunately Ryuu you are required elsewhere today, your eldest sister would be here within a few minutes and I believe the same would be the case with Cezary, although you may visit the carnival today during evening."


    Cezary exclaimed loudly at that as he spoke, "Ah how could I forget, father said there was a meeting today, sorry Ryuu it seems that both of us will only be able to visit during the evening."


    Ryuu looked confused at that as well as a little disheartened at that as he spoke, "What do you mean by that? Where will I have to go?"


    Maheswara simply smiled at him, as understanding that his teacher was not going to say anything he turned towards Cezary who had a frustrated look as he spoke with a tired sigh, "A very frustrating and boring event."


    Ryuu was even more confused only for his confusion to turn into horror as Antariskh appeared as she spoke, "Baby brother, we are getting let us leave we have a meeting to attend and I do not wish to be late."


    The ''meeting'' caused a feeling of fear to awaken in him, as such his first reaction was to turn on his heel and make a run for it but alas it was futile thing as Antariskh had already placed a firm grip on his shoulders as she spoke, "Ara baby brother I never knew that you would be enthused on joining the meeting to the point you would start moving with so much activeness, but unfortunately that is the wrong way brother, come on I will escort you."


    With that Ryuu was ''escorted'' away by his older sister, as Cezary sighed as he spoke, "Well I will be taking my leave, I have a meeting to attend."


    As Ryuu''s vision cleared he found himself sitting on a chair in between his other sisters whereas Antariskh sat in front on a chair, on a balcony with rows and rows balconies were occupied by various people, all waiting for the meeting to begin.


    The tension was so thick that it could be cut with a knife Ryuu gulped at that as Shamiran just gave him a reassuring squeeze on his hand to calm his nerves.


    A few minutes later a speaker suddenly stood as he spoke, "Greetings ladies and gentleman, I ��.."


    Ryuu had already tuned everything out, as he had been a very difficult battle already, he was fighting tooth and nail trying to fight sleep off, but alas he was losing spectacularly.


    As the meeting about various things from import and export and what not went on a man with his exposed torso with scar littered all over his body spoke rather rudely, "Can we discuss the real issue now."


    Many of them sighed as one of them spoke, "Brother Batyrkhan, please the stage is yours."


    Batyrkhan snorted at that as he spoke, "Almost a year ago the conduits have between the Manushya Lok and Preta Lok have seen a great rise in activities, I have used my contacts and have learned the same is happening in Deva Lok, it seems they are testing our defences.


    Many frowned at that, war between the three great realms is nothing new, it has happened many times but each time it was costly many lives were lost because of it, as such everyone tensed. Upon hearing the name Preta Lok Ryuu''s eyes widen as he sat upright, how could he forget about a place whose inhabitants almost killed him.


    Batyrkhan continued speaking in a gruff manner, "But the main problem is not that, there have been incidents where demonic beings have broken into our world in places where conduits are no where even present inside that galaxy, we know not how they entered but almost all of the beings were mindless drones who just knew pillage and destroy nothing more nothing less."


    Many were startled at that, if someone from that side figured out how to teleport armies like that, then they will be all doomed, before they could prepare they will be wiped out at their home base.


    Batyrkhan: "Well as such I would request if anyone had come across any form of conduits connecting between the two realms no matter how significant it might seem to be please inform us, the more we learn about it the more secure our home realm would be also if possible I would request an additional increase in people as you all send as per your quota. I fear a war may break out in the near future as such the more the armies present the better is it."


    Antariskh closed her eyes as many others discussed amongst themselves the meeting room was buzzing in activities when she suddenly stood up and spoke, "Daoist Brother Batyrkhan, a few months ago my Brother had gone on to an adventure into a hidden space, which turned out to be a conduit, between Preta Lok and our realm, by brother defeated some of them and we managed to capture the rest."


    Ryuu was startled at hearing that since when did Ayindril manage to capture those demonic cultivators and how come he never knew anything about it.


    As Ryuu was thinking hard Antariskh was busy speaking, "We discovered that it was actually a prison to house a peak Mystic Immortal Emperor Realm person, his minions tried to free him from there, it was also found out that they managed to tether to their realm, upon the release of the prisoner the conduit would have collapsed but the tether made sure they all went back into their home realm safe and sound, unfortunately the way the tether was created is unknown and anything about the conduits origins have been lost upon its collapse, although while interrogating them we learned a few things which we had documented, but unfortunately I know not what might be useful to you even then if you so wish I will send a copy to you post haste for you to view."


    Batyrkahn contemplated on it as he spoke, "Well it would be great if you send me those but si your bother here I would like to question him about a few things about the conduit itself if you do not mind."


    Antariskh nodded as she spoke, "Of course you may ask him as long as it is nothing personal.", as such she glanced back as she spoke, "Ryuu would you please answer a few question that Senior Batyrkhan will be asking you."


    Ryuu nodded as he went and stood in front of a now sitting Antariskh as he spoke, "This Junior greets all the Senior present here, and if I may be bold enough to ask how may I be of service."

 230 Cultivators Market Part-2

    As they entered the palace they were greeted by Ryuu''s teachers, as Nuwa stepped forward and gently hugged Ryuu as she spoke, "Child how was your experience at the meeting?"


    Ryuu gave a small smile as he spoke, "It was fine."


    Nuwa as well as others who were not present narrowed their eyes a little bit as Nuwa spoke to him loving, "Why don''t you go freshen up and change your dress after that we will be going to the carnival."


    Ryuu perked up at that as he spoke, "Really 3rd mistress that is wonderful."


    Veena smiled at that as he spoke, "Then run along child and get ready fast or else we will be late."


    Ryuu nodded as he made his way to his room, Antariksh smiled at her parents as she spoke, "Well then please excuse me mothers and father I will also freshen up a bit the meeting was a tiring one."


    Before they could leave Maheswara spoke, "What happened at the meeting?"


    Antariskh sighed as she spoke, "Well there was discussion on tariffs and��"


    Maheswara stopped her from speaking by raising his hands as he spoke, "I am not speaking about that but why does it seemed Ryuu was a bit depressed?", as he spoek a barrier sprung around the room preventing anyone outside from spying through any means.


    Antariskh spoke with a sigh there was no need to hide from her parents after all there was no way they could lie to them and neither it would be wise aswell as such she spoke with a sigh, "Ryuu fell asleep during the meeting as such I might have scolded him a little."


    "What!!! What gave you the idea that you could scold him for sleeping at the meeting where he had no reason to attend, the only reason he was there because you asked us to let him accompany you to that meeting in order to learn something about making deals and what not from live examples and what did we tell you in return Antariskh?", Celestia spoke anger evident in her voice.


    Antariskh: "Well you told us, Ryuu will just observe nothing more and if he does not want we will not force him to do anything, but��"


    Veena: "There is no if or buts we specifically told you so, so what if he got bored and fell asleep, there is no need for you to scold him for that, if I remember you also did something similar when you are a child so why are you being a hypocrite."


    Antariskh: "But mother I do not wish for him to make the same mistake I did."


    Veena: "Scolding him does, and what was the result of yours sleeping incident nothing, nothing happened so why did you scold him?"


    Antariskh: "Well I ��"


    Nuwa sighed as she spoke, "Please everyone, stop it we have already been through this once as such we do not want to hear the same thing repeating over and over again, and Antariskh let me remind you what your so called good for him has done, you caused him to gain enlightenment in a ''Dao of Asura'', you caused the heart demon born with the death of his mother to increase even more, he blamed himself for his mother''s death if it were not for his promise to his mother we can easily see him killing himself out of guilt, we managed to contain it then what did you three did you caused him to blame himself even more, when he stepped in we could already feel his inner turmoil, when will you understand you are simply causing his guilt to increase, and it won''t be long before he breaks is that what you want."


    Antariskh: "But mother i��"


    Maheswara sighed as he rubbed his forehead as he spoke, "Sylvana, Shamiran did you two also had a hand in scolding Ryuu."


    The duo simply shook their head negatively as Antariskh spoke in their stead, "No I was the one who scolded him, they were trying to cheer him up after the ordeal."


    Maheswara: "I see, then hence forth I am not allowing you all to take him without our supervision anymore and as for you Antariskh I wish apologize for making you fraternize with him to treat him like a family as such from this moment onwards the only relationship between you two will only be a senior and a junior nothing more nothing less, and as for you two if you two wish for it you may also burn any bonds that you have made with him."


    Antariskh was stunned at that not only her but her two sisters as well, Antariskh snarled at that as she spoke, "What!!!!!!!! I refuse to accept it, why should I ��."


    Veena: "When Xiao Xiao passed away, we gave her our word that we will raise him and protect him in her stead, a woman whom we adopted as our sister child, what you are doing is making us break that vow."


    Antariskh, "You for some no name woman are punishing me, ME your eldest daughter."


    Celestia laughed at that bringing everyone''s attention at that as she spoke, "Child why are you getting angry, is that not what you wanted you just referred to ''Xiao Xiao'' as a no name person, as such by extension Ryuu her son is the same, since you have problem with him we gave you the best solution. So why are throwing childish tantrums now are you not a strong cultivator act like your rank."


    Antariskh''s eyes widen at that as she spoke in disbelief, "You were listening?"


    Celestia spoke with a smug tone, "Of course I was keeping an eye on him, and I was right to, this was the second time you harmed him Antariskh as such you tied our hands, I do not see why you are getting angry so much we gave what you wanted."


    Antariskh''s eyes widen at that as she spoke, "He is my brother damn it, I allowed him to call me as his sister, why are you trying to do such a thing to me.", by then tears were appearing in her eyes.


    Celestia: "We never did anything child, it was you who did it because of your pride, you do not want a brother but a bonsai tree which you would grow as you see fit, regardless of the consequences. That is your problem and that is what we hate the most your pride wants the person you call as your brother to be a perfect and flawless person according to what you imagine so that you can show him off and brag about him to others, which we disagree because we want to raise Ryuu as Ryuu not as someone''s clone or like some bonsai but as a person."


    It hit Antariskh hard because she knew that what she was trying to do mold Ryuu into ''perfection'' according to her because her pride would not let anyone she considers lower than herself to be treated as a family, like in case of Xiao Xiao, the only reason she had ever referred to her as her aunt was when her parents were present and forced her to call her that and she hated it, she hated it a lot, when she had to refer a weakling as her aunt, but Ryuu was different he was a child with potential to grow and be par with her someday as such she always pushed him, tested him so as to guide him to be someone whom she would not be ashamed to call her as her brother.


    Veena: "Antariskh it is for the best I think, you should not be allowed to interact with him anymore until and unless it is necessary and when you interact with him act as someone of your stature as your pride dictates you to be."


    Before anyone could speak Maheswara spoke in a hurried tone, "Ryuu is almost here and I do not think he needs to listen us arguing, I do not wish to burden him anymore as such Antariskh you may take your leave there is no need for your presence to be perceived by a no named person like Ryuu, and you two can do the same or if you want you can accompany us to the carnival.", he spoke as he turned towards his other daughters.


    As Ryuu entered the room Antariskh teleported out of the room in a flash, as he gave a bright smile which changed to a frown as he spoke, "Where is big sister?"

 231 Cultivators Market Part-3

    Ryuu was as giddy as a child inside a candy store, this was the first time he had visited any form of cultivators market, it was surely a large carnival, and there were so many people buying and bartering, so many things some of which he had never seen before.


    A group of people were watching a play with wide eyes which attracted Ryuu''s attention, as such he went near them as he stood there watching the play Veena came by his side as she spoke, "The play is nice isn''t it."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "It is so beautiful, and heartwarming, the actors and actresses are simply otherworldly."


    Veena stifled a laugh as she spoke, "Really are you sure Ryuu, that what you are watching is even real."


    Ryuu was confused at that as he spoke, "What do you mean by that teacher?"


    Veena simply smiled as she tapped Ryuu''s shoulder, suddenly the world distorted in front of him, there people still standing reacting as if they were watching the play but instead of the play a few distance away from them was a woman her face covered in veil meditating, with various items mostly seeds placed in front of her.


    Veena: "That woman over there her name is ''Xiang Yawen'', the woman you saw a day ago playing an instrument and singing during the banquet she is her master. The illusion placed over this place is her doing, only those who have detected it may buy from her, as such you have failed to do so."


    Ryuu winced at that as he spoke, "Sor��"


    Only to get bopped on his head by Veena as she spoke, "Why are you saying sorry for such a trivial matter, she is so strong even when your mother was alive she would have failed to detect the illusion, so fret not there are many things in this universe which at your current level no matter what you do you may never overcome this is one of those things. Now let us go and greet her."


    Veena along with Ryuu moved towards Xiang Yawen as Veena spoke to her, "Sister Xiang it has been a while."


    Xiang simple nodded as she opened her eyes as she glanced at the duo while her as a voice appeared in both Ryuu and his teacher''s voice, to Ryuu it seemed as if it was the most beautiful voice he had heard, " Sister Veena what a pleasant surprise how have you been?"


    Veena smiled as she spoke, "I have been well sister, and your student did a remarkable job on the first day of the banquet, if she continues she might surpass you eventually."


    Xiang smiled at that as her voice once again appeared in their head, "Thank you for such a compliment sister."


    Ryuu by then was confused why she is not speaking at all through her mouth but sending telepathic messages, Xiang turned towards Ryuu as her voice appeared in their head, "Is this your disciple I am hearing about?"


    Veena nodded as she gave a gentle pat on Ryuu''s back, Ryuu simply bowed at her as he spoke, "This Junior greets Senior."


    Xiang smiled as she gave a small nod to Ryuu as she spoke telepathically, "Such a polite and nice child, so what can I do for you Sister Veena."


    Veena: "Yes I want a Tri-Headed Hydra''s seed.", before she turned towards Ryuu as she spoke, "Move behind me child or you might get hurt."


    Xiang produced the seed as Veena gave her 3 Deva crystal to her, as she spoke, "Well I will be leaving then Xiang take care.", Xiang nodded back her with a smile as she once again started to meditate.


    As they were a good distance away from that place Ryuu turned towards her as he opened his mouth to speak he was stopped by Veena as she began speaking, "Sister Xiang has an unique condition where whenever she��."


    Only to be interrupted by Ryuu who suddenly blurted out, "She can cause reality to change just by speaking."


    Veena simply snorted as she spoke, "You have to lay down those fantasy novels you read, Ryuu, nothing of that sorts but whosoever hears her singing gets a bit enamored by her and she might affect reality to a degree when she sings, it cause various natural phenomenon ranging from quake to causing rain in a desert but the main reason she does not speak except for singing is because her cultivation method requires as such."


    Ryuu listened to that with eyes widen there was so many things he never knew anything about, as they soon reach the place where others were waiting for them as Maheswara spoke, "Did you get what you wanted?"


    Veena nodded at that while Shamiran dragged Ryuu to a stall where they were selling some type of roasted meet skewered on a stick, Ryuu visibly drooled at the smell, "Sister what is this thing?"


    Shamiran spoke with a smirk, "This is Sun Rooster Satay, and it is very tasty try some."


    Shamiran bought a couple of sticks for Ryuu, who took it cautiously as he dipped the food in a sauce, before he bit into it, as the food entered his mouth he found as if he was standing under the warm sun during a cold freezing winter, which abruptly ended all of a sudden as he looked down to his plate all six sticks were completely cleaned there was nothing left attached to it, causing him to gawk at the plate as sudden anger rose within him ''Who had the audacity to steal his food,..'', only to be brought out of his musings by others giggle as Celestia spoke with a smile, "Give the salesman an extra Low Immortal Spirit Stones, it seems that my disciple loved it so much he finished eating it even before he realized."


    Ryuu was stunned at that, such a nice food yet before he could enjoy it thoroughly he had already finished eating it, he now understood why his 2nd mistress called it both hell and heaven for him, the food is so good that he cannot stay is hand for him, yet it is never enough and he cannot have more.


    Maheswara simply patted his back as he spoke, "Well let us leave Ryuu there are more places to visit and an auction to attend to, make a list of food you like and you can arrive here during our stay anytime to feast on them."


    Ryuu nodded as he left that place with great difficulty the promise of him of finding even greater food was what enticed him to leave that place but notbefore vowing to return to have a bite or a dozen more bites but now he would be focusing on the delicacy called Ice cream that his other sister got him.

 232 Set Ablaze

    Ryuu was in deep thought as such he did not pay attention only to be awakened by a small touch he was awakened from his dead dream as he found himself staring at the face of the small child as he spoke, "Are you alright Mister?"


    Ryuu was flabbergasted at that as a word came from his mouth, "ah Yes I am, my child.", it was a deep voice of a much older voice, he gave a small smile at the small kid in front of him as he moved on through the road.


    As he was moving on he came across a pair of children being whipped by a man as they were hung from a pole with their hands tied upwards, while the other passerby did not even bothered looking, a few did but from what he saw it was like some form of amusement to them as such he could not take it as he made his way to the kids, he was alarmed to see how malnourished the children were, he quickly stopped in front of them as he spoke, "What are you doing to this poor kids. Please stop can''t you see they are so young and not well if you do so they will die."


    The man who was whipping and his fellow colleagues from their uniform Ryuu judged them to be some form of guards stood there as one of them spoke, "You beat it, they are filthy thieves as such they are being punished."


    One of the child spoke in a meek voice as he spoke, "Please Sir, My sister is hungry please have mercy it was a single apple I took from that person."


    The Guard growled in anger as he spat on the child''s face as he spoke, "Shut up rascal, I do not care you have stolen as such your punishment is a thousand lashes for each of you."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen at that as he spoke, "How could you, they are but a child, do you have no mercy."


    As he spoke the guards surrounded him as one of the spoke with a smile, "I see since you are such a merciful humanitarian why don''t you take their place."


    Then the man''s scowled as he spoke, "Beat it if you cannot shoulder their punishment than get lost from here."


    Ryuu gritted his teeth as he spoke, "I am ready to take as much punishment as you can give on their behalf."


    The man looked stunned for a few minutes as he spoke with a grin, "Boys switch them release those rats, and hang him he is willing to shoulder their combined 2000 lashes from 5 of us each."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen at that but he did not say anything least that person harm those children, he was promptly tied up as the man spoke once again with a grin, "A single grunt from you and I would switch you with them."., Ryuu did not utter a single word as he tooklashes after lashes that rained on him, after a few moments one of the man spoke with a tired sigh, "This is getting boring", as such he spoke with the two children, "You two rats if you can throw stone at him hard and make him bleed with each throw I will pay you a copper coin and the same goes for any of your friends."


    The two children who were witnessing this event with teary eyes suddenly had their eyes widen as they promptly ran away, Ryuu thought the scene was too much for them but boy he was wrong a few minutes later the duo along with a few dozen children arrived carrying with them as many stones from all shapes and sizes they could carry with their tiny arm, the guards moved from their way as they started throwing stones at him while the guards laughed hard but Ryuu did not even make a sound, but it came to an abrupt halt here as voice came to their ears, "What is going on here?"


    The others turned as they gulped upon seeing the newcomer sitting on top a horse with some heavily armored guards along with them, as he glared at everyone present the guards gulped as he spoke again, "I am waiting for an explanation what is going on here?"


    One of the guards explained the situation to the man who looked at Ryuu as he snorted at him as he spoke, "So fool, why did you try to save these street rats."


    Ryuu spoke in between grunts of pain coursing to his body, "Your lordship, they are children no older than 5 years old, how can I have the heart to see them getting harmed for what because someone tried to fee his younger sibling, for stealing a single apple, no I cannot do such."


    The person on horseback looked amused as he spoke, "Ho to thing such a kind hearted hero alive in this day and age, and well I think I should reward you. Guards capture those ruffians and burn them alive."


    The guards promptly caught them as they were trying to gather enough wood and hay to make a pyre for them Ryuu once again intervened, "As he spoke, Please stop my Lord Please they are children."


    The man gave an amused smirk as he spoke, "Ho if you wish to save them then take their place, can you?"


    Ryuu: "I will but leave them be."


    The man gestured at the guards as they dragged a beaten bloodied Ryuu and tied him to a pole above the pyre as the man spoke, "I hope you know what you are doing fool, but remember a single sound or if you stop smiling the two children will be next. Now start smiling."


    Ryuu smiled at them as the pyre was set ablaze, he did not stop smiling he did not scream the entire time and soon he became a charred corpse.


    Ryuu took a deep breath as he fell on the ground all those painful memories haunting him, as his mind reeled back to the events at the beginning of the incident.


    Slowly and surely Ryuu was getting overwhelmed so many different delicacies to eat, but he was not able to eat all of them those thousands of foods taunted him, but he could not eat all of them at the same time after all he has one mouth, as he was sinking more and more into despair.


    Sylvana looked at her brother weirdly as she spoke with a concern in her voice, "Is he alright? I fear for his mental health."


    Maheswara dismissed her concern as he spoke, "He is a growing boy who is going through stages of puberty, and being a high level cultivator is making his hormone go haywire nothing more nothing less although we should move from here or else he might really lose his sanity see his eyes are swirling."


    With that they left the ''Food Street'' by literally picking a catatonic Ryuu as they moved to their next destination, as they were moving Celestia bonked his head bringing him to reality, as she spoke, "Well why don''t you guys leave I will be taking him for a bit of shopping."


    The others shrugged as Celestia took Ryuu with her as they moved to their destination Ryuu asked confusedly, "Where are we going teacher?"


    Celestia spoke seriously to Ryuu, "Well we are going to buy something nice, oh and when we reach there make sure to follow my instructions to the letter, and the person we are going to meet is very dangerous if you make even a slightest mistake you will die even with my strength it would be very difficult to protect you."


    Ryuu nodded at that slightly taken aback this was the first time his teacher stated that she was powerless to save him from someone, "Teacher then if that person is so dangerous why are you going alone there, why did you not take others with you."


    Celestia hummed at that as she spoke, "Because that person is a shy one, if I had brought so many people with me he would have left immediately. Oh and Ryuu get ready to be tested."


    Ryuu eyes widen in realization as he spoke, "As in the way Senior Xiang tests others?"


    Celestia nodded as she spoke, "Yes , but unlike her, who puts everyone in a similar situations this senior does not, word of advice child just be yourself, and do not worry his is beatable even by someone from realms, in fact the higher your realm is the more difficult and dangerous your test becomes, and unfortunately I cannot help you in this matter as I myself will be in a test, and if I help you both of us will fail and the only time I can help you is after I finish my test and have finished purchasing or when I chose to leave his shop then I can tell him to release you, after that both of us will have to leave."


    Ryuu nodded at that but gulped hard, he was afraid he did not know what will be the test be, he was deep in thought as such he did not pay attention only to be awakened by a small touch he was awakened from his dead dream as he found himself staring at the face of the small child as he spoke, "Are you alright Mister?"

 233 Daoist Akhileswara

    "Ryuu are you alright?", a concerned Celestia placed her hand on top of his shoulders, as Ryuu weakly nodded at her being burned to death was not a very good way to die.


    "Child why did you help them?", came a gruff voice to his ears, "They were thieves."


    Ryuu calmed himself down as he spoke, "Well they are children, and children should be treasured after all they are our future.", as he looked up he saw a man with a long beard, wearing a saffron colored clothes his hair was tied up forming the biggest bun he had seen on top of his head, as his head moved towards Ryuu he noticed that the senior had his eyes closed but even then he felt as if he was directly looking at him as if he was weighing his soul unnerving him, as if all his secrets lay bare in front of him.


    "Well you pass, you held onto your belief even as you died, sacrificing for someone you do not know, as such you are allowed to purchase from my shop.", the man spoke in a serious tone.


    Ryuu simply nodded at that as he simply gave a bow as he spoke, "This Junior greets Senior."


    The Man simply nodded as he raised his hand as he spoke, "Ayushman Bhava(Have a Long Life), Beta(Son)."


    With that the person gave his attention to Celestia while Ryuu was busy checking out his shop, a plethora of various herbs and medicinal ingredients were some of them he did not even recognize, a few clothing items were kept in a bundle as the person sat on a mat as he had a prayer bead on his hand, the sweet smell of incense came to his nose as he glanced to see a long staff with various flags, and drawings on it and, ''Is that a skull attached to it'', he noted idly as he could not deduce which creatures skull was that.


    Celestia simply smiled as she spoke while clasping her hand and bowing to the person in front of her, "Namastey (Greetings), Baba (Senior), I want to purchase some praying mats and praying beads for my disciple here, I want something that helps in cultivation of his soul."


    The man nodded as he beckoned Ryuu to come forward, as he glanced at him before he nodded his head as he mumbled some incoherent words to himself, before produced a praying mat as he asked Celestia, "What mukhi Rudrakhsa you want?"


    Celestia: "I think 21 would do him well."


    The man simply looked at her although his eyes were closed his face held a frown, "Beti (Daughter), you should that wearing Rudrakhsa depends on a person''s karma a lot, and 21 mukhi is not something one can wear so easily if it does not suit him, his life will be ruined to the point dying would be a mercy."


    Celestia bit her lips as she spoke, "Ryuu release your Karma ring."


    Ryuu looked at her questioningly causing her to sigh as she spoke, "Ryuu do not worry no one can spy at us while we are here."


    Ryuu nodded as he clasped his hands while closing his eyes, as he released his karma wheel which was big enough to encompass a good few dozen kilometers but then the array in old man''s shop suddenly started working stopping it from being released even further.


    The man hummed at that as Celestia spoke, "Baba, I hope his karma is big enough to make the cut."


    The old man nodded as he spoke, "Not bad such a large karma at such a young age not to mention such a ''Shuddhata'' (Purity) and such a large Karma he must be a saint in his previous lives, well he definitely makes the cut, 21 mukhi it is then.", with that he produced a praying bead made up of 108 beads of Rudrakhsa each of which had 21 faces on it.


    As Celestia paid him the required amount the man spoke, "Well take the beads for free, just pay for the praying mat, it has been ages since I last saw someone who could bond with a 21 Mukhi Rudrakhsa Praying beads."


    Celestia nodded as she bought the beads while the man turned towards Ryuu as he spoke, "Beta(Child), you may pass over this praying mat to anyone even your descendent but the praying bead is another matter, if a person who does not have as much Karma as you tries to wear it, or use it they will suffer great disaster and you barely make the cut.", the man spoke with so much seriousness and glare that it made Ryuu gulp in fear as he nodded at that fearfully, as he watched Celestia store the newly purchased items in her space rings as the duo left with a small bow, as they were a few meters away from the shop Ryuu tried to look back at the mysterious shop only to be stopped by Celestia who grabbed his head hard as she made him look forward as she hissed out a warning, "If you value your life, DO NOT LOOK BACK RYUU.", with a small dose of killing intent causing him to nod fearfully at that his curiousness crushed by the warning from his 3rd mistress.


    A minutes later Celestia spoke by herself, "That Senior we visited was extremely one, when we left I felt him opening his eyes no one knows what cultivation technique he uses but as long as you look in his eyes people have turned not only insane in some cases their souls were crushed completely, as such during the entire time he kept his eyes closed so as not to harm you but when we left I felt him opening his eyes as such I prevented you from looking back."


    Ryuu was curious as such he could not help but ask, "Is he stronger than you teacher?"


    Celestia shrugged as she spoke, "He was already an ancient and well respected cultivator by the time I was starting to make names for myself, I do not know his cultivation level and trying to detect may be perceived as an insult by Senior Daoist Akhileswara, but I will tell you this before the Great Fall one of my acquaintance had angered him, he was turned to ash by a single strike."


    Ryuu gulped at that as Celestia continued, "He lives his life like a hermit whatever he earns by selling his stuffs he donates to the needy people, and as for his commodities each of them may look extremely ordinary but they are top notch product, no bargaining with him his allowed and whatever monetary price he says you will have to pay if you want the product. I was lucky that I came across him and I was able to buy something from him, these items will be very useful for you."


    Ryuu looked in wonder before he suddenly spoke, "This universe has so many wonderful things, thank you teacher for experiencing such wonders."


    Celestia just cracked a smile as she tousled his hair while she spoke, "There is no need to thank me child after all you are our beloved disciple."


    Meanwhile as they left the old man shook with laughter as his body morphed into that of a very curvaceous woman with midnight black hair, the woman looked at the spot as she spoke with a smile, "I finally found you!", before long the shop and its owner simply vanished from the spot as if it was not present there before.

 234 Naetis Imperial Auction house Part-1

    Ryuu followed silently beside his teacher he had seen and learned many wondrous things, things beyond his imaginations things whish made him feel powerless, a person so strong that he might just die if that person opens their eyes and looks at him he does not know what to feel because of it.


    Celestia glanced at Ryuu, she could really guess what was really going through his mind as she spoke, "Ryuu there is no need to feel anxious because of it, you are young and you have a long road ahead of you, everyone were once in your position including us and that Baba we met before young and weak but see where we are now, whenever you feel down thing about others in your age group I doubt there are any who have achieved as much as you in cultivation at such a young age as such you should not feel anxious or dejected."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he walked silently beside his master while talking in sight around him watching the interaction between various beings, as he spoke with awe, "There are so many people with so many races and people from different culture it is amazing."


    Celestia nodded at that as she spoke, "You know you remind me of the time when I first saw people of so many different races, I was speechless to see them."


    Soon they reached ''Naetis Imperial Auction house'', an auction house named after the planet itself, a place which was created to cater to the needs of cultivators who wished to auction their items specially during the ten thousand years banquet, and currently Celestia accompanied Ryuu as they went towards the auction house, as they reached the house they saw a long line of people waiting outside, and another very short a couple of people who were immediately escorted inside by the employees of the auction house.


    As they neared a person from the auction house appeared as he bowed to them as he spoke, "Greetings Your Holiness, your young master, please follow me balcony number 214 has been prepared for you, and your family is already waiting for you."


    Celestia nodded at that as they were escorted to the balcony, which was already occupied by Maheswara and his family except Antariskh, as they entered Maheswara smiled at them as he spoke, "So how did the visit Senior Daoist Akhileswara go?", even if it was not asked directly the question was clear did Ryuu pass the test.


    Celestia smirked as she spoke, "Well all went well Ryuu was able to speak with ''Baba'', as well as I was able to get a prayer bead and prayer mat for him, Ryuu was compatible with a 21Mukhi Rudraksha as such the beads were a gift for him."


    Veena smirked as she spoke, "Seems like someone managed to impress ''Baba''."


    Celestia nodded as she spoke, "Though I never did ask Ryuu what kind of trial he had to complete but he passed splendidly."


    Maheswara smiled as he spoke with pride, "As expected of our disciple, Ryuu."


    Sylvana spoke with a smile, "Well Ryuu come and sit beside me, the auction is about to start."


    As Ryuu took his seat he spoke solemnly, "I wish big sister was here."


    The others glanced at each other as Shamiran spoke, "Sorry Ryuu she had some work to do as such she was unable to arrive here with us."


    Ryuu frowned at that as Shamiran suddenly spoke, "I do not understand Ryuu, I thought you would be upset at Antariskh because she scolded you for no reason."


    Ryuu looked stunned at that as he spoke, "I do not believe that she did not scold me without reason, I also believe that my conduct was not appropriate, I should not have slept during the meeting, and from what I know about big sister well how should I say, she is a bit of perfectionist and demanding as such I think my behavior might have irked her.", he finished with a shrug.


    Veena frowned as she spoke, "But she was the one who dragged you there right you did not even want to be there, and the meetings tend to be boring as such when you got fell asleep it was nothing out of ordinary."


    Ryuu: "But still I cannot be upset with her, the work she does tends to be very tiring and extremely boring, enough to be a torture and no matter what she claims to be she will definitely get tired and frustrated you should have prevented her leaving at least she could have been able to unwind a bit, and as for her scolding me I believe it is her frustrations that is piling up."


    Celestia: "Oh and what made you thing that her job is ''tiring and frustrating''."


    Ryuu: "Well when I was in Aonia I helped with her paperwork it was pure madness, not only that sometimes people are so incompetent that it was infuriating dealing with their messes, as such I believe she might have let loose her frustration on me and I do not blame her if I were in her position I would have killed myself to get away from them. But the most importantly what she said was true as well there are many people who are jealous of you all and I just gave them a chance to harm your honor with my behavior."


    Maheswara: "Well enough of the depressing thoughts the auction is about to begin."


    Meanwhile back in the palace Antariskh soaked herself in rose milk as she sighed, he parents order were absolute and she knew that they would not budge at their decision she knew it would not only take a miracle but a long time before she will be even allowed to be near him let alone speak with him. She sighed at that she knew that her parents coddle Ryuu a lot as such he behaves like an idiotic manner in regards to many things yet her parents usually coddles him, she admits that she may not have made the right judgment regarding that incident with Ryuu but how was she to know he was suffering from heart demon, she knew she was prideful but she had earned her right to be one, normally no matter what one would say in certain place and certain time if Ryuu did not have either that particular type of Divine body nor was he her parents'' student she would not even spare a glance towards him and she could bet her soul it would have the same for her family. They might call her prideful and whatnot but are they not prideful as her, of course they are not only that but at the end of the day in some cases they might even surpass her.


    She sighed as she leaned on the stone wall of her bath, ''Oh well I will be leaving within a few minutes I have nothing else to do here.'' she sighed for the umpteenth time, today I might have scolded him too much but was she wrong at that NO!, Ryuu has garnered attention of many cultivators and if he were any run of the mill cultivator nobody would have cared about it but what he did was giving more arsenal to Ayindril''s enemies they might not be able to harm him physically but what about Ayindril''s reputation and most importantly her parents. Since the day he became student of her parents he had practically given up any normal life not only that as more people now know about him he will be always judged by them, not only because he is her parents'' student but because many view him as my big brother''s legacy, no matter what he would do he would always be criticized because of it as he would have to thrive under his large shadow, if he makes a mistake people will say ''He is making a mockery of Pangu and how he is unworthy to be his legacy, how he is unworthy to be her parents'' student or even part of her family'' just like today she caught some people criticizing him, and if he did something good ''as expected of him but he could have done much better after all his predecessor Pangu was so much��.'', just the thought of that made her blood boil in anger and she snapped at him like that, she took out her anger on him unjustly but could she do she cannot make them shut up without triggering a war.


    Ryuu was a very hardworking child, his hard work is reflected through his cultivation without which there was no way he would have achieved so much and she would rather suffer damnation before his brother was belittled by someone, and Pangu she grew up with him and she knew him very well and in a way they thought correctly if a 15 year old Pangu were present today he would have done better, he would have plopped his leg on top of a chair and would have been snoring away without any care at least compared to him Ryuu was struggling to stay awake, ''Oh well whatever no matter what ever any would say or want I will never let his growth be hindered by anyone even if it was by my dead brother, I will never allow him to become an imitation of Pangu even if I have to become his enemy.''

 235 Nine Rainbow Flower

    "Item no. 58 Mandragon Saliva, a very important item in the world of alchemy used specially for those in Celestial realm, this item is essential for creation of various pills specially used to create ''Realm Ascension Pill'' bid starts at 100 Deva Crystal."


    A vial containing reddish syrupy liquid was presented in front of all the people, as the announcer spoke the entire hall broke into chaos as people started bidding as each one tried to bid another, Ryuu looked at the people cursing shouted as he broke of��''Nice it tastes so sinfully good��mhm.'', was the thought that passed through the head of a glutton who was busy eating.


    Normally he would have paid entire attention to the proceeding in front of him but the food was so good if only the people outside would learn a thing or two from him and instead of wasting their time on shouting and cursing they should lay waste to the glorious food in front of them, on an unrelated note everyone especially the announcer felt a sudden urge to spank a red haired teenager.


    Maheswara snickered at that as he whispered to his wives, "At least someone is having a nice time."


    At that they simply giggled at Ryuu''s antics, it was simply too adorable to them.


    Sylvana whispered back to her family, "Mothers and father the next item is coming along soon, please pay attention."


    Veena sighed as she spoke, "I know child."


    Shamiran then turned and whispered back to her parents, "Mother if I am not wrong but big brother also used to eat too much but never as much as Ryuu."


    Maheswara squinted his eyes as he whispered back on behalf of his wife, "You are correct compared to Pangu, Ryuu is a glutton it can be due to being both because of his Divine Body as well as a Dao Child or may be because of reasons we have yet to understand."


    Nuwa sighed as he spoke, "We believe that the reason for it may be because of his dragon, Pangu''s dragon was a bit different whenever the draconic silhouette appears behind him you should have noticed it is much different than Pangu''s, there are many similar draconic creatures like that each more troublesome than the next, although if the one we have a hunch is correct than well it would be too troublesome a real headache."


    Shamiran: "Well mother what do you mean by that?"


    Nuwa simply gave a kind smile as she spoke, "We are not certain as such we wish to keep it close to our heart, and if you wish to know more than you would just have to be wait patiently for him to reach Mystic Immortal Realm, and you two no testing to find out it will be extremely problematic for his future development."


    The two sisters nodded as they decided to drop the thing entirely it was not worth to satiate their curiosity if it causes damage to their brother, but that does not mean they cannot hit the library and see if they can find any resemblance with real life draconic being with the silhouette that appears whenever he activates his Divine Body. They may have lived a very long life so long that even Ryuu''s biological great grandparent is a snot nosed brat compare to them but their parents have experienced even more, even after so many years there are times when their knowledge still falters in front of their parents.


    The battle for the Mandragon saliva raged on as it quickly escalated to another type of currency which Ryuu had never heard of as such he turned towards his teachers as he spoke, "Excuse me teachers but what is this ''Yin Crystal Stones''?"


    Celestia smiled as she spoke, "That child is the next type of currency after the Deva Crystals."


    Ryuu was amazed at that after lots of shouting and what not finally it was sold for 10 Yin Crystal Stones.


    The host of the auction a middle aged blonde haired man with a goatee simply smiled as he spoke, "Please bring out Item No. 59"


    As he spoke a couple of woman dressed in what was called kimonos stepped forward carrying a small potted plant which was placed on a table, the announcer gave small smile as he spoke, "This potted plant is a ''Nine Rainbow Plant'', a very very rare plant it was found during an exploration into a very dangerous dungeon, the starting price is 800Deva Crystals."


    Ryuu looked at the plant curiously, the name ''Nine Rainbow Plant'' drew his attention to it as he studied the plant his eyes grew big, ''I see I understand why it is called ''Nine Rainbow Plant'', it has Nine Leaves amongst which seven of them has a color from each corresponding to that of a rainbow, and the remaining two one is white and another is black'', he whistled lowly hearing his whistling Veena spoke with a smile, "I hope you were able to deduce reason for the name of the plant."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Is it because of the colors on it."


    Veena nodded as she spoke, "Yes it is because of it, but this plant in front of you is the female plant the male plant has only rainbow colored leaf and is extremely common when compared to the male plant it is said that for every million male plant there is a single female, but not only that the one in front of me is the highest quality plant if there is a single variation like extra leaf or the color is different in anyone of them the plant''s value is diminished greatly to the point it is basically useless garbage."


    Ryuu looked in wonder at the plant as Veena continued her lecture, "This plant is very useful for treating people who have been seriously injured like your mother was."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen at that as Veena continued to speak solemnly, "The fruit of this tree could have easily extended her life to another 5 years easily, and in fact I was able to extend her life for 5 years initially was by using the pills created from the single fruit I had left with me, and I had thought during that time period I might be able to get my hand on another fruit and then extend her life to another few years but I was not so lucky, but now I will be able to get the plant which produces the said fruit, a single fruit everyhundred year."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen at that he was stunned at what he had heard, a plant so rare then its fruit might also be rare and if the plant is so costly who knows what the fruit would cost and his teacher used such a costly rare fruit without a second thought so as to extend his mother''s life, he did not know what to feel because of it he was extremely grateful to his teachers and their family to the point that even his life may not be enough to repay the gratitude.


    Ryuu simply whispered out as his voice shook, "Thank you teacher, I do not know.."


    Veena simply smiled as she put her hand on top of her head as she spoke, "Ryuu, there is no need to say thank you, because to me you are not only our precious disciple but like my own child my family as such I would always help you."


    Ryuu''s eyes turned misty as his voice choked with emotions he felt really lucky and blessed to have such wonderful people as his masters, seeing him in such a state Maheswara stood up and gave him a hug while the others simply either smiled or tousled his hair as Celestia spoke with kind smile while she brought everyone''s attention to the bid war going outside their balcony, "Well the bidding is raging on everyone, pay attention."

 236 Naetis Imperial Auction house Part-2

    Ryuu looked in amazement as his teacher bought the ''Nine Rainbow Flower'' with 500Yin Crystal Stone, it was a huge amount of money so much that Ryuu could not even imagine to think about it yet his teachers just casually spend it without a second thought just how rich is his masters.


    Celestia smirked at Ryuu to them he was like a open book she smirked at that as she spoke, "If anything catches your eye just tell us we will but it for you."


    Ryuu simply shook his head as he spoke, "Thank you Third Mistress but��"


    Only to have his cheeks pulled hard by Celestia as she spoke, "Ryuu did you not listen to what we said previously you are like our son as such never hesitate anything you want from us, never. As such anything you want to buy through the auction just say it to us."


    Ryuu: "As u shay thish mishtess.", Celestia snorted at that as she released Ryuu''s cheeks with a smile.


    As others giggled at that only to receive a playful glare from Ryuu, the auction went on but Ryuu did not find anything worth buying simply because not only did he not need it he actually most of them he had no idea about the object as such more often than not he asked various questions to his masters.


    The more he knew about various things the more shocking it was to him, he had once referred to his enemies like a frog trapped in a well specially those idiots he had the displeasure of meeting so many years ago, he may not have claimed to be the most knowledgeable but at least he knew many things but as he learned more and more he felt as if he was let alone a frog in a well but a tadpole in a mug, he has so much things to learn.


    As the auction progressed it seemed as if his teachers and his older sisters were not paying much attention to the item s being auctioned as such he turned towards his teachers as he spoke, "Teacher during the meeting there was a person by the name of Batyrkhan he was speaking about some army, what is that thing?"


    Maheswara raised one of his eyebrow as he spoke curiously, "Ryuu are speaking about the army that is on standby near the conduits between Preta and Manushya Lok?"


    Ryuu nodded at that as Maheswara spoke with a sigh, "The army is known as ''Immortal Phoenix Army'', and Batyrkhan is the current General of the Army, it was created just after destruction of Pangea when the war between the three realms was at peak during the dark ages. Lady Khygnos was the first General before she retired from her position and I believe that Batyrkhan is the 20th person since then who has succeeded the position of the General."


    Nuwa continued where her husband left off, "The various top powers including Ayindril provide soldiers and various other materials to the army as such the meetings the like of which Antariskh took you are as such very important.", seeing Ryuu being saddened she quickly added to what she spoke, "A meeting where whether you attended or not does not matter."


    Ryuu absorbed everything as he spoke, "How does one join the army?"


    Shamiran: "There are three ways that one may join the army, first being scouted and raised as potential recruit, secondly when some people join the army much later on by participating various recruitment examinations held after some intervals, the above two once they join the only way they can leave is either they are declared unfit or when they have finished their term of service and is given chance to retire, the third way is to through recommendations such as if we send our soldiers to join the army."


    Ryuu had read about various stories about soldiers and army at the library he knew that most of them were romanticized and what not, as a soldier''s life is never easy it is full of hardships not for the faint of heart but even then he still wanted to join the army, a dream for any teenagers of his age the idea of joining an army was too good to pass, as such with a bright smile Ryuu spoke, "Teacher may I��"


    "No", "Nope", "Out of Question", "Nein", "Non", "Net" was the immediate reply that he received from his teachers and their family causing him to become dumbstruck at that as Ryuu spoke, "But, but you all did not even listen to what I was going to say."


    Celestia shrugged as she spoke, "We know you child from when you were a toddler, as such we can easily guess what you are about to say."


    Ryuu pouted at that as Shamiran spoke, "How about this Ryuu, when you are a Golden Immortal we can think about this matter."


    Ryuu nodded at that but seeing him a bit saddened Sylvana gave him an one armed hug as she spoke, "Ryuu, this is for your own benefit, currently you are too weak as such if we recommend you they will take you in begrudgingly because of our reputations but you will only be stuck working peeling potatoes as you would not even last a second at the frontlines I do not think you would want that Ryuu."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No, but one day I will definitely join the army."


    Maheswara smiled as he patted Ryuu''s head as he spoke with a smile on his face, "Of course I believe that one day you surely will.", although inwardly it was a different matter, ''Over my dead body, you almost died while fighting an Immortal level demonic cultivator but the place where the army is usually guarding is very depiction of hell, most of the soldiers who retire are because they become mentally unfit to serve any more.''


    More and more items appeared as people were trying to outbid each other, when once again the auctioneer introduced another item, "Item Number 98, ''Heavenly Baboon King''s Sake'', a mystic item which can help increase someone''s constitution. The starting bid is at 100 Low Deva Crystal. "


    Veena: "We are buying it for Ryuu."


    Ryuu who was already drinking some juice did a spit take at that as he spoke, "Why would I need something as awful as an alcoholic drink."


    Veena smiled as she spoke, "It would help to increase your basic constitution if nothing else."


    Ryuu protested at that as he spoke, "Teacher do you remember the last time I drank an alcoholic drink and all the shenanigans caused by it."


    Veena smiled at him as she spoke, "Do not worry Ryuu if the repeat happens I promise you that I will spank you again until you cannot sit for a week."


    Ryuu blanched at that as Shamiran spoke, "Do not worry baby brother it is admirable you do not like alcoholic stuff you are young and all but alcoholic drink is more than a beverage for us cultivators most often than not it is used as a form of medicine, so you should not worry too much."

 237 A trip with Friends Part-1

    Ryuu glared at the pitcher of wine which was recently bought by his teachers, he knew there was no escaping from it the best he could do at the present is to let out a deep breath calm himself down and hope for the best for the near future.


    A few hours later the auction came to an end while Ryuu had finished demolishing a good few plates full of food, as the event came to an end the host spoke with a wide smile, "Congratulations for those who have managed to buy various goods today through auction, tomorrow the 2nd day of the auction will take place and I wish the buyers who will arrive good luck for their venture as for the buyers for today I would request you to stay behind as the items you have purchased will now be delivered to you."


    A few minutes later the group was outside as they made their way to their place of stay as Ryuu spoke, "So when will I have to drink this concoction.", he spat the word concoction as if it was the most vile thing in the world.


    As others who had heard about it simply rolled their eyes as according to them Ryuu was simply over reacting, Veena sighed as she spoke, "Normally we would have allowed you to drink it here but it would be unwise you three have already destroyed the garden/courtyard as well as made direct access from the second floor to the ground floor as such we will not take any chances after all we are guests here and there is a limit to how much we can take advantage of our hosts.", she finished as she send a stink eye to her daughters and her disciple who suddenly found the ground, the sky basically any place that was not Veena to be very interesting.


    Ryuu: "So what will I be doing in the meantime, Teachers?"


    Maheswara frowned in thought as he replied, "Well there is nothing you need to do today as such you are free to do whatever you like."


    Ryuu: "Well then I will be taking a nap then."


    It was already near evening when Cezary along with his sister Zywia arrived at the palace where they were received by Sylvana upon seeing her, the two siblings simply bowed as they spoke in unison, "This Junior greets Senior."


    Sylvana nodded at that as she spoke, "Greetings Nephew and Niece how are you two doing?"


    Cezary smiled at that as he spoke, "My sister and I have been fine Senior, actually is it possible to have Daoist brother Ryuuto accompany us, we were planning to visit the cultivators market today during the morning but because of the meeting we were unable to as such is it possible for Daoist Brother to accompany with us."


    Sylvana spoke with a smile, "Of course why not, why don''t you two wait here I will go and get him.", with that she left after she escorted both of them to their chairs.


    As Sylvana went towards Ryuu''s room she came across Shamiran, "Ah it is good I found you, sister."


    Shamiran looked curiously at her as she spoke, "Do you need something from me?"


    Sylvana: "Yes, young Cezary and Zywia are waiting for Ryuu, there are going to visit the market and what not, I hope you can��"


    Shamiran smirked as she spoke, "Do not worry I will stay in his shadows protecting him, if you wish you might keep an eye from a distance after all��"


    Sylvana finished Shamiran''s sentence with a smirk, "Two people are better than one, well I will go and see if he is awake?"


    With that Sylvana went towards Ryuu''s room as she gently knocked the door announcing that she was entering, as she entered she found a sleeping Ryuu with half of his body hanging from the bed as she sighed from exasperation since he was a child Ryuu was a restless sleeper. She went near him as she let gently touched him causing Ryuu to suddenly jump up from his sleeping position only to fall on the ground with a thud he stood up with a groan at that as he spoke, "After all my training I still cannot detect you."


    Sylvana smirked at that as she spoke, "Well you would one day be able to Ryuu, but enough of that your friends are here, they were hoping you would spend some time with them."


    Ryuu looked confused at that, ''Friends what friends is big sister talking about?''


    Sylvana: "I am speaking about Cezary and Zywia brother."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen at that as he spoke, "Ah Daoist Brother Cezary, yes of course although I do not know if he could be classified as my friend but as an acquaintance of course but about his sister will I have only met her once that was also she was being introduced to me as such I do not know what to classify her as."


    Sylvana: "So will you be going Ryuu?"


    Ryuu: "of course though I will have to ask for teachers'' permission."


    Sylvana nodded at that as she spoke, "Well you go and wash your face, it has drool marks all over and let me go and ask permission from my parents."


    Ryuu turned bright red upon as he dashed towards the washroom leaving a laughing Sylvana behind, as he returned back to his after having washed his face he found himself face to face with Nuwa, since the first time he had met her, her presence always brought him a great amount of peace and tranquility, he gave a small smile as he spoke, "2nd Mistress I was invited by Daoist Cezary to go to cultivator''s market may I go teacher?"


    Nuwa: "We have been informed by Shamiran about this matter already, you may go child."


    Ryuu nodded as he left Nuwa send a telepathic message to Shamiran, ''Keep him safe at the same time if the situation escalates do not worry we will back you up.'', as she finished her message Ryuu''s shadow simply shook a bit as an unaware Ryuu made his way to his destination.


    As Ryuu reached the place where the duo was waiting he found them both sitting on the sofa sipping on some juice as he spoke, "Greetings Senior Daoist Sister and Brother, I hope I did not keep you waiting too much."


    Cezary smiled as he spoke, "Nonsense brother, we did not have to wait at all now let us leave."


    With that the trio left towards the market, as they made their way to the market, they came across group of four cultivators, "Ah look brother Cezary is already here, we can leave now."


    One of them looked towards Ryuu as he spoke, "You are Daoist Ryuu are you not?"


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Greetings Senior Daoists and yes I am Ryuu."


    A woman who was standing near him spoke, "Oh so you are the one who defeated my junior sister without even being an Immortal."


    Ryuu frowned at that as he spoke, "Senior if you mean Daoist Sister Dora then yes I did, are you going to seek revenge for that."


    The woman snorted at that as she spoke, "My junior sister challenged you and she lost no harm done, I am not going to fight her battles specially the one she picked up for fun but if you had crippled her or harmed her then��.", she let loose her killing intent trying to intimidate Ryuu, only for Cezary to step up in between as he spoke, "We have places to be so I do not think there is time for frivolous activities."

 238 A trip with Friends Part-2

    Ryuu was completely out place each and every one of them were not only exceptionally strong but he was the weakest one amongst them, and by weakness even the second weakest person was Zywia who was a 6th ranked Mystic Immortal Empress.


    Cezary introduced his remaining friends to him, "Brother Ryuu this are friends on my right side is Leszek, next to him is Rudie, the lady to my left is Rasime and the woman who is Senior Megara''s student is Ismene, all of them are Celestial level cultivators."


    At that Ryuu''s eyes widen slightly as he gave a short bow while he spoke, "Thank you for having me, Seniors."


    The others simply nodded at that as they started moving chatting amongst themselves, as Rasime suddenly spoke to Ryuu, "If I may ask Ryuu what do you think about this banquet."


    Ryuu smiled as he spoke, "The banquet is incredible since after arriving here I have been able to meet many cool people as well as learn many interesting things."


    Rasmie smiled before she could speak another woman arrived, causing her eyes to widen as she spoke with a smile, "Sister Hu Ruogang, you are sight for sore eyes." ,before she stepped forward hugging the newly arrived person.


    Hu returned the hug with one of her own as she spoke, "It really has been a while sister."


    The others greeted her with a smile as Cezary introduced Ryuu to her, "Sister Hu, this is Ryuu."


    Ryuu simply bowed as he spoke, "Greetings Senior."


    Hu simply nodded at that, as she was speaking Ryuu stared at her as Leszek elbowed him as he spoke with a teasing smile, "Do not tell you have already got smitten with Sister Hu."


    Ryuu: "Huh, Wah no Senior I am not smitten with her��."


    Suddenly Ismene who was beside her spoke with a faux alarming cry, "Ryuu do not tell me you do not find Sister Hu attractive."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Please Senior do not tease me, although Sister Hu is indeed pretty but I do not know but I feel I have seen her somewhere.", only to receive disbelieving look from the duo.


    Rudie took pity on Ryuu as he spoke, "Please stop teasing him and as for your question Ryuu she was the one singing at the start of the banquet."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen at that as he looked at Hu who was currently looking at him as he spoke with an exclamation, "Ah!! I remember now, Senior singing was so nice I felt as if I was in standing at a Heavenly plain. It was really enjoyable."


    Hu simply smiled as he spoke, "Thank you for the complement."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "It was really incredible both yours and Senior Xiang''s illusion are amazing."


    Hu raised one of her eyebrows as she spoke curiously at that, "You have met my master?"


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "I was accompanying my teacher, she had something to buy from her, and it was during that time that I met her."


    Hu: "Were you able to break her illusion."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No it was very strong, only because of my teacher that I was able to see beyond the illusion."


    Hu nodded at that as she spoke, "Yes her illusion tends to be exceptionally strong, and if you cannot see past it by yourself you cannot trade with her."


    Ryuu nodded at that before he spoke with conviction, "One day I will surely be strong enough to do so."


    Hu: "Well then all the best to you Junior Ryuu.", before she gave attention towards others as she spoke, "Well what are you waiting for let us leave it is getting late."


    With the group made their way while they were moving all of them had a small talk with Ryuu as he spoke trying to learn about the youngest and weakest member of the group as much as possible.


    After a few minutes of speaking Ryuu was very cautious of them, as some of their questions was too ''troublesome'' for him as if they were trying to fish out information about Ayindril.


    Ismene: "Ryuu if I may ask but the experience you recalled during the meeting must be very horrifying for you?"


    At that many amongst them paid attention to their talk as Zywia spoke, "If I may ask what kind of experience that required attention during the meeting?"


    Ismene: "It seems that junior brother here had a run in with some very dangerous foes from Preta Lok."


    Leszek frowned at that as he spoke, "How did they arrive in our realm?"


    Cezary: "Well I think your teacher will inform you about this the matter is tad bit serious we might be shipped to the front."


    This caused others who were not present to pay even more attention at that, as Ryuu answered Ismene, "It was horrifying for me, it was due to my luck that I managed to survive, the wounds I received from them was life threatening. But I will try to learn from the experience and next time I would try to perform much better when facing such foes."


    Cezary: "Well it seems we have arrived."


    What greeted them was a gigantic building with the most flamboyant and bold architectural designs, many people were standing nearby trying to get in but were being stopped by the guards as they neared Leszek produced a card upon glancing at that the guards bowed at them as they entered the place, Ryuu looked at the name of the place as he raised his eyebrow at the name, ''Blessed Hell''.


    As he entered he was greeted by people from all races, sexes and ages gathered their drinking laughing as some were dancing at the loud music blaring at that place as Ryuu looked around curiously he had half a mind to march out from that place, the loud sounds and smell of alcohol was too much for him but he did not wish to insult his new friends, where as Shamiran hiding inside his shadows was shaking with rage to the point had so half a mind to smack the so called friends of Ryuu for bringing Ryuu to such a place as this.


    Much to his relief the group went to a private room as they took seats as they ordered various food items one by one until it was Ryuu''s turn, the waitress was dressed in a short revealing dress causing him to frown, he knew why they were dressed as such but that does not mean he had to like it, if it was worn as a fashion statement it would have been different but seeing the woman was using it for different purpose made him frown as he felt it to be degrading.


    Ryuu: "Well do you have anything non-alcoholic?"


    Hearing him say that the others turned towards him as Zywia spoke with a mocking look on her face, "Non-alcoholic, what are you an 18 year old child.", as some of them laughed at her joke.


    Ryuu smiled at that as he spoke, "Well I am not 18 but I am 15 year old."


    At that the other had a dumbstruck expression on their faces including the waitress as one of them spoke, "Seriously you are 15 years old."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Yes I am, you can confirm from my masters if you do not believe me."


    At that the others sighed feeling a headache as they have invited a young teenager who from the looks of it was a bit sheltered when it came to places such as this, they just hoped it did not escalate into something even more troublesome, while Cezary tried to hide his embarrassment as it seemed that he had forgotten that particular tidbit of information.

 239 Eden

    Ryuu sighed as he sipped on a glass full of juice, as the others were doing the same but their glass had alcohol in them he was already regretting coming to this place, ''What kind of fun is there to spend time getting drunk I will never understand although the food is good, but not as heavenly as the food I got to eat during the banquet, ah if only I could get some of that.''


    Ismene turned towards Ryuu as she spoke, "So what kind of training are you going through in order to succeed Senior Antariskh?"


    Ryuu was taken aback by that, ''What does she mean by that? What am I succeeding?'', he coughed as he calmed his expression as he spoke, "Well Big sis..err Senior Antariskh has very busy schedule as such she has very less time to train me as such most of the time my teachers are the one who are training me, with Senior Antariskh helping in between from time to time.", while inwardly it was a different matter, ''I see so that was her angle, instead of attacking me like her junior sister she is fishing for information, clever and those other senior are surely helping her as well directly or indirectly, tch, I really shouldn''t have arrived here.''


    Ryuu as such decided to gamble, "So who amongst you are heir as well?"


    Ismene spoke curiously at that as she spoke, "Well all of us who were present at the meeting are, and should you not be aware of such information Ryuu?"


    Ryuu: "I am really sorry senior but there were so many seniors present and I know only a handful of them as such I was unaware of who amongst you all were present."


    Rudie: "So Ryuu what do you wish to join the Immortal Phoenix Army?"


    Ryuu: "As much as I want to I believe I still lack in strength as such even if I would love to I think it will be detrimental to both the army and me."


    Cezary nodded at that as he spoke, "You are much more intelligent than I was, when I had reached Golden Immortal level I ran away from home to join the army thinking about glory and what not but I really opened my eyes, no matter what one says that place even breaks people from the strongest of people driving them insane as such Ryuu the more you wait before going there the better it is."


    At that the mood plummeted amongst them as Zywia spoke, "From what I have heard, you all will be going back to the front lines."


    Cezary gave a tired sigh as he spoke, "Yes, it is troublesome but let us not discuss about such morbid things, let us move on from it."


    As such they changed the topic going completely as Ryuu started feeling completely like a third leg, all of sudden his attention was drawn by Cezary who spoke in a scolding tone, "Absolutely not Zywia , I forbid it."


    Zywia gave an irritating glare as he spoke, "Oh and who is going to stop it, you? I have been preparing for the ''Hidden Space'' for so many decades and now you are telling me I will not try to explore it, how dare you?", with that she slowly started to leak her cultivation aura.


    As Ryuu cleared his throat bringing everyone attention to him, "Excuse me but what is this place you are speaking about?"


    Hearing him speaking the siblings quickly withdrew their aura, after all it would not look good if they accidently harmed Ryuu.


    Rasime: "They are talking about ''Eden'', a hidden space like no other."


    Ryuu looked confused at that as he spoke, "''Eden'', I have never heard of it."


    Ismene spoke mockingly, "What is this you are disciple of ��"


    Only to be stopped by Hu Ruogang, "Please sister he is only a Void Immortal level cultivator and it would be a long time before he can safely enter as such I can safely say his masters did not find it necessary to inform him about something he would most likely never see until millennia later."


    Zywia: "Brother Ryuu, ''Eden'' is a hidden space, that opens every 12 thousand years, no one knows who created it and why, but it is a Utopia for cultivators."


    Cezary snorted at that as he spoke, "Yeah Utopia, if you mean by overlooking the death of about 95% of the cultivators who venture into it then yes a Utopia indeed."


    Leszek smiled as he spoke, "Hidden space has items that are cultivators'' wet dream, various exotic plants, herbs, animals and what not, each and everything that is required for cultivators to grow are found there, in huge quantities, anyone who ventures in there and safely returned is guaranteed to have an increase in their cultivation by leaps and bounds."


    Ryuu frowned at that as he spoke, "The place seems too good to be true there must be some conditions attached to it."


    Rudie looked pleased at Ryuu''s query as he spoke, "You have a nice head Ryuu, the condition is that only those below Celestial may enter, and by below it means that even normal mortals can enter but the enemies inside it are dangerous even to Peak Mystic Immortal Emperors so what chance do others lower than them have."


    Ryuu was now interested at that as he spoke, "So when will the place open again?"


    Zywia spoke with a big smile, "About 60 years from now on, the entrance of the hidden space appears every 12,000 years at random places and now it is time for it again, soon enough there will be disturbance in the vicinity of its arrival and we will know about its exact location, no one has been able to figure out the exact location of the hidden space yet but soon it will call us to it through creating massive space quakes and electromagnetic storms."


    Ryuu absorbed it with eyes wide as he spoke, "So there must be map of that place right."


    Cezary shook his head as he spoke, "It is not possible to map the place, and every time it opens the inside is always changes, along with the trials you have to undergo inside it."


    Hu Ruogang: "I had visited that place along with a group of friends once, it has multiple areas inside it but if you want to move from one area to another you have to fulfill some requirement such as killing some exceptionally strong being, no one knows how many areas are there but the record for maximum area visited is 10 in fact during my time I only managed to visit 4, the fifth are my friends went in each one peak level Mystic Immortal Emperors they had formed a group of 20, yet only one survived. I do know what happened but it drove everyone insane as they killed each other off, even the survivor was a raving lunatic at the end of the day."


    Ismene gave a faraway look as she spoke, "I had a distant cousin who was like my own brother he tried to cheat the place, he was half way to the Celestial realm, he was very strong yet he fell before my eyes at the third floor, because of some people became jealous and greedy. The place is very dangerous not because of the traps or denizens present inside it but because of our fellow competitors not to mention the people of other realms."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen at that as he spoke, "What do you mean by other realms?"


    Cezary, "That place is a link between every realm that once made the great realm of Pangea, as such beings from various realms more often than not wonder in it. Some are dangerous enough to kill us whereas some are weak enough to die because of our presence alone."


    Ryuu had stars shining in his eyes as he thought, ''How cool that place is people from other realms I wonder what kind of beings will there be.'' conveniently forgetting how he nearly died by the hands of some ''cool beings'' from another realm.

 240 Heir

    Ryuu was meditating recalling the events in his mind as well as trying to clear his head, the trip was although he would have preferred a better venue he managed to learn a lot of things, some of which he wanted to confirm with his teachers but unfortunately they were not present at the present moment, as such he decided to meditate while waiting for their arrival.


    Almost an hour later, Ryuu''s teachers had finally arrived as they stepped into their temporary home they were greeted by both Sylvana and Shamiran as they spoke with a smile, "Welcome back."


    Maheswara smiled as he spoke, "So how did his outing go."


    Shamiran sighed as he spoke nervously, "Well his group had visited a ''night club'', where youngsters nowadays go to dance and drink and merrymaking, although they were in a private booth."


    Sylvana picked up where her sister had left off, "Well except him everyone was consuming alcohol."


    Nuwa frowned as she spoke, "We hope he did not have any problem with them."


    Shamiran: "Well not much except one of them turned out to be Megara''s student, and she was at mid Celestial Level not only that during the entire time she was trying to fish as much information from Ryuu as possible using various ways although mainly using the curiosity among others against him, but Ryuu tactfully avoided giving out any information, I am really proud of him."


    Veena: "I see, well seems like he had finished his meditation and is now arriving."


    No sooner did she finished speaking that Ryuu arrived after being informed by the maids, as he approached them with a wide smile as he greeted them, "Welcome back Teachers."


    Celestia spoke with a smile, "So child did you enjoy yourself."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Well somewhat, but I learned a lot from them."


    Now that garnered him undivided attention of his masters, as Nuwa spoke, "What did you learn child?"


    Ryuu then spoke about the whole ordeal as they went to seat on the sofa, "Master there is a special hidden space I heard about, I want to explore.", his eyes shining with determination.


    This made them curious except his sisters who knew where it was going and somehow suppressed a grown as Maheswara spoke, "Oh really what kind of hidden space child."


    Ryuu''s smile got bigger as he spoke, "Well they were talking about a hidden space by the name of ''Eden''."


    Veena: "Oh you are speaking about that place, well currently you are too weak to even think about such a place."


    Ryuu: "But I want to one day enter it."


    Veena: "That one day will come after a very very long time, you should currently focus on recent things, but remember this Ryuu the only way you will be allowed to enter the hidden space is if your strength satisfies us."


    Shamiran nodded at that as she spoke, "Well if you lack the strength then we will not allow you to venture into the hidden place remember that Ryuu."


    Celestia snorted at that as she whispered lowly, "It was so long ago that my memory is a bit fuzzy but I think I remember that a certain group of naughty children had run away to have an adventure of a lifetime."


    Both Shamiran and Sylvana blushed a little bit before they composes themselves, Ryuu who did not pay much attention to the entire thing suddenly had an epiphany as he spoke, "Well if I go inside when I am at the peak of Mystic Immortal realm it would be nice."


    Nuwa shook her head as she spoke, "Well if you go inside at the peak of your realm there is a chance you can accidently step into Celestial realm as such dying there."


    Ryuu was confused as he spoke, "What do you mean by dying?"


    Nuwa sighed as she spoke seriously, "Well you see if you ascend to Celestial realm while inside that hidden space you will die immediately."


    Ryuu gulped at that as Maheswara spoke, "Ryuu forget about the hidden space you have lots of things to do like a ''tribulation'', you should prepare for that and as for the strength required to deal with to qualify for the hidden space well you are far off from it."


    Ryuu suddenly remembered something as he spoke with a frown, "Oh there was something I remembered just now, some of those seniors who were saying that I was some form of heir or something like that."


    Maheswara looked confused before his eyes widen in realization before he glance towards his daughters as he spoke, "Did Antariskh say anything about this?"


    Sylvana spoke with a smile, "Yes father she is currently planning to retire after passing on the throne to Ryuu."


    Ryuu blanched at that as he suddenly stood up protesting vehemently, "Wah wah wait a minute I never agreed to this, plus it is something from your family, if anyone should receive the honor he/she should be your future children not me."


    Shamiran frowned as she spoke, "What is wrong with the fact that you are being chosen to be the heir?"


    Ryuu: "It is your family business as such I ��."


    Sylvana: "Wow stop that thought, you are my parents'' student and we see you as our brother in a way you are our family not only that we do not have any intention to have children as such if we are to die than Shangri-la would be left without any leader and the financial Empire created by the blood sweat and tears of our parents will be ruined."


    Ryuu looked uncomfortable at that as he tried to protest only to be stopped by Veena, "Listen everyone we can discuss who is going to be heir and what not but for not there is no immediate need to argue over it, even if Ryuu becomes the heir it will be a long long time before he is ready to take the throne."


    Shamiran spoke with a smile, "I know mother that is why I believe you should leave the matter of training to become a worthy heir to us."


    Veena sighed as she spoke, "We will speak about it later dear, Ryuu should focus on preparing for tribulation not other things and as for becoming the heir he should spend some time thinking about it, there is no need to rush there is lots of time for him, right Ryuu", she finished while giving Ryuu a kind smile at which he just nodded dumbly at that.


    A horrible image appeared in his mind as he sweated thinking about the horrible paperwork has to face if he ever took the job, causing the others to silently snicker at that as Nuwa decided to save him from crisis as she spoke, "Ryuu, we have a target for you, we want you to reach 7th rank Void Immortal level within the time left for us here."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen as he spoke, "But 2nd mistress there is only a couple of days left."


    Nuwa shrugged as she spoke, "Then you better start woking."


    Ryuu ran fast to his room as he sat down in a meditative pose trying to increase his rank, while Nuwa turned towards her daughters as she spoke, "Well now Shamiran tell us what he missed to tell and who else was there as well as what was said by them.

 241 Ancilla

    Ryuu huffed as he stood up from his meditation he had just reached the 7th rank completing the task set by his teacher not only that it was also a few hours till their departure, he sighed as he went straight to the washroom to wash himself before informing his masters and finally having something to eat oh how he missed all those delicacies he was not able to devour.


    Nuwa glanced towards Ryuu''s room as a small smile graced her face as Veena spoke from her side as she sipped her tea, "Well seems like he has already recovered a part of his strength."


    Nuwa sighed as she spoke, "Yes but at the same time it will bring him closer to his tribulations, we feel scared about it."


    Veena sighed as she spoke, "So am I, but I believe he will pass, did our beloved state where his tribulation will take place."


    Nuwa nodded at that as she spoke, "Yes he did. According to him he has found the perfect place for the tribulation and has already instructed the army to begin preparations so that as soon as they are ordered, they will remove every living being within ten thousand miles with extreme prejudice."


    Veena nodded as she spoke, "So there are living creatures within that area."


    Nuwa: "Well the place is mainly a wasteland although a couple of creatures live there, but nothing of importance and the nearest sentient settlement is 20 thousand miles away at the very least."


    Celestia: "Well I am looking forward to his tribulation I hope he puts up a good show, but Nuwa did you hear Ancilla is here."


    Nuwa looked surprised at that as she spoke, "Really, we have not seen her for ages, and we hope we can meet her today before leaving at the very least."


    Veena hummed in thought as she stared towards Ryuu''s direction as she spoke, "Well I wonder what her ability will say about Ryuu."


    A few minutes later Ryuu was searching for his teachers, when he at last came across them as he spoke with a smile, "Teachers I have finished ascending to 7th Rank of Void Immortal Realm."


    Veena smiled back at him as she spoke, "Well since you have performed so greatly I think we should reward you, so Ryuu get ready I think there are some food out there that has your name written on it."


    Ryuu was in cloud none on hearing about that, before he noticed the absence of his master and the remaining sisters, "1st Mistress where is master and older sisters?"


    Veena: "Well they are busy with their friends as such they will join us later, well let us leave Ryuu."


    A few minutes later Ryuu was standing in front of lots of delicious food their heavenly aroma was making him almost drool but unfortunately it was still out of his reach as his masters were busy speaking with others.


    "Sister Ancilla it has been a while.", Nuwa stepped forward as she spoke with a smile as she hugged her, which was briefly returned by her, as her eyes were filled up with tears.


    Ryuu looked the entire exchange with curiosity evident in his eyes, ''Who is this lady, my teacher is calm and collected to bring so much emotions from her, just who is she?''


    Ancilla spoke with a smile as she released Nuwa from her hug, "Yes it has been a while Sister, how have you been?"


    They spoke for a few minutes before Nuwa turned towards Ryuu beckoning him to be near her as she introduced him to her, "Sister this is Ryuu, our disciple and Ryuu she is our Sister Disciple."


    Ryuu bowed as he clasped his hand bowing in front of her as he spoke, "This Junior greets Senior."


    Ancilla simply smiled as she spoke,"You have a polite disciple sister.", as she gave a small squeeze to Nuwa''s shoulder as she turned towards him as she spoke, "May the Heaven''s be always by your side, child."


    Ryuu smiled at her before his eyes widen a little seeing her pupil no she did not have any pupil her eyes were purple in color and few small lights twinkling on them.


    Ancilla smiled at him as he spoke, "Please child you are my sister''s disciple please call me Aunty."


    The group then went and finally to Ryuu''s relief finally they especially him was able to feast on the food as Ancilla was speaking with Nuwa on various topics some on them about Ryuu, she suddenly turned towards Ryuu who had taken a seat by her side as she spoke, "Ryuu, what would you do if someone offers you tell you about your future."


    Ryuu who was busy eating replied with a shrug at Ancilla''s question, "Nothing I do not wish to know."


    Ancilla: "Why?"


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "Would it not be boring if I knew everything from before."


    Ancilla giggled at that as she spoke, "Sister you really have an interesting disciple."


    Nuwa had a small smile at her face at that as she whispered to her, "Will you?"


    Ancilla smiled as she spoke, "How can I see no to my youngest sister I will try my best."


    Ancilla simply looked as if she ruffled Ryuu''s hair but in fact her eyes glowed briefly as her bows frowned as she whispered back in seriously to Nuwa, "Sister speak to me later, your family may be present but there is no need for Ryuu to hear this."


    A few hours later Ryuu was busy with another task as the hour of their departure drew closer while his teachers along with his older sisters were busy entertaining their guests who happened to be Ancilla.


    Ancilla smiled as she spoke, "It has been a while brother Maheswara."


    Maheswara nodded at that as he spoke, "It really has been a while Sister, how have you been?"


    Ancilla smiled as she replied, "I have been fine brother, but where is Antariskh?"


    Maheswara sighed as he spoke, "She did something stupid as such we ordered her to stay away from Ryuu."


    Ancilla nodded but before she could speak she was interrupted by Nuwa, "Sister before everything what did you see in Ryuu''s future."


    Ancilla frowned as she spoke, "My ability lets me to see the future of a person mostly the most definitive route but Ryuu''s future is constantly changing there is no definitive point in that to be frank I have never witnesses someone''s future to be so chaotic. It seemed as if I was watching the future of several different person at the same time as such I was unable to read his future but one think they all had in common."


    Celestia spoke with a frown, "What is that Sister?", she might have somewhat ability to foretell someone''s future because of but it pales in comparison to that of Ancilla as hers is more like a foresight on what will happen to her, but Ancilla can accurately foretell others as such she spends most of her time in seclusion as she hates people who pesters her for her ability, Ryuu since he declined it was the only reason she is foretelling his future.


    Ancilla sighed as she spoke, "I was able to witness a little bit when all of a sudden it became chaotic, but all of them again converged at a single point, something very terrible is happening will happen to him."


    Shamiran growled as she spoke, "Aunty, please tell us we will remove any obstacle in his path."


    Ancilla sighed as she spoke, "I wish I could discern the person''s identity but unfortunately I failed to do so but I know that the person is a female, someone Ryuu cared for, trusted with his life, but that person betrayed him and stabbed him in the back literally, most if not all of his future ends there meaning his death only a handful went passed that event, even less where he recovers but then again it becomes to chaotic for me to discern."


    The group sighed heavily at that as their mind thrown into chaos specially Sylvana, ''No not another, I was the reason behind Pangu''s death, using me our enemies harmed him and what if I once again ��.''


    Veena quickly placed a hand on her shoulder calming a nearly hyper venting Sylvana, Ancilla left after a few hours with promise of her visiting them again at Ayindril in the near future as she left the group fell into silence as Maheswara spoke somberly, "We are leaving within a few hours so remove those ominous thoughts from your heads I do not wish anyone outside the room except Antariskh to hear about this, when we reach home we will discuss about it later and Shamiran summon her back."


    The others nodded their mind in chaos at everything they had heard.

 242 ?????????? Part-1

    Ryuu sighed as he sat on the banks of a pond watching the fish playing as he lazily dipped his legs inside it and sometimes even threw small pieces of fish food into the pond, this place had always managed to not only make him relax but it also enabled him spend some time to ponder as well as. It had been a few months since he had arrived from the banquet then a couple of days later he had witnessed the arrival of his eldest sister, she seemed to be in a bit of hurry and as such did not even acknowledge him, then a few moments later the ground shook as he felt a suffocating aura before it disappeared completely he knew what had caused it, he knew it was the aftermath of his eldest sister''s anger and before long she had visited him as she gave him a bone crushing hug after which they spend the entire day together just like they did when he was young.


    After the sudden outburst from his sister that Ryuu knew that something was wrong, from all the time he had spend with them he knew amongst all his sisters Antariskh was always the blunt one, if she did not like something she will straight out say it, as such a worried Ryuu had tried to pry from his masters the reason of her outburst but they skirted away from his questions stating it was something related to business which had made her angry, Ryuu knew if his masters did not want to say anything they will not say it no matter how much he pleads, well accept his 3rd mistress who would relish the sight of him pleading, not only that but he did not have the right as such he had to satiate his curiosity by whatever his masters fed him.


    Among all the events the one that stood out the most was the fact that he had finally managed to reach Peak Level Void Immortal level, or in other words he was finally a rank 13th Void Immortal level cultivator a bit different from others since unlike him their peak was at rank 9th Void Immortal Level, and he had finally reached the summit just yesterday a couple of weeks sigh of the day of his birth. As he fed the fishes he spoke to himself in a whisper his voice having a touch of sadness in them, "Mom will you be proud of me?"


    "Ah there you are brother, what are you doing?", a voice came from behind him causing him to turn as he smiled at the newcomer while he spoke, "Nothing Big sister I was simply feeding the fish."


    Shamiran simply sat by his side in silence for a few minutes as she spoke, "Your mother would have been filled with pride if she had seen you now."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen at that as Shamiran kept speaking, "You know sometimes I envy you."


    Ryuu frowned at that as he spoke, "Envy me?"


    Shamiran nodded as she spoke while staring towards the pond, "Yes I envy you Ryuu, your teachers are not my birth parents."


    Ryuu: "What? What do you mean by that?"


    Shamiran gave a melancholic smiled as she spoke, "My parents I do not remember much about them at all, as I was so young when they were murdered, even my siblings but fortunately for me your masters were friends with my birthparents they were able to save me, then adopted me as their children and raised me, made me what I am, I always thought them to be my birthparents but when I learned the truth I had asked them the same question as you were asking yourself, ''Will my parents be proud with me.'' Do you know what they said?"


    Ryuu shook his head, as Shamiran continued speaking, "No matter what happens, a parent who loved their children no matter what, is always proud of them."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen at that as he gave a small smile as he spoke, "Thank you big sister."


    Shamiran simply leaned and rested her head on his shoulder as she spoke, "I know you feel yourself responsible for your mother and your aunt''s death, but one day when you will have a family of your own you will understand the reason about why they did, what they did, after all a person may possess a treasure so precious that they are willing to fight the entire world just for the sake of their treasure, no matter the challenge or hardship they willdo so with a smile on their face, even give up their own life for their precious treasure, and you Ryuu are your mother and your aunt''s greatest treasure, someone for whom she would die a million times with a smile on their face, because they loved you with everything they had. We may not be able to compete with your mother nor do we wish to do so but I, our sisters and even our parents to all of us you are our invaluable treasure, you are our family as such no matter what happens we will be always by your side, even if the whole world becomes your enemy we will be by your side, that is something that I, Shamiran, your big sister''s promise."


    Ryuu was stunned hearing her confession before he simply hugged her as he spoke, "Thank you, thank you", over and over again as Shamiran felt her shoulder getting wet she simply returned the hug as she slowly patted his back. What she said was meant for her more than Ryuu, the thought that one of them betrayed Ryuu just like Pangu sickened her, even her mothers were shaken by it.


    Normally the daily affair of Ryuu''s life nowadays usually ended with the whole ''family'' dinner, even if his teachers and older sisters could survive eons with no food and water but they found it no need to do so as why waste energy in some frivolous activities, also it was a fun for the whole family to be gather together like, a gathering where they all spoke on various matters ranging from stories to battle experience to techniques which Ryuu usually soaked like a sponge trying to learn from others'' experience but today was slightly different as it was more of a celebratory feast for Ryuu reaching the peak of Void Immortal level.


    As they finished they had nearly finished with their dinner, Ryuu spoke, "So teacher how will I know when my tribulation is."


    Maheswara: "Well you will know such thing automatically, the phenomenon is called the ''Herald of the Heavens'', as you would instinctively know the date, the time even down to the last second when your tribulation would start."


    Ryuu nodded at that as Veena spoke, "Do not worry child we have already prepared an area for your tribulation."


    Ryuu graced her with a small smile, as they spoke on various topics Sylvana was retelling a story from her young days, "��.and so the man left the place dressed like a clown, and as he walked with each stepped the sound of a duck quacking came."


    Ryuu laughed at that as tears appeared in his eyes as he whizzed trying to breath, he really liked this atmosphere around it and wished for it to never to change when all of a sudden he went ramrod as his eyes glazed, the people around him had their undivided attention as they watched him with their breath held, after a few seconds which seemed like a eternity, Ryuu spoke with disbelief, "My Tribulation is three days from now."


    Maheswara let out a small curse as he spoke, "Do not worry child the preparations are complete we will leave today during the evening for that place.", before he turned towards his wives as he spoke, "Love prepare and check every necessary items required, till then I along with Antariskh will do some inspection at the sight and wait for your arrival."


    With that the duo left as Ryuu spoke with a frown, "So soon, will I be ready for it, I just reached the peak of the realm yesterday late night."


    Nuwa gave a motherly smile as she spoke, "Do not worry child, we have been preparing you for this since the first time you started cultivating under us, as such we have complete trust that you will pass the entire thing with a smile."


    Veena: "We may not be able to help you directly but that does not mean we will not prepare something to aide you during your tribulation."


    Celestia: "Do not be nervous child after all a couple of days later we will be celebrating your ascension to Immortality."


    Even his remaining sisters gave him an encouraging and reassuring smile at that.

 243 Tribulation Part-2

    It had been a whole day since Ryuu had arrived, after choosing a place he had began placing various Arrays under Nuwa''s watchful eyes, normally she would have helped him, she wanted to but it was a test for Ryuu not only that she wanted to limit the contact with him as much as possible, his armor and weapons were already provided by Maheswara, as such both her and Veena were making sure to decrease their help as much as possible but unfortunately if they intervened too much the chances of Ryuu failing would increase greatly as such both Nuwa and Veena made sure to make Ryuu create them by his own hands.


    Ryuu huffed as he stood up from his kneeling position as he spoke, "So 2nd Mistress is the Array alright?"


    Nuwa looked at those arrays intently before he spoke, "hmm they will work Ryuu, but remember this during the thunder tribulation, no matter what you use anything that is created by KI will deteriorate, fast even your armor and weapons are not above it.", she sighed as she spoke, "We wish we could help you more child, but the more help we directly give you the more chances of your failure would rise."


    Ryuu nodded at that as they made their way to their temporary place of residence, his worry all but faded away as the delicious smell of food hit his nostrils causing him to drool, ''Yum, delicious.''


    Milena who had dragged Neacht along with her to visit Ayindril, and fortunately they had stumbled upon them before they had left, but upon hearing about Ryuu''s tribulation insisted on joining them, was currently snickering at seeing Ryuu''s expression as she whispered to Celestia who was near her, "Aunty, you know it is very easy to kidnap him, just show him something delicious and he would follow you."


    Celestia snorted as she spoke, "Yup should have seen the shenanigans we had to deal with when he was even younger."


    The rest of the time they spend by trying to lower the tension by joking and gossiping and mostly by trying to encourage Ryuu.


    On the day of the tribulation Ryuu was sitting on top of his prayer mat, with his prayer bead on his left hand he gulped hard he was nervous as he sat with bloodshot eyes all those stories about tribulation he had heard from Celestia had caused him to stay awake last night, but more importantly he was bored he did not like meditating too much, not only that everyone had retreated at least 10,000 Km, forming a circle with him at the center. The circle guarding Ryuu made by his masters, sisters and the soldiers of Ayindril was so tight that even an ant would not pass.


    It was around noon when the sky suddenly started darkening, it looked as if someone had covered the entire sky plunging the world into darkness, within a few seconds the cloud had spread and managed cover over 15000 Km, the clouds rumbled hard making Ryuu nervous, he took a deep breath and a couple of slaps on his cheeks later he was ready for his tribulation, as his eyes burned with determination.


    The cloud kept on rumbling when suddenly the earth shook as fire leaped out from the cracks on the ground, suddenly consuming him, Ryuu quickly closed his eyes as he used the Dao of Fire to control the towering inferno, only for the Dao to betray him, no matter how he tried the fire was not responding to him, ''So that was what my teacher meant by Dao being useless during Tribulations until you have reached almost the highest level of understanding.''


    Meanwhile Maheswara cracked a smile at what he saw, "Well seems like someone failed using the Dao to control the flames."


    Neacht frowned as she spoke, "Uncle did you not warn him?"


    Maheswara smiled as he spoke, "Of course I did but I also prefer to let him discover a bit of dangerous situations, although as long as he is not in dangerous situations."


    Neacht frowned but he did not speak anything, after all to many Maheswaramay seemed to be a rather harsh, arrogant and in some cases a careless taskmaster but he surely bore results as all of his children are immensely even amongst the people of the same rank, and in their world sometimes only the result matters.


    The fire raged on coalescing into towering inferno the only source of light in the darkened land, as the inferno raged on a few thousand kilometers from the edge of the tribulation cloud a small city was present the last bastion of civilization before the treacherous wasteland began, the place which is actually a mine for various spirit stones, currently the place wasbuzzing excitement a dark ominous looking cloud was seen to have formed a few thousand kilometers from that place, it not only appeared out of nowhere but from the looks of it the raging storm was nothing if not a tribulation cloud.


    Many factions within the city had already begun gathering their forces, some to invite the person into their household, some to simply make a killing after all who knows what treasure they may get and some just to scavenge and profit from the aftermath.


    First stage burning of impurities, as soon as it finished it seemed as if a dam had burst from the cloud as torrential rain poured from the sky and within a few moments the entire area flooded from water but it was not meager water, to Ryuu it felt as if the he had to returned to his mother''s embrace he could forget about everything and he felt sleepy like those times when he slept in his mother''s lap, only for his senses to return back as he struggled to breath he calmed himself as he circulated his KI inside his body, ''Damn that was close I would have died from drowning.''


    Veena sighed as she spoke, "The cleansing huh, he almost lost in temper but he managed to control himself then this time he almost drowned, I hope the ascension would go well."


    It was an otherworldly feeling for Ryuu, the ''Purification'' caused by towering inferno which ignites wrath in a person which was such in his case, he had sailed across it smoothly he had feared that his enlightenment in the Dao of Asura might cause him a problem but he managed to overcome it easily, then the ''Cleansing'' process, using water to remove the residual ash left by the ''Purification'', a process that shows a glimpse of one''s inner heart desire he passed but it was a little bit difficult than before.


    The flood which was formed disappeared once again in a blink of an eye the scorched earth made of molten ground was not muddy, the clouds on the sky rumbled as a vortex formed on top of his head as he got ready after all the real thing was about to start.


    Meanwhile Milena looked surprised, "What?Where is the test of��", only for her eyes wide in realization as she turned towards Nuwa as she spoke in a whisper, "Aunty how did someone so young have so much Karma?"


    Nuwa just gave her a ghostly faint smile at that.

 244 Tribulation Part-3

    The vortex amongst the cloud swirled as the cloud rumbled, as Maheswara spoke with anxiousness evident in his voice, "So it begins."


    A red colored lightning bolt hit Ryuu, he tensed a bit before he relaxed at that as he thought, ''huh, I was told the lightning tribulation is the toughest even the static charge I can gather by rubbing my hair is greater than this.'', Ryuu waited for the second one waited then after 10 minutes another came down and struck him again as weak as the previous one. ''I was preparing for this, THIS!!!!!!''


    Meanwhile all the senior cultivators watching the tribulation paled specially his teachers and his older sisters as Antariskh whispered lowly, "Mother this is��"


    Veena gritted her teeth as she spoke, "I know I know Ryuu really is unlucky."


    Ryuu was bored already so bored he was filling sleepy, he would have fallen asleep if it were not for the fact that his teachers would tan his hide for not taking it seriously, by now he had already suffered the 20th strike already nothing had changed they were not only week but also had immense amount of time between each up he would die of boredom, his eyes started to drop as he felt sleepy only to be jolted awake by someone''s shout, "RYUU BE VIGILANT!!!!!!!"


    Ryuu sat ramrod at as the anger filled voice of Maheswara came to his ear just in time to be hit by a blue lightning causing his entire body to become numb, ''eh it was much stronger than before'', suddenly with a couple of seconds another rained down. ''huh it had become faster and did the strength increase'' before long the lightning had an indigo tint as it caused Ryuu to feel as if he was hit by a hammer as he felt pain.


    Ryuu was totally confused at that, ''Huh what is happening?'', only for his memory to shift back to one of the lectures his 3rd mistress had given him a few days prior to his tribulation.


    Flashback a few days ago,


    Celestia: "Listen Ryuu normally a lightning tribulation occurs it is generally divided into three types,


    a) Stable


    b) Ascending


    c) Random


    Stable as the name suggests it means that the strength and period of it is always constant. This type of tribulation has the least strength in its bolts and as such is the most desired one.


    Random is the type that has the strength of its bolt random meaning one of them might be strong then the next ones will be weaker than stronger again, the time interval between each bolt strike is also random, as such generally cultivators do not prefer it because of its unpredictability.


    And lastly there is ascending, normally it starts with the lowest bolt strength and gradually increases in strength most people tend avoid it specially those who have to suffer a large number of bolts during tribulations as the bolts towards the end has the highest amount of damage. But amongst this type there is another called ''Exponential type'', it starts with incredibly weak bolts and large gap between each, people tend to be frustrated because of it as well as let their guard loose, when all of a sudden a sharp increase in strength followed by a sharp decrease interval to the point a 4 or 5 lightning bolt strikes per second. It is highly dangerous to the point less than a percent might survive, I hope you are lucky enough not to face it Ryuu, even after everything the chances of your survival are very low lower than 20 percent. "


    Ryuu gulped seeing the no nonsense serious face of Celestia as he spoke, "Teacher how can I discern what type of tribulation I will have."


    Celestia shrugged as she spoke, "No idea child, in spite of the fact so many have been researching on this matter, no one has been able to find any inkling on this matter. As such I cannot tell you how or why it is different for everyone."


    At present Ryuu gulped at that as he bit back a curse it seems he drew the short stick on this, well there was no use crying over spilled milk now, as such he quickly grabbed every items he needed to survive, including the ''Thunder Serpent Rattan'' as he cut a part of it quickly siphoned the juice from it, holding it in his mouth as well as a few pills which he somehow managed to push inside it his mouth causing his cheeks to bulge comically as the contents of his mouth was threatening to burst out badly. He did not have the luxury to lower his head anymore as it was making it difficult to keep the contents locked inside his mouth, he then activated the array painstakingly created with the help of his teacher, as he sat on a meditative stance with the prayer bead wrapped in his hand.


    He managed to get ready as a flurry lightning bolt rained down on him hard, the array managed to hold on to it, but cracks were appearing already on it, causing Ryuu to frown, the entire thing was happening so fast that the array will not be able to hold for much longer, Ryuu cursed at that ''tch if only the bolts gave a respite the barrier created by the array would have healed'', and as the 69th bolt struck with the sound of glass shattering the barrier collapsed.


    The 70th bolt came towards him as he threw the rattan in his hand as it collided with the bolt, normally this type of rattan usually grows where thunderstorm is more frequent not only that they have the ability to attract and absorb lightning making it ultimate lightning rod, on top of that their juices makes one temporarily immune to lightning, Ryuu''s eyes widen as he watched the lightning bolt disintegrate the rattan , he felt the tingling as the lightning course through his body, normally he would have utilized the ability to attract the lightning but his teachers had told him it was futile, after all no matter what precaution anyone might have the lightning would still hit them but that does not mean that the strength of the lightning could not be decreased, as such he used all the rattan he had almost all of them except one which he kept for the 81st strike.


    Using so many rattans he somehow managed to placate the strength of the next 4 bolts but he still had 7 left, the last seven each more deadly than the previous. Ryuu gritted his teeth he knew he had to fight back with everything he had or else risk complete annihilation. He gritted his teeth as he took out his bow as he fired arrows after arrows but he only managed to lower the strength of two bolts before he exhausted them, 5 more to go.


    Meanwhile a large entourage of people from a certain city was making their way towards the place using various means of transport, when they were almost 10,000 km from Ryuu''s position a soldier dressed in armor suddenly appeared in front of them as he spoke in a gruff voice, "HALT! TURN BACK AND DIE."


    Cultivators tend to be arrogant because of their strength specially those who are born in larger clans and have managed to showcase their talent in front of others thereby gaining special privileges from the clan to them others are mere ants, one of such exceptional person was being stopped by some person dressed in an armor how could Heavensthemselves go against such travesty as such with righteous anger the man stood up as he shouted before anyone could stop him or say something, "HOW DARE YOU SOME NO NAMED PEASANT DARE T��.", he could not complete his tirade astsunami of fire not only engulfed him but also any nearby person within a few kilometers of area reducing them to ash in a blink of an eye, the remaining people who were lucky to be a bit far away simply ran away from this place.


    The soldier snorted with disgust as he spoke, "Typical weakling more bark than bite distracting from witnessing Young Lord''s ascension."

 245 Tribulation Part-4

    The armor was not working properly most of his talismans were gone he had miscalculated, a few of his medicine remained with him, if it were not for the fact that his teachers had forced him to carry so many items he would be long dead and the only thing he could blame is his horrible luck, if it were not for his luck he would have safely sailed through his tribulations.


    He gritted his teeth the 80th bolt had hurt him greatly, his nervous system was not working properly, his body felt numbed as smell of burning skin hit his nose as his mouth had a taste of iron.


    It had been sometime since the 80th bolt descended the sky above his head was churning in an ominous black cloud like a black hole swallowing all the light inside it, he knew the last one would be the most deadly, he looked down as his eyes widen, ''No way the praying mat is not damaged in the slightest'', his eyes widen as an idea formed in his head.


    Ryuu knew his armor was useless if it arrays inscribed by his teachers were on it, it would have been different but it was already been made by his teachers and the more they interfered the more dangerous his tribulation would become after all the more a person tries the tribulation with his own strength the higher the chances of his success would be, but what made Ryuu tensed even more was what kind of bolt the last one would be.


    According to his teacher the last bolt for anyone who had reached the ultimate 9x9 tribulation or in other words anyone who had reached the last the 81st tribulation bolt to things happen, firstly it would be a normal bolt like all its predecessor or it would be a special bolt known as the ''Blessings of Heaven''.


    He knew from his previous experience whatever would come down would be scary, after all the last bolt had caused a 50 meter wide crater with him at the center, even his bones hurt a lot and not to mention his blood which seemed to still boiling.


    As he waited for the bolt to descend his mind wandered to the lecture his 2nd mistress had given him a few weeks ago,


    Nuwa: "Listen Ryuu, you should already know that because of various reasons you will be having a full 9x9 tribulations but remember after suffering so long during the tribulation if you manage to trigger the ''Blessings of Heaven'' then you can say that you have truly succeeded in your tribulation."


    Ryuu spoke in a confused manner, "Why so teacher?"


    Nuwa contemplated a bit before she replied his question, "Well let us take this scenario as an example, a person is very hungry now when he gets to eat, he is given two choices.


    First he is given a small bowl of salad and nothing else, and then the Second option is that he is shown a buffet from which he can eat anything he wants to as much as he wants to,so Ryuu amongst the two choices which one is better?"


    Ryuu: "Obviously the second one."


    Nuwa nodded as she spoke, "Whether it is a human body or any animal no one can utilize their full 100% of their strength be it mortal or martial artists, at best one even with training can at most utilize 10 to 20% of their full potential."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "Teacher, who are this martial artists?"


    Nuwa: "Well for cultivators who were born before the Great Divide, for us anyone who has not reached the Immortal stage is not worthy of being called a cultivator for us they are simply ''Martial Artist'', although anyone nowadays who had manage to use KI is called a cultivator but such was not the case long ago as such remember Ryuu only after you have become immortal would you have finally stepped into the true world of Cultivation. Now enough of this let us return to the topic we were discussion. Let us say the person who was chosen the buffet cannot eat too much, will his chances of finishing all the food be greater compared to someone who has a much larger appetite to the point that he could eat the whole buffet easily?"


    Ryuu: "Of course not the person with the largest appetite will always best the one with the lowest."


    Nuwa nodded as she spoke, "Exactly, the process of tribulation forges one''s body to withstand their full strength, their full potential and the ''Blessings of Heaven'' enables one to wield the full potential, although there are other changes which you will learn eventually."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "So if I do not receive the blessing I will never be able to utilize my full potential?"


    Nuwa: "Well like the person who could not eat the whole buffet at that time, but if he trains hard he would one day be able to, similar will be your case if you failed to gain the blessings no harm done you will have to train harder much harder from then on to catch up with those who would have received it."


    Nuwa watched with her breath held as she waited for the 81st bolt to appear, what she did not tell Ryuu that the name ''Sons and Daughters of Heaven'' was created for those who received the ''Blessing'' and no matter what an ordinary cultivator may do he or she will never be able to become their equal, she did not wish to burden Ryuu by stating it although she wished it for Ryuu to receive the ''Blessing'', but at the end of the day as long as Ryuu was able to surpass the tribulation it was enough for her. Her heart leaped out of her throat as she watched Ryuu cough out blood indicating internal injuries, it was become too much for her to witness.


    The sky rumbled as it got ready to unleash the final bolt upon Ryuu, who was ready the juice of the Rattan along with various medicinal pills already stuffed in his mouth, hundreds of talismans floated around him whether they be for attack or defense it did not matter he will use them, 6 pair of long daggers floated by his side, as the prayer mat was on his right leg already, Ryuu tehntook a deep breath as he for the first time during the course of the tribulation had unleashed his Divine body to the maximum strength he could use.


    The with a rumble it appeared, ''Golden Colored Lightning Bolt'', who would call such a thing as such to Ryuu''s eyes it looked as if a dragon made up of liquid gold descended from heaven with intense fury trying to annihilate everything in its path.


    The talismans formed a cone with the tip being pointed towards the lightning preparing to skewer it, various attacks began trying to decrease the intensity of the lightning, but it was all for naught, it did nothing the barrier some of them so strong even Peak Immortal Level opponents would fail to break them, yet it was torn like paper, his daggers also failed as they were thrown no slapped away like an ant by the lightning.


    Ryuu unleashed his sword attack which was fueled by the Grand Dao of Sword as well as his Divine Body, yet it only was able to slow down the descend only for a few precious moments, and it was enough for him, Ryuu suddenly sat in a meditative pose as he wrapped the Praying mat covering himself as the last line of defense just in time for the bolt to hit him.


    Meanwhile amongst those in the audience many were elated by the appearance of the bolt, especially for his teachers but it was quickly dashed seeing the intensity of it, it was too strong for Ryuu they knew it, even after they minimized their help it seemed as if the Heavens judged him too harshly.


    Neacht and Milena had already closed their eyes as they sighed with sadness, it seemed that it was all over for him, for the legacy of Pangu.


    His teachers were deathly quiet as Sylvana and Shamiran had tears already forming in their eyes, while Antariksh had her head lowered as the time spend with Ryuu went through her head it was so unfair, ''why why was the last bolt was so dangerous, why?'', she had no answer to her question the last bolt had caught everyone of guard it had the intensity of all the previous 80 bolts combined into one and much more and she knew the price of failure her baby brother Ryuu would cease to exist.


    The earth shaking roar of thunder continued for more than a few seconds before it subsided, a few kilometers long crater was formed as the ground looked as if it had not only melted but a even vaporized from the strike, the cloud cleared soon after leaving behind the signs of destruction with a charred shaped object at the middle of it, Nuwa was the first person who dashed towards the charred object, her eyes swimming with tears.

 246 Tribulation Part-5

    Nuwa dashed towards the charred figure fast followed by others, Maheswara eyes looked dull it was the second time he had witness someone close to him die, it was the second time his ''son'' had ceased to exist.


    As they neared Nuwa gasped as she quickly turned the charred mass which turned out to Ryuu wrapped in the prayer mat, they sighed in relief at that it seemed that Ryuu has fainted as Nuwa touched him her calm visage suddenly turned to panic as she spoke, "He is dying, the lightning has shorted his nervous system."


    No sooner did she say that, Sylvana who quickly took out her rapier and stabbed it through Ryuu startling everyone as he was impaled to the ground and before anyone could say anything she send a short lightning burst later she spoke with a sigh, "Done I have grounded him and dispersed the extra lightning mother.", as she once again stored her weapon.


    Veena quickly started working her magic and with a few minutes Ryuu''s life was out of danger, she turned towards Sylvana as she spoke with a smile, "That was incredible quick thinking child, you handled the situation with the easiest and safest possible way, now Ryuu simply needs some rest and he would be as healthy as he was before."


    Neacht frowned as she spoke, "Aunty what had happened?"


    Veena, "Well the excess lightning from the tribulation when it enterd his body it splintered and latched into his nervous system along with various organs in his body which in turn caused his nervous system to go haywire which resulted in his organs to stop working, Sylvana simply grounded Ryuu''s body getting rid of the excess charge, and I just restarted them and made them work properly."


    Nuwa smiled as she spoke, "Well we believe we should start preparing for the feast then.", before she turned towards both Neacht and Milena as she spoke, "We hope you two honor us by being present during the feast."


    Neacht gave a small bow as Milena spoke with a smile, "Of course aunty we would love to attend."


    Unknown to them a figure was watching the entire interaction as one thought passed through the person''s mind, ''Pathetic, so pathetic what kind of disgrace did they raise who would die because of a simple tribulation simply pathetic more so are that child''s teachers, I think I should pay a visit to him hmmm yes, yes I might be able to give him the push needed to reach his full potential.''


    A few hours later the group was back in Ayindril, Ryuu was still asleep with Veena keeping an eye on him, Antarriskh and Shamiran were keeping their guest company, while Nuwa herself was busy preparing the feast whereas Celestia was busy poking and prodding Ryuu''s prayer mat, she did not know why or how but it managed to protect Ryuu and she did not like unknown.


    Ryuu opened his eyes which he closed immediately because of harsh lightning he groaned as he spoke, "Someone please close the windows."


    A voice came from his side, "Apologies child", it followed by sound of drawing of a curtain as the light of the room finally dimmed enough as Ryuu opened his eyes as he glanced at the smiling visage of Veena who simply hugged him as she spoke, "Congratulations child, you are an Immortal from now on as well as finally you have become a true cultivator."


    Ryuu''s widen at that as smile blossomed on his face as he spoke, "I did it, I am finally an Immortal."


    Veena simply tousled his hair as she spoke, "Well since you are awake already let us leave, others are waiting for you and Nuwa has already prepared a feast for you.", she finished while sending a wink towards Ryuu who drooled visibly at what he heard.


    Ryuu simply shook her head as he spoke, "Teacher if you do not mind, but I would like to��.".


    Veena spoke with a smile, "Well then run along child, you should not keep your mother waiting."


    Ryuu gave a grateful smile before he ran towards his mother''s mausoleum where her ashes were kept.


    Veena sighed as she made her way towards where her other children were present.


    Meanwhile Sylvana was speaking with her father, "Child what is wrong?"


    Maheswara: "What is wrong child?"


    Sylvana sighed as she spoke, "Today I stabbed Ryuu without hesitation."


    Maheswara sighed as he spoke, "Sylvana I know but that stab saved his life did it not, I am proud of your quick thinking child, so why are so glum?"


    Sylvana looked down as she spoke, "I stabbed him father without any hesitation, what if I will be one who caused his death what if I am the whom senior mentioned when she told Ryuu''s fortune, I do not know what to do I do not want to be cause of another of my brother''s death."


    Maheswara sighed as he placed his hands on Sylvana''s cheek as he spoke, "Look at me Sylvana, what happened to Pangu was all, everyone of ours fault and what happened to Ryuu has not yet come to pass but I know you will never harm him because you saved his life today before anyone of us could react you did it without any hesitation as such I know you will always protect him but as far as the prophecy goes, well future is always changing and we will change Ryuu''s whoever that person is we will hunt him or her down, now child will you have your brother''s back." Sylvana nodded at that with tears in her eyes as Maheswara simply embraced her comforting her.


    Ryuu stood in front of the mausoleum which held both his mother and aunt''s memorial statue he stood in front of them as he spoke, "Mommy, Aunt Zhu Zhu it has been a while since I spoke to you, and I came here today to give you good news, Mom and Aunty from today onwards your child is an Immortal, I did it I finally managed to reach the Immortal realm 2 months before my 16th day of birth. I hope wherever you are, you would be happy to know about how your child has broken the records set by my teachers children by a good few months, I wish you could watch me today I survived a full set of tribulation and even received the ''Blessings of Heavens''. I would not lie to you it was scary I had barely reached the peak of Void Immortal then within three days and I prevailed and now according to my master I have finally earned the right to be call myself a cultivator. Teacher tells me you two are always watching over me so watch over me a little longer and I will surely one day stand at the top of the cultivation world."


    Ryuu felt his vision to get hazy he touched his face as he found water dripping from them he was crying he hastily wiped it clean, he did not want anyone to think him of as a cry baby he gave a last bow before he left.


    As Ryuu made his way towards his masters'' house he was greeted by Antariskh who spoke, "Ah there you are Ryuu, come on everyone is waiting."


    Ryuu nodded at that as Shamiran spoke with faux angry glare, "I am angry with you Ryuu, how dare you break our record."


    Ryuu showed his maturity by sticking his tongue out at her, as Shamiran spoke, "You good for nothing child come here and I will show why you should never stick your tongue at me."


    Ryuu laughed as he started to run closely followed by Shamiran while Neacht and Milena shrugged at each other before they followed after Shamiran leaving Antariskh alone simply giggling at their antics.

 247 Imperial Spirit Lake

    Joseph sighed as he massaged his temples after working so hard he and his sister have finally stepped into the vaunted Primal Daoist realm just last week, it had send a sensation throughout the city, after all who amongst all of the clans could claim they have twin cultivators who have managed to step into Primal Daoist realm before their 45th Birthday, but then came another problem betrothal contacts for both of them power hungry worthless beings vying for their hands in order to increase their nonexistent pride and prestige.


    He gave of a sigh as he drank wine from the saucer in his hand the chilled liquid descended his throat leaving a slight burn as his tongue tasted a bit bitter.


    "Brother you seem to be a bit frustrated.", came a voice from behind him, as he turned he found the smiling visage of Jaclyn her sister he offered her a drink she nodded as she sat beside her as he spoke "You know very well know why I am frustrated all those betrothal contracts.", he finished with a growl.


    Jaclyn picked up the saucer filled by his brother as she spoke, "Leeches the lots of them, I hate those idiots so much I cannot even step out of the clan compound without anyone vying for my hand, sometimes I wish to simply run away from here."


    Joseph winced as he spoke, "You are right sister, compare to me you also have to worry about our dearest uncle marrying you off for political reasons."


    Jaclyn sighed at that before Joseph spoke with an excited tone, "Hey sis what if we run away for a while, say let us tell everyone we are off exploring some ruins something like that what do you say."


    As Jaclyn pondered on those words she drank from the saucer in her hands before she spoke, "mmm I like it spiced wine my favorite, and brother your proposal is not wrong but where should we go?"


    Joseph shrugged at that as he spoke, "No idea but I think mother and father might help us."


    Jaclyn, "I do not think so, they just left to find our ''baby'' brother once again, ugh it is frustrating running around like that for someone they might never find not to mention he might never even consider them his family."


    Joseph nodded as he spoke, "So true there is also a chance he might be a crook by now and would love to leech off of our family''s fortune."


    Jaclyn chuckled at that before she spoke, "Oh before they left mother and father gave a picture as a reward, something from the vault, look here.", she took out a picture of a woman from her space ring a large portrait of a woman to be exact, "Now watch carefully brother."


    As she moved the picture the face of the person seemed to change as well, once it looked like a stoic face, which then changed to an angry face, which again changed to a happy face, Joseph whistled at that as he spoke to Jaclyn, "It is nice picture but I d��"


    His words stuck in his throat as he looked at wide eyes, "What is this thing where did the lady in the portrait go."


    Jaclyn smirked as she put the portrait back inside her space ring as she spoke, "Well she did not go anywhere, she only appears for a few seconds and if the person watching her starts mediating while focusing their attention on her the picture will stay for more period of time, not only that it also increases a person''s cultivation speed as well as on higher stages of cultivation it also effects the cultivation of the soul of a person."


    Joseph''s eyes widen at that as he spoke with clear admiration in his voice, "Whose portrait is this?"


    Jaclyn, "This portrait is��"


    "Achooo!!! Achooo!!!!!!!", a person wearing fur coat sneezed for the nth time as he moved through a snow covered place.


    "Brother are you alright I hope you have not caught the cold because of cold weather of this place."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "Nope I am fine, infact I am more than fine the fur coat given to be by teacher is super comfortable and pleasantly warm, ahh it is so relaxing."


    Antariskh frowned as she placed her hand on his forehead as she spoke, "Well it seems you really are not sick, for a moment I thought you caught the cold by how much you were sneezing."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "I do not know why but I felt as if a pair of colossal idiots was saying something behind my back, and the sudden urge wished to skewer them was immense."


    Antariskh shrugged as she simply patted his back as they continued on their current flight path, Ryuu looked down as he grimaced at what he saw frozen bodies of people lying around on the ground.


    Shamiran who was flying beside him mused at that as she spoke, "Must have been caught in a blizzard, which caused them to flash freeze."


    Sylvana: "Well look over there another one is coming, it might not even manage to give us the chills but for Ryuu even after all the protection he has on him, it would be a tad bit uncomfortable and we are nearly there so move faster."


    The group moved fast with Ryuu barely managed to keep up with them, as they entered the cave Sylvana used an array to completely seal of the mouth of the cave off, no sooner did she accomplish her task that the blizzard hit full force, she then turned towards Shamiran as she spoke, "Sister it is your turn now."


    Shamiran nodded as Antariskh took out a vial filled with strange liquid which she threw in front of as it let a blue gas to be released from it, as Sylvana raised another barrier in front of them.


    They did not have to wait any longer as various animals came out from within depths of the cave clawing and screaming at the barrier that separated them from the others, during the entire time Shamiran stood motionlessly with her eyes closed, meanwhile Ryuu watched the entire proceeding curiously suddenly Shamiran opened her eyes as she stepped forward as Antariksh pulled Ryuu back just behind her as she spoke, "Ryuu since all the animals taking shelter in this cave are here already Shamiran is going to perform a very devastating attack, may be one day you might learn from her but now watch it clearly."


    Ryuu nodded as he watched Shamiran puffed her cheeks before she breathed out a sickly greenish black smoke which moved tremendously fast engulfing the creatures on the other side of the barrier, suddenly all the noises came to a halt a few seconds later Shamirna withdrew the cloud as she spoke with smile, "So what do you think of my attack Ryuu."


    Ryuu frowned as he so a mass of molten object even the wall of the cave seemed to be melted a bit, ''was it like that before the barrier was erected'' he then spoke unsurely with a frown, "It seems like everything has melted."


    Shamiran, "Your observation is as astute as ever, yes it has melted, in fact I melted every creature that was present inside the cave that was lured into a group by Antariskh''s bait, you see that pile of melted goo on the floor that was what remained of them after I am done with them, and Ryuu if you manage to gain the Grandmaster realm in the Grand Dao of Alchemy I will teach you this technique of mine it is really handy when you have to deal with multiple opponents like this one."


    Ryuu nodded dumbly at that, his sisters had with the permission of his teachers had brought him to this horrible cold place, the entire place is a hidden place where the temperatures drops to such severe level even a Golden Immortal will freeze with a few minutes, yet a few indigenous creatures managed to survive here, and now after being dragged to inside of a cave he found himself standing in front of a lake of pure milk which gave of smell of roses of all things.


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "Sister if I am not wrong is this the fabled ''Imperial Spirit Lake''?"


    Antariskh nodded at that as she spoke, "Yes it is, one of the very important think that Heaven gifts us, and to many people it may seem as a curse because staying too close to one might cause one to become insane and if someone drinks or jumps in it causes one to die, but as I said it is blessing for any person who had God Tiered Divine Body, for people like us it is the greatest blessing now strip and jump into it."


    Ryuu suddenly pointed out towards her as he her, "By ''Us'', do you mean you too have?"


    Antariskh nodded as she spoke, "Yes now Ryuu do as I say and do not worry an ''Imperial Spirit Lake is always comfortably warm in fact you might enjoy it, just move to the middle of the lake dive down in it then start meditating once when you have absorbed all of its essence turning it to mere water will you step out and oh you have to be naked."


    Ryuu shrugged as he stripped of his clothes as he stepped into the lake, ''His masters had always taught him, that there might come a day when an assassin will find his way when you are bathing so will he stop if tell him that you are naked'' as such they made sure even he was caught naked he would not be embarrassed enough so that he might not be able to fight.

 248 Volunteering for Job

    Ryuu opened his eyes it had been sometime since he had begun meditating inside the ''Imperial Spirit Lake'', a special lake that takes over 50,000 years to form, a lake created by high concentration of KI, something like that would have been a wet dream for any cultivators but unfortunately it is highly toxic to the point it can kill cultivator if they so much take a dip in it, but there are certain exceptions to the rule like him for example his divine body made it possible for him to absorb the KI from the pond.


    The same lake well more like a large pond since it was within a hundred meter at its widest portion, which looked to be created from milk itself now looked like normal water, he had absorbed everything, as he swam out of the lake he found his sisters guarding him, as he neared them Antariskh threw a towel at him with which Ryuu dried himself off before wearing his clothes, rings, bracelets.


    Anatriksh: "So how do you feel Ryuu?"


    Ryuu: "I feel better than fine big sister I was stuck at 3rd level of Immortal realm for the last 3 years this place enabled me to break into the 4th level.", he frowned as he spoke, "but I can do without my skin being so soft."


    Shamiran snorted at that as she spoke, "Well it might have gotten soft to the point it is like a baby''s skin because of the lake but it will be many times more tougher than before, on top of that there are many other interesting and quite nice gains you have received but I want to figure them out yourselves, oh and Ryuu don''t you take a seat it has been 4 days and yet the blizzard is still raging outside we will leave later one when it comes down."


    Ryuu frowned at that as he spoke, "But could you not teleport out of here."


    Sylvana smiled and replied, "Of course we could but where is the fun in that, also we took the trouble of clearing out the entire cave and it would be such a waste if we do not spend some time here."


    Ryuu shrugged as he took a seat near Sylvana as he was handed a cup of hot chocolate, as he took the cup Antariksh spoke, "Oh brother I think, you should wear your warm clothes as the lake has gone, the only source heat that kept the cave warm from the terrible cold outside is gone and soon the temperature here would plummet and scoot close to the fire."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he wore his warmer clothing, Shamiran spoke, "This situation reminds of the time when we were exploring ''Eden''."


    Antariskh nodded as she spoke, "Yes it does, we were stuck in a cave similar to this for 2 years, that ice biome was so horrible and dangerous just thinking about it gives me the chills."


    Sylvana sighed at that as she spoke, "Yes not only that it was also the last level we could venture in before we were forced to leave."


    Ryuu was now curious at that, since he had learned of the ''Eden'' he was curious about it, well more like a certain person by the name of Zywia managed to make him curious enough that he would love to explore the place and the only thing stopping him is that he has to reach at least Peak Mystic Immortal Level within 60 Years time, but with the current rate of cultivation it was a very farfetched dream.


    Seeing his dejected look, Antariskh could not help but ask him as a frown marred her beautiful face, "Why do you look so dejected Ryuu, please tell us we will help you."


    Ryuu gave a sigh as he spoke, "It is nothing big sister, just that I wanted to explore the ''Eden'', Sister Zywia is planning to but my strength is insufficient and I would nowhere be ready at my current rate within the time span of 60 years, I wish my cultivation would be faster."


    The Trio''s eyes twitched at that as Sylvana spoke, "Ryuu your speed in cultivation is already otherworldly there is nothing more you can do about it."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Well still it would have been cool if I managed to reach the goal."


    Shamiran sighed as she spoke, "Ryuu you have to be patient and persistent after all cultivation is not for someone lethargic or agitated more importantly the higher you move the slower your speed of cultivation would become, let us take your mother for example, she was 1st rank Golden Immortal, but her age was already way past 10,000 years, even Zywia is already over a hundred thousand years old, I hope you can understand where we are going."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Of course but is there no way to increase your cultivation fast."


    Sylvana sighed as she spoke, "Well there are a few ways, most of them are double edged sword as they are more about gaining short term benefit by sacrificing your future, but amongst them the safest one is by getting enlightenment on some Doa, let say some Grand Dao where you gained enough enlightenment that you reached Master level from the novice level you might be able to increase you level drastically many people have managed to do as such and thus managed to increase their level fast."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Well they are lucky, I have gain enlightenment in a few DAOs but nowhere near enough, I am so unlucky."


    Anatriskh who was drinking from her cup, sprayed it out from her mouth as other looked at her in disbelief, as Shamiran spoke, "Ryuu so how many Dao you know?"


    Ryuu scratched his chin as he spoke, "Well I am currently a Grandmaster level in Sword, Fire and Array, Master level at Alchemy, Water, Wind, ice and Lightning, Expert Level at Archery and last but not the least Apprentice Level at Asura, but why are you asking something like this sister."


    By now Ryuu''s sisters eyes twitched violently as Sylvana shouted out at him, "You colossal Idiot, you have gained enlightenment in some many Daos and let us not state about their mastery on the subject even some Dao Fathers would be jealous of you Ryuu.", while inwardly it was a different matter, ''A Dao father may not know as many Dao as Ryuu but when it comes mastery they will easily surpass Ryuu."


    Ryuu soaked every word like a sponged as Sylvana kept on speaking, "Well Ryuu instead of trying to gain more enlightenment, I belief you should nurture all those Dao you have received enlightenment on but in some cases under the watchful eyes making them much better than before."


    Ryuu once again nodded at that as he thought, ''Nowadays I am nodding so much so that I already feel like those bobble head.''


    Antariskh then gave a small clap bringing everyone''s attention to her as she spoke, "Well Ryuu since you are already eighteen I would love if you would do me a favor."


    Ryuu already had a dread and cold feeling crawling up his spine as he spoke with a gulp, "What kind of favor sister?"


    Antariskh gave a happy smile as she spoke, "Excellent as expected of my beloved brother so eager to help me, will since you are so adamant on helping me I simply want you too to visit a place for inspection nothing more nothing less. Well since you are in such a hurry you may leave as soon as we leave this place."


    Meanwhile Ryuu was left dumbfounded, ''Since when did I volunteer to help her, I simply wished to want to know what favor she was asking for.'', all the more as he received a pat or two from his other sisters for willing to help his big sister, Ryuu could not help but curl up into a ball and cry at the injustice meted out to him.

 249 Aglon City Part-1

    Ryuu sighed as he cleaved his enemy in half, before he stabbed another that was trying to sneak him from behind, he raised his head ashe saw the entire battlefield people from various races and walks of life had engaged their enemy each side fighting for their survival as they tried to effectively slaughter their enemy with mercy, he had already forgotten how many had fallen by his hands he was covered in blood as he charged to the one in front of him, as a large flash was seen on the horizon as the force of the explosion slammed on him causing him to stagger as he frowned hard, he knew that the battlefield over there was beyond his currently level and it was nothing but suicidal if he tried to go over there, as he glanced at the battlefield where a feast of slaughter was going on his mind wandered back to the events that occurred a few years ago that eventually caused him to end up in this heaven forsaken place.


    Ryuu sighed for the nth time he was going to a place which he knew nothing about, going to do something he knew about and he was dealing with people he knew nothing about, and the cherry on top was that he did not even know the name of the place he was going to. ''Why why did the heaven''s have forsaken me? What have I done to earn such misfortune?'' as he lamented on his misfortune he could not help but curse the trio as they dumped him such a responsibility with letting him speak praising him for ''volunteering'' when he did not even want in anyway shoulder an responsibility like that, Ryuu with a sigh slammed his head hard on the table in front of him hard enough to cause a dent on it.


    Meanwhile back in Ayindril, Maheswara was trying hard to hold his laughter as he heard how his daughter dumped some responsibility on Ryuu by deceiving him, and the horror struck face of Ryuu that the trio showed him just made his day.


    Nuwa gently slapped his hand as she gave him a half hearted glare before she spoke to her ''daughters'', "So did you accomplish it child?"


    Shamiran nodded at that as she spoke, "Yes we did it we have successfully implanted Sylvana''s essence into Ryuu although it pales in comparison to her but it will suffice for now and with time it would grow stronger and with this extra help his regeneration would be much greater."


    Veena nodded as she spoke, "Good good and from what I have seen unlike other hybrid who awaken healing abilities by the time the reach Mystic Immortal Emperor Realm, Ryuu would awaken it when he reaches Golden Immortal Realm but before that Sylvana I apologize for making you sacrifice your essence like that it would be long time before you recover from it.", she finished with a worrying look in her face.


    Only for Sylvana to smile at her as she spoke, "Ryuu is my brother and I would do anything in order to keep him safe."


    Nuwa spoke with a frown at that as she spoke, "But still it would be few dozens of thousands of years before you recover it."


    Sylvana: "Please 2nd mother, I did it because I want to keep him safe there is nothing more to it."


    Celestia gave a proud smile to her daughter before she spoke, "Well Antariskh you never told us what was the job Ryuu was assigned to."


    Antariskh spoke with a small smile, "Well you see��."


    Back on a planet named ''Selnov'', a very frustrated person with a God tiered Divine body aptly named Ryuu was enraged as well as frustrated the cause of which was very close to him, in other words was standing by his side with a stoic face and that person was none other one of the maids of Ayindril, after he asked around for any and all information on the jobhe had volunteered for he had finally received some but that was after he had landed on this planet did someone finally remembered to give him a folder on everything he needed to know.


    Ryuu took a deep breath as he calmed himself, the maid had left shortly along with all others who had accompanied him to this place he sat under the tree as he opened the folder as he went through it, the cause of investigation is simple, a mine for Ultra Grade Spirit Stone has almost depleted and as such he was send to investigate, normally it was nothing knew eventually such things deplete but one of the workers of Ayindril was found to be demonic cultivator and was executed recently when he tried to kill the residents of the city but he had managed to garner the higher ups attention before his untimely death and it seemed as if the mining city of Aglon was trying to hide something and had caused that person''s death.


    Ryuu pinched the bridge of his nose hard as he sighed, "How will I accomplish something like this I cannot go and beat up someone to get answer from him, ugh hmmm maybe if I blend in I might learn something, hmmm."


    Ryuu reread the folder again committing every detail into his memory, he let out a tired sigh, ''How am I going to enter the city now, with this clothes I will stick out like a sore thumb what to do?''


    "Well well what do we have here boys a weak pompous scholar", an obnoxious brought him out of his day dream.


    As he sat there unmoving the group of 5 highway man thought it to be a sign of weakness and fear as one of them spoke, "Well brothers lets capture him, I need some training dummy."


    The others spoke, "You weakling come with us or we will beat you."


    Ryuu blinked at that as he raised his head, the men blushed as they saw his face suddenly Ryuu gave a small laugh that send shiver down their spine as he spoke, "Finally I found a way in."


    The highway did not even realized what hit them in a blink of an eye he had severed their heads from their shoulders as he dragged them to a nearby stream, he took off their clothes before he wore their dress a quick pulse of KI letter his bracelets looked like mundane objects while the special necklace on his neck which he once again wore looked like a piece of metal hanging from a string, he picked up some mud which he rubbed all over him making him look dirty, before he turned the 5 corpses to ashes which was promptly carried away by the stream water, he picked up one of the spears carried by those buffoons while he threw the rest into the stream, he took a deep breath before his slapped his cheeks hard thrice as he spoke, "My name is Elam Nanda, My name is Elam Nanda, My Name is Elam Nanda."


    Before he started making his way to the city, as neared the city he frowned, ''Such low level bandits are looting so closed to the city that means two things first the authorities inside the city are weak, but in reality according to the folder it is not then the second thing is that they are rotten to the core, hmmm I cannot trust anyone I have to be cautious all the time I will be here a single slip and it would be troublesome. I am glad that the sword and the quiver can be disguised as such even the space ring seems like a small mole on my finger, oh well lets enter this place.''

 250 Angol City Part-2

    Ryuu as he made his way to the Algon city met with a group of people who were making his way towards the city, "So this ''Mendez Family'' is the biggest family here and they are hiring guards, so the real question is can they feed me?"


    The person next to me deadpanned as he spoke, "I do not think that it will not be impossible for them to feed you, Liam Nanda."


    Ryuu aka Liam Nanda simply gave a silly laugh as he scratched his head in embarrassment, as the others simply sighed at his silly antics as few sighed at this.


    Ryuu entered the city well he mingled with the crowd and bypassed the security thereby making sure he did not have to pay a certain tax, before long he found himself standing front of the Mendez Family compound where a large group of people of various ages and sexes were standing waiting for their chance as one by one they entered the place as they were tested.


    As he approached the place he was stopped by a couple of guards who spoke authoritative tone, "Halt, this is private property leave."


    Liam Nanda simply gave a silly grin as he spoke, "I heard that people are getting job here as such I came to try my luck."


    Guards sighed as he spoke, "GO and stand over there, if you make any commotion we will beat you now move along."


    Liam Nanda joined the line, a few hours later he was bored he had been standing in the line for who knows how long and he had half a mind to beat whoever in charge of recruitment black and blue, his patience was wearing thin.


    A few more minutes later a group of people arrived with air of seriousness with a smug look on their face oh how he wanted to play soccer with them as the ball he was getting increasingly upset at them for wasting his precious time, ''Mendez Family'', the biggest supplier of Spirit Stone for Shangri-la from this region, they along with few of the families reported that the mine had run out confirmed by the branch head but if the main source of the income was lost then they would be panicking and what not the environment would not be joyous and certainly they would not recruit people, even the wages were high, the minimum was 4th ranked Houtian and below 40 years of age, those selected would receive food and lodging and an additional 5 Spirit Stones per month, it was luxury for some people because the spirit stones at the end of the day can be used as resource for cultivation and they have spot for only 100 people and there was more than thousand here but most of them are simply trash as long as he can make himself seen valuable he will be selected.


    As he stood in the line he heard snippets of whisper floating around, "3rd young master��..''Heaven Defying Genius''... Mid Level Xiantian by 20 years", and what not Ryuu sighed at that as he glanced at the so called 3rd Young Master, the smug look made him gag what was so great about him he did not see from what he learned about him seeing his growth a nearby famousCultivator Sect''s head has taken him as his legacy disciple and he is slotted to inherit the said position, and from what Ryuu had seen he was not impressed the person had enough ego that even his sisters are a toddler in front of him.


    Most of the people were at 4th or 5th rank barely making the cut as for their age most were above 30 years of age except a couple of people most notably a woman of 23 years of age, and rank 7th of Houtian level, he frowned as he made his way to the person testing them a man of 50 years of age at rank 7th of Xiantian Level, and from the looks of his face it was clear he did not want to ''taint'' himself and catch himself some strange disease by spending some time with us ''lowly'' ones.


    Soon it was his time than spoke in a bored tone, "Name?"


    Liam Nanda: "Ah my name is Liam Nanda."


    "Place your hand on this stone, and pour your KI into it.", ordered the man.


    As Ryuu aka Liam Nanda placed his hand on top of the stone the man''s eyes widen a bit as he spoke, "7th ranked Houtian, age 18 years."


    "Do it again."


    Liam complied as he was told to stand with the rest of the people who were selected, as one of the previous person was thrown out, as Liam stood looking clueless with a silly grin in his face while inwardly he was roaring with laughter, using an array he had managed to fool them easily and none was able to notice it, but there was something he noticed when he spoke his name it caused a quiet the stir specially from the members of the clan, ''Do not tell me I used some form of fugitives name, if I did it would be troublesome.''


    A few more hours later he along with the chosen 100 new guards were taken to what seemed like a barrack each of the room was so small that even with a single bunk bed present seemed to be too much, and he was assigned along with the woman of 7th Houtian Rank, as they stood there one of the servants of the clan spoke, "Tomorrow at dawn you will be escorted to the training ground, today rest you will get something to eat at 9 and remember there are men and women together inside a room if you are caught together doing something indecent you will lose your genitals."


    With that the servant left as the people entered into each other''s assigned room as they entered the room Liam spoke, "umm Big Sister which bed will you be taking?"


    The woman spoke with a grunt, "The bottom."


    Liam shrugged as he jumped on the top bed as he pretended to fall asleep with his ''trusted'' spear by his side, the woman glanced at him before she shrugged as she followed his example as she occupied the one at the bottom.


    Meanwhile while Ryuu had extended his senses as he checking for any threat as his soul escaped from his body a technique he had learned a technique to move his soul out of his body, an ultimate spying tool as most who have not trained their souls would not even be able to perceive his soul let alone see it, currently his range was about 200 meters after which it was an incredible strain on his soul and body too, as his intangible soul moved through the place a very risky move on his part as it not only made his soul the most vulnerable but it drained his KI reserves fast, as such he decided to quickly checked the place nearby as he stumbled upon a person speaking with a servant.


    "That Liam Nanda, fellow keep an eye on him."


    "But Sir, why would any surviving members from the deceased Nanda family would show themselves in here? At their enemies'' lair, where they could be killed moreover he does not have their trademark brunette hair."


    "Shut up and do as you are told to, keep an eye on him and report anything amiss."


    AS Ryuu returned back to his body he sweated a little as he moaned in embarrassment as he thought, ''What a bad luck.''

 250 Aglon City Part-2

    Ryuu as he made his way to the Algon city met with a group of people who were making his way towards the city, "So this ''Mendez Family'' is the biggest family here and they are hiring guards, so the real question is can they feed me?"


    The person next to me deadpanned as he spoke, "I do not think that it will not be impossible for them to feed you, Liam Nanda."


    Ryuu aka Liam Nanda simply gave a silly laugh as he scratched his head in embarrassment, as the others simply sighed at his silly antics as few sighed at this.


    Ryuu entered the city well he mingled with the crowd and bypassed the security thereby making sure he did not have to pay a certain tax, before long he found himself standing front of the Mendez Family compound where a large group of people of various ages and sexes were standing waiting for their chance as one by one they entered the place as they were tested.


    As he approached the place he was stopped by a couple of guards who spoke authoritative tone, "Halt, this is private property leave."


    Liam Nanda simply gave a silly grin as he spoke, "I heard that people are getting job here as such I came to try my luck."


    Guards sighed as he spoke, "GO and stand over there, if you make any commotion we will beat you now move along."


    Liam Nanda joined the line, a few hours later he was bored he had been standing in the line for who knows how long and he had half a mind to beat whoever in charge of recruitment black and blue, his patience was wearing thin.


    A few more minutes later a group of people arrived with air of seriousness with a smug look on their face oh how he wanted to play soccer with them as the ball he was getting increasingly upset at them for wasting his precious time, ''Mendez Family'', the biggest supplier of Spirit Stone for Shangri-la from this region, they along with few of the families reported that the mine had run out confirmed by the branch head but if the main source of the income was lost then they would be panicking and what not the environment would not be joyous and certainly they would not recruit people, even the wages were high, the minimum was 4th ranked Houtian and below 40 years of age, those selected would receive food and lodging and an additional 5 Spirit Stones per month, it was luxury for some people because the spirit stones at the end of the day can be used as resource for cultivation and they have spot for only 100 people and there was more than thousand here but most of them are simply trash as long as he can make himself seen valuable he will be selected.


    As he stood in the line he heard snippets of whisper floating around, "3rd young master��..''Heaven Defying Genius''... Mid Level Xiantian by 20 years", and what not Ryuu sighed at that as he glanced at the so called 3rd Young Master, the smug look made him gag what was so great about him he did not see from what he learned about him seeing his growth a nearby famousCultivator Sect''s head has taken him as his legacy disciple and he is slotted to inherit the said position, and from what Ryuu had seen he was not impressed the person had enough ego that even his sisters are a toddler in front of him.


    Most of the people were at 4th or 5th rank barely making the cut as for their age most were above 30 years of age except a couple of people most notably a woman of 23 years of age, and rank 7th of Houtian level, he frowned as he made his way to the person testing them a man of 50 years of age at rank 7th of Xiantian Level, and from the looks of his face it was clear he did not want to ''taint'' himself and catch himself some strange disease by spending some time with us ''lowly'' ones.


    Soon it was his time than spoke in a bored tone, "Name?"


    Liam Nanda: "Ah my name is Liam Nanda."


    "Place your hand on this stone, and pour your KI into it.", ordered the man.


    As Ryuu aka Liam Nanda placed his hand on top of the stone the man''s eyes widen a bit as he spoke, "7th ranked Houtian, age 18 years."


    "Do it again."


    Liam complied as he was told to stand with the rest of the people who were selected, as one of the previous person was thrown out, as Liam stood looking clueless with a silly grin in his face while inwardly he was roaring with laughter, using an array he had managed to fool them easily and none was able to notice it, but there was something he noticed when he spoke his name it caused a quiet the stir specially from the members of the clan, ''Do not tell me I used some form of fugitives name, if I did it would be troublesome.''


    A few more hours later he along with the chosen 100 new guards were taken to what seemed like a barrack each of the room was so small that even with a single bunk bed present seemed to be too much, and he was assigned along with the woman of 7th Houtian Rank, as they stood there one of the servants of the clan spoke, "Tomorrow at dawn you will be escorted to the training ground, today rest you will get something to eat at 9 and remember there are men and women together inside a room if you are caught together doing something indecent you will lose your genitals."


    With that the servant left as the people entered into each other''s assigned room as they entered the room Liam spoke, "umm Big Sister which bed will you be taking?"


    The woman spoke with a grunt, "The bottom."


    Liam shrugged as he jumped on the top bed as he pretended to fall asleep with his ''trusted'' spear by his side, the woman glanced at him before she shrugged as she followed his example as she occupied the one at the bottom.


    Meanwhile while Ryuu had extended his senses as he checking for any threat as his soul escaped from his body a technique he had learned a technique to move his soul out of his body, an ultimate spying tool as most who have not trained their souls would not even be able to perceive his soul let alone see it, currently his range was about 200 meters after which it was an incredible strain on his soul and body too, as his intangible soul moved through the place a very risky move on his part as it not only made his soul the most vulnerable but it drained his KI reserves fast, as such he decided to quickly checked the place nearby as he stumbled upon a person speaking with a servant.


    "That Liam Nanda, fellow keep an eye on him."


    "But Sir, why would any surviving members from the deceased Nanda family would show themselves in here? At their enemies'' lair, where they could be killed moreover he does not have their trademark brunette hair."


    "Shut up and do as you are told to, keep an eye on him and report anything amiss."


    AS Ryuu returned back to his body he sweated a little as he moaned in embarrassment as he thought, ''What a bad luck.''

 251 Detective Ryuu

    Ryuu aka Liam Nanda stood along with others wearing a white clothes with the insignia of the family on his back as a person from the Mendez family inspected them, giving them long winded lecture on loyalty honesty and what not, Liam was very very bored as such he used the ultimate technique directly from his 2nd sister Sylvana''s arsenal ''Sleeping with your eyes open''.


    A few tedious minutes later another person arrived with a big notebook, he sat on a chair and as the names were called one by one as they approached the man they were granted a couple of pills, the man then spoke with a smile, "This pills will aid in your cultivation, since you are all like a family members from now to us irrespective of your age, sex or strength as such her Ladyship the Matriarch of our clan provided you all with means to grow stronger, every fortnight each of you would receive as such normally we would have given you everyday if possible but alas our condition is not so good, but fear not we will be fare to our family members and we will always be with by their side."


    All the people present had their eyes go red as tears appeared in them, this Qi gathering pills were very expensive to be handed out just like that and being treated like family it was a good decision to join the ''Mendez Family'', one of the more passionate one shouted out at the top of his voice, "Long Live the Mendez Family!!!!"


    His shout broke the dam as other joined him including Liam who shouted out for the sake of appearance, the man basked in glory as Liam send a strand of his KI inside the pills as he studied it, a normal Qi gathering pill was at 60% efficient but there were a few items which made no sense, ''Why would they use such items, it lowered the pills effectiveness by a good few percent at the very least but this particular thing no way it is a narcotic but they are trying to make us addicted to them, how vicious they are trying to make us completely depend on them at the very least at the same time removing the chance of a revolt.''


    They were taken by another person as they stood in what seemed to be a dojo, the vaunted 3rd Young Master was present there along with a couple of others, "Welcome Uncle Alfonso."


    Alfonso: "Ah, nephew I hope you do not have to wait too much."


    "No I did not have to wait too much."


    Alfonso then turned towards the rest as he spoke with a smile, "Ah let me introduce you all to Gustavo Mendez, my nephew and the pride of our clan genius who is already at mid Xiantian Level at the age of twenty."


    The new guards simply bowed as they spoke in unison, "Greetings 3rd Young Master.", Liam had positioned himself at the rear as such he was able to hide a bit after all he was too prideful to bow in front of them.


    Gustavo''s eyes roamed as he spoke in a serious tone, "Not bad not bad, they are all exceptional."


    Liam noticed amongst all the new addition to the guards one of them looked immensely giddy upon receiving the praise, Liam inwardly sighed at that, ''He seems to be one of those worthless waste of space who leaves by buttering others the most untrustworthy kind of person.''


    Gustavo: "Well you all have arrived at a good time I was about to spar with my fellow family members why don''t you stay and watch."


    Alfonso spoke in a serious tone, "Are you serious Nephew?"


    Gustavo nodded as he spoke, "Of course a cultivator''s life is a journey where a person always learns something new, and I am already a ''Grandmaster'' Level in the Dao of Spears, maybe they might gain a sliver of enlightenment from me."


    Again the same person started crying loudly as tears gushed from his eyes, "Your Holiness you magnificence knows no bound you will share your knowledge with us lowly peon from here on I Goro will definitely give my life my possession my everything to you.", he kowtowed to him a few times.


    Gustavo looked pleased as he spoke, "Please stop it, there is no need for such thing well all of stand aside and I will begin."


    Ryuu was excited to see someone at ''Grand Master'' level like he was even if the weapon was different, but still he wanted to see him in action and maybe when all this is over may be he could request for a spar, to be a bit older than him and even many ranks lower than him and already at ''Grand Master'' was truly amazing.


    Gustavo took a stance with his spear as he his aura erupted causing the others near him shake with excitement and fear, before he spoke in a serious voice, "Watch and Learn.", as he rushed towards his opponents, Liam looked at Gustavo before he blinked then he shook with anger, ''How dare this mongrel claim to have gained enlightenment in a Dao, let alone have enlightenment in the Dao, he does not even knows how to properly wield a spear, he had sparred against a spear user his own 3rd sister uses spear and it was mesmerizing to watch, after fighting her he had managed to gain at least adept level of enlightenment, and from he had the misfortune to witness Gustavo wielded his spear like a stick and Ryuu aka Liam could spot a large number of mistakes in his stances and what not the only reason he was intimidating to others was because of the spear was a decent weapon as well as he was using some sort of spear arts and attacks but even then it was to horrendous and blasphemous in his eyes. ''I am going to so enjoy breaking that spear and shoving it down his throat.''


    A couple of hours later Liam found himself with a bowl full of food, well the others were eating happily but to him it looked nothing more than a gruel he sighed as he looked up at the night sky as he watched the stars twinkling to Ryuu it seemed as if the heavens was wearing the most expensive piece of jewelry, with the stars as the precious stones, he glanced down as he send his KI to the food as he sighed, ''Another think laced with narcotics, it is good that I said I will eat alone at my room.'', he took the bowl as he was making his way towards his room he discreetly threw it away into the drain he watched as the water carried it away, ''hmm I might have something left in my space ring for me to feed.''


    A good few minutes later his roommate appeared as she watched Liam she saw him sleeping without a care in the world, she simply shook her head as she gave a disappointed sigh, she then suddenly let out a large yawn, ''hmm seems like I am more tired than I appeared to be.'', with that she laid on her bed and feel fast asleep, no sooner did she went to visit her dream land Ryuu''s eyes open wide as various arrays suddenly sprung to life, anyone who would visit would see him sleeping peacefullyand only those with ''Grand Master'' level knowledge in array and with Immortal Level strength might be able to see through the ruse.


    Draped in black cloth he left the room while sticking strictly to the shadows he had an investigation to complete after all, and he was greatly excited thinking about all those great detectives he had read in the novels, and him acting as one made him feel as if he is in cloud nine, ''Detective Ryuu hmm it somehow seems cool and nice now if only I could capture and store it so that I may view myself doing awesome detective work later on, hmmm ideas ideas so many ideas what to do.''

 252 The matriarch

    Ryuu slipped in to the shadows as he scoured through the Mendez Clan compound mapping the entire thing in his mind as he moved through the place sticking through the shadows while actively trying to avoid the clan members and the guards, normally he would have easily scoured the entire clan easily but where was the fun in that, as Ryuu made his way to inner part of the mansion as he went from one ceiling raft to another he was keeping his eyes and ears open for anything suspicious.


    As he passed through in front of one of those rooms he heard some people speaking, "So how are the new slaves."


    One of the voices snorted clearly a male spoke with an uninterested tone, "meh they are okay I guess, but more importantly what about the project?"


    The former voice another male replied, "Well it is going well, a few more batches and we would be invincible.", Ryuu almost snorted at that as he thought, ''Invincible please there are beings who can wipe out a planet with a casual swipe of their hand and this people are not even strong enough to wipe out a single block of this city by the swipe of their hand.''


    Ryuu sat on top of the raft but he did not hear anything spectacular he sighed before he moved again, he eavesdropped at that as he tried to gather more information but he got none, he sighed as he moved from that place until his attention was drawn to a garden and a herbarium adjacent to it, as he inspected the contents of the garden and the herbarium, a large grin etched on his face as he took out more than a dozen of talisman he quickly touched them as an array spread on them which he send it towards the garden and the herbarium, the talismans glowed briefly before it disappeared completely Ryuu grinned before he left from that place.


    It was nearing dawn as such he quickly left and once again slipped inside his room without anyone after a quick change in cloth he took over his bed as he deactivated the array inside the room, Ryuu aka Liam Nanda did not have to wait much longer as a knock on the door was the indication for them to wake up. The woman who had taken the bed beneath Ryuu and whom Ryuu did not even bother to remember her name awoke as she opened the door, Ryuu climbed down from top of the bed, as he stood beside her, the person who came to awake them stifled a laugh as well as the woman.


    Liam asked in a confused sleepy tone, "Is something wrong?"


    The person composed himself as he spoke, "Well wipe out the drool from your face."


    Liam was startled before he put his hand on his cheeks as he felt the sticky fluid causing him to blush intently at that as he politely apologized before he dashed to a nearby well in order to wash his face with water.


    Half an hour later after the rather ''sumptuous'' breakfast given to them, promptly found its way into the gutter after which Liam and the others made their way to the family library, an empty library, Ryuu aka Liam could feel the array around him he snorted at them he could easily bypass them if it needed be, as they entered a person with white hair appear as he spoke, "Hello everyone my name is Emanuel Mendez, I am the keeper of the library since you are new to this place I will explain the rules to you, you cannot take anything without notifying me the librarian, there are many floors but each of them can only be accessed when you reach a certain level, currently you have access to the ground floor only, if you wish to access to higher floor you will have to reach higher level of cultivation, now if you have any question you may s or else you may choose a single skill for now, only after you have mastered you may have chance to choose another, oh also you are only allowed to borrow it for 4 days and if someone is found stealing from the library he/she will be executed irrespective of their status."


    The others nodded at that as the one whose name once again a certain someone forgot to remember spoke, "Your Holiness you do not need to worry as long as I draw my breath I will��"


    Emanuel sighed as he spoke in s stern voice, "If you have nothing to ask please see the skill you want to use otherwise leave I have no time for anything else."


    The group quickly broke as they went through the selves searching for a technique, Liam copied others as he put up an appearance of searching through the books for various techniques as he moved through them he scowled, ''Who in nine heavens designate this as a Rank 4 technique, this should not be a Rank 1, not only that most of the part seemed to be missing, this is a waste.''


    A few hours later everyone had selected a skill to learn including Ryuu aka Liam who had selected a book on footwork skills, he sighed as he cracked opened the book, ''This book on the footwork technique is so horrible, it seems that the creator of the skill believed that a new born toddler can run before they learn to walk, worthless.''


    As they let the library they once again were lead to a field for them to practice their arts, Liam shrugged before he picked a training dummy and began practicing his spear arts, ''I feel so dirty now how long will I have to keep the fa?ade, seeing me holding and using spear in such an unsightly way my 3rd big sister would be ashamed as well as enraged with me.''


    A few hours later the sweaty and tired group of newly minted guards who were still under training stopped as a certain someone appeared near the field escorted by a couple of people one of whom was the person who awoke them from their sleep, Liam had put up a look of tiredness as sweat dripped from his brows, ''tch, what kind of training is this, I had trained twice as more when I was 7 years old.''


    "Everyone please assemble", a shout came to their ears as they quickly stood up and made their way towards the group.


    "Everyone please greet our clan head Her Highness Lady ''Narcisa Mendez''", a person spoke with a reverent tone.


    The group bowed deeply towards her including Liam who gritted his teeth in anger, as he looked up he gazed towards the Matriarch of the clan, and he felt a shiver ran down their spine, ''The look in her eyes I have seen too many times, whenever my 1st Mistress got some rare ingredient her eyes shone just like that, troublesome that woman is clearly planning something under the calm and gentle fa?ade of hers.''


    Narcisa: "Please there is no need for such a thing, I simply came to see the newest members of my family, please carry on with your work.", with that she turned around as she left with her entourage, as they were near the inner sanctum of their clan ground far away from the training ground occupied by the newest guards, she spoke with authority, "That Child he said his name is Liam Nanda right?"


    One of the person accompanying her spoke, "Yes, Your highness, just give us your word and we would eliminate the last od the ''Nanda Clan''."


    Narcisa sighed as she spoke, "I do not think he is remotely related to that clan from what I have heard he is an idiot, childish and na?ve."


    Another one spoke, "So we leave him then."


    Narcisa snorted as she spoke, "Of course not, double up the surveillance on him I do not know why but my sixth sense was screaming at me that he is an extremely dangerous individual and I trust my sixth sense so make sure to treat him like others are treated and when you get a chance, in our world well accidents occur right." , she finished with a malicious grin which was a far cry from her previous kind and gentle look on her face.


    The others simply nodded at that as a few let out a smirk.

 253 Hunt of a Dragon Part-1

    It had been a few days since Ryuu had begun snooping around the clan ground as he gathered more and more he learned about the many skeletons that was hidden in the closet of the Mendez family, but the biggest revelation he got was yesterday when he had finally located the Matriarch''s room and broke into it by bypassing the array, what he learned from that caused his head to spin, he laid on the bed as he contemplated the entire information he had received from reading through her diary, it was difficult to find out about the diary specially one which was hidden inside, Ryuu''s face turned red at that as he coughed lightly to compose himself, he never in his entire life he would have thought that there would come a day where he would have to go through a female''s undergarments, before his face turned green as he looked at his hands in disgust, ''I need to wash my hands thoroughly as soon as I get a chance.''


    ''To think that the conspiracy run so deep, it was really gave me a headache, Narcisa Mendez, before she became ''Matriarch'' was actually married to Daniel Nanda, sworn brother of Ex-Clan Head of Mendez Family Leonardo Mendez, but she along with her lover ''Cleto Amorim'', killed them then spread the rumors of Leonardo being killed by Daniel who is a demonic cultivator for his nefarious purposes, the way they did it was written in vivid description in the library, as he recalled the information Ryuu frowned as he gritted his teeth before he took a deep breath, he was incensed at them, ''How could they? How could she betray her family like that? Not to mention her husband from what she had written he was head over heels in love with her, yet the way she betrayed him, even I would not my enemy to suffer such fate I pity them.''


    ''Then the family of Daniel, his wife was said to have gone insane and killed herself whereas she was killed off, his other two children one died at the hand of bandit another is a cripple who cannot even move from training accident and is currently in comatose, but the real reason is different their ''Spirit Roots'' have been removed and has been utilized to improve Gustavo and another woman named Luna''s spirit root, Luna the adopted daughter of Narcisa was in fact the daughter of Cleto and another of her lover who happened to be the overseer of this Planet''s Branch of Shangri-la. The trio are nearing Peak Immortal Realm, but more importantly the people of this clan are lowest of the low, when the previous clan head died only a handful required to be silenced the rest came to their side with the promise of power, and a few he never felt as much disgust for humans before the previous Clan Head''s wife and Daughter were used to persuade them after which they were killed and as for the ''Nanda'' family everyone is dead.'', tears of frustration and anger appeared in his eyes as he sighed as tried to control his temper.


    Cleto Amorim the Patriarch of the so called ''Heavenly God School'', Narcisa Mendez the Matriarch of Mendez Clan and Safira Vaz the overseer of Shangri-la branch of this planet, the trio were top of his list who he swore to kill under extreme torture, but first he will have to deal with the nincompoop who have already arrived to awake them.


    Ryuu placed his hand on the clan marking placed on his left bicep, ''Clan marking my foot, it is actually a branding made using various Arrays, its purpose is to keep track and if needed paralyze the person, I was lucky that I was able to discern what it was as soon as it was brought out in front of me as such I took precautions enough precautions to reduce it to mere tattoo, with whose output signal I can control freely otherwise I doubt I could have been able to move as freely as before.''


    The person knocked and their daily routine began, but today was a bit different as Gustav himself was present along with a group of people as he spoke, "Yesterday the Clan Head My Adopted Mother decided that it was time for you all to increase your experience as well as learn how to work in a team as such we will be forming teams with all of you, today we will be trying to hunt Houtian level beasts roaming at the Tiger ridge mountains, so form a line as we tell you which group you will be in."


    Ryuu scowled inwardly as he thought, ''Adopted mother, yeah right both you and your half sister go as such by stating you are adopted and the daughter of Leonardo has been taken as a disciple of some powerful Daoist and has left, tch disgusting, if only I had learned about what the project was you lots would be already six feet under.''


    Ryuu looked at his roommate and sighed as he shook his head, ''worthless fangirl.'', the woman question was busy tending to her looks to appear appealing to the 3rd young master, he sighed at that as he waited in line, and soon enough the line was thinned as he was the only one left.


    Gustav turned towards Ryuu as he spoke, "Ah Liam Nanda the strongest of the current group, well unfortunately you are the odd man out but do not despair because you will be going with ''Uncle Diego'' to hunt a beat which has already stepped into 2nd realm of Xiantian Level.", he then put up a regretful face as he spoke, "I wish I had a chance to accompany you and learn under ''Uncle Diego'', but unfortunately I am occupied so I hope you would tell me you adventure when you return won''t you my brother.", he finished with a kind smile.


    Ryuu aka Liam Nanda simply gave a bow but unlike others not as deep as them as he spoke, "Of course Young master I would love to as well as thank you for providing me with the opportunity to learn."


    Soon within a few hours the group left as Ryuu aka Liam Nanda moved with a group of 6, unlike other who had much larger group of 15, not only that all of them were ''Stronger'' than him by a large margin, with the leader being at mid Zifu Realm as such he knew one thing it was no hunting, they were taking him somewhere to silence him, oh well they will be in a rude awakening.


    As they moved Ryuu noticed they went further and further inside the mountain, the beast became stronger until they came across a cave, Diego turned towards Ryuu as he spoke, "Liam we will be staking inside this cave tonight, so why don''t you settle inside where as my brothers will gather necessary items for the camp, you go inside first I will join soon afterwards."


    Ryuu nodded as he looked inside he sighed, ''Great a ''Thunder Sabertooth Cat''s'' dwelling not only that is that a cub, so I see.'', he sighed as he felt the brand activate trying to paralyze him as he sighed before dropping on the floor with a sigh, ''I think I should get something nice for my sisters for putting up such an act.''


    Ryuu shouted out in a panicked voice, "Senior save something has��", only to get laughter in return as Diego spoke, "Sorry kiddo but the Matriarch has dealt you as dangerous as such you are to be dealt with but do not worry we will make sure to tell the story of how valiantly you sacrificed to save us."


    With that Diego went further inside as he picked the still small cub which was struggling hard to escape, before he put a muzzle on him and then put him inside a bag, before aloud roar was heard at the distance Diego cursed as he spoke, "Let us move fast the mother is nearby if it sees us we are so dead.", with that they ran away as Ryuu stood up as he changed his clothes at the same time he took out his trusted Kiseru as he lit it he felt a presence nearby and it seemed angry as it growled at him, Ryuu turned his head as he saw a 25 Foot tall Peak Wanxiang Adept level Thunder Sabertooth and he understand the mother was angry upon seeing him inside her lair as her child was missing, he spoke as he let lose his aura stopping the angry mother in her tracks, "I know you can understand me perfectly well, I will help you rescue your child and in return you will move to somewhere else the people are evil and sooner than later they would try to kidnap your child again, so what say you agree you live and disagree you die, so what is your choice.", He let lose a torrential amount of killing intent causing the spirit beast to shake in fear.

 254 Hunt of a Dragon Part-2

    The Sabertooth grunted as she spoke, "I accept", Ryuu simply clasped his hand as he spoke in a giddy tone, "Excellent."


    With that Ryuu took out a corpse from his space ring, a poor fellow from the clan who had the misfortune of trying to pee on a bush while being drunk, and unfortunately for him the said bush was the one which Ryuu had tried to hide behind, he did not take too kindly as such he died a rather painful death. Ryuu quickly made the person wear the dress of the guards as he moved the array branded on him on to the biceps of the deceased, as he turned towards the mama Sabertooth as he spoke, "What are you waiting for make sure it is beyond recognizable except a few pieces of his cloths?"


    A quick jolt of electricity later the corpse was beyond recognizable as Ryuu spoke, "Well you wait here I will bring your cub back then change your home, I fear there will be more after you.", with his piece said Ryuu literally disappeared from the Sabertooth Tiger''s sight as she blinked before she literally collapsed on her feet, "What kind of weirdo did I attract myself too, but as long as I can get my child back I have no problem."


    Meanwhile back in ''Mendez Clan House'', Narcisa opened her eyes as she smiled before she once again began meditating, ''It seems they succeeded, the only person you can curse yourself child is yourself, but where is that thrice damned Felipe he has been missing for a couple of days now. Oh well I send someone after him later on just to keep those paranoid elders off my back, as for Diego I will have to reward them handsomely for their services specially if they can bring the Thunder Sabertooth cub back.''


    Diego laughed and joked with his men as he moved through the forest at a fast pace, the bag containing the cub hung over his shoulders when all of a sudden the group came to a standstill as if they had collided with a wall, a couple even fell on their back as the rubbed their injured faces as Diego spoke out in anger, "WHO DARE TO ATTACK THE MENDEZ CLAN?"


    The waited and waited but no reply came except for a large yawn as they looked up on hearing the noise they saw a person who looked as if he was sleeping and recently awoke the person had a kiseru on his left hand a lazy bored voice came to their ears, "What took you so long, I feel asleep."


    Diego looked incensed at that as he shouted out, "WHO THE F***k ARE YOU?"


    Only to be hit on the head by a half eaten fruit as the person spoke, "Mind your language, did no one teach and why are you shouting? I have perfect hearing but are you deaf?"


    Diego turned towards his fellow men as he spoke, "Beat him to an inch of his life then kill him."


    Two of them nodded as they jumped up with weapons drawn, in order to harm the newcomer, only for him to sigh before he vanished from everyone''s sight, suddenly Diego heard a large crash behind him as he turned he saw the two of his family member, his brothers were lying on a crater that was formed on the floor, as blood pooled around them, the dup gasped for air before they dead gurgling and choking in their own blood, Ryuu was calming standing on top of their head as he spoke with a sigh, "ugh such weaklings couldn''t even survive a single strike from me, such a pity it seems I might die today from extreme boredom.", as he turned towards Diego he gave a smile the others including Diego who was about to say something halted in their speech as they looked at the man no ''God'' in front of them, a couple of them even blushed they were brought out of musing as small laughter resounded in their ears, ''such heavenly voice.''


    The stranger then spoke in an amused tone towards the group, "Well my name is Ryuu but you may call me by the name you already knew."


    Diego looked confused at that as he spoke, "What name do I know you esteemed Daoist Sir?"


    Ryuu chuckled at that as he spoke, "My you are really are useless bunch after all, well let me jolt your memory after all you tried to kill me by leaving me behind in a Thunder Sabertooth Tiger''s den."


    At that the group was thunderstruck before Diego let out a loud laugh as he spoke, "You piece of shit dare raise your hands on your betters, silence him."


    As another made his move a very terrifying pressure fell on them followed by a maddening killing intent descended on them, causing them to tremble like a new born calf, Ryuu''s face scrunched up in disgust as a certain smell hit his nose as he spoke, "ewww you lot disgust me, oh well I do not need all but one of you as such", he raised a finger pointing towards them as he spoke, "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe. Catch a tiger by the toe.If he hollers, let it go. Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.", as they finger came to stop as it pointed towards Diego he spoke with an insane bloodthirsty smirk, "Well look we have winner.", with that a few flying daggers easily killed the others in a blink of an eye as Diego feel on his legs as he whimpered out of fear, a squirming bad lying behind him.


    Ryuu simply stepped forward as he held his jaws hard then forcibly made him to look as Diego peered into the mismatch eyes of Ryuu he spoke in a kind and warm tone, "Now you will tell me about everything."


    A few more minutes later, Ryuu stood up as he stretched before he spoke with a smile, "Well that was informative, now I have to simply inform my eldest sister about it but before that��", Ryuu used Diego''s blood to leave a message on a tree trunk as he left the corpse crucified on top of it.


    Ryuu then picked up the bag as he gently removed the cub from inside it as soon as he removed the muzzle the cub began to cry for his mother, "Woo, woo��"


    Ryuu simply rubbed his head as he spoke, "Here little child, I am taking you to your mother soon ok, so calm down.", he placed a small kiss on top of his head as he removed the barrier surrounding the place before he disappeared from that place, ''It was great idea to create a barrier to prevent the little guy from sensing the way I extracted information, it would be not be wise to traumatize him when he is just small child.'', as he left he let out a loud cry of pain.


    A few minutes later a team which was nearest to the spot where they found the group brutally murdered as a message written in blood, ''Those who have betrayed Daniel and his family will pay with their blood. Narcisa ''BLOOD TRAITOR'' Mendez whore of Cleto Amorim your days are numbered.''


    The members of Mendez clan who had arrived felt a shiver run down their spine, meanwhile Ryuu placed the cub in front of its mother who promptly nuzzled her child as Ryuu looked at them with a small smile as he spoke, "I kept my part of the bargain, now you leave as soon as possible.", with that he left fast, the Tiger looked up but he found no one in front of her as such she promptly picked up her child and ran from that place as fast as she could.


    Meanwhile Ryuu looked towards the clan compound from top of the tallest tree in that area, as he took out a talisman and lit it aflame using a bit of his KI, he did not have wait long before he felt a familiar presence appear as the figure pulled him to a hug from behind Ryuu spoke with a smile on his face, "Big sister here is the report for you.", he took out a jade slip which he handed it to her.


    A few minutes later the person sighed as she hugged Ryuu tightly as she placed her chin on top of his head as she spoke, "You did a good job Ryuu, but the biggest question is that should I give you command for the operation or I would give it to my younger sisters."


    Ryuu closed his eyes for a few seconds basking in his eldest sister''s presence before he spoke his eyes shining with intense anger, "I will do it sister and those mongrels I will deal with them."


    Antariskh nodded visible please as she spoke with a smile, "I know you are the right person for the job brother, I will send my army assist to deal with them."


    Ryuu smiled as he spoke, "Thank You sister."


    Antariskh spoke with a small smile, "There is no need to thank me baby brother, after all I will always be by your side, I will always help and support you."

 255 A day in Aglon

    Ryuu walked through the city of Aglon, he was wearing his usual attire, the necklace gifted by his teacher all those years ago proudly displayed on his neck even after it was activated it still turned a few heads as some people glanced towards him mostly females, he sighed hard at that, ''This is the reason I like staying inside Ayindril, I hate such shallow minded people.'', is face scrunched up in disgust.


    Ryuu entered a restaurant as he thought, ''Well at least I will have something to eat after being offered that pig stool as food the last few days.''


    He took a seat inside the restaurant as his mind wandered to the talk he had with his sister a few hours ago,


    Antariskh sat as she held Ryuu close to her as she spoke with a frown, "So you were unable to find out about the ''The Project''?"


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "It is frustrating, and no matter what I do I still am not able to learn about ''The Project'', the only one who knows about it is the Head of the Family the school and the Overseer, but I was able to learn that whatever it is it will be unveiled within a week."


    Antariskh played with Ryuu''s hair as she spoke, "hmmm so what will you do Ryuu, will you act against them now or wait for the event to unfold."


    Ryuu fell deep in thought, ''Well I can have them captured as well as interrogated but I am kind of curious as well as want to witness the ''Project'' being unveiled, secondly we cannot attack someone who has not committed any ''crime'' yet after all they can claim that all the evidence was planted by some people and they can portray us a tyrants but if we manage to catch them with their hands inside a cookie jar things will be different it will also cause great harm to their reputation after that we can grant them exemplary punishment with ease, also I want to relish the feeling of despair when the thing they planned and coveted for all those years ago fall to ruins just on their eve of success."


    Antariskh deadpanned at that as she thought, ''It seems you are spending too much time with 3rd sister and 3rd mother, he started to learn weird things.''


    Antariskh she spoke with a small smile on her face, "Well then I will grant your wish o brother of mine.", although inwardly she sighed, ''foolish brother you should have acted before after all prevention is better than cure, in order to exact justice for their wrong doings you forgot this very important lesson it seems, oh well you will learn something eventually.''


    Antariksh: "Well you did a good job Ryuu, searching for their secrets by infiltrating them I am proud of you."


    Ryuu blushed at the praise as he spoke, "It was nothing worthy of praising at all."


    Antariskh nodded at that as she spoke, "Well but still it was trying for you, like the time when the drunk almost peed on top of the bush you are hiding."


    Ryuu''s face turned green as he spoke, "ewww just ewww do not remind me of that."


    Antariksh then adopted a serious look as she spoke, "But I bet you secretly liked touching all those female undergarments while searching for the diary."


    Ryuu''s face took an interesting shade of green, as he moved from his sister''s embrace before he clasped his hands of over his mouth as he pushed back the bile that rose as he spoke with indignation, "What are saying big sister, ewww ewww just ewww, I want that part of the memory erased just thinking of touching the undergarments of the woman made me sick, I literally tried to peel the skin of hand after that I feel so disgusted."


    Seeing such look Antariskh felt guilty at that as she spoke in an apologetic tone," I apologize for my poor attempt to tease you Ryuu."


    She then hugged him as they stayed like that for some time.


    Back at the present time Ryuu stared hard at the written material in front of him, ''This is so tough I do not know what to choose.'', he sighed as he once again flipped to the front page of the material which was actually a menu card of the restaurant he was visiting, after a few minutes he called the waiter as he place an order.


    "I will take a couple of Eggplant with Tomato Vinaigrette for Appetizer, then I want the thunder beef platter for 4, along with phoenix chicken in peri peri sauce and I would love to have rice as a side with it, oh and also a couple of bowls of salad with feta, and at last caramel custard pudding, is there something you can recommend as a drink."


    The waiter jotted down the order as he gave a bit of uneasy glance at him but he pushed it back to his mind after all cultivators were weird beings, after all no normal person would order so many different items when they are dining by themselves, but it was still startling to see someone who is so handsome and fit would want to eat so much, he spoke in a professional tone, "Sir, would you like alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink?"


    Ryuu contemplated on that for a few seconds, ''Well a few years ago I might have said no but now I like the taste of alcohol, so..'', "What kind of alcoholic drink do you recommend?"


    The waiter replied with a smile, "Sir, we have just received a shipment of 50 years old ''Thunder Frost Wine''."


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "Well then get me a bottle of it then?"


    The waiter then spoke with the same smile plastered on his face, "Is there anything you want Sir?"


    Ryuu:"No", with that the waiter simply left while Ryuu sat there as he took out a book from inside his space rig and began reading it.


    A few minutes later the waiter arrived with a bottle of wine which he poured it on a glass Ryuu watched as the outside of the glass froze instantly, Ryuu picked up his glass as he shook the liquid inside it, the smell was nice and he could see small sparks on top of the red liquid as he sipped from it, the taste was amazing Ryuu really liked the stuff, ''Yum it is nice.''


    A loud laugh from a few people caught his ears as he turned towards the newcomers he groaned, ''Was this the only restaurant they could visit, could they not visit the one a few blocks from here how annoying.''


    In front of Ryuu were Gustav and his sister Luna who had arrived here with a bunch of his friends, Ryuu looked from the corner of his eye as the group moved to the second floor, a few minutes later his food had arrived Ryuu dug into with a smile on his face as he thought, ''hmm I have to find a nice place to stay, a place where the ambience is nice enough for me to read my book in peace with a cup of piping hot tea.''


    "Excuse me, is this seat empty?", a person spoke from his side, even if Ryuu was busy eating he was aware of his surroundings as such he was already aware of the duo approaching him he turned his head as he spoke, "Yes it is empty."


    The duo simply took seat directly opposite to him as they look towards him with blush on their face causing him to groan inwardly, "Greetings Sir, may I inquire of your name."


    Ryuu replied back coolly towards her, "Is it not polite to introduce yourself before asking someone else about their name?"


    The girls blushed like tomato as one of them spoke, "I am Luna Mendez, adopted daughter of Narcisa Mendez the matriarch of Mendez Family, and this is my good friend Lara Roque."


    Ryuu: "My name is ''Jean Joubert''", he lied to them with a small smile on his face, and the smile seemed to make them blush even further.


    Lara: "I have never seen you here? Are you a cultivator?"


    Ryuu: "Actually I am waiting for a friend of mine, who decided to rendezvous with me here, and yes I am a cultivator."


    The trio chatted with him as Ryuu feed them various lies and what not and soon it was time for him to leave, he was getting increasingly annoyed and irritated as more and more patrons eyed him including the employees of the restaurant specially the members of the fairer sex and when the waiter finally brought the bill, Luna spoke, "Please fellow Daoist brother, you are guest of our city so let me pay for your meal."


    Ryuu: "But I��"


    Luna: "I insist Daoist Brother,", by then She had lowered herself a little as she pushed her hands a bit trying to accentuate her cleavage in an attempt to seduce Ryuu.


    Ryuu simply gave a charming smile as he spoke, "Thank you for that Sister."


    Luna blushed as she spoke, "There is no need to thank me.", she gave a coy smile to Ryuu, which caused Ryuu to give a small wave towards her as he left.


    Luna sighed dreamily at that as she spoke, "What I would love to have him moaning under me, that look that handsome figure, aiii it seems I am in love.", only to be taken aback at seeing the stupefied look on her friends face she turned towards her as she spoke, "Lara what happened?"


    Lara shakily showed her a slip of paper, as Luna went through it her eyes widen considerably at what he saw.


    Meanwhile Ryuu who was a few blocks away from the restaurant suddenly heard a loud cry full of disbelief, "WHY IS THE BILL SO DAMN HIGH!!!!!!!!", he snickered at that as Ryuu thought, ''Serves them right for trying to feed me such slop as food.''

 256 My happy Place

    A serene sound of water fall was present in the room which was further accentuated by the sonorous wind chimes which spread and atmosphere of calm and tranquility, Ryuu sat on a chair as he wrote on a notebook, sweet smell of freshly brewed ''Nine Realms tea'' spread around, a very costly tea of 5 Immortal Crystal per gram, a steaming pot full of which was kept on top of the desk while a cup held it for him to sip from it.


    Ryuu added a few more symbols for his arrays as he took a sip from the cup, it really helped him calm his nerves before he stiffened slightly then he spoke with a smile on his face, "Big Sister, please take a seat and do you want some.", he turned to face the newcomer as he offered her a cup.


    Shamiran smiled as she spoke, "Impressive baby brother you were able to detect me so easily."


    Ryuu gave a small smile as he spoke, "I was only able to detect you because you let me, big sister."


    Shamiran shrugged at that as she spoke, "True but you were able to detect me 2.9 seconds earlier than last time, and it is extremely impressive improvement. So how is the array coming along?"


    As she took a chair Ryuu sighed before he poured a cup of tea which he gave to her as he spoke, "Meh, it is coming along so so, nothing spectacular though I am hitting a few snag here and there I will have to consult teacher once I return."


    Shamiran nodded as she sipped from her cup before letting out a blissful sigh, "Impressive you make nice tea Ryuu."


    Ryuu: "It is the tea that tastes well not how I make it."


    Shamiran shook her head as she spoke, "You are too humble brother, just accept the compliment without fighting against it."


    Ryuu smiled at that before he spoke with seriousness, "Sister there is something I learned a few hours prior but I have yet to make headway about it."


    Shaimran: "What is it brother?"


    Ryuu: "I happened to spy on Narcisa and her husband Cleto, they were saying that within the next 4 days the ''Great One'' would arrive through the ''Gateway'' in Sebate city and when the ''Great One'' reaches they will begin the ritual."


    Shamiran listened patiently to the new information gathered by Ryuu, who kept on speaking, "I am ashamed to say that I was not unable to find out anything about the so called great one nor have I been able to learn anything about this ''Great Way'', is this ''GateWay'' thing some form of conduit?"


    Shamiran: "Well for normal cultivators there is two ways for people to travel from one planet to another, firstly by some flying vessel, and secondly by using this ''Gateway'' mostly this is a giant teleportation device used to travel from one planet to another it is costly and the device used for such takes a lot of maintenance as such only strong powers of a planet can maintain them, as such not many planet has one."


    Ryuu spoke with a smile, "Hmm maybe I would one day love to use them."


    Shamiran sighed as she spoke, "No Ryuu there is no need for you to travel using such an archaic method, you have much better means to travel not only that it is dangerous sometimes when the teleportation device of a place falls in disrepair accidents will happen which will kill and it is not a pleasant way to die so no, why take unnecessary risk where you will gain nothing in return not only that it is waste of your time and money."


    Ryuu simply gave looked like a kicked puppy which caused Shamiran''s brow to twitch as she spoke, "You are over 18 years old such things have no effect on us anymore, in fact instead of heart melting cuteness it is now simply gross so please refrain from doing such.", causing Ryuu to curse inwardly, ''Drat it was so much fun when I was a child, just a teary eyed look could get me anything I wish I was young again.''


    Shamiran: "So what have you planned Ryuu?"


    Ryuu quickly took out a map which he spread on top of his desk, the map has various markings on it, Shaimran peered on it as Ryuu spoke, "This is the map of Aglon city and its surrounding area this was the mine for the spirit stone which was reported to be empty, and if you go check you will find it emptybut it was a single vein of spirit stones in this area, in fact another vein had been found a couple of kilometers east of this place and astonishingly it is Immortal Spirit Stones, the overseer lied hiding those reports but most importantly there is tomb of someone and this ''Great One'' will try to open it, an array is being made fueled by the KI enriched by the blood of cultivators whom they have killed, the Immortal Spirit Stone vein would be used to fuel the array."


    Shamiran frowned as she spoke, "Troublesome, about the tomb did you find anything or what kind of seal that they are trying to break."


    Ryuu sighed before he gave a small smile full of embarrassment as he spoke, "Well I am investigating it as such I did not send any message to you all, but this is what I found by studying the tomb, I was not able to get too close to them because of the guards as well as the arrays protecting the place, I was able to bypass a few of the arrays placed to guard the place not all of them as such I was forced to turn back and I am not confident I will be able to break it anytime soon."


    Shamiran studied them for a few minutes before she place a jade slip on all the information causing everything to glow briefly before she placed it back inside her space ring as she spoke, "Well continue your investigation Ryuu but remember your safety is paramount while I will look into the things you found, but more importantly what have you been doing the last few days?"


    Ryuu gave a chesire grin as he spoke about all the shenanigans that he had went through, as Shamiran''s shoulder shook while her eyes shone with mirth.


    Meanwhile back in the Mendez family a grumbling brother and sister duo were busy handling some chore assigned by their mother and father.


    Gustav grumbled as he spoke, "This entire thing is fault."


    Luna send a scathing glare towards her brother as she spoke angrily while wiping the floor, "SHUT UP! How would I know he ate so much that he racked such a humongous bill."


    Gustav: "Even if you did not know why would you offer to pay for some stranger?"


    Luna blushed as she thought about Ryuu as she spoke, "You would not under��.OWww", she clutched her head as she dropped the mop, same was the case with Gustav as they turned they found a rather angry visage of Narcisa standing with her hands outstretched.


    Narcisa spoke in angry tone, "Children, this is the most crucial moment in our lives and we have some madman trying to jeopardize everything we have worked for as such I as well as your father and your other mother do not belief that it will be alright for you two to get close to a newcomer, now quickly finish your punishment."


    The duo simply nodded as Narcisa left them to their chores, as she was a good few away from them she sighed, ''Why can I not get a child that will do good to me instead of this worthless creature, I used so much resource yet he is not up to the mark, worthless if it were not for the foolish sentiment of my husband I could have already erased the shame. Hmm if only I could find that child I had seen all those years ago he still reeked of his mother''s milk yet he was already stronger than the idiot I have to call my son, even after he is 20 he is still not able to stand up to a 7 year old child, a cute child.'', she blushed a bit as she thought, ''He would be a teenager right now not only that his family seemed extremely strong if I can find him now I am sure with my beauty and body I can easily ensnare him make him bow to my whims, then I will simply dispose of this idiots and leave a life of luxury lording over others, who knows how strong he is already just thinking about him made me horny, ufufufu.''


    Meanwhile Ryuu suddenly felt dirty, dirtier than the sewage and an extremely strong bout of nausea hit him wanting him to throw everything that is inside his stomach including his entrails out because of disgust. ''I do not know why but I fell disgust and dirty I need to find my happy place, my happy place.''

 257 The Commander Part-1

    Ryuu was incredibly annoyed, he felt like cursing his older sister currently, ''Staying cooped inside the room is not good she said, try to go outside and mingle with more people she said, it is official I hate her now.''


    The reason for his annoyance was a certain someone sitting near him, who looked as if she was trying to glue herself to him, oh this is too much ''someone kill me already.''


    As he thought about the source of his annoyance his mind went back to the events a few minutes prior to the current predicament.


    Ryuu had found himself a nice little caf��, the ambience of the place was quiet nice away from the crowded part of the city he ordered a cup of coffee as he began reading the book, since he was assigned the mission he had been little strange normally he would have tried to explore the city and its local delicacies but because of the mission he was unable to enjoy himself at all but his sister Shamiran persuaded him to relax so far he was not regretting.


    As he was sitting on his chair reading the book he felt as if someone was approaching him as he turned his head he was greeted with the visage of Narcisa who had sensual smile on her face as she walked enticingly towards Ryuuwith her tightly cloth hugging her form as she took a step her breast jiggled making the patrons mostly the males to look at her as they drooled a bit, as she neared Ryuu a sweat scent enter his nostrils Ryuu felt himself heat up a bit which he quickly brought under control, ''why is by body reacting like that all of a sudden and why for a fraction of a second I found this woman attractive.'', only for his eyes widen before it became normal as realization hit him like a sledgehammer, ''This whore is using some form of scent based aphrodisiac too make me feel attracted to her, this woman is dangerous.''


    Narcisa had a flirty look as she spoke in a sensuous tone, "Hello Long Yu~ fancy seeing you here."


    Ryuu was dumbstruck at that, ''huh what is she talking about? Who is this Long Yu person? Did she mistake me for someone else?''


    Narcisa: "It has been a little over a decade since I saw you, you were only a seven year old when you went into dangerous ruins yet you survive and return not only that you were a genius of peak Zifu Disciple realm, so how have you been."


    It took some time for him to realize that the woman was speaking about his trip to the ruins of ''Nine Headed Dragon School'' or whatever its name was.


    Narcisa took a seat beside him without asking for permission as she spoke, "I was completely enthralled upon seeing your courage you were so courageous when facing that strong demonic cultivator, I feel in love with you.", she finished her sentence with a large blush as she placed her bosom pushing them to the point Ryuu thought they might escape from the confines of her dress as the sweet scent became stronger.


    If Ryuu was any lesser man he would have given to his urges but he was not, unfortunately for Narcisa her actions had managed to add more fuel to the raging inferno, ''This..this harlot how dare she act like this how can a female act like this I will never know this is revolting.''


    Ryuu who had grown idolizing many strong females in his life was disturb upon seeing someone acting with him like that sure he had seen woman getting enthralled because of his looks but someone who is stronger than him cultivation rank wise, someone who was already married as well as a mother trying to seduce him was something he never thought he would see but most importantly he felt disgusted and crept out a bit when she said she had fallen for a 7 year old him when she is much older than, in their world it is not uncommon for two people especially cultivators with an extremely large age difference to get married by a fully grown adult falling for a 7 year old child was a bit too much for him as such he moved a little bit away from her, but she inched even closer towards him.


    Ryuu: "Excuse me lady but who are you?"


    Narcisa gave a small gasp as she spoke, "Oh my sorry I forgot to tell you my name, my name is ''Narcisa''.", she spoke her name in a seductive tone.


    Ryuu scooted away from her a bit more but she was now literally on top of him as her hands was already on his thighs and the sweet smell was clogging his nose, pushing her luck as Ryuu was completely enraged with her, ''How dare this no good slut trying to cope a feel of me? That''s it even if the mission fails this whore will die here and now.''


    With a flash his sword appeared on his hand as he was going to kill the woman only for his hand to be grasped by a newcomer, Ryuu snarled at the person only for his eyes to widen as he stored his sword, Narcisa froze in her place as a shiver ran down her spine, '' I am going to die.'', as sweet voice entered her ears, "Whoever you are please remove your hands from my baby brother and brother it is time for us to leave let us go."


    Ryuu gave a small smile as he spoke, "Yes big sister let us leave.", with that Ryuu pushed the still frozen Narcisa off him as he left with his sisters.


    Narcisa was shaking with fear as she thought, ''What was that? Was that killing intent I thought I would die just from the killing intent it was so scary.''


    As she sat there frozen she felt her lower body getting wet, ''Oh no I let loose my bowels it was so disgraceful'', a badly shaken my Narcisa somehow with great difficulty stood up as she turned around she found the rest of the patrons most of them have either passed out or were quivering mess while a particular smell filled the caf��, she glanced at the waiter who laid on the floor his face frozen with anguish and from the looks of it many of them shared the same fate as him, ''he is dead the killing intent killed him.'', an extremely scared and pale Narcisa all but fled the scene like bat out of hell.


    Meanwhile an annoyed Ryuu followed his sister back into his room as soon as he closed the door Sylvana hugged him tightly causing his bones to creak before she checked him as she spoke with concern laced in her voice, "Are you alright Ryuu? That whore did not do anything strange to you right?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No big sister I was going to kill her before she tried anything with me but you appeared before that and stopped me from doing so."


    Sylvana gave a small sigh of relief as she spoke, "Well you do not have to worry about that whore Shamiran will personally deliver judgment on her soon enough after we capture them, and from what you have send the entire thing will happen two days from today right?"


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke with a frown, "Yes, but what about the ''Great One''?"


    Sylvana: "Our spies informed us that the so called ''Great One'' has already arrived here and Cleto has gone there to receive him the person will behere by tomorrow and then we can begin the operations, is the trap set?"


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Of course I have set the trap rather and everything is ready."


    Sylvana nodded as she spoke for a few more hours with Ryuu before she left.


    As she reached Ayindril she finally let loose of her anger, ''That whore''s luck is good that I did not want to jeopardize Ryuu''s planning and all the hard work he did on this mission otherwise she would have died there today, but maybe not after all she will be not allowed to die painlessly if I have anything to say.''


    As she neared the rest of her family members, Maheswara spoke, "Daughter is something wrong? You look enraged."


    Sylvana did not speak anything to her father as she looked towards her mother as she spoke, "Mother, there is a harlot I wished to her regret being born."


    Celestia looked at her with confusion and curiosity mixed in one as she spoke, "Who is this person who earned your ire daughter?"


    Meanwhile back in a city a certain matriarch of a clan suddenly felt the urge to run as far away as possible and hide for eternity, back in Ayindril as a pale faced Maheswara sweated heavily as he thought, ''I feel pity for the poor fool, who unknowingly awakened an overprotective ''Mama Dragon''.'', he wouldn''t have felt that much fear if it was his sadistic wife Celestia who gave out various ideas of torture but the one who gave was the calmest and quietest of them all Nuwa, who had managed to stun even Celestia the person whom people say invented the word ''sadism'', well it was something he never thought he would see one day.

 258 The Commander Part-2

    Antariskh stood before a battalion of soldiers as she spoke, "You all are my proud soldiers of Shangri-la, you all have dedicated your life for the betterment of Shangri-la, each of you experts in your own right and we are proud of you as such today you are assigned to a mission whose leader is our own brother, it is his first time that he is leading any form of mission more importantly he is weaker than the weakest member of your group we understand that it will be too much for most of yours pride following orders from someone who is so much weaker than youwe understand it but we do not care, you will follow the entire orders to the letter and you Captain Gonzales make sure that your entire battalion follows his instructions if he makes an erroneous decision you may offer advice nothing more than that if we found you try to manipulate or try to take over his command then you will be head shorter. Do you understand?"


    Gonzales simply gave a brief nodded as Antariskh spoke, "Good now our brother will be here as he will discuss the entire plan, if you have any suggestion you may voice your suggestion after he is done."


    Ryuu soon entered as he looked at all the people waiting there staring at him made him nervous as well as a bit scared but he knew he cannot afford to put up weak front or else he will lower not only his standing but his older sisters honor as well."


    Ryuu gave a short bow as he spoke, "Good morning everyone our name is Ryuu, and today we are going to discuss the plan of capture certain rogue elements who have been accused of conspiring against Shangri-la not limited to treason, as such we are here to capture the threat, we know all that you have dealt with similar situations many times and might find our planning lacking as such if you have any suggestions please wait before we have finished speaking, now here are the main targets who��"


    Ryuu was extremely grateful to the soldiers his sister provided him with, they were patient and after he had finished the briefing for the mission they offered many valuable suggestions from which he learned a lot, even his elder sisters changed a few instruction like changing a target from capture to kill specially Narcisa who was to be captured without having a single hair of her being harmed..


    An entire day had passed since then and an armored Ryuu sat on a chair as he looked on his hand in deep thought he had planned the entire thing from scratch and now he was going to execute it within a few hours but even after all this planning there is a chance everything would go wrong after all no plan survives the first contact with the enemy, if the initial plan fails he has a few dozen backups but still a scenario may occur outside all this planning and he might have to adopt accordingly there is a chance he might make an extremely bad call during the pressure.


    As Ryuu was having an internal crisis Antariskh had just arrived by his side seeing him in such a condition she sighed as she held hugged him from behind startling him as she ran her fingers through his hairs managing to calm him down a bit as she spoke, "Calm down brother you have done your best, for someone who is participating and leading a force for the first time in his life you have managed to do a rather splendid job brother there is no need to be tensed about something as trivial as such a thing."


    Ryuu felt relaxed as the tension left his body his eldest sister always managed to calm him down whenever she was near him and amongst all other thing she was the one who was the most closest to him compare to his other siblings not only that her presence always managed to make him fell calm and safe as if as long as she was present no harm will be done to him, as such Ryuu leaned against her as the brother and sister basked in each other''s presence without speaking anything to each other.


    A few hours later Jerico stood In front of the tomb, ''Hmmm my subordinates have done a splendid job by securing this tomb now with its knowledge I will be able to break into near 7th rank Mystic Immortal realm easily before ''Eden'' opens gain and if I am not wrong I will be able to reach Celestial Realm within this millennia easily.''


    As he was having day dreams his subordinates namely Cleto, Narcisa and the traitorous overseer by the name of Caley were present along with a good few hundred people on their right side who were kneeling on the floor with their hands cuffedshaking in fear Ryuu who was looking from a bit faraway position could easily recognize most of them as they were people who joined alongside him, on his left were his three subordinates along with various members of Mendez family along with people he did not recognize they stood their eyes sparkling with full of excitement and hope. As the setting sun casted it''s light on the floating Jerico it created a unforgettable sight in front of Ryuu''s sight he looked at both sides one full of misery and another full of happiness as if they have won the world, ''The strong and the weak huh, it is just as my eldest sister says to me all the time, the strong lives and the weak obeys.''


    Ryuu took a deep breath as he got ready for the main event, he waited as the Jerico took out a talisman and used it to activate the entire array which glowed brightly as it spread enveloping the entrance of the tomb as well as the screaming and crying captives as Jerico spoke in a loud voice which thundered managing to force them to be quiet as he spoke, "Shut up your whining is gritting on my nerves, why are you being afraid you should be honored that you are able to help us in such an endeavor now shut up and let me assure your deaths will not be in vain."


    Ryuu gave a small smirk as he spoke, "Yes your death will not be in vain.", he took out a talisman as he activated it.


    The purpose of the array erected was simple it would transfer the massive amount of energy that it gathered from the Spirit stone mines whether it be Immortal or not using the energy it would overload the array and locking mechanism placed on the tomb along with any other array being placed that is linked with the on placed at the entrance forcing it to be rendered useless completely as such granting them excess, but they needed a connector which came in the form of those poor people who will be sacrificed as the massive energy would flow through them, an effective method but one according to Ryuuis suited for a ''brainless uncultured brute with excrement in place of brain.''


    Unfortunately Jerico did not take into account for the presence of Ryuu who had already altered certain key parts of the array as such as soon as it was activated the immense energy was sent not through all those poor innocent people who were caught at the wrong place at the wrong time but through the ''Great One'' or as his real name was ''Jerico''. This was also the signal as all the troops of Shangri-la surrounded them as Jerico''s scream sounded in everyone''s ears stunning the victims and their tormentors in the process Ryuu arrived at the scene as he spoke in a loud voice, "You all are criminals as such for your numerous crimes against Shangri-la I hereby place you all under arrest, you have the right to remain silent and anything you say will be held against you in court.", as he thought with a rather bright smile threatening to split his face, ''Yup, at last I the great Ryuu have done it, I have finished saying the line I learned from that book and modified to suit my need for such an occasion I feel so elated and great.''


    Meanwhile a certain trio simply slapped their forehead in exasperation as they though in unison, ''Yup we are so going to get scolded for getting those materials for Ryuu, we should not have done that.''

 259 The Commander Part-3

    The combined might of all the soldiers present pushed them to the ground as those who were not even an Immortal promptly found themselves having their face planted on the ground as Ryuu looked down at them with a smirk on his face, when suddenly Narcisa spoke with a pleading tone, "Please Long Yu there has been a mistake about something."


    Cleto turned towards Narcisa as he spoke, "You know him?


    Narcisa nodded at that as she spoke,"Yes, I have met him a decade ago, he was a peak Zifu Disciple when he was a 7."


    Cleto as well as everyone''s eyes widen at that except the soldiers of Shangri-la who gave no visible emotions suddenly a grin formed on Cleto''s face but before he could speak his second wife shouted out, "I am Caley the overseer of Shangri-la, please cease this incessant foolishness I am under direct order of Her Hig��",


    Ryuu spoke angrily, "You traitor be silent, you dare slander the name of Her Highness."


    CLeto then shouted out at the top of his voice, "I Cleto hereby challenge Long Yu for our right to freedom and unfair treatment, as such with Heaven''s as my witness I call upon a cultivator''s honor and I initiate a Cultivator''s Duel.", he pointed towards Ryuu as he finished in a dramatic flair.


    Ryuu turned towards the leader of the battalion as he whispered to him, "What is this thing ''Cultivator''s Duel'' I have never heard of it, do you know what it is?"


    The person shook his head as he spoke, "No idea but I believe he wants to pick a fight with this ''Long Yu'' person."


    Ryuu once again spoke in whisper, "So do you have any person who is called ''Long Yu'' among your battalion."


    The commander replied back to in a hush tone, "Well no there is none who shares that name."


    Ryuu suddenly turned towards them and spoke in an apologetic, "Sorry mister unimportant person last I check there is no one named ''Long Yu'' amongst us so please surrender now without making a fuss."


    Narcisa spoke in disbelief, "But but you all those years ago said your name is ''Long Yu''."


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "I lied."


    Only for a bright red glow to appear around Cleto who shouted out in glee, "So long you losers, hahahaha.", with the glow intensified as he disappeared from others sight only for a loud scream full of pain to reach everyone''s ears as a bloodied pale looking Cleto slammed on the ground causing a big crater on the ground while the pressure on the criminals increased even more causing many to lose their consciousness.


    Ryuu snorted at that as he spoke with a smile on his face, "Idiot did you not think I would have taken precautions about any form of ''Emergency Escape Talisman.''", before he turned towards the leader of the battalion as he spoke, "Please capture them already."


    One of the no name members of the Mendez clan spoke with contempt laced in his voice as he spoke, "Take another step towards us and we will kill all the sacrifice, you would have your hands full with innocent blood.", he finished with a cruel smirk as he thought he and the others could escape by holding them hostage.


    Ryuu simply let out a large yawn as he spoke, "Why you all are waiting here please capture them already."


    The soldiers moved in order to capture them as the man kept screaming along with the would be sacrifices both screaming out of fear but for different reasons, and soon the group was captured including the ''Great One'' who was unconscious during the entire ordeal, as the screaming and crying criminals were dragged away Ryuu made his way towards the so called guards of Mendez family who were about to be sacrificed in order to open the array as he spoke, "You people are free to leave though next time please beware of where you seek employment."


    The group nodded fearfully as one of them spoke, "But benevolent Hero sir, what if they try to kill us then."


    Ryuu gave them a small smile causing all of them to blush mostly the females as he spoke, "Do not worry about that the clan mark is actually a branding done using array, its purpose is just to paralyze you all not kill you but when I freed you from your fate the branding was destroyed as such you all are safe, well then I am leaving."


    "Please wai��", before anyone could say anything Ryuu moved so fast it seemed as if he had disappeared from their sight, as one of them spoke, "Was that a celestial being he was so gorgeous so breathtaking and he spoke to meeeeeee!"


    "Are you delusion it was clear that he was speaking to me not someone as ugly as you."


    "What did you say you no ��"


    Only for their brawl to stop as they felt a strong presence near them as they turned their head they saw a scholarly looking person floating near them who had a annoyed look in his face, "If you people have finished your bickering then leave NOW!", he shouted to them causing them to run away in fear.


    The man then turned towards others as he spoke, "Her Highness wants this tomb to be explored and if it contains some form of threat to neutralize it, if there are some materials which are useful then we will procure it now move fast we do not have all the time in the world."


    Meanwhile Ryuu was standing in front of the leader of the battalion as he spoke, "Thank you for your hard work and you are all are dismissed.", the person in question simply gave a small bow as he left leaving Ryuu alone, who peered down towards the city as he looked the remaining members of the Mendez clan being dragged away by forces of Shangri-la, as their lies being exposed to the city, he watched as the people who once used to lick the feet of Mendez clan member was now cursing them calling them names behind their back causing him to leave out a tired sigh as he frowned at that.


    ''Today the clan will be dead and gone all because they got greedy and managed to draw ire of someone they shouldn''t have, well the children of the clan were taking into custody as well to find out any of their involvement well I doubt that they be involved their only crime is that they were bully nothing more nothing less, oh well there is nothing to think about big sisters will handle their punishment and I know they are just and fair.''


    Ryuu was brought out of his thought as Sylvana arrived near him as she spoke, "You did well Ryuu, specially your planning and executing the said plan so what do you intend to do now."


    Ryuu shrugged at that as he spoke, "No idea but since teacher gave me some time off, I will loiter here and there a bit before returning back to Ayindril."


    Sylvana simply smiled back at him as she spoke in a teasing manner, "Well then Ryuu try not to seek out any problematic situation while you are staying outside of Ayindril."


    Ryuu simply gawked at that as he spoke with indignation, "I so do not sister, I never try to seek out any problem."


    Sylvana gave him a stare full of disbelief as she spoke, "Uh huh".


    Ryuu gave a tired sigh before he spoke again, "Sister what will happen to this people who were captured."


    Sylvana simply waved her hand as she spoke, "Nothing you need to worry brother the guilty will be punished but more importantly Ryuu how did it feel commanding such a force of strong cultivators."


    Ryuu looked at his hand as he clenched and unclenched them as he spoke, "Well it was scary to tell you the truth I was so nervous I was afraid I would mess up and then I would cause dishonor to you all."


    Sylvana placed a comforting hand on Ryuu as she spoke, "Ryuu you do not know how proud we are of you today, but more importantly Ryuu this mission was a way of learning and gaining experience as such there was no problem if you had failed, many a times even we fail after all remember failure I mother of success and the most important thing is that you learned from your mistake, but today you performed flawlessly as such we are extremely proud of you.", with that he tousled Ryuu'' hair a bit making him blush from happiness.


    Meanwhile a few hundred kilometers from the city smoke could be seen rising from the ground as many corpse were seen lying around to what seems to be some sort of ruin a person stood there appreciating his handiwork another person arrived beside him as he spoke without even turning his head to look at the newcomer as he spoke, "Send a message to her highness that from today onwards the God Cry School no longer exists, all the higher ups including most of the core disciples have been killed others have been chased away and I have personally burned down the entire place."


    The person gave a bow before he disappeared from sight leaving the mastermind of the massacre alone as a woman came and hugging him from his side he simply smiled at her as he held her closer towards him as he spoke, "So how did Her Majesty''s brother perform?"


    The woman mused at that before she spoke, "The brat is softhearted but he planned it well, instead of waiting till the last moment I would have simply slaughtered them but he managed to use his cunning to subdue his much stronger opponent and then rescued those idiots, it was nice strategy but then again I would have used the soldiers under my command to annihilate them, but he is good worthy of being Her Highness''s brother as well as he has guts I will give him that he commanded all those soldiers who were much older, stronger and experienced as if he had been doing such since he was young, moreover do you know he is a 18 year old mid Immortal rank cultivator."


    At that the listener had his eyes open wide as he spoke in disbelief at that, "Are you serious?"


    The woman simply gave him a small playful punch as she spoke, "What would I gain from lying to you, but enough of that we have tomb to study and unearth its contents."


    The man nodded as both of them disappeared from the ruins.

 260 My Beloved Part-1

    Ryuu stared at the food that was placed in front of him, it tasted quite bland he did not like it, if the most recommended item was such bland he shuddered in fear thinking about those which were not good enough to be recommended.


    Ryuu sighed as he contemplated whether he should take another bite or not after all he was paying for the food yet he was strong enough to leave without eating for months on end but at the same time he wished to check out local food but now he was regretting his decision.


    Suddenly the waitress who delivered the food approached him as she spoke, "Excuse me Sir, but you are eating it wrongly."


    Ryuu looked towards her with one of his brow as he spoke curiously, "Really so how do I eat it?"


    The waitress blushed at seeing such a handsome patron yet she managed to maintain her professional air as she spoke, "Sir if I may." With that she borrowed Ryuu''s spoon as she cut the Idli into smaller pieces before she mashed them a bit as she spoke, "First you cut the Idli into smaller pieces then mash it a bit cutting it makes it easier to mash the Idli then pour some of the ''Shambar Dal'' a type of ''mixed vegetable lentil soup'' then add some ''coconut chutney'' to it mix the entire thing well then you may eat it.", she then handed the spoon to Ryuu who promptly took a bite of his breakfast but unlike last time his eyes widen as he felt as if bomb made up of flavor detonate on his tongue it was incredible tasty he then turned towards the waitress as he spoke, "Thank you for teaching me how to properly eat ''Idli'' it is incredibly tasty so please send my compliment to the Chef on my behalf for creating such a savory and mouthwatering food."


    The waitress had gone ramrod upon seeing his smile as she stuttered out, "W-we-well th-then thank you and enjoy yourself.", with that she hastily dashed away from Ryuu causing him to sigh, ''Even with my necklace it is getting difficult trying to keep people being attracted to me because of my looks, I fear that I need to wear a mask soon. Oh how I wish one day soon enough I will learn how to decrease how my look influences others.''


    As happy Ryuu ate his breakfast his mind went back to the events that occurred a few days prior he so wanted to join the exploration team but unfortunately no matter how much he threw tantrum or how much he sulked it did not change the truth that the tomb was incredible dangerous to even mid Level Mystic Immortal Emperors let alone a puny mid Level Immortal like him, well the people who are exploring the tomb can easily keep him safe but his presence will surely interfere with their work, as such with heavy heart he decided to leave that place, that was a good few days ago as he currently found himself half way across the planet sitting inside a restaurant having breakfast.


    As he finished his breakfast Ryuu left the restaurant after giving a generous tip to the waitress for teaching him how to eat ''Idli''


    The City of Villinhuvado was located near a mountainous region famous for the various brands of coffee and a few teas which were cultivated here, Ryuu lazily walked around the city as he looked around the place taking in the sights of different culture and customs truly it was a mesmerizing sight.


    ''hmm I would like wearing some of the local attire but the ''dhoti'' looks like a bit troublesome to deal with.''


    Ryuu''s attention was grabbed by the market where people were buying and selling various wares to Ryuu it seemed to be the rowdiest market ever seen but still the people greeted each other in a friendly manner, he could easily spot a cultivator every now and then but amongst all he seemed to be the one who stood out the most his snow white color skin with red hair stood in contrast to others who had black colored hair and their skin tone much darker side of the spectrum and most importantly his eyes after all who amongst them could boast having heterochromatic eyeswhile everyone else had black colored one or as close to black as possible.


    Ryuu made his way towards one of the vendors an old lady who was selling various decorative wares and what not, he inspected the items carefully as he addressed the seller usig the name commonly used by the local people, "Amma, how much does this wind chime costs?"


    The woman looked up towards him as she spoke to Ryuu it sounded like gibberish as such he spoke once again, yet he was unable to decipher what the woman spoke.


    Suddenly a few people appeared by his side as one of them spoke, "Excuse me Sir, that old woman over there is from an indigenous tribe from our country she is speaking in her mother tongue, if you want to we will help to translate."


    Ryuu spoke with a smile, "Thank you for your gracious help."


    As he smiled at them the group broke into chatter of ''ohhhs'', ''ahhhs'' and ''Kyaaas'', causing his eyes to twitch at that.


    After he had successfully purchased the item which Ryuu had to pay rather forcefully as the old woman literally wanted to give him the item for free because of his looks calling him ''Child of Heaven'', Ryuu was getting incredibly annoyed and frustrated at that as he left as a token of showing appreciation he shook each of their hands.


    The group of five sighed dreamily as one of them quickly wrapped his hand with a handkerchief seeing him acting like that one of the female from her group stated, "Adi what are you doing?"


    Adi send an annoyed look towards them as he spoke, "What if something dirties my hand after the great ''Child of Heaven'' shook my hand, hmmm, and like an idiot like you has better idea."


    The woman snorted as she spoke, "You fool, dirties my hand I am never going to wash it, I am going to seal it away forever."


    Another laughed at that as he spoke, "My hand which touched the ''Child of Heaven'' is going to become my family heirloom."


    Then another began speaking as Ryuu who was a good few distance away from them heard everything clearly because of his high cultivation level he did not waste any time as he increased his speed and ran from that place as fast he could."


    A few hours later a mentally exhausted Ryuu stood in front of ''Amma Coffee House'' as he sighed, ''Well according to the locals it is the best place for some coffee and snacks not only that it is a 500 year old establishment, well let us see what they have to offer.''


    A few minutes later Ryuu took a sip from his piping hot coffee cup as he let out a happy content sigh, ''Ahh this is life, so peaceful and quiet.''


    "Excuse Child, is this seat empty.", a voice came from his side startling Ryuu, ''How did she appear so close to me before I felt here presence.''


    Ryuu glanced and saw many of the seats empty, ''who is this woman, she can clearly seat anywhere she wants to but why is she��'', Ryuu''s internal musing was cut short when he felt a pulse of KI from the woman causing him to gulp, ''The woman is too strong for my level.'', Ryuu promptly stood up as he gave polite bow as he spoke, "This Junior greets Senior, and Senior please feel free to occupy the seat it is empty."


    The woman had a silver hair with a couple of blood red strands mixed with it, her azure eyes held a lot of power behind them she wore a purple color dress with a matching veil covering her face she was being of incredible beauty enough to give his sisters a run for their money and Ryuu could tell that she was smiling behind the veil, and he did not understand why but his heart skipped a beat.


    The woman elegantly took a seat in front of Ryuu as she glanced at the menu as Ryuu resumed munching on the snacks placed in front of him, Ryuu was confused since the woman had arrived in front of him, Ryuu could not point his finger at it but he felt something different all of sudden, ''what is happening to me? Why my heartbeat has increased so much and why is my body heating up all of a sudden.'' As such he was at a loss and he had no idea why.

 261 My Beloved Part-2

    Nuwa wiped out the drops of blood with an empty talisman before she burned it to ash as Celestia spoke, "So did you have fun."


    Nuwa''s lips morphed into a snarl as she spoke, "Barely though she broke within the first 5 minutes as such we simply killed her."


    Celestia sighed tiredly as she spoke, "That is why you should leave the work to the professionals you did something wrong and caused her to break, as I usually say��"


    Veena ended her sentence in a monotone, "It is a form of art that is to be savored slowly or else it would become bland."


    Celestia giggled at that as she spoke, "It seems you know me well Veena."


    Veena simply scoffed as she spoke with a smirk on her face, "Of course I would know dear.", before she turned towards Antariskh as she spoke, "So how is that little tyke doing?"


    Antariskh gave a small smile as she spoke, "Well other than being extremely bored and going through teenage rebellion phase he is doing well."


    Maheswara had a curious look on his face as he spoke, "What do you mean by that?"


    Sylvana replied with a smile, "Well he wanted to explore a tomb but because it was of a very high level cultivator, we forbade him from entering normally he would not say anything but this time he was bit more defiant than normal but more importantly he was sulking around a lot."


    Shamiran: "It was so cute to watch him throw tantrum."


    Others cracked a grin at that as their parents had a smile on their face imagining Ryuu throwing tantrum, to them it was incredibly cute as an image of small puppy look alike Ryuu appeared who was throwing tantrum and sulking around.


    Maheswara grinned as he decided to tease them, "I was wondering a hormonal teenager going through teenage angst and rebellion, what if he falls in love with someone then?", only to regret it immediately as he went whiter than chalk as he gulped hard under the combine might of their killing intent.


    Maheswara spoke shaking like a leaf, "I am joking, joking hehehe there is no need for you all to be so angry."


    The group simply huffed at that as Veena spoke, "Ryuu is just a baby boy, there is no need for him to pursue or think about any relationship at least until he is at least a peak ''Samsara Dao Lord''."


    Maheswara''s eyes went wide as he spoke, "But that would take him millions of years to reach."


    Nuwa: "So what he would be old enough by then to court someone worthy of him."


    Celestia nodded with a serious look on her face, "Yes and if the girl has even iota of deviation from the ideal wife that Ryuu should have we will reject him."


    At their suggestion Ryuu''s sisters simply nodded showing their support to the idea, as gawking Maheswara looked upwards as his face gained a melancholic look as hr thought, ''Sister Xiao Xiao it seems your son will never enjoy the joy of being a father of his own children, forgive me but I tried.''


    Meanwhile Ryuu looked towards the woman as he tried to speak but he did not know what to say, after all what can anyone say to a very powerful person who is staring at your for a good few minutes without blinking.


    Ryuu: "Excuse me Ma''am but... I��."


    The woman suddenly spoke with a smile her voice seemed to be most angelic Ryuu has ever heard every patron or the people working in the shop had their undivided attention on her as her soothing voice made them sigh with bliss, "Yes Ryuu what do you want?"


    Whatever Ryuu was going to say died in his throat as he heard her speak as he somehow managed to speak, "Who are you? How do you know my name?"


    The woman gave an excited purr causing everyone near her to blush heavily at that except Ryuu who looked at her with suspiciousness, "Why of course I know everything about you Ryuu, or should I call you by the name your biological mom and dad gave you Feng Vance son of Fang and Sabine, adopted son of your paternal aunt Xiao Xiao also a Superior God tier Divine body, the vaunted ''Diabolos Divine Dragon Overlord'' as well as the most beloved and spoiled child of Heavens itself, a ''Dao Child''."


    Ryuu''s body trembled in fear at that as he felt his throat getting dry as the woman spoke, ''How does she knows so much, specially me being a Dao Child, at the banquet a few years ago many people had learned about his divine body as such it might have somehow leaked but him being a ''Dao Child'', was only known by his teachers, their daughters and his late mother and no one not even microbe knew about it so how did the woman in front of him know such information.''


    The woman did not pay attention to Ryuu''s internal crisis as she kept on speaking without a care in the world as if she was discussing weather, "So long have I waited to meet so long have I wanted to hold you in my arms, so long have I waited to love you once again, Ryuu. Won''t you come back to me? Your master your lover and your Dao Companion", as she spoke a deranged grin formed on her face one that could be seen from behind her veil.


    Ryuu gulped as he spoke, "Senior, you are mistaken me for someone else I already have a teacher."


    The woman scoffed at that as she spoke, "Those idiot, please they are pathetic sorry excuse of teachers who are holding you back, if I were in their place you would have become immortal before your 12th birthday."


    Ryuu growled at her as he spoke with anger, "Do not insult my teachers?"


    The woman scoffed at that as she spoke, "Please they are scum of the highest order did they tell you how their so called beloved son died."


    Seeing Ryuu did not deny her with an answer she kept on speaking, "Normal story is Pangu died sealing a poor woman named Ochyless, but in reality before his death Pangu renounced and cut off any relationship between him and his family do you know why?"


    Ryuu gritted his teeth as he spoke, "How should I know what lies you are spinning."


    The woman shook her head as she let out a mirthless chuckle as she spoke, "Pangu a loyal obedient child was stabbed in the back by his own family, and Ochylesse was released from her prison by them which eventually caused Pangu''s death, so in other words your predecessor died by their hands, a fate you will suffer if you stay near them too much"


    Ryuu abruptly stood up with so much anger that the table infront of him turned to dust as the patrons were blasted from their seats causing them to cower in fear as the one''s nearest to him did not even twitch anymore the woman stood up elegantly as she spoke in a surprised tone, "Oh my you did not believe me even when your sisters already betrayed you. Do you remember Tardide of course you do, your friends were their what was the girl''s name again ahhh Estelle, yes yes the girl you viewed as your younger sister yes now I remember, the very same village who location was leaked by your sisters, the same sisters who knew about the bandits approaching the village or about the massacre that was taking place they could have prevented anything but did they do it no, they let them die and ��.."


    Ryuu who was shaking with anger shouted out at the top of his voice, "SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!YOU DAMN LIARRRR!!!"


    Only the woman to giggle as she spoke, "How cute you look when you are angry like a newborn puppy?", before Ryuu could react she was already invading her personal space as she placed her hand on his cheek, causing his heartbeat to increase further as his body heated up a bit.


    A memory of time long ago resurfaced inside his mind, a kind looking older woman who saved him and his mother, the woman who later became his teacher, his body during that time reacted the same way as that time as he swore that he heard someone speak in to his ears like all those years ago, but unlike last time the feeling was also slightly wrong as sudden sense of danger rose in his heart as his body screamed to him to ''Run!!!, simply run.''


    Without a hesitation Ryuu ran from the place while making a whole through the wall as he ran towards his flying vessel as fast as he could the woman frowned at that as she spoke, "That was not nice Ryuu seems like I have to teach you some manners."


    ''Almost there almost'', Ryuu''s eyes lit with joy as he was only a couple off meters away from the flying vessel, when all of sudden he felt an intense heat as he plucked from his feat as he was thrown backwards hard, eh braced for impact only to find himself landing on something soft and squishy a voice came to his ears as his blood ran cold, "Ara, how bold of you Ryuu."


    Ryuu jumped away as he was greeted with a familiar visage greeted him, a hand was outstretched in order to grab him, Ryuu''s divine body activated as he swung his sword with all his might, a blow so strong that even his bones rattled, as he screamed, "Stay away from me!!!!", only for the sword to get caught by her middle and index finger as she spoke in a seductive manner, "My how beautiful, a proto-cosmic treasure, but a trash is a trash."


    Ryuu looked at the scene with his eyes wide open, his sword the first gift from his masters, he still remember the first time he held the sword when he was seven, how many adventures and life threatening perils he had overcome relying on his sword no his partner, how he dreamed about becoming the strongest cultivator standing atop the others with his trusted sword by his side, was broken in to pieces like a glass, he suddenly felt as if he part of him died, he roared out in anger as his aura and Divine body went overdrive, "HOW DARE��"


    The woman sighed with displeasure evident in her voice, "Stop shouting I am not deaf.", with that she poke Ryuu and all of sudden his Divine body deactivated as he coughed up blood while he lifelessly fell on his knees dead tired all of a sudden.


    ''What, what happened where did my strength go?''


    "Well I think it is time we left, my beloved", as she extended her hand a few dozen chains wrapped against her as three figures covered in head to toe with dark cloak and mask appeared surrounding her binding her in those chains tightly while another appeared beside Ryuu as a distorted voice came to his ears, "Your Highness leave it to my comrades, while I escort you to safety.", with that the surrounding beside Ryuu distorted all of a sudden as the duo disappeared leaving the woman along with three ''wojownik Cienia'' behind.

 262 My Beloved Part-3

    Ryuu was hit by nausea as he tried to push the bile down the throat his rescuer spoke in a distorted tone, "Do not worry your highness my teammates are capable they will deal with the threat in no��.."


    The person stopped speaking causing Ryuu to look up curiously as he looked up his eyes widen upon seeing a familiar person standing near him, his guard suddenly stood in front of him in a protective manner as the guard spoke, "How did you follow us here?"


    The woman simply removed the veil covering her face as she spoke with a smile, "I think I should correct you first I did not follow you I made you teleport where I actually wanted you to, the moon of the pitiful planet you were on.", the answer made Ryuu''s eyes to wide open as the woman continued, "And if you are thinking about those Dao Father level trashes you left behind well here are they.", a portal opened as three head dropped on the ground but this time without their masks their eyeless head staring at them as their face was twisted in horror.


    Ryuu did not know what to think of the situation to him a Dao Father/Mother was an unimaginable height, beings strong enough to erase a planet with snap of a finger yet three of them died within a few seconds.


    Suddenly a talisman appeared in front of Ryuu as it glowed causing his eyes to widen only for a portal to appear as it was swallowed by it as the woman spoke in disappointed tone, "Ara this is not nice, trying to send him away again, you need to be punished.", before either of them could react the woman was standing in front of Ryuu''s guard with her finger touching the mask, Ryuu had a horrifying look on his face when the person simply crumbled on the ground lying on the ground like a heap.


    Ryuu spoke fearfully, "What did you do?"


    The woman blushed as she gazed towards Ryuu as she spoke with a loving smile, "Nothing much Ryuu I simply turned every internal organs, bones and everything inside her body to dust, quite the feisty one isn''t she still trying to fight me.", with that she raised her hand which was holding a pale translucent figure which looked like a woman, "Now what to do with an annoying pest like you. Ah I got it.", with that the woman opened her mouth wide intending to swallow the soul.


    Ryuu got rid of his fear as he tackled her hard as he fought hard in order to pry open her grip over the soul, after all the poor woman did not deserve such a fate as she was only trying to protect as such it was something he could not allow it.


    The woman giggled seeing Ryuu trying so hard to make her release her grip, she suddenly gained a nostalgic look on her face as she spoke, "It is so nostalgic, this scene it brings me back, you were only 7 year old when you fought against me like this in order to save your pet hare, which I had caught, you were trying to rescue it with your eyes all teary. You have the same eyes like before but you are so weak compare to before after all last time you became an Immortal under my tutelage within 2 years 11 months 2 weeks 3 days 5 hours 15 minutes and 45 seconds.", her musing was cut short when a few dozen kicks and stomping landed on her face causing her brow to twitch.


    "You damnable brat.", she shook her hand causing Ryuu to be thrown off at least a hundred meters as he hit the ground with a loud thud causing him to wince as he felt his shoulder dislocate from the impact, but before he could speak the woman was already on him fussing over him, "I am so sorry, so sorry I hurt you."


    Ryuu did not know what to do as such he spoke in a placating manner, "It is fine you do not have to worry", while inwardly he was panicking, ''Big sisters teachers where are you I want some help anytime right about now.''


    The woman helped Ryuu to set his shoulders as she hugged him tightly, "I missed you so much Ryuu, I missed you so much now you are back in my arms we can go back to our love nest but do not worry as your master I will teach you everything once again.", with that she tried to kiss Ryuu who began struggling against her with all his might.


    A dragger appeared in his hand as he tried to slice the woman''s eyes only for her to sigh at what seemed like a snail like pace to her as she caught the dagger only for Ryuu to let it go as he took out his bow and fired it at point blank range, a humongous explosion which caused a large crater which was immediately filled by molten rocks formed inside it. Did Ryuu think about causing any damage to her of course not he knew even his strongest skill is not enough to scratch her let alone hurt her all he could do is make sure to buy as much time as possible he knew that his teachers or his sisters would be here soon.


    The woman spoke sensual tone mixed with anger sending shiver down Ryuu''s spine, "You have been a bad, bad boy Ryuu, I think it is time for you to be punished for trying to hurt your wife.", Ryuu gulped at that as his hands trembled with fear, as a lone thought ran through his mind, ''This is so not cool, I should have let her kiss me now I might truly die.''


    Meanwhile back in Ayindril, Shamiran frowned hard, drawing everyone''s attention to her as she took out a red colored Jade Slip which she checked it hurriedly before she let out a cry of fear mixed with anger, "All the guards protecting Ryuu are DEAD!!!!!"


    At that the group descended into chaos only for Maheswara to calm them as his immense aura slammed onto them, "There is no need for shouting let us move quickly.", with that he along with his daughters disappeared from sight leaving behind his distraught wives behind.


    As they appeared at Ryuu''s position they found Ryuu being kissed passionately by an unknown woman with a care in the world.


    Antariskh saw red as she attacked her with a war hammer, "GET AWAY FROM MY BROTHER YOU WHORE.", Only for Ryuu to be thrown towards her who was promptly caught by Shamiran who moved him away from Antariskh''s path, who slammed the hammer hard so hard that the impact destroyed the moon itself.


    Meanwhile Shamiran quickly checked Ryuu as she gasped upon seeing his condition, Ryuu''s eyes were unfocused as if he was dreaming, not only that he was bleeding from his ears and nose as trail of blood flowed from his eyes like tears as he let out occasional hiccups, he laid on Shamiran''s lap no matter what she did she could not get him to react at all she turned towards the woman as she spoke with anger, "You harlot what did you do to my brother."


    The woman simply spoke nonchalantly at that, "Nothing I just taught him how to kill a ''Dao Child''."


    Sylvan gritted her teeth as she spoke, "What.Did.You.Do?", she accentuated each words as she spoke trembling in fury.


    The woman spoke with a smile, a smile that was causing them to get more and more angry as she replied back, "Oh nothing much I just dumped information regarding multiple Dao at the same time at once causing him to gain enlightenment, and the result of so many Dao caused a tiny little bit side effect it seems."


    The people who were listening had their eyes open in horror at the prospect, such large amount of information being forcefully introduced in his head at the same time will not only cause him to suffer brain damage but also caused untold amount of anguish for the soul, but what was scary was the fact if Ryuu managed to gain enough enlightenment on a Dao it might cause him to jump on cultivation level fast enough and may incur a tribulation and for a current Ryuu, a newborn baby has more chances of defeating an adult than the current Ryuu''s chances of surviving the tribulation.


    Maheswara spoke in an authoritative tone, "Shamiran take Ryuu back to Ayindril. Antariskh, Sylvana you are with me, we have bitch to kill."


    Without any protest Shamiran teleported with Ryuu as the other suddenly released their entire aura, back on the planet a couple was helping the archaeologist with their dig suddenly their danger senses went haywire as they quickly took a talisman which they used as fast as they could as the planet itself turned to ash.


    Netik looked at certain direction towards the sky as Rishit and Mira rushed towards him as Mira spoke, "Son this feeling?"


    Netik nodded as he spoke with a frown, "Yeah something or someone not only made uncle angry but it seems is fighting against uncle as well as Antarikh and Sylvana, it has been so long sice I last saw them go all out but who would be foolish enough to fight them?"


    Rishit spoke with a frown, "Well we cannot find anything by arguing here let us leave."


    Netik nodded as he left with his father an action mirrored by many cultivators especially those with alliance with Ayindril.

 263 Dual Cultivation Part-1

    The battle between Maheswara and his daughters against the unknown woman was catastrophic the entire planetary system was in ruins including the sun which had detonated even the nearby star systems were not unscathed, it had been not too long since the battle began when the woman spoke with a smile, "Well I think we had enough fun for today it is time for me to leave."


    Maheswara snarled at that as he spoke, "You are not going anywhere you whore today you die here."


    The woman giggled at that as she spoke, "How cute, you will kill me laughable the only reason you are not dead because you raised my beloved, even though you did a poor job doing so. When he used to learn from me I made him a immortal within 3 years, you are really a failure as a teacher not only that a liar but do not worry I have already informed him how Pangu died."


    Upon hearing that all the listeners heart trembled in fear if Ryuu started to despise them they will not be able to bear it, The woman once again spoke with a sigh, "Well enough of that I am busy so I will take my leave.", with that portal appearedbehind her as she stepped inside leaving from their sight.


    As the portal was about to close many others arrived just in time to see her face, Rishit quickly made his way towards Maheswara who looked a bit roughed up as he checked him before he spoke, "Who is she?"


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Maheswara shrugged as he spoke, "No idea accepted she attacked us and is incredibly strong.", with that she turned towards his daughters as he spoke, "Are you two alright?"


    Sylvana nodded with frown on her face as Antariskh grew back her left hand which had been cut off by their attacker as she spoke with a growl anger burning in her eyes, "But her fighting style reminded me of certain someone."


    Saidhal who had just arrived spoke with a frown, "Who was it? And if you can recall anything it might clues us to her identity then."


    It was Sylvana who replied with slight shudder, "It was like fighting Ochilysse all over again."


    At that everyone who had fought against her took a sharp breath as one of them spoke, "Are you sure Daoist Sister?"


    Antariskh spoke with a scowl, "She was redirecting our attacks by using multiple portals make a single attack look as if it was generated from multiple sources, phasing through attacks, cutting through dimension with a swipe of her hand sounds familiar."


    Many of them frowned as one of the spoke, "Is there a chance she escaped? Or she took a student.",


    Maheswara spoke with a frown, "I do not think Ochilysse would take a disciple and as for her being Ochilysse I do not think after all she is still under lock and key but she was sympathetic to Ochilysse and the way she spoke it seemed as if she might have known her well not only her but even many of us too well in fact."


    Caelcach who had arrived a bit later spoke with a frown, "What did she want then? And why did she attack you all?"


    Maheswara shrugged as he spoke, "No idea but as for the reason she attack I felt as if she was testing us and I am ashamed to say that we might have shown many of our cards yet we were unable to defeat her."


    Sylvana snorted at that as she spoke, "Defeat her, I doubt we were anywhere close to she literally toyed with us without even getting a scratch she is a very formidable opponent."


    Many of them had a frown on their face as Rishit spoke, "What were you all doing here?"


    Antariskh spoke with a sigh, "We were actually on a planet where Ryuu had accidently stumbled upon what is presumed to be a Peak Celestial Level Cultivator''s tomb, I had arranged for an expedition into the tomb, Ryuu was there on the planet along with us, we had gone to visit him when all of a sudden the psychopath attack, dad send Ryuu along with Sylvana away but he had got in between and last I saw he was unconscious because of our aura and the entire planetary system is lost what a loss.", many thought hearing her voice that she might be distraught because of loss of so many lives but those who are closest to her knew, she cared about those people as much as an Elephant cares for a barbecue or a tiger cares for a carrot, but they clearly understood that she is worried about someone most probably Ryuu since he got caught in between their fight.


    Maheswara spoke tiredly, "Well since she ran away there is nothing we could do for not, though I would like to return home and rest it was too much excitement for my old bones."


    Rishit cracked a grin as he gave a playful slap on his back as the trio left the place, as soon as they reached Ayindril, they raced towards the infirmary. As soon as they reached the infirmary they were greeted with a grim visage of Veena, seeing their state the rest of the family dashed towards them specially Antariskh, whose body was covered by a Golden Colored liquid commonly called the ''Sage''s Blood'', it is formed by evolving the normal blood of cultivator who have reached a certain level of cultivation level in his/he life, seeing her caked in so much of her blood alarmed her family as Nuwa spoke worriedly, "Daughter are you alright?", where as Veena tried to drag her to the emergency room.


    Antariskh put a reassuring arm on her shoulder as she spoke, "I am fine mother, I was injured but I managed to heal myself and as for the blood on me, well I kind of lost my left hand, but you do not have to worry I grew it back."


    Celestia spoke angrily at that, "Mahes you were with her, so how did you let Antariskh get injured."


    Sylvana sighed tiredly as she spoke, "Mother, father is not at fault, our opponent was incredibly tricky."


    Maheswara gave a small nod as he spoke with anger and hatred palpable in his voice, "It was like fighting Ochilysse all over again."


    At that the listeners received a shock of their life as their mind recalled all the horrifying nightmares they had to endure because of Ochilysse. Antariskh understood about what they were feeling after all she had the same feeling sometime ago as she spoke with a sigh, "Well she defeated us and left, but there were a few things about her that I want to point out."


    Veena frown at that someone who managed to defeat her husband as well as her daughters simultaneously is not good news, as such she spoke warily, "What do wish to point out Antariskh?"


    Antariskh bit her lips as she answered her mother, "She was referring to Ryuu as her disciple and as her Dao Companion not only that she knew about us well but that is also not the worst part."


    As they were listening to her they were suddenly filled with dread as Celestia spoke with a light fear in her tone, "What is worst part? What did she do?"


    Sylvana replied to her with her eyes closed, "She told Ryuu everything that had happened to Big brother Pangu."


    At that everyone took a sharp breath they knew that one day Ryuu will learn the whole truth may be many many millennia from today, but not soo soon and definitely not from someone else''s mouth, they dreaded what would be his reaction, specially Nuwa as they knew too well how much Ryuu despise backstabbers specially if they betray their own flesh and blood.


    Sylvana: "I know I might sound rude but what if we seal his memory then?"


    Veena messaged her temples with her finger, "It is not possible child, Ryuu''s body at present is too weak to handle the sealing."


    Maheswara: "What do you mean by that?"


    Veena: "Ryuu had a large number of Dao as well as information of the said Dao forceful fed into his body, it kind of triggered a chain reaction in him and being a Dao child caused him to suddenly gain multiple enlightenment on various Dao, if I were to put it in layman''s terms than it is like Ryuu being tied and pulled by multiple horses in different directions I hope you get how much stress he is in, when he was brought here, his soul was injured and brain was damaged, and unless the enlightenment of Dao is controlled it is not possible to heal him at all, it will be like trying to stop flood using mud wall."


    Antariskh closed her eyes her face scrunched in deep thought, "There is no way you are able to seal or draw him out from such a state right?"


    Nuwa nodded at that as she spoke, "Yes, but not only that if Ryuu stays in that state he is going to reach a state where the tribulation will occur and you know what will happen if he faces tribulation under this condition."


    Maheswara frowned as he spoke, "Is there no other way?"


    Shamiran: "There is a way, we can help him using Partial Dual Cultivation, and I have been working on it for some time now and I believe it will work perfectly."


    Maheswara gave a startled yelp at that, "What are you saying Shamiran ''Dual Cultivation'' I forbid it.", a notion that was reflected on their parents faces at the same time they were conflicted as it was Ryuu that their daughter was about to perform dual cultivation with.


    Shamiran sighed as she spoke tiredly, "I said ''partial'' meaning that we only have to maintain contact by holding hands at the very least."


    Sylvana nodded at that as she spoke, "I have no problem with that, and since part of my essence is already within Ryuu it would be used to heal him much faster as well."


    Shamiran nodded at that as she spoke, "I will explain to you everything in great detail about it, I have already worked out every minor details about it."


    Sylvana nodded at that as she spoke, "Well then there is no time to waste let us begin."

 264 Dual Cultivation Part-2

    Veena had a look of worry as she spoke, "Sylvana are you sure you want to do this?"


    Sylvana sighed for what seemed to be the nth time as she spoke, "Mother I am sure I want to do this."


    Nuwa wanted to protest against it as she began, "But daughter��.."


    Sylvana: "Mother you should know that this is the only way to help Ryuu and it is not that I going to have any physical relationship with him, I am simply going to holding him during the process so as to have better access to his subconscious and I will be meditating with him, helping him to sort out the Dao and what not and if possible pull him out of the trance state as soon as possible."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Celestia: "We understand that but both of you will have very little clothing while you will be laying alongside him holding him."


    Sylvana: "I know mother but I would wish that this method of curing him is not to be told to him."


    Antariskh who was sitting near them spoke with a nod, "He will then try to take responsibility and what not, but most importantly you do not wish for him to give up his own happiness."


    Sylvana nodded at that as Shamiran spoke, "Well then Sylvana you should start soon, and I know helping with someone''s enlightenment can be a bit taxing, since we do not know how long it would take, a day, month or may be decades as such make sure that when you feel any form of discomfort do not push yourself too much we will take your place."


    A few minutes later Sylvana was lying on Ryuu''s bed wearing very little clothing in order to increase skin contact, before she embraced Ryuu from behind then she entered into a deep meditative state, the others left the room as they closed the door, Maheswara and Shamiran chose to guard the door, since Sylvana or any cultivator is at their most vulnerable state when they are meditating.


    As Maheswara and his family closed the door leaving Sylvan and Ryuu in deep meditation time itself seemed to have frozen as a single crack appear on air as a figure stepped out, seeing such closeness between them the figure frowned, the figure was none other than the woman who had caused the entire mess to occur.


    She glared at Sylvana for being so close to Ryuu as she whispered lowly, "You are lucky girl that you are helping Ryuu and killing you when you are Dual Cultivating with my beloved will cause unnecessary damage to him, you are so lucky girl."


    Her gaze then fell on Ryuu, her eyes softened as she glanced at him she simply gently caressed his hair, before she gently kissed his forehead as she spoke gently her voice showing regret, "I am sorry my beloved for behaving like that, I know you would be angry towards me, but I had no choice beloved, I cannot have you remain so weak and vulnerable, or else you will have to lead a life full of regret, I do not want to see you sad again. My only regret is that I did not find you before your current so called teacher did, I would have raise and made you like you were supposed to. But that does not mean we will not fulfill our dreams and wishes, a day will come when everything will be alright, our little family will be whole again, till then stay strong.", with that she kissed Ryuu''s lips again before she left via the crack, while the time inside the room began to flow regularly.


    As soon as the woman left the door of the room was opened forcefully as Antariskh charged inside with a sword in her hand only to be stopped by Maheswara who caught her shoulder as he spoke, "Oi you will disturb her meditation why did you charge inside the room."


    Antariksh did not reply as her eyes roamed inside the room she did not pay heed to her father''s question as she was trying to turn the room upside down, her mothers as well as her youngest sister entered the room as they watched Antariskh trying to look for something inside the room like a mad woman.


    Celestia: "Daughter, Antariksh what are you doing?"


    As she neared Ryuu she kneeled down near his face as she looked at him carefully and for the first time she spoke, "Did anyone you kissed Ryuu on his forehead before we left them here?"


    The other looked bewildered at her question as Veena spoke in a confused tone, "I do not think anyone amongst us did, and why are you asking such a think Ryuu?"


    Antariskh snarled as she spoke while pointing towards a specific portion on Ryuu''s forehead, "This part of Ryuu''s forehead is slightly wet and it gives an impression of being recently kissed by someone, Shamiran your sense are keen so can you confirm the presences of another person in the room."


    Shamiran raised one of her eyebrows before she closed her eyes before reopening again, her eyes had morphed into a more greenish serpentine form as she looked around the room a frown began to for on her face as she spoke, "The room does have some heat signatures specially around Ryuu but more importantly it seemed to have appeared all of a sudden, as if the person suddenly appeared inside the room also there is a smell from someone I do not, and it looks as if the person had kissed Ryuu."


    Antariskh snarled at that as she spoke, "I knew it she was here, that bitch who caused the entire mess, was here, I felt her here for a split second before she disappeared."


    Maheswara frowned at that as he spoke, "This is troubling, how did she bypass the arrays protecting this place no one can enter without our permission even space time manipulation should be stopped by the arrays."


    Everyone had various expressions ranging from fear to disbelief at the conclusion they reached, Ayindril was fortress where they lived, but for someone to casually stroll inside one and leave was cause of worry for them.


    Veena: "We have to change the security protocols, it might be a tedious and tiresome job but it is needed."


    At that everyone sighed as Maheswara spoke, "I think instead of protecting them from outside, we should always stay inside occupying the corner of the room, who knows what kind of plot she is hatching now."


    Kagurazaka Keitaro opened his eyes, ''It seems like I feel asleep on my study table again.'' he yawned tiredly as he stretched feeling his joints pop in place, he stood up as he saw his report card sprawled on the floor, he picked up as he looked at his report and sighed, ''I got an ''A'' in all of my subjects, I have topped my year yet it was not enough, after all I skipped grades and caught up with my big brother who is almost 5 years older than me. What is the point of working so hard, everyone told me if I work hard my parents would be happy it tried and they were so much delighted that they rewards my hard work with a slap. It is so unfair I hate it, I don''t want anything special not a sports car, not some priceless limited edition laptop just my parent''s acknowledgement and love is it too much to ask.''


    Keitaro hated it very much, no matter what he did his older brother would simply whine about it and he would be punished, ''How is it my fault that a certain someone does not studies at all the only this he cares about is leading a luxurious life nothing more nothing less and when I perform better than him I get scolded and slapped by our parents. Do they even care about me? I doubt it.'', Keitaro felt his eyes become moist at that.


    "Young master may I come in.", a voice came to him ears as Keitaro quickly rubbed the tears that was sprouting from his eyes, "Yes."


    "Young master, how dreadful you look.", a woman in her thirties came in as she fussed over him much to Keitaro''s annoyance, although he never would say it out loud but he loved the attention she showered over him, after all she was the only few people in the entire world who really cared for him.


    Keitaro replied at that with a huff, "I am fine aunt Naoko and how many times have I told you to call me ''Kei'', I hate it when you call me ''Young Master.''"


    Naoko gave him a motherly smiled as she ruffeld his hair, Keitaro blushed at that as he turned his from embarrassment.


    Naoko: "Kei I heard that you did not eat anything for dinner I brought something for you and what is that? Is this your report card?"


    Keitaro nodded at that as he handed it to Naoko, who let out a gasp as she gave Keitaro a bone crushing hug as she spoke, "Congratulations Kei I am so proud of you."


    Keitaro bask at the hug which he happily returned as a lone thought went through his mind, ''I so wish you were my mother instead of ''her''.''

 265 Kagurazaka Keitaro

    Keitaro sighed for the nth time as the crybaby kept on whining about how he needed some nice gear and by nice he needs something imported for him to excel in the kendo competition, his old (read it as a month and a half old) equipment is causing him problem, Keitaro wanted to shout out at the top of his lungs bullshit but he would punished for it so he held his tongue.


    Seeing the shenanigan in front of him Keitaro sighed at that as he thought, ''My older brother student of ''Kita Koko'' a private school situated in the city of Isozaki with a staggering fees of 20000 yen a month, a very prestigious school which has extremely strict rules and regulations unless your name is Kagurazaka Kazuyuki, with the blessing of the board members of the school headed by none other than my ''Mother''. If it were any other person he/she would have been expelled after all a what 19 year old was still in 10th grade, where as me a 14 year old is already on 12th grade and I am about to graduate within a few months. The only reason he is even able to reach 10th grade is because of my parents'' money and since 10th grade onwards the examination is held by Japanese Government since a last few years which has gotten him stuck in 10th grade otherwise he would have gained a Ph.D. by now using money, as for me a government school by the name of Isozaki Koko, with only a 10000 yen fees per year, but because of my scholarship it is reduced to 5000 yen, yet my ''parents'' always grumble how much they have to pay for it, if education was not compulsory I doubt I would have been allowed to join school at all even though I have a couple of years left before they would have pulled the plug on my education, but for God''s sake can someone plug Kazu nii''s mouth I tire of his WHINING!!!!!!!''


    Kagaruzaka Toyoharu sighed as he raised his hands in order to placate his son, "Kazu, I have already placed the order it will be delivered soon by sometime tomorrow, now I will surely win the championship without someone cheating."


    Keitaro who was drinking water almost choked at that, ''You win without cheating? You who created your body using drugs and steroids and various surgeries will win the championship yeah right, I remember last year when you almost shot the judge got disqualified then tried to beat his opponent if it were not for our parent''s influence and money he would not only be banned but serving jail time.''


    Keitaro shook his head as he tuned them out focusing on his breakfast with a small smile, ''the waffles are good'', a few years ago he would have sad look on his face watching his parents fussing and fawning over his older brother leaving him on the side, but now he no longer cares, even if they were to die today he doubts he would even attend their funeral a feeling that was mutual. He knew his parents never wanted him and the only reason they gave birth to him because Kazuyuki was sick with a fatal disease as such his parents gave birth to him because of his bone marrow nothing more nothing less and now since his usefulness has ended he is just a burden to the Kagurazaka family.


    Keitaro finished his breakfast as he left the family of four no three to indulge in their own happiness, he quickly went to his room to get dressed as he had to go quite a distance to reach school after all he does not hav e any car or anyone for that matter to chaperon him to school and walking takes about half an hour from his ''house''.


    As he was about to leave Naoko approached him with a bento on her hands, "Kei here is your bento, now remember to pay attention to your teachers the exam is around the corner and do not cause trouble at school."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Keitaro gave a small smile as he spoke, "hai hai, you do not need to worry about anything."


    As he was five minutes distance from his home when a car pulled by his side the door opened as he entered it.


    An elderly couple was sitting inside the car, as he entered the car he was promptly hugged by the duo.


    "Grandpa Grandma it is good to see you two."


    The elderly couple simply hugged him as the woman spoke, "It is good to see you two Kei, and how have you been?"


    Keitaro smiled at them as he spoke, "I have been good Granny."


    The elderly man had a smile on his face as he watched the interaction between the grandmother and his grandson, ''How I hate my daughter Yukari and my son in law became such a bastard I will never know, maybe they were like that from the very beginning oh where did I go wrong while raising my child, she was so sweet when she was younger.I so hate them now neglecting a child as if he was a trash and spoiling another rotten to the point that he is becoming a scum on earth.''


    As they were speaking they soon reached the school but since they were way ahead of time Keitaro decided to spend some time with his grandparents, apparently his mother ran away from home to get married with his father causing his grandparents to get angry at her and were not on speaking terms, that all changed when they stumbled upon a crying younger Keitaro in park then one thing lead to another as the discovered about his existence since then he had met with them many time behind his ''parents'' back.


    Keitaro opened the door of the car as he stepped out, "Well then I am off, I have some duties as the student council president."


    The elderly couple simply nodded as they watched Keitaro leave as he was about to enter his school, a girl suddenly came and hugged him from the side causing Keitaro to blush, a frown formed on their face as Keitaro''s Grandfather picked a phone and spoke, "Yoshimatsu, that girl over there hugging my grandson find everything about her."


    The woman sitting beside him frowned as she spoke, "That girl seems to be close to Kei, normally I would turn a blind eye to it but I do not know why but something is rubbing me the wrong way."


    The man nodded at that as he spoke, "So you have the same feeling as me then, well I have already ordered Yoshimatsu to investigate her and I hope for her sake she is a nice young lady otherwise��."


    "Whatever now let us leave I have some preparations left before Kei comes back home and also inform Naoko to resign from her job there is no need to work for the likes of them anymore and to pack all of his stuffs."


    "You seem to be quite happy dear."


    "Of course why would I not be after Keitaro gave us the go ahead we have managed to complete every legal procedure to finally adopt him, and today we are going to surprise him with the good news, so be here to pick him up after school."

 266 Inazuma

    "Welcome home Inazuma Keitaro", a banner was hung from the ceiling written by colorful letters, Keitaro was dumbstruck upon seeing that, seeing him like that his grandfather nudged him he looked at him with disbelief as he spoke, "Grandpa is this real?"


    Keitaro''s grandfather simply smiled at him as he nodded, before he could say anything Keitaro was hugged by his grandmother who hugged him as she spoke, "From today onwards you no longer are a Kagurazaka but Inazuma our grandchild."


    Keitaro simply stumbled as tears appeared on his eyes as his grandparents hugged him tightly, as grandfather a white haired old man of 5 foot 10inches height simply spoke teasingly, "Well seems like crybaby intends on drowning us with his tears."


    Only for Keitaro to glare at him while his wife Tsumi a woman even at her 60s can be called a yamato nadeshiko gave her husband the most scathing glare the message was clear, ''Stop teasing my grandson or else dog house for you.'', Inazuma Toshiro simply wilted at that.


    Tsume dragged her grandson with her with so much happiness that it looked she had become at least a couple of decades younger, all the servants of their house stopped their job as they did a double take towards their matriarch after all it was not every day you would see an extremely strict no nonsense graceful matriarch smiling and seemed to be almost having a skip on her feet.


    "Kei, how does your room look like?", Tsume asked her grandson with a smile.


    Keitaro looked at the room with eyes wide as he looked at it filled with various stuffs some of them had been things that he had always wanted like his own personal computer, and some of them looked as if it was brought from his own room, he turned towards his grandparents as he spoke, "How did you manage to get stuff from my room?"


    Toshiro smiled as he spoke, "Well a certain some joined our family, she brought your stuff along with her.", with that he raised his hand as he pointed towards a certain direction.


    Keitaro turned his head as he was greeting with a smiling visage of Naoko who simply curtsied as she spoke, "Good evening Young master, how was your day?"


    Keitaro raised his finger shakily towards her as he spoke, "How, why are you here?"


    Naoko simply tilted her head as she spoke with a small smile, "Simple I work here from today onwards."


    Toshiro: "Well since Naoko had been taking care of you since you were a toddler we decided to employ her as we thought you love to see her here."


    Keitaro looked greatly elated at that as his grandparents a big hug muttering ''Thank you'' over and over again.


    That night when the dinner was served, the family of three sat together as they were enjoying their dinner, as Toshiro was about to speak something one of the people who worked for him stepped arrived as he kneeled beside Toshiro with a bow, before he whispered something to his ears, while making sure to hide his lips to prevent others from eavesdropping on them, as Toshiro listened to the news he had an enraged look on his face as he snapped his chopsticks breaking them effectively, startling Keitaro immensely he had never seen his grandfather so angry before.


    Tsume looked at her husband curiously before she patted her grandson while urging him to finishing his dinner.


    As the person left Toshiro turned towards his grandson as he spoke with a smile on his face, with intent to make sure to dispel the tensed situation he spoke with a smile on his face, "So Kei, are finals are within a week from today, so what is that you are planning to do?"


    Keitaro frowned at that as he spoke, "Well I am planning to pursue a degree in either Microbiology or maybe try becoming a doctor, and I have already sat on their entrance exams and I am currently waiting for its results."


    Tsume spoke with curiosity laced in her voice, "Really so when is the results?"


    Keitaro had a nervous look on his face as he spoke, "Well it is tomorrow actually and I am quite nervous because of it."


    Toshiro gave a kind understanding smile as he spoke, "Well there is nothing to get nervous about, I believe that you will make it to a good university, but let me tell you a true story."


    Keitaro sat straight as he eagerly waited for his grandfather''s story, he loved when his grandpa told him one.


    Toshiro cleared his throat as he began speaking, "Before I begin I would like to tell you that all the events in this story are real and they really happened to me."


    With that he garnered Keitaro''s undivided attention as he decided to forego his dinner for chance to hear his grandfather''s story.


    Toshiro: "When I was 17 years of age I had just graduated from high school and had just managed to enter a nice college, after I had passed my college I had landed a decent job but that was during that time that my problembegan, I had passed from a private university, and it had been a few months after graduation and yet I had yet to receive my results, a few months later the company was threatening to fire me, when I wnet back to college I managed to get my result when I checked it I was horrorstruck to find that I had failed multiple subjects and had barely 36% overall percentage I even had a copy of my real original result up to the term before the last term and I had above 95% percent so how did it get lowered, I checked my result and to my horror I discovered my marks had been altered."


    He took a sip from his sake cup before he continued, "I showed them my previous results they simply mocked me and called me a fraud, but I did not give up my Tou-chan and Kaa-chan always stood by my side even if the entire world was against me, I had simply become a matter of joke for others, even our close relatives wanted to stay away from us to prevent being infected by my bad luck, I wanted to kill myself from prevent the shame, but my parents stood by my side and 9 years later I passed once again from another university and managed to reach what I am today. So Kei what did you learn from the story."


    Kei gave a small frown as he spoke in an unsure voice, "To never give up?"


    Toshiro nodded at that as he spoke, "Correct, no matter what the world or anyone throws at you, you should stand tall and keep on walking one day you will reach your goal."


    Kei smiled and after he finished his dinner he tahnked for the wonderful meal, as the black eyed and hair boy left Tsume spoke with a frown, "What was that about?"


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Toshiro sighed as he related everything his people told him causing her eyes to narrow in anger as she shook with intense fury, seeing her wife angry like that Toshiro spoke with a placating smile on her face, "Dear, leave it to me."


    Tsume spoke curiously to him, "What do you intend to do?"


    Toshiro gave a devious smirk as he spoke, causing Tsume to giggle at that as she spoke with a smile, "Your cunningness was one of the reasons I fell for you and it seems over the year it has sharpened even more."

 267 I tire of looking at your visage

    Keitaro''s eyes twitched as he looked at the student council office his ex-office as he was about to leave after all today was his graduation day and today will also the day he will hand over his office to his successor but the current office looked more like a store room specially his desks, which had heap of various chocolates and gifts wrapped in colorful gift wrappers. He rubbed his temples as he sighed at that as he spoke with a sigh, "Not again why do I have to deal with it every year, it is annoying."


    A young girl''s voice came to his years, "Well Senpai, this only shows how much they appreciate your help, that so many send a gift for you and if I am right even some female faculties did."


    Keitaro simply shook his head as he spoke, "Well it was a group work actually if it were not for all of you I would not have even managed to accomplish a tenth of what we have achieved today."


    The same woman simple shook her head as she spoke, "As humble as always Senpai, but more importantly which college you are going to?"


    AS Keitaro made his way to the pile of gifts he off handedly replied back to her, "I have taken admission in Harvard College''s Microbiology Department."


    A few seconds later Keitaro turned his head slightly concerned at the pin drop silence he was greeted with the sight of a group people staring at him with their jaws opened wide, confusing him as he spoke, "hmm is something worng?"


    One of the student suddenly pointed towards Keitaro as he spoke with his figure shaking, "What is wrong? You got admission into one of the top tier University of world, you did something which others simply dream off and you say what is wrong with you."


    Keitaro blushed at that as he spoke, "Well when you put it like that��"


    Another one shouted out, "Screw everything where is the party?"


    "Yeah where is it?", and soon a group formed as most began to chant, "Party! Party!"


    Keitaro raised his hands trying to placate them as he spoke, "Ok ok I will definitely there is no need to form a mob, but more importantly someone help me clear everything."


    The group cheered as they helped Keitaro clear everything but not before everyone gave him a big hug, as Keitaro packed all the gifts there was one particular gift he was looking for one from his girlfriend, ''May be she wants to give me by herself instead of putting them in a pile like this.'', just the thought of her made him blush, ''well I have yet to tell her about my admission into Harvard, I do not know why but my grandparents forbid me to tell her anything at all, it is frustrating.''


    "President we have an emergency! Please come quick."


    Keitaro turned towards the person before he turned towards his successor as he spoke in a commanding tone, "From today onwards I am not the Student Council president anymore, everyone please give a round of applause for Nishimura Satsuki the new Student Council President I know she will lead our school to even greater heights, but now there is something bothering our students so please President if you would.", he finished with a small smile.


    Satsuki''s eyes narrowed as she spoke, "President you will hand over your responsibility during your graduation ceremony not before that so please do the honors."


    Keitaro visibly slummed down at that as he spoke almost in a whining tone, "Oh come on even on my graduation day please cut me some slack my dependable and responsible Kohai."


    Only for Satsuki to shake her head as she spoke, "Senpai, it would be the last time when you will lead as our President so please."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Keitaro sighed tiredly as he spoke giving a stink eye towards them as he spoke, "Oh well let us leave then and see what is happening."


    Keitaro moved towards a large hall as he neared there he was greeted with a few people loitering outside most of them having troubled expressions on their face as he neared them he spoke, "What is the problem everyone?"


    One of them approached him as he spoke, "President it is good you are here, something has happened at the front, even all the teachers are going there so please come with us towards the front of the school."


    Keitaro frowned to that especially when he caught a few murmur, "Are you sure you want President to see that? he will be crushed."


    "I believe he should see what is happening I know it would destroy a very nice memory of his but it is necessary."


    As he reached the front there were a lot of people standing there people were arguing some were crying their hearts out, it was a mess the teachers were there even the Principal had just arrived but the crowd was turning into a rowdy mob, Keitaro quickly spoke to Satsuki who used to be his Vice-President, "Satsuki get me a megaphone."


    Which was promptly handed out to him he turned it on as he spoke, "EVERYONE SHUT UP!!!!", his outburst caused everyone to stand still at that as he spoke angrily in a commanding tone, "This is a prestigious school not a market, so do not fight, do not shout, act accordingly you are all from prestigious families not some vagrants and street so stop besmirching your honor if you have some problem please step up, Principal Sir is already here and he will definitely help you all out.", with his speech said he spoke, "Sir please.", with that he handed the megaphone to him.


    A few words from him managed to calm the crowd down specially the students even though there was sound of crying here and there, Principal spoke with a sigh towards Keitaro as he took the Megaphone in his hand, "Kei why don''t you look at the school building and see what is going on."


    Keitaro turned towards the building as he looked at them his eyes wide open, a large collage created from various pictures were hanging from the roof of the school, various images of various boys and girls in rather intimate positions were seen on that collage, as the name of those people were printed along with whom the cheated on more a dozen people were there, but what drew Keitaro''s attention was his girlfriend''s picture amongst them but what made his blood boil as he watched the person she was with it was none other than his older brother, he clenched his hand with so much anger that he drew blood, but it was not over yet suddenly various images began playing using some hidden projector showing videos of various intimate scene as hidden speakers began playing sound with them.


    Keitaro''s attention to one particular video where his girlfriend no ex-girlfriend was with his brother he was able to hear everything they were speaking.


    [Yukari: How long do I have to pretend to be that idiot''s girlfriend?]


    [Kazuyuki: Just a little longer babe, then we can be together with him.]


    [Yukari smiled before she spoke with a frown: What about your fianc��e then?]


    [Kazuyuki gave her a sad smile as he spoke: Natsumi is the sole heiress of a large company worth billions and my parents are forcing me to marry her if I refuse they might do something bad to you as such try to pretend to be that shit stain Kei''s girlfriend for the time being, I will need sometime in order to convince my parents.]


    [Yukari frowned as she spoke: But what if they do not listen what if they force you to marry that wretched cow.]


    [Kazuyuki gave a smirk as he spoke: I have everything planned if that happens I simply make sure to plant various false clues and then I will blame her to be having affair with that shit stain Kei and have her thrown out but not before having her, no my entire fortune that she is hording that should rightfully be into in to my hands.]


    [Yukari giggled at that as she spoke: Oh you are so evil, I love it.]


    [Kazuyuki smiled kissed her as he spoke: Patience my love patience, we will be together and that stupid cow and that shit stain could do nothing against me.]


    Keitaro was angry well anger could not do him justice he was enraged beyond belief, "You bastard!!!", a feminine voice brought his attention he watched as his eyes smoldering with anger as she marched towards him as she spoke, "I do not know how but it is your entire fault."


    As she raised her hand to slap it was stopped by Satsuki as a loud sound of slap resounded the area, as a red hand print appeared on her face, Keitaro looked at the person who slapped Yukari hard with wide eye so did others as the person was none other than the most shyest and quietest girl of their year by the name of Aki, as she spoke with righteous anger, "You harlot how dare you treat Keitaro like that, he is one of the most kind hearted and nicest person in the entire school."


    Her declaration brought various anger filled shout from the people, who supported Keitaro after all he was the most famous and well liked person amongst all the students after all why wouldn''t he, he helped everyone without thinking twice without asking for anything.


    Keitaro spoke in an authoritative tone, "Enough, there is no time for such a thing, you all go and remove that poster and you all go search for any projector and you search for speakers, today is a very important day for us people from outside will visit our school and I do not wish such disgraceful display tarnishing our schools reputation."


    Upon hearing his order a group of student rushed to clear all the objects which had suddenly appeared, as they left the Principal appeared beside him as he spoke as he gave him a pat on his back, "Keitaro you really are remarkable to have so many people listening to you because they like you they admire you is truly rem..."


    Whatever he was about to say was stopped by an obnoxious voice, "Youngman you have guts to play with fire, do you know who I am?"


    "A maggot", a voice came from behind him as the man smoke with a smug tone, "Yes I am a Mag��. Who said that? Step forward and say I on my face.", he was turning purple from anger.


    He was poked on his shoulder from his behind as he was greeted with a smiling face of Toshiro, "Hello ''maggot'', it was not nice to meet you as I tire of looking at your visage."

 268 The Graduation

    "How dare you��.."


    "Be silent! A school is a shrine of knowledge stop polluting it, if you have any problem with my grandchild we will meet in court, not only you and your daughter are dragging the school''s reputation down you are now accusing my grandson whom your daughter cheated on, wow just wow since you have already pining the blame on an innocent then why not we will see you in court now bad day to and scram."


    The venomous tone Toshiro used caused everyone winced at that only to be drawn by a melodious voice, "Dear, please today is a very important day for Kei, do not waste by arguing with worthless beings like that."


    Before she cast a loving glance towards her grandson as she spoke while placing her hand on his shoulder as she spoke with a worried tone, "Kei are you alright?"


    Keitaro gave small smile although she could see he was putting up a brave front, the grief and anger clearly reflecting in his eyes threatening to break free it was too much for her as it almost crushed her heart as Keitaro spoke trying to keep up a professional front, "I am fine ''Ma'', I some mess to clean up so I will take my leave.", as Kei left Tsume looked at him sadly, Kei sometimes called her ''Ma'' specially when they are alone, but him calling her meant he was distressed greatly.


    As he disappeared from her view, she closed her eyes as she took deep breath trying to calm her nerves as Toshiro placed a hand on her shoulder she glared at him, causing Toshiro to wilt at that he clearly could understand why his wife was angry at him after all today''s entertainment was planned by him.


    Toshiro sighed at that, his beautiful and intelligent wife becomes a bit dumb whenever her loved ones are involved specially Keitaro as such he dragged her away to the side as he spoke in a whisper, "Love please calm down now, I know you are angry but please calm down I know Kei is hurt badly but it was good that it was uncovered early on just thing of the damage they could do if it were uncovered a few years later on, just thing about it."


    Tsume relaxed as she had a sad look on her face as she spoke, "I know but seeing him like that..."


    Toshiro growled at that as he spoke anger evident in his voice, "I know and there is no need to worry about it I will make them pay for it, but for now we have to focus on trying to eliminate the pain in Kei''s heart."


    Tsume nodded at that reluctantly as Toshiro dialed a number on his phone as he spoke, "Prepare for Plan C.", with that he cut the connection.


    Meanwhile Keitaro''s mind was whirling with various emotions, he tried to keep his mind away from depressing thoughts but no matter what he did it proved to be futile, he sighed as he put up a fake smile while he ordered and helped his fellow schoolmates well soon to be ex-school mates, to take down the various posters amongst other things.


    He gritted his teeth in frustration as he watched a few cast a pitying glance at him some gossiped while pointing towards him, but what took the cherry on top of the cake was the fact that there were outsiders who were busy recording the entire incident and he already knew by now the internet was buzzing with activities and the entire thing would hurt the school''s reputation badly, ''ugh what a mess my tenure ended with such a scandal.''


    A few hours after the entire fiasco with the help of teachers and student council the crowd was calmed down but the tension was still palpable in the air as some of them had already left the place on their own after the whole debacle while a few were politely asked by the Principal to vacate the school premises and if those who were not graduating they were told to meet at the principal office the next day along with their guardians.


    Keitaro sat on a chair with his grandparents on either side, normally they would have spoken with him and tried to help him recover from the incident but it was not the time and place after all.


    The Principal of the school Mr. Nakai stood beside the Mayor of the City who was present during the graduation ceremony as various certificates and what not were handed down. Kei''s year had about a 100 student in total most of them were made to stand in line as they went up the stage to get their certificates except the top 3 students, who were called to stage one by one by their English teacher Mrs. Miyamoto, until only Keitaro was left.


    Miyamoto send a small smile towards Keitaro before she spoke with a smile towards the audience, "This year we will be saying goodbye to one of your most cherished and famous student, a very young boy of 14 years of age, the Student Council President of our school. He is known for his selflessness and being the most helpful person in our entire school someone whom not only the students but also the teachers can rely with their eyes close, not only had he has scored the highest within the last decade, but he will be also remembered for helping our school win the Prestigious Inter School Soccer Competition in Japan twice, wining National level Kendo Championship on behalf of our school, winning the National Level Archery Championship, he even represented our country in the International Level Science Olympiad and managed to win the competition amongst many others. He will be remembered by all of us because of his friendly nature and sunny demeanor for years to come, as I request Inazuma Keitaro soon to be a Harvard student to come up on stage for his Graduation certificate."


    Keitaro stood up a small smile gracing his face as he made his way to the stage as he reached the top of the stage he bowed towards the Principal and the ''Guest of Honor'', the Mayor of the City and then toward Mrs. Miyamoto before he waved his hand a little towards his schoolmates who roared in happiness at that.


    The Mayor handed him his certificate as he spoke curiously to Keitaro, "Youngman if I may ask you, what is your relationship with Inazuma-sama, are you related to him?"


    Keitaro smiled at him as he spoke, " Inazuma-sama my Grandfather."


    At that the man''s eyes widen considerably before he composed himself a bit, it was not every day you get to meet the grandson of Inazuma Toshiro, the person with the world''s largest pharmaceutical company, and from what he had seen Toshiro adores his grandchild very much as such Keitaro might just be his future heir.


    The rest of the ceremony went without a hitch and soon enough it was time to leave, Keiwas surrounded by his peers as they hugged him wishing for his good luck and what not, some cried others simply sobbed even Kei had a few tears on his eyes, as he made his way to the family car, his blazer had all of its buttons missing as they were taken by others, including a couple of female teachers although a few made his mood drop and anger rise whenever they mentioned his ex in front of him.


    Satsuki arrived along with a few others with a huge bag carrying all the gifts Keitaro had received as she spoke, "President I cannot have you leave without your gifts now can I?"


    Keitaro smiled at her as he spoke, "There is no need to call me President any longer Satsuki."


    Satsuki smiled as she spoke, "Senpai you will always be President to me."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Keitaro did not want to speak anymore he simply want to leave this place all those nice memories of his school life were tarnished today,, yet he could not, no to better describe him it was not in him to be rude to anyone as such he entertained them with small talk, before his grandmother intervene enabling him to get inside the car, Keitaro found himself sitting beside her grandmother who hugged him tightly as if he life depended on it, as finally Keitaro broke down.


    Later that day during the evening a party was going on in a mansion, various guests have arrived a black limousine like car arrived at the drive way as a family of three disembark from it, as the trio entered a person stepped forward as he greeted them, "Brother Toyoharu, welcome welcome."


    Toyoharu gave him a smile as he spoke, "Thank you brother but you did not say anything about why this party was being held."


    The person smiled as he spoke, "Welcome since the Guest of honor has arrived we can begin the party but before that Kazu can you do me a favor please."


    Kazuyuki smiled as he spoke, "Of course ''Dad'', what can I do for you?"


    The person was none other than Nishimura Tetsunori future father in law of Kazuyuki simply handed him a remote as he spoke, "I have a special gift for you my ''son'', why don''t you unveil it with this remote."


    Kazuyuki was curious about it as he entered the hall, his as well as his parent''s attention was drawn by a large figure hidden by a cloth, upon insistence he pressed the remote and in front of over hundred of guest as well as well as media, large number of screens were seen, which began to play simultaneously, as the ''Guest of Honor'' saw those images they became deathly pale as multiple flash of light were heard.

 269 Giving out Gifts Part-1

    "Have you packed your socks?"


    "yes"


    "Your Toothbrush?"


    "yes"


    "Oh, and what about your passport?"


    "It is inside my handbag."


    "Your underwear��"


    "Grandma you help pack everything, everything is packed correctly."


    Toshiro smiled at the grandmother and grandson duo as he spoke, "Love please calm yourself, if anything goes missing I will simply but it for him when we reach there."


    Tsume sighed as she spoke, "I know you will buy it but still, Kei should be diligent regarding these things from the beginning."


    Keitaro rubbed his temples as he spoke, "I understand grandma but I have still more than 3 months left for the academic year to begin, there is no need to pack so early."


    Tsume placed a placating hand on Keitaro as she spoke with a nervous smile, "I know I know, but I was simply rehearsing so that when the day comes it goes along smoothly."


    Toshiro winced at that inwardly as he sighed, ''My beloved wife is slowly started to forget and getting things jumbled up like today she thought was the day we would leave, it is bad I will have to consult doctor even I have to force her, she is the corner stone of our life, if something happens to us both Kei and I would be devastated, and the worst thing I cannot tell Kei about it he would be so worried.''


    Meanwhile back with the Kagurazaka family things were becoming worst from bad, the entire scandal their eldest son created had caused a huge fallout which led to the dissolution of various treaties and agreement their company had with others resulting in a loss as their share value plummeted to an all time low threatening to bankrupt their business.


    Kazuyuki had been enraged because he was denied even more property and money, he was alone as his parents were busy dealing with the fallout, ''tch of all things to happen I bet it was one of those sluts, yes one of them and I can hazard a guess who it was, it must be Miyuki, that damn whore decided to get pregnant, like I would pay for the upbringing of that bastard in fact she should be honored to carry my children and raise him or her, but for her stunt I will not let her leave, she must die how dare she believe she had the chance to stand by my side, it is time for her to die since she exposed found out and my other lovers.''


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    With that thought he picked his mobile phone only to stop, ''wait a second what if someone else did it, then I will have to kill the others as well.'', he found a number which he dialed as the other side received his call he spoke, "Hello Aniki, I have a job for you."


    "Yes I know I will pay you a 500,000 Yen for each."


    "Yes, Yes faster the better, although I do not care for the method do whatever you wish with them, I just want them dead."


    "Ok I will send you their identity."


    With that he cut the phone as he started messaging the pictures of all the females he had affair with along with their contact details, as he send the last details he sighed happily, ''Now they will be gone and everything will be alright.''


    Later that night when the family of three was having their dinner, the situation was a bit tense except for Kazuyuki, who seemed exceptionally happy, causing both Toyoharu and Yukari to get curious at that.


    Yukari: "Son is there some good news you are not sharing?"


    Kazuyuki gave a dazzling smile as he spoke, "Mother and Father I have already dealt with that problem."


    Toyoharu had a feeling of dread in his stomach as he spoke, "And exactly how did you do it Kazu?"


    Kazuyuki gave a smile as he spoke, "Well I paid aniki some money to have them killed simple as that."


    Yukari frowned as she spoke, "Who is this aniki you speak of?"


    Kazuyuki smiled as he spoke, "You know the bar called "Heavenly Devil'' on the west side of this city, aniki is the owner of that place."


    Toyoharu couldn''t help but facepalm at that as he spoke angrily, "You colossal idiot, of all people in this city you got that clumsy idiotic small time thug to deal with it."


    Yukari frowned at that as she spoke, "Why are scolding my sweet munchkin, so what he if he made a mistake he is still a child plus at least he did something other than wasting his time like you do."


    Toyoharu growled at that as he slammed his hand on the table hard causing the plates to rattle as he spoke, "Shut up! Woman you are spoiling him rotten, your love for you makes you blind and stupid, do you know what he has done."


    Yukari scoffed as she spoke, "He dealt with those pesky harpies who took advantage of my poor innocent baby, while you did nothing at all."


    Toyoharu snarled as he spoke, "You imbecile, the incident took place a couple of weeks ago, the media is still hounding us and the heat has yet to die and now all the women involved with Kazu gets murdered suddenly the suspicion will fall on him not to mention the aniki of his is a big time braggart, by now half of the city knows about the hit on them, there I time and place for such things, did you think I would not hush them but currently it is not the time nor the place."


    The mother and son duo grumbled at that causing Toyoharu to sigh as he beagn eating, ''I love Yuakari to death mainly because of her devious mind, but whenever her eldest is involved she becomes the dumbest person on the planet. Compared to Kazu, I prefer Kei any day of the week, he has all the qualities of a leader except he is kind extremely so, a goody two shoes as such I loathe him he reminds me of my brother the very same whom I had killed along with my parents t inherit this fortune. I never wanted a second son because daughters can be a bargaining chip but sons are not so, they would fight and I would get caught in the collateral and possibly die. If only Kazu had inherited even an iota of Kei''s brains, I could at least get some sliver of peace knowing that my legacy would be secure, but come to think of it where is Kei?''


    Toyoharu: "Where is Keitaro?"


    Kazuyuki shrugged as he spoke, "Sulking somewhere I guess like a loser he is after all his woman found me manlier than him and left him."


    Yukari sighed as she spoke, "That child is really useless."


    Toyoharu shook his head at that as he began eating, ''I would not call someone who is better than you in everything a loser, you simply got attention of some gold diggers nothing more nothing less.''


    Meanwhile Keitaro sneezed for the umpteenth time as his grandmother fussed over him, "Granny I am fine must be someone talking to me."


    Toshiro: "So what will you do today Kei?"


    Keitaro spoke with a frown at that, "Well I am planning to visit the orphanage today, I still have all those chocolates and what not from last week, I want to distribute them to those kids."


    Tsume smiled at that as she spoke, "Do you wish for me to go with you?"


    Keitaro smiled as he spoke, "Why not I would love to, the kids at the orphanage are nice unfortunately they have been dealt a bad deal in life, and this may be the last time I will see many of them."


    Toshiro and Tsume were inwardly proud for him, after all Keitaro more often than not drop by at the orphanage and help them out, and every year he would share his white day chocolates with the poor orphan, ths year he was late because he feel into depression but now he cured of his depression somewhat they hope his visit to the orphanage somewhat cheer him up.

 270 Being a Vardian

    Keitaro strolled through the streets of Massachusetts, he was astonished at how friendly the people appeared to him, everyone waved at him and smiled at him and it baffled him a lot before arriving here he was really feeling anxious after all there are places on Earth where people do not take kindly to foreigners but the people here managed to wash away his anxiousness with their friendliness.


    A couple of hours later he arrived back at his apartment which his grandparents had rented him for him, on the way to the 4th floor he greeted his new neighbors with a smile which they returned as he reached his apartment he sat on the chair as a tired sigh left his mouth.


    Toshiro smiled towards him as he spoke, "Well so how do like this palce?"


    Keitaro smiled as he spoke, "The place is nice and the people seem to be very friendly."


    Tsume nodded at that as she spoke, "And what about your apartment?"


    Keitaro: "It is nice and cozy, very nice indeed the big windows make the room airy I really love it."


    Tsume sat beside him as she spoke in a serious tone, "Keitaro I know people seem very friendly but you have to keep your eyes and ears open, all that glitters are not gold, there are people out there who will take advantage of you and before you know it you will end up in drug den. You should be extra careful when dealing with people, it is good to make friends but do not forget to study hard, you have beaten so many people to reach here, but this is not the end in actually they real battle begins from here on, there will be many ups and down but you should not give up."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Keitaro nodded at that as he spoke, "Do not worry ma, I promise you I will never do something foolish and complete my studies with high grade."


    Toshiro simply tousled his hair.


    Meanwhile back in Japan, a certain person was having a meeting with a private detective.


    Toyoharu: "How sure are you about this information?"


    The man smiled as he spoke, "This is what I do for living Sir, and of course I would make sure that all the information provided by me is hundred percent accurate."


    Toyoharu nodded as he wrote him a cheque as he spoke, "Good work I added some extra for providing such fast services."


    The man bowed towards him many times before he left him office leaving Toyoharu alone, he opened the folder containing details of his youngest son.


    AS he went through it his face had a slight astonished look, ''He has already graduated, changed his surname to Inazuma my wife''s old family but how did he get emancipated from my family and got adopted'', Toyoharu gripped the page hard as he glanced at the last line, ''Admitted to Harvard, just like him, just like my older brother.''


    He took a deep breath trying to calm himself as he thought, ''Keitaro, it is good think that you are moving up in your life even if you might become heir to my rival''s company I will tolerate it but the day you try to cause problem for my company, my legacy I will end you.''


    With that he threw the report in a paper shredder to destroy them as he watched the last of the bits turned to small paper strips, he sighed as he turned around as he glanced out of the window looking at the setting sun.


    A giddy Keitaro left the apartment as he went towards his college to attend his first class, that was at least a couple of hours ago, and a few minutes after he left his apartment he was sure that he was officially lost, he was panicking hard after all who would want to be late for the first day of his college, ''Who? Who in their right mind create such a huge campus where should I go now, I am lost and the markers are not helping I asked for directions yet I am lost.''


    "Excuse me? Are you alright?", a female voice came from behind him as he turned he was greeted with a brunette with blue eyes staring at him.


    Keitaro spoke in a panicked tone, "Please help me I am lost."


    The woman spoke with a smile, "Which course are you from? Do you have a schedule with you?"


    Keitaro nodded as he quickly took out his phone showing his schedule the woman stifled a laugh as she spoke, "You see the building behind you.", Keitaro nodded at that as she spoke, "That is the backside of the place where your classes will be held."


    Keitaro''s eyes widen comically at that as he spoke, "Ehhhhh, I am going round and round this place 5 times already."


    The woman giggled at that as she spoke, "Well follow me, after all we have the same destination and Keitaro Inazuma, and please call me Dr. Meyer after all I will be teaching you."


    Keitaro blushed at that as he nodded, ''Oh my God, I made a mess and now my teachers will think me as a clumsy fool and soon the students would know as well my college life is ruined.''


    Meanwhile Meyer looked at him curiously eyeing looking at a visibly depressed Keitaro, ''Damn did I do anything wrong, I know it is my first day as a teacher but it looks like a rain cloud is about to pop out any second.''


    The duo moved without speaking anything to each other and soon they reached the classroom, Keitaro looked around to see many students already occupying the seat but he was lucky enough to find a seat near the front, Dr. Meyer decided to wait outside as it was not the time for the class to begin.


    As Keitaro took his seat a person poked him from behind as he turned around he was greeted by a smiling face of a teenager, "HI I am Jamal Habib, and may I know your name? You look quite young how old are you?"


    Keitaro gave a smile of his own as he spoke, "My name is Keitaro Inazuma and I am 14."


    "My 14 year old and already at a top tier University, man you Asian people are super genius and if you are wondering my name is Nikolayeva Antonovna but call me Nikki if you would.", a feminine voice came from his side as he turned to his side he saw a brunet with blue eyes staring at him with a smirk in her face.


    Keitaro smiled at her as he spoke, "Well all of us are genius if we managed to make it here but more importantly, I will you as such if you call me Kei."


    The teenager offered her hand which Keitaro shook with a smile, it was start of a nice friendship and a new adventure, they did not have to wait long as the rest of the students arrived the strength of the class was around 30 a lot lesser than Keitaro was used to, but he found himself becoming fast friends with others as more and more students arrived. A few minutes later Dr. Meyer along with group of teachers entered the room as everyone stopped talking and stood up from their seats in order to greet them.

 271 A reward for being famous Part-1

    "Ryuu! R..u! A...yo��..��ght", a blonde hair woman was speaking something he could not comprehend what she was saying more importantly who is she, he was jolted awake as Dr.Meyer jolted him awake as he opened his eyes groggily.


    Meyer: "Here have some coffee."


    Keitaro let out a yawn as he accepted the cup, with a smile, "mmmm nice, I love it the smell of fresh coffee thanks."


    Dr. Meyer or as her name full name Sabrina Meyer placed a quick kiss on 18 year old Keitaro''s lips with a small smile on her face, causing Keitaro to blush at that, ''I am so blessed to have her as my girlfriend, even my grandparents approved of her.'', at the thought of his grandparents Keitaro''s mood soured, he knew that his grandmother was sick no matter how much they denied he noticed that grandmother had been forgetting stuff.


    Sabrina hugged him from behind as he laid her chin on top of his melted into her embrace, "You should ease up a little bit more Kei you have been working nonstop."


    Kei gave her a small smile, "Really, but I seem to recall a certain someone once told me she cannot rest while others suffer from various diseases."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Sabrina playfully hit him on her shoulder as she began reviewing his work, Sabrina had a small smile on her face as she thought how he fell for someone ten years younger than her, many would frown about the fact a teacher dating her student who is also ten years her junior but they did not care, they never planned for this but it happened and they do not regret even a second of it, she still remembered when he confessed during his third year it was the best day of her life.


    As Sabrina looked at her boyfriend''s research papers and his findings her hands trembled in excitement as she spoke with disbelief, "Love is that what I think it is?"


    Keitaro simply pulled her close to him making her seat on his lap as he spoke, "Yes, it is. The computer simulation sure works but still I have my fingers crossed for the practical trials."


    As Sabrina was going through the entire DNA sequence she gasped at what she saw, "Wow this is amazing, but how did you figure this out?"


    Keitaro blushed as he spoke, "I used one of your older works as a reference and I might have a small idea from someone."


    Sabrina frowned at that as she spoke, "Really so who is this mysterious person."


    Keitaro hesitated as he spoke, "I do not know but if you will believe me or not, but do you remember that I went to Professor Ezikeiel''s lecture in New York, well after that lecture I was formulating various ideas and running simulations on my laptop and it so happened I needed access to some internet and as such I visited a caf�� which provided wifi on payment. I was getting frustrated when a woman wearing a dress like those from ancient china appeared she had a silver hair and blood red strands a veil covering her face, I thought she was like those cosplayers until she started speaking she was like a professor treating me as her student."


    Keitaro took a deep breath as he continued, as she spoke she pointed out many things to me, it was really enlightening but the real kicker came when she suddenly vanished I even checked the shop camera but it showed that there was no one beside me, her ideas gave me the inspiration and your thesis provided me the groundwork on which I created the entire thing."


    Sabrina looked at him in disbelief as Keitaro spoke with a pout, "You do not believe me, I would have chalked it up to delusion of a tired mind but I have a proof of that woman''s existence here let me show you."


    Keitaro moved a reluctant Sabrina of his lap as he searched through a pile of papers as he produced a napkin with a shop''s logo on it, as he spoke, "Here see this is her handwriting she did when she explained to me some stuff."


    Sabrina looked at the writing as she let out a small whistle in appreciation, "Damn her writing is nice."


    Keitaro nodded as he spoke with a frown, "Who knows who she was but I hope to meet her again one day I wish to convey her thanks for helping me."


    Sabrina hugged him as she spoke, "Well then be sure to introduce the mysterious woman to me."


    Keitaro nodded at that as he spoke, "I would love to, and you know you two might get along very well, her personality seemed like yours always helpful and cheerful."


    A few months later the world shook as the result of Inazuma Keitaro and Dr. Sabrina Meyer''s work shook the world.


    A loud crash was heard along with a lot of cursing and shouting as Yukari ran towards her beloved son''s room followed closely by her husband Toyoharu as they entered the room they were shocked at seeing the destruction inside the room it seemed as if a hurricane had gone through it, as most of the items in his room laid broken.


    Yukari spoke with concern evident in her voice, "Kazu is there something wrong please tell me?"


    Concern evident in her voice as Kazu snapped at her, "Wrong, is there something wrong? Do you know what that dufus did?"


    Yukari and Toyoharu went stunned for a few moments before they realized who he was speaking about, their youngest child as Yukari spoke in a serious tone, "What did that good for nothing did now?"


    Kazuyuki spoke no he snarled in anger as he ranted, "Today is a big day for me, today I graduated from school so I thought about going to celebrate with my friends but when I opened the T.V. the only thing it showed was some woman with that dufus, every news channel was showing him going as far as calling him National Treasure, the greatest thing of Japan, just because that nerd managed to cure some disease, bah so what my company does it every day my face should be there not some creature you forgot to abort."


    As Kazuyuki ranted and cursed while his mother tried to calm him down, his father Toyoharu quickly checked the latest news as his eyes widen as he read the headline.


    [A 18 year old final year Harvard Undergraduate final year along with his Microbiology Professor managed to cure AIDS.]


    Toyoharu''s hands trembled at that as he checked various news channels and medias his chest swelled up with pride, ''My son has done it he has opened a new venue fo��'', only for the cold reality hit him hard and chances of exploiting his youngest son''s work to earn more is now gone as he was not only legally emancipated but also his rival''s heir an insane anger rose in him as he cursed in anger, ''You damn filth, how dare you help my rival, how dare you, if only you had lived a mediocre life and died I would not have cared but now I would make sure to make you suffer for this travesty.''

 272 A reward for being famous Part-2

    Sabrina: "So what does it feel to come back home."


    Keitaro sighed as he spoke, "I loved it last time, but today ughhh, I hate this things why could they not leave us alone."


    Sabrina just patted his back as she spoke, "Well we cannot help it now could we, but most importantly start smiling we are about to land soon enough and from what I have heard the Prime Minister of Japan will be present to receive us."


    Keitaro rubbed his face as he spoke, "I wish we could have sometime to ourselves."


    Sabrina nodded at that as she cuddled with her beloved as she spoke, "So true since the day we released the cure we have always been swarmed��", Sabrina yawned loudly as she continued, "..us to the point we no longer have any time for ourselves, I hate it."


    Keitaro nodded at that as he spoke, "Well at least we got to sleep, for sometime during the midst of our flight at the very least."


    A few more minutes later, the flight landed and the two love birds were only allowed to descend after any remaining passengers had already disembarked as they stepped on the Japanese soil, they were greeted by The Prime minister, himself who greeted them with a smile and bouquets of flowers as the media took various pictures while people greeted them with their cheers.


    Prime minister of Japan, Yoshida Shimpei, smiled at them as he shook Keitaro''s hand as he spoke, "Welcome home Kei."


    Keitaro smiled at him as he spoke, "It is good to be back Uncle."


    Yoshida simply gave a pat on his back as he escorted them towards their car as he spoke, "Well I will not hold you too long otherwise sister will have my head, as for any kind of programs I have made sure that you have at least a couple of days rest before anything."


    Keitaro smiled at that as he spoke, "Thank you uncle."


    As they made their way towards his home Sabrina spoke curiously, "How do you know the Prime Minister of your country?"


    Keitaro smiled as he spoke, "Well he happened to be my Grandpa''s class mate."


    Sabrina shook her head at that as she spoke, "You know since the first day I met you it you have never ceased to amaze me, and it was the reason I fell for you."


    The car soon reached his grandparents house as he entered both of them were drawn to a hug by his Grandmother, as she spoke, "Welcome to our humble home, grand daughter-in-law."


    Toyoharu simply looked at an invitation letter he had received, it was a party in order to honor his youngest, normally he would have taken his family along with him but he knew that the two would botch everything up and he would accomplish nothing.


    A couple of days later, Sabrina and Keitaro were party held for their honor, if it were not for Sabrina he would have collapsed their snoring away to glory listening to long winded speech was boring, and after a few hours of speeches and laurels given to them the party began as orchestra played in the background, while people chatted amongst themselves.


    As Keitaro was speaking and greeting various people he suddenly heard a voice he had not heard for a very very long time, "Kagurazaka Keitaro or should I say Inazuma Keitaro from now on, you have grown up well."


    Keitaro''s eyes widen as he turned to face his father, he for a second lost his nerves before he calmed himself down as he spoke, "Mr. Kagurazaka, it has been a while."


    Toyoharu nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes it has been, so Harvard huh."


    Keitaro nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes."


    Toyoharu spoke with a smile, "You do not know how proud I am."


    Keitaro did not know what to think about it as he replied to him, "Thank you."


    Toyoharu, "So how have you been, Kei."


    Keitaro was really feeling uncomfortable speaking with him but still replied to him in the most civilized manner possible, "I am fine but what about you."


    Toyoharu: "Well I have been well, but it would have been much better if my youngest son did not leave my house."


    Keitaro inwardly shivered at a distant memory, of him being whipped by his sperm donor, as he spoke, "Well you should know by now why I left."


    Toyoharu nodded at that as he spoke with a sad look on his face, "I know Kei, but for whatever its worth I am sorry."


    Keitaro was dumbstruck upon seeing Toyoharu apologizing him so sincerely but at the same time his guard went up by a lot, ''What is that old ''Tanuki'', planning he would not have approached me if he did not have any nefarious purpose.''


    Keitaro gave a small smile as he spoke with unease, "It is all in the past now, we should leave it in the past as we move forward."


    Toyoharu shook his head as he spoke, "It is easy for you to say after all you were not the person who committed all those crimes.", He then proceeded to wipe out tears that started to form in his eyes, startling Keitaro.


    Keitaro coughed slightly as he changed the topic, "So how are your wife and son?"


    Toyoharu sighed as he spoke, "Well they are good, your mo�� sorry my well she is still the same and as for my eldest he finally managed to graduate from high school, I wish he had even an iota of diligence as you are, the only thing he knows is being a hooligan nothing else, where as you even if you are 5 years younger than him look at you passing out of one of the top colleges in the world with flying colors whereas he just barely finished his high school.", he had a pained look in his face before he took a deep breath as he spoke.


    He then gave a pat on his back as he spoke, "Well sorry for taking so much of your time, I will be taking my leave now and also you have done an incredible job by finding a cure for such a dreadful disease, enjoy the evening.", with that he left.


    No sooner did he leave that Toshiro came by Keitaro''s side as he spoke, "What did that sperm donor want from you?"


    Keitaro bit his lips as he spoke, "I do not know he was not that much forthcoming but he spoke as if he was regretting how h treated me all those years ago."


    Toshiro frowned as he spoke, "Keitaro, whenever you are with that person I do not have to tell you to always keep your eyes and ears open."


    Keitaro nodded as he spoke, "I know Grandpa, that man is dangerous he is plotting something."


    Toshiro snorted as he spoke, "I will bet that it has something to do with your current fame and research."


    Keitaro smiled at him as he spoke, "That is a losers bet Grandpa, and of course that man will want to do something like that."


    Toshiro sighed as he dragged Keitaro a bit out of hearing range of others as he spoke, "Keitaro I have not told you about this but you see your paternal grandfather and grandmother were two very close friends of mine, they had 3 sons and a daughter with Toyoharu being the youngest. They were all incredibly nice person and I am thankful to God that you have received their genes more than your sperm donor, my friend wanted his children to leave together as such he divided various positions amongst his children, but that bastard wanted more as such he killed them, he killed his own parents and siblings just to inherit the entire property."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Keitaro''s blood turned cold at that as his eyes widen before he spoke, "But why is he not in jail?"


    Toshiro growled as he spoke, "Evidence which conveniently went missing along with witnesses as such he was acquitted of all crimes. Kei as such I would advise you to be wary of him on all times he is dangerous, he would do anything and everything to get you now since you are like a ''Golden Egg laying Goose'' to him."


    Kietaro gulped at that he knew that Toyoharu behind the fa?ade of a kind man was a crook, but what he just learned now took the cherry on top of the cake.

 273 A reward for being famous Part-3

    Keitaro slumped on the chair tiredly as his Grandmother gave him a cup of tea, as she spoke, "How are you holding about Kei?"


    Keitaro gave a so so motion on his hand as he spoke, "I am so tired, this and that award ceremonies and what not is killing me, but most importantly I am a bit incensed about the fact I was not able to meet even a single of my friends but oh well."


    Toshiro: "Sabrina is having a bad headache I hope she gets well soon enough."


    Tsume: "I gave here some pain killers I know she would be better before you know it."


    Toshiro: "Is that bastard still harassing you?"


    Keitaro frowned as he spoke, "Well I do not know if that is a form of harassment or not but I came across him and had small talks just before he left sounding that he regretted everything."


    Tsume: "I hope you do not fall for his lie."


    Keitaro nodded at that as Tsume turned to her husband as she spoke with a frown, "Is there no way we could stop him legally from meeting him."


    Toshiro frowned as he mulled over the idea as he spoke, "Well no I do not think we can, every place he went needed some form of invitation since he was invited we cannot stop him, and it is not that he went every place Keitaro had been to, so the chances of getting a restraining order on him is low."


    Tsume simply let out long sting of curse as Toshiro spoke hurriedly, "Darling there are children here so please control yourself."


    Tsume gave him the stink eye as they started to bicker and forth Keitaro watched them with warm eyes as he envisioned himself one day old like his grandparents bickering in front of their grandchildren Keitaro was happy and content with his life, after all what more someone like him wants.


    As the family of four enjoyed themselves on the other side of the country another family was in deep trouble, a splash of water fell on the captives face as she groggily came to her senses only to be slapped hard jolting her awake, as she awoke she found her entire family including her parents and her brother all tied to a chair, "Ah welcome to the land of the living, Dear Yukari."


    A voice came from her right as she turned to see her lover Kazuyuki looking at her with smile on his face as Yukari spoke a bit fearfully, "What are you doing love?"


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Only to be slapped hard by Kazuyuki who still had the smile on his face the same smile as he had whenever he spoke with her and she loved that smile but now it suddenly felt like the smile as if that of the Devil.


    Kazuyuki shrugged as he spoke, "Well I am breaking up with you."


    The girl was taken aback by that as she spoke, "What do you mean by that even your parents approved of me? Heck you mother was ecstatic about me sharing her name so why?"


    Kazuyuki simply pouted as he spoke, "Well so��."


    The girl was angered by that as she snarled at him, "What do you mean by that, we were supposed to be married by the end of this year, I am even three months pregnant with our baby."


    Kazuyuki sighed as he ran his hand through his hair, "Tell me Yukari if a factory worker suddenly receives promotion and becomes the manager, what do you think would happen, will he wear the same clothes, appear as some dirty heathen like before no, not at all he will be properly groomed and tidy going to work in a separate office under the air-condition earning fat paycheck will he want to give that up."


    Yukari did not say anything causing Kazuyuki to sigh at that as he spoke, "Once a dumb bitch always a dumb bitch.", he held her cheeks as he forced her to look at his eyes as he spoke, "Well I simply got promoted as you see there is this nice girl that I am about to get married soon so sorry dear but with heavy heart I have to break up with you."


    Yukari: "Then why are you doing this?"


    Kazuyuki hummed in thought as he replied, "Well there was two reasons actually firstly, you see I only seduced you to hurt my loser of a brother, but then I kept you because sex with you felt good as such I grew fond of you because of that I kept you alive while I had killed off other bitches who spread their legs for me but unfortunately you belong to me and the thought of you being with someone else did not seat well with me, and secondly according to mama we should always tie up loose ends and you my dear have become such a thing, you will have tried to expose me and having a child with a woman who isnot married to you would cause problem for me."


    Yukari shook in fear as she spoke, "Please leave my family out of this."


    Kazuyuki wagged his index in a negative manner as he spoke, "Sorry I told you I am trying loose end, besides I have already done with them, did not see that they did not make a noise but rest assured they did not feel anything well accept your mother my boys needed some entertainment after all."


    Yukari''s eyes widen in horror as she spit on his face as she snarled in younger, "You bastard you sick freak��."


    *slap* *slap*


    She was slapped so hard that her face was swollen because of the numerous slaps as Kazuyuki gripped her hair as Yukari gave him a glare of defiance as she spoke, "You know what Kazu-kun, no matter what you say or do you will never able to overcome your brother, you were only able to graduate from High school at 23 because people took pity on you, as for Keitaro he is genius he was the youngest person to achieve noble prize, he did something that you could not even manage after 1000 years but more importantly even after a hundred years where as he will be cherished you will be a worn out grave nothing more, and you are right I am a dumb bitch because I threw away a diamond mountain for a pile of dung like you."


    Kazuyuki face turned purple as snarled in anger as he spoke, "You dumb bitch, how dare how dare YOU!!!"


    He then punched her hard, kicked her stomped her by the time he was done her teeth were mostly gone, one of her eyes was dangling from the socket as couple of his man came and stopped him as one of them spoke, "Please stop it boss, we have to hurry it is already 4 a.m. in the morning and most importantly we have to arrange the crime scene accordingly now if you give her more than some broken bones it will be difficult for us to fabricate the scene."


    Kazuyuki stopped at that as he spoke, "Fine do it and do not give that injection to this bitch, I do not want it to be painless for her in fact I want her to feel every bit of pain."


    Later on that it was all over the news that how the house of four was burned to ashes as even the bones of the survivors could not be recovered or identified along with various advice on how one should turn of their gas and what not.

 274 A reward for being famous Part-4

    Keitaro Inazuma sighed as he rubbed his temples trying to stave off the headache he was suffering from having a meeting with his ex-parents, he scowled at the meeting he had with them recently which seemed to have sapped his energy.


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    "Are you alright my love?", a melodious voice came to his ears as he felt himself reenergized as he spoke with a smile, "How can I not when the oasis of my deserted heart is here."


    Sabrina simply slapped him playfully as she spoke, "You are lucky I love you."


    Keitaro pouted as Toshiro and Tsume appeared just after Sabrina as Toshiro spoke with a frown, "The guards told me that those two came to see you, we came as soon as possible I hope you did not have much problem with that."


    Keitaro: "I hope you came here after finishing your shopping?"


    Tsume frowned as she spoke, "Kei we came here as soon as we heard that those two were here, so what did they want?"


    Keitaro sighed as he spoke, "They wanted me to return home and be a happy family, that should have been but they messed up they went as far as to name me their heir."


    Toshiro: "Oh and did you decline them?"


    Keitaro nodded as he replied, "They begged me on their knees literally."


    At that the his grandparents were surprised to the point that their mouth opened wide, as Sabrina she had heard of them but never met them as such she did not understand why were they so shocked as Tsume spoke with her eyes wide, "Child Yukari bowed her head that Yukari???"


    Toshiro face gained a serious look as he spoke, "Tsume, I do not think that it is that simple as you should not forget that even a bull lowers their head but then it charges at you, I am actually scared to think what they might be hatching?"


    Keitaro nodded as he spoke, "I know that they were never serious with their apologizes, I have known them from I was but a baby even after all this years I know, when Yukari lies her left eye twitches and whenshe is furious she tend to ball her right hand into a fist, during the entire time even if she and her husband put a fa?ade I saw through their disguise easily."


    Toshiro shook his head at that as Keitaro spoke, "Grandpa, there is something I am curious about, what is the stock value of their company?"


    Toshiro frowned at that as he spoke, "Let me check.", he quickly inputted some data in his tablet and he handed it to his grandson as he spoke, "Here this is their current value, it has fallen by a half where as ours are at an all time high it is 5 times as much as it used to be."


    Keitaro whistled lowly as he studied the data as he spoke, "If I were to join their company as his heir how much do you think that their market price be?"


    Toshiro: "Well the prices would simply interchange, but why are ...", as he was about to ask his question only for his eyes to widen as the answer dawn to him as he spoke with a smile, "I see so that was his plan, cunning it is good you did not accept his request."


    Tsume frowned a she spoke, "What is it old man, what have you discovered?"


    Toshiro: "Well my dear old lady, that bastard Toyoharu simply wants to increase his company''s value using Kei."


    Keitaro nodded at that with a small smile at his face as he spoke, "Those two sure are made for each other, a real piece of work."


    A few days later, Keitaro was enjoying his date with his fianc��e, they dancing under the full moon light and soft music played by an orchestra, a newly christened 5 star open air restaurant near Tokyo tower was their place of enjoyment.


    Sabrina smiled as she leaned and placed her head on Keitaro''s shoulder as he held her close, the news of their dating had spread far and wide by the paparazzo and they were being termed as the most popular couples receiving well wishes from various politicians to celebrities, but now they were with each other''s presence and the entire world did not matter to them at all as they were dancing with each other.


    Sabrina spoke with a small smile, "I do not want this to end, I wish for this moment to be eternal."


    Keitaro hugged her as he spoke, "Me too love, me too."


    As they stood there basking in each other''s presence multiple flash lights went around the place as many people took picture of the couples but they did not pay anything to mind, as Sabrina with a heavy heart left her fianc��''s embrace as she spoke, "Kei there is something I want to tell you."


    Keitaro looked at her with eyes full of love as he spoke, "What is it my love?"


    Sabrina spoke with anxiety evident in her face, "Well Kei I was feeling sick for a last few days as such I consulted a doctor."


    Keitaro looked worried at that as he spoke, "What is it my love? Are you alright?"


    Sabrina''s heart warmed at that as she spoke, "Keitaro, I am pre��."


    Sabrina could not finish her word as both the couple''s felt an incredible pain near their chest as they collapsed on the floor as their life fluid spread on the floor of the restaurant, the other guests screamed in fright as people started running around trying to get as far away from the place as fast as possible.


    Keitaro''s eyes felt heavy, his body was not responding but with great will power he managed to move towards her lover, as she laid with her eyes closed on the floor, Keitaro managed to grip her still warm hand as he managed to choke out with blood dripping from his mouth, "Sab��..", with that he lost his consciousness.


    A couple of man were sitting inside the study as one of them laughed loudly as they drank from their glass of wine as one of them spoke, "That was master stroke my friend Toyoharu, it was truly a master stroke."


    Toyoharu nodded at that as he spoke, "Well it has not finished yet, I hope the clues incriminating Miyamoto has already been placed right?"


    The other man nodded as he spoke, "Of course now I will have to play my cards right and soon I will be the Head honcho of this country and you with my right hand. But more importantly thank you for providing me this opportunity."


    Toyoharu smiled as he spoke, "Please brother do not thank me, we are going to become family soon brother, to long life of our lineage."


    The man let out a boisterous laugh as he cheered with his companion as he spoke, "Long life of our Lineage."


    As Toyoharu looked out of the window his thought went back to the incident that will no doubt shook the world, ''It is a shame my foolish child, if only you had taken up my offer, but oh well since your mother and I brought you to this world you are ours as such I will never let you rebel and become the golden goose for others, next life think twice before crossing your maker.''

 275 A reward for being famous Part-5

    "Ryuu, open y��, Ryu...me.", Keitaro groggily looked towards the person he could not see the face but was able to perceive her voice, a voice sounded extremely familiar with to him yet he could not remember where he had heard the voice and no matter what he did he could not remember anything at all.


    Keitaro suddenly spoke out in a hoarse voice, "Water!"


    He felt someone speaking to him but he could not make out its contents more importantly the person in question held his head as he felt a cool refreshing liquid enter his parched throat, he felt refreshed by it, as he glanced around he was greeting by the smiling face of a doctor, a couple of nurse standing behind him.


    The doctor spoke with a smile, "Sir, do you remember who you are?"


    Keitaro gave a slow nod at that as he spoke, "I am Keitaro, Keitaro Inazuma. He winced as he felt his stiff joints as he spoke."Why am I here? Who are you?"


    The doctor in question just gave him a small smile as he spoke, "Well Mr. Inazuma, you were a bit injured but we need to perform some tests on you first to see if you are alright."


    Keitaro nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes I have no problem with that Doctor��..umm what should I call you??"


    The doctor in question gave a small smile at that as he spoke, "Well Mr. Inazuma, please call me Dr. Shinohara, now if you would follow my instructions."


    As Keitaro cooperated with the doctor as he conducted various tests, as those tests progressed he had a nagging feeling at the back of his head, he did not know why but he had a feeling of dread as he finally recalled the events of the day, Sabrina and him were on a date, they were enjoying themselves when blood there was blood everywhere his Sabrina oh God how is she?


    Keitaro: "Doctor Shinohara, where is my fianc��e, where is she?"


    Doctor Shinohara had a slight twitch on his face as he spoke with a comforting smile, "Mr. Inazuma she was able to leave the hospital much before you, in fact young man you should not be outdone by your would be wife like this when you are younger than her."


    Keitaro flushed red at that as he spoke, "Well is home."


    Doctor Shinohara gave him a cheerful smile as he spoke, "Your wife was able to leave the hospital earlier than you but doesn''t mean she can move around just like that in fact if she is following what we said she is resting."


    Keitaro visibly relaxed at that as the Doctor spoke again, "Well I believe it is time for your much needed rest, well I will see you soon then."


    Keitaro nodded as he laid back on his hospital bed and soon found himself drifting into land of dreams.


    Meanwhile back inside a certain room, a person careful wiped the blood that was trailing down from a red haired person''s lips with extreme care as if he was the most fragile thing in existence.


    As she cleaned the blood dripping from the sleeping figure''s mouth as she spoke with a frown, "What happened here, Antariskh?"


    Antariskh replied back with a sigh, "I thought he was about to wake up, I was cultivating along with him when I was forced to awake from cultivation as I awoke I saw him coughing blood, I thought he might have made some mistake during cultivation but he once again fell into deep trance."


    Veena sighed hard at that as Antariskh spoke, "There is also something else mother, well you see I might not be able to help him much at all."


    Veena frowned hard at that as she spoke, "Why is that Antariskh, last I checked you all decided to help him and have been doing so for some time now so what is the problem now."


    Antariskh bit her lips as she spoke, "Mother did you know about the Heavenly Dao of Creation and Destruction?"


    Veena frowned at that as she closed her eyes as if contemplating something before she spoke, "I have heard about them, in passing while exploring a ruin just the name nothing more and what about this Heavenly Dao thing?"


    Antariskh shrugged at that as she spoke, "No idea but it seems Ryuu managed to touch those two Dao, I do not know how to describe the feeling when he did it, I was dual cultivating alongside him as such I was able to feel the two Daos and as for the name I learned it from Ryuu, but��.", Antariskh frowned at the thing she felt hurt her pride but she took a deep breath as her mother urged her to speak, "Ryuu when he touched the Dao it felt as if the Dao gently told him like a parent does to a child that he was not ready, but I, I was chased away like a dog, me who stands a top most and is considered one of the undisputed strongest being in the entire Universe was chased and I could do nothing at all, even hearing the name of those Dao casued so much pain I felt as if my soul was being torn to pieces.", as her anger and frustration began to show she started losing control over her powers.


    Veena spoke angrily towards her, "Antariskh behave yourself.", her words seemed to calm Antariskh down as she spoke to her daughter, "Child, you have learned a long time ago that there are various things specially the Daos they are very fickle and would bow to no one, they are the supreme rules that bind the Universe and none are above them not me, not you no one, and for them to like a Ryuu more than you, well you know he is a ''Dao Child'', it must be because of that."


    Antariskh frowned as she spoke, "How are you so sure mother, just because he is a Dao child does not mean he will receive such favorable treatment."


    Veena shrugged at that as she spoke, "Well you should already know child that we know very little is known about a ''Dao Child'', and you should know why?"


    Antariskh nodded at that as she replied to her mother, "Yes mother because they die because they trigger things like tribulations or attract unwanted attention way too much. I know mother and I would not lie if I say I did not feel jealous of him for a moment, but seeing him like this is heart breaking specially with each passing day we are slowly losing our ability to help him, and I hope he will be able to break out of this state soon before it is too late."


    Keitaro sighed he was bit miffed at his fianc��e, he understood that she needed rest but at least she could speak with him using a phone, as he entered the car Toshiro spoke, "It was a good thing that the hospital staff were co operative those damn paparazzo were circling like vultures just for a tidbit of any news."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Keitaro just gave a small smile, what he now wanted more than ever to hold on to his lover in his arms and leave those dreadful memories behind, he was brought out of his musings by his grandmother who nudged at him, "Is something wrong Keitaro?"


    Keitaro sighed at that as he spoke, "Nothing wrong granny just a bit miffed at Sabrina for not speaking to me even with the help of a phone."


    Both of them winced slightly as Toshiro spoke, "Kei there is something we have to tell you, well you know you were comatose for at least a month, well something happened during that time and we are sorry to hide it from you, it was decision we took on the doctor''s advice, it would be too much for you to deal with after encountering from near comatose state."


    Keitaro looked confused as he spoke, "What do you mean by that grandpa."


    Toshiro swallowed hard as Tsume gave him a comfortable squeeze on his hands as she spoke, "We are actually taking you there Kei."


    A few anxious minutes later Keitaro feel on his legs lifelessly as he stood in front of a certain grave, his grandparents quickly rushing to his side in order to support him.

 276 A new life

    Keitaro felt numbed nothing in this world mattered to him anymore he did not know what to do, he just sat in a corner inside his room as his eyes looked vacant without any light to them staring into a dark corner it had been a couple of days since he visited her grave since then he did not speak nor did he eat or drink anything his grandparents were incredibly worried about him they had already lost their granddaughter-in-law and now their grandson was trying to kill himself it was too much for them.


    A red haired woman rang the bell of a certain mansion as she waited for the door to be opened a maid came shortly after escorting her to the living room where Tsume and Toshiro were waiting for her.


    As she entered the elderly couple stood up from their seat as they shook the woman''s hand as Tsume spoke, "Thank you Beatrix fro coming I know you are busy but ��."


    Beatrix gave the elderly couple a smile of her own as she spoke, "Please aunty, Sabrina was not only my distant cousin but my only family member alive and Keitaro being her fianc�� makes him my family as such I will always help him, so where is he?"


    At her question Keitaro''s grandparents looked as if they had look of sorrow on their face as Tsume nearly broke down in tears at that as she spoke, "He is not well since then, he is just sitting in a corner and staring into the distant, and he is not speaking eating or naything."


    Beatrix frowned as she spoke, "This is not good, and he will die if he continues this."


    Toshiro nodded at that as he spoke, "We tried everything but it was futile we are thinking about re admitting to a hospital at least they will be able to feed him then."


    Beatrix frowned at that as she spoke, "Well if you do not mind may I speak with him."


    Tsume: "I do not mind, please follow me."


    As they entered the room Beatrix was taken aback upon seeing Keitaro''s condition she had met him many times because of Sabrina, the person sitting there was a far cry from the one she knew, it was as if he was dead, she let out a deep sigh as she spoke, "Aunty can you give me some time alone with him."


    Tsume nodded and as she left, Beatrix closed the door behind her, as Tsume and Toshiro suddenly heard screaming and lots of cursing from inside the room followed by slap and was that a punching sound making them tense as the servants quickly arrived there, then there was silence causing them to suddenly feel dread at that as Tsume spoke, "Beatrix, Kei are you alright?"


    The silence was deafening as such Tsume turned towards Toshiro as she spoke, "Break the door NOW!!!"


    Toshiro quickly nodded as he was about to order his servants the door swung opened as Beatrix stepped out of the room, a victorious smile on her face as she dragged Keitaro out of the room by his ear as she spoke, "Excuse me but certain someone is hungry and thirsty so can anyone break something for Kei, it would be nice."


    Keitaro winced at that as she spoke, "Ok ok, now can you release my ear it hurts."


    Beatrix released Keitaro''s ears as Tsume gave him a bone crushing hug as Toshiro spoke to her with a grateful smile in his face, "Thank you Beatrix, I do not know how to express how much grateful I am to you."


    Beatrix simply smiled at that as she spoke, "There is no need for you to thank me Kei is family to me."


    It has been a few days since Beatrix managed to get Keitaro out of his room, making his grandparents grateful to her, Keitaro had since been bust trying to figure out anyone who would likely try to take his and his fianc��e''s life but he was not having any success regarding it.


    Beatrix: "So do you thing that any of this people might try to harm you."


    Keitaro bit his thumb at that before he replied to her, "No I do not thing any of them are capable of such, yes I will give you that a few must be jealous of our achievements but going as far as to kill us it is too much. Beatrix by the way did the police find anything?"


    Beatrix snorted at that as she spoke, "They are busy being worthless as usual."


    Keitaro sighed at that as he ran his hand through his hair as he spoke his voice filled with frustration, "Damnit damnit.", he threw the tea cup he had in his hand shattering it.


    Beatrix gave him a one armed hug as Keitaro broke down in tears as Beatrix consoled him, "Kei do not worry we will get the person behind all this."


    It had been a few years since that day and many things had changed since then a couple of years after Sabrina''s death another tragedy struck the family, Keitaro lost his grandmother, surprisingly Toshiro was much calmer in comparison to Keitaro as he had already come to terms with the inevitable a long time ago, but most importantly Beatrix had become much closer to Keitaro over the years slowly mending his heart.


    It was around seven in the morning and Keitaro sat on the sofa in the living room with a cup of freshly brewed tea in his hands his girlfriend of 3 days had left on her official work, he did not know why and how but Beatrix had managed t worm herself in his heart, it is true that the hole left by Sabrina''s demise may never be filled but he was slowly starting to love her as much as he did Sabrina.


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    As his thought went to his current girlfriend he could not help but worry about her, Sabrina never mentioned much about her family business which was then been run by her sole living relative Beatrix Schumacher but now he knows about their family business, they were nothing but mercenaries whose roots could be traced up to some famous mercenaries from medieval ages, over the years they not only have established themselves as mercenaries but also top of the line arms dealer as well, which also caused their downfall as only Beatrix is left alive now.


    Beatrix Schumacher one of the top arms dealer as well as mercenary in the entire world leader of a group named Asgard, unlike Sabrina who never wanted to join their family business Beatrix on the other hand was raised in a purely militaristic environment the numerous scars on her body is testament to her hard work, her code name ''Hela'' is often mentioned in the hush whisper in the underworldas one of the best assassins of modern age, but did that mean he did not love her of course not he never hated her nor her life of work because he knew that the world was not black and white but various shades of grey, and he respected her for that as she respected him. He still remember how distraught she was when they chalked up to old enemies of her family baring their fang which eventually killed Sabrina, did he resent her family for that no he never did especially when she personally erased 30 different families till the last child, in fact he understood why her name is feared so much but underneath the mask of such a ruthless assassin is one of the most gentle kind and lovable woman he had the honor of knowing.


    Meanwhile a 30 year old Kazuyuki was incensed it has been 7 years since his marriage and he was bored with his wife but unfortunately he will have to put up with her for a few more months and he would be glorious free. His thought then went back to his 6 year old son, ''It has been 6 years since his birth, ugh at least he is now resembling a human instead of that poop monster when he was born, maybe the only thing that my dear wife did right was giving me an heir.'', the thought of teaching his son the pleasure of female kind brought smile on his face which turned to grimace at the thought of his wife, ''tch that damn woman, as long as she remains in contact with my son it will be difficult to teach him to be a real man, at the same time I never understood why my father stayed with a single woman with all his life, even if that woman gave birth to someone as divine as myself, but still I would have been with new woman everyday after all their duty is to be only stress relief to the superior gender.''


    A person came and spoke to him, "Boss everything is ready we have already tanked your wife with enough drugs to make her go like rabbit in heat and also made sure that she will get impregnated."


    Kazuyuki had a dazzling smile on his lips as he spoke, "Well then what are you waiting for, wake her up and get on with it and make sure that the entire incident is filmed and leaked in the internet.", with that he started moving towards the door.


    As another of his lackeys spoke, "Boss where are you going? I thought you would oversee our operations."


    Kazuyuki looked at him as if he was a bug as he spoke, "I have places to be woman to fuck and most importantly I have a speech to practice which I will have to deliver in front of the media showcasing a poor husband whose wife was whoring herself and cheating on him with multiple men and oh make sure that the people involved their identity is not traced back to them accept my dear beloved wife''s."

 277 I will be the worlds bes

    Toyoharu looked at the near dozen of people present inside the room as he spoke with small smile on his face, "Welcome Ladies and Gentleman, my dear closest friends I have invited you all to witness the beginning of a new age guided by our own hands, you all know how those low class humans have been growing in number straining on the already little resources on top of that the Governet is forcing us to give up our wealth to those lazy bums and unworthy parasites, but I have plan to teach them their rightful place beneath the foot of us rightful chosen elite of this planet."


    As he spoke that one of his guest snickered as he spoke, "Oi Toyo, do not tell me it is some form of donation scheme then count me out, I have taxes to pay."


    At that other laughed loudly even Toyoharu cracked a grin as he spoke, "No my dear why would I do something so dastardly, you see this cockroaches have grown too many and now it is turn for us to cull them and take our position as the true messiah of the world."


    At that everyone had undivided attention towards him as one of them spoke, "How?"


    Toyoharu smiled at that as he spoke, "Well before that why don''t we all have a drink after all I am a bit parched, so cheers."


    As they drank the wine from the glass Toyoharu spoke again as he glanced at his watch, "Well I have something arranged for you that you would love to watch."


    No sooner did he utter those words one of the person present started choking before he vomited blood and fell on the ground, as his body started to give a nasty rotten smell as others moved away from him looking scared at that as Toyoharu smiled at that as he spoke, "Well there is no need to be afraid, I hate traitors and it was a darn shame he decided to spy on me. Well let us leave him here for the cleaning crew where we move on to the next stage."


    With that he escorted his guests to a theater as a video started playing, images of gruesome deformation and painful images of various men women of various ethnicity and age were seen being experimented on as Toyoharu spoke with a smile, "Is it not beautiful, this disease, which has high infection rate and it spreads through so many mediums that it cannot be stopped and most importantly its incubation period is only a few hours to a single day."


    One of them suddenly spoke towards Toyoharu curiosity evident in her voice, "What do you want to do with this Toyoharu?"


    Toyoharu smiled at that as he spoke, "Who me? Nothing I will do nothing with it because it has been stolen by a terrorist who will release it very soon, and we the messiah will suddenly produce cure for the disease of course since it is limited and is so difficult to make we will be forced to auction it."


    At that everyone clapped at the idea greed evident in their eyes as the same woman spoke, "My Toyo, do you really wish to make me fall for you and screw you silly."


    Toyoharu laughed at that as he spoke while flashing his wedding ring, "Please I am already married.", while inwardly he turned into an interesting shade of green because the woman in front of looked like a pig playing dress up.


    Meanwhile a few thousand mile from a certain meeting place a person was looking at a particular vial of yellow colored liquid labeled as PX6-3, he had been able to acquire from people who were sympathetic to their cause, someone who wanted to see the birth of the glorious nation of Ubria, but he did not become a freedom fighter without any brains the higher ups were extremely happy and gave go ahead with the plan but he knew that the person would have an ulterior motive and they might already be puppet in that persons hands. He first felt suspicious about it when they stole such an extremely dangerous vial of virus without much resistance from ''New World Research Labs'', which was conveniently was transporting it from near their area of influence, too suspicious as such he contacted one of his friends to help him.


    "What do you want Hendriks?", a gruff voice past middle age spoke to him as Hendriks replied back emotionlessly, "Brother I am calling in the favor you owe me."


    The person in question nodded at that as Hendriks handed him a suitcase as he spoke, "Inside it is an item I want you to play tweak it a bit before handing it back to me, I will give you a month at the maximum not a second more and remember it is for the cause, the person who handed it to us wants to use us but I will not fall for his schemes. So brother will you be able to do it."


    The person in question snorted at that as he spoke, "Who do you think me to be, I could have already won a Nobel Prize if only those goody two shoes did not cause problem for me and caused me to flee here and hide from the Interpol, it will be done faster than you think."


    Keitaro kissed his wife of 6 months with full of passion as he spoke with tears of joy in his eyes as he hugged her tightly, "Thank you thank you, you gave me the greatest gift I could ask for."


    Beatrix blushed at that as she enjoyed her husband''s warmth as she spoke, "It is I who should be thanking you love, you fulfilled my greatest desire, and I still cannot believe we are going to become parents."


    Keitaro smiled at that as he spoke, "Me too love me too."


    Beatrix reluctantly separated from him as she spoke, "Kei let us go and give the good news to grandpa he would be delighted."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Keitaro nodded at that before he suddenly frowned seeing such an expression on his face his wife could not help but worry at that as she spoke, "What is wrong Kei?"


    Keitaro looked down as he spoke, "What if I could not become a good father what if I become like them."


    Beatrix frowned at that before her eyes narrowed as she pulled his ears hard causing Keitaro to cry out in pain as she spoke, "Listen well, Keitaro Inazuma you are the grandchild of Toshiro and Tsume Inazuma two of the most kind people I have ever met on top of that you are my husband as such I doubt you will ever be a bad father and in the off chance something do happen my knuckle of doom will be ready for you."


    At that Keitaro turned deathly pale as he spoke to his wife in a fearful tone, "Do not worry love I promise to you that I will be the world''s best daddy."


    Beatrix looked pleased at that as she spoke with a small nod, "Well then let us go Keitaro we have to visit grandpa."

 278 The Cure

    Keitaro looked at the sample of the virus he had received using a microscope it was fascinating to look at them, they remained completely inactive until they were put into live host, upon introduction they multiplied like crazy not only that they seemed to hijack the immune system of the host body before turning it against the host it was really fascinating not only that the resilience showed in them was otherworldly no matter how much you heat or freeze or the use of UV rays on them they survived as if it was as if a virus of Tardigrade, it was truly fascinating, but deadly as well, it had been a month since the entire incident with the ''We want Ubria'' terrorist it happened during the New Year party where member of the group hit ten of the most popular cities in the world as people prepared for the New Year celebration they simply destroyed vials containing the virus while shouting at the top of their lungs about wanting about freedom and what not at first no one paid any attention to them then it happened thousands fee sick within a day and it spread at an incredible rate to the point various countries were quarantined it was a good thing that his family had a separate island where they were staying and last he heard that it was under lock as such they will be safe.


    His thoughts went back to those so called freedom fighters who pulled the stunt they were nothing but terrorist after all if you go and attack another country who is not even related with your issue in the name of freedom then the simple thing they would get will be getting is being declared as terrorists and actively being hunted down the only word he had for them was "Idiots! Colossal Idiots!"


    As he studied the virus his head throbbed in pain, ''Oh how I wished I could have a cup of coffee instead of getting sweaty and whatnot inside this hazmat, but the more I think about it, it puzzles how me how in nine heavens did some run of the mill terrorist create something without some form of serious backing. But enough of wasting time I have to find a cure for it and soon it is slowly turning into a pandemic as over 50 million have died already.''


    A crackle of microphone came to his ear as he listened to the person from the other side, "Keitaro get out of that damn suit and come to the recreation room ASAP something is going on."


    Keitaro did not need to be told twice as he left the room in order to get out of the suit he was forced to wear, series of decontamination process later he arrived at the decontamination room as he spoke, "What up Lu what happened?"


    Lu pulled a chair for Keitaro to seat every member of their team which had been assembled by WHO was present here working 24X7 trying to make a cure, each of them world renowned for their work in the said field as the leader of their operations Dr. Malcolm spoke, "A few hours ago a cure was announced to have been created by a joint venture of a few top of the line pharmaceutical companies in the world, they are announcing it now."


    A person went up on the stage seeing him Keitaro''s eyes widen, ''What is the moronic big brother of mine doing there along with my ex-parents.''


    The press conference went on and on as they boasted about the cure and what not Kazuyuki even shed some tears about how he was distraught by their suffering and what not they even stated that the cure has already been shipped off to various nations and the inoculation would begin.


    The entire press conference cried with joy of happiness as their name were cheered as the disease had already claimed over 50 million people''s lives, even some of the scientist working on it cheered in happiness as Malcolm spoke his voice full of praise.


    "Look here gentleman because of them at last the people are safe not only that a few hours from now on the disease will be cured and we will leave the past filled with such pain full experience as nothing but nightmare."


    Everyone except Keitaro nodded at that, his mind was running at 1000 miles per hour, he was astonished at seeing how quickly they synthesized the cure not only that when did they have time to make so many vials of it, there has to be a catch his ex-family did nothing out any form of profit and to do suddenly so fast an idea appeared in his mind but he dare not to think about it, as it was something only a psychopath can think off, as he watched the press conference his breath hitched, ''No it cannot be, Yukari''s looked down for a second when she said they had accidently stumbled upon the cure, Kazuyuki squinted his eyes for a brief second when he said ''even if we were caught unprepared because of sudden��'' , no it cannot be they often did that when they lied, no it cannot be..''


    A warning once given by his grandparents came to his mind, ''Kei, be careful around them the bastard can do anything and everything to reach his goal'', the smug and satisfied smile on Toyoharu''s lips made him want to throw up, lately he had this epiphany that Sabrina''s death all those years ago might have been there doing but he had no proof regarding it neither could Beatrix find any and it was not simple to blame a countries Vice-Prime Minister like that no not Vice-Prime Minister but the current Prime-Minister since the enclosure of his daughter''s infidelity the previous Prime Minister who used to be Kazuyuki''s father-in-law committed suicide Toyoharu took charge until the new one was elected but the sudden incident caused him to be placed as the leader of his nation.


    Keitaro gritted his teeth seeing their smiling face he could not help but swallow his anger after all without proof he could do nothing except be a laughing stock of others he lowered his head as he felt tears threatening to spill from his eyes at that, the thought that their blood flowed through hi s wants him to rip off his blood vessels from his body.


    Marie a co-worker of him suddenly placed her hand on his shoulder as she spoke with concern in her voice, "Kei are you alright?"


    Hearing her not so quiet voice almost everyone within their hearing gave their undivided attention to him as he spoke while shaking his hand as he wiped out a few stray tears, "Nothing Marie, actually this are tears of joy, so many lives will be saved and most importantly I would be able to go back to my family."


    Dr. Malcolm who was standing nearby looked at him with gaze full of pity as he spoke in a rather somber tone, "Young brother, did you not say you left your pregnant wife back home?"


    As Keitaro nodded as Malcolm simply gave a pat on his back as he spoke with the same tone, "Brother I will be pray from your survival, trust me when I say this. May God protect you from your wife''s mood swings and prepare you for all those sleepless nights those cute little babies will make you stay awake. Amen.", as he finished reverently many of them copied him.


    Keitaro had a faux look of anger in his face as he spoke, "Oh shut up you guys.", before everyone broke into laughter.


    When one of them spoke, "Hey look, they are showing some people in severe conditions getting inoculations."


    At that everyone looked at the scene in front of them where hundreds of sick were inoculated in front of the entire press as people watched with their breaths held as one of the doctor spoke, "The fever is subsiding everything is becoming normal, she only needs some rest", at the parents of a small girl profusely thanked the doctor with tears of joy in their face, as they began saying them as they were avatars no they were real Gods in human flesh.


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Then suddenly something happened something that would be etched into everyone''s memories for years to come, something that shook the world to its very core and almost drove humanity to extinction, the very girl who was sick suddenly sat up as she bit her mother drawing blood and she was not the only one as every people who were inoculated with the vaccine reacted the exact same manner as they took a bite off any unfortunate person who was near them.


    Meanwhile thousands of miles away in a hidden hideout Hendriks let out a loud laugh as he fell from his chair as soon as he was able to control his laughter he spoke, "Brother Silva, you are genius they thought they could use us but now there are going to burn because of their hubris."


    Silva had a proud smile on his face as he spoke, "Take that you bunch of bastards you said my research was useless, you said I lacked morality, you tried to through me in jail but now look at my creation my dream of created the best bio-weapon is fulfilled so, Malcolm let me see how you stop my creation now Ahahahahaha.", he let out an insane laughter.

 279 The Facility Part-1

    "Hey love how are you doing?", asked a person with shaggy hair and ruffled up beard and black bags under the eyes speaking with a woman who looked more than 7 months pregnant.


    The woman in question her breath hitched upon seeing the form of her lover as she spoke with a choked sob, "You look so unwell, and moreover how long have you not sleep Kei?"


    Keitaro frowned as he spoke, "I do not remember, Trixie, but how are you holding up? But more important how are our hope?"


    Beatrix simply gently caressed her swollen pregnant belly as she spoke, "There are a naughty child kicking up a storm waiting for you."


    Keitaro smiled at them as he spoke, "Tell them daddy will be home soon."


    Beatrix frowned at that as she spoke, "Can you not come back home soon Keitaro, the island is untouched I made sure of that you can come here and spend here the rest of our lives in peace."


    Keitaro gave a small smile as he spoke, "Trixie, the day you told me you were pregnant I promised that I would be the best father in the world, how can I be a good father if I cannot let my children breath the fresh and water, how can I live with the fact that I will have to force my children to stay cramped up inside the prison for the rest of their lives, sorry but I cannot do that my love."


    Beatrix had tears running down her cheek as Keitaro spoke, "Hey do not cry love, I will be back before you know it and then we will leave like the family we were supposed to be."


    Beatrix nodded at that as she wiped out her tears as she spoke, "I will wait for you then��", but before anyone could say anything there was a commotion as which drew his attention as he spoke, "Sorry love I have to cut it short but I have to leave something happened."


    Beatrix nodded at that as she spoke, "Take care.", Keitaro smiled at her before she cut the connection.


    Keitaro moved towards place where commotion was taking place as he reached there he found a pair of scientists was arguing with the soldiers and it was escalating quickly from what he could see that soldiers were agitated and from what he could see their fingers were hovering over the trigger if he did not stop them a homicide may occur as such he spoke in an annoyed and angry tone, "What is going on here?"


    The scientist by the name of Gustav replied back in an annoyed tone, "Keitaro good you are here, this brutes were send to bring the samples and what they brought with them are contaminated and useless, this worthless soldier��."


    Keitaro raised his hand as he spoke, "I see I understand perfectly now.", he then turned towards the duo of soldiers as he spoke, "So you two who was the person assigned to your group for collection of the sample."


    One of the soldiers spoke, "Sir, there is no scientists assigned with us."


    Keitaro was taken aback at that as he spoke in surprise, "What??? How is this possible?"


    As he turned towards Gustav he spoke with a shrug, "Well you were busy in the lab so you did not get the memo but all the scientists who were in the sample collection duty went to collect from a new specimen we had spotted."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Keitaro groaned at that as he spoke, "Soldier who is your commanding officer?"


    The man looked down as he spoke, "Our entire unit was wiped out only two of us remained."


    Keitaro winced inwardly at that, a team of 6 was send out with a single scientist and five guards from what he heard the team of 5 was reduced to just two and now the people are berating them it was no doubt that they were on the verge of snapping."


    Keitaro gave them a small smile as he spoke, "Good job returning back with some samples, go and take some rest soldier, thank you for your hard work."


    The duo nodded as they left wordlessly, Keitaro could not forget the haunted look on their face as soon as they were out of ear shot he turned towards the scientist he were staring at him wordlessly as he spoke, "I know that the samples are important but we have more than enough stock of it, even if they are contaminated who knows we might discover something also the soldiers were getting agitated they were about to shoot you two, so next time make sure to not anger some soldier who had suffered some form of loss."


    Gustav sighed as he spoke, "I understand Keitaro, they are risking their lives for us but sorry I made a poor call."


    The other scientists scoffed at that idea as he spoke, "Oh come on there are rules and regulation at that place but more importantly if they do such thing they will be punished harshly."


    Both Keitaro and Gustav looked at him as if he had grown a second head as Keitaro spoke, "Brother, anger makes a person blind and unreasonable and those rules and regulations will never be able to protect you from dying courtesy of a few bullets, more importantly where is Dr. Malcolm I need to speak with him."


    Gustav winced at that as he spoke, "He will be in his office, but be careful you know��"


    Keitaro winced as he nodded, "Dr. Malcolm their lead scientist and their team leader, his entire family is dead after the outbreak and since then he is not himself, unlike the jovial but strict person he has become more callous as well as ruthless and more importantly always in a foul mood."


    Keitaro let out a tired sigh at that as he made his way to Malcolm''s office he knocked the door as he heard a fait irritated voice from inside calling him to come inside, as Keitaro entered he was grreted with the sight of a mad man who was a shadow of their former self his office table even the floor was littered with various papers as he was studying something on the computer.


    Keitaro hopped skipped and jumped over the place as he took a seat in front of Malcolm waiting patiently for him to speak, a few minutes later Malcolm spoke with a tired sigh, "You are early!"


    Keitaro shrugged as he spoke, "Well I had nothing else to do as such I came as fast as possible, so what did you call me for boss."


    The man stood up as he made his way to a small cabinet as he pulled a bottle of whiskey which he poured it on a glass as he spoke, "Ice and cigar?"


    Keitaro shrugged at that as he spoke, "I would not mind."


    Malcolm nodded as he put a couple of cubes of ice before he handed the glass to Keitaro along with the cigar, they sat there for a minute before he spoke, "Before the virus mutated various countries were in a state of emergencies as such they are able to keep their citizens safe to a certain extent even then by today the death toll is over 35% whereas the third world countries many are gone others are struggling to maintain whatever is left of them."


    Keitaro growled as he spoke, "All because of some filthy mongrels that happened."


    Malcolm nodded at that as he spoke, "Now here is the worst part, there have been confirm sightings of cross species migration, today I send some teams to capture and gather sample from it."


    Keitaro''s eyes widen at that as long as it was only contained within humans it was easier to contain but when it jumped to other species well it was no longer a worst condition it was already a nightmare."


    Keitaro rubbed his face with a tired sigh, "So teams were send to gather sample from it."


    Malcolm nodded at that as he spoke, "Yup a whole farm full of farm animals from one of the largest farm."


    Keitaro shook his head as Malcolm spoke, "Keitaro there is something I want you to do."


    Keitaro raised an eyebrow at that as Malcolm kept speaking, "A certain facility in Egypt had been successful in making those enraged creatures docile, but unfortunately it went offline."


    Keitaro: "How?"


    Malcolm sighed at that as he spoke, "The head of that facility bless his kind and bleeding heart provided shelter to refugees one of them happened to be a religious nut job who well along with some of his followers caused an uprising stating that they were interfering with Gods work as such."


    Keitaro looked at him with his eyes wide as he spoke, "Damn I never thought that kind of nut jobs existed."


    Malcolm nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes unfortunately so, we do not know what kind of condition the facility will be in but we know that they were able to put it in the secure location from which you have to retrieve it the details I have already send you in your computer."


    Keitaro nodded at that before he spoke, "But why me?"


    Malcolm: "The truth or some false speech of bravado."


    Keitaro had a small smile on his face at that as he spoke, "The truth obviously.", as he waited for the answer he thought inwardly, "Even if he had changed a bit after losing his family he is still the same deep inside, I do not understand why others are afraid of him.''


    Malcolm frowned at that as he spoke, "Someone very high up in the bureaucratic ladder is raising concerns about you because of your relation with the ''Kagurazaka'', as such I want you to accomplish this mission in order to clear those concerns."


    Keitaro frowned as the glass in his hand cracked as he spoke, "So who is this so great person who is targeting me?"


    Malcolm: "A simple parasite who is climbing on top using others as scapegoat and sacrifices do not worry my friends and I are looking into it and soon she will no longer be any problem, but first I want you to do this, the codes of the place are in that mail and the thing is fragile so be careful and come back safely."


    Keitaro nodded as he finished his drink before he left leaving behind a frowning Malcolm who simply sighed as he stared into the door as he thought loudly, "Do not worry, Kei you are like a younger brother to me my family I will not let some power hungry bitch touch you.", before he pressed a switch on the intercom as he spoke, "Gutierrez, where in hell are you, I called you a long time ago you late, late if you cannot come here then I will demote you to a janitor and make you clean the smelliest and dirtiest toilet till the end of time, now hurry up and be here within a minute or else��."

 280 The Facility Part-2

    Keitaro stood in front of some podium as he spoke, "Hello ladies and Gentleman, I hope you had a chance to sleep and get some rest?"


    Someone from the back spoke, "Sir, you have been awake for last few days so did you?"


    Keitaro nodded at that as he spoke, "Well I managed to get solid two hours of sleep, well enough of that the reason we are here is because of a mission of urgent importance now can anyone tell me what are the important characteristics of the ''wraiths''?"


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    At that the others looked at each other before one of them spoke, "Well wraiths are mad beasts that only know how to feed, and they are strong fast among many things."


    Keitaro nodded at that as he spoke, "Well I would like to announce that you a very bad news first of all, until now the virus that caused the disease was only restricted to humans but a few hours ago it was confirmed that cross species transference was taking place and the it had already affected livestock, and with great regret I have to inform you gentleman that with all precautions by the various government of the world we had stopped the spread considerably as such even as 35% of our fellow brothers and sisters were lost we predicted that it would take at least 10 years for the fall of humanity but unfortunately since the recent discover it was lowered to a year at the very least."


    He stopped talking as he watched the disclosure of the data had soon the room into complete cacophony he stood there in silence as he watched some of the best men and women breakdown in front to him, did he take pleasure from it, well a small part did but it was mainly to make sure that the vitality of the mission is hammered in their brain.


    As such he slammed his hand hard on the podium as he shouted at them of his voice, "SILENCE!!!!!", his outburst caused people to be silent as he spoke, "Well now before you all further suffer depression let me share you a small piece of good news.", he then pressed a button on his laptop as a picture of a facility came into view.


    Keitaro pointed at the facility as he spoke, "This facility is located at Egypy a few hours flight from here, the team under the careful guidance of the director of that place, Dr. Ismail had managed to make a concoction, the concoction upon being used on the ''wraith'' makes them docile to the point they will as harmless as a domesticated cow, that means they will not actively for prey unlike before, and we believe that their research might shed some light on the cure."


    The group of people who were being crushed by depressing and horrifying news suddenly felt some hope akin to a person who was previously drowning but now had managed to find a raft to stay afloat they suddenly cheered with joy, Keitaro sighed upon seeing that as he spoke, "Well it is indeed joyous news if we can mass produce it then at least we have some form of control on them but alas something terrible happen to them and they as a result went offline."


    His words were like drenching some with cold water in winter season as Keitaro kept on speaking, "Dr. Ismail being a kind hearted person had opened his doors to the poor unfortunate victims of the pandemic and had been providing them with relief, but it turned out to be his undoing, one of those happened to be a religious nut job when he heard that they had been successful in making a concoction that would make the wraiths docile he led his followers and attacked the facility stating they were disobeying Gods mandate, unfortunately the facility fell under their attacks and if I am sure the people working there are all dead. But, but before they died they managed to place the research result as well as the contents in a secure vault."


    He took a deep breath while letting the idea sink into everyone''s head as the mission pictures and objectives were shown using a projector as he spoke again, "Well our objective is to secure that research and vials of medicine at all cost, they are the only thing that has shown us some hope, hope for a better tomorrow where we can go back to our daily life just like before, we can give future our children and their children a place to grow and thrive, now I will invite Captain Jenna, she will be the one to discuss the course of operations and what not, now Captain Jenna if you would please."


    The person named Jenna the currently the person with highest rank present at their base took to the podium as she began speaking, "Well before I discuss the plan of the operation I would like to tell you beforehand that the research materials as well as the vials are our end goal and except them everyone is expendable, if anyone wants to leave now please feel to do so.", her eyes studied the face of individual who were present inside the conference room in total there were about hundred people there upon seeing that no one would want to leave, she spoke with small smile, "Well good, now for the plan I would like to say before I discuss the plan is that we do not know in what condition the base is it will be either crawling with wraiths or with those nutjobsas such you will have to treat everyone as hostile no matter their age, sex or gender, you task is to get in capture the package and get out nothing more nothing less no matter the cost."


    At that everyone had a grim look on their face as Jenna went on with the explanation she then turned towards others specially her soldiers as she discussed various plans to them after which she spoke, "Now the thing is we have managed to get co-operation from the government of Egypt they will simply provide distraction and will not directly help us other than provide us with means of quick entry and exit as such make sure to keep your eyes and ears out for everything, now the number of people who will participate in this operation will be eight including me and Dr. Inazuma, we would like for all who want to volunteer to stand up, there will be one vacancy for a scientist and others are soldiers."


    A couple hours later the group was sitting inside a C-17 Globemaster, as Keitaro was wearing a specially designed military gear built for such situation with a sidearm for protection he looked at the picture of his wife for one last time before tacking it safely inside his pouch as he closed his eyes for much needed sleep.

 281 The Facility Part-3

    Keitaro stepped out of the car as he made his way to a house as he entered he heard a lullaby being sung a lullaby he could remember from when he was a child and his grandmother used to sing to him to lull him to sleep as he made his way to the garden he was greeted by the scene of his beautiful daughter and son playing with each other as his wife was singing upon hearing his footsteps she stood up as she let out tears of joy before wrapping him in a bone crushing hug, as his children stopped moving looking at them with wide curious eyes but before he could see their face he was jolted awake as he looked around he was greeted by a soldier with an apologetic look on his face.


    "I hope I did not break you sweet dream.", the soldier spoke with a smirk as Keitaro scowled at him as he spoke, "Of course I did but I was awaken to see certain someone''s ugly mug."


    Upon hearing that the soldier broke into laughter which was followed by a smirk from Keitaro as the others nearby cracked a grin.


    As they disembarked the plan Jenna who was by his side let out a curse as Keitaro who was nearby spoke curiously, "Is something wrong Captain?"


    Jenna: "Nothing except the person who came to greet us I have met him before, always trying to get in my pants."


    Keitaro looked at the person with pity in his eyes he had seen someone trying to hit on Jenna before and she tore him in such a way that person ran away bawling his eyes out and then he did not step out of his room for a week, to think there was someone who managed to make her cringe at that.


    As they reached the person in question approached them but Keitaro did not pay any attention to anything as most of this and that which he found to be boring as it sounded to him in his mind just like, "Blah blah I am great blah blah so you obey me blah blah."


    Whereas their Captain was like, "You great hahaha, I am the greatest so bow to me, blah blah"


    Then the other person was like, "Yes you great let lick your feet, lick lick ��"


    After an hour a mentally exhausted Keitaro and Jenna left the office as he spoke, "Captain that man was glaring at me the entire like I have slept with his wife."


    Jenna sighed at that as she spoke, "He does that to any male he sees near me irrespective of age or their status. Seriously I simply wanted to blow either my head or his off if I had to tolerate him any longer."


    Keitaro laughed at that as he joined the others as the other scientist a young woman by the name of Annelie greeted with a nod as her eyes flickered towards Jenna who promptly turned her head causing the woman to lower hers, it seems something was going with them since the time Annelie had volunteered for the mission they are having tension between them something he has no business poking his nose into others business as long as it does not jeopardize the mission.


    Jenna then took out a map which she spread it in front of others as she spoke, "We will travel to this point by helicopter where we will land from there the main objective is just 5 kilometers normally we can make a hot landing but we have no idea of what to expect."


    One of the soldiers interrupted her as he spoke, "Sir, can we not have a satellite image of the place."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Jenna sighed as she spoke, "Someone on the higher up on the bureaucratic ladder said that ''We do not have the time nor do we have the money to plan your vacation''."


    Upon hearing that everyone including Keitaro''s jaw dropped as one of them spoke, "Are they high? Or they do not care?"


    Jenna: "People who are well will never understand the plight of the poor, upon saying that we can discuss the philosophy later on but for now focus on the main objective. Now we will take this route we can easily use those rocks as cover enabling us to approach the facility, fro��.."


    Keitaro looked at the woman with his eyes slightly widened, ''Damn this woman can make a damn good plan, I can understand now how she made up to such an higher rank so fast.''


    As the briefing ended the group made their way to the two helicopters waiting for them as Keitaro boarded the one with Jenna and Annelie as they said the tension between was so thick that it could be cut with a knife.


    Halfway through the journey Annelie suddenly spoke, "I am sorry Jenna i��"


    Jenna stopped her with her hand raised as she spoke, "Later on."


    Annelie protested against it as she spoke, "But Jenna please let��"


    Jenna glared at her as Keitaro spoke with a sigh, "Annelie whatever problem you have please try to solve it in private, also please try to remember the mission we are going needs our out most concentration so for the time being make sure to put everything at the back of your head."


    Annelie reluctantly nodded and agreed to that as she kept quite but Keitaro could see that she was having some form of internal conflict going on in her head, causing him to sigh at that, ''this cannot continue I have to give them some space to talk it out otherwise it might prove fatal for the mission.''


    As they landed Keitaro spoke, "Captain Jenna and Doctor Annelie please sort out your problem before we move on."


    Jenna: "Sir there is no pr��"


    Keitaro stopped her as he spoke, "Please you cannot fool me, we are going to give you few minutes of privacy and you two are going to sort out your problems, I do not believe we should carry on the mission while you two are having some serious issues with each other and consider it an order and as for the rest of you follow me and leave this two with some form of privacy for few minutes."


    With that Keitaro left the duo to sort out the problem as one of the remaining soldiers spoke, "Does anyone know what kind of problem they are having?"


    Keitaro: "Whatever they are having let it stay in between them we have no business knowing it."

 282 The Facility Part-4

    Rajiv one of the sniper of the team looked down throw his scope as he spoke, "Well that is something you do not see every day."


    Jeena spoke with a frown, "What do you not see every day?"


    "It seems those people have hung wraiths without their arms and are now worshipping them and from the uniforms on those wraiths body they seemed to be infected workers from this place, hmm��.."he frowned as he watched something from his scope as he spoke "Captain 1 O''clock near that gate tower."


    Jenna looked through their binocular as she spoke, "There is stockade full of wraiths and from the half eaten corpses hanging atop it seems like their method of execution."


    Michael one of the soldiers with heavy assault spoke with a smile, "How about we set a time delayed charge so that it blows after we leave could do this people some good."


    Keitaro snorted as he spoke, "As much as I would like that idea I doubt we would have time for anything as such."


    Michael a big man of near about 6 and half feet tall with muscles bulging over with a face looked like a boxer who had taken a little to many hits pouted, well it had its desired effect as all of sudden the others gagged and turned their head as Lee another soldier spoke, "Well Michael I do not think you have to worry if I were the head honcho I would have already rigged to blow it for when I would be losing."


    The others looked at him with deadpanned stare as he shrugged at that as he spoke, "Well I was planning to become an evil overlord in case everything falls apart."


    The deadpanned stare turned into pity as another spoke with pity in his voice, "Dude you need to stop reading those web novels too much."


    Lee jabbed in finger to the person as he spoke, "Screw you at least I had a goal that is realistic, unlike someone who has hot for anime character."


    The man named Yuri turned red with embarrassment as they started arguing while the others simply giggled at that the somber serious mood was defeated by them as Keitaro spoke, "Well enough of that but it is time to be serious we cannot give the people who are keeping an eye from the sky some form of ammunition for our performance issues."


    Jenna turned towards him as she spoke, "What do you mean by that?"


    Keitaro sighed as he spoke, "There is a reason I had you all turn off any means of communication that can be tapped or can be recorded because I have learned from Doctor Malcolm that certain someone up in the bureaucratic ladder is trying to have us all shutdown stating we are simply wasting time and money."


    The others gawked at that as Annelie spoke, "What are you talking about? Why would they do that our research is vital for people to survive. "


    Keitaros sighed at that as he spoke, "Listen Annelie a person who had his stomach full will never understand the plight and pain of one who is on empty stomach, this so called people do not care about others only to live in luxury nothing more and nothing less and they would do anything to keep their status and the lining their pockets with the money needed for research is like a golden dream for them."


    The others frowned as Jenna spoke, "So we have to succeed in that mission?"


    Keitaro nodded at that as he spoke, "Well we have to, I do not know about you all soldiers but you might get transferred to some other place and as for us we have to continue the research no matter the cost, it is true the research facility provides with top of the line instruments but we have to make do with poor substitute if need be."


    Keitaro sighed inwardly as he lied to them, it was true that someone from the higher up was gunning to fire a certain scientist namely him just to get some publicity and what not after all his name carries a tremendous weight in the field of Virology and what better way to make a name but by dragging someone famous it is a nice way to raise their name and he had suffered a lot of such things over the year and even attempt on his life his stomach twisted at the thought, ''What if they once again harm my family.'', he shook his head at that as he calmed his nerves, ''No I have to make the world safe for their arrival.''


    Michael: "Hey Doc, do not worry we will not let some moronic idiot stop from saving this world if need be I will unload all the rounds I am carrying on them."


    Keitaro gave a small smile at that as Jenna spoke, "I think it is time for us to get going, it is almost mid night and most are sleeping."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    The others nodded at that as the team broke into three, Jenna, Michael, Lee and Yuri along with a couple of more soldiers accompanied Doctor Keitaro and Doctor Annelie whereas the others moved to various vantage points as they neared the compound Keitaro could feel his heart pounding as he suddenly remembered an advice given to him by his wife, ''Count from hundred to one it would help him to come his nerve.'', as such Keitaro followed the advice to the tee, yet even after his 7th try much to his astonishment nothing happened except may be make him a tad bit more frustrated, ''Well better being frustrated than being nervous wreck.''


    The group appeared near to what appeared to be concrete wall they used rope and hook to climb over it as Annelie was basically hauled over to the other side of the wall, as they were moving through the shadows they suddenly heard a growl, as they watched a guard dog moving near them and from the looks of it, it might have caught their scent, but what made it worse that there was a person beside it with a torch and unluckily for them they were not in a position for clear shot or anything.


    "What is wrong tiger?", a nasally sound came to their ears, "What has you ��"


    Before he could speak a loud thump was heard indicating bodies hitting the ground, as they preened from their hiding place a voice came through the radio, [Two tangos jettisoned.]


    Jenna rolled her eyes as she moved motioned her subordinates who quickly left their hiding place as they dragged the two dead bodies hiding them quickly and stealthily as she spoke, "Let us move the vents are not too far away, we can easily navigate through them without being seen."


    The others nodded at that as they slowly dodged through various patrols as they neared the vents Michael went to remove it but was stopped hastily by Yuri who pointed out at something as he spoke, "Bobby trapped."


    As the others studied them Lee spoke with an astonished tone, "No way they are high grade explosives how did this rabble of religious fanatics find them? Not to mention they are assembled and set out with great skill the person who set them is a army veteran and I will bet my life on it."


    Keitaro peered at the device as Jenna quickly spoke, "Sir, please step back it might trigger by.."


    Keitaro: "Oh do not worry it won''t trigger at all it is actually assembled using motion sensor as such as long as the cover is not moved it would not trigger, though you should check for other types of sensor as well because I believe there will be couple of infrared sensor as well, which will trigger as well which will trigger upon being blocked."


    The others balked at that as Michael spoke in astonishment, "How do you know that much Sir?"


    Keitaro shrugged as he spoke, "My wife is an weapon enthusiast and it just so happens that we have been to many weapon convention and in one such convention we came across a product from ''Lunar Weapons and Arms'' company who were showcasing similar bobby trap mechanism and I just so happened to spot the logo of the weapon manufacturer but how strange the bobby trap to be readily available to them. Oh well we can thing about it later but first let us diffuse it."


    What he did not tell others that his wife is an arms dealer and she just so happened to acquire the design and a couple of mines of similar design so that her team could study them and Keitaro just happened to learn it from her, who knew that such knowledge could handy in this place.

 283 The vault part-1

    The group crawled inside the vent as they passed through people busy with their day to day life they frowned as Jenna whispered, "There is something fishy going on here, this people do not look like a cult but more of a well organized force."


    Lee spoke with a frown, "So true, so true see that tattoo it was used by terrorist group from Columbia, it was called the ''Liberation Front'', it was created as forefront to fight against horrors afflicted by Capitalism but in actuality they were a group of man and woman who simply wanted to wreck havoc nothing more nothing less."


    Annelie: "From the looks of it you had a run it with them."


    Lee nodded as he spoke, "Well I had a chance to meet a strong anti capitalist person who preached about equality and what not and how he was the modern day Robin Hood, before I put a bullet on his head inside his mansion as he sat on his bed with finest silk and chandelier made up of pure gold hanging from the ceiling oh did I forgot to mention that he wore undies made up of gold."


    The others looked at him incredulously as he replied back with seriousness, "I swear on my dead mother."


    Yuri: "Well we can all chat about that but first we have to find the loot and I so not in a mood for going my gun blazing."


    Keitaro nodded at that as he spoke, "Me too bro, me too."


    Michael: "Well me three."


    With that everyone began moving again a couple of soldiers were cleaning their weapon when one of them quickly turned off the radio as he spoke, "Hey dude did you hear that I heard some creaking noise."


    The other simply snorted as he spoke, "Meh maybe some poor mouse or something."


    The other person sighed at that as he spoke, "Maybe you are right maybe.", with that he turned on the radio as it starting playing the so called mouse sighed in relief as they started their crawling game.


    As they moved towards their destination when they suddenly heard someone speaking, "Hey listen I am doing my best here, I am simple virologist not some got damn hacker or a safe breaker."


    "I know I know that the thrice damned woman is putting her neck into it but��"


    "WHAT DID YOU SAY YOU NO GOOD UPSTART I WAS, AM AND WILL ALWAYS THE BEST VIROLOGIST THAT GRACED THE PLANET��."


    Annelie frowned before she started shaking with fear as she spoke, "No it cannot be he is here, it cannot be��"


    Jenna who was just behind her simply placed her hand on a catatonic Annelie as she spoke, "Calm down I am herewith you so calm down and tell me why are you so freaking out?"


    Annelie took a deep breath as she spoke, "That voice belonged to my ex-boss, who was also once my teacher, he he��."


    Annelie broke down to tears as she huddled into herself within the tiny space as she spoke with tears in her eyes, as Jenna with great difficult held her in the tiny space as she whimpered with sorrow and fear as she spoke, "He used his students and even some of his subordinates and colleagues as a lab rat just to satisfy his ego just to surpass you Doctor Keitaro he could not tolerate that you had managed to cure AIDS and I remember how he rejoiced when Doctor Meyer was killed."


    Keitaro bawled his fist as he closed his eyes as he tried to regulate his breath, even after all this years and even after getting married Sabrina was a sore subject to him, as he spoke, "Did the police not catch him?"


    Annelie shook her head as she spoke, "No they could not he escaped from their clutches and since then the Interpol is after him."


    Keitaro nodded at that as he spoke, "Well do you wish for revenge?"


    The others including Annelie looked at him oddly as he spoke, "For people like him killing or maiming is not the best form of revenge but ruining their work, he is here for the same thing as us so what better thing than to take it from him."


    Annelie was thoughtful for a few seconds before she nodded back as she spoke, "I understand it, and let us move the faster we get this done the better. "


    Keitaro nodded as he spoke, "Well Yuri you are at that front so lead the way."


    Yuri nodded as they made their way navigating through the vents, when all of a sudden there was a loud crack sound causing them to tense then all of a sudden they all fell down on the ground as the vent broke.


    Keitaro winced in pain before he was hoisted forcefully by Michael as a soldier named Nathan spoke, "Captain we have to hurry the sound will bring down all the enemies here any minute we have to move."


    Jenna nodded at that as she spoke, "Well boys it seems we are going guns blazing then, Michael and Vincent you two take point and lead us, Yuri and Jacob behind them, I will be at the middle with the doctors and the rest bring in the rear, now move."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    At her instructions the group started to move again, but soon they run into an enemy which were effectively mowed down by the vanguards as they could feel their adrenal pumping, Annelie wanted to throw up from seeing the dead bodies whereas Keitaro held it much better than her.


    Michael: "This way we are just a couple of hundred meters from the vault."


    Jacob: "Michael more shooting and less talking."


    Vincent punched a person hard enough to make his brain leak from his cranium as he shouted out, "Grenade!!!"


    The ducked into cover as the grenade exploded, before they returned fire back towards the enemy as a siren was blaring into life asa voice came from the speaker, "Well well look who we have here my precious student and the Great Keitaro Inazuma himself, so how is your teacher doing kid, what was her name again, Sabine, Suck-in, ah Sabrina I remember yes yes so how is she kid, oh I forgot she was dead AhAhahahaha, serves her right for taking my glory ahahahaha, but do not worry I will make sure you join t��.", a shot from the gun destroyed the speaker as Keitaro spoke, "Let us move oh also I have a plan we will make a detour through the control room I would make sure that the place is a sealed tomb after all we cannot allow some annoying pest escaping from here, capiche.", The others wordlessly nodded at that as they were not accustomed to hearing him speak so ruthlessly.


    Jenna: "Well move we are only a couple of floors above it, and we take stairs the elevator might be rigged so take the right from the junction instead of left."

 284 The vault part-2

    Rajiv frowned while looking down the scope of his gun as he spoke, "Damn seems like they got caught and now they are having the best party down there right."


    A man by his side with a binocular spoke, "So true it is like Christmas came early for them, just look at them moving towards the facility like headless chicken."


    Rajiv snorted at that as he spoke, "So true now find me some targets, and can''t let them accuse us of slacking on our job now do we."


    Meanwhile the group made their way towards the vault as they mowed down their enemies, while Jenna frowned at that upon seeing that Michael spoke, "Is there something wrong Captain."


    Jenna shook her head as she spoke, "I do not like this why is there so little opposition, the people should be coming after us in droves yet they are rarely coming after us.


    The others frowned at that as Keitaro spoke with a sigh, "Is it not apparent Captain they are waiting for us to retrieve the research so expect heavy resistance while we will be trying to leave."


    The group let out a sigh as Jenna spoke, "Well try to save some ammunition soldier."


    A few minutes later the group made its way to what looked like a vault door a couple of people had their computers linked with a panel as they furiously working on it, a couple of shot later their brains were on the floor, both Keitaro and Annelie forced down the vomit down their throat as they went inside towards the vault door, as they went and touched the panels on either side of the vault door, with a key card specially made for it as they punched in the password as a lever appeared on the either side of the vault door as the duo pulled it open the door started to open with a loud creak.


    Jeanne: "Create a perimeter and shoot anything no matter who they step towards the vault and Doctor please hurry."


    Keitaro and Annelie nodded at them as they entered with gusto along with Jeanne following closely after them.


    Keitaro could feel his heart pumping as he stepped inside only for their eyes widen in horror as Annelie fell on their knees their entire reason for coming to this place was gone, in front of them laid a destroyed lab with its contents spilt over on the ground, the computers which stored the research data were destroyed beyond repair it looked as if a hurricane had gone through this place.


    Annelie looked pale as she spoke, "No no no no, now what are we going to do the only hope for us has been wasted and gone what are we going to do."


    Keitaro for the first time felt despair he fell on the ground lifelessly seeing him like that both Annelie and Jenna were stunned as Jenna spoke, "Doctor is something wrong Doctor?"


    They had a chill flow down their spine watching someone strong as Keitaro acting like that no matter how hopeless the situation was he was like the one who stood without fear but now it was different as Jeanne went near him Kietaro shook it off as he stood up suddenly as he spoke, "We have to check for the hard drives, if we can salvage something of the research the humanity is saved."


    Annelie spoke with a frown, "I hope to doctor we have so much riding on the mission if we cannot salvage the research we are going to lose everything."


    Keitaro nodded at that as he was about to move towards the computer but unknown to him a wraith was watching the trio from up the ceiling it snarled as it lunged towards Keitaro.


    "Look out!", an unsuspecting voice came from his side as he pushed hard causing him to fall on the pile of broken computers, as Keitaro turned he saw a heavily mutated wraith had dropped on them and was now biting on Jeanne''s hand he did not wait any longer as he took out his side arm and blew the brains out of the wraith as Annelie rushed towards a bloodied Jeanne as she spoke with fear evident in her voice, "It cannot be why why it had to be you."


    Jeanne grunted as she spoke, "Annelie tourniquet my hand now, fast!"


    Annelie nodded as she did it just above the elbow as Jeanne spoke, "Cur off my hand now!", Keitaro as well as Annelie both froze at that as Jeanne spoke in a hurried tone which was laced with a hint of fear, "Hurry up do you want me to turn into that."


    Keitari sprung into action as he felt incredibly guilty upon seeing Jeanne like that after all the wraith had aimed at him but where as he had survived Jeanne was bitten.


    Keitaro: "I doubt there is anything that can cut your arm of."


    Jeanne had a look of fear on her face before she gave of a resigned smile as she spoke, "I see then let us go Doctor I will help you as much as possible but the moment I start turning promise me, promise me you will kill me, I was born as a human so please let me die as one but at the same time grant me the request to help you to the end."


    Annelie shook her head as she spoke with tears, "No please no do not say something like that."


    Keitaro spoke with a reassuring smile, "Annelie make sure that Jeanne is alright and comfortable, I have an idea I will be back in a second.", before he turned towards Jeanne as he spoke, "Jeanne you will die when you are wrinkly old imp not before that.", with that he dashed out of the vault.


    As he stepped outside he grabbed the nearest soldier who happened to be Vincent as he spoke, "Vincent grab the welding torch and follow me along with some metal scraps its urgent."


    The others turned towards him as one of them spoke, "Is something wrong doctor."


    Keitaro did not have time to answer as he grabbed the nearest power saw as he wheeled the portable generator with it as he shouted out, "Later bro."


    With that he ran inside followed quickly by Vincent whose eyes widen upon seeing the scene as Keitaro spoke in a serious tone, "I will cut her hand off, Vincent use the blow torch to seal off her wounds, Annelie prevent her from going to shock and jam something for her bite on."


    The handle of her combat knife found itself between her teeth as Keitaro reared up the power saw which he promptly used it on her outstretched limb, just above the place where the tourniquet was made, as Keitaro cut her hand off he was covered by a spray of blood, as soon as it was cut off, he shouted out, "Vincent Now!!"


    Vincent moved quickly as he used the welding torch and metal to shut her wound up, as Keitaro looked at Jeanne with wide eyes the shocking pain could have killed any lesser person but that woman is tough.


    Keitaro then pulled out a pain killer shot as he used it on Jeanne as he let out a sigh.


    Vincent turned towards him as he spoke with frown, "Doc you know you just look like a serial killer who finished his 100th kill."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Keitaro glared at him as he spoke, "I will check to see if something can be salvaged from the rubble."


    Before he went to salvage from the rubble he checked for any ID card on the wraith as he looked at it his eyes widen slightly as he spoke with a sigh, "It seems like Dr. Ismail turned to a wraith, oh well."


    Keitaro looked at that as he searched the broken wrecks of the computers as he found a couple of hard drive some intact the others not so, he quickly put them in the bag he had brought with him as he turned towards his teammates as he spoke, "I will take a quick look at the vial container to see if i can find anything at all."


    Annelie nodded at that as Keitaro quickly searched through the rubble as he suddenly let out a shout of joy garnering the attention of them as he spoke with a smirk as happiness was evident in his voice, "I found one of the vial intact."


    The group left the room with Jenna leaning on Annelie, only to find the remaining members of their squad looking a bit tensed as they looked up to see a barricade being formed with soldiers pointing their guns down towards them like some old wild west standoff.


    Jeanne growled as she spoke, "Report soldier."


    Michale turned to look at her his eye widen slightly before he spoke with a growl, "They set up barricade as soon as we opened the gate of the vault as if they were waiting for us."


    Jeanne sighed at that as a voice came through the speaker, "Well how about you all surrender and you will have the honor of being my test subjects but if you resist I will have you killed here and now, so choose and I am not so patient."


    Jeanne looked pale having to go through such an ordeal as she spoke with a tired smirk, "Well we will take the third option then, Yuri do the honor."


    Yuri smirked back as he pushed a switch on the detonator as multiple explosions went as severed limbs and body part flew all around a few unlucky were still alive barely clinging to their life as the choked in their blood, both Annelie and Keitaro felt sick at that as they thought in unison, ''Never am I going out in a similar expedition again.''

 285 The vault part-3

    Keitaro bit back a curse as he spoke, "It looks as if someone painted the entire tunnel with blood, ugh the floor is so slippery."


    A pale looking Annelie spoke with disgust evident I her voice, "Please do not remind me of that I have seen far too many deaths for too night."


    [How dare you defy me? How dare you try to get away unforgivable simply unforgivable, to all soldiers working for the cause of the humanities grand ascension I herbyorder you to kill them, anyone who accomplishes the most will be greatly rewarded.]


    [I repeat to all...��"


    Keitaro: "What is this humanities grand ascension? What do they want to do?"


    Yuri gritted his teeth as he spoke, "We do not know and I hope you will not try to dig for clues at this moment."


    Keitaro scratched his cheeks as he spoke, "Well now that you mentioned it, I think I should."


    Lee: "Doc has a point if possible I too want to search for clues who knows what we might at the doctor''s study, should we go."


    Keitaro: "I want to but��"


    Jeanne cut off his thought with a harsh glare as she spoke, "I am fine there is nothing to worry about."


    Michael: "Well from what we learned from initial reconnaissance there are over 200 people here we just killed about 50 in that blast and shooting and entering another 30 so we have a little over 100 people to kill no problem, absolutely no problem."


    During their entire time they had switched off their radio unit to prevent any form of detection but right now was not the case as they going gun blazing.


    Keitaro had Jeanne''s weapon a semi-automatic rifle in his hand as he whispered to himself, "They are rats they are rats.", Over and over again as if he was trying to hypnotize himself as killed one of them.


    Jeanne whistled lowly at that as she spoke, "Damn you are good shot with that doctor, I never thought you would be someone who knows how a gun works."


    Keitaro simply smiled as he spoke, "Blame my wife."


    A loud bomb was heard in a distant as the crackle of radio came to their ears as Rajiv''s voice came to their ears.


    [Rajiv: Sorry I blew an oil tank it seems but at least a couple of dozen are dead it seems.]


    Jeanne cracked a smile as she send the snipers fresh instruction, "Make sure to pick any and all enemies as much as you can."


    Yuri: "We are almost there a room after the next should be the quack''s den."


    Keitaro: "Before we do please put on the gas mask on."


    Others looked at him incredulously as he spoke with a frown in his face, "I have seen in movies how the room near the main villain is rigged with sleeping gas as such please."


    The others looked at each other before the gas mask promptly found it on their face, it would do not harm to be a bit cautious.


    They stepped inside a room but no sooner did they do the door shut itself as another open, staring towards them were a few dozen wraiths with saliva dripping from their mouth as Vincent and Jacob threw a couple of grenades as the others greeted them with a hail of bullets.


    It seemed to do the job as the narrow corridor enabled them to slaughter them as the voice of the Doctor could be heard cursing and threatening them all the while.


    Annelie growled as she spoke, "If it were not for the low ammunition I would asked you to shoot the thrice damn speakers."


    Keitaro simply shook his head in exasperation as Jeanne pointed towards a wall as she spoke, "Make a hole in the wall."


    Michael and Yuri placed charges on the wall while others simply ran for cover upon which they triggered it shortly as the wall was blown apart, they charged in gunning down everyone as the doctor looked at them in fear as he fell from his chair struggling to stand up.


    The doctor stood up as he spoke with a smirk, "You cannot kill me without me the humanity is lost so you have to keep me alive."


    Annelie growled as she spoke, "Be silent you quack just to think that you are a human makes my skin crawl with disgust, someone kill this creature already."


    The person shook in anger as he spoke, "HOW DARE YOU WENCH SPEAK TO ME LIKE THAT I WILL SHOW THE POWER OF THE ASCENDED BEING, A GOD LIKE ME."


    With that he promptly took out a needle as he jammed it on his own neck as he pushed the plunger on the injector before he threw it away as he laughed out loud as he spoke, "Now the world sh��", whatever he was going to say was lost as he was caught by a hail of bullets that tore his body specially his head to pieces.


    Lee snorted as he spoke, "Idiot this is not a manga and anime where you would be given chance to transform."


    Keitaro then quickly made his way to the nearby computer as he spoke, "Set up a perimeter and buy me some time, also Annelie keep an eye out for anything important and pack them up."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    A few minutes later Annelie had a bag full of stuff as she spoke, "Doctor I have already gathered everything I need to."


    Keitaro spoke without looking at her, "Excellent and guys I have a bad news."


    The others looked at that as he spoke, "Seems like this old fellow triggered some fail safe it released every specimen he had loose inside the base and they are currently feasting on his own man but do not fear for I have already found a perfect route out as I already hacked and controlled the doors closed at the same time I am triggering a special scrapping mechanism to deal with the base."


    The others nodded at that as he spoke, "We will have less than 15 minutes to leave this building before all the doors inside of it reopens where as the blast door outside will close as a powerful blast strong enough to destroy anything and everything within its confines so we should move fast."


    The others nodded as Keitaro pressed a command on the computer after checking all his belongings as the siren began to blare within the base as the group started running towards the exit, they were 5 stories below ground and it would take some time for them to reach to safety, as Yuri spoke, "Hey doc how sure are you that those creatures will stay inside their confines."


    Keitaro gave an assuring smile as he spoke, "Meh do not worry the doors are strong unless they have some explosives they would not be able to escape, or they find some other exit like the vents so you do not have to worry not to mention any remaining enemy soldiers are already their food."


    Yuri pointed towards a certain vent as they watched a wraith falling out of it one after another as Keitaor shouted out, "Run! Run! Run faster."


    As they started moving at a faster pace an inhuman roar tore through the bowels of the deeper part of the base as steel being snapped was heard from the stairs a few floor below them, it simply provided them with another shot of adrenaline this increasing their pace at which they ran.

 286 The Vault Part-4

    The stairs were shaking as Jenna spoke in an urgent tone, "Move faster I so do not wish to face whatever is down there in any way possible."


    Keitaro: "Me too sister me too."


    Michael grunted as he picked up his pace as Jeanne spoke, "If it is slowing you down make sure to drop your gun and other stuffs that goes for everyone as well move fast."


    As they ran up the stairs the loud thumping could be heard as they beast was closing on in them as Yuri let out a curse as he quickly planted a couple of claymore as he spoke, "The blast will cause the entire staircase to collapse as the beast will fall tumbling down the lower floor."


    The others nodded as they started to run no sooner did they were away from it the claymore blew as a loud howling was heard as the entire stair shook, the others somehow managed to reach the top as the closed the door behind them jamming it.


    Annelie spoke taking in deep breath as she spoke, "We made it we are finally safe, now we just have to reach the ot��.."


    But before they could speak a loud howl followed by something large crashed to the door its howls sending shiver down their spine as Jenna spoke urgently, "Run run everyone make a run for it."


    They took a couple of few steps only for the door to burst open as peculiar creature steppe out of it, a being that had the form of a dog about as big as a semi truck, but it seemed as if its entire skeleton was build on top of it, with its feet more like hands with nails as big as daggers, and human skulls on his shoulder, the beast growled saliva dripping from its mouth as it looked at them.


    Jenna took a deep breath as she spoke, "Well it seems we are not going to run from it, so feed the creature with lead boys."


    A hail of bullet struck the creature as they slowly stepped back as the bullets only seemed to stop the beast temporarily.


    Jenna flung a flashbang with her right hand which seemed to momentarily blind the creature who howled so loudly that everyone simply wanted to cover their ears from its horrible sound.


    Vincent: "Run as fast as you can the bullets are not working on it."


    The group ran as the beast destroyed the area surrounding it, in search of its prey as it blindly thrashed around the area.


    Suddenly it stopped as it sniffed the area hard as it began chasing after them with a loud howl, Lee gritted his teeth as he spoke, "We will be never be able to outrun it like this, we have to trap it here somehow at least until the facility seals itself off."


    Michael growled as he spoke, "But how it broke the door as if it was made of tissue, how are we going to stop it when even the bullets are not working on it."


    Yuri: "We can talk about it later, it has stopped destroying things and is chasing us now that means that its senses might have returned."


    The mere thought of that made them feel shiver down their spine they will never be able to escape from it.


    Keitaro:"I have an idea, there are containment rooms up ahead I we could lure it inside then we could trap it in."


    Annelie: "Did you not see what it did to the door? It will easily break out of the containment room."


    Keitaro huffed as he spoke his breathing becoming labored from all the running, "We do not need to hold it off for more than few minutes, the facility will lock down within a little over 5 minutes now."


    Jacob sighed at that as he spoke, "Since I am the fastest and the more agile amongst us I will be the bait to lure it inside while someone close the door as soon as I step out of it."


    Michael frowned not liking the idea as he spoke, "no matter how agile and fast you are a single swipe will kill you."


    Jacob gave him a wink followed by a fearless smile as he spoke, "meh I will be fine, and before you know it I will be fine."


    A couple of minutes later the beast snarled as a couple of bullets bounced of its skin a food was speaking gibberish to it, but it understood from its limited intelligence that it wanted to die fast as such it decided to indulge him with his wish.


    A terrifying howl later it began chasing Jacob, who ran as fast as he could, as he moved he pulled anything and everything he could to deter and slow the beast, before he quickly took a turn as he jumped inside a room, with the beasts following closely after him.


    As it enter the room a flash bang found its way towards its eyes blinding it as it howled with pain, as Jacob dashed towards the door avoiding its blind swinging of its limbs as he reached the door he promptly shut it used the handle to lock it from outside as he let out a sigh of relief, the sound of it tearing and howling could be heard but it would be locked inside the place for some time.


    Suddenly he heard a shout from one of his teammates, "Jacob look out."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    As they opened fire at something above him as he looked up he saw another creature was hanging from the ceiling but unlike the previous one it seemed to suffer burn wounds near its face.


    Without warning it lunged at Jacob and without warning tore his head off from his shoulder as his body hit the ground, the other people of the group looked with eyes open wide as Keiaro shouted at the top of his voice, "Everyone fall back, move move fast."


    For the first time he was glad of his decision to send Annelie and Jenna along with Yuri towards the exit along with every research material or anything of worth they found, but now they had to fight for their life as they turned to their heel and ran fast.


    The beast howling and hounding after them as saliva dripped from its mouth as they turned towards a corner Keitaro slipped as he slid a few distance on the marble floor, he did not have time to follow his teammates as he shouted out, "Run you lot I will meet at the entrance that is an order.", with that he bolted inside the nearest as the beast missed snapping his head by a millimeter.


    The beast turned around as it enter the place, a make shift kitchen but unfortunately the door was too narrow for it, it let out an anger filled howl as he literally stepped inside as the door frame along with parts o the wall collapsed.


    Yet growled as it tried to find Keitaro who was hiding behind a small kitchen cabinet placed a hand on his mouth as he prevented himself from breathing as well as from making a sound as the creature was directly above him sniffing on the air.


    Suddenly it stopped sniffing as it let out a fanged grin as it looked down directly towards Keitaro, as it snarled at him saliva dripping from its mouth as it lunged towards him.

 286 Escape from The Facility Part-1

    The stairs were shaking as Jenna spoke in an urgent tone, "Move faster I so do not wish to face whatever is down there in any way possible."


    Keitaro: "Me too sister me too."


    Michael grunted as he picked up his pace as Jeanne spoke, "If it is slowing you down make sure to drop your gun and other stuffs that goes for everyone as well move fast."


    As they ran up the stairs the loud thumping could be heard as they beast was closing on in them as Yuri let out a curse as he quickly planted a couple of claymore as he spoke, "The blast will cause the entire staircase to collapse as the beast will fall tumbling down the lower floor."


    The others nodded as they started to run no sooner did they were away from it the claymore blew as a loud howling was heard as the entire stair shook, the others somehow managed to reach the top as the closed the door behind them jamming it.


    Annelie spoke taking in deep breath as she spoke, "We made it we are finally safe, now we just have to reach the ot��.."


    But before they could speak a loud howl followed by something large crashed to the door its howls sending shiver down their spine as Jenna spoke urgently, "Run run everyone make a run for it."


    They took a couple of few steps only for the door to burst open as peculiar creature steppe out of it, a being that had the form of a dog about as big as a semi truck, but it seemed as if its entire skeleton was build on top of it, with its feet more like hands with nails as big as daggers, and human skulls on his shoulder, the beast growled saliva dripping from its mouth as it looked at them.


    Jenna took a deep breath as she spoke, "Well it seems we are not going to run from it, so feed the creature with lead boys."


    A hail of bullet struck the creature as they slowly stepped back as the bullets only seemed to stop the beast temporarily.


    Jenna flung a flashbang with her right hand which seemed to momentarily blind the creature who howled so loudly that everyone simply wanted to cover their ears from its horrible sound.


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Vincent: "Run as fast as you can the bullets are not working on it."


    The group ran as the beast destroyed the area surrounding it, in search of its prey as it blindly thrashed around the area.


    Suddenly it stopped as it sniffed the area hard as it began chasing after them with a loud howl, Lee gritted his teeth as he spoke, "We will be never be able to outrun it like this, we have to trap it here somehow at least until the facility seals itself off."


    Michael growled as he spoke, "But how it broke the door as if it was made of tissue, how are we going to stop it when even the bullets are not working on it."


    Yuri: "We can talk about it later, it has stopped destroying things and is chasing us now that means that its senses might have returned."


    The mere thought of that made them feel shiver down their spine they will never be able to escape from it.


    Keitaro:"I have an idea, there are containment rooms up ahead I we could lure it inside then we could trap it in."


    Annelie: "Did you not see what it did to the door? It will easily break out of the containment room."


    Keitaro huffed as he spoke his breathing becoming labored from all the running, "We do not need to hold it off for more than few minutes, the facility will lock down within a little over 5 minutes now."


    Jacob sighed at that as he spoke, "Since I am the fastest and the more agile amongst us I will be the bait to lure it inside while someone close the door as soon as I step out of it."


    Michael frowned not liking the idea as he spoke, "no matter how agile and fast you are a single swipe will kill you."


    Jacob gave him a wink followed by a fearless smile as he spoke, "meh I will be fine, and before you know it I will be fine."


    A couple of minutes later the beast snarled as a couple of bullets bounced of its skin a food was speaking gibberish to it, but it understood from its limited intelligence that it wanted to die fast as such it decided to indulge him with his wish.


    A terrifying howl later it began chasing Jacob, who ran as fast as he could, as he moved he pulled anything and everything he could to deter and slow the beast, before he quickly took a turn as he jumped inside a room, with the beasts following closely after him.


    As it enter the room a flash bang found its way towards its eyes blinding it as it howled with pain, as Jacob dashed towards the door avoiding its blind swinging of its limbs as he reached the door he promptly shut it used the handle to lock it from outside as he let out a sigh of relief, the sound of it tearing and howling could be heard but it would be locked inside the place for some time.


    Suddenly he heard a shout from one of his teammates, "Jacob look out."


    As they opened fire at something above him as he looked up he saw another creature was hanging from the ceiling but unlike the previous one it seemed to suffer burn wounds near its face.


    Without warning it lunged at Jacob and without warning tore his head off from his shoulder as his body hit the ground, the other people of the group looked with eyes open wide as Keiaro shouted at the top of his voice, "Everyone fall back, move move fast."


    For the first time he was glad of his decision to send Annelie and Jenna along with Yuri towards the exit along with every research material or anything of worth they found, but now they had to fight for their life as they turned to their heel and ran fast.


    The beast howling and hounding after them as saliva dripped from its mouth as they turned towards a corner Keitaro slipped as he slid a few distance on the marble floor, he did not have time to follow his teammates as he shouted out, "Run you lot I will meet at the entrance that is an order.", with that he bolted inside the nearest as the beast missed snapping his head by a millimeter.


    The beast turned around as it enter the place, a make shift kitchen but unfortunately the door was too narrow for it, it let out an anger filled howl as he literally stepped inside as the door frame along with parts o the wall collapsed.


    Yet growled as it tried to find Keitaro who was hiding behind a small kitchen cabinet placed a hand on his mouth as he prevented himself from breathing as well as from making a sound as the creature was directly above him sniffing on the air.


    Suddenly it stopped sniffing as it let out a fanged grin as it looked down directly towards Keitaro, as it snarled at him saliva dripping from its mouth as it lunged towards him.

 287 Escape from The Facility Part-2

    Keitaro could feel his heart hammer louder than a war drum as the jaws neared him, with an incredible show of agility he shoved a fire extinguisher in the beast mouth as jumped away from it as he threw couple of bottles full of chili and pepper which broke upon contact as the beast howled in pain as the contents manage to enter its eyes and nose.


    He did not waste time as he bolted from the room as he left he threwa couple of grenades as the beast, he knew that the beast might not be dead by head a spotted a couple of gas cylinder nearby and was hoping that the blast will damage them considerably to the point that it will damage the beast to slow it down considerable.


    A loud boom was heard behind him as the wall separating the kitchen from the lobby causing it to collapse with a towering inferno followed by an ear splitting howl by the beast he clasped his hand as over his ears as he ran.


    Meanwhile outside the group consisting of Annelie, Jenna and Yuri had reunited with the rest of their men, as one Rajiv spoke with concern, "Captain are you alright?"


    Jenna gave a small smile as she spoke, "Well I will live but I fear I have to retire now.", everyone could feel the pain her voice.


    As one of the soldier spoke with frown, "Where are the others?"


    Yuri: "They are taking care of a mutated beast, it is too strong as such they decided to confine it behind some steel door."


    A few minutes later the remainder of the group appeared from inside the facility they others wanted to greet them with a smile but it quickly turned to a frown as others looked at them with a frown as Jenna spoke, "What happened soldier, why are we having three MIAs?"


    Michael spoke with frown and terror palpable in his eyes as he spoke, "Captain, we managed to confine the beast but��."


    Jenna gritted her teeth as she spoke, "Out with it soldier."


    Michael continued with his report with a sigh, "There was another one with it, it bit off Jacobs head as if it was nothing as if it was made of paper."


    At that everyone who heard had their eyes widen as Michael spoke, "Then as it was chasing us we got separated from Doctor Inazuma and Lee."


    Jenna held back a swear as she spoke, "Everyone lock and load, we are going to rescue Doctor Inazuma you all should know our orders that no matter what happened we have to make sure that Doctor Inazuma will have to be brought back safe and sound, I will lead the rescue."


    Yuri shook his head as he spoke, "It is too late."


    As a mechanical voice came to their ears,[FACITLITY DESTRUCTION IMMINENT IN T -10 SECONDS.]


    [T -9 SECONDS]


    The blast doors started to lower, even the windows with shutter began to lower itself as others looked at wide eye at that.


    [T -8 SECONDS]


    As the countdown was heard their hearts began to hammer as Annelie could feel tears appearing at her eyes as the countdown reached [T-1 SECOND], as with that the blast door closed sealing inside everything, as the group lowered their head in respect to Keitaro.


    Only for a voice to be heard from near them, "Yo how are you guys doing?"


    As Yuri looked at them he shouted out, "Ahhhh Ghost."


    Keitaro quickly looked back as he spoke in a fearful tone, "Where where is my bible and my cross."


    At that other looked at the arrival of both Lee and Keitaro they looked tired and worse for wear as they were helping each other to stand, but had a grin on their face, a muffled boom was heard as the ground shook a little as Keitaro closed his eyes as he prayed for the deceased, they might be his enemies but that does not mean he would disrespect the dead.


    As Annelie had smile full of relief at Keitaro''s return, after all tonight was a very tiring and trying night for her as she not only saw so many deaths including some of her teammates, her lover becoming an amputee and she was about to lose one of the lead scientist, who was claimed as one of the greatest virologist of the era.


    Yuri: "Bro how did you two escape?"


    Lee smirked as he spoke, "Now that would be telling.", As the duo recalled the events pertaining to their escape.


    Lee dashed back as he ordered the others to move forward with how they were built they were a bit slower than him and the creature was not someone that they could deal so retreat was the only option, his plan was simple ascertain Doctor Keitaro Inazuma''s fate and if possible to help him escape and he very well knew that he might die in the endeavor, but at the current world someone like Keitaro was worth more than a thousand of him as such he dashed towards his last known location.


    As he was moving towards Keitaro''s position he stopped in his tracks as he was greeted by Keitaro who was running like his life depended on it as he shouted to him, "RUN! RUN!"


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    As such he turned on his heels as he made a run for it, as the beast appeared as it broke a part of the wall, as it bounded after them, they took a sharp turn only to come to a stop seeing a dead end, causing the gulp as they tuned the y heard a low growl as the beast had stopped moving as it glared at them, Keitaro could see that left eye of the beast was shut and from the looks of it was damaged while the other eye did not look so well.


    It growled at them as the duo could feel the hair rising at the back of their neck, as they desperately searched for a way out as Lee spoke, "There is a vent inside that room and it can be opened easily from the looks of it the door is narrow at least it will hold it for a few seconds get ready Keitaro."


    Keitaro gritted his teeth as he spoke, "I was born ready."


    Lee let out a deep breath as he spoke, "Well then move NOW!!!"


    At that the duo moved towards the vent as the creature bounded after them as it was obstructed by the door frame which was enough for them as they managed to enter barely as it slammed hard at the vent entrance cracking the wall as it tried to dig through in order to reach them, it then sniffed before it turned and changed its course.


    As the duo was crawling through the vents Lee spoke with smile, "At least we managed to shake it off."


    But unfortunately it caused the Murphy''s law to rear its ugly head as with a sickening crunch a jaw broke through the vent behind them as they started crawling as fast as they could, not only that the mechanical voice announcing the facilities destruction as the duo tore their way through the vent, whether spider webs or rats they simply did not care, a couple of turns later they found themselves on the outside as a small steel trap door closed itself sealing the facility.


    Keitaro nodded as he spoke, "Well that is how we managed to get out from the facility.", as he finished the narration with a saintly nod, which was supported by one from Lee as well.


    Jenna sighed as she spoke, "I think it is time for us to call our carriage back home.", Which the others nodded solemnly at that.

 288 Let me go home

    It had been a few of months since the expedition and Jenna was given a tearful farewell from the group as she was transferred to a different department, well normally she would have been retired after being crippled but the timely intervention from Keitaro earned her a desk job causing both Annelie and Jenna to be grateful to him and from what he learned they will be tying the knot after the entire thing is over. The thought of the virus brought his mood down his children would be born within a couple of weeks and here he was stuck without any cure it was driving him mad.


    Keitaro sighed as he leaned back to his chair as he gazed towards the ceiling as various test data ran in his computer, to be frank he was a bit tired it was draining him both mentally and physically, children are the most likely to catch some strange disease and his will be born soon very soon and that was what scared him the most, he let out a sigh of resignation.


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Since the new medicine had been discovered it had been proved efficient in delaying as well as curbing the aggressiveness of the wraith if nothing else, beyond that they were not lucky, but it did its job satisfactorily as the total death which had been projected up to 80-90% was contained within 50% but still it is a big number and recently it was shown that even the plants are showing mutation because of the virus.


    He then grimaced at the thought of the higher ups that came a few days after their expedition it was a nice change of space for him, he remembered the shouting and what that thrice damned woman accusing them of wasting resources and what not and the best part she bought with her some media people, her idea simple using him to rise in rank, then it happened one of the scientist approached her and punched her hard enough to break her nose and a couple of teeth then the way she was insulted made everyone''s day and the best part the new medicine got showcased to the entire world it really did generate new hope and for the people it was the next best thing beside the cure.


    As he thought about the past happenstances his eyes closed and soon the sleep took hold of him, a beeping sound brought him back to the land of the living as he looked at the result he had bet everything on this and was eagerly waiting for the result and he did not know what he would if he failed as such he looked at the result his face morphed into that off terror as tears appeared in his eyes at that, "No no it cannot be why why, I tried everything please anyone please I do not know what to do."


    He knew there was nothing he could do, many scientists have given up, some died and couple even committed suicide so many sacrifices yet he was unable to find a cure, he felt his entire world collapsing around him as his vision darkened he felt someone slapped him at the back of his head as a chuckle came to his ears as a person who came in a hazmat suit spoke her voice had an angelic tilt to it, a voice which sounded nostalgic to him as the woman pointed towards a particular part of the result as she spoke, "My you have already solved if you interchange the adenine of this part of the DNA with athymine well it might work wonder."


    Keitaro looked closely at the structure as the woman inputted into the simulation as she stepped behind letting it run, Keitaro looked at that with undivided attention, as the simulation ran he suddenly remembered all those years ago he had another woman who had the same voice as her as such he quickly turned towards her as he spoke, "it is yo��..", only for his voice to choke as there was no one inside his workplace, he quickly used his radio to contact the security team as he spoke with authority, "Check the camera and try to find out who has entered my lab in the last few hours."


    A few minutes later a crackle and static of radio was heard as a gruff voice came to his ears, "Doctor Inazuma you have been alone in that room for hours on end."


    Keitaro: "What nonsense are you speaking? check it again."


    The voice replied back to him in a monotone, "Sir, we have checked the video fee clearly, you have been alone the entire time, not only that without your express permission even an ant can enter the room, I believe you should take a rest Sir, you have been working for days."


    Keitaro had the sudden urge to give the security a piece of his mind but he controlled hi temper after all the same thing happened to him all those years back at the caf�� the woman was not to b found so who was she was she an hallucination, he sighed as he found his head throbbing form pain as he let out a sigh, ''It take hours for the simulation to take place I better go and catch some sleep.''


    As such Keitaro left the confines of his lab and the embrace of his hazmat suit as he made his way to his room, as he passed through the various people most greeted him politely although he could feel them somewhat uneasy make him frown but he finally understood the reason why they were acting like that as he stood in front of the mirror as he winced at the sight, what stood in front of him was pale faced person with blood shot eyes and the stress was making his hair white, he sighed at that as he plopped at his bed and fell asleep.


    A few hours later Keitaeo woke up with a jolt as he thought, ''Maybe I should get rid of my beard.''


    A few more minutes later he was sitting in front of his computer as he went through the result as his eyes widen as he stumbled up from his seat he quickly used his radio as he spoke, "Tell Lead Scientist Dr. Malcolm to be at my office as fast as possible, it is an emergency."


    He did not have to wait longer as Malcolm was standing beside him in his own hazmat suit as he spoke, "What has happened Keitaro, you spoke of an emergency."


    Keitaro simply nodded at that as he spoke, "See the results for yourselves."


    Malcolm raised one of his eyebrows as he went through the result and a few minutes later he found himself hugging and laughing like a mad man as Keitaro returned the gesture, Malcolm spoke with his voice filled with happiness, "Brother, let us start field testing and if it really works we will be get rid of the pandemic once and for all."


    Keitaro nodded as he spoke, "Yes finally we will be able to honor the sacrifices made by so many and put the deceased to rest in peace."


    Malcolm nodded at that solemnly, as Keitaro gave him a sad glance, ''I fill sorry as well as honored to know Malcolm, he had lost everyone that was precious to him yet he trudged forward so that others do not have to feel the same sense of loss.''


    Malcolm: "Well there is no sense for dillydallying then we should start the experiments then, the simulation you have shown me has shown the biggest promise till date."


    A few days later Keitaro was anxious, he had just gotten news that his wife Beatrix has gone into labor, but he was stuck in a stupid press conference which he wanted no part off he simply wanted to rush back to his wife side but alas the fate was not smiling at him.


    He took the microphone as he watched the journalist looking at them with bored eyes after all most if not all the conferences nowadays were only to share the bad news.


    Keitaro cleared his throat as he spoke with a smile, "Ladies and Gentleman a warm welcome to all of you, I know that you all are extremely busy as such without further ado, let me announce it to you that we finally have a ''CURE''."


    No sooner did he speak the word the journalist had looked as if they were jolted awake as the room was flooded into excited cacophony as questions were fired at rapid succession causing Keitaro''s smile to twitch at that, ''What the hell do you want from me, I have already announced it, so let me go home and welcome my children I do not have time for the likes of you.''

 289 I am Keitaro Inazuma Part-1

    Anyone who would look at Keitaro Inazuma they would double take upon seeing such a celebrated researcher literally skipping with a wide grin on his face after all why would he not be happy after all he would be meeting his cute little son and daughter within a few hours.


    Malcolm looked for this window as he chuckled at that as he whispered, "Enjoy your peace brother you have definitely earned it."


    As he left he was greeted by various people who worked with him but apparently he was in a hurry but that did not mean he did not stop by and spoke with them, soon he found himself seating inside a car which drove him to the airport as he sat inside the car day dreaming about his family he let out a yawn as his eyelids felt heavy as he wondered off to sleep.


    It was already around midnight and Malcolm was about to leave his office when he received a call from an unknown number, he looked at the time as he decided to answer the call, "Hello D��"


    Before he could speak a frantic voice came from the other side, "Hello Doctor Malcolm, where is Keitaro?"


    Malcolm frowned at that as he spoke, "Who are you?"


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    The feminine voice from the other side replied back with panic evident in her voice, "I am his wife Beatrix, he was supposed to arrive today, yet he never reached the airport nor is he receiving his calls we have contacted the authorities yet no one is helping please Doctor help us."


    Malcolm frowned hard at that as he spoke, "I do not understand he left for his flight at least half an hour before mid day today, he did not reach home?"


    Beatrix: "No Doctor no."


    Malcolm''s blood became cold at that as he spoke, "Keitaro is my brother in all by blood sister rest assured I will leave no stone unturned in order to bring him back safely, so please calm down sister I am going to make some calls and mobilize some people to search for him, so you do not have to worry."


    Beatrix: "Thank you."


    Malcolm: "There is no need to thank me sister, I am just helping my family."


    He then disconnected the call as he quickly dialed a number as he spoke to the other side, "Doctor Keitaro had gone missing I want you to track him down, he left around 11:30 a.m. today in a black sedan you can start by searching the car''s number from the video feed.", as he put the receiver down he frowned as he whispered, "Where are you Kei?"


    A bucket of cold water poured on him jolting him as he looked groggily up he was slapped hard by someone as he opened his eyes his cheeks still stinging with pain, he looked around as he found himself trapped on a chair, as a person standing in front of him spoke with smile, "A look who has awoken up, Inazuma right? Ina is Japanese word for ''Dog'' right?"


    Keitaro frowned as he spoke, "And who you might be idiot, Inu is the word for ''Dog'' no��"


    Only to be punched in his stomach hard as the man spoke with a snarl, "Shut up if I say Ina means dog then it is a dog you mutt.", with that he punched Keitaro again.


    Keitaro coughed up blood as he the man in front of him took a deep breath as he spoke, "Now mutt where were we ah yes you see this piece of paper requires your sign, now put it and I might give you a treat."


    Keitaro simply spitted on his face as the man punched and kicked him hard causing him to lose his consciousness as a person arrived inside the room as he spoke with a sigh, "We need him conscious for him to sign the thrice damned paper."


    The person in question simply shrugged as he spoke, "Meh as long as he can sign his name I can do anything right?"


    The man simply shrugged as he spoke, "Yes you can but unfortunately your hour has ended now it is my time."


    The person who was punching Keitaro previously let out a saddened sigh as the other person picked him up putting on the table as he used smelling salt to wake him up, as soon as he was about to fully wake up a wet towel hit on his face as a bucket of water was poured on his face.


    It was one of the worst moment in his life he felt as if he was drowning as he thrashed in order to set himself free but it was difficult as his hands and limbs were fastened tightly as he frantically searched for way to escape from the ordeal as his thought, ''Who the hell is this guy and what do they want with him.''


    Meanwhile a person was sitting inside of what looked like a bunker going through various files as another appeared behind her as she spoke in almost a whisper, "Little bird how have you been."


    The person in question yelped in surprise as she stood waiting for her beating heart to calm down as she spoke, "My Queen please do not scare me like that."


    The person in question wore a veil on her face but she could see the silver colored hair with blood like strands of hair giving her an exotic appearance the woman spoke, "So are you ready for your revenge, Yukari."


    The person in question was none other than the Ex-fianc��e of Kazuyuki whom he had tried to kill, but unfortunately for him she survived as she had managed to drag herself from the burning house, after all a scorned woman can be very dangerous being, who was then picked up by none other than the other woman who she referred to as ''Queen''.


    Yukari nodded as she spoke, "Yes I am ready I am ready to unmask them in front of the whole world and put them in their right place."


    ''Queen'' nodded pleased at that as she spoke, "Little bird do you remember Keitaro Inazuma."


    Yukari looked a little down at the name as she spoke, "Yes I do, why wouldn''t I after all I betrayed him in the worst possible way."


    ''Queen'', "Do you wish to repent and ask for his forgiveness."


    Yukari snorted at that as she spoke, "There is nothing I can do that will grant me forgiveness."


    The smiling face behind the veil grew to a smirk as ''Queen'' spoke, "Well you could after all Keitaro was kidnapped yesterday by your fianc�� oh sorry ex-fianc��''s people they are trying to make him scapegoat for all their wrong doings and you would be amazed as to how many people can be united by their greed."


    Yukari had a horrified look on her face as she spoke, "Why?"


    ''Queen'': "Are you that surprised my child, after all they need a scapegoat as well as someone to take out their frustration on so who else other than him after all he once again created the miracle, but sure they retaliated fast as if they were prepared for it a long time ago."


    Yukari spoke with a frown, "How?", only to be given a shrug as ''Queen'' spoke while holding out a pen-drive towards her, "Well take this it has the detail list of people along with others involved with them and proof of their involvement and reason, I suggest you should go and visit his wife she will be a great help, here take her personal number, it will be easier for you to reach also be truthful or else she may not listen to you."


    Yukari grabbed the pen-drive as if it was her life line along with the paper which contained Beatrix''s contact number as ''Queen'' spoke with a smile, "You have been a good pawn dear now goodbye."


    ''Queen'' quickly waved her hand in front of Yukari''s face as her eyes glazed before she blinked rapidly as she spoke with a frown, "I have to hurry I have managed to find Beatrix''s personal number and if I can show her the various proof I have gathered and with her help expose the conspiracy then I can easily deal with them as well save Keitaro, at least I will be able to redeem myself."

 290 I am Keitaro Inazuma Part-2

    Keitaro did not know how long he had been trapped there a day, a week, a month he did not know after a while his senses of time had dulled a hard a door opened as a footsteps echoed in the otherwise empty room devoid of anything living except Keitaro.


    It was a bad day for Viktor, he once again got scolded for not breaking a pansy doctor fast enough how he is a worthless cause and what not it boiled his blood when his talent n torture was downplayed he will get that pansy nerd sign the contract or I will kill him.


    He marched to cell room where a beaten and bloodied Keitaro was hanging by a chain, he took a couple of naked wires whose end he tied to Keitaro''s hand and ankle before he spoke with a crooked smile, "Wakey wakey sleeping princess", with that he flipped the switch causing Keitaro to spasm and scream in pain as current flowed through his body.


    A few seconds later he stopped the flow of current as he spoke, "Now are you going to sign or not."


    A raspy voice came to Viktor''s ears, "Never��.", he sighed as he looked down as before he once again flipped the switch, half an hour later an unconscious Keitaro hung from the ceiling as his torture was foaming and frothing from his mouth, he let out an angry snarl as grabbed a knife as he started heating it to red hot a few minutes later Keitaro once again became conscious when he felt a terrible pain on his leg as he looked down he saw the man who was torturing him for the last few days digging through his left leg with a red hot knife while whistling a tune, it hurt him a lot he did not scream he will not give the person in front of him the joy of hearing him scream after he knew what they are trying to make him sign.


    Keitaro the moment he had learnt about the contents of the paper he knew he was done for, whether he signed it or not he will die after all the paper was actually a confession letter of sorts detailing how he planned and created the virus spread it across the globe and now is giving out the cure so that he can make a killing from it, if he signed it he knew he would be killed and he would escape from the pain, but what about his wife and children they will get in the cross fire and then what would happen to his beloved wife and children no no he dare not to think about it.


    Meanwhile Beatrix Inazuma nee Schumacher was no longer the loving kind and caring wife she had nowadays portrayed herself to be, it had been an hour since she had received all those proof from Yukari she was angry scratch that never in his life had she been infuriated as much as today and her subordinates could feel why she was nicknamed as ''Hela'', the Queen of Hell in Norse Mythology.


    A few minutes ago one of her subordinates had been captured trying to contact and send her and her children''s location to outside party and unfortunately he underestimated the security of that place, Agrad had 10 island all around the world and Beatrix had been continuously on move in order to protect her children during her pregnancy, and now they caught one of their own as a traitor and she hated traitors.


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    ''She lit her cigar as she smoked before she spoke, "2 years for 2 years I have paid nurtured your growth do you know why John, because I knew you were a traitor.", the smile on her face made his blood ran cold.


    "I know you your send by the Imp from the WellHeart industries to spy on me and supply them with plans and design stolen from Asgard which I had allowed you to do under my trusted people''s watchful eyes, yes yes all those failures your owner tried to when recreating my products were not because of bad engineers or scientists, my family business had survived for centuries do you thing an young upstart can blind side me, but enough of that the real reason I had you dragged to me was, who were you sending the location of my family as well as the defense plan of the Island, John?"


    John simply glared at her as her smile became even more devilish as she spoke, "That is quite the glare I do not like it John no sorry Robert McKenzie.", hearing his true name being spoken his eyes widen before he screamed out in pain as Beatrix had promptly shoved the burning end of her cigar onhis left eyes as she spoke, "Do whatever you wish to break him but make sure that his right eye is not harm he would love to know about his wife and two daughters fate after all."


    Roberts eyes widen in fear as he begged and screamed as he was dragged by the Beatrix''s security, as Beatrix sighed at that she never liked that but she knew showing mercy to one''s enemies is dangerous.


    "Beatrix my child", an old voice came to her ear as he turned he was greeted by the aged and wrinkled face of Toshiro he was already reaching his 90s and was using a walker to walk.


    Beatrix quickly went by his side as she spoke with concern, "Grandpa what are you doing here, if you had called for me I would have arrived quickly."


    Toshiro smiled at her concern before her face hardened as he spoke, "Child, what is this thing I hear about Keitaro? I was told he was having some problem in his work but I heard that he is kidnapped?"


    Beatrix grimaced at that she had tried to hide it from Toshiro but it proved futile as such she spoke with a sigh, "Yes Grandpa, but do not worry I will find him I promise."


    Toshiro smiled at her as he spoke, "Of course I know you would child, I trust no I know you would succeed."


    Beatrix smiled at that as she spoke, "Well I think it is time for your medication and rest."


    Toshiro scoffed at that as he spoke, "Rest!!! Please after all I am going through my ��."


    Beatrix stifled her laugh as she spoke, "Yes you are going through your second innings of childhood I know."

 291 I am Keitaro Inazuma Part-3

    Toyoharu sighed as he looked at the latest report of the torture, ''What a waste you should have worked with us then something like this did not happen.'', he then sighed thinking about his oldest, ''tch that idiot is becoming more and more unstable I should put him down and get rid of Yukari, she is becoming more and more senile I can marry my secretary and legitimize her and my son, yes that is for the best the kid is still better that Kazu at the very least not to mention he reminds me how I was at his age and as for my grandson it was bound to happen sooner or later he annoyed his father who tossed him to die by getting eaten alive by the wraiths and what did my wife do yes that blinded by love just sided with Kazu, if this goes on everything I built will be ruined. But first��''


    Toyoharu pressed a button as he spoke, "Someone please get my son to come to my office."


    Kazuyuki entered the room as Toyoharu winced from the smell of alcohol and sex wafting from him as he spoke with disgust, "Can you not at least take a bath you smell like a pig."


    Kazuyuki simply shrugged as he spoke, "Please bitches love my scent, and I it is like an aphrodisiac to them."


    Toyoharu rolled his eyes as he thought, ''You idiot those whores are spreading their legs for you because of my money and a promise of a secure future nothing more.''


    Toyoharu: "Did you get him to sign the thrice damned paper?"


    Kazuyuki spoke with a snort at that, "He is as stubborn as a mule, we have skinned him burned him electrocuted him, broken every bone on his legs and body except his hands, even the nails have been pulled out yet no there is nothing we could do, currently he was getting dirty so we gave him a salt bath even then he is not cooperating, and I believe enough is enough there has been people not only searching but someone has leaked about our involvement and others we have to make him confess before the rebellion gains speed also many of our allies are having second thoughts."


    Toyoharu growled at that as Kazuyuki continued, "As for the confession well here is it.", he took out a paper where he forged Keitaro''s sign before he handed the paper to his father.


    Toyoharu looked at that signature as he spoke, "Since when can you forge his signature."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Kazuyuki replied with a smirk, "Well since the plan was hatched I have been practicing his signature, and before you say yes I could have produced it long time ago but I wanted to teach that low born plebian the punishment for defying me, I was even planning on rapping his wife in front of him but those idiots could not find his family at all might have died and become a wraith by now."


    Toyoharu shook his head at his son''s way of thinking always with his crotch as he spoke, "People will be able to detect the deception."


    Kazuyuki had a look on his face as if he was looking at the biggest fool on the planet as he spoke, "Please the rest of the plebeians are like blind ship if we the true face of humanity the Elites command them to jump from the cliff they would do with a smile in fact they would fight amongst themselves about who would jump first and you are thinking that those idiots would find it out, bwahahaha."


    Kazuyuki then gave a smile which made Toyoharu suddenly felt a bit uneasy as he spoke by tilting his head, "I know that you are feeling uneasy about it, but do not worry about that I have already given green light to the next phase of the plan, as such you do not have to worry oh and the real paper I have already forged and send."


    Toyoharu growled as he stood up as he spoke, "What are you doing if you did something so prem��.", he was stopped from it Kazuyuki who simply stood up and made his way to his side before kicking him off his chair as he spoke, "Get off my chair old man from hence forth you are retired and I am the head of the family business go to some old age home and rot there."


    Toyoharu stood up angrily before he could speak some of the security entered as they held him as Kazuyuki spoke with a smile, "Before you go I have a present for you."


    Another group of security dragged with them a blond woman and a blond hair boy of 6 years age seeing them Toyoharu''s eyes widen as Kazuyuki spoke, "Your mistress and your illegitimate son, HI."


    He spoke in a cheery tone as his mother Yukari entered who spoke with anger evident in her voice, "Surprise that we will not catch you Toyoharu, you disappointment.", with that Yukari slapped the other woman hard as that woman''s 6 year old son glared and spoke, "Hey old lady leave my mom alone."


    Kazuyuki, "My what a fire in his eyes truly magnificinet.", Toyoharu suddenly felt a dread in his stomach as he spoke, "Kazu please don''t he is your brother he shares your blood."


    As Kazuyuki caught the boy by his chin his mother pleaded to him, "Sir, Kazuyuki please leave him, I no we will leave this place and go far away we will do anything please spare my son."


    Kazuyuki smiled at that as he spoke, "Anything??"


    The woman fearfully nodded at that as she spoke, "Yes anything just do not harm my child."


    Kazuyuki laughed like a madman as he spoke, "Well woman I will get what I want and no one is going to stop me, but before that I do not like her glaring.", he took out a pocket knife before he quickly poked his eyeballs making the child blind, as his mother screamed in pain along with the child as Kazuyuki spoke with a frown, "Tch, little shit has a pair of lung.", with that he cut his throat as the 6 year old was released from the grip of his security personnel as the child choked in his own blood and died, leaving behind a distraught and dying mother.


    Yukari nodded in approval as she patted his son on his back which quickly turned to a frown as Kazuyuki gazed lecherously at the woman as he spoke, "Take her to my chambers I will be there shortly and throw that old fool in a secure place and make sure no one meets him oh and make sure he gets his meal from time to time and nothing else."


    Yukari replied with a disappointed tone, "Son that filthy woman why are you thinking of touching her she��.", before she could speak anything a slap resounded in the room as she collapsed on the floor as Kazuyuki repeatedly kicked the downed woman as he spoke, "How dare you, how dare you, HOW DARE YOU TRY TO STOP ME, I AM KAZUYUKI KAGURAZAKA I WILL DO WHATEVER I WANT.", he then turned to a guard as he spoke, "You there grab this old whore, strip here naked and whip her 500 times and if I find you did even one whipping less I will KILL YOU!!!!"


    Keitaro was just dragged in front a court which just pronounced him guilty of various charges and all of which were simply bogus normally he would have voiced against the unfair court proceeding but what is the point of wasting his time, when he was declared guilty as soon as his charges were announced and he was sentenced to death by firing squad within an hour he sighed at that, ''I hope my wife and children will be alright''.


    As he was being dragged by the guards well he had already lost the ability to walk so they graciously dragged him on the floor, he was greeted by the smiling face of Kazuyuki as he spoke, "Ah my beloved baby brother I have a good news for you dad finally retired and now I am the CEO now, isn''t that great also you do not have to worry it is just a moment of time before we find your wife and we will take good care of her all of us will make good use of her.", at that everyone laughed loudly but their laughter was halted upon seeing a chuckle from Keitaro.


    Kazuyuki snarled as he spoke, "What happened did the reality and despair sunk in your mind?"


    Keitaro smiled at that as he spoke, "My foolish big brother, you just awoke a sleeping dragon, you will now understand what it means to anger my Queen of Hell."


    Kazuyuki snorted at that as he spoke while lowering his face to Keitaro''s level, "Dragoness, Goddess, Queen or any female are the same they are nothing but stress relief so is your wife after we are done the only thing she will think about is how to please the superior gender.", what Kazuyuki did not foresee was that Keitaro head butting him hard enough to break his nose along with a few of his teeth, as he fell on the ground with tears in his eyes as he cried with sound akin to a dog before he shouted out with a bloody mouth with a few frontal teeth missing along with bloody nose, "Beat him, beat him before killing him torture him."


    As his other associates helped him to stand up meanwhile some of his other allies which included some of the most corrupt national leaders and politician from around world who were watching the drama from far away frowned at that as one of the spoke, "Did we do the right to align with them the new CEO sounds a bit unstable not to mention we hurried up with their plan."


    One of the spoke with smirk, "Relax there is no need to think about it after all he is some idiotic pawn we will dispose him when he is no longer needed to us, but for now enjoy the new found prestige and glory we are soon to receive."


    At 5:00 PM GMT, an International Criminal by the name of Keitaro Inazuma whose crimes were proven in front of a panel of Judges was tied to a post for the crimes of causing pandemic, genocide, human experimentation and along with 300 other different crimes including thievery. Keitaro looked in front of him he was greeted by the lineup of soldiers with raised bayonets aimed at him he looked at them with defiance and fearlessness, before his body erupted in pain and his vision darkened as his last thoughts were, ''I love you Beatrix and I am sorry it seems I failed to keep my promise, I am sorry I cannot see my children, I am so��..'', and he was no more.

 292 What we lost, what we gained Part-1

    A person opened his eyes before he closed it his eyes stung from the light of the room as he groggily tried to seat up only for an unknown female looking at him with concern as she spoke in a melodious voice, "Are you alright Ryuu?"


    The name uttered by the woman send a fresh wave of headache as he looked up to the woman in front of him as he spoke, "Who are you?"


    Maheswara was sipping a saucer full of wine when he perked up before a small smile cracked his face as he muttered to himself, "About time the brat awoke."


    Nuwa stood up from her sitting position as she spoke, "We think we should go and visit him."


    Maheswara nodded in agreement as they reached there, they were greeted by Antaiskh who was looking at Ryuu''s room with a frown as Maheswara spoke curiously at that, "What happened daughter?"


    Antariskh sighed as she spoke tiredly, "Identity crisis."


    Nuwa nodded in understanding as she spoke, "It is expected after all he is not a reincarnated Immortal who took reincarnation but a cultivator who was forcibly made to remember his previous life he is bound to have some problems, all we can do is patiently help him out."


    Later that day Ryuu was sitting under a tree as Celestia approached him with a smile as she spoke, "How are you holding up Ryuu?"


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "It seems all surreal upon experiencing that my life before my current one I do not know what to say."


    Celestia nodded at him as she took a seat beside him as Ryuu spoke with a sigh, "So 30 years huh."


    Celestia nodded at that as she spoke, "Yes you were in deep meditative for 30 long years."


    Ryuu let out a sigh as he looked on the ground for a few minutes before she spoke, "3rd mistress is there a way to know Beatrix and my children''s fate?"


    Celestia nodded at that before she spoke, "Yes there is, although many years have passed after your execution but you do not have to worry the conspiracy was exposed by Beatrix herself."


    Ryuu had a small smile on his face as Celestia spoke with a kind smile, "Do you wish to see your children?"


    Ryuu''s eyes widen for a second before he spoke, "You have their picture."


    Celestia snorted at that before she spoke in a haughty tone, "Why would I need pictures when I can take you there for you to see them with your own to eyes."


    Ryuu did not know what to say as he spoke his tone sounding almost desperate at that as he spoke, "When can we go?"


    Celestia bit her lips before she spoke, "Ryuu before you go I think there is something I should tell you before you go there.", causing Ryuu to tense at that before he gave a small nod.


    Celestia: "There have been a few decades since you have been dead, so do not be alarmed if you see them all grown up."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "I have no problem with that."


    Celestia gave him a small smile before she presented her hand to Ryuu who held it almost like a lifeline and a brief flash later the duo vanished from their place.


    A myriad of colors assaulted Ryuu''s vision as the motherly voice of his teacher came to his ears, "You can close your eyes Ryuu it would take some time for us to descend to the lower realm."


    A few miuntes later, which to Ryuu was like an eternity the duo descended to the previous realm where Ryuu was born as Keitaro, one of the many lower realms where people or any living organism were simply mere mortals and would never evolve into something higher.


    The sky rumbled as dark clouds formed and hidden by the stormy clouds a rip appeared on the sky as two figures stepped out, as Ryuu smoke in amazement, "Wow, this is amazing, by the way teacher how did you find this place?"


    Celestia simply at him as she spoke, "Well when you started reliving your past life during your meditation, I thought you might want to visit the place of your birth during your previous birth so using super secret methods I was able to find this place and a few snooping around helped me to locate your family, after all you are immensely famous now let us go we have to visit your family."


    Ryuu nodded eagerly at that as he flew alongside his master to a city, well large city as the scene looked to him like some kind of futuristic to him as he watched everything at awe before Celestia spoke with a smile on her face, "Welcome to Keitaro City."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Ryuu gave her the most intelligent answer as he spoke in a confused tone, "Huh?"


    Celestia smiled at that as she spoke, "Well this city is named after you dear, and see over there the park even has your statue."


    Ryuu looked at that in awe as he spoke, "Really but why?"


    Celestia gave him a deadpanned stare as she spoke, "You saved the entire race from extinction, the people are grateful to the point someone has even started a church worshiping you calling you a modern day ''Messiah''."


    Ryuu had a look of disbelief on his face as he spoke, "You are pulling my legs now right?"


    Celestia had an amused look on her face as she spoke, "Than explain me what is that thing over there."


    He looked towards his left and he saw a building with murals of him well more like his previous self standing with a halo behind his head and a saintly smile as the words ''The Grand Church Of Ketaroism'' was written on the building, Ryuu did not know if he should cry or laugh at that as Celestia smoke with an amused look on her face, "Well come on Ryuu we have places to be."


    A few minutes later Celestia escorted Ryuu to a hospital causing him to frown, ''Grand pa was already old by the time of my death and it has been many years since then I hope I am going to meet my child grown up working in the hospital.''


    As they were about to enter Celestia spoke to Ryuu with seriousness present in her voice at that as she spoke, "Ryuu I have made sure that we are like a ghost to this people that means neither could they see us so try not to interact with anything as well as try to control yourself."


    Ryuu nodded as he was brought to a room where a 60 somethin woman was lying on the bed, apparently she had an accident and had broken her hip sitting a long side was a male of similar years chatting with her in a jovial tone well more like reminiscing about something from a long time ago as many younger people were present with amused smile on their faces, Ryuu looked at them as he spoke to this teacher, "Mistress, why are we inside this room."


    Celestia gave a tired sigh as she spoke, "You wanted to meet your children right?", Ryuu nodded at that as Celestia continued speaking, "Well there they are Ryuu, the old woman on the bed is Sabrina McDougall your daughter and the old man is Yosuke Inazuma your son."


    Ryuu''s jaw dropped upon hearing that before he spoke with a panicked look on his face, "So that means."


    Celestia gave him a sad smile as she spoke, "Yes Keitaro she is no more, do you wish to visit her grave?"


    Keitaro gave a small nod as Celestia felt the sadness and pain oozing out of him, as she beckoned him to follow with a last look on his children he left the room but not before giving a small smile and a few parting words for her children, "Sorry my children, sorry for being such a lousy father but no this I am proud of you two."


    Yosuke and Sabrina grew up listening to various stories about their father about how he was the person who saved the planet and how he got rid of dreadful deceases but still they his absence created a whole in their heart but for the first time in their life they suddenly felt filled with happiness like the time when their mother praised them but most importantly they felt a warmth they have not felt since their mother''s death as they looked at the other side of the room as if someone was there, all they saw the vase of Lilly which had dried up and needed replacement was in full bloom with vibrant color how strange.


    Meanwhile Ryuu stood in front of grave with his eyes misty because of unshed tears as he read the headstone of a particular grave,


    Beatrix Inazuma


    (1992-2057)


    Here lies a loving mother, wife and a beloved leader who departed on her journey to reunite with her husband

 293 What we lost, what we gained Part-2

    Twice in his present life Ryuu had felt such helplessness, twice in his present life he had felt such profound sadness firstly when his mother died and second time now, he felt as if his world was gone first Sabrina his fianc��e and now Beatrix as he mumbled out almost in whisper, "It is not fair so not fair."


    His teacher who heard him was about to comfort him only for a melodious voice to interrupt her, "Life is never fair as such you should never let it dictate you as such you should steal its reigns from it."


    Celestia quickly turned on her feet as she was greeted with a woman of incredible beauty who had silver colored hair with blood red strands on them as she readied herself for any imminent battle as the woman simply smirked as she raised her index figure as she waved it in a negative motion as she spoke, "Uh un Uh, do you not care for the world that your precious student saved."


    Celestia gritted her teeth as she quickly send a emergency message back home but she knew that no help will arrive here immediately all she could do is stall for time, after all she knew she was not strong enough to protect and escape with Ryuu from the clutches of the monstrous woman alone, but she could react or speak Ryuu suddenly spoke his voice still shaken from grief, "Why? Why did you help me? What did you gain from helping me?"


    The woman smiled as she replied, "I helped you because I chose to, as for gaining from it well I have always helped your previous reincarnations."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Ryuu was quite for a few seconds before he spoke, "Thank you."


    The woman shook his head as she spoke, "There is no need to thank me you would have eventually reached the conclusion and I only simply hastened the process a little."


    A few minutes of silence as Celestia had inched closer to Ryuu who was still in a sitting position in front of Beatrix''s grave as the woman spoke with a smile, "The woman your wife oh sorry your wife in your previous life was something else entirely, after your execution your tormentors managed to spread the words that you were the culprit but she fought back with the help of your allies and surprisingly one Yukari you ex-girlfriend who cheated on you, she provided her with ample proof with the help of which they nailed them, a couple of year long struggle at the end of which the entire world rose up in arms and not only your tormentors but even their families did not escape their wrath, thousands died after everything was over, including Kazuyuki the nutless."


    Ryuu turned towards her as he looked at her curiously, the woman gave him a charming smile as she spoke, "Well your rapist of a former brother learned it the hard way that it is not wise to force on a grieving mother whose beloved child you have killed, when he tried to sleep with that woman she enticed him and when he was near enough the woman tore with her teeth and chewed his genitals before spitting it on his face."


    Ryuu simply shook his head as he let out an exaggerated sigh as the woman continued speaking, "Such a tragedy that you did not get to spend your life with her leaving her alone to raise your children, until she could''nt take your absence any longer and took her life."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen at that as Celestia growled at that as she spoke, "Shut up! There is��"


    The woman simply laughed at that as she spoke, "Oh please why are you preventing from speaking the truth, he has the right to know just like how you are replacing Pangu with him after you killed Pangu."


    Celestia growled at that and would have started a fight if it were not for Ryuu''s well being as The woman let out a mocking laugh as her attention once again turned to Ryuu as she spoke her eyes shining with mirth, "You know what Ryuu by now she could have reincarnated but unfortunately by the time you will have strength to seek her out she might have been with someone else already, but if you want I can lend you my strength to find her."


    Ryuu gave a small smile as he spoke to her, "Thank you senior for your kind gesture but I must decline she has reincarnated and as such she has no more connection to her previous life and I would not want to ruin her new life which she deserves."


    The woman tilted her head as she spoke, "Really you would let your wife be with someone else, just think about someone who is not you touching her passionately making love to her taking your place in ��."


    Celestia: "ENOUGH!!! Stop messing with my student like that."


    Ryuu: "Although I would not say so harshly but I concur with my teacher Senior, stop messing with me like that, I want do not wish my past life to dictate my present one, every dues and debt I had has been repaid with my debt as I have no means to fulfill them so please Senior."


    The woman sighed at that as she spoke, "How boring."


    Celestia: "What do you want with my student?"


    The woman gave a small smile at that as she spoke, "Simple I want my beloved back in my arms."


    Ryuu sighed at that as he spoke, "Senior but with all due respect I believe you should not stay stuc��"


    A very wrong thing to say as he literally saw his death from the insane amount of killing intent as Celestia moved forwards shielding him, the killing intent came as it disappeared all of a sudden, as the woman spoke with serious evident in her voice, "Ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine times you have been reborn, so many times I have found you sometimes I found you faster sometimes just when you passed away I have turned hell and heaven for you every time, and you dare insinuate that I MOVE ON!!!!!!!!!"


    Ryuu meanwhile shivered hiding behind her master, while Celestia got ready to escape with all her might along with Ryuu, the woman let out a deep breath as she spoke with a sigh, "I knew this would happen, you would fail to realize how much I love you, how much I sacrificed for you but I am patient Ryuu and know this no matter what happens even when the entire universe is your enemy I will always be there for you my beloved husband, oh before I leave I destroyed that pesky weapon of yours did I not, we you do not have to worry.", with that she snapped her finger as Ryuu''s right hand burned for a few second and a long sword appeared which looked like a fusion between a Miao Dao in its length and a broadsword in its width, but what astonished Ryuu as if he knew the sword as if it had been part of him since time immemorial.


    Ryuu looked at it with relief and feeling of happiness as he spoke, "Requiem."


    The woman game a small kind smile as she spoke, "It looks so fitting in your hand now it just like old days ah it brings so much memories.", her face had the nostalgic smile for a few moments.


    Celestia: "If you love him then why did you harm him?"


    The woman scoffed at that as she spoke, "I will never harm my beloved."


    Celestia snorted at that in an unladylike manner as she spoke, "Really then who was it that made him comatose."


    The woman smiled as she spoke, "I was his master you know before we joined our heart, body and soul, before I became his Dao-companion, do you know at the age of 45 he was Celestial Immortal but where he is now a simple pathetic Rank 9th Mystic Immortal Emperor, such disgrace and that was achieved because I crammed a few Daos down his throat, you are disgrace as a teacher, he could have been so much more but you all ruined it."


    Celestia snarled angrily as the woman kept speaking, "As such I took control of his teaching for a bit.", but before she or Ryuu could speak anymore the woman turned towards a particular direction as she spoke, "You have a special guest Ryuu, someone who is still asking for your forgiveness someone without whom Beatrix would have failed bringing all those culprits to justice, she has been clinging to her life asking and praying for mercy won''t you greet her."


    As she spoke a feeble and frail woman of above 90 years of age somehow hobbled to the place with walking stick in her hand as she looked up to the grave of Beatrix and the monument beside her which was seen as Keitaro''s grave as his original body was disposed after his execution, she was greeted by trio of unfamiliar faces as the woman once again snapped her finger it seemed as if the fog had been lifted from her eyes as she spoke while looking towards Ryuu with teary eyes and a frail aged voice, "Keitaro is thatyou?"

 294 What we lost, what we gained Part-3

    Yukari looked at Ryuu with tears in her eyes as she tried to move only to stumble but before she could fall on the ground Ryuu caught her, as the woman spoke with a smile at that, "I knew I would see you again one day, I know that in my dreams spoke about it Keitaro I am so happy to see you again."


    Ryuu looked towards the woman who simply winked at him as Celestia spoke to her with her eyes widen slightly, "Why did you do that?"


    The woman simply smiled at her question as she spoke, "Well Yukari was my loyal pawn for helping Keitaro as such I am simply granted one of her request after all I take good care of my pawns, but enough of that I have places to be people to use and mongrels to kill till then bye bye.", in front of her eyes she simply faded from existence as the rest of her family finally arrived.


    Maheswara spoke in anger at that, "Where is that no good wh..", his curse was stopped by a glare from Celestia who send a telepathic message to them, ''Move to the side I will explain everything but for now keep quite.''


    The others were stunned at that but acquiesce her demand as they left Ryuu to console a crying Yukari.


    Yukari bawled her eyes as Ryuu held her as she spoke, "I am so sorry so sorry Keitaro I know I have no right to beg for your forgiveness, but please forgive me for what I did to you, please Keitaro forgive me."


    Ryuu simply patted her back as he consoled her as he spoke, "Yukari, it was a long time ago and I forgave you a long time ago."


    Yukari shook her head as she spoke, "No no you cannot forgive me not after what I have done, no you cannot I am��"


    Ryuu: "Shhh, enough Yukari it was a long ago and did you not help my family if it were not for you my family would be dead."


    Yukari: "But still i��.", only for a finger to be placed on her lips as Ryuu spoke, "Please Yukari I forgive you a long time ago and as for your punishment you have already repented when you helped my family but now it is time for you to forgive yourself how long will you keep on blaming yourself like this."


    Meanwhile with rest of the group, Celestia took them a bit away from the place as she spoke, "That woman left before you arrived well it was more like she faded from existence in front of me."


    Maheswara: "So what did she want?"


    Celestia frowned at that as she spoke, "Well apparently she helped Ryuu a lot during his previous reincarnation."


    Veena frowned at that as she spoke, "Explain."


    Antariskh: "Troublesome, and if we had charged blindly and called something bad about her it could have caused Ryuu to feel miffed about it."


    Celestia nodded at that as she spoke, "So true even if he may not openly state it he would be miffed after all the woman had helped him greatly, after all she had a hand in not only helping him achieve such great feats but also was the reason his family survived and cleared their name."


    At that everyone frowned as Celestia kept on speaking, "She has followed him to all his reincarnations and according to her helped him always."


    Shamiran tilted her head as she spoke, "Really I do not know what to feel about her anymore but more importantly if she is so powerful why then we nor others know about her."


    Celestia shrugged as she spoke, "I have no idea but according to her she had followed him through all his previous Ninety-nine thousand, Nine hundred and ninety-nine reincarnations before this present one."


    Sylvana let out a small whistle at that as she spoke, "That is a lot of reincarnations, to think that woman followed him through all those."


    Antariskh bit her lips as she spoke, "The woman is dangerous extremely so and she is unhinged."


    Celestia snorted at that as she spoke, "Dangerous and unhinged is an understatement my dear, the last time someone who made me unease just by being near her was Ochylesse and from what I have heard from her apparently the woman was his Dao Companion."


    Maheswara shook his head as he was about to speak his attention was drawn to his second wife Nuwa who was looking towards the interaction between Ryuu and Yukari rather intently he sighed as he began speaking, "Well we can storm our brains later on but for the time being let us spend some time together and support him he is going through a tough time after all."


    Celestia nodded at that before she had a dark look on her face, "I hated how that bitch insinuated that we are using Ryuu as a replacement for Pangu I hate it.", a feeling which all they shared even though a tiny part of them much to their horror agreed with that woman as Maheswara grimaced inwardly at that as he sighed, ''I really am the worst.


    Meanwhile Ryuu let out quite a chuckle at that as he spoke, "Really they must be quite the handful."


    Yukari gave a slow nod at that as she spoke, "They were but at the same time both of them grew up to be nice and humble person."


    Ryuu had a small smile on his face as he spoke, "It all thanks to you and Beatrix, I do not know what I would do repay the debt to you."


    Yukari quickly held his hands as she spoke, "NO please do not say those words, I was simply repenting for my sins so please do not say those things Keitaro, not to mention after the fiasco with that Scum I lost the ability to have children but Yosuke and Sabrina filled my life with happiness, those two are like little angels you know."


    Ryuu nodded at that feeling a bit of pride for his previous reincarnation''s children as Yukari began speaking with small content smile on her face, "You know when I got the dreamt about the woman today that I will once again meet you I could not believe but now I see that she did not lie to me, must be some miracle by some God, and I am happy and content Kei I am so happy to be by your side Kei I am so happy to be part of your family''s life and most importantly I am happy to earn your trust and become your friend thank you Kei."


    Ryuu: "Do not thank me Yukari it is I that should thank you."


    Yukar simply smiled at that as she spoke, "Beatrix would be so jealous when I will tell her that I met you again."


    Ryuu chuckled that as Yukari spoke, "This old body is so weak, I hope you forgive me but I want to take nap, I hope you would not mind Keitaro."


    Ryuu simply shook his head as he spoke, "You do not need to worry I will be by your side."


    Yukari gave a small smile as she spoke, "Thank you Kei, thank you everything, thank you for saving us and we no I am sorry for not being able to save you fast.", with that she closed her eyes forever.


    Ryuu held the old woman in his arms as he sat on a bench by her side as his eyes had a turmoil of emotions, the woman had a content smile on her face as if her life had been fulfilled he gave the woman a sad smile as he laid a small kiss on her forehead of the recently deceased as he let out a tired sigh while he stood up now letting the deceased body of Yukari to rest on the bench as Nuwa placed a comforting hand on his shoulder as Ryuu gave her a weak smile.


    Ryuu: "She did so much for my family and me I do not think I will be able to repay her debt."


    Nuwa: "It will be difficult to do so, do you wish to find her after her reincarnation."


    Ryuu closed his eyes as he spoke, "Well I do not know, on one hand I do not wish to intrude upon her new life where as on the other hand I so do not want to remain indebted to her."


    Nuwa frowned as she spoke, "Well to tell you the truth, the time required to reincarnate is not fixed it can take a few days to centuries, even then we cannot help you to locate her."


    Ryuu frowned at that as he spoke, "What do you mean by that 2nd mistress?"


    Nuwa: "Well she is linked to your karma from your previous life as such only you can find out, there are certain exception like the place of your previous birth, well Celestia was able to find it after you remember it, but it was very difficult as she did not have any link to your previous reincarnation and I doubt she has the power to find your place of birth of any further reincarnations. But you can do it unfortunately your cultivation level is extremely low."


    Ryuu sighed at that as Nuwa spoke again with a deep breath, "Then there is big problem, it takes years for someone to increase their cultivation level, and the more the other person reincarnates it because almost impossible to downright impossible to track them."


    Ryuu, "Then how did she track me?"


    Nuwa gave a small smile at that as she spoke, "Did she not tell you that she has always helped you, as such she had formed some short of karmic bond with you as such she was able to locate you."


    Ryuu nodded as the rest appeared beside her as Shamiran stepped forward as she checked him as she spoke in a worried tone, "I am glad that woman did not do something to you again."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.comfor visiting.


    Sylvana nodded at that as she spoke, "When we learned she was here we were so afraid that woman might do something to you again."


    Ryuu grimaced at that before he remembered something as he spoke, "Wait a minute I remember that you had send some guards to look after my well being and they ��."


    Seeing his troubled face Antariskh spoke with a frown, "Unfortunately they fell by her hands, it was sad day indeed."


    Maheswara: "Yes it was we arrived a bit late and Shamiran quickly left with you to tend your injuries while Antariskh, Sylvana and I engaged with her in battle."


    Antariskh gave a low growl as she spoke, "It was an one side massacre we lost to her badly, not only that she tore my arm of off.", she unconsciously messaged apart of her hand just above the elbow, getting your hand cut off is painfully but having your hand torn off your body is another level of agony.


    Ryuu looked alarm at that as he spoke, "Big Sister, are you alright now."


    Antariksh laughed at his concern as she spoke, "Ryuu it was a long time ago of course I have healed up, but enough of that let us go and have some ice cream what about you Ryuu oh and if you are thinking about your deceased friends her family members are nearby they will be here soon."


    No sooner did she speak that a person came searching for Yukari as he spotted her he let out a sigh as he spoke with a small smile, "Ah there she is taking a nap and I was getting worried, as he approached her his smile faded to a frown then it was replaced with an anguish as he broke down in tears in front of the deceased.


    Ryuu looked at the scene with misty eyes as he took deep breath before he spoke, "Sorry sister may be some other time, I wish to return back.", at that Antariskh nodded at that as the group simply disappeared from sight with what was akin to that of thunder startling the person who was crying before he took out his phone to make the necessary calls.

 295 Black Dragon Army Part-1

    "Hyaah", a loud shout was heard from a certain training ground as he Ryuu send a punch towards his training partner who simply side stepped as she placed her hand on his shoulder as she jumped over her effectively as she landed she was greeted with her face full of dust blinding her as she felt something akin to a punch, the ground where she took had been ripped asunder from the blow of the punch as couple of miles long canyon was formed behind her from the force of the blow as she spoke with tone akin to a purr, "Oh, that was dirty now trying to blind me with dirt, did you think that your paltry strength combined with playing dirty would manage to defeat me."


    Ryuu smirked at that as he spoke, "Defeat please big sister I know my strength well and I know that I am no where the level where I could defeat you but at least finally I managed to touch you, well more likely you allowed me to."


    Antariskh hummed at that as she spoke with a smirk, "hmmm, this achievement of yours well I will grant you this but it is time for you to take a nap.", with that she moved at incredible speed towards Ryuu who could not even guard against such a fast paced attack as he watched her eldest sister palm coming towards his chest he knew that he did not want to lose like this to his sister like this he knew that his sister had not only millennia of experience but also his level of cultivation is joke compared to hers, it would be like comparing a firefly with the sun and he knew but still not being able to touch your sister during a spar even when she had given you tons of handicap and most importantly he so did not want to lose to her for 389 times as of today it seriously hurt his pride as a cultivator to the point he wanted to curl of into a ball and cry.


    Suddenly something happened that caused Antariskh''s eyes to widen, she watched as her hand simply phased through Ryuu a not too distant memory appeared in her mind but before she could do anything Ryuu suddenly coughed up a copious amount of blood as she watched in horror at her hand completely stuck inside Ryuu as she could feel his organs as she bit back a curse, she quickly caught hold of Ryuu as she appeared before Veena without any delay.


    Antariskh: "Mother Ryuu got injured I need help quick."


    Veena looked at the scene in alarm especially at the place where Antariskh''s hand was stuck inside Ryuu''s chest yet there was no blood as if her hand was growing out of his chest, but there was no time to waste as she quickly started working on him, as she helped to remove her daughters hand which seemed to have fused to Ryuu before she gave him some pills to recover from being wounded, as the mother daughter laid the unconscious body of Ryuu, who had promptly lost his consciousness after the aftermath.


    Veena frowned as she spoke, "How did this happen?"


    Antarisk sighed as she spoke, "Well I was sparring with him, and today I he managed to touch me during spar. ", upon seeing the deadpanned stare from her mother she sighed as she spoke with exasperation, "Fine, fine I let him touch me, then I decided to knock him out with a palm strike on his chest, when suddenly my hand phased through him and this happened."


    Veena hummed in thought as she spoke, "It must have been something he tried after getting enlightenment in all those Daos something like this was bound to happen but unfortunately he has yet to learn to properly utilize or use his powers something he will learn soon enough from us, also it was a good idea to bring him to me, he could have easily handled your ripping you hnad out of his chest but it would be ,ore painful for him."


    Antariskh bit her lips as she spoke, "You know others may not like seeing him using a form of combat so much eerily similar to that woman."


    Veena simply shrugged at that as she spoke, "I do not see any problem with that and if someone has he or she can try mimicking it by gaining enlightenment in the Daos needed and as far as I am concerned they would be hypocrite if they say that they never took any technique from the person they defeated or if they try to say that a person cannot recreate a technique/"


    Antariskh nodded at that as Ryuu began to return to consciousness, as the duo sat near him waiting for him patiently as he returned to consciousness he spoke groggily, "What hit me?"


    Veena gave a small smile at that as she spoke, "No one child, you foolishly used something that you have never used in a midst of a battle and got hurt."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen at that before he spoke with a startling cry, "Ah I remember I wanted to dodge big sister''s attack but suddenly something went bad and I lost consciousness."


    Veena nodded at that as she spoke, "Yes, you literally made Antariskh phase through you but you lost control of your ability and as a result her hand got stuck inside your body while damaging yourself in the process."


    Ryuu frowned at that as Veena spoke, "It is an interesting ability, though I would recommend you learn to use it properly outside of battle before pulling another stunt like this at the same time I would also recommend not to use it especially in front of seniors until and unless you are in dire circumstances."


    Ryuu looked confused at that as Veena spoke with a sigh, "We had once faced an incredibly strong enemy who could easily phase through our attacks, this had left a good number of disgruntled people who might not like it when they see someone younger than them with an incredible ability as such keep it as your hidden ace."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    Ryuu nodded at that before he felt a burning sensation on his forehead as he winced in pain causing both Antariskh and Veena to be concerned at that as Antariksh spoke, "Brother is there anything wrong."


    Ryuu winced as he spoke, "My forehead is itching and burning.", as he tried to scratch the area, only to be stopped under Veena''s firm grip as she looked at his forehead before she let out a sigh before she turned and spoke to Antariskh, "Daughter be a dear and get your second mother to come here as fast as possible."


    Antariskh nodded at that as she disappeared from Ryuu''s vision before arriving with Nuwa along with rest of the family except Sylvana and Shamiran tagging along with her as Veena urged her to look at Ryuu''s forehead.


    Upon closer inspection to the matter Nuwa frowned as she spoke, "This seal should not degrade and start breaking so soon, he should be at least near Peak Mystic Immortal Emperor before that technique is available to him and we made sure that it would stay as such, how did the array created by us degrade so quickly."


    Celestia deadpanned at her as she spoke, "Really sister is it so hard to understand whose handiwork is all over it."


    Nuwa groaned before she placed her thumb on the red marking that somewhat looked like an eye that had appeared on Ryuu''s forehead as various intricate array appeared on his forehead before the marking vanished along with the array the only noticeable mark was an exceptionally thin line was visible only to those who would pay extreme attention to detail on Ryuu''s forehead as she spoke, "Now here it is done."


    Ryuu: "What was that array for 2nd mistress?"


    Nuwa gave her kind motherly smile to Ryuu as she spoke, "Oh that thing? Well Ryuu do you remember that when you were much younger, you went to an exploration inside the ruins of an academy."


    Ryuu slowly nodded at that as Nuwa continued, "Well you learnt a technique that day, but unfortunately if you had used it before it would kill you as the technique was forbidden type as such we decided to seal it until you become strong enough to handle it without repercussion, and normally it would have been sealed until you managed to reach peak of Mystic Immortal Emperor level, but it seems that your recent state had managed to degrade it, as such I have to remake it.", Ryuu simply gave a grateful nod towards his teache

 296 Black Dragon Army Part-2

    yuu let out a wince as he felt as if someone had literally shoved hands with thorns on them and was dragging it inside his body, it hurt a lot but he had to endure it a stern but calming voice was projected into his voice, "You are doing well child just a bit longer."


    Ryuu bit his lips as he sat in a meditative stance while Celestia had her hand over his head, a few more agonizing minutes later to what seemed like an eternity Ryuu collapsed on the groups as drool dripped from his lips along with tears of blood leaking from his eyes and ears.


    Celestia quickly went by his side as she teleported him to a hospital bed where Veena was by his side feeding him pills and give him a gentle message to his chest to help him sooth his pain, she send a small understanding nod to Celestia who gave her a weak smile before she left.


    As Celestia sat in her chair Maheswara spoke with her with a small smile on his face, "Love how is your session with Ryuu going on?", at that the rest of her family excluding Antariskh who was away on business leaned forward to listen something new about Ryuu.


    Celestia gave a tired smile as she spoke, "He is doing well, he managed to manifest a part of his soul in a corporeal form that resembled a hand for a couple of minutes."


    Nuwa: "That is impressive considering it had been a few months since you began his lesson."


    Celestia nodded at that as she picked up the glass of wine that had been poured to her by her husband as she gave a mirthless chuckle as she spoke, "Yeah I know I am proud him how he held himself through the pain he felt much better than I did and now he is under Veena''s treatment again."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    She noticed her tow ''daughters'' slightly flinched at that as she spoke about it well they might have thought that no one would have noticed their reaction but she could feel, even after so many years they held a small amount of fear for her and surely Ryuu would join them soon.


    Which child does not have a small amount of fear in them with regards to making their parents disappointed, but this was not the case with Celestia her children did not fear disappointing her but they fear her, her powers they may not say it outright but she knows as their mother they do, after she was the one who taught them to manipulate their soul like she is doing it Ryuu and she knows that after this he will also fear and hate for not only causing him but because sooner or later Ryuu would be forced to relive his worst fear and memories such was one of the price for trying to learn to effectively harness the power of one''s soul.


    She suddenly felt a comforting hand on her back as she turned towards her husband who was giving her his patented charming smile that made her fall for him as Nuwa gave her a small smile of her own after all she knew how mentally exhausting it was for her to expose Ryuu to so much pain.


    Sylvana knew she had to disperse the awkward atmosphere quickly as she spoke, "Father what have you learned about Ryuu''s new sword?"


    At the mention of Ryuu''s sword Maheswara''s face turned stormy as he spoke, "That thrice damned weapon I have yet to learn what it is made off no matter what I do I have yet to decipher it."


    At that his daughters and even his wife Celestia gawked at that as Nuwa began where he left, "So true and even we could not find any form of array on it, how curious."


    At that their listeners jaw almost dropped as Shamiran spoke, "But how?"


    Maheswara shrugged at that as he spoke, "No idea but I am curious to how it is created as I can make weapon that is sought after throughout the universe but this thing, the metal is unknown, the runes on it cannot be seen or perceived at all let alone study but most importantly did any of you try to touch the weapon."


    The others excluding Nuwa shook their head negatively as he spoke with a sigh, "It feels wrong so wrong that I cannot describe in mere words, it lets out the feeling of duality so much."


    Celestia raised one of her brows as she spoke, "Duality what do mean by that?"


    Maheswara bit his lips with a frown as Nuwa replied on his behalf, "It feels as if something hot yet cold, joyous yet sorrowful, full of life yet having the stench of death, it is indescribable something we do not want to hold at all it feels so wrong yet right, but Ryuu has no problem holding it."


    Maheswara slowly nodded at that as he spoke, "Here is the best part the weapon can morph into any other weapon form you will it too as long as you know it before hand not to mention each being unique then the previous."


    Sylvana''s eyes widen at that as she spoke, "But how is that possible even your most priced weapon can alter its shape to a ring and it can extend and contract, yet this weapon can does it not hamper its performance?"


    Maheswara snorted at that as he spoke, "Hamper, please it is not only nice but an exceptionally excellent weapon, but damn I so wish to meet its maker now and compare notes."


    Celestia snorted at that as she spoke, "Your old age is getting you my dear husband the creator of the said weapon is already here."


    Maheswara jumped from his seat as he spoke with a rarely scene intensity in his eyes as Celestia spoke, "If I remember I have already informed you that the woman had said that the previous reincarnation of Ryuu was responsible for creation of the weapon.", Maheswara dropped on the chair like a puppet whose strings had been cut as he spoke with a sigh, "Damn and I got excited for nothing."


    At that others giggled at that as Veena arrived with Ryuu in tow with her as she spoke, "What were you all discussing about?"


    Shamiran smiled as she spoke, "Nothing much mother just Ryuu''s sword."


    Ryuu simply rubbed the small sword tattoo at the palm of his arm as the others wondered how does a weapon change into a tattoo of all things, as he took his seat Maheswara spoke in a jovial tone, "So child what do you wanted to speak about child?"


    Ryuu took a sharp intake of breath as he spoke, "Teacher I wish to....."

 297 Black Dragon Army Part-3

    Nuwa spoke with hurriedly as soon as Ryuu put up his request, "NO absolutely not we forbid you."


    Ryuu looked disheartened at that as he spoke, "But teacher."


    Nuwa shook her head as she spoke, "No means no."


    Shamiran sighed as she spoke, "Mother you are overreacting too much, Ryuu is not only old enough but strong enough to handle most of the things that he will be facing."


    Sylvana nodded at that as she spoke, "I concur with sister, mother he can take care of himself he is not only old enough but strong as well as such I do not see any problem in him joining the army."


    Maheswara nodded at that as he spoke, "You know they have a poi��.", his voice choked under the combined glare of his wives as he turned towards Ryuu as he spoke, "Well young man it is good to be ambitious but unfortunately you are too young and inexperienced as such you are to listen to your teachers and stay at home."


    Only to receive a deadpanned stare from his daughter as well as his student as Shamiran spoke with a sigh, "Ryuu needs to gain experience, people of his level have already gained ton of experience because of their age which Ryuu fails greatly at that, by allowing him to join the army it would benefit him greatly it will him to act in various situation in a calm and collected mind."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "So true I believe it will help me greatly so please teachers."


    Sylvana: "Plus you all forgot about the pact which forces Ryuu to join the army but if he were to go now at least he will have easier assignment rather compared to if he joins much later, but if you all still insist then we can violate the treaty and I doubt anyone would openly criticize you but your reputation will not only take a big hit and Ryuu being the even loyal disciple will foolishly try restoring your honor and give more ammunition to our enemies to harm him as such I humbly request that please let Ryuu join the army."


    Veena sighed as she rubbed her forehead at that Sylvana had put forth a rather convincing argument at that and she knew if such a problem arise Antariskh will feel the major brunt of it as she is the current face of Shangri-la not to mention she was planning to hand over Shangri-la to Ryuu, then he would be looked down upon and suffer problems because of it, and he knew Ryuu would then take the matter on to his own hand and if he were to join the later assignments and mission to tend to be even more harder for higher level cultivator and if they could pull some string hmmm decision decisions.


    Nuwa let out a sigh before she spoke, "Well then we would allow you Ryuu, just promise us if there is any problem and by any we meant any then you would contact us immediately and we would resolve it with post haste."


    Ryuu simply bowed towards her as he spoke, "Thank you teachers."


    Maheswara simply let out a loud laugh as he spoke, "There is no need to thank me at all child we are always there for you.", causing Ryuu to smile at that.


    Menawhile Antariksh was going through some of the reports as a group of people were sitting across her, she let out a sigh as she read a report, ''Another frontier kingdom allied with us is dead, and this flag I have never seen this before.''


    She turned towards Bakhtyar as she spoke, "Sorry fellow Daoist but I cannot identify any group with this one after all it is pretty generic."


    Bakhtyar nodded at that as he let out a tired sigh as he spoke, "Yes that is the man concern for us, there are plenty of groups with similar insignia but they are all smaller and they do not have manpower or power to pull this much unprecedented damage."


    Khygnos rubbed her forehead as she spoke, "This ''Black Dragon Army'' is destroying our entire eastern front, and how are you not able to detect them yet, whenever they are arriving via conduit."


    Bakhtyar bit his lips as he spoke, "I believe we have a traitor amongst us someone who is helping them by sabotaging our early warning system as such is always let in issuing a warning, it is extremely frustrating."


    Bakhtyar then turned towards another person who was covered with a red robe which even covered the person''s face making too difficult to even discern the person''s gender and the distorted voice of the person was of no help at all as the Supreme Leader of the Army of Cultivators of Manushya look spoke, "What is the status of the research."


    The person shook his/her head as a distorted voice replied to his question, "We have yet to make any discoveries regarding it at the moment and no matter what we do it is like trying to find our way through a maze while being deaf, dumb and blind."


    Many sighed at that tiredly as Antariksh watched the picture of the flag flying high in the air, the flag pole looked as if it was curved out of bone and planted atop a flag stand made up of skulls as she spoke, "Well then it is unfortunate that there is no way for us to find out how they are creating a conduit, but I hope ....."


    Beofr she could speak a guard suddenly burst into the meeting room occupied by representatives of the top powers of their realm, normally such interruption was awarded by harsh punishment but the current look on his face deterred them from taking any action against him as he spoke, "Your Lordships I bring NEWS."


    One of them spoke with a huff, "Out with it."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    The man still kneeling as he cupped his hand forward spoke hurriedly knowing the patience of the people present were not that great, "Sir, another attack just happened but this time we have a survivor, she is terrified but we have brought her here she has details regarding the attack."


    Everyone looked at the person in question before Khygnos spoke with a hum, "So bring that young lady here if she is able to we would like some question."


    The guard simply bowed as he left hurriedly and soon a young child no older than six was brought in front of them, but before anyone could speak anything the person in robes screamed loudly at the guards, "YOU COLOSSAL FOOL.", as soon as the person reached the girl he pulled out something akin to a wraith as the girl collapsed as if her string had been cut, whereas the others quickly took battle stances.


    "Uahahahaha, I the Supreme Emperor have arrived bow to me peasants.", an arrogant voice came to their ears as the guards collapsed on the ground as the turned to pile of blood and bones whereas the robbed person jumped back to his/her previous position. They were greeted by person dressed like a Royalty as he stepped inside with an army filled with Dark Armored beings of various shapes and sizes carrying the insignia of Black Dragon Army.


    As Antariskh let out a bone chilling giggle as she spoke with a dangerous glint in her eyes, "My my I was about to go and visit my baby brother but you have delayed oh well I will make you cry for your mommy now.", many simply snorted at that but their intention were simple and same cut down the intruders.

 298 Black Dragon Army Part-4

    Antariksh simply shifted her head sideways towards left lazily as the spear missed her head as she simply grabbed it by her right hand and sending a kick to the attacker with enough force to turn the person into mist of blood as she sneered inwardly at that, ''Weak so pathetically weak that they should have been punished for being such a burden, and to send such weaklings to confront us are they mocking us, how dare they insult us by making us face such miserable��..'', she let out a tired sigh as she cut down another who simply died in an extremely gory manner as the persons innards and blood sprayed around the place as she mused inwardly, ''Even with all the chaos the person who strutted in like a peacock did not even move and this people no beings all of them died so easily and spraying so much blood and guts but why?''


    Her eyes widen as a chilling realization dawned upon her, ''Do not tell me they are trying to poison us or do something like that'', she turned towards her fellow cultivator with intent to warn them but to was too late as one of the shouted out with anger in his voice, "You weakling cur die knowing that your foolhardiness caused your pathetic self''s death."


    With that he released the full might of his cultivation along with many other who followed suit and as soon the invaders except the smiling commander who did not even move from his position who simply clapped at that as he spoke in a mocking tone, "Wow such might heroic beings you all are my army is gone and I am so scared."


    One of the cultivator stepped forward as she spoke, "Since you are still here I believe it is time for you to receive a head cut."


    The man smiled at that as he spoke, "How about ''no'' because if I were you I should be writing my will after all you all are going to die in a few minute."


    Khygnos sighed at that as she spoke, "Those weaklings were not here to kill us in a fair fight am I right?"


    Antariksh frowned at that as she spoke, "Well since they died in a rather gory fashion I can hazard a guess that after their death they released something extremely dangerous as well as poisonous if I am not wrong."


    The person looked at the duo in question before he let out a loud laugh as he spoke, "As expected of the First Supreme General Lady Khygnos you really are keened us and sharp, and it seems that the sister of your successor had also caught onto the ploy fairly well within a few seconds it is really amazing Lady Antariksh, although you must be frustrated having all those nincompoops surrounding you attacking without even thinking twice before long they got poisoned whose effect should start right about now."


    As soon as the person spoke every person who were present except a handful vomited blood and collapsed where the others looked as if they were barely holding on with their will power as Khygnos spoke her tone full of anger not at the person in front but at her own allies for rushing head first with arrogance without thinking of consequences and most importantly underestimating their opponents a very disgraceful behavior, she let out a deep breath before she turned towards Antariskh as she spoke with a small smile, "So shall we my dear niece."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    Antariskh returned her smile with one of her own as she spoke, "I would love to my dear aunty."


    The man simply snorted at that as he gloated in front of everyone, "Stop trying to act so tough, I know you all have been poisoned recently, a poison that affects your Ki system as it corrodes and eats you at your core also the more you use Ki the greater the damage will be and the faster you will die as such try to attack me foolishly, please try I would at least receive some modicum of pleasure at the futile attempt at my life, although I am disappointed at seeing the previous Supreme Generals Sylvana is missing, perhaps she is busy with your spawner''s newest disciple what was its name again ah Ryuu, I wonder what would your spawner''s face be when I bring a broken and beaten body of it in front of them and slit its throat, hmmm something I would pay a lot to see."


    Antariskh snorted at that as she spoke, "You kill Ryuu please do not make me laugh, a coward who is hiding behind a puppet is not even worthy to breath in the same air as Ryuu."


    The man simply stood there before he let lose an insane laughter as he spoke, "You lady are a riot, you will be dead within a few minutes and still you are good at making jokes like this."


    Antariskh simply smiled at that as a voice came from behind the man, "Send greetings to your creator from me.", with that halberd with greenish flames stabbed the person from the back as it burst into flames and tuned to ash within a blink of an eye with an expression of disbelief written on his face, the man snorted at that as he spoke in a tone filled with disgust, "Weak!"


    Khygnos snorted at that as she spoke, "Took you long time Bhaktyar, you are getting slower."


    Bakhtyar simply gave a short bow towards her as he spoke, "I apologies for the delay."


    Khygnos then turned towards other cultivators as she spoke with mirth shining in her eyes as she spoke, "Do not tell me you lot have fallen in love with the ground."


    A small chuckle was heard which turned to a full blown laughter as many of those lying on the ground stood up as Antariskh shook her head with a small smile tugging on her lips as Netik spoke with a small smile on his lips, "Aunty Khygnos your strategy is still impeccable, to lower an enemies guard like that, although it seems some of our allies still failed to follow your instruction."


    Khygnos simply giggled at that as she spoke, "Well it cannot be helped some people have such big egos that it makes it extremely difficult to follow a feeble old lady''s instruction."


    Bakhtyar simply spoke with a grunt, "General, please you feeble? Do not joke like that."


    Khygnos gave a mock glare towards Bakhtyar as she spoke, "I am retired dear as such stop calling me General."


    Bakhtyar shook his head as he spoke, "To me you will always my General who lead me all those years ago."


    Khygnos turned towards Antariskh as she spoke, "It seems you were able to catch on even before I said anything."


    Antariksh gave a small smile at that as Khygnos turned towards the cultivator who had gotten themselves poisoned or were injured as she looked at them with contempt before she turned towards Bakhtyar as she spoke, "Get those things treated.", many who heard her voice winced at that, it was well known that Lady Khygnos despite her friendly nature had a temper and had a great dislike for incompetence to those cultivatrs who failed to react despite her warning held nothing but contempt after all it was a matter of great shame to be caught flat footed by cultivators so much weaker than them.


    Neatch: "So what do we do now?"


    Bakhtyar frowned as he spoke, "Well this was no mere attack it was a way of saying that they are throwing down the glove not to mention how did that bait managed to arrive here without being detected by others, not to mention I have a nagging feeling that there was more to this farce of an attack.", others simply nodded at his assessment while the injured cultivators were carried away.

 299 First Day at the ARMY Part-1

    Ryuu let out a sigh as he replied back to Nuwa, "Yes teacher, I have packed that also."


    Nuwa nodded at that before she spoke, "Did you pack the fresh clean��"


    Ryuu: "yes I did teacher in fact it was 3rd mistress who packed my clothes, well about 500 different sets."


    Nuwa frowned at that as she spoke, "that would not do, what if they get destroyed and ��"


    Ryuu raised her hand to placate her as he spoke, "You do not have to worry about that 2nd mistress the clothes are specially made and extremely durable and if at all I need I can contact you all right.", he finished with a strained smile, he did not know what to feel about except being annoyed extremely so as all of his teachers well except Maheswara had been checking on him individually and helping him pack his stuff, well it could be said Ryuu now had enough to sustain an army for years if not decade from the stuff that his masters packed for him, he had wanted to ask help from Maheswara but unfortunately he suddenly had the urge to enter closed door meditation, as for his older sisters ''nuff said about them as he caught the snicker as well as prompting to their mothers about things they might have missed, there will be reckoning one day there will be.


    Antariskh had arrived a few hours later as she stepped in her normally divine face had a slight scowl on it, Maheswara who had managed to end the meditation because he felt ''bored'' stepped forward to greet her first but seeing the frown on her daughters face he frowned as he spoke, "Child is something wrong.", but Antariskh did not pay any attention to him causing him to frown harder as she spoke in a stern voice, "Is something wrong, Antariskh?"


    Antariskh was broken from her musing by her father''s voice as she spoke with a small smile, "Oh nothing father, I was just thinking about something."


    Sylvana who was nearby spoke with a concern tone in her voice, "What happened weren''t you busy with the security meeting?"


    Antariksh send her a slight glare as she spoke, "A meeting that you were absent from."


    Sylvana snorted at that as she spoke, "I am retired as such I do not have to come out of my retirement until and unless a very severe threat surfaces as such I can also choose to be absent for some small meeting unlike you."


    Antariskh sighed at that as she knew that her sister was right even if she was twisting the law a bit, she sighed as she spoke, "Tension has been rising near the borders as multiple cities had been laid to waste by an army with bearing the insignia of a black dragon as such they are aptly named ''Black Dragon army'', they way they are methods of attacking has handiwork of Preta lok written all over it but most importantly they are moving by creating and manipulating conduits as such it is becoming dangerous to detect them."


    By then her entire family was nearby as Veena spoke with a frown, "Did the Research Division not create a means to detect the opening and formation of conduits?"


    Antariskh sighed as she spoke, "Well they did but unfortunately someone had betrayed and had revealed sensitive data that made those things useless, not only that but today we suffered an attack by the Black Dragon army during the meeting."


    At that everyone''s eyes widen as Antariskh recalled everything she had learned as Ryuu felt a phantom pain on his chest the incident upon hearing how the attackers had died and had spread toxins in order to ahrm them, upon hearing the incident it reminded him of another that happened long time ago.


    Maheswara frowned at that as he spoke, "That is troublesome."


    Ryuu raised his hand as he spoke with an unsure tone, "Why is it so alarming that the meeting place got attacked?"


    Celestia, "Well you see Ryuu the place where the meeting takes place its location is always changing and is only known to people that are allowed to be present during the meeting as well as some necessary personnel needed for the smooth operation of that place, not to mention the arrays present around that place prevents any unauthorized entry though it might not compare to the security of Ayindril but it is damn good one."


    Ryuu now understood the significance of the matter the place where no one could simply teleport enter so easily being invaded by teleporting an entire army was troubling indeed as Nuwa spoke with a sigh, "Ryuu it seems that some unexpected situation has occurred and until your older sisters have finished sorting out the mess, you will go back to your room unpack your stuff and meet us at our us at our usual place.", she finished with a kind smile.


    Ryuu looked as if he was struck by his teacher as he immediately protested, "But, teacher I��."


    Only for his air to get tousled by Celestia as she spoke, "Ryuu did you not hear what she said or do no tell me you want another super duper rare training session with Me.", she gave him an innocent smile that send shivers down his spine as his older sisters and Maheswara send him pitying glance.


    Ryuu shook his head so fast that many feared it might become lose as he spoke with a gulp, "Actually I was saying there is so much to unpack and it would take some time so by what time should I get to my training place."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    Antariskh sighed at that as she spoke in a serious tone, "Tell you what Ryuu since you will not be joining the army for a very long time you will have plenty of time to unpack so why don''t you go and prepare for your lesson with mother and unpack later."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Well that is an excellent idea, and then if there is nothing more I will take my leave teachers.", and with their permission a gloomy hearted Ryuu left the place.


    It was around mid night as he laid on his bed Ryuu let out a sad tired sigh as he stared at the ceiling, for a cultivator like him who could spend years without even needing to sleep, trying to sleep like a civilian was nothing but an useless vain feeling, he was really depressed today he was about to join the army he really wanted to but because of some wannabe terrorist he lost the chance, oh how he would throttle the terrorist if he ever got his hands on him, he wil��.. his dark musings was cut short upon hearing a whistle as he looked to the window he was greeted with the smiling visage of Sylvana.


    Ryuu quickly stood up from his bed as he made his way to the window as he spoke, "Big sister why are here at the window please come inside."


    Sylvana spoke in a serious tone, "Brother do you wish to join the army tell me truth now."


    Seeing her stern expression Ryuu gulped as he spoke, "Of course I would, but why are you asking? Teacher already revoked my permission."


    Sylvana: "You do not need to worry about that we will get our parents to agree with you but it would take years for that to happen and fortunately for you I have a plan."


    A sudden of voice clearing drew attention towards another person who was none other than Shamiran who spoke with growl, "I believe that it was I who concocted the plan."


    Sylvana gave a sheepish smile as she spoke, "Well yes but Ryuu before we tell you the plan I will give you a word of wisdom.", upon hearing that Ryuu gulped fantasizing about the wisdom he was about to receive from them as she spoke again, "Well sometimes it is wise to just ask for forgiveness after the deed is done."


    Shamiran continued on behalf of her sister as she spoke, "In other words we are helping you to escape and join the army."


    Ryuu frowned at that as he spoke, "But what about teachers they for��"


    Shamiran placed a hand on his shoulder as she spoke, "Nonsense Ryuu, did I not tell you that sometimes it is fine to just ask for forgiveness as the deadis done, so come let us leave."


    A giddy Ryuu nodded as he climbed out through the window as he thought, ''I always wanted to help someone escape through the window in a sneaky manner now one of my dreams are getting fulfilled to some extent.''


    As the trio left a figure looked at them from a distance as she thought with a frown, ''You colossal idiot, you all seem to forget about the punishment that was dished out to us a few decades ago and if you so badly want an reenactment of that then sorry sisters but you all are on your own.''

 300 First Day at the ARMY Part-2

    Nuwa growled as she heard about the latest escapade of her daughters and her disciple whom she saw as her second son, as she paced up and down the room in anger Antariskh cleared her throat drawing attention towards herself as she spoke, "Mothers and Father I know you are angry, but I hope you are lenient on Ryuu to after all it was my two younger sisters who were the master mind about the plot so please do not get angry at him."


    Nuwa let out a sigh at that as Veena spoke tiredly, "Child we are not angry at Ryuu just a bit disappointed at the same time we do not blame him for it as we know how persuasive they can be but I am disappointed at the fact that he gave into his temptations so easily."


    Celestia nodded in agreement before she spoke with her eyes narrowed at Antariskh, "What is you angle in this Antariskh I know you are not the one to so easily leave your sisters side?"


    Antariskh gave a small smile at that as she spoke, "Well you see I am a bit miffed at them not including their plot but more importantly I felt it was extremely foolish for them to do so."


    Maheswara frowned at that as he spoke, "What do you mean by that child? And why is it foolish?"


    Antariskh replied back with a chesire grin on her face as she replied back to him, "Pretty simple I would have taken him with proper permission, hell I was busy preparing a nice argument for it."


    Nuwa rolled her eyes at that as she spoke, "A permission we would have not given you no matter how hard you tried but humor us Antariksh what argument are you going to give to us."


    Antariskh smile grew wider at that as she spoke, "Thank you mother, my argument no rather I have a question for all of you."


    Veena frowned at that, ''she was unable to understand what her daughter was planning'', as she replied back to her, "What question dear?"


    Antariksh took a deep breath as her smilingface had a stern look on her face as she spoke, "How long do you plan to confine Ryuu in his prison?"


    Her parents were taken aback at that as Celestia spoke in disbelief at that, "What are you spouting child are you touched in the head?"


    Antariskh glared at them as she spoke, "I am pretty fine, but have you seen him when we were his age, we had plenty of friends and we still have but he DOES NOT HAVE ONE, not a single friend, a person of his age and status his entire world is made up of only seven living person SEVEN!, so if it is not a prison then what?"


    The others were shocked at her outburst as Maheswara replied to her in a placating tone, "You surely are exaggerating at that, what about that boy Cezary he seemed quite closed to him."


    Antariskh scoffed at that as she spoke, "Father tell me something honestly do you believe if Ryuu was not your student, if Ryuu did not have the same Divine Body as big brother, would they even spare a glance much less speak with him, please be honest with me father."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    Maheswara was tongue tied at that as he did not have any answer so was her wives as Antariksh let out a tired sigh as she spoke, "The only time he had managed to get something closest to friendship was when he stepped outside for a few weeks or months at best that is it."


    Veena scowled at her as she spoke, "I am surprised to hear you speak something like this when you yourself killed his friends all those years ago."


    Antariskh frowned at that as she spoke in a confused tone, "I killed who now? Sorry I do not remember something like that."


    Veena gave a tired sigh as she spoke, "You do not remember the village you got killed which ultimately led Ryuu to gain enlightenment in the Dao of Asura."


    Antariskh eyes widen before she had a deadpanned expression on her face as she spoke, "Really mother them, a pathetic leaches who would not live past a few decades them I do not recall you being angry at their death and I know you well enough to know that you would disapprove of them becoming friends to Ryuu as it would perfect imitation of pearl before swine."


    Veena simply blushed at the implication of what her daughter said after all she was right having her student whom she loved like her own son being close friends with some mortals who would not even live a century would only make Ryuu heartbroken upon their timely death as such it was something she never wanted.


    Antariskh decided to press on at as she spoke, "Our world is treacherous and dangerous as such even if we are having his back, even if we have allies I want him to have someone to fall back to like our friends like Pangu''s friends at least he will have some support then, I know my plan is not fool proof but things change a lot we met most if not all of our friends during our time adventuring we went to so many adventures together, I want Ryuu to have similar experience where he can laugh and dance and joke around with his friends without a care in the world, if I Antriskh cannot even provide that to my baby brother I have no right to call him as such."


    The passion in her voice made them to think and before long they reluctantly agreed as Antariskh had a big smile on her face before she frowned at that as she spoke, "However I think instead of going through proper channels my beloved sisters did something incredibly reckless as such I believe they should punished for their dead."


    Celestia nodded at that as she spoke, "Well do not worry we will deal with them."


    Antariksh had a small smile on her face, ''Serves them right trying to outshine in front of baby brother like that.''


    Meanwhile back at a certain army camp recruitment camp, a massive line had formed some of the people were waiting for days in that line for the time for the recruitment exam to begin to many it was chance to achieve glory honor but most importantly resources, yes resources for cultivation as long as one showed talent they could receive resources for free and much more.


    Suddenly there was a commotion as a carriage surrounded by guards looked to have been suddenly appeared as couple of man stepped outside one of them wearing armor as he slapped the back of the younger man hard while laughing before he led him inside.


    One of the future recruit who was standing near a soldier spoke to him, "Hey man who are those and why were you saluting them


    The man in armor gave annoyed snort as he spoke, "That person in armor to whom I was saluting is our Supreme General and as for the other person no idea he must be a special candidate."


    The man who was asking question snarled at that as he spoke, "I told you corrupt the lots of them are corrupt showing special favor to special few.", he send a hateful glare at door through which the duo passed.


    The soldier chuckled at that as he spoke, "Ah and yet here you are enlisting for resources nothing more nothing less, not because of some sense of justice or honor but a meager glory hound who simply joined for resources right.", he finished with a small smile as the person turned red with embarrassment as he continued, "The special candidate unlike you will never receive no resources nothing and unlike you who had choices he is forced to work for us without anything at all, so shut up or scram.", he finished the sentence with loads of killing intent.

 301 First Day at the ARMY Part-3

    Ryuu silently followed after the Bakhtyar as he took him inside the testing center, which so happened to be the place where registration of new recruitment took place, as they entered Bakhtyar turned as he spoke, "Can you lower the level of attraction."


    Ryuu was stunned before he understood what Baktyar meant as he replied back sheepishly, "Well Sir, I am still learning but if you give me enough time I can create some Arrays that will further help me with this."


    Bakhtyar shook his head as he spoke, "First lesson, always be ready for the unexpected.", with that he threw a mask towards Ryuu as he spoke, "Here take this I so do not want my over security getting overtaxed by some love crazed buffoons, so until and unless you find a more pleasant and permanent solution you will wear this."


    Ryuu let out a tired sigh as the black colored mask with golden design on it promptly placed over his face as he wordlessly followed after Bakhtyar.


    As Ryuu followed after his future superior he saw many of his superior''s subordinates bowing to him, as he approached a room they were greeted by a person and judging from the person''s aura he was only a peak level Golden Immortal cultivator.


    The man bowed as he spoke, "Sir, how may I be of help?"


    Bakhtyar spoke in a tone that reminded Ryuu of his sisters, "Special candidate get him registered NOW!"


    The man bowed as he escorted Ryuu, towards a spherical object floating atop a stand, he introduced his KI into it which made it glow green briefly before he told Ryuu to place a drop of his blood on a top of a round sphere, causing Ryuu to frown at that as Bakhtyar spoke with a small smile on his face, "You have a good head kid, you did not obey his orders and given your blood without a thought as it can be dangerous but you do not need to worry about that here, now please proceed."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he let a single drop of his blood fall on the sphere, which promptly glowed and as the person overseeing was about to see the results Bahtyar appeared by his side as he spoke, "Move I will do the rest."


    The man bowed as he left leaving Bakhtyar with the results as he looked at it briefly before dispelling it as he spoke, "Well welcome to the army Kid, I hope you have a pleasant stay with us."


    Ryuu did not know how to reply as he simply saluted as he spoke, "Thank you Sir, for you giving me the chance."


    Bakhtyar gave a small smile as he spoke, "Nonsense, you have rightfully earned this place through your strength and still I cannot believe your results even after I seen it with my own eyes, though I hope you will not fall asleep like the na?ve kid I met all those years ago."


    Ryuu blushed in embarrassment at that as he spoke, "I am sorry for my disgraceful behavior all those years ago."


    Bakhtiyar simply waved his hands as he started walking again with Ryuu trailing behind him closely but no sooner did they step outside one of the candidates shouted at the top of his voice, "Oi you corrupt bastard, showing favoritism to him, what did he offer to you his mother.", at that many of them started laughing and jeering at them.


    Ryuu did not know if he would feel apocalyptic rage or feel pity for the lack of brain, to insult one''s future boss like that, he never thought he would see some idiot like that, as he mulled over them he remembered an interesting conversation he had once shared with Maheswara.


    ~flashback,


    A 13 year old Ryuu scrunched his face in deep though as he spoke, "Master there is something I do not understand."


    Maheswara looked curiously at Ryuu before as he spoke, "What is that you do not understand my disciple?"


    Ryuu, "Well you see I have met many people who are like ''I am the greatest think and bow to me'', but at the end of the day they are nothing but bully who prey on the weak with ego bigger than a planet but at the same time they are nothing extraordinary."


    Maheswara nodded at that as he replied to Ryuu, "Well you see power and fame can easily corrupt someone, most of this people you see are simply unfortunate people who are like toad in a well who think they have seen the entire world and are the strongest, well in a way they are not wrong after all inside that well they are strongest and inside that well they know everything, but when they are introduced in a bigger and more treacherous environment they falter, similar are the case of those people you had the misfortune to meet who thought themselves as undefeated but when faced with stronger foes they crumbled."


    Bakhtyar looked at Ryuu as he spoke, "Are you not going those mutts down? After such a comment I thought you would kill them."


    Ryuu simply tilted his head as he replied back, "Well I would love to but I have yet to understand why they are barking so much and also why should human such as I return the favor by biting back the runt of the litter who tried to bit me."


    At that those people jeering were turned red with anger and embarrassment as one of them spoke, "Come and say it to my face and I will flay you alive."


    The Guard nearest to him was about to hit the person in question only to be stopped by Bakhtyar who spoke in jovial tone, "Wait wait, seems like there are so many hot blooded heroes, so Ryuu why don''t you test them it seems like this fine hot blooded idiots believe they are king of the world, I think you should show they there proper places."


    The person in question shook in anger as he shouted out at the top of his voice, "HOW DARE YOU DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM, I AM THE ��."


    Ryuu sighed as he replied to him with a wave of his hand, "An idiot whom everyone will forget about the very next day.", his casual dismissal made the person further incensed at that as he shook in anger even more.


    Bakhtiyar hummed in thought as he spoke, "You lots want to prove yourself right? So how about it, you defeat him and you will get his spot."


    The man gave a smirk as he spoke with disdain in his voice, "That is too easy."


    Ryuu felt a small headache at that he really hated bullying the weak but if someone wants to die well what else could he do but help him pass on sometimes well most of the times, as he spoke, "Well as much as I would like to even the playing field with some handicap."


    Bakhtiyar nodded at that as he spoke, "I suppose you could."


    Again the man shouted out loud, "YOU DAMNED CORRUPT BASTARD I WILL HAVE YOU FAYED ALIVE FOR YOUR INSOLENCE��"


    Bakhtyar turned to him as he snarled the air burned around him as all chattering stopped, "SHUT UP LOWBORN RUNT", his voice and a healthy dose of his killing intent had managed to strike fear in most of people as he spoke, "You mongrel gather as many people as you can and can attack him in any number Ryuu will fight alone, is this acceptable to you Ryuu?"


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Of course I just hope he has more bite than bark, Sir."


    Bakhtyar snorted at that as he spoke, "Sorry I hope you will not die of boredom."


    Ryuu smiled beneath the mask as he stepped forward to answer the challenge where as his enemy simply ranted about something which he did not pay any head to as he watched a dozen of his cronies leaped in to action as he watched them he frowned, ''My first battle after so long and they are so pathetically weak at the best the strongest is only a level 2 Immortal.'', Ryuu let out a tired sigh as he looked up at the sky contemplating the meaning of his life.


    "Oi Ryuu we have places to be so hurry up.", the sound of his Leader jolted him awake from his inner philosophical debate as he looked forward to see destroyed surrounding as the person and his cronies lying on the ground panting heavily as he spoke in a confused tone, "What are you?"


    Ryuu looked at him the person could feel the utter loathing and revulsion the eyes that was behind the mask held towards him, HIM the Prince yet he could not help but shrink underneath the gaze.


    Ryuu sighed as he looked at him as he thought, ''How boring, utterly boring I did not even feel when they attacked me, it is so very boring that I might die from it.''


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    Bakhtyar looked at Ryuu quite pleased at his display he was strong stronger than any normal soldier of his level, maybe stronger than even him when he was at that level, as expected of Sylvana''s brother he does his teachers proud, he cleared his throat drawing attention towards him as he spoke, "Ryuu, if you do not mind I want to see a glimpse of your skills with Array."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Supreme General Sir, what punishment should I administer to such scum."


    Baktyar hummed in thought as he spoke, "Cripple them to the point they would have to spend the rest of their pathetic lives on bed with extreme agony and also make sure that such worthless beings do not propagate."


    Ryuu nodded then he did something that stunned even Bakhtyar, he raised his hand as he waved them in the air, a large Array circle started forming as Ryuu spoke, "Judging by your aura you must be 120 years old and only a 2nd rank Immortal level cultivator, it brings my memory of the time when I became an Immortal at the age 16.", this caused everyone except Bakhtyar''s eyes to open wide as he kept on speaking nonchalantly, "Currently I am a peak level Mystic Immortal Sword Emperor, you foolish mongrels NOW YOUR PLACE!!!!"


    With that he flung the Array which broke and then it entered into the body of the people who had just challenged him as every other future recruits watched with eyes open wide in terror as the group who challenged Ryuu was turned cripple in every sense of the word.


    Bakhtyarlooked intently at Ryuu as he thought, ''I see so he is a ''Legacy Disciple'', how very interesting'', he cleared his throat as he shouted at the top of his voice, "YOU MORONS WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR, THEY OPENLY CHALLENGED MY HONOR AND OUR ENTIRE ARMY NO OUR FAMILIES HONOR AND YOU WILL ALLOW THIS MONGRELS TO SPEAK ILL OF US OR MAKE AN EXAMPLE OF THE MUTT AND HIS BRETHREN."


    With a chorus of various ''Yes Sirs'' many dragged the so called prince and his cronies and left to educate masses on the horrors of insulting them as Ryuu followed after Bakhtyar as he mused, ''It was good I have some control over Asura Dao or I might have wiped out all the recruit in feat of my anger.''

 302 First Day at the ARMY Part-4

    Ryuu gawked at Bakhtyar who loved boisterously at the disbelief written on his face as he spoke while wheezing, "Yes my dear subordinate your older sister did write an extensive research paper on Psychology of People belonging to the group you christened as ''Idiot Corporations.'', after all power corrupts Ryuu, every cultivator has some amount of pride and ego, I myself once suffered as such, I was the best of the best an invincible being who should have everything, that used to be my outlook on life, on myself once upon a time until your sister beat it out of me for that I am grateful to her."


    Bakhtyar had a faraway look in his eyes before he turned to Ryuu as he spoke, "Well you are lot better than them, than me lad, you will do wonders.", then all of a sudden his face hardened as he spoke, "Ryuu army life is a very hard one, whether you are the soldiers who will be fighting in the battlefield, or the commander who is not only responsible for lives of his/her subordinates but also partake in the various choices."


    Ryuu looked confused at that as he spoke, "Choices???"


    Bakhtyar nodded at that as he let out a tired sigh, "Ryuu, you cannot save everyone no matter how hard you try and sometimes the choices we make, the so called necessary evil may force you to sometimes treat your subordinates, your soldier, your family as mere pawns for the benefit of the mass as such you have to make decisions that will haunt you for the rest of your days.", Ryuu gulped at seeing the somber tone of Bakhtyar.


    Ryuu felt himself incredibly lucky at having a chance to converse with someone of Bakhtyar''s status, and he knew that it was only possible because of his big sister and he also knew the incredible hard life of the people in the army, from reading as well as getting a small glance of it through his previous incarnation, but he had to be strong as such he had to take drastic measures.


    Bakhtyar escorted Ryuu to a camp, which would be his home for a few decades, as they approached they were greeted by the entire camp who had quickly formed line and stood in orderly fashion as they stepped out of the carriage a group of people in armor appeared, Ryuu noted that unlike others who had worn silver colored armor with golden outlines this group of four seemed to have much more richly decorated armor except the one at the front who had a pair of large plume of red feather jutting out from the helmet.


    Bakhtyar nodded at that pleased upon seeing his army well disciplined as he spoke with a smile, "It has been a while Major Frank Ase, how have you been?"


    Frank bowed to him as he replied, "I have been good your grace, how may I serve you?"


    Bakhtyar gave a small smile at that as he spoke, "This is Ryuu a Special Cadet, whom I am placing under your command."


    Frank nodded at that as he spoke, "Will I test him Your Lordship?"


    Bakhtyar looked as if he was tad bit insulted as he spoke, "Of course you will it is written at the law for Special Cadets, and if you find him lacking you may throw him out, well now since I am incredibly busy I will take my leave.", with that he left leaving behind Ryuu along with the entire army of 20,000 looking at him curiously.


    Ryuu gave a short bow as he spoke, "Greetings senior."


    Frank snorted at that as he spoke, "Call me Major from now on and Cadet Ryuu follow me to the training ground."


    Ryuu nodded as he followed after him, as he was walking towards the training ground, he found himself under the crosshair of every soldier present who were looking at him rather intently, making him feel nervous.


    As they entered the training ground, a chair was brought near the edge of the training ground which was promptly occupied by Frank who spoke with a small smile on his face, "Captain Siri Forde, duel with him, the rules are simple until unconscious or giving up, no permanent maiming or death."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    A woman who was standing behind Frank in a guarding position stepped forward as she stood in front of Ryuu waiting for the duel to begin with a spear in her hand as Frank spoke with a smile, "Begin at your discretion."


    9th ranked Mystic Immortal Level aura clashed amongst themselves trying to overpower each other before a sword and spear met each other causing the ground the crack as the wind howled in fury, as the sky seemed to split itself apart.


    Meanwhile back in Ayindril, both Shamiran and Sylvana were kneeling in front of their parents as they glared at them while Antariksh who was sitting at the side was enjoying the predicament with a bowl full of exotic fruit by her side, relishing the moment.


    Maheswara had a rather angry look at his face as he spoke, "How dare you two defy our wish and where is that good for nothing disciple."


    Both the sisters winced at the rather harsh tone of their father as Shamiran replied to him, "Father, please forgive us for our impudence but please Ryuu is innocent in this matter he has nothing to do."


    Celestia snorted at that as she spoke, "I believe we have been too lenient with him and it is time we discipline him.", her aura increased at that as both the sisters bit back a swear at that.


    Sylvana knew there will be going to be some problem but she did not want Ryuu to get caught in this as she spoke, "Mother if someone needs to be punished it is us, we tempted him and help him join the army."


    Veena, "A likely story, but most importantly you all are guilty by association at the very least."


    Both Shamiran and Sylvana felt dread at that as Sylvana turned towards Antariskh as she spoke, "Sister help us."


    Antariskh simply gave them a coy smile as she spoke, "Nope, you two hid your plan from me and now you must pay the price I am not helping you."


    Sylvana gritted her teeth at that as Shamiran spoke with a sigh, "Well since you all are so adamant in knowing why we did it, it is because ..."


    Nuwa scowled as she spoke, "No one wants hear your pathetic attempt at lying."


    Shamiran peeked at her eldest sister before her face turned into a scowl as she spoke, "So you all do not want to know the fact that we wanted to at least help a gut escape from their prison just like on those novels then it is fine by me but I managed to complete my bucket list at least."


    At that everyone looked at her as if she had grown a second head only for her to stand up from her kneeling position as she spoke with a bit of disdain in her voice, "Did you think I could not detect your charade and if I am not wrong someone made you agree with Ryuu joining the army and if you were to ask me I would bet on big sister who managed to convince you all."


    Maheswara sighed at that as he spoke while rubbing his face in exasperation, "Told you that it would not work on her."

 303 139th Battalion

    Ryuu parried the spear as it went to skewer which he dodged by simply side stepping before he send a flurry of sword strikes towards her, Siri was able to block most of it, but a few still managed to break through her defense effectively injuring her.


    Frank watched like a hawk at the duel between his subordinate and the new recruit, and so far he was pleased with Ryuu''s result they had yet to use any skills or technique just plain simple duel which Ryuu seemed to be winning so far as he has yet to receive any form injuries so far. He let out a small sigh at that as he mused inwardly, ''The Special Cadets are really something else, I have yet to say that anyone amongst them is a mediocre, they are all better than their normal fellow brothers or sisters in arms, always has been and so far the new recruit looks promising.''


    Siri huffed at as she spoke with a tired sigh, "What level are you in ''Sword Cultivator?"


    Ryuu gave a small smile as he spoke, "I am at Mid Legendary level ma''am."


    At his exclamation everyone was stunned into silence, even the head of their camp before people started shouting in denial, no matter what many may say mastering any Dao that is of Grand level is very difficult and to have mastered one to near Legendary level may not be unheard of but are very difficult to find as there lies a huge chasm between Grandmaster Rank and Legendary level that many may not even cross their entire life.


    Frank raised his hand causing the cacophony to die out as he spoke while leaning forward, "Reaching the Legendary Rank enables one to gain something known as Domain, Ryuu would be kind enough to demonstrate it."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he replied seriously, "It would be my honor Sir, although I would like to point out that I lack proper adequate control over my domain as such I risk harming Lady Siri grievously."


    Frank nodded at that as he spoke, "I would be displeased if I lose one of my best subordinate as such Siri be a dear and stand aside.", upon hearing her orders Siri simply bowed as she went back to stand by Frank''s side as he spoke, "Well Ryuu the field is empty now please."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he held his sword with his hand while he closed his eyes and soon enough the entire world seemed to have disappeared from before, he could not hear anything, nor he could smell anything the only thing that remained was him and his sword nothing else.


    Others looked at him curiously as he suddenly opened his eyes it was as if Ryuu and his sword had become one and the same before he spoke in a deep voice, "Ballad of Blades."


    For a few second nothing happened but then hundreds of spectral swords of all shapes and sizes were flying freely around him in every direction possible encircling in what look to be cocoon of swords, then he raised the sword in his hand as suddenly all the swords stopped before they started rearranging themselves in orderly fashion like troops lining for assault but before he could do anything more Frank clapped his hands drawing everyone''s attention as he spoke, "Enough! That was a marvelous display of your skills, now Siri go and get yourself treated and Ryuu follow me."


    A large sound of glass shattering was heard as the spectral swords disappeared from view while a tired looking Siri left the place with a salute her face devoid of any emotion as left to seek medical help, as Ryuu briefly followed after him as Frank spoke, "Nice fight though both of you held back a lot and fought without using any techniques not to mention the marvelous display, it was a nice duel upon saying that is there any other profession that you follow that I should be wary of."


    Ryuu replied to him in a serious manner, "Well Sir I am proficient in alchemy and in array."


    Frank nodded at that as he spoke with small smile, "Well if you are as good in your professions as you are with your sword then I think I will be blessed, after all no matter how many alchemist, array masters, poison masters or blacksmiths joins us we are always on shortage of fine goods, as such any practitioner of those crafts are always welcomed here."


    Ryuu simply nodded at that as he followed wordlessly as Frank went near a building where he knocked as a man came out who upon seeing Frank saluted as he spoke, "Master Alchemist, a new recruit give him the usual test and if he satisfies you then proceed with much advance tests."


    The man simply nodded at that as Frank spoke, "Well I hope you are able to satisfy my Master Alchemist, I hope to see you in my unit till then."


    Ryuu looked at the hunched back elder standing in front of, as the smell of various medicinal plants entered his nose, although he had a stoic visage on his face inwardly he scrunched up in disgust, ''This filth is master alchemist, how disgraceful.''


    To normal people that kind of smell is testament to hardworking alchemist someone whom others should look up to bit to his teacher that is a very good example of a lazy bum that should be flogged for being such a disgrace after all the one of the most important rules of being an ''Alchemist'' according to his teacher is being always clean, getting the smell of medicinal plants on oneself is a obvious but one should wash himself or herself off as soon possible to prevent the smell from being stuck too much as smell of different medicinal plants causes decrease in quality of a medicine, he himself had to take so many special baths with hard scrubbing since he was young every time he was about to concoct a pill.


    The man in front of him sighed as he spoke, "Stop giving me that look Junior, I am too shorthanded to even have time for my personal grooming and as for the test well you will be helping me and others who are present here, do you have any problem."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No senior."


    The man nodded at that as he turned on his heel as he spoke, "Follow me junior."


    Meanwhile Frank looked at file intently as he skimmed through the information he had just received,


    Name: RYUU


    DATE OF BIRTH: [REDACTED]


    AGE: [REDACTED]


    PARENTS: [REDACTED]


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    CULTIVATION RANK: MYSTIC IMMORTAL EMPEROR


    NOTE: CADET HAS ENLIGHTENMENT IN DAO OF ASURA


    Frank sighed for the nth time, whenever he received any new cadets in his unit he got a similar file, with in depth description about them to the point that they might even have mentioned how many times that person had wet himself as a toddler but this, it was completely and utterly ridiculous they might have never given him anything at all, he would strangled the person who filed the report on Ryuu but alas it came from higher up in chain of command there is nothing he could except grumble about it when he is alone.


    "Sir are going to introduce him to rest of us?", a voice came from one of the darker corner of his office.


    Frank skimmed through his paperwork as he spoke without even looking up from his work, "No until and unless I judge him trustworthy, he will have to deal with the decoy battalion stationed outside, only the best of the best are allowed in, although judging by his strength he has already fulfilled the minimum criteria, let us see about his knowledge and then we will move to other tests.", he finished his sentence with a dissatisfied tone in his voice.


    "Something bothering you Sir?", Frank grumbled as he send a jade slip towards the speaker who promptly read its contents as he spoke out in disbelief, "Is this a joke? Are the higher-ups pulling our legs?"


    Frank snorted at that as he spoke, "Nope and I think it is high time I have a meeting with Lieutenant Colonel on this matter post haste, there are laws in military and they are already stretching too far on this matter."

 304 Zunge Der Wahrheit Part-1

    Frank sat with a stoic face but inwardly he was a bit nervous as he waited to be called into his superior''s office, his superior portrayed himself a kind hearted man but at the same time a very shrews and ruthless than any other he knew, moreover he was about to raise question on his superiors decision on a borderline illegal entrance. As the secretary beckoned him inside the office he stood up from his seat and let out a tired sigh as he entered the room.


    Cezary had a frown on his face as he was going through some paperwork, as Frank stood there for almost a minute in perfect silence before Cezary looked up sparing a glance at him as he spoke with a serious tone in his voice, "Take a seat.", with that he went on with his paperwork.


    As Frank took a seat Cezary spoke without looking up, "I held that post you hold now, you are my successor yet you still suffer from CEZARY-phobia.", Frank let out a nervous laugh as Cezary gave him a small smile as he spoke, "So what can I do for you my old friend."


    Frank let out a sigh as he spoke, "Supreme General brought a special cadet yesterday, and well most of his documents and credentials are blanked out, basically I just know what his name is and nothing else."


    Cezary frowned at that as he spoke, "Do you have those documents?"


    Frank nodded as he handed his superior a jade slip, Cezary''s face went through myriad of emotions as he stood up abruptly barking out an order to his secretary, "Yun, I will be away for a certain business for a few hours.", before he turned towards Frank as he spoke, "I will be going back to camp with you, introduce me as your friend nothing more nothing less."


    Frank frowned at that as he spoke, "Sir is there any problem?"


    Cezary bit his lips as he spoke, "I have met Ryuu before and last I heard he was a 16 year old Immortal that was 30 years ago, 30 years ago when he was viciously attacked and fell comatose and now someone with the same name who looks like him has appeared as a Mystic Immortal Emperor."


    Frank looked alarmed at that as he spoke, "But how? Is there a possibility that those two are different people?"


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    Cezary frowned at that as he replied, "There is but we will get nothing by staying her wasting our time so let us go."


    The Master Alchemist of the 139th battalion was incredibly pleased at the new recruit, not only was his work diligent but to him it looked like an work of an artist, it had been an entire day since he had arrived and he worked tirelessly without any break, he had at first correctly separated and stored all the ingredients in orderly as well as correct fashion, then he managed to prepare ingredients for concoction faster than 10 of his subordinates working together, not to mention when he was asked to concoct pills, 91% purity was that a joke, even after hundred thousand years of experience he could at most get 85% but this child for the first time the Master Alchemist felt old and wanted to pass on his title and retire, he was broken out of his musing as a messenger came forward and stated that the major wanted to see Ryuu on urgent reasons.


    Ryuu sighed as he made his way towards the office of the Major along with the messenger but instead of entering the office he was escorted to a room a near to the office of the Major a brief knock later they were permitted to enter, well more like Ryuu entered as the messenger left after bowing to the person present inside the room.


    As Ryuu entered he was greeted with the smiling face of Cezary causing Ryuu''s widen slightly before he gave a smile of his own, "It has been a while brother Cezary, how have you been?"


    Cezary stood up from his chair as he spoke, "I have been well, but why the mask Ryuu."


    Ryuu gave a sheepish smile as he spoke in an embarrassed tone, "Well you see I cannot control my glamour all too well as such the mask.", Cezary nodded in understanding as he removed the mask.


    Suddenly Frank stood up abruptly as he spoke with a sigh, "Well unfortunately I have work to do so I am sorry I am have to take my leave.", with that he left the room leaving the two behind.


    As Frank left the duo took their respective seats as Cezary spoke with a smile, "I hope you would not mind some alcohol Ryuu?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "Not at all."


    Cezary grinned at that as he spoke, "My, oh my so finally Ryuu has grown up, last time I checked you did not even like its smell."


    Ryuu gave a small smirk at that as he spoke, "So true, but what can I say, I had some truly enlightening experience in recent years."


    Cezary nodded as he poured a glass of wine in both the cups, the aromatic aroma filled the room enticing and seducing Ryuu to take a sip, as Ryuu picked the glass his smile became slightly strained before he schooled his features as he took a sip.


    Ryuu gave a small smile as he spoke, "Nice taste."


    Cezary gave a small smile as he spoke, "Yeah it is, so how have you been Ryuu, last I heard you hard a debacle with some strong cultivator?"


    Ryuu snorted at that as he spoke, "Strong would be underestimating her, from what I have learned she toyed with my teacher and my two eldest sisters before she left."


    Cezary let out a small whistle at that as he spoke, "Damn, I would not want to face her."


    Ryuu looked up as he had a look of nostalgia, "She attacked me, and killed my guard in a blink of an eye, the guards who have always kept an eye on me whenever I went out of Ayindril alone, and saved my life many times and that woman killed them."


    Cezary frowned at that as he spoke, "So you want to revenge?"


    Ryuu almost choked at his drink as he spoke, "You know how to joke, revenge please it would be million years before I believe I will be able to scratch her let alone defeat her as such, such a way of thinking is waste of time."


    Cezary nodded at that as they chatted for a while before Cezary asked him rather curiously, "Hey Ryuu there is something I want to ask you actually how did you increase your cultivation level so fast."


    Ryuu looked into the glass as wine twirled inside it as he spoke, "It was because of that woman she did something to me, I do not know what but action caused me fall comatose and during that period I gained enlightenment in multiple DAOs, sorry I do not know more about it my masters were not forthcoming.", he send an apologetic smile on his face.


    Cezary nodded at that as he sipped his wine as he spoke, "It is a pity, but after that fiasco I never thought that your teachers would let you out from the safety of your home."


    Ryuu gave a nervous laugh as he spoke, "Well I kind of snuck out from Ayindril with the help of big sisters.", Cezary gave him an amused look before he started laughing loudly at that.


    Another half an hour later Ryuu stood up as he was ready to leave as Cezary stood up to bid him farewell, Ryuu suddenly spoke his visage cold as killing intent spike, "You know Cezary I thought you were my friend all those years ago, but currently I was mistaken about."


    Cezary frowned at that as he spoke, "What are you saying Ryuu, I ��."


    Ryuu had an enraged look on his face, "Really now Cezary using the ''Zunge Der Wahrheit'' on me without my permission how could you."


    Cezary looked a tad bit paler at that as he spoke, "What are saying Ryuu they are��."


    Ryuu''s shoulder shook as he let out bellowing laugh as he looked at Cezary he felt a chill down his spine gone were the heterochromatic eyes full of kindness and understanding it was replaced by the eyes of beast full of anger, hatred and madness as he spoke while shaking his finger towards Cezary, "tut, tut Cezary it seems you forgot something vital about me, I am an Alchemist and currently I have a Legendary Tiered enlightenment in the Grand Dao of Alchemy, did you think I would not notice it, your pathetic attempt at drugging me."


    Cezary swallowed hard, he did not know why he suddenly felt fear as a conversation came to his mind, ''Son, I have been friends with Pangu before, people may say he was kind hearted, a messiah blah blah many things but I have seen him, I have seen behind the kind exterior a monster that lurks beneath a very dangerous being that should not be angered and Ryuu is almost as his copy so try not to anger him.''


    Ryuu glared at him as he spoke, "It is true that I have met a tons of people out there, but you know what you were my very first friend I had, when everyone simply wanted to become friends with me just to get near my teachers and sisters but you were different you extended your hands of friendship to me without any ulterior motive, yet today my very first friend betrayed me.", suddenly Ryuu reverted back to normal as he had a small smile on his face.


    Ryuu let out a small sigh as he spoke, "Oh well it was nice knowing you Senior Cezary, goodbye.", with that he turned and started leaving the room.


    As he opened the door to step outside Cezary suddenly spoke, "Ryuu please I just wanted to check if you are an imposter or not, our families are allies please I ��."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Senior, the only family I have is long dead, I am just an orphan child who luckily shared the same Divine body as such my Masters took pity on me and gave me shelter nothing less nothing more and as for the alliance between your family well as I said before it has nothing to do with me, it is between my masters and your family as such I have no say in this matter, well Good Day and Good Bye Senior I have lots of work to do.", with that he left.


    Cezary collapsed on the chair as a single thought came to his mind, ''Damn if the treaty breaks because of me both father and mother will have my hide.''


    Meanwhile Ryuu walked in a fast pace towards the alchemist warehouse his mask already covering his face as he let out a tired, ''First my friends at Tardide died because of my incompetence, now Cezary betrayed me although why I believed him in the first place is beyond me, it seems I am really foolish I hope I did not cause any problem for my teachers.''

 305 Zunge Der Wahrheit Part-2

    Cezary drummed his desk with his finger hard, as his eyes wondered into the distance, he would not say it out loud but he was afraid, afraid of his parents disappointed looks when he will say to them that because of his foolish actions an alliance that existed since his parents childhood, will now be torn apart he cringed at the thought of it, yup his parents would not be happy, but he will have to warn them. Cezary snorted as he mused, ''What kind of idiot does he think I am, Ryuu''s masters already claim him as their legacy which means he is basically their son in all but blood so even if Ryuu screams and shouts his masters do not care for him out of pity but because they love and care for him I hope he gets it in his head before long.''


    He stood up from his seat as he made his way to his parents'' mansion, not before taking some deep breaths and getting himself ready to meet his doom.


    Later on that day Antariskh returned back to Ayindril with a stormy look on her face her aura flaring causing many to steer clear of her by quite a good distance, she entered her room before she plopped herself on bed as she stared on to the ceiling, she felt extremely angry as well as deep sadness in her heart.


    A knock at her door drew her attention as she found rest of her family near the door with a concerned look on their face as she spoke while sitting up from her bed, "Hello, what are you all doing here?"


    Maheswara frowned as he spoke, "Child I should be the one asking you not the other way round, is something wrong you looked a bit stressed out."


    Antariskh let out a tired sigh as she spoke, "No nothing the treaty we hand with Saidhal was on the verge of breaking because of a stupid idiot of a son of his."


    Veena looked at her curiously as she took a seat near her daughter''s bed as she spoke, "How so?"


    Antariksh growled as she replied to her, "Well you see the idiot Cezary came across Ryuu''s file in the army thought him to be a phony and tried to interrogate him by mixing ''Zunge Der Wahrheit'' with his drink, without asking for his prior permission and Ryuu caught him in the act."


    Veena had a proud smirk on her face as she spoke, "Of course Ryuu would see through something as pesky as ''Zunge Der Wahrheit'', so what happened?"


    Antariksh, "Well not much I reprimanded Cezary severely and from the looks of it so did his parents, I was this much away from breaking the alliance as Ryuu seems to have already broken their friendship."


    Nuwa nodded at that as she spoke with a snarl, "As he should do in such a situation, what kind of friend drugs someone like that he did a good thing by breaking off the friendship.", something others nodded with support.


    Shamiran sighed at that, ''Damn here I was hoping him to get a good friend but it seems his luck is bad.'' she cleared her throat drawing others attention towards her as she spoke, "What are the terms of negotiation?"


    Antariskh sighed as she spoke, "Well you see Saidhal and his wife approached me, with their son Cezary in tow, it was from them that I learned what had happened and if they were not our childhood friends I would have killed that mongrel then and there for trying to betray our brother like that. He was remorseful and his parents incredibly angry at him, they wanted to make up with Ryuu but I said that if nad only if Ryuu himself reconcile will he become his friend again but as long as he does not Cezary will have to act as a stranger to him nothing more nothing less."


    Sylvana nodded at that as she spoke, "That is acceptable and did they offer something?"


    Antariksh nodded at that as she spoke, "Well they were incredibly ashamed and in order to atone they even wanted to betroth their daughter to Ryuu, which I declined immediately."


    Celestia nodded at that with a look of approval on her face as she spoke, "You did a good thing, Ryuu should be allowed to married because of love."


    Antariksh had a small smile on her face as she spoke, "Well at the end they will be sending compensation in the form of rare scrolls and medicinal plants and what not."


    As the others nodded in understanding Maheswara sighed as he spoke to his daughter, "Is this the only thing that made you so frustrated?"


    Upon hearing his question Antariksh had an annoyed expression on her face as she spoke, "The idiotic brother of mine claimed that we simply took pity on him and giving him shelter, after all we have done how could he say something like that."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    Upon hearing that her sisters had various expressions on their face ranging anger, to disbelief before Celestia let out a loud laugh as she spoke, "You really have lot to learn much my daughters."


    At that the three sisters looked at her confused as Maheswara spoke with a grin, "Ryuu is a kind hearted child, he simply did not want any harm to fall to us as such he decided to put some distance between us and him and as for family please he looks up to me as I am his father and your mothers almost like his own mother, so your concern is unwarranted."


    At that the sisters let out a sigh of relief and a few more minutes later their parents left their room, as they were moving away Nuwa spoke with a frown, "We do not like it, we love him like a son yet he, why?"


    Veena hummed in thought as she spoke, "Well you know that his experience with parental figures had been less than stellar in both his lives as such he how should I say it, well he is a bit afraid after what happened to him."


    Maheswara frowned at that as he spoke, "So true before he fell comatose, we were getting close like father and son close, yet since he awoke he has started building walls around him to keep others away from him."


    Nuwa gave a sad smile as she spoke, "Well we hope that one day he will see us as family but till then we can simply support him as best as we can."


    Veena nodded at that as she spoke, "So true after all time heals most wounds, if you have noticed that his hatred for his birth family has lessened considerably."


    Celetia shook her head as she spoke, "You are wrong it did not lessened but he simply no longer cares for them, for him in the entire world there plenty of things to do instead of wating time on them."


    Maheswara nodded his head as he spoke, "Yes when he was younger he was always dark and gloomy whenever the topic of his family was raised not to mention he was full of hatred but it is good that he had managed to let go of it, may be not completely but he is mostly indifferent to them."


    Veena tapped her chin as she mused loudly at that, "May be so, but I wonder how would he react when he finally come face to face with them, will he still not care and remain indifferent or will he give into his hatred fanning the tiny embers of hatred into giant inferno, only time will tell."

 306 Duehiri part-1

    Ryuu let out a deep breath as white smoke was released from his mouth, he was wearing only shorts showcasing his well sculpted body something he knew even the most handsomest man in his old world would see their organs to gain even the tenth of what his body was, he knew it and was damned proud of it. The dragon tattoo on his back formed all those years ago when he first started to cultivate was exposed to the world for everyone to see.


    A knock on his door had indicated the arrival of a messenger as such he quickly put a robe on himself as he went to open the door, he knew what effect he had on female and some male as such it would not be wise for him to open his door bare-chested like that, as he opened the door he was greeted by a messenger who spoke to him in a reverent tone as he stammered out, "Go-go-good Morning Captain, the M-M-Major has asked for you to jo-jo-join the briefing room within an hour.", as the person spoke Ryuu noticed that his eyes glazed over slightly.


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Thank you for the message now you may return to your duties.", as he spoke he frowned inwardly at that, ''Tch, another weak willed idiot I hate them.''


    Ryuu sighed at that, it had been a couple of decades since he had joined the army and has moved from just a Second Lieutenant to Captain he had some of the best moments as well as worst moments in his life but the experience was something he would never give up for anything in this world.


    As he got dressed in his armor his eyes wondered to his right arm near his shoulder, a mark of a Phoenix with sword and spear in each of it talons were shown, with the word 139th tattooed under it ''Till Death'', he was a proud member of the 139th battalion and earned his mark when he was allowed to join the real group not the reserve group who often are called ''Fake Decoys'' behind their back.


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    As Ryuu went towards the briefing room, he came across his fellow colleague ''Siri'', one of his closest friends as he spoke, "Yo Siri wassup?"


    Siri gave him a glare as she spoke, "We are on duty Captain Ryuu act as such."


    Ryuu showed her his incredible maturity by showing her his tongue causing her to grumble even further, as another person let out a loud boisterous laugh as he spoke, "Siri you should learn to enjoy the little things instead of always being angry for no reason whatsoever."


    Siri huffed at that as Ryuu spoke with a small smile, "So how is your family doing Ryan?"


    The person in question was in cloud nine as he spoke, "Oh you could not believe I now have twins as my grandchildren, they are so adorable and��..", as he went on in tirade over his grandchildren, Ryuu gave at talisman to Siri as both of them activated it preventing any words to be heard from their colleague thus saving their ear drums to be destroyed by a hyper Grandpa boasts about being a grandfather.


    The trio entered the along with the giddy Ryan with a polite knock, as they went inside they each took a seat, well Siri and Ryuu did where as Ryan was busying regaling in the tales of his adorable grandchildren to anyone who had the misfortune to get caught in his crosshair.


    As they sat there waiting for their superiors to enter Ryuu spoke to his friend Siri, "So how did your Grandson''s wedding go? And I want to apologize for failing to honor the invitation you gave me but unfortunately I was required in different place due to military duties."


    Siri gave a small smile as she spoke, "No need to apologize I understand, I have heard about it the matter was extremely urgent so it cannot be helped, but you do not need to send such an expensive gift Ryuu."


    Ryuu simply smiled at that as he spoke, "Nonsense, you are my friend that makes your grandson kind of like my own grandchild so it is within my rights to spoil him.", as he spoke Ryuu inwardly cringed here he was only 60 years of age speaking with a woman who is over Hundred Thousand years of age and calling her grandson who is older than him as his, yup it was so weird why couldn''t he simply grow like a proper cultivator should instead of jumping through cultivations stages like that.


    They did not have to wait for a long time as Cezary along with a couple of higher ranking officers along with their commander Frank as they entered the room the rest stood up, and only took seat when their superiors ordered them to, as they sat Frank spoke in a stern tone, "A few weeks ago Captain Ryuu was dispatched on an emergency mission, where he faced the invading black dragon army and managed to thwart their invasion congratulations."


    Ryuu simply gave a short bow at that as Frank kept on speaking, "The black Dragon army becoming more and more ruthless not to mention the fact that they have increased the attacks as of late, while we have been successful in many times but alas we are being bested in more than one battlefield, yesterday we received a terrible, terrible news my fellow soldiers.", He took a deep breath before he spoke in a somber tone, "As of now the 283rd Battalion is no more that have been annihilated in battle."


    At that the entire room was stunned into silence before it descended into chaos which was stopped by a loud thunderous clap by a stern looking woman, who spoke in a rather reproachful tone, "Silent you are Army Officers act as one, I understand that yesterday''s event was tragic and I know many of you are upset but losing your temper and acting like children would not help you, we have to discern how and why the battalion felt and it has been decided that 139th and 201st will conduct the investigation as such��."


    Their meeting was stopped as a person hurriedly knocked into the room and entered the room with panic look on his face, upon entering he was meet with glare of many of the higher up as one of the spoke with a glare, "This is very important meting speak quickly the reason for disrupting us."


    The person gulped as he spoke, "Excuse me Madams and Sirs, but an emergency message was send from one of our allies that their home world has been invaded by Black Dragon Army, under the command of Halphir the Scholar."


    The woman looked at the man in question and spoke in a stern tone, "Leave.", as the messenger left the woman turned towards Cezary as she spoke, "You get a team ready for the investigation, and I will personally deal with Halphir and I am commandeering part of your unit."


    Cezary simply spoke with a small nod, "As you wish Colonel Elyrin."


    Colonel Elyrin turned towards Ryuu as she spoke in a commanding tone, "Captain Ryuu gather your men and we will be leaving in 5 minutes.", with that she stood up and left with Ryuu hot on her heels.


    As he left he simply gave a small bow and exchanged a few nods with his fellow members of the 139th battalion as they had a slight worrying look on their faces.


    It did not take long for Ryuu to gather the over 2000 strong troops under his command as he promptly boarded the Flying Troop Carrier where Colonel Elyrin was waiting for him as he entered the command room Elyrin spoke without looking up from the map as she spoke, "Good you are diligent. Halphir is a talented Array master as such please be wary of him Ryuu."

 307 Duehiri Part-2

    Duehiri a desolate barren planet at first glance is actually home to a very important flora otherwise known as ''Rejuvenation Rose'', a plant that is used to create most if not all of pills to treat petrified victims, an essential plant that is very difficult to grow and if not outright impossible, as such it is mostly harvested from the wild and Duehiri is one of the largest supplier as such it came as a shock for that place to be targeted when the place itself was highly guarded. Petrifaction a very dangerous condition as it causes every muscle in the body to freeze thus causing death due to suffocation, among many other ailments.


    Elyrin frowned as she bit her lips as she spoke, "How fast the other battalions will be here?"


    A Lieutenant Colonel by the name of Henry replied to her in gruff voice, "Madam, they will be here within 5 minutes."


    Elyrin bit her lips and spoke in tense tone, "Not fast enough."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Madam we cannot hold any longer we have to act now, and I believe if we make a move now we can at least delay them long enough for the rest of them to join."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    Elyrin nodded her head as she spoke, "Well my thoughts exactly as such Henry you��", whatever she was going to say was stuck on her throat as a messenger appeared, even if he had a stoic look on his face the messenger had looks of terror in his eyes.


    Elyrin huffed at that as she spoke, "Report."


    The man saluted to her as he spoke, "Madam a very odd gigantic contraption had been sighted near Duehiri."


    Elyrin raised her eyebrow as she commanded her subordinates, "Follow me to the bridge."


    As they arrived at the bridge Elyrin went a few shades pale as she spoke in a whisper, "I underestimated them, I severely underestimate", as she whispered she gritted her teeth before she took a deep breath to calm her raging emotions.


    In front of them was a giant crab like being with 5 long legs, it was big enough to be as big as planet Duehiri and from Ryuu''s memory it was at least twice as big as his previous home world Earth he had never seen o heard something like that not to mention at least a dozen ships as big as theirs standing by its side guarding it.


    Ryuu turned towards Elyrin as he spoke, "Colonel Madam, if I may what is that contraption?"


    Elyrin sighed as she spoke, "What you are seeing is something that had appeared only a couple of times and higher ups are treating it as a secret, we have named the thing ''The Snatcher'', its purpose is to steal a planet and bring it to Preta Lok, and they have already stolen 2 planets in this manner, if we do not stop them it will be the third planet stolen."


    Ryuu openly gaped at that as he thought, ''Steal an entire planet, how��..'', before he felt a sudden urge to bash his head for his stupidity, ''How can I be so stupid, there are cultivators who could one shot a planet and I am thinking why a planet cannot be stolen, I am a colossal fool.''


    Elyrin gritted her teeth as she spoke, "Change of plan, have everyone present engage ''The Snatcher'' only after we have dealt with will we move to the enemy forces on the planet, when the reinforcement arrives divide them according to the situation as one will be our backup and the other will deal with those mongrels on the planet.", she then turned to Ryuu as she spoke, "You are a very high level array master are you not?"


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Yes Madam I am a GrandMaster Tier Array Master."


    Elyrin had a small smile on her face as she spoke, "Excellent, you will join me, you lot will create a distraction while a group of 100 good soldiers will accompany me along with Ryuu as we board the Snatcher, it is a very good chance for us to capture one of them or at the best destroy it at the very least now move."


    Ryuu bit his lips as he watched a strange gleam in his superior''s eyes, he did not know what to feel about it, his superior was surely ambitious to assault a possible enemy stronghold like that took guts, but there was nothing he could do here that could produce possible better result than to deal with the snatcher first and foremost after all how are they going to be victorious if at the end of the day they still wound deep inside the enemy territory with no way for escape, although if he were in his superior''s place he would have ordered the entire 139th to be mobilized, instead of a part of it at least then the superior numbers would have been evened out a bit.


    Ryuu followed after Elyrin as she spoke, "Ryuu listen carefully we have to deal with the snatcher at all cost even our lives so do not hold back, from what we know that those things are heavily surrounded by arrays and you are our ace in the hole as such you are not permitted to fall until the bitter do you understand."


    As Ryuu was about to speak the vessel they were travelling shook as distant boom was heard, Elyrin looked at a particular direction as she spoke while balling her hand in anger and nervousness, "It has begun."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Madam, there might be a chance that I ��"


    Elyrin raised her hand stopping him speaking as she spoke, "I know the arrays might be so strong that you might fail to breach them, and I know the plan will fail but there is nothing that I can help with it specially at this moment since any help we would request would take some time to arrive because of various reasons."


    Ryuu nodded at that as they reached a large open area where at least a hundred soldiers were gathered who promptly saluted upon her arrival with Ryuu towing after her.


    Elyrin studied her soldiers before she began in a calm tone, "You all have gathered here for a simple reason the planet sized thing is known as a ''Snatcher'' it is used to steal planets and I do not have to tell you what would happen in case the planet and its inhabitants are dragged into ''Preta Lok''.", her eyes moved over her soldiers and saw some of them stiffen a bit at the news but schooled themselves fast, after all service in the military had made them more disciplined.


    Elyrin began with a small sigh, "Before I begin I will say that our mission will be highly dangerous upon saying that does anyone want to leave, please do so after all upon finishing briefing you lots I will not allow to leave the mission as such does anyone want to leave."


    Upon seeing no one wanted to leave a small smirk appeared on her lips as she spoke, "Good, if you would have left I would have tried you for desertion here and now, our operation is exceptionally important as our failure will cause the death or a fate worse than death for countless citizen of Duehiri, we are to board the snatcher than either commander it or destroy.", she waited for a few seconds for the information to sung into the minds of her subordinates before she began again, "Now, I know that the mission is extremely dangerous and many of you will be martyred today for the sake of the peace and stability, protecting countless lives of people in our realm for that you have my gratitude and thanks. Now move we will leave in three groups, I will take the middle group."


    As they left Elyrin turned to Ryuu as she spoke, "If you see Halphine do not engage without me the man is not only craftier but extremely dangerous not to mention he is an Array master so be careful."

 308 Halphine Part-1

    sleek looking vessel under perfect camouflage moved fast yet cautiously towards the Snatcher, the people boarding it were tensed they could feel the battle raging on outside as well deaths that were occurring yet they kept quiet a single slip would cause them to be detected and being fired upon by dozens of vessels which could vaporize even a peak Celestial was not in the bucket list for the day.


    A small tremor ran as the felt a detonation of some kind nearby as the felt their vessel shaking causing a few to be anxious because of it after all who does not fear death even the most battle hardened warriors fear death.


    Elyrin who was sitting in a meditative position nearby opened her eyes as she spoke, "We are now nearing to our objective, the operation will commence in 5."


    Ryuu let out a deep breath as his KI flowing inside his body became agitated as he waited for the command of the Colonel, and from the looks of it everyone of them were tensed, Colonel looked at Ryuu as she spoke "Now!!".


    Everyone jumped out of the vessel as Ryuu activated a special array which promptly made them all invisible as the now abandoned and empty vessel which was being remotely controlled by Elyrin started unleashing devastating attacks using the KI cannons mounted on it unleashed their hellish attacks, a just as it was predicted a ripple formed just before the ''Snatcher'' as the attacks were stopped because of barrier, then the vessel itself went an hit the barrier with a loud boom drawing attention of many.


    Elyrin was watching the entire proceeding without bating her eyelid commanded her troops at once, "Move, move the barrier is destroyed at the point of impact Move!"


    They did not have to be told twice as they all rushed in effectively crossing the barrier that was surrounding the Snatcher as no sooner did they manage to enter hole in the barrier had closed itself completely.


    Elyrin turned to Ryuu as she nodded again as he quickly placed his hands on various places on the hull of the snatcher, multiple array appeared as they covered the immediate area of the hull, then with a groan as it looked as if someone was peeling apart the hull a decent sixe opening appeared allowing at least a dozen of men and women to enter at once, but at the same time the array prevented the depressurization of the hull, as Ryuu turned to look at his fellow soldiers he found many to be openly gawking at him specially those who had never participated in any mission with Ryuu it was surreal for them to see someone using and creating array with a simple touch instead of writing it down using special utensils.


    Ryuu spoke with a small sigh, "Madam we have to move fast or we might run into chances of being detected.", his words jolted many wake as Elyrin nodded at that as the people moved inside.


    As they stepped inside Elyrin let out a small hiss as she spoke, "KI monitoring arrays, it seems like your plan worked Ryuu."


    Ryuu beamed at her praise as he had mentioned to her to be a bit cautious in case of something similar being present in the Snatcher, KI monitoring array simply reacts to presence of unknown presence who have not been keyed to it, but Ryuu had placed a few arrays which he had prepared before had on his fellow men and women in arms which scrambles the array thus hiding them.


    They discreetly moved when all of a sudden they heard a voice nearby halting their footsteps as Elyrin send some signals to discreetly deal with them, as a couple amongst them simply vanished through the shadows a moment later they started moving as one of the people who had previously disappeared reappeared with a map in his hand, as Elyrin looked at it incredulously as she spoke, "What kind of idiot keeps a map of a military ship lying around in such manner."


    The person simply shrugged as he replied to her, "Idiots, Madam."


    Elyrin studied the map as a grin appeared on her face as she quickly relayed the revised battle plan, the larger group divided into a much smaller group of 20 each as they started moving towards their destination fast.


    Ryuu never ceased to feel amazed, moving in space without a need of any space suit something seemed like a preposterous idea in his previous life until and unless one wanted to commit suicide, but now it was not as such defying every law and logic known to people of his previous life.


    A few more minutes later the alarm was blaring as they fought their way to their destination, as Ryuu grunted as cut down an enemy which separated into two half as it fell with splurting of blood and squelch, ''What have I become, I do not feel any remorse whatsoever no matter what I kill who I kill since I was a child, I who spend my entire previous life trying to save life I cannot see myself being someone like this and worst of all I am enjoying it.''


    Halphine was having a good day, no a wonderful day sitting in his throne room as he lazily sipped from his glass of wine the entire thing was easy mission for him, enter the thrice damn realm kidna�� ahem ''Planet-napp'' a planet sell the worms polluting it as slaves and gift the planet to Master, life was good for him the soldiers of the Manusyha Lok were idiots and as such had not been able to catch him not to mention the fact that they only send a handful of flies, Halphine let out a large yawn as he spoke in gruff voice, "How much longer?"


    A person bowed to him as he spoke, "Sir, we have finished charging it up to 76%, we predict it will b ready by next 15 minutes."


    Halphine let out a sigh but he could speak again an alarm sounded as he opened a holographic screen before he let out a snort full of disdain, "Trash that dared to defy us did they thing that they could harm My ''baby'' by suicidal attack", he turned towards the person who was reporting to him as he spoke, "Send word to the defense squads to deal with those flies fast and if they let past another such attack they will only be head taller."


    Halphine then let out a sigh as he closed his eyes surrendering him to the realm of sleep, only to jolted awake a few minutes later as multiple alarm were blaring signifying that intruders had managed to enter his ship, he snarled at that as he stood up with a snarl, "Who, WHO DARES TO INVADE MY VESSEL."


    A slight tremor went through the bowels of the ship as the interior of the ship depressurized, at the same time Halpin was thrown forward as he fell on the ground as did all of his subordinates present near him caused by sudden movement of his precious vessel, which had started moving backwards away from the planet as it started gaining some speed.


    Meanwhile Elyrin was leaning on a wall, as her subordinates tended their wounds, she had kept her trained towards Ryuu as her face turned into a smirk, ''Damn whoever taught him, was otherworldly never would I have seen someone would so easily capture the Command Steale of vessel as big and dangerous with a touch, something that takes days to decipher let alone override and now Ryuu has complete command of the ship, it was really incredible and I am glad he is on our side and when we return home I will make sure he gets a promotion.''


    Ryuu turned back with a smirk as he announce to everyone with his megawatt charming smile, "My fellow Daoist Sisters and Brothers, we own the ''Snatcher'' now completely."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    As the man cheered Ryuu simply turned the much vaunted defense system of the gargantuan machine against its own masters and creators.

 309 Halphine Part-2

    Henry was having one of the worst day of his life, and they were in the rapid action team which had shortly arrived to help Duehiri repeal the invaders it would have gone smoothly if a snatcher would not be here along with a fleet of dozen of flying vessels, they had managed to destroy at least 4 of them comparing the odds that they were out-shipped by 3 to 1 but it was not enough they are slowly losing even after all their soldiers fighting out in the void of space once again they are being outnumbered by 10 to 1, he winced as he lost another of the flying vessel leaving only two operational, it was a disaster, he grinded his teeth as he let out a sigh as he murmured, "Colonel should have mobilized more."


    "Sir, there is some movements with ''The Snatcher''."


    Henry looked towards the snatcher and cracked a grin at that as he send out message to all troops under his command, "All stations our friends have taken the ''Prize'', push harder we cannot lose face where our friends have succeeded.", a cheer rose as displacement of space of was felt as he looked to the right as his blood ran cold.


    Meanwhile on the planet of Duehiri war was raging on with full force under the leader ship of Lieutenant Colonel Chen Jun, they had reached a stalemate when all of a sudden a gigantic structure had appeared on the sky and the tide of battle had flipped completely the invaders were not only were highly moralized upon its arrival but were acting as if they had won causing Chen Jun frown, when he looked up at the sky he could see a giant battle was raging on as dazzling explosions could be easily seen every now and then all of a sudden explosions occurred near the weird gigantic structure as the thing lurched back moving away from the planet making him nervous only for him to broke into grin upon hearing the broadcast of Lieutenant Colonel Henry, when all of a sudden numerous portals opened as a huge enemy reinforcement appeared causing him to groan at that.


    Elyrin looked at Ryuu as she spoke, "Impressive you managed to take down such a complicated array."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    Ryuu shook his head as she spoke, "No madam I was incredibly lucky who ever created this command steale did not create any barrier at all to protect it as such it was easy for me to hijack it. Whoever created it is extremely arrogant though I was only able to take over the control system only others are well too complicated for my understanding, also I cannot guarantee if there are other method to regain control.", he finished with an apologetic look on his face.


    Elyrin waved off his concern as she spoke, "There is no need to feel apologetic for that, you have done wonders now all��"


    One of her subordinates suddenly appeared as she spoke in an urgent manner, "Madam we got an emergency, multiple enemy reinforcement sighted our forces are on the verge of being wiped out."


    Elyrin closed her eyes before she let out a deep breath, "Tell them to be fight in a defensive formation for a little bit more the reinforcement will be here soon to help us, now EVERYONE our job is not done as long as that scum Halphine is alive we have not won follow me and let us defeat the scum once and for all."


    Ryuu took a deep breath as they stood outside the bridge of ''the Snatcher'', as they made their way here they found multiple bodies of their enemies lying on the ground being torn apart by the security system of ''The Snatcher'', while they did not speak outwardly most felt grateful for the fact that Ryuu has wrestled control of the stone steale for the time being.


    Elyrin took a deep breath as she spoke, "Ryuu you will be my shadow during the fight while others take care of the rest."


    Ryuu nodded as the fingers of his left hand glowed while he gripped his ''Requiem'' hard on with his right as the door swung open they were greeted by multiple enemy cultivator with an Elven looking person who had sitting on a throne as they entered the person on the throne gave a small smile as he spoke, "My beloved Elyrin it has been so many years since I last saw you did you come to join me at last."


    Elyrin let lose a terrifying blood last as she spoke, "Silent you Leichenr?uber."


    The Elven figure gained a sad expression on his face as he spoke, "My beloved why are you acting like that, against your own fianc��, thatis not a good pious woman should act my ''moon flower.''"


    Ryuu winced at that he could feel the raw anger and blood lust emanating from Elyrin, he understood now the Leichenr?uber had taken over her fianc��''s body and now he was taunting her, normal people would have already charged in anger but she was reigning it waiting to let loose, the respect for her went up by a few notch as the person known as Halphine stood up from his throne as he walked lazily and stood at the front alongside his men as he spoke, "Well I would like to chat some more but enough of foreplay you mongrels have caused me lose a lot and I am F***ING ANGRY AT YOU ALL NOW!!!!", as he exploded in anger his cultivation aura swirled around as many including Ryuu took a gulp, 3rd Level Celestial. But before anyone could do anything the group suddenly froze as Halphine and his group let out a loud laughter.


    Halphine sneered at them as he spoke, "Well you fool did you believe you could just waltz in and kill my men and steal my ship, well breaking news to you, YOU ALL DIMWITS FELL INTO MY TRAPS."


    At that his men laughed as Halphine leered at Elyrin as he spoke, "Oh and please escort my beautiful fianc��e to my chambers I have to reacquaint with her, but fret not I will allow her to reacquaint with all of you and I hope we all will leave a very parting gift to this realm, till then well there are plenty of male and female please entertain our guests.", he spoke with mirth shining in his eyes as his subordinates laughed uproariously.


    Ryuu hated people like them, the way they were eyeing the females in their group, and her anger and hatred peaked when the women in the scum''s group joined in the cheering he whispered lowly to his superior, "Madam I am ready."


    Elyrin replied back to him, "Good wait for my mark.", she watched as Halphine''s people made their way while he went back to his throne in a lazy gait, as they neared the captured good Ryuu could feel his comrades getting restless when they were at least a few good meters away from them Elyrin spoke with a snarl, "Ryuu do it."


    The array that held them helpless came crashing down as they were free all of a sudden as they launched towards their dumbstruck enemy only to be taken aback as a gigantic bluish dragon made of fire crashed on the opposing group tearing its way lighting everyone in its path with fire, the single attack took out at least over a dozen cultivators with ease.


    A proud and smug Ryuu followed after his Superior while others started battling alongside them, he almost let out a small tear in his eyes as he watched his dragon of fire ploughing through his enemies like that, ''Finally I finished another of my secret wish from my bucket list, I missed those novels and the disappointment I felt when ''The Letter'' did not arrive even after I reached my 10th birthday, hmm they were good days.''

 310 Halphine Part-3

    Halphine''s broad sword blocked the twin scimitar of Elyrin as he quickly send out a couple of talisman towards her only for those talismans to be intercepted by flaming sparrows, as a shield erected behind him to block a sword swing from Ryuu who had just appeared out of his shadows. Halphine smirked at that only for it to turn into horror as he saw a talisman activating inside the shield, causing him to be thrown by a blast and because it was between the narrow shield and his body the blast at point blank range had managed to fatally injure Halphine, as he fell on the floor while drenching Elyrin with his blood, an unearthly scream tore through his body as a ghostly pale being left him and phased through the floor fast.


    Elyrin cursed at that as she spoke, "That ability of him is dangerous and annoying as long as you cannot stop it we cannot defeat him."


    Ryuu''s brows scrunched for a few seconds before his eyes widen as he spoke, "I can do it, I can make him stay sealed inside his new body but most importantly I can make sure that he dies along with the body, I had read about such an array before and I know how to make but I have never need to make one before."


    Elyrin nodded at him as she spoke, "Reasonable after all, it is not every day that you meet with a Leichenr?uber. Now let us move quickly while helping our brothers and sisters every second wasted is dangerous who knows what that creature will try next.", as she spoke she glanced down at the body of her late fianc�� or what was left of it from the blast she quickly stored the remains in her space ring.


    Ryuu winced at the sight as he spoke, "I am sorry ma��"


    Elyrin raised her hand stopping him from speaking as she replied to him, "There is no need for you to say sorry Ryuu he had been dead for a long time now, and in fact I am grateful to you for helping me acquire his body now he can finally rest in peace.", Ryuu saw her eyes become moist for a few second before she spoke with in a firm tone, "Let us move we have a battle to win and this time that creature will not be as careless as before."


    Halphine was angry one of his collection was destroyed but he will make them pay, he had lost so much today and he was in no mood to play with them any more as he looked up at one of his collections his ghostly faced had a smirk on it as he entered a body placed in stasis just for him.


    Henry was in despair only his flying vessel remained and his troops had been dwindling a good number of his men had died today specially since the enemy reinforcement arrival and he saw no hope it was either surrender or die, but before he could sink further into a despair, a couple of enemy vessels went up in a ball of fire before long the enemy soldiers suffered devastating attacks as a message came to his ears, "Commanding Officer Report."


    Ryuu tore down a closed door before he entered through it with Elyrin just after him along with a 6 more soldiers following closely by her, she studied the entire room before she spoke in a stern voice, "Keep your eyes peeled everyone, the area beyond this was not in any map we have found so far so be cautious."


    Ryuu''s brow furrowed as he spoke, "It looks some kind of a laboratory of some kind."


    One of the people near him spoke in confusion, "Lavatory??? Sorry but I see no toilets here."


    Elyrin let out a small snort as she spoke, "Sergeant after we get out of here I think you should get your hearing check the blast did a number on you."


    As they looked and went passed the specimens everyone frowned none of the specimens are known to them, most if not all looked as if it was some type of hybrids and they were in various shapes and sizes all of them were placed in stasis inside the cold and quiet room, well too quiet for anyone''s liking as one of the spoke, "I have a bad feeling on this."


    Ryuu gripped his sword hard as he replied to him with a snort, "No kidding this place is really bad with a capital ''B'', so keep your eyes peeled all the time."


    One of his fellow soldier frowned at that as he spoke, "I do not understand, why are we wasting time here? Can Captain Ryuu not destroy everything using array."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "There are too many variable here and if I try to do something there is always a chance that I might trigger some trap not to mention the shielding mechanism is protecting the specimens as such even if I manage to disrupt the shielding mechanism to destroy them it might trigger some failsafe."


    They searched through the place for any and all signs of Halphine but unfortunately for them they could not find any at all causing them to get a bit frustrated as one of the soldiers shouted out to them, "Look I found something."


    His shout drew the attention of others as they were greeted to the sight of small stone steale which caused Ryuu to smile as he spoke, "Great it seems you found out the steale controlling the shields, step back a bit and let me work on it."


    A few minutes is all it took for Ryuu to create a new array and override the existing one as the shields surrounding the specimens were all bought down, Ryuu stood up as he waved his hand as a multiple talismans flew and combined with each of the specimen, but before he could activate a gigantic figure dropped from the ceiling before it punched Ryuu who was send flying through the window of the vessel towards the planet.


    Ryuu controlled himself before he made a mad dash towards the vessel only to dodge as a giant figure was send flying past him courtesy of Elyrin and a spear, Ryuu quickly entered through the broken hull of the Snatcher as he was greeted with rest of his group most having various degrees of injuries on them as he spoke, "What happened?"


    One of the nearest cultivators spoke while coughing up blood, "We were ambushed by Halphine, Colonel Elyrin went after him with a spear, and he is too damn strong."


    Ryuu gave a small nod in acknowledgement before he send a few pills towards them as he spoke, "Well I am leaving you all here, take this pills they will help you to heal yourselves while I go and help Colonel."


    Ryuu disappeared as he moved as fast as possible towards the location where his superior was battling Halphine, he had just entered the atmosphere of the planet when he found a shockwave behind him, as he turned his eyes widen as he watched the moon crumble as it was send hurtling down towards the planet on a direct collision towards a large city he let out a curse at that as he flew down and landed on the city center, which was under siege."


    As he landed on the ground he was surrounded by soldiers he raised his hand in a surrendering way as he spoke, "Wah I am on your side, I am Captain Ryuu from 139th Battalion, and I am here to deal with the moon fragments if you do not mind."


    "Stand Down, Captain Ryuu I am Captain Kashi of 201st Battalion, I hope you would not mind lending me a hand in destroying the lunar debris, the large amount will cause catastrophic effect."


    Ryuu looked at the black haired man standing near him looking worse for wear, covered in blood and grim, he himself was not presentable as he spoke with a nod, "Of course I would but I cannot bolster with your forces, I was after a high value target with my commanding officer but I was side tracked because of certain events as such after the crisis had been dealt with I will start to pursue after him."


    Kashi nodded as he spoke, "Fair enough though I hope you will be able to get over the embargo safely."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    Ryuu nodded at that as he focused on the falling debris as he kneeled down with his bow in his hand as he took aim, beside him Kashi did the same as he also took aim there was a completely silence for the time being as others moved away from them while they let lose their terrifying aura of 9th ranked Mystic Immortal Emperor, before they let lose their individual skills "Heaven Piercing Barrage!", "Star Fall!" as multiple arrows streaked through the skies destroying the debris making them even smaller so that the atmosphere would burn them off.


    Ryuu let out a sigh as Kashi spoke, "Well we manage to reduce the debris somehow as well as break apart the larger debris, most of which will be taken care of by the atmosphere and boy I am glad that the moon of this planet was small otherwise it would be disaster as most are busy dealing with other stuffs."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "So true brother, well I will be off I have a target to deal with."


    With that he leaped in the air as he made his way into space, he could see larger patch of land and it did not take much for him to locate Elyrin and what he presumed to be Halphine and from the looks of it Elyrin was getting swarmed by enemy creatures.


    Ryuu went as fast as lightning as he neared one of the creatures he punched it with his fist encased with lightning as he murmured lowly, "Raging Fist Blast.", a humongous bolt of lightning hit the nearest creature before tearing a path through any unfortunate enough to get caught and getting them vaporized, Ryuu landed near her as he swung his backwards without looking back as he spoke in whisper, "Ice Age Slash."


    Any creature that was trying to attack him within a kilometer radius froze before they all shattered as Ryuu spoke with a smile, "Sorry got held up Madam."


    Elyrin snorted at that as she spoke, "Well better late than never, now help me deal with Halphine."


    The ground shook as a gigantic hand rose breaking the surface as a towering figure stood up easily above half a kilometer in length as it let out a loud bellow causing both Elyrin and Ryuu to wince in pain the molten lava like eyes glaring at them as it spoke in a booming voice, "MY PLANS MY CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT YOU DESTROYED THEM, I WILL SMASH YOU TO PASTE LIKE A BUG.", with that gigantic figure reared his humongous hand back before it send a punch towards Ryuu and Elyrin.

 311 Halphine Part-4

    Ryuu huffed as he dodged another powerful swipe from the titanic figure, each of the punches and hand thrust displaced the air around like a tornado as the smell of burning hit his nostrils, Ryuu knew if he were hit by anyone of those he would be done for, specially seeing the devastation of the last punch that connected with the planet created a valley literally and the impact caused a quake which he knew would be above10 on Richter scale very easily.


    Ryuu bit his lips as he spoke, "Madam the think is not only dangerous because of its wild swings but fast compared to its size by a lot what is the plan."


    Elyrin huffed as she spoke, "We need some heavy hitters and sadly I am not up to the task."


    Ryuu had the sudden urge to yell at her for stating the obvious but held back his tongue, as it seemed Elyrin was more suited to assassination and killing someone with a quick hit not someone who could do heavy combat as such he sighed as he spoke, "Madam I have an idea, I think I might be able to destroy a part of the creatures armor as such if I lend you the material to carry on the rest of our plan will you be able to."


    Elyrin snarled as she spoke, "You doubt my ability."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No madam just that if it does not work I will be a squashed bug."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    Elyrin sighed as she spoke, "What will I have to do Captain Ryuu?"


    Ryuu gave a smirk as he spoke, "Just buy me some time let me create the array needed."


    Elyrin nodded as she spoke, "Go ahead and create the array I will keep the overgrown ape busy."


    With that Ryuu ran away as far as possible while Elyrin drew its attention as Ryuu left the person laughed out loud, "My my Elyrin it seemed your subordinate got scared and ran away though I would not blame a weakling like him to flee from the strong."


    Elyrin gritted her teeth as she spoke in an annoyed tone, "I will deal with any deserter after I gut you."


    A booming laughter followed as the duo began fighting trying to overpower each other meanwhile Ryuu was a few miles away from the battle as he sat in a meditative pose with a short spear in his hand as countless words swirled around him as they wrapped around the spear as he finished webbing the array around the arrow the ground shook again causing him to frown, as he made towards his superior and prey he started activating one of his more devastating skills to deal with the threat, as they fought they noticed the sky suddenly darken as if blotting out the light plunging the world into darkness, both Elyrin and Halphine felt a sliver of fear pass through their heart.


    Suddenly a spear flew towards Elyrin as a message came to her using the communication array linked to her tattoo that was on her arms helped her to communicate with Ryuu, ''Use it but keep a good distance from the bang.''


    Elyrin did not have to be told twice as she moved away as fast as she could startling Halphine who tried to chase her only for multiple ethereal chains to sprout around him trapping him and causing him to fall on the ground causing another quake and a large cloud of dust, Ryuu did not wait as he quickly climbed on top of him as he knew it will be just a moment before he broke out from his binding using his enormous strength, but the moment was enough for Ryuu.


    Ryuu kneeled on his back where he could find the original body hidden beneath all the stones and boulder that made up his armor as he finally unleashed his technique with a roar, "Forbidden Skill: Thunder Fire Tribulation."


    As soon as he spoke those words the Heavens themselves as the ground itself shook, before the biggest and thickest lightning bolt hit the body with the loudest boom she had ever seen, as the ground itself parted as fire rose engulfing the lying figure as it rose to meet the sky blinding Elyrin as well as causing her to wince at the heat, as soon as the technique ended she dashed towards the lying figure as she watched the devastation it unfold as a giant molten crater was surrounding Halphine as his rock armor seemed to have melted exposing his real pinkish body somehow, but the armor was healing and Elyrin knew that it would repair itself soon causing her to grimace the technique used by Ryuu was a forbidden one as she had heard him shout out and she was sure any other Celestial up to Mid Level would not only be fatally injured but even die including herself from such a strong attack yet Halphine was recovering fast as such without further ado she threw the spear which flew and embedded itself into his flesh just as the stone armor was about to cover the exposed part, then it suddenly flashed with multiple arrays as Halphine screamed in agony.


    Elyrin did not spare a glance as she dashed towards a smoking Ryuu as she picked him from atop the molten boulder he threw a couple of pills as he was healing rapidly as steam arose from his body, Elyrin quickly took Ryuu to a safe distance before setting him down on the ground with care as she spoke with concern in her voice, "Are you alright?", she glanced at Ryuu and felt herself mesmerized upon seeing his face for a moment, it felt nice to bask in his warmth as she lost herself into the feral looking eyes of Ryuu which returned to normal shortly after.


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke in a hoarse voice, "I will live just need a few minutes to heal myself, also Madam I have added a Core sealing array thus his spirit roots are sealed as well as his Dan."


    Elyrin cracked a grin before she spoke with a smile, "You did a splendid job Captain."


    "Ho you got quite a Gem there Elyrin.", a male voice came from behind him causing Ryuu''s eyes to widen at that as he thought, ''How in did someone get so close by without me detecting him.''


    Elyrin had a smug smile as she spoke, "Of course I have, but you are late Kanchi."


    Ryuu moved his head to look at a man well more of a beast with darker shade of skin and black hair looking at them with a grin as he spoke, "Well we came as fast as possible and got to witness your subordinates attack it was lovely, though I have to point out to you that he did not have to use such an attack if you had something stronger to deal with that creep over there, you should work on your strength and build some muscles.", he finished his sentence in a disappointed tone causing Elyrin to scoff at that.


    Ryuu meanwhile was feeling highly uncomfortable at the moment, his superior was holding him to close for comfort and he felt as if she was trying to feel him causing him to grown, ''Damn I lost control of my charm, where is the thrice damn necklace when I need it'', he had indeed forgotten to wear at and since he recently used his Divine Body to boost his strength he was affecting those near him in this case his superior and he did not like it but before he could politely ask her to let him go, Kanchi snarled as did the a couple of others who were standing behind him as they tensed.


    A figure was picking up the badly damaged pink body of Halphine from the rubble of molten rocks apparently his ability had stopped working when his Qi was sealed as a result he was left at the mercy of all those tonnes of near molten rubble, as the figure which looked like an abomination with two heads and 6 long arms and by long it was at least twice that of his body looked at them and smiled, the twin head one male another female spoke in unison, "Sorry I have to cut short but I have to retrieve my charge I hope you would not mind too much."


    As the figure spoke a portal appeared behind them the others tensed as Elyrin gave a hate filled look as she was about to lung forward a loud boom was heard as Halphine''s body was torn to shreds as a loud shriek came as Ryuu felt his soul die all of a sudden, Ryuu looked at the figure as he spoke with a false grimace in his voice, "Oops it seems my hand slipped.", as he spoke he held a smoking talisman.


    The people who were on Ryuu''s side had their eyes widen before it had a look of mirth as Elyrin spoke in a mock chiding tone, "Captain please you should not be so clumsy.", before she turned towards the figure who had a look of apocalyptic rage as she spoke in a faux regret filled tone, "I am so sorry but do not worry I will make sure to punish him by taking away his desert privilege for today."


    "JUNIOR YOU DARE!", the figure bellowed out loudly as it made a mad dash towards Ryuu his near Peak Level Celestial Immortal Aura blanketing the area but he was intercepted by Kanchi who spoke with a smirk, "Yes he dare you old decrepit relic now roll over and DIE."


    Elyrin turned towards Ryuu who she still held closely to herself, as she spoke, "Captain this battle is too much for you as such I order you to fall back and help rest of your brothers and sisters I believe a few cities are under seize so go and help them."


    Ryuu nodded at that before he pried himself off of a reluctant Elyrin''s grip before he promptly disappeared as a huge battle broke amongst those present.

 312 The General

    Ryuu looked at the battle going around the city he had visited a few minutes ago he could see the devastation around the city courtesy if the quake causing him to wince after all the quake was a result of the battle that was raged against Halphine, his attention was drawn to a group of oddly dressed individuals attacking the city and its defenders using various talismans and what not and he knew that they were none other than the rumored Array Division of the Black Dragon Army, he had met them in the past and had a great relation with them as such he went directly to greet them in a rather enthusiastic manner.


    Amhoc had a great day today, he had been slaughtering lowly peasants left and right and now he and his fellow ''comrade'', the word comrade wanted make him hurl at the thought of lowering himself to their untalented level, was going to tear down the defensive array surrounding the city, he knew that very soon he had to leave before the reinforcement swarm them but upon breaching the barrier the animals they had let lose will surely appreciate the feast as well as cause problems for the worthless maggots opposing them, his musing was cut short as a he watched a pair of pigeons made of light appear in front of him before suddenly all the talisman in his grasp went haywire and all of a sudden he found himself staring at the sky as he lost feeling over his body, as his vision darkened he caught sight of red haired person with mismatch eyes, ''That bastard is he...'', with that he was no more.


    The Array Corps of the Black Dragon army was known for its ferocity and was feared name in both Preta and Manushya Realm, they had stricken fear wherever they went even more so than the other branches of Black Dragon army they ran a separate business for acquiring funds for the army by acting as mercenaries and by selling their skills and it had gone so well until the incident of Margath it was going so well the stupid brother of the Emperor wanted to ascended the throne contacted them, and upon finding that the ruling family have a rare condition they decided instead of simple elimination harvesting would be better, and then a small argument later they decided to harvest the entire city of their blood, flesh and soul such rich bounty made even a Mid Tier Celestial to be present as well.


    All was well until a certain patrol stumbled upon them and jeopardize the entire operation, it was simple harvest while staying behind a powerful shield with array that would confuse and make even a Celestial fall asleep but it was not to be the end result the array turned on the harvesters and they got themselves harvest while the people of the city including the Royal family was saved courtesy of a Peak Mystic Immortal Emperor who reversed the entire array extremely fast and in such a way that even their Mid Celestial Level Array master failed to do anything and fell a victim to a certain red haired heterochromic person making them a laughing stock everywhere, since then a bounty of 25 Deva Crystals had been placed on his head.


    Ryuu looked at the so called Array Corps with bored look in his eyes, he had already taken care of 3 of their comrades but unfortunately they are so high that they did not even notice he sighe as he shook his head in exasperation before he turned his sword into a bracelet form before he clapped his hands a few seconds later he opened his hand as a large array appeared as the remaining 6 members of Array Corps froze as a chill ran down their spine as they turned around to see a smiling visage of Ryuu, who beamed at them as if they were his closest friend as he spoke, "Hello nice to meet you and good bye", a flash after their arrays went haywire before destroying them with a violent outburst before effectively shredding the array masters to pieces.


    Ryuu winced at that when he was younger he had once defied his teacher Nuwa and decided to test an untested array, he was glad his mother was nearby otherwise he would have lost his eyes but that did not meant he was shielded from the spanking his teacher gave him that day.


    "Impressive, may I know your identity Captain?", a voice came from behind his causing him to freeze as he turned he visibly relaxed as he saw a woman standing behind him someone he knew from before as he quickly saluted to her as he spoke, "General Ma''am, I am Captain Ryuu of 139th battalion."


    The woman nodded at that as she spoke, "Ah I have heard of you, you did an amazing job in Margath, so Captain tell me do you know how to close the portal."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No madam I do not believe I am currently skilled enough to do so properly."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    General hummed in thought before she send a couple of talisman towards the city as the barrier that was damaged by the constant bombardment was healed, while a swarm of enemies appeared towards them who were effectively killed by Ryuu.


    General Seianta was one of not only the highest ranked but also the one with highest level of cultivation in Duehiri at present she looked towards Ryuu as she spoke, "I will be studying and dealing with portals you will guard me with everything."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen at that as he spoke, "Ma''am, am I allowed to go all out then?"


    Seianta raised an eyebrow at that as she spoke as if she was insulted from the question as she spoke, "Of course you are I do not see any comrades that needed protection from you going all out.", with that turned as she started making her way to the nearest portal.


    Meanwhile Ryuu blushed at that from embarrassment, the army consisted of various level of cultivators as such the stronger cultivators are forbidden from going all out as their presence can harm or in some cases may kill their fellow comrades though there are certain exceptions to that rule like now Ryuu was behind enemy lines as such he could go all out to wreck havoc.


    Seianta stood in front of one of the portal as she send a talisman into it stopping the various beasts flowing through it as a large barrier formed around her preventing anyone from harming or disturbing her no sound could enter or exit and the only being who were permitted to exit and enter were both Seinta and Ryuu.


    General Sienta turned her head towards Ryuu as she spoke, "Go and reduce some pressure on your comrades and if you feel tired just step inside the barrier and rest, I know you are tired after taking care of that beast as such keep in mind to take care of yourself and not to do something foolish."


    Kashi was having a hard time first the titanic battle took place they could feel it even several hundred miles from that place then the quake which hurt many of the cities inhabitants one way or another then it stopped only for him to witness an extremely devastating attack near the horizon where pitch black cloud looking like abyss itself blotted the sky, he knew that his counterpart was chasing someone before the fiasco started he hoped for his safety, then the city was being bombarded by Array Master as the barrier was on the verge of falling Captain Ryuu appeared and slaughtered the array masters easily before he followed after General Sienta, then the city shook as he watched amongst the mass of various enemies, spirit beasts an unmistakable aura of peak Mystic Immortal Emperor humming through the air reducing any low level spirit beast to just blood smear on the ground and he knew who was responsible for it as he could not fathom why his fellow Captain was suicidal enough to go in the midst of enemy territory and go all out.


    Meanwhile General Seianta looked back towards Ryuu with narrowed eyes as she mused, ''hmmm unknown Divine Body how interesting maybe I can experiment on him.'', before she gave her entire attention towards the portal in front of her.

 313 Salphan Part-1

    Ryuu gritted his teeth as he stopped a trident with his left hand from skewering him, his right hand holding his sword stopping a bastard sword from bisecting him, while arrays present on his legs prevented a mace and twin short sword from destroying his legs, but the combined might of the four Mystic Immortal Emperor had made him to fold up a bit as he tried to prevent his death by the quartet''s hands, as he thought of an escape route his mind went back to the reason of which landed him in such precarious situation.


    A few moments ago Ryuu had released his aura as he watched the beast disintegrate around him just from his presence, amidst all the howling, roaring and mewling he could make out one word as if all chanting around him ''Kill! Kill'' in a trance all beasts of various shapes and sizes chanted as he listened Ryuu''s blood started to boil as an urge to go in a mindless slaughter rose from his heart like an orgasmic bliss only to be quashed by monumental will power, ''Calm down, Calm down remember yourself.'', he chanted within his heart before he once again cast a glance at the beast.


    ''This must be the work of a powerful beast tamer otherwise I doubt that the predator and its prey would work in tandem, and this animals are low level and might not seem to be dangerous to strong cultivators but even if a single ant might not harm an elephant but what about a colony of hundreds and thousands of ants they would make the might beast falter. So I have to take care of the beast master and beasts would be out of control as chaos would reign amongst them. Hmmm now how to do it��Eureka!!!!''


    Ryuu closed his eyes as he delved deeper into conscious as suddenly his aura vanished before it returned roaring like a tsunami as he peered into his soul which looked like ball lit by golden flames he hearing roaring of dragon from it, then his senses expanded as dozens of such orbs in flame of various color shining around as he concentrated on them he found a small string binding them he followed the string and found all of them originating from a single point and he knew that was the beast master and he quickly withdrew himself it would not be wise to make him aware of himself.


    Ryuu took out his bow aimed in that direction as he released the entire might of his divine body as a pitch black ethereal arrow made of flames appeared in his hands before he let it lose, "Soul Shattering Barrage."


    The arrow moved deftly without causing any monumental changes except breaking into 7 similar arrows which once again increased in size greatly as one of them moved and entered into shadow of a nearby beast which immediately collapsed on the ground.


    Shalphan sat on the ground with his hand clasped together like in prayer he let out a huge yawn as which almost split his face as his head dropped while he was lulled into sleep, when all of a sudden the barrier surrounding him shook jolting him awake as he saw large pillar sized arrows attacking his barrier trying to break through it, but before he could react a seventh attack came which came from his shadows but was stopped by the barrier but unfortunately for him the arrows resonated and a powerful blast of soul based attack hit him severing his connection with the beasts as he vomited blood.


    Meanwhile the battlefield came to a halt momentarily before it descended into chaos as the blood frenzied beasts that were previously under control of Shalphan roared as they turned against each other out of fear and confusion, as Ryuu shook his head with a sigh, ''At least the beasts of different species turned on each other and that scumbag army for the time being I hope the pressure would lessen but now I have to deal with them.''


    Ryuu did not have to wait very long as 4 unknown people in black cloak attacked him and as such he found himself trying to fend himself from becoming a dead body by the four cloaked person.


    Ryuu snarled at them as one of them laughed as he spoke, "Die already mongrel yo��", whatever he was going to say stopped as Ryuu smirked at him, when all of a sudden his throat bulged disproportionately as one of them shouted out in panicked tone, "Get away he is planning something."


    With that shout the four quickly disengaged except the cloaked person with a trident who was yanked forwards as Ryuu released a purple colored mist over him completely surrounding the person, who gave a horrifying shriek as the cloaked person morphed into a creature with lower half of a spider with 6 legs and upper half that looked like a Cyclops from mythology of his old world, it shrieked loudly for a couple of seconds before his entire browned color body turned purple which then looked like a mummy before he fell lifelessly on the ground with thud as any beast that went within ten meters of that corpse hared similar fate.


    Ryuu turned his head towards others as he licked his lips removing any traces of purple color from them as he spoke with a coy smile, "SO who wants to die next or do I have to send written invitation now, ohh are you waiting for me to croak from old age and boredom."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    The people in cloak snarled as they suddenly morphed into various beasts some he could recognize the others not so much but each of them humongous in size a loud explosion drew his attention as he sighed, ''I am glad I am not in between the Battle Royale amongst the celestials that does not mean I am not in danger and that beast master has yet to make a move if the worst comes I will flee inside the barrier.''


    Ryuu gripped his sword hard as he glared at a Leviathan, a Hydra and chimera of sorts who roared and dashed towards him at an incredible speed, Ryuu studied the chimera for a brief second, its body had a shell of a turtle with three serpentine head akin to a hydra protruding from it its front leg was akin to that of a tiger while the rear looked like some kind of a horse and long serpentine tail, the hydra was the first to reach him as its jaw snapped shut Ryuu seemed to disappear from their site when all of sudden a loud boom was heard from behind them as they turned their head or heads in case of the Hydra heads they saw their companion being slammed to the ground hard accompanying with a vicious attack of thunder that made it screamed in agony.


    The Leviathan showing incredible agility turned and then dashed towards Ryuu who quickly dodged the attack as he slashed at the beast taking out a couple of small wings on top of it as the Hydra descended upon him bellowing greenish flame, as a bright orange color shield appeared in his left arm just moments ago as he got engulfed in fire by then the chimera had rise to the air only to cry out once again as its heads were chopped off.


    Ryuu did not take any chances as multiple talismans flew off and wrapped around the decapitated part of the neck as it glowed before it burned the area as the part started to reform but was stopped by getting burned in a rather vicious manner effectively killing it an enraged roar was heard as large volume of water was seen forming around the water as it tried to descend on Ryuu to him it seemed like an Ocean was descending on him, Ryuu took a deep breath as he mulled over his options, ''Getting caught with a Leviathan in such a volume of water is suicide as such I have to get rid of it at the same time if I freeze it, it would be simpler but at the same time a few Leviathan''s are known as manipulators of ice as well but at the same time to fight it with fire I would need to generate tremendous amount of heat and the steam could hinder my vision and cause problem with the hydra.''


    Wilhelm the Courageous was the King of the Holy Empire of Awrovia, when the invasion started he quickly took charge as he led an one man crusade towards shelter, he left in his sleep ware even leaving behind the rest of his families so that he could eliminate any enemies that had suddenly appeared inside the Royal Shelter, unfortunately for him he did not have to fight any enemy as his pure Heroic and Ferocious aura scared any intruders away from that place as others joined him, he scolded them as they were late what would happened if the poor people of his city got caught by the intruders they were lucky that Wilhelm the Courageous valiantly drove away only in his shining under garments, the nobility fell on their knees as they wept and sang praises for him.


    He sat on his throne as his Prime Minister sat near him while important members of the nobility all seating around looking at the battle as one of them spoke, "What nonsense is this they cannot even take care of some pests this is useless."


    Wilhelm nodded as he spoke, "So true, Prime Minister make sure to fine them at least a 1000 Gold Coins for everything that has been damaged if it were not for me trying to protect my people I ��.."


    Whatever he was going to say stopped in his throat as a gargantuan amount of water appeared in midst of the battle field it looked as if someone had summoned the ocean itself only for it to freeze as a beast of at least over two miles was partly trapped in it as it roared and struggled in order to free itself.


    A soldier who was busy protecting the city stopped along with many others who gawked at the sight as Captain Kashi spoke in an irritated tone, "What are you all doing? Did I not tell you all to supply KI to strengthen the barrier?"


    One of the Soldier''s pointed with a shaky hands towards the fight taking place as Kasai spoke with snarl, "So what, that is a battle between Peak Level Mystic Immortal Emperors going all out unfortunately for us they are less than 50 miles from us as such there is a chance we might get caught in the crossfire as such I recommend you worthless maggots if you wish to save the city from damage then strengthen the barrier, NOW!!!!!"

 314 Salphan Part-2

    The Leviathan roared in anger as it struggled to set itself free but in vain, as it tried to move it could feel it body freezing at a rapid pace as such it changed to a humanoid form, a naked girl to be exact with greenish blue scales covering most of her body which matched with her similar colored hair and red eyes, she was glaring hatefully at Ryuu as thin sheet of ice was forming slowly all over her body, she spoke with a snarl, "You filth what did you do to me?"


    If he were in Earth many would have given an arm and leg to spend some time with her but to Ryuu she was a bit plain but even then he gave a coy smile as he spoke in a flirty tone, "Why beautiful I was giving you one way ticket to afterlife.", he quickly dodged an incoming head of the Hydra.


    As he looked at the 200 meter long beast with 9 gigantic heads he spoke with a tired sigh, "Dude did no one told you to poke your nose when a handsome man is speaking with a lady.", with that he caught the hydra''s tail and with an incredible show of strength he tugged it hard before slamming the Hydra hard on the ground catering it as blood dripped from the great beasts mouth, the leviathan had already taken its real form as it dashed towards Ryuu once again.


    Ryuu looked at it in a bored tone as he spoke, "Well sorry my lady for making you suffer such dreadful tone let me make you warm now, Agni!!!!"


    Every beasts had an innate instinct on danger that triumphed that of even humans as such the Leviathan felt a shiver down her spine but she accredited it to the cold she was feeling before her eyes widen as a sea of flames engulfed her completely causing her to scream in pain as she felt her skin being roasted, her blood boiling as her eyes were burned, only to here a small chuckle, "Yum! I never knew a Leviathan Tandoori would smell so delicious!", she did not know what a ''tandoori'' was all she wanted the horrifying pain to stop.


    Ryuu watched the Leviathan scream in pain as she was getting roasted to near charcoal within a few minutes he decided to put an end to her not because of her pain but because causing so much heat in the atmosphere akin to that of the surface temperature of the darkspot of a star might not be well for the planet.


    "Joyuese Rain, Dimension Slasher.", he send a couple of quick slashes towards the Leviathan and as the name suggested Dimension Slasher was meant to cut through dimension something his second oldest sister could do with a finger as easily as breathing, and Ryuu had learnt the skill from her long ago and he had never been successful in utilizing the skill to his fullest despite his best efforts but today in the midst of battle he was still unsuccessful although it managed to support his skill by making it even more deadlier as gigantic ethereal blades cut through the beast like hot knife through butter.


    Kasai looked at the battle taking place with wide eye, he was given a front row seat as he watched the gigantic bluish flame appear which made him gulp even if he was so far away he could feel the heat and the burnt smell then he heard the scream before the beast was cut in to multiple pieces a few of those gigantic ethereal swords came hit the ground causing deep trenches on the ground especially one which came to close to comfort for the city, he watched the beasts fall with a thud as the Hydra rise in the air as Ryuu swung his sword without even looking as he took out the beasts tail an arc of Sword energy flew even after the beasts tail was cut off which then proceeded to cleanly cut a mountain peak as he let out a small whistle in appreciation.


    Ryuu let out a crazed laugh as he taunted the beast, "Awww is the big bad lizard wants its tail? Come be my pet I will take you to walk and feed you."


    The Hydra saw red as he screamed in anger as he lunged towards Ryuu who simply dodged as he cut of his legs, Ryuu made sure that each of his attack had the essence of fire in the cauterizing the wounds instantly damaging the hydra greatly, he spun as he slashed towards the hydra''s stomach as it let out a scream of agony, but was forced to dodged as a greenish flame shot towards him.


    Ryuu new that the flame was not normal it had high poisonous as well as acidic property that would form a rather annoying and troublesome situation for him which he wanted to avoid after all he was in the midst of battle, and the Dao of Asura was rearing its head already.


    Ryuu flashed in front of the fearful eyes of the hydra as it lost three of his head and a fourth still attached albeit barely, "tch, I missed it.", spoke a blood soaked Ryuu as he glanced at the beast only for his eyes to widen for a moment.


    He moved fast from his current position as fast as he could, as he stood at least a few kilometers away from his previous position he looked back he was greeted with the visage of bald man who was looking intently at him, the persons eyes was all black as if it consists only of iris and had the creepiest grin in his face Ryuu had ever seen, his chest was bare with prayer beads bigger than his creepy eyes was on his neck, Ryuu did not know why but the man made him feel uneasy.


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    The man suddenly clapped as his grin became even bigger as he spoke, "That was wonderful fight Junior may I know you name?"


    Before Ryuu could speak he felt another presence beside him as he turned his head he was greeted with the sight of General Sienta who was glaring at the person standing opposite to him as she spoke, "Ryuu stay behind him he is a bit out of your league."


    By then Colonel Elyrin and her group had managed to appear beside them full of cuts and various wounds as they looked at the person with wariness in their eyes as Sienta spoke, "What are you doing here Salphine?"


    The person in question did not replied to her as he spoke with the same creepy grin in his face, "Junior I am waiting for your reply last I checked you were neither deaf, nor are you mute so speak up I am getting tired of waiting.", his eyes gleamed with unholy radiance.


    General Sienta stood protectively in front of Ryuu as she spoke, "So does mine Salphine, what are you doing here?"


    Salphan grin got wider as he spoke, "Ahhh Sienta I did not notice you how have you been?", he greeted her like an old friend.


    Salphan''s aura flared as she spoke, "Answer me Salphine."


    As she spoke the giant bear of a man spoke in a whisper, "Captain, if a fight breaks out between these two simply flee, you will simply die in crossfire meaningless."


    Elyrin who was nearby seconded him as she spoke, "That is an order Captain, leave as soon as they start fighting you will only be a hindrance."


    Ryuu gripped his sword hard as he gave a curt reply, "Okay."


    Salphan looked as if he was trying to see past Sienta as he replied back with his creepy ear splitting grin as he spoke, "I was bored as such I took an enthusiastic walk, who knew I would meet such a specimen that would kill four of my beloved children whom I raised since they were eggs."


    The hydra was now standing beside him as it morphed into a tall purple haired human badly wounded and without legs as it spoke in a hoarse voice, "Father that trash killed all children, he ��."


    Salphan turned his head towards the humanoid hydra as he caressed his head gently as he cooed to him while he placed his finger on his lips preventing him from speaking while he spoke, "It is alright child father is here.", with that he latched into his son''s mouth into a soul searing kiss startling everyone, as the he released humanoid hydra Ryuu could see a small wisp of soul as it was sucked into Salphan''s mouth who threw the humanoid body away like trash.


    Salphan snorted in disgust as he spoke, "What a trash could not even kill a baby cultivator of similar rank even with three more trashes?"


    Ryuu watched with eyes wide as he saw the humanoid Hydra revert into its true form as it fell on the ground lifelessly as he gulped, ''What kind of person is this who would kill��..'', only for him to bang his head because of his stupidity, ''Why would I feel startled by such betrayal after all my own birth parents wanted to kill me in both lives, I am so stupid.''


    Salphine stared back before a portal opened behind him as he started walking through it without saying anything as the portal closed behind him everyone let out a sigh of relief specially Elyrin who looked a bit shaken for a moment before she composed herself as she spoke, "We are lucky he did not fight and simply left."


    Sienta grudgingly agreed to her as she spoke, "So true, we were lucky last time I fought him, I barely survived due to luck and I so do not wish for a rematch anytime soon now REPORT!!!!"

 315 End of battle

    Loud sound of boots hitting metallic floor was heard as a group led by Sienta moved through the hallways of the recently captured Snatcher, as they made their way to one of the most secure doorway whose security measures were under the assault of skilled hands of Array Masters who had successfully taken down many traps and was now working on a door which looked like an reinforced vault door.


    Sienta sighed as she spoke, "We have to move the entire thing into a secure location than strip search it, and Colonel Wazir you will be overseeing it."


    The giant of a man who came to reinforce Ryuu and Elyrin gave a small bow as he spoke, "As you wish ma''am."


    As the rounded the corner Sienta let out a shriek as she made a mad dash towards the door as she shouted out in anger, "Move you colossal buffoon, you are going to kill us all."


    Ryuu was hot on her heels as he also made a mad dash after her as the team of array master had made a grievous error and basically started the destruction sequence of the Snatcher, he ducked as the duo of array masters were basically flung by an irate Sienta who ordered in a hurried voice, "Ryuu help me out, and others get out of here."


    The duo quickly vegan working on the door as fast as they could, as most of the soldiers quickly started to move except for Elyrin who was standing guard when all of a sudden one of the earlier array master suddenly made a move with daggers drawn trying to kill the duo, Elyrin tried to react but she was a bit late as no sooner that the person reach Ryuu he was shocked tied with a ball gag on his face as he collapsed on the ground, as Ryuu smirked at that as he spoke in a rather smug tone, "Like I would arrive in a battle with my back unprotected."


    "Focus Captain.", came a quick scolding from Sienta causing him to wince as Elyrin quickly pulled the person away from them, while the other Array Master looked as if he had just received a death sentence after his partners behavior.


    "I took care of the sequence, Ma''am."


    "Good now take hold of the Array on my right and reverse it."


    "Okay"


    The duo worked like a well oiled machine as they disabled no to Elyrin it looked as if the duo were simply tearing the entire thing apart as golden array fell on the floor like pieces of burning paper before they vanished, it was incredible to watch, before her eyes narrowed to Ryuu who was standing behind Sienta basically glued to her as both his arms were on the door, wrapping her and to many it looked to be in a rather intimate contact causing her brow to twitch in irritation.


    To what seemed to be an eternity to her the duo finally let a sigh of relief as they moved from their compromising position according to Elyrin as they stood against each other with a beaming smile on their face as they opened the door Sienta turned back as she spoke, "Tell others it is safe now and make sure to send that traitor to have the secrets stored in its brain to be pulled out."


    Elyrin gave a small bow as she spoke with stoic visage, "Yes Ma''am."


    Ryuu opened the door as he stepped inside in front of his superior as it would not look good in his resume if he let his superior to get hurt, as he stepped inside he let out a small whistle as in front of laid a treasure trove in the form of thick stack of papers and drawings were thrown around the room.


    Sienta studied the room as she spoke, "Captain, start searching the room for any potential traps."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he searched through the room while the both Elyrin and Wazir came back after securing the traitor, as they waited at the door, Ryuu placed a stack of paper on the table as Sienta beckoned the others to enter, as they entered the room they saw designs and drawings of what seemed to be a vault along with a particular symbol of a Jackal with one half of its face white the other black on each of them as they went through the pile of papers, Elyrin spoke with her brow in deep thought, "It seems that they were searching for a vault but what is this symbol has anyone seen it anywhere."


    All she received was a negative shake of head when all of a sudden Wazir exclaimed out in astonishment, "Ma''am look according to the manuscript this are vaults for a Great Cultivator who lived before the periods of Great Fall also he is a Devil Cultivator."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    Ryuu looked curiously at that as he spoke in a voice above whisper, "Damn, if they are searching for his vault like this then he should at least be above Dao Father Level."


    Sienta nodded at that as she spoke, "My thoughts exactly, but more importantly we have to coordinate with Headquarters in this matter, the planet will not be safe now they will try again and this time they will big even bigger firepower."


    The others nodded as Ryuu looked at the symbol of the two faced jackal, to him it looked a tad bit like Anubis from his old world if he had a two face, "Hmmm may be my master would recognize the symbol."


    Sienta looked sharply at Ryuu as she spoke, "What was that?"


    Ryuu cleared his throat as he spoke, "Ma''am my teachers have been around since before the Great Divide as such if this person was big shot during that time they might know him."


    Sienta frowned at that as she spoke with a sigh, "Don''t involve civilians we have enough advisors from the army from before the Great Divide."


    Ryuu nodded as he replied back with a smile, "Yes Ma''am."


    As they were discussing a soldier appeared as they saluted them, Ryuu''s eyes widen slightly as he felt a bit relieved upon seeing a member from his squad, after he was commandeered by his superior he was forced to give the command of his squad to his Vice Captain and seeing one of his squad members brought a sense of relief he wanted to ask him more but he could not breach decorum as Sienta spoke without looking up, "What is the problem now."


    The soldier stood straight as he spoke, "Ma''am an Emperor of a city in Duehiri is asking for compensation for the damage to his city or he will kick us out of Duehiri."


    Sienta raised one of her eyebrows as she spoke with a trace of irritation, "Who is the person in charge of that city?"


    "Captain Kasai, Ma''am."


    Ryuu''s eyes narrowed as he spoke, "I remember him, he was protecting the city that was nearest to where I fought against Salphan''s beasts not only that he took care of the moon that was about to fall on the city."


    Sienta turned her head towards the documents as she spoke, "Tell him that I have ordered him to retire His Majesty and his entourage who are suffering from shock and fright by sending them to medical rehab somewhere extremely faraway for indefinite time period probably till the end of time itself and replace him with more competent and mentally sound fellow. Now leave us you are dismissed."


    The soldier saluted as he turned to leave he gave a small nod to Ryuu as he left hurriedly with the orders.


    Wazir looked curiously at that as he spoke, "Do you know him Captain?"


    Ryuu looked towards him as he spoke with a nod, "Yes Colonel he is a member of not only 139th battalion but also my squad."

 316 Going Back to Ayindril Part-1

    Ryuu sat inside his bathroom as the shower rained on him, the cold water washed away any and all blood that was covering him washing off, he looked at the dark red water moving towards the drain as he sighed hard, yesterday he had about a 1000 strong squad but now he had lost about a 100 in a single skirmish it made him sad, he knew them, laughed with them shared happiness and sadness with them now they are all dead, he wanted to scream and cry at everything but no matter what he would do they would not be brought back to life.


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    The funeral had been short well more like the saying goodbyes to the casket which were sealed Ryuu knew that most if not all of them were either too disfigured to be shown to the family members or the casket were empty, some will ne incinerating some will be simply buried according to the customs of their family. The policy the army had always been to hand over the casket to the family as conducting funeral for people who were spread around an entire realm was not only impractical but a huge chore as well as such they were send back to their family with honors.


    As Ryuu made his way to his office he was greeted by his superior Major Frank who simply shook his hand as he spoke, "headquarters send a missive you are required there for debriefing."


    Ryuu had a confused expression on his face as he spoke, "huh, why would I need debriefing when I already said everything on my report."


    Frank shrugged as he spoke, "I do not know but a summon had been sent for you, a vessel had been send to bring you there, also if the headquarters do not object your vacation would start immediately as soon as you would have finished your work.", he finished with a smile only to frown upon seeing the look of dread on Ryuu''s face causing him to speak with a frown, "Is something wrong Captain Ryuu?"


    Ryuu let out a sigh before he spoke, "to tell you the truth I ran away from home to join the army with my sisters help and except an occasional contact with my eldest sister I have yet to receive any contact specially with the other two who helped me join the army and from what my eldest sister hinted I might get a bit punished."


    Frank narrowed his eyes as he spoke, "Brother you need not worry as long as you are in active duty no one will touch you it is my promise to you, now move along you have a long day ahead.", with that he patted his back and left a slack jawed Ryuu alone.


    ''That unhelpful bastard as long as I am in vacation I am not considered in active duty unless my vacation ends or I receive emergency summon.'', a sulking Ryuu made his way to the port where a vessel was standing to take him to the headquarters.


    A couple of hours later Ryuu landed on a different port in an unknown area, the guard of the place looked as if they meant business not only that they looked a hell lot stronger than the usual people he usually dealt with as he landed he was greeted by another person who came forward as he spoke, "I am Colonel Razeil, please follow me."


    Ryuu nodded as he walked behind me through the hallowed halls of the Head quarter as he was walking a female voice came to his ears, "Well well who do we have here?"


    Ryuu turned around and nearly suffered a heart attack upon seeing a familiar visage of a person who had once tried to kill him, he gulped hard as he spoke, "This junior greets senior."


    The woman looked at him as if trying to strip even his soul bare as she spoke, "How did you grow so strong so fast Ryuu?"


    Ryuu gulped as he spoke, "Senior an unfortunate accident took place which had me comatose for a long time and when I awoke I had made a major breakthrough."


    Her gaze became even more intense as she spoke, "Really Ryuu was that only thing that happened?"


    "Please leave the poor child alone, I do not think this place would survive a battle between you and Antariskh."


    The woman turned towards the speaker as she spoke with a smile, "Ah Greetings Lady Khygnos how have you been?"


    Khygnos gave her a charming smile as she spoke, "I have been well dear but what about you Megara."


    Megara simply smiled as she spoke, "I am fine and it is lovely to see you Antariskh."


    Antariskh snorted as she spoke, "Yes it is really lovely to see you.", before she turned towards the Colonel as she spoke, "You may tend to your other duties I will escort the Captain.", she then turned towards Ryuu as she spoke, "Captain I hope you will not mind accompanying me."


    Megara gave a sly smile as began to walk away as she spoke, "Yes yes child go to your owner, and hid behind her skirt instead of shaking like a leaf."


    Antariskh growled at that as the Colonel and Megara went out of her sight she turned and hugged Ryuu as she spoke, "It had been a while brother, I heard about the battle are you unhurt."


    Ryuu gave a small smile as she spoke, "I am unhurt and well sister.", he then turned towards Khygnos as he spoke, "It has been a while aunty how have you been."


    Khygnos gave a smile as she spoke, "I am fine child though I am surprised to see you join the army never thought brother Mahes or his wives would allow you to join."


    Ryuu suddenly found the ceiling interesting as Antariskh replied with a snort, "He ran away from Ayindril with the help of my younger sisters to join the army."


    Khygnos looked thunderstruck before she let out a loud laugh as she spoke, "Seems like the newer generation copying the older one.", Antariksh simply gave a small nod with a smile on her face.


    Khygnos then spoke with a sigh, "Well it seems we are getting late so why don''t you give us a hint as to what happened I did rather hear from the source itself rather than learn from a piece of paper."


    As Ryuu began recounting everything that happened since they left for Duehiri ''The Snatcher'', ''Halphine'', the meteor the encounter with Salphan and how he and his superior General Sienta managed to stop the destruction of ''The Snatcher'' triggered by some short of spy who had snuck and finding documents stating some devil cultivator before the Great Divide.


    Antariskh frowned as she spoke, "Do you know who this Great Devil Cultivator is?"


    Ryuu shook his head as she spoke, "No clue although he had a symbol of a Jackal with one face in light other in dark, well more like it looked like face of Anu��."


    Ryuu suddenly choked a bit as he felt immense amount of killing intent only for him to be quickly hugged by Khygnos who shouted at Antariskh, "Antariskh calm yourself or you will harm your brother."


    Antariskh was bought out of her anger as she quickly turned towards Ryuu her face showing remorse as she spoke, "I am sorry brother that symbol bought bad memories."


    A catatonic Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "It is alright big sister, but who is this person."


    Antariskh bit her lips as she spoke, "An extremely bad person, and I am happy he is dead but if you have found his vault we have to hurry."


    Khygnos nodded as Antariskh picked Ryuu up like a puppy before they dashed towards the conference room, the opened the room so hard that it almost fell out startling everyone as they entered Ryuu was dropped on the floor like a sack of potato not that he was able to understand as his head was ringing from move at such a speed.


    Khygnos literally shouted out a command to Bakhtyar, "Supreme General Bakhtyar, I want to see the documents on the vault they are searching along with the symbol of that person NOW!!!"


    Seeing her demanding tone everyone was taken aback specially those who knew her personally after all she was never to lose her patience like that and Bakhtyar knew that it would be unwise to test her patience further as such he handed those documents to her while Ryuu finally stood up with the help of Elyrin as he stood beside her and Sienta with Wazir to their other side as Sienta spoke in whisper, "Captain Ryuu do you know what has happened?"


    Ryuu replied to her with a frown, "Apparently they know the person whose symbol we found and are quite angry I almost had a heart attack from their killing intent so brace yourselves.", Everyone within their hearing range gulped at that angering this ancient cultivators was worse than dead.


    Wazir spoke in a rather nervous manner, "Should we make a run for it.", only to here a small ''hum'' behind them.


    Sienta spoke with her head dropping down in a defeated tone, "It is too late for that the now the room has been sealed."


    Elyrin had the look as if her entire life had flashed before her as she spoke, "It was nice knowing you all."


    Ryuu gulped at that as he spoke, "Same."


    Their worriness was not unfounded as a few seconds later they found themselves on the ground trying hard to breathe as they felt their life choking out of them as an explosion of KI and killing intent was released from any cultivator that had established themselves before the Great Divide as Khygnos spoke a name. " Jose."

 317 Going Back to Ayindril Part-2

    Khygnos thundered at others as their combined killing intent and KI rose, "Calm down you buffoons there are juniors here have some dignity."


    That stopped everyone as Antariskh spoke, "Bakhtyar are your men searching for the vault."


    Bakhtyar composed himself as even he felt a bit overwhelmed as he replied to her, "Yes ma''am they are."


    Megara who was listening intently spoke with a sigh, "Tell them to stop and forget about it, it is too dangerous."


    Saidhal who was also present spoke with a frown, "I remember one of Jose''s vaults was found by an idiot once and he managed to trigger some of the traps the entire population of the planet was wiped out because of some poison."


    Antariskh nodded at that as she spoke, "So true it was the combined attempt of my younger sisters and Megara that we even managed to open the vault as well as clear the planet of poisoning even then it took around a 1000 years to get it habitable as such I also believe you should withdraw your men and let us deal with it."


    Bakhtyar sighed as he spoke, "Fine although we now have to deal with 3 stolen planets of them two were habitable."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    Megara frowned at that as she spoke, "Explain?", while both Khygnos and Antariskh took their seats.


    Bakhtyar sighed as he spoke, "5 planets were attacked and 3 of them were stolen, Duehiri was saved and the last one well it is rubble now during the battle the snatcher managed to latch onto the planet and it was about to drag the planet but our soldiers intervened but a catastrophic mishap took place and in a titanic explosion the entire planet as well as the snatcher are a rubble and the many soldiers fell that day."


    Everyone had a stoic look on their face as one of the members Ryuu did not recognize his name but had seen him in the banquet all those years ago spoke, "Which one did we lose?"


    Bakhtyar rubbed his temples in exasperation as he spoke, "Celenia, the one which was a huge tourist retreat that one.", Everyone winced at that it was loss in revenue as well as living resources.


    By now Ryuu and his group along with others had managed to regain their position as they stood trying to catch their bearing and from what Ryuu noticed they were not the only one and he winced when he saw a couple of guards dragging a few person who had still to regain their consciousness but the higher-ups did not even bat an eyelid at that.


    As Ryuu was told to speak his part one of the members suddenly spoke in a curious tone, "Are Ryuu that Ryuu who is the disciple of Senior Maheswara?"


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes Senior I am."


    The person frown at that as he spoke, "The last time I saw you, was during that banquet over 60 years ago and you were 15 years of age and Void Immortal if I am not mistaken?"


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes Senior during that time I was indeed at Void Immortal level."


    The same person nodded as he continued, "And now you are a Captain in the army and if I remember that in order to become a captain of the army one of the requirements is to be at least mid Level Mystic Immortal Emperor so how are the Captain?"


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Senior I am a Peak Level Mystic Immortal Emperor and if you permit I can show you my level."


    By then many had garnered their undivided attention as they looked at him with narrowed eyes as the person in question simply gave the permission with a nod as Ryuu simply flared his KI for a few second as the person spoke with a nod, "Peak level Mystic Immortal Emperor impressive, but how I have yet to learn and I believe no one here knows any method to increase one''s cultivation so I hope you would not mind sharing your method."


    Ryuu spoke as he discreetly glanced at Antariskh who was smirking at him, "Senior unfortunately there is no such method, or treasure that I know off that can produce such massive increase in cultivation but what happened to me is that I profited from a calamity that befell me. It happened one fine morning when I was only 15 and had recently become an Immortal."


    "An Immortal at 5 preposterous!", a shout came causing Ryuu''s brow to twitch a bit before Saidhal spoke with a sigh, "No he did become Immortal at 15 he would have done earlier if he did not end up getting injured now Ryuu please continue."


    Ryuu simply nodded at that as he spoke, "Well as I was saying it was a fine morning and I stopped to have some tea when a rather pretty looking lady approached me and asked if she could share my table I allowed her, then she suddenly started talking as if she started talking as if she knew me and I do not know why but I had a bad feeling from her for sometime as such I tried to run from her, the end result my flying vessel was destroyed my guard were killed and I was captured, then she tried to kill me by shoving multiple Dao in my brain which made me comatose for 30 years."


    Antariskh nodded at that as she spoke, "That was what happened to him, not to mention that bitch was extremely strong."


    Megara spoke with a smug tone in her voice, "Was it not during that time you lost to someone in a rather pathetic manner by having you hand pulled off."


    Antariskh nodded as she spoke, "Yes I lost to her as she turned out to be a rather strong cultivator and please stop smirking last I checked you have yet to best me in combat.", her statement caused Megara to growl in anger.


    Bakhtyar cleared his throat as he spoke, "Well at least a certain ex-15 year old did not get bored and fell asleep today, now about��."


    Ryuu''s brow twitched at as he let out a tired sigh it seemed some people will never let him forget about that incident, it was not his fault that a clueless 15 year old was dragged to a meeting against his will.


    Elyrin whispered to him, "Do you know that woman dressed in royal blue clothes?"


    Ryuu nodded as he whispered back to her, "Yes she is my teachers'' oldest daughter as such she is like my big sister."


    An hour later Ryuu was allowed to leave the room along with Antariskh as they moved to the dockyard they met with Saidhal who spoke with a smile, "So going back to your battalion so soon Ryuu?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No big brother, as soon as the meeting concluded I am on a holiday."


    Khygnos who was travelling with them spoke with a small smile on her face, "So what are you planning to do during your holidays, nephew?"


    Ryuu gave a small smile as he spoke, "Well I will be busy preparing for Eden."


    At that the trio walking with him stopped walking as they looked at him with eyes wide as Ryuu spoke with a smirk, "And big sis I am going to break your record."


    Antariskh eyes widen for a fraction before she let lose a loud laugh as she spoke, "The record we mad had stood the test of time itself Ryuu, the quality of cultivators since the Great Disaster had fallen and no one has been able to break our record the record we created all those years ago, few came close and a handful managed to touch it but break it none, I will wait for it brother I will wait for the day when you break it.", with that she simply tousled his hair as Ryuu blushed from embarrassment.


    Siadhal looked at the scene with eyes wide as he spoke, "Sister do you think Ryuu would be able to triumph our record?"


    Antariskh replied back with a smirk at that, "I think? Dear brother Saidhal I know that my baby brother will surpass us all."


    Just like that the nice atmosphere was gone as an indignant shout was bellowed by Ryuu, "I AM NOT A BABYYYY!!!!!!!"

 318 Going Back to Ayindril Part-3

    It had been so many years since he had stepped on the soil of Ayindril, his home since he was a toddler as he stepped inside Ayindril he felt an immense sense of relief and happiness couple with immense sense of guilt and shame, yes he felt shame and guilt because even if he had managed to keep contact with his sisters even if it might be rare he still had contact with them yet he did not do the same with his teachers after all this was the first time he would be speaking with them since the day he left well more like sneaked away to join the army, part of it he could blame all those frightening stuff his sisters told him that he would receive as his punishment but still what would his mother thing.


    Antariskh placed her hand on his shoulder as she spoke with a smile, "Why don''t you go and visit your mother while I speak with my family about Jose I do not think it will be good for your health."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "You are right big sis, and it has been such a long time since I last visited her."


    With that Ryuu flew towards his mother''s resting place while Antariskh moved towards the place where she felt her family were present, as she entered she watched her parents glanced expectantly to see Ryuu only to frown seeing his absence.


    Antariskh sighed as she spoke, "Sorry something extremely important came up as such I send Ryuu to his mother''s grave while I spoke with you all."


    Nuwa felt her heart lurched forward as she spoke, "Did something happen to Ryuu?"


    Antarikskh bit her lips as she spoke, "Well Ryuu recently participated in a large scale battle and had been victorious but I am not here to speak about that you can get the details of it later on, but what I want to speak about is that the battle was between scums from Preta Lok.", at that the temperature of the room fell by several degrees as Antariksh continued, "They were searching for a vault on the planet and the vault belongs o none other than the King of scums Jose."


    An inhuman amount of killing intent was released in that room followed by KI that made Ayindril shake with furiously as Maheswara slammed his hand hard on his chair as he spoke with a frown, "Child did your brother come in contact with the vault."


    At his question everyone calmed down as Antariskh spoke, "No he did not but he knows that he is a dangerous and strong cultivator before the great fall and Jose was our most hated enemy nothing more nothing less."


    Celestia nodded at that as she spoke, "I see so what now?"


    Antariksh sighed as she spoke, "We are going to take care of it, as such I need my sisters help and oh, also I have a request to make."


    Veena raised her eyebrow at that as she spoke, "What would that be?"


    Antariksh gave them a pleading look as she spoke, "Brother did not had a chance to visit us because he was rather busy as well as he was afraid of your reactions so please so him some mercy also you all are agitated on hearing that mongrels name so try not to take your anger out on him."


    Maheswara shook his head as he spoke with a smile, "You have nothing to fear child, one of our child has just returned home as such it is cause for celebration."


    Celestai had a frown on her face before she spoke with a tired sigh, "Here I was hoping to see him squirm a bit."


    At that everyone snorted the last time Celestia tried to make someone squirm the person developed such a phobia that the mere mention of her name causes the person to faint.


    Shamiran gave a small nod before Sylvana spoke with a sigh, "Well we can celebrate but it seems we have to get ready who knows what is in that vault."


    At her words they group once again fell into somber mood before Celestia stood up as she spoke with a smile, "Well then girls get ready while I go and hunt down my prodigal student."


    A sentiment that was shared by others as they left the sisters alone as Nuwa spoke with a smile, "Maybe we should make something for our children.", before she turned towards her daughter as she spoke with a faux anger filled tone, "And if we find you lot leaving without eating anything."


    The trio of sisters gulped as they gave a small nod at the threat by their mother.


    Ryuu had just finished telling about his adventures to his mother well he had started when a quake took place, followed by killing intent and KI he simply wanted to curl up inside his cupboard at that as it stopped he took a few precious deep breath before he started speaking as he sat there in silence which was promptly destroyed by clearing of a throat as he looked towards the direction of sound he was greeted by the smiling visage of Maheswara, Veena and Celestia.


    Maheswara walked forward as he placed his hands on his shoulder looking intently at him, Ryuu was still wearing his army officer uniform which looked great on him as he Maheswara pulled him inot an embrace as he spoke with feeling of pride in his voice, "Welcome back Ryuu, welcome back."


    Ryuu had a small on his face as his eyes grew a bit misty as he spoke, "I am back."


    What was supposed to be a small party was soon blown out of proportion by some rather happy Nuwa making excess food and drinks which were happily appreciated by all as they spoke merrily with each other.


    Veena had a small smile on her face as she spoke, "Ahh brings back to a memeory long ago when a certain 5 year old child had first tasted Nuwa''s cooking and had to be admitted to hospital from over eating.", she finished with a teasing grin towards Ryuu who nearly choked on the food.


    Ryuu simply turned red from embarrassment as he spoke, "Hey it was not my fault the food was too good I cannot help myself."


    Maheswara smiled as he spoke, "So Ryuu how long is your holiday?"


    Ryuu sighed at that as he spoke, "Teacher I have taken a long period of absence from the army as I want to begin preparation to explore Eden."


    At that the table became completely silent except for a beaming Antariskh as who spoke in a teasing tone, "My baby brother wants to break his dear older siblings'' record after all."


    Both Shamiran and Sylvana had a smile on their faces as Sylvana spoke in a haughty manner, "You are thousands of years too early Ryuu to surpass our record."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    Maheswara sighed at that as he spoke, "Ryuu Eden is very dangerous as well as mysterious place, no one knows about its origin but I will tell you this even we had visited that place and it is nightmarish place so do you still wish to visit that place."


    Ryuu took a deep breath before he spoke, "Yes teacher I would."


    Veena had a concerned look on her face as she spoke, "Well then if that is your wish we will help you child but anytime you wish to stop and give up on it you are free to do so we will not think any less of you after all your life is our most important priority."


    Ryuu simply nodded at that and he knew from all the information he had managed to gather Eden was one of the most unpredictable dangerous and treacherous place where a single slip will kill him, after all less than 5% makes through it even then most are not unscathed and in good health.

 319 Working Hard Part-1

    Ryuu huffed as a bead of sweat fell from his brow as he dodged another arrow that hit the nearby tree as it firmly imbedded, he jumped and waived his way through the thick foliage and bushes as he made his way to the entrance of the newest house of horrors that his teachers had cooked up for him to practice, his mission to complete a trek of 1000 Kms in 5 days of time dodging dangerous inhabitants of the forest who are trying to kill him nothing here is safe for him even earth, water or air is deadly he had not even had a chance to even rest a bit as he was being actively being hunted by one creature or another and the best part his KI had been completely sealed to the point he did not even have enough KI of a lowest level of Huantian stage, not only that they had placed an array that exerted around 200G of force on him constantly making his bones to scream in pain, he crawled through the forest floor with a tip of a broken spear in his hand as he once again checked the direction from the position of the stars.


    Ryuu let out a sigh of frustration at that, ''I really liked the time when teacher used whack-a-mole to improve my reflex but this!!! It is inhuman and complaining will make my task even harder but I will not give up I will conquer Eden.'', his eyes lit up with an unholy fire of determination as he crawled only for the ground to give in as he fell on a bamboo spike as he felt himself getting skewered.


    Ryuu''s vision cleared as he found himself staring at a smiling face of Veena, "Welcome to the land of living Ryuu, how do you feel?"


    Ryuu let out a groan as he spoke, "I have been better."


    Veena''s smile increased as she spoke with a smile, "Good then you would be glad to know that you managed to survive for 4 days, 3 hours, 5 minutes and 10 seconds this time and also managed to cross 587 Kms."


    Ryuu sighed as he placed his hand over his forehead as he spoke, "It is not enough."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    Veena nodded at that as she spoke with a sigh, "I know child, I know but that is the thing you are going to face in that place."


    Ryuu sighed at that as he spoke, "I want to do another run."


    Veena shook her head as she spoke, "No child I forbid it, you are to worn out and I doubt you would make even a tenth of your current result in this condition, why don''t you take a nap, you older sisters arrived a few minutes ago with guest, I will call you for lunch say about 2 hours from now."


    Ryuu nodded as he drifted off into sleep he was too tired to even lift his hand as he gained a new form of respect for non cultivators who work so hard without any chance of using any form of KI.


    As soon as Veena left the room he was greeted by the smiling visage of Maheswara who simply hugged her as he spoke, "So is he alright?"


    Veena nodded in her husband''s embrace as she spoke, "Yes he is although I do not like lying to him, you had raised the gravity to 400G and he travelled about 893Km in that time frame."


    Maheswara had a small smile in his face as he spoke, "I know I also do not like that but you know how he is the more difficult and impossible the goal the more his eagerness to overcome he becomes."


    Veena sighed at that as he spoke, "So true.", she let go of her husband as she spoke, "Well I have to check my daughters now and Megara, I heard she was injured."


    Maheswara nodded with a frown, "Yes she got injured trying to save Shamiran, and I hope it is not one of her ploy it would be shame to kill her when she protected one of my daughters."


    Veena frown at that as she spoke, "I hope so too as such remember to tell others that no matter what she should never be alone or too close to Ryuu under any circumstances."


    A few minutes later Veena was looking at the face of Megara, a poisonous attack had melted the right side of her face, an unknown poison as such she still needed some time to figure out the antidote for the time being the array was holding the poison as it seemed to be aggravated by KI they had placed another to seal her KI but it was difficult for someone of her caliber as such they had to seal her KI only a part was left that powered the seal that stopped the spread of the poison.


    Menelaos and his wife Neaera ahd just arrived in Ayindril it had been such a long time since they had been to Ayindril, upon their arrival they were guided to the place where Megara was kept under forced sleep with a cloth covering the right side of her face.


    Nuwa simply gave them a small nod as she spoke, "Welcome brother and sister."


    Menelaos looked at his daughter as he spoke, "How did it happen?"


    Nuwa sighed as she spoke, "A poisonous trap had caused damage to her face, until Veena can create an antidote we are keeping her in sleep."


    Ryuu had awakened for a good few minutes now he was lying on his bed in deep thought before he suddenly sat up as he decided to take a bath and a cup of tea to clear his head, he was running a simulation inside his head now all the previous failed attempts he was trying to find any pattern or clue but it was impossible every time he had visited a simulation he was forced to face a different biome and even if he had got into similar biome the enemies were different the map was different and most importantly the conditions were different as such it was frustrating, his musing was cut short when he saw Antariskh.


    Ryuu quickly made his way towards her as he spoke, "Big sister when did you came back?"


    Antariskh had a put a forced smile on her face as she spoke in a tired tone, "A couple of hours ago Ryuu."


    Ryuu frowned upon seeing such expression on her face as he spoke in a worried tone, "Did something happen, big sister?"


    Antariskh sighed at that as she spoke with a sad smile on her face, "Megara got injured badly as such mother is treating her."


    Ryuu eyes widen as he spoke, "May I see the procedure?"


    Antariskh contemplated for a minute before she spoke with a sigh, "You may Ryuu but please do not cross the array line, the poison is highly toxic and dangerous it will kill you instantly."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he moved along with Antariskh he was greeted with the sight of Menelaos and Neaera present along with his teachers and his older sisters except his 1st mistress and 2nd older sister, Ryuu simply gave a small bow as he greeted both Menelaos and his wife, "Greetings elders."


    Menelaos spared a glance at him as he nodded at him while his wife did not even acknowledge his presence, causing Ryuu to frown inwardly at that, ''So rude.'', only for Maheswara to get in between the duo and Ryuu as he slowly moved Ryuu away from them only for Veena to arrive with Shamiran trailing after her.


    Ryuu''s brow furrowed upon seeing the robes of her prim and proper Sister caked with blood, as Veena entered she spoke curiously upon seeing Ryuu, "What are you doing here child?"


    Antariksh replied on behalf of Ryuu, "He stumbled upon us mother."


    Veena nodded at that as she spoke, "Make sure he does not enter the room.", with that both Shamiran and her entered the room.


    As they entered Shamiran send a weak smile to Ryuu, who replied her with an encouraging one.


    ''Child do not make any movement I believe it is an excellent opportunity to give you a lesson, Veena is busy and I am not that well versed with medicine but I will give you a crash course for now by speaking with you telepathically as it would be quite rude to do such in front of the parents try not to make any sudden movement any question you have speaking telepathically.''


    Ryuu''s eyes widen suddenly as he heard Maheswara''s voice in his head but whatever he was going to say was stopped as the cloth covering Megara''s face was removed as a gasp came from his side, Megara a women who could give a run for the money to his elder sisters and his teachers on looks before looked like a grotesque monster from a horror movie. Ryuu looked at her face specially the right side had melted completely as her bones could be seen which seemed to be melting as well, her flesh was or a thick sludge formed by her flesh was bubbling as if someone was boiling it under heat, he could see pus as he looked up, he could see through inside through his eye socket and a good chunk of the right part of her brain missing.

 320 Working Hard Part-2

    It had been a couple days since the successful operation on Megara''s face but Veena kept her under watch in the infirmary as she healed her face slowly, Ryuu had watched the entire process from draining of poison to applying of antidote to making it harmless then removing parts of the face, before regrowing the right side of the flesh the eye and most importantly the brain.


    If it were my previous world people would have laughed at the thought of regrowing a brain yet it was possible in this world and it certainly helped as his curiosity was being satiated by Maheswara, and a couple of days later Megara awoke from her medicine induced coma.


    The one word that would describe her situation was that she was bored really bored she had been stuck on this bed for a couple of days causing her to grimace at that, ''Something never changes huh.'', she sat up as she looked around before she sneaked out of her room, only for a voice of laughter to enter her ears, she made her way to the source and heard both Shamiran and Ryuu chatting with each other.


    Shamiran''s smile froze as she spoke with a sigh, "Megara it is not good manners to eavesdrop why don''t you enter and take a seat and wait while my mother comes back and drags you back."


    Megara snorted at that as she spoke, "And what are you doing with the squirt here."


    Ryuu''s eyes twitched violently as Shamiran spoke, "Nothing just speaking with him and what about you?"


    Megara sighed as she sat on a chair as she spoke, "I was bored so Ryuu how have you been?"


    Ryuu did not know how to interact with the woman who had once tried to kill her because she was having well a psychotic break down as such he put a smile on his face as he replied to her, "I am fine senior but how are you no when you were brought here you were injured very badly."


    Megara looked at him intently before she spoke with a sigh, "I am fine, after all aunty Veena is a miracle worker."


    Ryuu nodded at that before the group fell into uncomfortable silence as Megara spoke after sometime, "Ryuu, I hope you do not mind me calling your Ryuu?", as Ryuu shook his head as she continued, "Well I have not met your family do they also stay in Ayindril? I wish to meet them."


    Find authorized novels in Webnovel��faster updates, better experience��Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.


    Ryuu sighed as he replied to her, "I am sorry senior but my mother has passed away as such sorry you will not be able to meet her."


    Megara tilted her as she spoke, "What about your father and your other family member."


    Ryuu shrugged at that as he spoke, "I have no idea after all my mother rescued me from my birth parents and my so called birth family who wanted to mount my head on a pike when I was just a newly born babe."


    Before Megara could inquire further Shamiran satiated her curiosity, "You know how some people treat others who have divine body."


    Megara scrunched her face in disgust as she spoke, "What backwater savage are those people I hope you have already dealt with them Ryuu."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "I am extremely busy person senior as such I have never had the time to even think about them."


    Shamiran continued where he left off, "Well they will provide a nice fight to Ryuu if he fights against them although I am fairly certain he would emerge victorious, although it is up to him if he wants to destroy them or not."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Well mom wanted me to be a strong cultivator as such I never thought too much about them."


    While Shamiran put up a smile on her face but inwardly it was different matter, ''When he was young he wanted to simply erase them from existence but over time the urge had disappear as he became older and mature but I hope it is not lurking underneath somewhere.''


    Megara looked at him creeping him a bit as she spoke, "You hold your mother in extreme high regard?"


    Shamiran had a small smile on her face as she spoke, "She was a wonderful woman who could have led her life of comfort and luxury yet she gave away everything her life, her cultivation in order to keep her child safe many could learn from her."


    Before anyone could speak anything a feminine voice came to their ears, "So true that woman had my gratitude, such a shame she died like that."


    Ryuu turned his head as he was greeted with smiling face of the woman who made him comatose, as such he jumped from his bed while Shamiran dashed forward to shield Ryuu, she quickly shoved Ryuu behind her but she found the woman missing.


    "How I missed you my husband, how are your preparation going on?", the female voice came from her behind which made her blood turn to cold as she looked back she found Ryuu being hugged by her with a smile on her face.


    Megara looked at the newcomer with a slight wariness as she literally disappeared from her sight and reappeared near her before she could react, and was now hugging Ryuu rather intimately calling her husband not to mention the fact the woman made her feel fear, when was the last time did she feel that emotion.


    "GET AWAY FROM MY BROTHER!!", Shamiran bellowed in anger but the woman did not pay any heed to her as she held a struggle Ryuu in her arms.


    "Stop barking you are disturbing my time with my beloved.", was the swift reply from the white haired woman with red bangs on her head.


    Megara was stunned upon seeing the entire event unfolding before her as such she cleared her throat as she spoke, "Excuse me but who might you be."


    Megara was confused she did not know why but it seemed to her as if she had heard about this woman somewhere but she could not place it and she was sure she would have remembered such an ethereal beauty that screamed royalty and prestige but above all danger that made her completely uneasy as such she had already send a telepathic message to her parents who were present in Ayindril already.


    The woman looked at Megara as if she was watching a bug as she spoke, "Ah you I remember you tried to kill my beloved.", her tone send shivers down Megara''s spine as she turned towards Ryuu as she spoke with a loving smile, "So my beloved husband how do you want me to deal with her for her insolence, should I kill her maybe I should also destroy her soul, or I might break her mind and will and make her your obedient slave who will cater to your every whim or better yet I can erase her existence not even her parents would remember.", her words send chill down everyone''s spine specially Megara who had already slipped from her seat and stood near the door ready to flee from the woman.


    Ryuu spoke with a wince, "Enough she is my teacher''s patient as well as my teachers'' guest I do not wish harm to befall her also could you release me I feel my bones are not strong enough for your hug."


    The woman gained a disapproving look on her face as she spoke with a stern look on her face, "I told you before and I will repeat again give you''re your apprenticeship to those idiots they are unworthy to teach you and your talent is wasted on them."


    Ryuu glared at her as he spoke, "Shut up, you know nothing about my teachers, they are like family to me."


    The woman looked at Ryuu as her hair shadowed her eyes while her shoulder shook before she let lose a loud laugh as Ryuu moved a few steps away from the woman slowly enough for Megara who was nearest to him to drag him by his hand to her side as she looked at the laughing woman as she whispered to Ryuu, ''Move towards the door and leave child.''


    But before they could do anything Ryuu''s teachers along with his older sisters and Megara''s parents arrived as they glared at the laughing woman upon seeing her Ryuu''s teachers and his remaining pseudo older siter tensed.


    The woman reigned in her laughter as she spoke with a small smile on her face, "Sorry I could not help myself after hearing that joke it was a nice one."


    Shamiran growled at that as she spoke, "What is wrong with you if he thinks of us as his family I do not see any problem at that."


    The woman gained a chesire grin at that as she spoke, "Really now beloved them as your family you do not even know how much this filth lie to you.", only for Ryuu to glare at her.


    Sylvana bellowed out in anger as she spoke, "Shut up you old hag shut and stop trying to ��..", whatever she was going to say was stopped as she suddenly found Megara flung towards her by a simple kick.


    The woman tilted her head as she spoke, "Move Nuwa."


    Nuwa who was now standing protectively in front of Ryuu spoke in a stern voice, "We refuse to let you harm our disciple."


    The woman snorted as she spoke, "I harm him nonsense I will never harm him although I am a bit curious how will he react when he learns that you killed your son Nuwa, how will he react when he learns that how his ''beloved'' family made his predecessor cut all his ties, how will he react when he learns how you all betrayed him and helped Jose release the very person who caused Pangu''s death.", with a smile she stood in front of a shell shocked Nuwa who was trembling with fear as a wide eyed Ryuu stood behind her.

 Chapter 321 - Working Hard (part-3)

    Ryuu did not know what to think about everything that happened a few hours ago as such he sat in front of his mother''s grave as he looked at it intently at that he did not know what to think about everything that happened he felt numb about it, on one hand they saved him raised him but then again the betrayal against their own flesh and blood it seemed blasphemous to him, yet it did happen.


    He felt at a loss about what he should do as he mulled about the grand exposure of the past he had heard which made his head spin.


    Ryuu looked at his teacher Nuwa the strong and stern woman was nearly hyperventilating as he looked at the worried look of many others as he something in him snapped, as he shouted out, "Stop spouting out lie you damn bastard."


    The woman simply smiled at Ryuu which infuriated him even further as he vanished with a cry as if he teleported causing the woman''s grin to widen as a scorching hot flaming sword stopped mere inches from her face as she looked at Ryuu''s face as she spoke with nostalgic tone in her voice, "Till the same hot headed as always.", she then looked up at the draconic silhouette as she continued, "Oh seems like you have in your anger managed to open a sliver of his second set of eyes, but I should warn you trying to do any further by force would detrimental to your health and as for me being a bastard well my parents were happily married till they were murdered whom you help me avenged."


    Ryuu struggled to move it seemed as if something had paralyzed him completely he could not move even a single muscle while he floated in front of her as he let out a snarl, causing the woman to growl in return, "Beloved, stop glaring me with those yes otherwise I will simply gouged them out.", a bout of killing intent doused any and all anger that Ryuu felt as reality crashed on him.


    Maheswara sighed as he rubbed his forehead as he spoke, "Fellow Daoist would you be kind enough to release him, I believe he needs to rest a bit as his training was a bit tiring."


    The woman in question turned towards her as she sneered at Maheswara as she spoke, "Fellow Daoist!? You filth worm you are not worthy of breathing the same air such as I and now you are trying to compare me to you."


    At that everyone tensed as Ryuu could feel the everyone''s aura was starting to climb but the stopped themselves so as not to injure him accidently, as Megara spoke with a gulp, "Excuse me Senior may I be impudent enough to inquire how we should address you."


    The woman gazed at her as she spoke in rather haughty tone, "At least one of you have manners, well you may refer to me by my title as Her Highness or Your Majesty or you can simply call me Empress as my true is meant for my beloved only when he remembers me."


    Ryuu rolled his eyes at that as he snorted in his mind, ''Can this woman can be any more vain.''


    Empress looked at him with a pitying glance as she spoke, "Beloved try to protect your thoughts a bit even a deaf could hear you from thousand miles away specially when you are thinking ill of me."


    Ryuu blanched at that as he spoke with indignation, "You are reading my mind."


    Empress tilted her head as she replied to him, "Why would I not there should be no secret between us love."


    Before anyone could retort the shadow rose as it engulfed Ryuu as it vanished with him as the woman face twisted into an angry snarl as her fury shook Ayindril as everyone tackled her only for her to vanish from sigh as if she was mirage.


    "Where is that woman? How did she enter here?", Neaera could not help but question her one time close friend and sister in all but blood Veena but before they could speak a melodious voice came from behind them.


    "Next time dear try not to get between me and my beloved.", as they turned they were greeted by a horrifying sight of the Empress standing behind Shamiran with her hand coming out of Shamiran''s chest with a still beating heart held in her hand and before anyone could react she crushed it to pulp and as she removed her hand from her body Shamiran collapsed on the floor, as the woman disappeared with a giggle.


    As others dashed towards her a shadow at the corner of the room spat out Ryuu who looked towards his third older sister as he gained a horrified look on her face.


    Veena quickly checked her as her face turned pale, "That blasted woman did something to her, she has not only she has become unconscious but her KI is completely erratic she is not able to heal from her injuries like this everyone get out and give me some space, Nuwa, Celestia you two stay back and help me."


    The others quickly left the room giving them some space as they waited outside with baited silence which was soon broken by Menelaos who spoke in a serious tone, "Maheswara who is that woman?"


    Maheswara sighed as he rubbed his forehead, ''I am sighing a lot nowadays not to mention it seems I gained a few grey hairs'', he took a deep breath as he spoke, "A woman who claims to be Ryuu''s Dao companion from some distant previous birth and she has been following him through every reincarnation of him."


    Neaera spoke curiously at that, "So I do not see what is her problem if she is in love I do not see why you are not giving them you blessing than all this drama would not take place."


    Megara shook her head as she spoke with a sigh, "Mother it is not so simple and if I hazard a guess than Antariksh was she not the woman who defeated you all going at him at your full strength."


    Antariksh who had been silent throughout the entire ordeal gritted her teeth as she spat out reply to Megara''s inquiry, "Yes she is what are you getting at Megara."


    Megara sneered at her as she spoke, "You have become complacent and dull Antariksh could you not feel her."


    Menelaos looked at her daughter curiously as he spoke, "Feel what daughter?"


    Megara took a deep breath as she spoke, "I was near that woman and I could feel it like some large ball of anger, hatred, insanity blended together how could you not feel something like that it was nauseating."


    Ryuu had his entire attention towards the door as he spoke with remorse in his voice, "It is all, my fault if I had left with her the��.."


    Only to grunt in pain as he felt his older sister swat his head playfully accompanied with a half hearted glare, "Did you tell her to do all this, Ryuu?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No sister I did not but still..."


    Antariksh shook her head as she spoke with a smile, "Then stop blaming yourself. If you want to blame then blame us for not being strong enough, blame her for being such a deranged lunatic but never blame yourself."


    Ryuu nodded at that with a weak smile, before he turned his head as he turned towards Sylvana who had a haunted and hollow look in her eyes as she was staring into vacant space, seeing her like that Ryuu approached her as he spoke nudging him a little, "Sister are you alright?"


    Sylvana seemed to be shaken from her stupor as he looked at Ryuu as if she had awaken from her dream, at first she lunged at him trying to hug him before she stopped herself as she spoke in a rather shaky tone, "Father I need a favor please promise me, promise me you will fulfill."


    Everyone was taken aback at that as Maheswara spoke with concern, "Child, please tell me is something wrong?"


    Sylvana all but shouted to Maheswara her eyes were red, "FATHER PLEASE!!!! Please promise me."


    Maheswara looked at her as he spoke with a sigh, "I promise child, I promise."


    Sylvana nodded at that as she spoke with her eyes closed, "Father I want you tell him the truth, about us, the real us, about Pangu, our sins and how we all betrayed him and how I murdered him.", she took a deep breath as she spoke, "Today was rather exciting and I feel tire I leaving.", with that she vanished from their sight with a gust of wind.


    Antariskh looked at the place where Sylvana was standing with wide eyes, as Menealoas spoke towards Megara with a stern voice, "Megara I believe you were ordered to rest so come on young lady it is time I escort you to your room.", with that the trio left.


    Antariksh looked at his father as she spoke, "Father I will go and check on Sylvana."


    Maheswara looked up at the ceiling as he thought with a wary smile on his lips, ''How will I tell Ryuu the truth now.", he then placed his hand on Ryuu''s shoulder as he teleported with him into a familiar garden as he spoke in a tired voice, "Ryuu before I begin I want to tell you to us you are our family, our child and we love you but after hearing all this if you hate us, if you do not want to do anything with us just tell us we will except your decision even if you want to denounce our relation we will except and I swear on the Heavens itself even if you want nothing to do I will make sure you get to be disciple of a someone who can stand equal to us no matter the cost."


    Ryuu listened to him, as his eyes open wide while a cold pit formed in his stomach out of fear at the truth that his teacher was going to say and what a truth it had been that after so such a longtime he was still reeling from the shock.


    A peck on his head brought him out of his funk as he looked at a familiar blue thunderbird looking at him as she chirped in a rather haughty tone, ''So what got the great idiot of Ayindril so dark gloomy and emoish.'', causing Ryuu''s eyebrow twitched at the insult.

 Chapter 322 - Working Hard (part-4)

    Ryuu laid on the grass surrounded by all sorts of critters of the garden ranging from squirrels to various types of bird as the chirped and mewled around him without a care of the world while he contemplated on the entire situation as he remembered a conversation he had with his grandfather during his previous life.


    ~flashback


    Toshiro looked at a young Keitaro with a small smile on his face as he spoke, "Kei I understand what you are coming from, some people are such vile that it is better to get kill and be done with it but an eye for an eye make the world blind."


    Keitaro scoffed at that as he spoke, "So what are you saying we should let those criminals get away, you forget grand pa that turning a blind eye to a crime is tantamount to committing it."


    Toshiro gave an amused look at him as he spoke, "To err is human and to forgive is divine."


    Keitaro was incensed at that as he spoke, "So you saying we should forgive this criminals?"


    Toshiro sighed at that as he spoke, "A person who is scamming a group of hard working people and cheats them out of money and a boy barely in his teens stealing to feed his hungry younger brothers both are stealing so what kind of punishment would you recommend them?"


    Keitaro was taken aback as he spoke, "Why would I punish the kid, in fact I would try to help him out as for the scammer throw him in jail."


    Toshiro chuckled at that as he spoke, "You see that is why justice is difficult the child is having a hard time and is forced to act as such but unfortunately in some countries he would receive the same punishment as the scammer."


    Keitaro had his eyes widen at that as Toshiro continued, "As such you have to learn to differentiate between crimes the reason and many such things and then punish them accordingly, and you have to learn to forgive, as such nowadays many countries no longer use the word jail or prison but rehabilitation center or correctional facility, which help people to reintegrate into the society as proper people."


    Keitaro eyebrows scrunched in thought as he spoke in a confused tone, "So how do I decide who is should forgive and who is should not."


    Toshiro had the same smile in his face that made Keitaro believe that nothing is possible for his grandpa as he spoke, "Well only those who repent are worthy of forgiveness."


    Keitaro tilted his head in confusion as he spoke, "So I should forgive anyone who says, ''I am sorry''."


    Toshiro snorted at that as he replied to him, " ''Sorry'' a nice word invented by the English but no dear child in order to earn forgiveness a person should always be ready to show by his act not by words only."


    At his answer a 10 year old Keitaro was even more confused causing Toshiro to snort at that only to grumble as Tsume shouted to him, "Oi you old fool stop confusing him and help him to understand."


    Toshiro gave a placating look to his wife spoke to Keitaro, "Let me tell you a story Kei."


    Upon hearing that Keitaro eyes widen as he sat straight eagerly waiting for the story.


    Toshiro took a deep breath as he began, "Long long time ago in ancient India there lived a king named Ashoka, he was a very cruel man who loved none, he killed his own older brothers to inherit the throne to become the king after his father''s death.", Keitaro''s eyes widen at that in disbelief he could not believe that brother would kill his own brothers the idea made him sick at the same time he knew that no matter how mean his older brother was he would one day treat him and love him like a older brother, he then turned towards Toshiro as he continued, "He was so cruel that people used to shiver by his name the only person whom he tolerated and cared for was his younger brother then one day he declared war on a neighboring kingdom and killed so many that the river near the battlefield turned red with blood."


    Keirtaro was now horrified at that how could such a cruel and insane murderer existed, Tsume simply sat beside Ryuu her as she gave him a small hug calming him as Toshiro spoke again, "His younger brother who adored and looked up at his brother in disgust as he left his brother becoming a monk to serve the people and try to reduce their sorrow, Ashoka did not take his brother leaving him well but it also for the first time in years opened his eyes to look at horror and atrocities he had caused wherever he looked he saw death and death only people crying for their loved ones by then he was known as Ashoka the Butcher in many places because of the mass slaughter he caused.", Toshiro took a deep breath as he spoke to Keitaro, "So now tell me Keitaro what should we do to a person like that."


    Keitaro looked at his hand for a minute before he spoke with distaste in his voice, "having him suffer the highest punishment according to law of the land."


    Tsume snorted at that as she spoke, "The law of the land during those times was what Ashoka would dictate, and so do you think he could let himself be punished as such."


    Keitaro''s eyes widen at that as Toshiro patted Keitaro''s head lovingly before he spoke again, "He did punish himself, he gave away a life of luxury that a king usually lived and started living like a simple man, he then started working for the betterment of his people by helping them in each and every way to the point that some of his advice and laws are still followed today, not to mention the fact he became a champion for peace the very same person who caused a mass slaughter preached about peace and happiness to the point the ''butcher'' was became to known as a ''righteous'' and even to this day his rule after he started his penance was known as the Golden Age of ancient India and during that time some people including his former enemies praised him, loved him and deify him not because of fear but because the fell in love with kindness, the honesty and because of his tireless work to make the world a better place."


    Keitaro gulped his grandfather''s word with eyes and mouth open wide as he spoke, "So grandpa, we should forgive people who are showing remorse and are willing to change for the better, now I know what you mean."


    Ryuu wiped out the tear from his eye as he let out a soft chuckle, ''I really missed those small talks.''


    In his previous life the closest thing to mother and father were his grandparents and this life well he does not even know how is birthparents look like and his aunt and even his teachers are more of parents to him with the love and care they showered to him and now they are hearting because he was being stupid as such he abruptly stood up as a few of the small animals resting on him took tumble and as they glared at him Ryuu gave them a apologetic smile as he spoke, "Sorry sorry, you know you all are right I am being a colossal idiot and now I am going to set everything right so wish me luck", with that he disappeared from their sight.


    As Ryuu moved towards the residency of his teachers and their family he could practically feel the sadness in the air, ''I do not know why you did that and I do not want to criticize you but give me strength to at least take away a bit of their guilt and sorrow this is too much and unhealthy.''


    Ryuu went towards Sylvana''s room as he knocked the door hard as a loud yell came from inside, "LEAVE ME ALONE!!!!"


    Ryuu sighed at that before he spoke in a cheerful tone, "Big sis is something wrong? You promised me that you would spar with me today and you are very late as such I came to check on you."


    As he spoke silence descended on the corridor as if the entire world had been muted when all of a sudden the door was swung open as a red eyed Sylvana stepped out and from the smell it seemed she had been drinking she looked at Ryuu with disbelief in her eyes as she shakily raised her hand to touch him only for Ryuu to hold his nose and speak with disgust, "You stink."


    Sylvana did a double take at that as she spoke with a frown, "What do you mean by��"


    Ryuu spoke with a frown while still holding his nose, " You know what I mean, you stink and now go and wash yourself I will be waiting for you at big sis Shamiran''s place, I have yet to visit her after that terrifying ordeal now go and don''t'' waste time."


    With that Ryuu left a dumbfounded Sylvana behind who gawked at him as thought ran through her mind, ''I must be hallucinating why would Ryuu come here and ��'', her musing was cut short by a shout from Ryuu, "Big sis will you be coming or not, and better getting that stinking smell off of yourself."

 Chapter 323 - Working Hard (part-5)

    Ryuu entered the room where his third oldest sister was resting, she was currently awake reading something as he stepped inside he was greeted with a smile from her as she spoke, "Someone finally remembered that I exist.", as she tried to seat up Ryuu quickly moved to her side to stop her.


    Ryuu spoke with a touch of worry in his voice, "Sister stop, you were injured yesterday badly you should rest."


    Shamiran grunted at that as she grumbled in annoyance, "I am resting on this bed for who knows how long and you are still telling me to rest."


    Ryuu glared at her as he spoke with a huff, "Serves you right when you confine me on bed for even the smallest scratch.", before his glare soften as he spoke again, "How are you today big sister that woman crushed your heart and sealed your cultivation from what I have heard."


    Shamiran gave a smile as she spoke, "Something like that is not enough to kill someone of my caliber though it is painful and troublesome and I wish never to go through it again."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "First big sis Antariskh and now you I hate her acting like that."


    Shamiran sighed as she looked towards the ceiling while she spoke, "You see Ryuu ''Empress'' calmed to be your Dao Companion during one of your previous life and from what I know that the chances of a Dao Companion surviving their bonded mates death is very slim but when it happens they are driven insane and she exhibits every case of insanity."


    Ryuu ran his hand through his hair as he spoke, "So true and I hate it how she is acting like that, not to mention how scarily powerful she is."


    Shamiran acquiesced it with a nod she knew that the ''Empress'' is someone they could not hope to defeat even with the combined might of Ayindril and it scared her what if she one day kidnaps Ryuu they will not be able to save him may be if they employ taboo art then, her current thought derailed as she recalled the image of her big brother and sister-in-law turning to ash, she took deep breaths as she cleared her thoughts, there was reason the Taboo arts are not well liked in Ayindril and the only time one was left lying around to be catalogued and to be thrown deep inside storage found itself in the hands of a certain 7 year old.


    Before they could speak a raging bull of destruction whose name was Antariskh entered the room followed closely by rest of her family but her sudden appearance caused Shamiran to jump from her bed knocking Ryuu over from his chair.


    Antariksh looked dumbly at the scene seeing his younger brother being flung to the ground while her youngest sister stood protectively over him, Ryuu groaned as he stood up as he spoke with anger, "Big sister there are certain decorum one should maintain inside a hospital room where a patient who had suffered a fatal attack not too long ago is resting and healing from the ordeal and barging in like a raging bull is not one of them."


    Antariksh was taken aback by the scolding tone of Ryuu, whose speech was backed by Veena who spoke with disapproval in her voice, "Ryuu is right child, you should not barge in like that specially inside the room where someone is resting and healing."


    Shamiran sat back on her bed with a tired sigh as she spoke, "So what happened that you all rushed in like this? I doubt it is to see me as I have been awake for a good few hours at the very least."


    Maheswara chuckled nervously at that, since he under the urging of his second daughter had told everything to Ryuu, everything about their betrayal leading to Pangu''s untimely death which landed him literally in the dog house.


    His wives specially Nuwa looked at Ryuu with slight hint of fear and uncertainty, afraid of the fact that he might leave them, uncertain if he did not wish to leave will he trust them any longer as such when he told them what he had done, they had a emotional breakdown followed by him being literally tossed outside his bed room, he appeared to be strong but he was a mess and afraid of the aftermath.


    Ryuu looked at them curiously he did not know what to think about a group of cultivators so strong that they could kill him with a thought acting skittish around him he let out a tired sigh as he spoke, "if you are thinking about yesterday''s revelation I thought long and hard about it for an entire day and came to the conclusion.", he took a deep breath and let the tension rise he could literally feel the anxiety, fear uncertainty gnawing at each of them, trying to tear them down and he could put their mind to ease but after spending so much time with Celestia and Sylvana he had gained a strange love and satisfaction of watching writhing in pain and discomfort.


    Meanwhile Shamiran felt out of space as she wondered what had happened to garner this kind of situation, to see her family looking not only like an emotional wreck but also skittish around Ryuu as such she could not help but ask out to them, "What is going on? Why are you all acting like this?"


    Ryuu turned towards her looking straight in her eyes as she spoke, "Well you see second big sister made Master tell me about everything about Senior Pangu from his betrayal to death."


    Shamiran looked aghast at that as she spoke as her voice shook, "Father why? You should have said not to sister there is no need to��."


    Ryuu rubbed his forehead in exasperation as she with a tired sigh, "Tell me, well that is one thing that I can concur, there was no need for you all to tell me though I am honored that you all thought me of so highly that you told me about the worst mistake you all did in your life, but at the end of the day it is a mistake that I have no say in it."


    Everyone looked at him in dumbfounded manner at that as Celestia spoke with disbelief evident in her voice, "But we hid it from you, the crime our sins against Pangu are heinous and we hid it from you."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he looked staright into her eyes as he spoke, "Yes you hid it from me and I belive it was a great thing to do, because I loathe people who betray their family are disgustingly vile sc.u.m.", his word looked as if had slapped them on their face because of their reaction as they recoiled from it but Ryuu pressed forward, "Upon saying that a younger me would have resented and cut all ties with you."


    Those words seemed to have driven a dagger through their heart as he could see his teachers and his sisters eyes started to redden as Nuwa spoke with a quavering voice, "We would apologize child, we��"


    Ryuu raised his hand to stop her from speaking as he spoke again, "Please teacher you do not apologize to me, you did nothing wrong the younger me was brash, insensitive and foolish he would not have understood the circ.u.mstances neither would he understand your pain as such please do not apologize to me, and the only people you should apologize to are Senior Pangu and yourselves.", he stopped for a few seconds waiting for those words to sink in as he continued again, "Yes you all should learn to forgive yourselves, I do not know him personally as such me saying something on His behalf is blasphemous but from what I heard about Him are even a percent true then He would have forgiven you after all you all are repenting for your sins genuinely for such a long long time."


    Ryuu stood up from his seat as he spoke, "Teacher if I have managed to convey my understanding and desire to you but please forgive yourself, my grandfather from my previous life always said that those who show remorse and repent for their sins are the only person for whom forgiveness is meant for as such I once again implore you to please try to forgive yourself, and if you still value for my thoughts then you all have been my goal in life since the first I saw you all I wanted to be as cool , awesome and dauntless being lie you all and no matter what you all were, are and will be people I always look up to."


    Ryuu waited for their reply nervously when all of a sudden Sylvana hugged him tightly crying over his shoulder a hug which was soon joined by rest of them turned into a group hug with Ryuu at the center, truly a beautiful scene which was stopped by a sickening crack with a cry of pain from Ryuu, "My bones, my bones.", apparently because of relief and happiness they had let loose of their strength resulting in Ryuu suffering from broken bones.

 Chapter 324 - Eden (Part-1)

    Ryuu sat in a meditative stance as he cleared his mind the whole world seemed to vanish from his sight as he travelled deeper into darkness he was greeted with a golden ball which thumbed with power, it looked beautiful and enchanting to look at, Ryuu sighed as he looked at the semi solid ball, it was the core of his power his dantian, he looked as a small draconic shadow swimming on the surface of the ball. He then felt as if the tap has been opened as 169 spirit wells of his opened their gateway as the bluish KI poured in absorbed by his dantian which hummed in approval yet no other changes took place, he knew it would be years before he would ascend again and one day face the dreaded tribulation once again.


    Ryuu sighed at that as he stood up from his sitting position, he knew from his teachers that after a certain point that increasing in rank would be akin to creating an ocean from drops of water one at a time and tedious and impossible task such is the case of cultivators who were near his teachers level as such most if not all gave away cultivating waiting like a thirsty hawk for even a sliver of enlightenment after all only they could increase one''s cultivation tremendously as it happened with his predecessor who almost jumped two levels and became the strongest cultivator of his time.


    Ryuu''s thoughts were interrupted upon timely arrival of Nuwa who gave a small smile to him as she spoke, "Child, your eldest sister came bearing great news, the Eden has reappeared again."


    Ryuu''s heart skipped a beat as he spoke as excitement bleed in his voice, "Where is it?"


    "Antariskh came by with the information let us leave she is waiting for us."


    As they entered the throne room or what according to Ryuu was the drawing room of extreme luxury for the divine, yet it had a touch of those corporate meeting rooms with the head of the family Maheswara occupying the head seat and his first wife Veena took a seat to his left followed by Nuwa ending with Celestia and on his right sat Antariskh with his youngest at the end and directly opposite to him was Ryuu himself.


    Maheswara spoke with a small smile on his face as he spoke, "So where did Eden reemerge this time?"


    "Near the Oppulous Galaxy father and I fear it is out of our sphere of our influence although you have nothing to worry about the family in control are our allies.", came Antariskh''s reply as she send a small grin towards Ryuu.


    Ryuu felt anticipation rising in him the thing he wanted to do was near he was excited as well as scared, amongst his teachers Maheswara had agreed for him to explore Eden so did Celestia albeit a bit reluctantly Veena was on fence about it and Nuwa completely opposed to him going to according to her an extremely dangerous and dastardly place, but with the help of the backing of the trio of older sisters he was going there, a place where less than ten percent survived even amongst them even much less escaped unscathed a place where he had not only have to be aware dangerous beasts and traps but as well as other explorers who would literally stab you in back if given chance.


    Ryuu listened to all the preparations his sister did for him as he listened he frowned as he spoke with a sigh, "Big Sis are this people willingly going or are they being forced to because they work for you?"


    Antarisksh raised one of her eyebrows as she replied to him, "Well, the latter but why are you asking?"


    Ryuu''s face scrunched as he spoke with a sigh, "Well then please rescind that order I would prefer to go in without any ties that link with you all also I would not feel happy and safe if you force someone to accompany me."


    Maheswara nodded in approval before spoke, "I agree with Ryuu sending someone by force might complicate things for Ryuu also him going incognito with nothing linking him to us would at least ensure that our enemies might not take advantage and murder him."


    Antariskh looked as if she had swallowed something vile as she spoke, "With all due respect further if required I will make them take oath with Heaven as the witness so that they will prioritize Ryuu''s safety as well as make them travel incognito with Ryuu this will increase his chances of survival."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke with a sigh, "I did rather not attempt Eden rather than teaming up with unknowns."


    Celestia rubbed her forehead in exasperation before she spoke with a sigh, "Antariskh, you had lucked out greatly each of you and your friends were destined for greatness and with luck you all had gotten together and formed a team that became legendary you all literally tore through Eden because of your abilities and trust you had on each other am I wrong?"


    Antariksh sighed at that as Sylvana replied with a nod, "No mother you are absolutely right about it."


    Shamiran frowned at that as she spoke, "Well Ryuu will be at severe disadvantage then he will lack any form of backup."


    Nuwa nodded at that as she spoke with a weak smile, "As such I believe it would be wise if Ryuu does not try to explore Eden alone as it could be dangerous for him without proper backup."


    Maheswara shook his head as he spoke, "Sorry love but he will go to explore Eden and that is final."


    Veena pursed her lips as she spoke with a frown, "Ryuu dear you have been in the army for a few years now so do you not have anyone who could help you in your endeavor?"


    Ryuu slumped in his chair as he spoke with a tired sigh, "I have friends in the army but they are close acquaintance, will they stick their neck to save my life in a battlefield, well may be but accompanying me to a dangerous place where I will knowingly courting danger well I am doubtful."


    Sylvana frowned at that as she spoke with her brow scrunched in deep thought, "There will be some who work in the army and will also be joining together and forming a team for exploration but once again the same problem of trust arising amongst them."


    Shamiran gave a small nod as she spoke, "Well I know how dangerous the place can be yet still I believe he will do well alone, he has been trained well enough."


    Maheswara looked at Ryuu with a small smile on his face as he spoke, "Well child get ready we will leave day after tomorrow, you will have the hardest as well as the greatest adventure of your life."

 Chapter 325 - Eden(Part-2)

    Ryuu felt his heart beat faster as he looked at the gigantic imposing structure towering in front of him, as he looked at it Antariskh who was standing by his side spoke with a smile, "Is it not beautiful?"


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke with smile, "Very, although it looks somewhat like ''Angkor Wat'' to me."


    Shamiran who was sitting on a chair gained a confused look on her face as she spoke, "''Anchor What''? What is that?"


    Ryuu snorted at that as he replied to her while turning his head towards her, "Not ''Anchor What'', but ''Angkor Wat'' remnants of temple from a powerful civilization that belonged to my previous world, the Eden is almost an exact replica of it, well a replica that is as big as the moon."


    Antaisksh hummed in thought as Ryuu spoke with wonder in his voice, "Wow there are so many people here."


    Shamiran had a nostalgic smile on her face as she spoke, "I do not remember so much activity around Eden during our time, but now."


    Sylvana grinned at that as she spoke, "We came here during our younger years it has been so many years have passed as such so many things have changed."


    Antariskh gave a small sigh at that as she spoke, "I doubt during our time there were even a tenth of the number present today, really the time sure flies away."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke in rather solemn manner, "It really should be much different, it had been so many years since you all had ventured here after all compared to all the people present here you all should be akin to some great great grandmother to the oldest present amongst them after all you three are ancient."


    As Veena stepped inside the room she saw an unconscious Ryuu denting the floor of the vessel with Antariskh standing beside him with her hand stretched out huffing in anger, "What is going on here? Did you just hit his head hard again?"


    Antariskh snarled at she replied to her mother, "Yes I did, this insolent brat had the audacity to call me ancient."


    Veena let out a tired sigh as she face palmed herself as she spoke in exasperatedly, "You are his oldest sister and you cannot handle a bit of teasing, what am I to do with you.", she then made her way to Ryuu as she proceeded to bring Ryuu back into the land of living.


    Ryuu woke up groggily as he spoke with a wince, "Did someone se the hippo that knocked me."


    Antariskh took deep breath in order to calm herself as her hands clenched in anger while her sisters stifled their laugh, Veena cracked a grin as she helped Ryuu to sit on the chair before she began treating her concussion, "It is almost time stop fooling around Ryuu."


    Ryuu stood up as he was escorted out of the room by Veena towards another room where his other teachers were waiting for his arrival as he stepped inside the room he was greeted by their warm smile.


    Maheswara stood up as he gave a gentle pat on his back as he motioned him to take a seat, "So Ryuu, are you nervous?"


    Ryuu gave a small smile at that as he spoke, "Well I will not lie but yes I am a little bit nervous."


    Celestia gave him a reassuring smile at him as she spoke, "You know as long as you keep your head clear and work diligently you have nothing worry about."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he was offered some snacks freshly made by Nuwa herself which she accepted with a smile, which promptly fell as a thought crossed his mind, ''I have to spend so long without this wonderful food maybe I should not go, hmmm will the concussion be a good excuse.''


    His teachers simply gave him a deadpanned look as they looked at him shifting from deep thought to an eureka look not to mention the small villain like giggle that escaped his lips with a small drool while his hand rubbing as if he had his entire planning was already a big success, unfortunately for Ryuu the moment his hands moved to pick them up Nuwa moved them out of his reach as she spoke with a slight glare, "Child I told you long time ago to forget about the entire Eden business and now when you are on verge of entering Eden I cannot allow you to stop because you suddenly decided that my food is too good for you to venture into Eden, well that will not do when you can already spend decades in the army, although our beloved daughters used to send you care packages every now and then but that will not do child."


    Ryuu was taken aback before he slumped in his seat as he spoke with a pout, "I hate when you all can read my thoughts like that."


    Celestia snorted at that as she spoke with a small smile on her face, "Well then stop advertising your thoughts like that."


    Ryuu simply hung his head with a defeated look on his face, Maheswara gave a small smile as he spoke with a cough, "Ryuu before you embark I want to tell you a few things, things that might decide your life or death in eden."


    Ryuu sat up straight as he gave undivided attention to Maheswara, "Child I have noticed when you were younger you were forced to rely on your Divine Body to get yourself out of pinch, now you are stronger more wiser and most importantly you have gained tremendous amount of experience as a result you do not use your Divine Body and when you go all out the presence of your Divine Body shows itself by causing some physical changes but not much increase in strength something alas you cannot help even if you grow as strong as me something will be out of your control.", Ryuu listened intently as Maheswara took a deep breath as he continued, "Upon saying that Ryuu I have noticed that over the years your l.u.s.t for battle and blood has grown simply because you wish to fight eve if you go all out you do not use all your abilities."


    Ryuu looked scandalized at that as he spoke, "I never��"


    Veena stopped him from speaking as she raised her hand, "Really Ryuu, I saw the memories of your fight with those four beasts if you were seriously fighting them, they would not have lasted half the time they had and that is taking into considering without you using your Divine Body, no matter how you might want to portray that you went all out at the end of the day you held back."


    Ryuu looked down suddenly found the floor interesting and for a moment he thought to speak, ''It is not like I can help it, I cannot stop those whispers those craving for blood that gnaws at me and the want to destroy everything and anything in front of me.'', but he held his tongue.


    Maheswara sighed at that as he spoke, "Well I do not care if you enjoy fighting, or you held back your strength but please try not to do so and when using your Divine Body make sure that either your companions are trustworthy or your witnesses will be eliminated shortly."


    Nuwa ruffled his hair as she spoke, "There is no need to try and hide Ryuu, we know you have some problems with Dao of Asura, but we also know that the only two roads in front of you now either cutting by yourself from rest of the world and then sealing yourself off or by slowly through trials and tribulation and practice making yourself immune to its effects."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen slightly at that as he spoke with disbelief, "How do you know that?"


    Celestia snorted at that as she spoke, "Child we are your teachers and if we cannot even notice something like that then we are unworthy of being called teachers."


    A few hours after Ryuu had chat with his teachers he found himself walking through a busy market for cultivators where the buyers were haggling with the sellers as he was looking around a shout brought his attention making him to turn his head, "Ryuu is that you?"

 Chapter 326 - Eden(Part-3)

    Ryuu turned around as he greeted by the visage of Frozen Flames, Ryuu smiled at her as he spoke, "Greetings Daoist Sister Frozen Flames how are you?"


    Frozen Flames frowned slightly Ryuu addressed her in a disrespecting manner, last she checked she was still ahead of Ryuu by quite a margin, she had already stepped into the Mystic Immortal Emperor level yet Ryuu was a peak level Void immortal last time even if he had saved her martial nieces'' lives and he had not earn the right to call a senior cultivator as if she were her equal, but she decided to be bigger person as she let a small smile as she spoke, "I have been fine Junior Ryuu, how have you been and what are you doing here."


    Ryuu gave a small smile at that, ''She still things I am beneath her oh well time to make her speechless'', as such he replied to her with a charming smile that managed to make many who were nearby including Fozen Flames heart skip a beat, "Well Daoist Sister I am fine and I am here to participate in the exploration into Eden."


    Frozen Flames brow twitched as she spoke with a small smile, "''JUNIOR'' Ryuu, last I saw you, you were Void Immortal Level Cultivator."


    Even if she did not say it, Ryuu understood her unasked question as he replied her with a grin, "Doaist Sister, you are right last time I met you I was a small time cultivator of Void Immortal realm, but since the quite some time has already passed and I believe I am worthy enough to attempt an exploration of Eden."


    Frozen Flames''s eyes widen at what she heard, ''Ryuu did not seem the type to lie specially something like this, something does not add up'', "Ryuu peak level Mystic Immortal Emperor''s fail to survive in Eden."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke in a somber tone, "So true but do not worry I make the cut very easily, after all I am peak level Mystic Immortal Emperor."


    Hearing that Frozen Flames almost felt ready to faint at that as she stuttered out in disbelief, "Yo-you are lying."


    Ryuu''s send the most innocent smile he could muster, as he spoke, "Why would I do such a thing when I know the chances of my death even if I am a peak level Mystic Immortal Emperor.", as he spoke he let lose a bit of his aura.


    Frozen Flames felt the world crash around her as she shook her head in disbelief as she mumbled loudly, "No no it cannot be, I am many years his senior and yet I did not make the cut but he surpassed me so fast, it must be a joke or yes yes I am losing my mind after all there is no way someone can reach that level so fast.", as she mumbled she slowly started walking away leaving a thunderstruck Ryuu behind.


    Ryuu was about to chase her and make sure that she did not lose her mind completely only to stop upon hearing a laughter from behind him he turned to see the smiling visage of Sylvana who was trying hard but failing to keep herself in check as she spoke between her laugh, "Ryuu, you are something else, I could never heard or seen someone drive other mad with a few words, really I bow in defeat to you."


    Ryuu blushed in embarrassment at that as he spoke rather heatedly, "Sister that is no laughing matter, that poor woman is having crisis of her life."


    Sylvana simply shrugged as she spoke, "And that would matter to me why? Besides it is her fault that her mentality is not strong enough to deal with such a thing, it is not mine and definitely not your fault, let us be on our way", with that she dragged Ryuu away towards different direction far away from Frozen Flames.


    Meanwhile a distraught cultivator whose Daoist name is Frozen Flames slowly made her way towards the rest of her group her eyes glazed as her mind was trying to catch up with the confrontation she had.


    One of her companions seeing her like that snorted in disgust as she spoke, "Junior Sister, get a hold and behave yourself you are being embarrassment to us all."


    Her companion''s shout brought her out of her funk as she spoke with a sigh, "I apologize Senior sister, but something happened that caused me act as such."


    Another voice came to their ears, "It must be something otherworldly for you to react as such my disciple."


    Frozen Flames quickly turned as she bowed towards the speaker as she spoke, "Yes teacher it was."


    The person tilted her head as she spoke, "I hope you would not mind sharing with us your experience."


    Frozen Flames nodded at that as she spoke, "Of course Teacher I would happily share with you my experience but I fear you might not believe me."


    Her teacher gave her a kind smile as she spoke, "Well I will be judge of that."


    Frozen flames gave a small bow as she spoke, "Teacher, do you remember a few decades ago Sister Frozen Sky''s disciple had a run in with cultivators from Preta Lok and a person saved them, a teenager who was already a peak Level Void Immortal."


    The woman frowned before she spoke with a smile, "Yes yes I remember his name was Ryuu was it not, not only did he rescue my Grand Disciples but also had managed to gain your attention because of his sword play."


    AS Frozen Flames nodded at that Frozen Sky who was nearby let out a gasp as she spoke with happiness bubbling in her voice, "Ye she here, I want to thank him for saving my disciple''s life,", as she spoke her tone a bit somber as she continued, "Last time I heard he was greatly injured and fighting for his life I hope he is alright."


    Frozen Flames let out a humorless chuckle as she spoke, "He is well, better than well actually he is going to enter Eden."


    Frozen Sky let out a cry full of indignation as she spoke, "WHATTT! That is preposterous he is just a child, who is forcing him to enter like this, he will be killed inside that place."


    The person who had chastised Frozen Flames spoke with a sigh, "As much as I would like to rush forward and help him out, you should try to find about his circ.u.mstances before charging on blindly."


    Frozen Flames teacher nodded at that as she spoke, "That is cruel thing to do to a child, as even I cannot allow you two to accompany your eldest sister, who knows what will happen to the poor child."


    Frozen Flames sighed as she spoke, "He is not being forced and as for him being getting killed inside well I do not know how but somehow he managed to reach peak Mystic Immortal Emperor level."


    The other looked at her with disbelief as Frozen Sky spoke, "Sister if I recall correctly he should be younger that hundred years right?"


    Frozen Flames nodded at that slowly as others looked at her in disbelief until Frozen Sky broke into laughter as she spoke, "Wow sister I never knew that you would prank us like this I am so proud of you."


    Frozen Flames gritted her teeth as she spoke with anger, "I am serious sister."


    At that everyone in her group was stunned to silence a silence that was broken by her eldest sister who spoke with anger, "Preposterous I do not belief you sister, and this kind of silly joke I expect from sky but not you."


    Frozen Sky growled in anger as she spoke, "Oi what do you mean by that, my jokes are nice and if you have any doubt we can easily search for him, is that right with you."


    Frozen Flames nodded at that as she spoke, "Of course it is let me guide you to where I saw him last with luck we might stumble upon him."


    Their teacher simply shook her head as she spoke, "Well we can search for him but amongst all this people it will b difficult and also make sure to stay out of trouble after all we are not the strongest here."

 Chapter 327 - Eden(Part-4)

    Ryuu sipped into his cup of hot herbal tea as he let out a sigh of content as Sylvana snorted at him as her eyes shone with mirth, Ryuu in turn glared at her as Sylvana spoke with a teasing grin, I still remember a boy barely a teen shaking the owner of a tea shop because he did not like the tea."


    Ryuu blushed at that as he spoke, "Hey it is not my fault not only he made a very bad Tea that was undrinkable it was drugged."


    Sylvana raised one of her delicate eyebrow as she spoke, "If I remember correctly you did not even realize that the tea was drugged and you started shaking because of the taste."


    Before Ryuu could literally dig himself a hole to hide him from embarrassment a soothing voice came to his ears, "Stop teasing him so much sister but I hope you have finished scouting competition on your behalf."


    Ryuu gave a small smile as both Antariksh and Shamiran took their seats inside the private booth that Sylvana had reserved for them.


    "So did you find anyone interesting?", as Antarisk repeated her question Ryuu let out a sad sigh as he spoke, "No no one sister most are worthless."


    Shamiran tilted her head as she looked towards her second oldest sister who sipped the cup full of hot beverage as she began, "Well I did spot a few but what about you two?"


    Shamiran leaned on her seat as she watched Ryuu pour her a cup which she picked up with a small grateful nod as she replied, "We also there are plenty of promising juniors."


    Ryuu poured his eldest sister a cup while passing her some cookies as he looked expectantly at them to which Antariksh giggled as she spoke, "Sorry brother but we have promised not to help you in this matter."


    Ryuu gave a small tired nod at that as he spoke, "I understand but still I would be happy to learn even a tiny bit about my competitors."


    Antariksh nodded at that as she spoke, "Understandable so even if we might not help you out directly we might be able to sort out the information you have gathered till now."


    Ryuu sighed as he began recounting everything that he had perceived in great detail as his sisters paid undivided attention towards him while giving their input in between.


    A few minutes later they stepped outside of shop only to witness a blood bath taking place as they walked casually away from the scene, Ryuu let out a small whistle at that as he spoke, "Damn you were those idiots would not make it to Eden, even if they survived I doubt they would be fit enough for Eden after all their injuries are quite grievous."


    Shamiran snorted at that as she spoke while looking at the people fighting with disdain, "Grievous pleas I saw one of them getting crippled, they will be dealt with soon as we��"


    "''Weakest dog barks the loudest'', so true big sister so true.", as Ryuu completed her sentence his attention was drawn to another squabble taking place between another group.


    Ryuu''s brow furrowed as he looked and was able to recognize one of them, ''Seems like both of them are here.'', he turned towards Antariskh as he spoke, "I will be back soon."


    Antariskh grunted at that as she spoke tiredly, "After you have finished playing the Hero, do not stop we do not have the luxury of waiting even a second more if you wish to enter Eden."


    Frozen Sky was incensed at the person, pig would be appropriate name for the person but she did not wish to insult the fine porcine folks, it was only a few hours till Eden opens and they were returning to their place of stay after an eventful search for Ryuu but unfortunately they ran into problem now both her eldest sister and her had to deal with the current problem where they are surrounded by four peak Mystic Immortal Emperor level cultivators who began harassing them damn it where is the chivalrous knight-in-shining-armor who saves damsels in distress for living, she hated separating from her teacher, even if she had her eldest sister with her she knew that four against one while her eldest sister had to protect her.


    "Yo Daoist Sister Frozen Sky it has been a while." A cheerful voice came to her ears as she turned she was greeted with a smiling visage of Ryuu who appeared like a knight in shining armor making her blink owlishly at him.


    Ryuu turned towards the ring leader of the harasser as he spoke with a smile, "Mister ''I am a Great Emperor'', without bragging around please learn to wear clothes after all I doubt your ancestors would be too pleased seeing their ''Great Descendant'' streaking on a cultivator market flashing his n.a.k.e.d body to countless seniors now shoo."


    As he spoke the clothes worn by the quartet slowly fell as they had been cut into pieces causing them shriek in shame as they tried to cover themselves as people all around them started to laugh loudly as Ryuu turned towards Frozen Sky as he spoke to her with a smile, "Well it was nice to meet you again but goodbye and may we meet again not under the creepy gaze of mister Emperor of Exhibitionist, till then."


    With his piece said and before anyone could say anything he disappeared from their sight as he reappeared by her sisters'' side a large gust of wind surrounded them along with cherry blossoms and in a blink the group disappeared.


    Frozen Sky had a wide grin on her face as she turned towards her sister and spoke with an excited smile, "We found Ryuu.", only for her enthusiasm to come to a halt as she looked at her eldest martial sister staring at the place where Ryuu had disappeared from.


    She then turned and started walking abruptly as her sister followed her she spoke in whisper but loud enough for Frozen Sky to here, "Daoist Ryuu is dangerous I did not even detect him approach us nor did I see him draw his sword.", upon hearing that Frozen Sky''s eyes widen as she berated herself for not noticing it before as her martial sister continued, "That means he has a great Enlightenment in the Grand Dao of sword or he is a great assassin both of which makes it difficult person to deal with."


    A few hours later Ryuu looked at the place where cultivators market was standing, a market that floated at the vast expanse of space something that could only find its place inside fiction had finally been dismantled as everyone watched with tensed breath for Eden to open its doors.


    A loud bell was heard it reminded Ryuu of the bells in Hindu temples of India, it ranged for 81 times before with a loud rumble the doors started to open, and inside the door was pitch back darkness nothing more nothing less.


    With a loud roar a good number of cultivators moved forward and their act seemed to be the signal needed for others as well as they flew towards the door of Eden, Ryuu who was standing beside his teachers still waiting for his teachers'' blessing to move heard Celestia snicker at them as she spoke with disdain in her voice, "Fools the lot of them."


    Ryuu looked at the cultivators who were leading as he watched them his eyes widen at what he saw as he agreed with his teachers as he whisper lowly, "They are really foolish."

 Chapter 328 - Entering into the unknown(Part-1)

    Eden a place of opportunity and peril where the toughest, the strongest, the fittest and the luckiest survive but those who do have easily sailed through the chasm and have successfully ascended to Celestial realm not only incredibly fast but each of them have managed to reach even higher realms given that they survived long enough as such people were crazy about it specially since it was a large depository of various treasures waiting for someone to successfully bring them out, but alas with such opportunity came the enormous risk and peril, surrounding the Eden was an invisible protective sphere, a sphere so strong that it prevented anyone above Mystic Immortal Level to enter not only that the trials would start as soon as one approached the Eden.


    Ryuu watched the people who rushed towards Eden as soon as they reached through a certain threshold they suddenly fell as if they lost their ability to flight and were rather pulled hard by gravity as they fell on the floor in rather hard but it did not top there as soon as they fell on the floor it looked as if they ejected rather violently as they were thrown towards the bottom of the stairs hard, so hard that by the time they reached the bottom stairs they were nothing but blood stains as a good few Mystic Immortal Emperors simply died.


    Maheswara simply shook his head as he spoke with a sigh, "Idiots must be loose cultivators, without the help of any form they are unluckiest a of the bunch, now Ryuu are you ready.", Ryuu nodded at that as he continued speaking with a small smile on his face, "Remember it is true that sometimes being at the front might help as the doors to the next trial might allow only up to a certain number.", as Ryuu nodded at that Maheswara simply patted at his back as others gave him an encouraging smile, a smile that he would not be able to see for a good few years now.


    Ryuu was teleported near the edge of the barrier as his sudden appearance caused a bit of chaos but Ryuu did not pay any head to that as he dashed inside the barrier by pushing a few cultivators out of the way but as soon as he passed the barrier he felt his cultivation to suddenly sealed up as he was reduced to just a mere mortal civilian, he had not felt so powerless as he felt now well may be when he was still a normal human, then when he looked up he simply wanted to curl and cry as he was greeted by 50,000 stairs each about 5 feet in height and 10 feet wide and a few kilometers long, ''I always wanted to climb mount Everest in my previous life and I can proudly say I managed to reach base camp 1 before I fell ill and had to return and unfortunately I never managed to return again but now I might get to climb many times that.''


    Ryuu did not waste any time as he jumped on top of another cultivator and using him as a spring board he managed to move further apparently as he had started to climb the stairs as he tried not to look up too much, meanwhile his teachers looked at him with a pitying glance whereas his older sisters had gained a nostalgic smile on their face as they watched Ryuu climbing the stairs with renewed vigor.


    It had been a few days of tireless climbing as the cultivators including Ryuu had finally reached the top as he reached near the door Ryuu fell on his back as he gasped for air, ''Even if I might be reduced to simple mortal civilian my stamina did not for that I am grateful'', he looked down to see many still struggling as his eyes washed over them he knew that many of them would not make it and he had no time for them after all each to their own.


    He looked up towards the direction of his teachers as he gave a small bow before he turned and stepped inside the inky black abyss that was on the other side of the door.


    As Ryuu disappeared from their sight his teachers sighed at that as Nuwa spoke, "You know that we still do not like the fact he is venturing into such place."


    Veena spoke with glazed look in her eyes, "Me too sister me too, children grow up so fast."


    Celestia''s face gained a small smile as she spoke, "More like a bamboo, that was what our experience with Ryuu was I hope he will thrive through."


    Maheswara gazed vacantly in front of him before he spoke barely above whisper but everyone was able to hear him, "Let us leave."


    The others nodded at that but before they could move they felt humongous KI moving fast towards them they did not have to wait long as before their eyes Saidhal and Zarina appeared look rather tensed.


    Maheswara quickly stepped forward as he confronted them, "Child you look worried has something happened?"


    By now many cultivators were shivering out of fright from the aura of the newcomers, upon seeing Maheswara the couple gave a small bow as they spoke in unison, "Greetings uncle."


    Saidhal then stepped forward as he spoke, "Uncle Zywia ran from us a few days ago in order to enter Eden."


    Veena''s eyes widen in alarm as she spoke, "Wasn''t she only 6th rank Mystic Immortal Empress?"


    Zarina nodded at that somberly as Veena gritted her before she turned towards her daughter as she spoke hurriedly, "My daughters please aid your friends to locate your niece."


    Antariskh nodded at that as she spoke with a frown, "You do not have to tell us mother.", she then turned towards her friends as she spoke in a tone full of hope, "Come I hope we will be able to catch her before she enters Eden.", although inwardly it was different matter, ''I do not think we might be able to stop us as people are either entering Eden or are still climbing none are outside.''


    Ryuu appeared in mid air as soon as he passed through the door, he found himself and countless others plummeting towards the ground at incredible speed, he tried to fly but he could not even find an ounce of KI his eyes widen as he found his heart beat increase as the cold icy grip of fear enveloped him, ''Am I going to die?'', a scary though passed through his head as he quickly squashed the feeling as he concentrated deeply trying to find a silver of KI.


    It was only a precious few seconds but for Ryuu it was a life time and he had managed to find his KI, with a smile he slowed himself down and was now comfortable floating as he opened his eyes he gasped in shock as he found himself a few feet off the ground, as he landed on the ground he felt as if his entire KI coming roaring back to life making him feel alive.


    He looked around and he was taken aback upon seeing grass as tall as tress surrounding him, he only took a step only for another cultivator to fall on the ground hard dying an agonizing death as he gulped hard at that, he might have seen gruesome death and in many cases the cause for the said death but he was in that position a few moments and someone failed to escape from it.

 Chapter 329 - Entering into the unknown(Part-2)

    Ryuu looked at the body carefully as he inspected the body he frowned, ''This fellow did not die because he failed to stabilize himself any half baked cultivator could do that but this fellow had died much longer before he had even reached the ground and from poison but how did he die? It is unfortunate that I cannot find out how he was poisoned the body is so mangled up.'', his musing was cut short as he found a small almost unnoticeable broken needle which was melting away slowly, Ryuu tilted his head as he picked it up as he carefully studied it before he swallowed it, for a few seconds Ryuu''s face scrunched up before his face lit up a bit with joy, ''Wow what a vicious fellow using Nine Nether Realms bird''s blood as a base to concoct the poison, its blood is antithesis for anyone whose KI has even a hint of yang in it causing the spirit branches to self destruct and causing a horrible death that explains why he is so heavily injured, and damn it tastes like a carbonated drink I can understand why big sis Shamiran prefers any poison that has a hint of Nine Nether Realm bird''s blood in it. ''


    Ryuu had always felt grateful to his teachers for making him resistant to poison from such a young age, poisons whose single drop can wipe out cities is nothing to him, although there plenty that can kill him in a second but the one he ingested was not even remotely close to give him diarrhea, and now he wanted to find the user and exchange recipe after all it might be a good gift to his 3rd oldest sister who is coincidently a poison connoisseur. The thought about her made him sad, she was extremely poisonous to the point that she had to hold back her power so that she might not accidently kill others just by her breath and as such is forced to spend most of her time inside a pocket dimension in solitude, only her parents and siblings to some extent dare to spend time with her and one day he would do as well, but even after being immune to poison and being poisonous herself Jose had concocted one that would have killed her and senior Megara took the blow meant for her and protected her, just shows how vast the world is and how small he is.


    Ryuu quickly checked for any useful item on the dead body before he left hurriedly from the scene as he left he used a special incenses that masked his scent completely, ''This grasses taller than houses is the perfect hunting ground of predators and I do not wish to fight someone just yet and the body is like a giant invitation for all you can��.''


    Ryuu''s inner musing was cut short as he heard a few noices and upon peering from behind the tall grass he was thunderstruck, ''What is that? How is ��.'', he was shocked because in front of him were ants as big as an a.d.u.l.t human, ants so big he had never seen nor had he heard about any such ants before as such he wisely made himself scarce from that place.


    Ryuu tried to go up towards the sky only for him to quickly seek shelter behind a grass and stick close to the ground as he was greeted by a giant bird, a thunder hawk to be exact bigger that a mansion fighting against a trio of cultivators and slaughtering them.


    Normally Ryuu would have helped them but he was not eager to help someone who had been fighting in a rather foolish and suicidal manner using all sorts of attacks that were giving elemental superiority to the hawk something was not right for any experienced cultivator as such Ryuu deduced that a third party was involved and he had did not want to draw someone''s attention whom he had no idea where he or she had been hiding.


    Ryuu watched as the Thunder hawk did a quick work of the trio who seemed to have finally regained their wit but was too injured to do anything, Ryuu watched as they were killed one by one, only for the beast to be killed by arrival of a duo of cultivators who made a short work of it.


    "Those idiots did not know what hit them brother, trusting strangers and accepting our food and drink from strangers their greed was their downfall."


    "Kukuku, told you that hallucinogenic substance is other worldly, now move fast who knows which creature was drawn by this imbecile''s fight."


    As the duo began stripping the dead and cutting the creature of the magnificence and storing it away, the duo one looking like a middle aged thug and the other was a lanky fellow, the middle aged person opened his mouth to speak only for a dagger to erupt from his mouth and accompanied by three more which pierced through his brain, heart and dantian quickly killing him, upon his death the other was shocked for a few seconds but before he could react his head was removed from his shoulder.


    Ryuu stood behind them as he removed the beast essence and nucleus a very important ingredient for alchemy before he left quickly from the place but not before taking their space bags with him, a decision that turned out to be a wise one as he left a huge monstrous figure appeared and upon seeing the bodies it happily began feasting on the corpses, while Ryuu thought about the space bag that was with him, ''I will have to find a shelter before I even attempt to search the contents.''


    Ryuu moved through the tall grass with as much precaution as possible not to draw the attention any dangerous creatures or cultivators, when he suddenly spotted a woman in bottle green dress, a woman he was well acquainted with, it was none other than Zywia.


    Zywia had always wanted to surpass her parents, her older brother as such she had always tried hard to step out of their shadows, she knew that her parents as well as her older brother adored her to the point that they would put the hands on the ground for her to walk on them and that is what she despised as such when the Eden reappeared it provided her with a golden opportunity placed on a silver platter as such she level 6th Mystic Immortal Empress had sneaked out from her home and had appeared here in order to participate.


    Ryuu sneaked behind her as he leaned to the tall grass before he coughed trying to draw her attention and it was fairly successful as he had to dodge a flurry of deadly palm strike as he quickly raised his hand in order to signify his surrender as he spoke quickly, "Wah calm down Zywia it is me Ryuu."


    Zywia finally stopped before she spoke with a huff, "Ryuu I am sorry for attacking you like that but I should also point out that you should not sneak behind me."


    Ryuu looked abashed at that as he let out a nervous chuckle as he spoke, "Well sorry about that but I was surprised upon seeing you participate, if I had known about it I would have teamed up with you.", before he looked at her with a look full of expectation, "You will accept m as your teammate won''t you?"


    Zywia was slightly taken aback as she spoke with a smile, "Of course I would but I could not help but wonder are you alone?", Zywia would not confess but she was a tad bit intimidated by all the cultivators there was hardly anyone below the peak level and she might be the weakest person here and having Ryuu someone her family as well as her older brother trusted was a nice bonus she would not passing.


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Yes I am alone and now I am glad that I have at least someone trustworthy looking after my back.", he finished with a small smile at that but inwardly he frowned, ''Zywia if I last remember was only a level 6th Mystic Immortal Empress and I so do not think her family would allow her to be here, and if she were to die on my watch I would not be able to not only face my teachers or older sisters let alone her parents and her older brother and I am glad she decided to team up with me.''


    Ryuu gave a small smile at that as he spoke, "Well it was nice and all but I believe that the night is approaching and we should find shelter."


    Zywia nodded at that as she spoke, "A nice idea in fact I just know the place follow me."

 Chapter 330 - Assassination (Part-1)

    Zywia quickly guided Ryuu into a large tree a part of which was hollowed out, they climbed up the tree which was at least 1000 feet tall and was at least wide 100 feet wide, as they entered the hollowed part of the tree Ryuu inspected it as he spoke a small smile, "It is perfect."


    Upon entering Ryuu quickly began working in securing their hideout every inch of the entrance was covered by Array, ranging from detection, to detain, to killing as well as camouflage and misdirection array as he finished placing everything he looked at the entrance proudly as he turned to face Zywia who was looking at him with wide eyes as she spoke, "Big brother had once told me that the array you create is an work of art, now I see that he was not overstating it, in fact a understating it by a lot."


    Ryuu upon hearing fought off the urge to roll his eyes in exasperation, after all Cezary was a big time fan of Pangu, well big time would have a small word if he had been living in his previous world with Pangu alive he would have been thrown into jail for stalking and other illegal stuffs certain rabid fans might do, he instead gave a small smile as he spoke, "Well I have done nothing extraordinary there are others who are thousand times better."


    As an uncomfortable silence descended upon them Ryuu tried to but could not find anything with which he could break the ice, Zywia who was facing similar situation suddenly stumble upon an idea as she spoke with a smile, "So what would you have done if you had not found the shelter?"


    Ryuu gave a small smile as he spoke, "Well I have brought an expandable mansion, and inside which I will be spending my time in whether it be inside or outside a shelter."


    Zywia tilted her head as she spoke curiously at that, "Are you not being ridiculously paranoid."


    Ryuu gave a small chuckle as he spoke, "It is not about being paranoid it is about making sure that at the end of the day I am the one who is standing alive and not the other around, and if you want I have plenty of room in my mansion so you are welcome to stay."


    Zywia gave a small smile full of relief as he nodded in acceptance, when she left her home she left in hurry and have missed a few things one of the is grabbing something that might provide shelter for her as such it was a huge relief for her.


    Meanwhile outside the Eden Saidhal and Zarina were having the worst time of their life and Zarina was inconsolable, after searching high and low they all have come to the conclusion that Zywia has truly entered Eden and there is nothing they could do about it except wait for her return and considering the place where she had entered even a peak level Mystic Immortal Emperor/Empress die very easily it would be difficult for her to survive let alone stay alive all they could do is hope that she returns back in one piece safe and sound.


    Antarilsh rubbed Zarina''s back in order to comfort her as their other friends had joined as soon as they had heard the news, Cezary had arrived a few minutes prior and felt himself out of place in front of his parents'' friends as he stood near the corner he listened to various conversation amongst them and he perked up hearing Ryuu''s name, as such with a small smile as if most of the problem had been solved he spoke, "If Ryuu is there I can at least guarantee that sister would be saved."


    Saidhal hid his face in embarrassment, he was partly to blame for Cezary''s behavior he had filled his head with stories of Pangu he had hoped that his son would grow up to be as honorable as Cezary but what he had managed to achieve was make him worship the ground on which Pangu worked and now that worship had somehow shifted towards Ryuu because he had the same Divine Body as Pangu.


    Saidhal send a small glare as he spoke, "Cezary if you have nothing useful to say you may return to your office."


    Cezary raised his hand in a surrendering position seeing his father''s angry and frustrated look as he spoke, "Father you do not know him as I do as such I can tell you that he is more than capable of protecting Ryuu and he is incredible strong, strong enough to even combat a 2nd level Celestial easily, I have heard that he took down a Celestial that others within his level was having difficulty with, as such I believe he is strong enough to protect sister."


    Sylvana snorted at that as she spoke, "Nephew you have lot to learn just strength does not make you invincible and as for Ryuu he might be able to defeat a low level Celestial but with enough planning he can be easily dealt with but most importantly you are missing the point, what chances does they have of coming across each other."


    Cezary blushed at that as he spoke, "I know that there is very low chances of them coming across, but if by chance they do I know that Ryuu is honorable enough not to let her move unprotected and he will do his best to protect her."


    Shamiran gave a small smile at that as she spoke, "That is so true and if protecting Zywia means him forfeiting his chances to explore Eden he would do so in a heartbeat."


    At that a few gave a weak chuckle before Cezary suddenly remembered something as he spoke, "Oh before I forget new bounty has been issued against Ryuu, it is now 200 Deva crystals."


    Leo who was quietly listening to them while drinking from a glass did a spit take as spoke in a surprised tone, "What did he do to earn such a bounty?"


    Cezary gained a nostalgic smile on his face as he spoke, "He killed a some of someone very high up in the command chain in Preta Lok. Well more like slaughtered him, a person of 2nd Level Celestial realm was slaughtered like a new born sheep, something I do not know about your generation Uncle but I doubt anyone of mine could accomplish."


    Milena frowned at that as she spoke, "Do not sell yourself short child I have personally seen you fight and I can safely say you are one of those few cultivators that can fight someone above their station."


    Cezary shook his head as he gave a rueful smile as he spoke, "That is because you have not seen him fight, a couple of years ago in a battle I saw him go all out and to be fair I do not want to face him if at all, especially when he is serious."


    As everyone gave Cezary undivided attention Antariksh spoke with a frown, "Which battle are you talking about nephew?"


    Cezary gave her a small smile as he spoke, "Aunty I am speaking about the skirmish he was part of a couple of years ago just before he took leave in order to train and enter Eden."


    Antariksh frowned at that as she spoke, "I remember that and if I recall Ryuu mentioned a small time battle that took place nothing of worth."


    Cezary snorted at that as he spoke with an accusing tone towards Sylvana, "Aunty Sylvana you should be more involved more with the meetings, Aunty Antariksh is always acting as you r proxy most of the times as such she might have missed the news, as for skirmish no it was actually an assassination attack on him."


    Ryuu''s older sisters sat up straight at that as their eyes gained distressed look in their eyes as Shamiran spoke, "Ryuu did not say anything about that, how and what happened?"


    "Someone sent out information on his patrol route we tried to locate the leak but the trail has gone cold, as for what happened is that during the battle of Duehiri he had killed a person called Halphine, and Halhine''s lover his own martial brother wanted revenge hence he and 3 of his fellow disciples each one a Celestial had attacked him, including a thousand strong army and by the time we learned about it and had dispatched reinforcement Ryuu had dealt with 3 of them and was fighting with Halphine''s lover well more like giving him a sound thrashing, that was also the day I learned how dangerous a serious Ryuu is.", with his speech finished Cezary took a deep breath as he began recounting the events of the day.


    Ryuu opened his mouth wide as he let out a loud yawn as one of his subordinates chuckled at that, "Captain no matter what you wish to do, you cannot fall asleep after all you should act like a proper role model to us."


    Upon hearing that Ryuu simply grumbled as one of his subordinate spoke with a smile, "Please Captain, stop pouting, after all you are getting leave soon enough on a long holiday."


    Ryuu huffed at that as he spoke, "Really if you want leave why don''t you follow me into Eden it would be nice adventure would it not.", only to be receive a nervous chuckle from most of his team.

 Chapter 331 - Assassination (Part-2)

    Ryuu collapsed on a chair as his subordinates began ordering food in the small restaurant well it was like a small shop in a village that they decided to rest for some time, Ryuu casually watched the interaction between various people in his group with interest it was after all good to learn a thing or two beyond the name of one''s subordinate, he turned his head outside the window to see the village children playing around laughing and giggling, it reminded of a distant part of his childhood that he did not get to enjoy to the fullest, truth be told even if his teachers had provided him everything no matter what, no matter how costly or rare that item may be but one thing he never had was a proper childhood where he grew up playing around his friends all he knew was cultivate and cultivate, he never had any friends in his age group and any that he had now was old enough to be his mother''s great grandparent. At the thought of his friends a certain memory rose from behind his mind a small village, even smaller than this one where he had met his first and might be only friends around his age, at the thought of them he gained a faint smile, if they would have been alive then they would be all old man and woman spending their days recalling their days of youth to their wide eyed grandchild, while some of their brethren might already be dead and gone, and he would they consider him as his friend when he would stand in front of a group of people who were once at his age who played with him and now had half their feet dangling on their grave where as he looks like a young man barely a teenager.


    Ryuu shook his head shaking himself out of the depressing thoughts as he focused on his soldiers as he watched the food being served to his people as he was about to pick up the glass of wine he frowned, ''What is this? A paralysis poison and poison to cripple our KI temporary mixed with the wine, he quickly send his KI to his and everyone else''s food and found all of them laced by some sort of poison or another, sometimes certain villages which appear to be nice and all are at the end of the day bandit coven but the poison used would even cause problem for mi level Celestial and the only way it can happen if��.


    Ryuu eyes widen before he shouted out throwing everything off the table, "AMBUSH!!!!!!"


    His shout was enough to rouse any and all of his soldiers into ready mode but it was too late as the area around them exploded as the dust settled in place, the group of 100 soldiers including their Captain found themselves surrounded by a golden spherical barrier courtesy of Ryuu, as they looked around they found the entire village devastated from the explosion and they had little doubt that the villagers had escaped unscathed at all.


    Ryuu looked up as he watched multiple cultivators surrounding them as he let out a tired sigh while he spoke, "Ah whoever your leader is let me apologize to him for scaring him to the point he had to quake in his boots and was unable to attack us directly, it must be tough serving under him I feel for you all poor fools. So was he able to come here or is he still pissing himself behind you all."


    "How dare you speak about me like that.", a thunderous voice came to their ears as they looked up to see a man dressed in rather flamboyant manner as his aura rippled causing Ryuu''s eyes to narrow a little as others around him shifted in fear in discomfort, after all they only numbered around 100 whereas the enemy was a thousand strong with 4 Celestial Level Cultivator and the speaker himself was a 3rd ranked Celestial.


    Ryuu tilted his head as he spoke with a look of enlightenment in his eyes, "Ah I now understand why you blew up this village sky high, damn they gave you an ugly make over my lady."


    The person shook with anger as he shouted out, "Shut up you buffoon I am a male and this is me making a fashion statement, and I do not have any grudge against this worms my only business is with you, you who killed my lover my Halphine and today I have come for you."


    Normally Ryuu did not have anything against anyone''s fashion when he everything to him is clothes nothing more and nothing less nor does he understand about makeup but most if not all flamboyant people have a touch of insecurity on their looks as such they dress so loudly and Ryuu was trying to capitalize on it and play on it so that his opponent makes a mistake he could capitalize upon after all today not only was he responsible for his life but the lives of a 100 subordinates as well.


    As such Ryuu decided to anger him even more while mentally apologizing any people who might be offended by his next words, "Ahh sorry about that I am do not remember any bug I crushed though suggesting from his name he is male but I am sorry but I cannot accept your feelings I am straight and I as such I am sorry but I do not swing in that weird manner."


    He could feel a couple of eyes boring at him from behind him and he mentally sighed as he had nothing against love, people can love whoever they wished to after all love is a beautiful thing so beautiful that it can change the world for the better as such he decided that after this fiasco was over he might give his subordinates a treat and apologize to clear the misunderstanding that might have occurred.


    The flamboyant person shook in anger as he charged angrily as one of the person near him shouted at him, "Brother Bozrath stop he is bating you.", but alas his anger made him blind as he dashed with his full power with intent ot kill as the others in his group could not help but move as well to support him.


    Ryuu watched as the person come closer and closer, during the entire banter between them he did not stay idle he had already given out orders to his men and as the person crossed the 50 meter mark the golden barrier glowed and flooded the area with a brilliant shade of white blinding them, and when they finally regained their senses Ryuu''s group had already put a good few distance amongst them as they had decided to flee.


    Before Bozarth could do anything a gravitational pull forced him and his entire group to fall on to the ground before another array shone and an explosion of titanic proportion that dwarfed the previous one by many times took place, as the dust cleared Bozarth and his fellow Celestials looked worse for wear while their force had been effectively cut in half as the others were either dead or too injured to chase after Ryuu.


    With another below of anger Bozarth charged forward along with the rest who followed after him apparently they had not taken the injuries sustained firm explosion to well, as the group was far off from their initial position a group of five cultivators appeared who were waiting hidden in sight as one of them spoke, "Our Captain and our brothers and sisters depend on us as such we cannot fail no matter what happens headquarters have to be notified about the ambush, now remember the procedure and move accordingly.", with that they disappeared from sight.

 Chapter 332 - Assassination (Part-3)

    As Ryuu moved along with his subordinates at blinding speed one of his subordinates spoke with a frown, "Captain I do not wish to appear insubordinate but was it wise to anger him."


    Ryuu looked at him with a raised eye brow as he spoke, "Well I might not be expert on psychology but my gamble worked and now we have to just buy some time for reinforcement."


    The very same soldier let out a cry of alarm as he spoke, "You Gambled!!!!"


    Ryuu nodded too pleased with his gamble as he spoke, "Yes I did and it worked, the enemy group is send to take my head and I do not wish for you to get caught in the collateral, I will have to thin the herd before we can clash with them, I do not doubt that reinforcement will arrive and our men will surely successfully inform the headquarter but there is a chance that the enemy had anticipated the move not to mention it would take a few hours for them to reach headquarters and there might be some ambush setup towards the direction or��."


    First Lieutenant Chavez bit his lips as he spoke, "There is traitor who would suppress the cry for help like he already has done."


    Ryuu nodded eliciting a cry of alarm from others as he spoke with a solemn sigh, "Why do you think I send those 5 away, don''t we have a means to contact the headquarters, of course we do but it is not working, it cannot be a jammer because we are at least a 300 Km from the village not only that how did they know which route we would take and setup the ambush I fear someone might have leaked it."


    Chavez balled his fist in anger as he sat out, "Traitors!!!!"


    Ryuu shrugged at that as he focused in front of him as he spoke, "We can think about the traitor but for now increase the speed and focus forward I want to draw them into the ''Canyon of the Forgotten'' up ahead."


    Others grinned at the Canyon in front of them, it was a maze created by gaseous release of various poisonous plants which caused severe hallucinogenic problems an advantage to them as they carried the antidote with them, an antidote that bought them an hour, and it would be enough for them to turn the tide.


    Bozarth felt his anger rising like no tomorrow he had increased his space tremendously leaving behind others as the only thing in his sight was Ryuu, he wanted nothing but to tear his spine out and drink his blood but he hoodwinked him then turned tailed and ran away not to mention that coward had the gall to insult him no just killing him would not satisfy him he would make him beg for his death, while day dreaming of that he let out a sadistic chuckle as he dashed towards Ryuu.


    Ryuu could feel the anger, hatred and killing intent directed at him making him scoff, before he frowned, ''My men are not fast he will catch them before we can properly hide inside the canyon and spring the trap I will have to draw the attention of the four Celestials as it would be easier for my men to deal with their army if they can get them inside the canyon.


    Ryuu as such looked around at his second in command as he spoke, "Chavez you all are slow, I will distract the Celestials you all try to lure and engage with their army I hope you will be able to do it."


    Chavez''s eyes widen at that as he spoke, "But Captain Ryuu they are.."


    Ryuu tilted his head as he spoke, "I know what they are and I also know my full capabilities as such I believe I can hold them off long enough to deal with their army, now move.", as he barked the orders he mentally readied himself for the fight he will have with the Celestials.


    Cezary was in bad mood they had just found the officer in charge of communication dead and everything related to communication was trashed beyond repair, he did not like it as such he used his personal communicator and had informed his higher ups and they unanimously agreed to send reinforcement to all squads that were currently patrolling, there had been 5 such squads of which one returned shortly whereas the others had been at various distance away from their battalion the one he was worried was the one about Ryuu as he travelled with his group of 2000 strong army slowly received news of others squads and all were well except that of Ryuu making him more and more anxious when all of a sudden they encountered a soldier from Ryuu''s squad and his fears came true he had been ambushed by army and enemies stronger than his own.


    When he reached the ''Canyon of the Forgotten'' it seemed that a battle was in full swing between Ryuu''s squad and the enemy squad although from the looks of it they were about to win soon, he simply quickened the process as he ordered his men to reinforce he searched for any signs of Ryuu and the Celestials but he could not locate either of them when an huge aura drew his attention as he saw a figure collide with the wall of the canyon hard making a crater and causing the wall to collapse along with it, Cezary looked at the figure on the ground lying motionless with eyes widen as the figure was none other than Ryuu who was bleeding from his mouth.


    "Aww did I hit you too hard, are you going to cry now.", the taunting words reached Cezary''s ears as he looked at the speaker who was standing looking down on Ryuu flanked by three others who laughed uproariously towards Ryuu, he was about to engage them when it happened a terrifying killing intent enveloped everyone it felt as if they were suddenly surrounded by a sea of blood, it was terrifying to the point every fight in their vicinity had stopped as many looked towards the direction of Ryuu with fear then came the bone chilling laughter from Ryuu.


    "Bravo Bravo that was a sound tactics I never believe that I would fall for something so cheap such a dirty tactics but everything is fair in war is it not worm.", the mocking sound of Ryuu''s voice end chills down Cezary''s spine more so when he opened his eyes to look at the enemy the bestial eyes looked towards them in a way that portrayed a predator would look at the prey.


    Bozarth growled at him as he spoke, "What can you do you trash? Talk me to death."


    Ryuu tilted his head as he spoke, "You guys are impudent barbarian it is time someone taught you some manners.", with his words as if the Universe began to shift as he spoke, "PROSTRATE BEFORE ME MONGREL!", as Ryuu shouted out a terrifying Draconic silhouette growled at them from behind him.


    The next scene would be forever imprinted in Cezary''s memory as something that he would never forget and it was not him but others as well as the four Celestials who looked as someone undefeatable to most if not all of them suddenly fell from the sky and kneeled in front of Ryuu like some lowly dog, the four proud cultivators who was stronger than Ryuu was bowing to him in fact even many amongst them had the sudden unexplained urge to follow the four Celestials'' example.


    Bozarth did not know what happened but as soon as the words left Ryuu''s mouth he was about to dismiss it as a delusion from a half death idiot only for his body to collapse on the ground, ''huh, what happened why am is my face is on the ground and why can I not move.''


    Cezary took a deep breath as he finished recounting the story while others listened to him with rapt attention when he finished that Leo let out a small whistle as he spoke, "Seems like someone inherited Pangu''s anger do you all remember Pangu once made the head of major powers kneel before him."


    Saidhal smirked at that as he spoke, "Damn it was a sight I would never forget all those haughty and holier than thou cultivators were forced on their knees by a sentence."


    At that the trio of sisters smirked at that feeling immense sense of pride as Ryuu sneezed for umpteenth time as he grumbled loudly at that while Zywia simply snorted in amus.e.m.e.nt at that as she spoke, "Seems like someone is talking about you."


    Ryuu simply raised his eyebrow as he spoke with a huff, "That is simply some idiotic superstition nothing more nothing less.", although inwardly he swore if by chance what Zywia said was true he would make the person, who made him sneeze so much pay, only for a terrible feeling of dread send shiver down his spine as if he was about to bite more than he could chew.

 Chapter 333 - ?????? (Part-1)

    Leo and Zarina both frowned hard upon hearing how brutally Ryuu dealt with his enemy as Antariskh waved it off without a care in the world as she spoke, "I blame Sylvana and mama Celestia''s influence."


    Sylvana snorted at that as she spoke, "Pot meet keetle at least I do not hide my sadistic nature but what I want to know is that what was it that caused him to act like that."


    Cezary frowned at that as he replied to Sylvana, "Well from what I had asked him about it but he only said they used an illusionary attack but what he was forced to witness was labeled as ''private'' by him as such we do not know."


    Shamiran frowned at that as she spoke, "This is troubling so many plants and spies it is really troubling, the past few centuries the Preta Lok has really been on the rise, the quality and quantity of their soldiers have not only improved they have become much more bolder the future looks a bit bleak."


    Others sighed at that as Sylvana spoke with a dejected frown at that, "I wish Ryuu would have told us about it."


    Both Saidhal and Zarina snorted at that as he spoke, "Get used to it sister, he is grown up child no longer a little boy that would seek comfort during nightmare he will have secrets like we used to have and remember how we got annoyed when our elders tried to poke their nose in."


    Ryuu let out a huge yawn as he lazy sat on his chair as Zywia spoke in amazement, "You passed the trials of the heart how?"


    Ryuu shrugged at her question as he spoke, "Well according to my teachers my karma is so humongous that I managed to bypass it."


    Zywia was slack jawed at that as she sputtered out in disbelief, "But how? How did you manage to gain such a huge amount of karma, it is extremely difficult for us cultivators to gain as we always walk a very thin line between virtue and sin."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "It is true that line between virtue and sin for a layman is very thin but for us it is bit more complicated as long as we do not touch any innocent we are safe even then powerful cultivators like my teachers or your parents are already beyond the influence of Karma.", Zywia nodded at that in agreement as Ryuu continued, "Well as for my karma well it so happened I managed to save every species in my planet from complete annihilation."


    Zywia whistled out lowly before she spoke with a frown, "But how did you kno..", before she could say anything anymore her eyes widen a bit as she spoke with a knowing look on her face, "You are either a cultivator who retained his memory or your masters told you, am I right."


    Ryuu chuckled at that as he passed the bottle of seven glacier wine to her as he spoke, "Sorry sis, but you are wrong I was a simple normal human and as for my masters no they never did say anything about that in fact the reason I know about that is because a certain someone forcibly made me relive my previous life which made me comatose and was also the reason I had such a large advancement in my cultivation."


    Before Zywia could speak anything a sharp pain arose from both of their hands as Zywia dropped her cup as she hissed in pain, a burning smell arose from their hand as they looked their skin and flesh on top of their hand began to burn as a number 0 appeared, to them it looked as if someone had branded it with hot poker.


    Ryuu grimaced at that as he spoke with an excited smile, "So it has begun."


    His smile was mirrored by Zywia who spoke with equal amount of enthusiasm before it turned into a tired frown, "It has but now we have to gather down 5000 5th level and above Mystic Immortal Beast Nucleus."


    Ryuu rubbed his chin as he narrowed is eyes in deep thought, "Well 2500 Nucleus each we have to sacrifice in an altar though it would be difficult as I am sure there will be many who would be waiting setting up an ambush and most importantly how do we kill that many spirit beasts who has been enlarged like that within 3 days time."


    Zywia looked down with a depressed look on her face, "Now what, this is why people travel in bigger groups it is easier for the��", whatever she was about to say was stopped by a pious whoop of Ryuu.


    Ryuu gave a big smile as he spoke, "Well I have an idea but it will be a bit gory and bloody I hope you could stomach it."


    Zywia raised one of her delicate brows as she spoke in a curious manner, "What is your plan?"


    Ryuu grinned at that as he spoke, "Well it is creation of my years of research an array..."


    It took them a whole day to find an appropriate place, a caldera of a volcano, the duo stood at the edge of a large what seemed to be a super volcano, with a diameter of 200 Kms, as Ryuu let out a small curse at that, "Who makes such a big caldera."


    Zywia huffed at that as she spoke, "Do your work we have only 2 days left."


    Ryuu grumbled at that before he kneeled on the ground closing his eyes before he nearly jumped up in elation, "Wonderful, wonderful this place has a lot of KI stored inside it and would be useful very useful and power the array like no tomorrow."


    Zywia gave him a pointed look causing him to slump as he spoke, "You are too serious, now let me do my job while you keep an eye for any attackers."


    Zywia huffed as she stood aside as he watched Ryuu going towards the center of caldera, before he bit his spit some blackish blood in his right hand and some pills on his left, before he clasped his hand in form of a prayer as he kept his eyes closed for a few moment before his aura flared briefly as he slammed his hand on the ground and he glowed for a moment, as the ground rumbled the sky darkened a bit and a few lightning bolt fell on a pattern that was rapidly consuming the ground of the caldera Zywia knew whatever Ryuu was attempting had triggered a small tribulation, and tribulations being triggered during an array creation was extremely rare but not unheard off but it also signified the array that Ryuu used his blood and from the look of it a bit of his natal blood from his Dantian tethered around border between Forbidden and Taboo with rapidly moving towards the Taboo art her heartbeat increased upon seeing that, the array that covered the caldera to the edge glowed before 16 pillars rose in perfect circle and then it vanished, Ryuu had a smile on his face as he took to the sky before he dashed towards Zywia.


    As he reached Zywia with a smile he was greeted by a frown by Zywia who spoke in a accusatory tone, "That was an array of Forbidden category well more like a border line Taboo."


    Ryuu gave a weak chuckle before he spoke, "Well it is but do not worry since I know its inner workings properly I won''t suffer the backlash even if it is border line Taboo since I am its inventor though I do not recommend others to use it, unless they are at least a Grandmaster tiered array master with a good knowledge in alchemy since it is fusion between the two, now use this talisman on yourself otherwise you might get caught in it."


    As he handed the talisman he looked at the array as he spoke with a smirk, "Now let us activate it."

 Chapter 334 - God Killing Array(Part-2)

    Ryuu flew as fast as he could while being followed by screeching and screaming Zywia, "I told you it was a bad idea."


    Ryuu screamed back at her at the top of his lungs, "How would I know that a pack of over hundred Gale wolves the size of a place was nearby."


    Zywia snapped back at him, "Shut up you over confident callous idiot."


    The duo dashed towards the caldera at an incredible speed with a pack of over hundred Gale wolves hot on their heels, Ryuu''s plan was simple in order to activate the array he was to draw a couple of spirit beasts into the caldera then upon their entry the array would activate, well it would activate the array but what happened was they were successful in drawing the attention of spirit beasts and unfortunately for them it was actually a pack of spirit beasts bigger than palace moving after them with tremendous speed.


    As the last of the spirit beasts entered into the caldera the array glowed a calming white light then it happened, the wolves howled in agony as they were dragged to the ground as the blood and flesh seemed to be torn from its body and beings drained towards the center as it began to revolve like a small twister of blood and gut formed before it gave a sound that seemed to be akin to fart that made Zywia wrinkled her nose in disgust before a blood mist was released in the air, they did not have to wait longer as more howls were heard as even more beasts dashed in but unlike before the beasts looked a bit more feral with drool dripping from their snout and eyes red, the process repeated again and for the first time Zywia understood why Ryuu asked her if she was averse to a gore and blood, it was too cruel to watch as the beasts in trance being dragged here to their doom, their bones snapping their flesh being torn apart, then being blended before being released into the atmosphere to lure even more.


    Ryuu tilted his head as he spoke, "Let us leave if we stay longer even with my protection we will be dragged in this mess, and oh catch this.", he threw a pouch towards her which she excepted with a raised brow as he continued speaking, "Every nucleus gathered will be divided equally and send to both of us, no matter how far we are so there is nothing to worry even if by some chance we get separated."


    Zywia bit her lips as she spoke with a frown, "It is too cruel."


    Ryuu raised his eyebrow as he spoke, "Maybe but we are in a place where hard choices are to be made and I made one where I nor you will have to work too hard, besides this spirit beasts are abnormal."


    Zywia frowned at that as she spoke, "What do you mean by abnormal?"


    Ryuu tilted his head as he spoke, "The more stronger the lineage of a spirit beast is the more difficult it is for it to take on a human form but this beasts do not have strong lineage yet why even after stepping into Mystic Immortal Emperor did they not have any human form not to mention their size."


    Zywia looked at them thoughtfully before her gaze turned into pity with a hint of remorse in her eyes as she spoke with a whisper, "Even then you are a cruel man Ryuu, this array why did you invent it."


    Ryuu glanced at her stoically as he spoke, "Would you believe me if I say this is nothing but an accidental discovery not to mention why are you getting upset after all the condition has been designed for us to kill, so please stop thinking about them and let us leave.", with that Ryuu started leaving while Zywia cast one look back before she left.


    Ryuu snorted at her reaction, ''I never knew she would be over reacting so much as if she had never had to kill anyone before, what kind of sheltered life did she lead and Eden is a place where it is killed or be killed.'', as he thought that he grimaced, ''Since I have started walking in the road of cultivation I have lost my aversion to killing my past self would be horrified at that, but it was not as if my hands was clean, after all I was cruel indeed.''


    Ryuu''s mind went back to a certain incident in his life as ''Keitaro Inazuma'', he was in his lab working hard he had been working hard for trying to find a cure and in process of doing so he had accidently created a Virus a very deadly virus that would make the current pandemic look like a simple cold, but unfortunately protocol dictated that the virus could not be simply destroyed but to be simply cared into the deepest part of WHO Headquarters where it is to be safely and securely ''dealt with''.


    Keitaro sighed as he reached for the cup of coffee, he felt so drained and tired he had been working tirelessly for a cure for a miracle yet all he was awarded with a much more dangerous and powerful virus which had to be immediately transported to the Headquarters the crew had arrived to safely transport his latest success/failure even he did not know what to dub it, once of his colleague had graciously volunteered to help them while a tired Keitaro watched from a safe monitoring room along with others.


    "Oi Keitaro, when did you sleep for the last time? You look more and more like an owl with those dark circles that has formed around your eyes."


    Keitaro snorted at that as he spoke, "I can do many things instead of wasting my time sleeping MacDougal."


    The person who was addressed as MacDougal shook his head in exasperation as he spoke, "You are an idiot, your brain needs some rest it would not do us good if one of our brightest minds collapse from lack of rest on top of that a refreshed mind works better."


    Keitaro gave him a deadpanned look as he spoke, "Mr. MacDougal have you seen yourself in front of the mirror then after you have done so please come again and give me the advice."


    MacDougal had a sheepish grin on his face as another spoke in impatient manner, "Stop it you two act professionally."


    Both Keitaro and MacDougal''s shoulder slumped as they both spoke in a monotone, "Yes your Highness."


    The woman in question simply rolled her eye as she muttered under her breath something akin to immature brats, the duo gave her a small smile as their eyes turned towards the screen as they watched the sealed vials containing the deadly virus being put inside a special container, then it happened one of the vial slipped from the fingers fell on the floor and broke.


    The people who were watching had their eyes open wide with horror at that as the only female in the room Naomi let out a gasp as Keitaro sprung into action as the occupants of the room tried to make a run for the door, but they took only a few steps as they started bleeding from every orifice on their face, as button was slammed by Keitaro as a alarm started to wail loudly.


    The entire base was in alert as people were frightened by the alarm as Keitaro looked through the television screen as he watched his colleague of many months banging through the door asking and crying for it to open for him to let out.


    "Kei please open the door, please open it I do not want to die please I have kids, Kei bro please I do not want to die I do not want to die."


    As the person cried hysterically he started coughing out blood as he went deathly pale as bluish veins appeared over his face, Keitaro spoke in a monotonous voice, "I am sorry Christen may you never forgive me."


    The person was silent as were the other 5 along with him before he shouted, "CURSE YO��", but before he could speak Keitaro had already pressed a button that had started the sterilization process of the room in other words an intense flash of heat and flame had turned everything inside the sealed room into molten slag that will never be opened again, that day Keitaro was forced to burn 6 people one of which was a friend of 6 years.


    Keitaro meanwhile had already curled up in a ball horrified at the action he took.


    Ryuu blinked as he turned to look back towards Zywia as he was brought out of his day dream as he spoke, "You were saying something?"


    Zywia huffed at him as she spoke, "For the last 5 minutes I am asking you, what is the name of the array?"


    Ryuu gave her a small smile as he spoke, "God Killing Array."

 Chapter 335 - God Killing Array(Part-3)

    Ryuu discreetly glanced at Zywia as he let out a sigh for the nth time as he cursed Cezary and his parents, ''Those bumbling fools they basically grew her in a Greenhouse, how did she thing I was going to get a part of the body without cutting those spirit beasts out without killing them, the chances of finding the nucleus at the same spot is higher for beast that are of same species chances are higher but not necessarily it will be in the same position.''


    Ryuu was having second thoughts about having her accompany him because of her stubbornness and well idiotic thinking and from what he had gathered he could bet his life that Zywia never even had to drink by picking up a glass from the top of the table, he did not know what to think about except feel a small bout of nausea creeping up, her family''s love has effectively crippled her and now the privileged pampered princess has jumped head first into fire without thinking, Zywia may be smart full of talent but she has a lacked street smarts with a touch of common sense.


    Meanwhile both Saidhal and Zarina had the feel of complete annoyance creeping up while Cezary simply wanted to curl up and cry he felt as if his idol was simply disappointed.


    Zywia and Ryuu had finally returned back towards their hideout as they stepped inside Ryuu made sure that no one was following as they sat inside Ryuu opened his bag and let out a small whistle of appreciation, "It seems my array is working wonderfully I have already a little over thousand nucleus and I could safely say about your own share if I am not mistaken."


    Zywia nodded pleased at that as she spoke, "Yes I have received as much as you have and now we have to go to the altar mentioned in the instruction and we could move to the next round.", Ryuu nodded at that as Zywia continued happily at that, "The best part the altar we saw was free of any form of ambush."


    Ryuu whipped his head so hard that any person would have thought that he broke his neck as he spoke disbelief, "The altar was empty who told you that?"


    Zywia was taken aback at that as she nodded at that as she spoke, "Of course it was empty we saw."


    Ryuu shook his head in exasperation as he spoke, "Never take anything by face value according to the announcement there was 20 such altars and with so many people entering here I can bet you there are people who have already set up ambush and I know for certain that the altars are death trap which we have to approach cautiously."


    Zywia frowned at that as she spoke, "How sure are you about it? It might be they no one has found about it."


    Ryuu snorted at that as he spoke with a smile, "Sister Zywia please remember for a successful ambush to occur it is best if your target is unaware and is caught unguarded and as for why I am sure that someone has already found and set up ambush is because did you remember how many people had arrived here to enter Eden, and why I am sure because dear I would have done the same."


    Zywia turned a bit pale at that, while Ryuu wanted to bang his head in frustration, ''What kind of environment did she grow up into she completely and totally lack vigilance of any kind as such she is dangerous for herself as well as for me.''


    Ryuu swallowed his regret about helping her as he spoke with a smile, "We will try to sneak past them at dusk, I will use some form of array to do so, and please follow my instruction without question."


    Zywia huffed at that as she spoke, "When did I not follow your instructions brother Ryuu."


    Ryuu did not say but he knew that Zywia would create problems later on from dealing with her he came to one conclusion that she was sheltered greatly as such she lacked any and all sense regarding how to deal with such situations, any cultivator worth their salt who had fought their way up to her level would be more level headed but she was not as such it only meant a sheltered life.


    Ryuu let out a yawn as he sat on a chair as he spoke, "There is still some time left as such cultivate, rest, eat or do whatever you want to but do not leave this shelter alone no matter what happens.", With that Ryuu closed his eyes as he drifted off to sleep, as he was incredibly bored and needed to pass of time.


    A few hours later he was awoken by the smell of food, as he looked up with bleary eyes he was greeted with something that made his sleep disappear as in front of him laid a table full of mouth watering dishes that revitalized his spirit especially when it smelt so good.


    He quickly stood up as Zywia appeared with another pot full of some kind of stew that smelled heavenly as she spoke with a nervous smile, "Well I hope you do not mind I was getting bored and I wanted to thank you so I made you something."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "Why would I mind at all, it all smells so heavenly and thank you for that."


    As Ryuu took a plate for himself he discreetly checked for any form of poison or drugs and upon finding none he helped himself as did Zywia, upon taking a bite Ryuu''s eyes widen slightly it might not be as awesome and heavenly like his teacher''s cooking but it was quite good as such he could not help but praise her inwardly, ''She might not have proper sense but she is good cook at least her parents did something nice.''


    By the time they had finished the duo checked their bag and was astonished to find over 5000 nucleus in each bag as Ryuu let out a small whistle full of appreciation as he spoke with a grin, "Never did I think that the array would work so well I am impressed with myself."


    Zywia frowned slightly at that as she spoke, "Since we have everything I think it is time to leave also please deactivate the array there is no need for it."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he brought out a talisman as he activated the talisman it disintegrated to ash as he spoke with a smile, "It is done now let us leave."


    Meanwhile inside the certain caldera a group of cultivators had gotten trapped and had been pulled by the array as they were torn apart their items fell into the ground as the array fought against their space bag and space ring trying to pry it open and check and retrieve any form of nucleus stored in it, the fight has been growing for some time and slowly the array was powering up as more and more beings were sacrificed as it was about to open, the command to shut it down and self destruct came and what it managed to do was overload the array as the excess energy had nowhere to go and it destabilized the gathering of KI at the center of caldera.


    At first Ryuu and his companion did not feel anything as they watched various creatures running away from something then the ground rumbled and shook like no tomorrow as the horizon lit up as if the sun was rising from that side of the world for a brief moment, Ryuu did not know why but he did not like the feeling in his guts as f something had gone horribly wrong a feeling even Zywia shared as such they promptly left as they moved towards the altar as fast as possible.

 Chapter 336 - God Killing Array(Part-4)

    Zywia and Ryuu slowly moved cautiously under the effect of an array that disillusioned them which made them invisible, as they neared the altar Zywia''s eyes widen as Ryuu pointed towards something, under her amazing eyes she could easily see the ground surrounding the altar covered with various arrays most of which according to Ryuu was lethal.


    Ryuu gave her a smug smile as he spoke, "Well I told you did I not, now you can see how they have already set up ambush, there look over there it even has poison imbedded there, if you trigger it you will end up being covered by poisonous cloud and if I am not mistaken it is venom from ''Glacial Gecko'', hmmm nice choice but ineffective."


    Zywia sighed at that as she began, "You alch��"


    Whatever she was saying was not heard by Ryuu as he had turned his head to look behind them and was shocked to see a rapidly approaching humongous wall of grayish-black smoke as the sky itself was being blanked by dark clouds, it was fast and he doubted that they could leave the place fast enough at the current pace as such he quickly barked out an order, "Zywia move fast and do not look back something dangerous is approaching and try to copy my moves."


    Zywia''s eyes widen suddenly as she dashed after Ryuu, as they moved fast through the maze of traps they had managed to garner attention of those who had set up various traps.


    Chen was bored incredibly so, his team had managed to gather so far only a little of half of their quota they had thought that they would have a rich harvest from the defeated foes but so far it was mediocre and it was eating his nerves after all the people cooperating and working together would turn against each other at a moment''s notice if the situation is not salvaged they all needed to move on to the next level or their entire reason for arriving here would be for nothing as the will have to wait here for 10 years in order to step out of Eden, and being trapped at the first floor would do not good to anyone.


    Chen let out a jaw ripping yawn before the ground shook hard as he turned towards one of his friends as he spoke curiously, "Fellow brother do you know what happened?"


    The person in question just gave him a glance full of annoyance as he spoke with a huff, "Brother I am sitting here just like you and I know as much as you do so stop asking me and keep quite."


    Chen grumbled at being chastised like that, was it his fault that human sought companionship of course not humans are a social animal and he was a prime shining example of human and now he was forced to act like a non human, their wait turned out to be fruit full as sudden a man and woman appeared at the middle of the maze filled by traps the exact location of them well Chen doubted most of them remembered when he himself failed to do so but now they had a mystery in their which he intended to solve as he let out a sad sigh, ''Those poor deluded fool of companions they now need the help of the most intelligent, handsome and humble Chen the Great Hero to discern the mystery of ''Popping out like mole Man and Woman'', of well I will surely help them.''


    His musing was cut short as he watched the duo move at incredibly speed and agility as they passed through the field full of traps as if they had already known their position but before he could capture them with his hands and legs tied behind his back and eyes blindfolded a shout brought him to his senses, "Everyone run a pyroclastic cloud is approaching."


    Upon hearing that shout many cultivators snorted at that some amongst them had been Body refining style cultivator as such they had been accustomed to harsher training and cultivation style than their KI refining style counterparts, some of whom had spend days submerged in lava to them what is a measly Pyroclastic cloud.


    The Pyroclastic cloud washed over them as the duo had reached the altar as an array popped up courtesy of Ryuu, he knew that a Pyroclastic cloud was not strong enough to harm him but Zywia might be as she was a KI refiner style cultivate unlike him who was a hybrid but most importantly he so did not want to spend his entire day spitting and coughing to get the ash out of his mouth and lungs, not to mention he was not to fond of the smell of sulphur, as such he decided to pop and array too protect themselves from not only the pyroclastic cloud but also to buy them enough to time from the attacks of other cultivators as they try to move to the next stage.


    Ryuu''s decision was right as brutal attacks rained on the protective bubble surrounding them, as Zywia had emptied her bag on the fire pit which was lit by a bluish flame as the flame took an interesting shade of orange Zywia simply vanished from his sight.


    Ryuu looked at the cultivators swearing and gnashing their teeth, he let a smirk appear on his face as he looked at them, as he took out a talisman, normally he would have not bothered using talisman but who knows when his strength to use array without one might come in handy as such he decided to keep his card hidden.


    The talisman melted into the protective bubble as another array got activated, another set of attack came and this time the attack was reflected back as the person let out a cry of pain as he was flung back stopping others in their endeavor as Ryuu emptied his bag as with an orangish hue he disappeared from that place.


    As Ryuu reappeared he found himself looking at a similar altar but this time the flame was lit in an interesting shade of orange, but what set it apart was the water surrounding them and from the pressure he felt Ryuu deduced that he was at least 10000m below sea level, making him groan at that.


    Zywia poked him as he turned to look at her he found her struggling to stay under that monumental pressure as such he willed his vessel to appear, and as it appeared in a flash the duo promptly swam inside it.


    As Zywia gasped for air she spoke with shudder, "That pressure was intense I thought I was about to die from it within a next couple of seconds."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "So true the pressure was intense but I believe that us hybrid and body refiners would not have much problem, now let me go and move this ship it would not do good if it drew attention of something dreadful."


    With that as he left Zywia decided to follow him, "Ryuu what was that cloud?"


    Ryuu turned to reply but hastily turned his head to the side with a blush upon seeing her wet clothes clinging like a second skin on top of her creamy milk colored skin as he spoke, "Well that was a volcanic cloud extremely dangerous."


    Zywia''s eyes widen at that as she spoke, "Do not tell me your array caused that."


    Ryuu winced at that as he cursed inwardly, ''Damn that woman she grew brain when it was unneeded the most.'', as he coughed before speaking, "My array causing a volcanic eruption well it is the most ridiculous thing i have ever heard though I can hazard a guess that it was caused by some nincompoop who had been trying to poke and prod might cause and sister I do not thing that staying wet will be good as such I will change my clothes inside the bridge while you do so in one of the spare rooms.", with that he quickly entered the bridge as he left a fl.u.s.tered Zywia who hurriedly ran into the nearest room.


    Meanwhile Ryuu had slid on the floor as he let out his breath which he had unconsciously held upon seeing Zywia like that as he spoke tiredly, ''That was pathetic to act like some hormonal teen, that was simply pathetic.''

 Chapter 337 - Splashing Waves(Part-1)

    Drip drip the dripping of water was getting in Zywia''s nerves until she could not take anymore as such promptly shouted at the top of her lungs, "Ryuu could you please stop that dread full noise of dripping water in the name of heave."


    Ryuu looked at her with wide eyes before he spoke with a pout, "Chill sister I was just adding to the ambience of this place."


    Zywia send a scathing glare as she gritted her teeth while speaking, "I do not care for ambience this vessel of yours can travel into space I do not think it will be leaking so why do you have added an array to imitate the noise of water dripping, and claiming to be ambience."


    Ryuu pouted at that he always wanted to travel in a submarine and since he had recovered his memories this was the first time to make his vessel act as a submarine, any similar actions before being comatose did not count in his mind but now alas everything must came to an end, with a glare that one reserves for one''s most bitter enemy he made the array disappear.


    Zywia rolled her eyes at the over dramatics of Ryuu as a single thought ran through her mind, ''This child has issues.''


    Ryuu sighed as his vessel navigated through the dark deep water, "This cavern is too long, and there are no life here it gives me creeps."


    Zywia frowned as she spoke, "Me too as if the entire place is dead, I fear for people that had used that altar to move to the next stage, being crushed by such a humongous pressure from water."


    Ryuu tilted his head as he spoke, "Me too I am glad that I am a cultivator or else I would have become jelly by the pressure, but it seems I have found the exit to this place."


    Zywia looked exited at that as Ryuu pressed forward as the vessel moved lurched forward only for Ryuu to stop its movement as a snake like creature moved near the mouth of the cavern.


    Ryuu narrowed his eyes as he spoke to Zywia, "Do you recognize the creature?"


    Zywia shook her head as she spoke, "No I do not but be careful who knows what is out there."


    Ryuu nodded as he commanded his vessel forward, they moved swiftly but cautiously and soon found themselves breaking through the surface as and all that greeted was water for as far as the eyes could see along with a blue sky.


    Ryuu bit his lips as he spoke with a sigh, "Well I will fly around and we might find land soon enough."


    Zywia shrugged as she turned to leave the bridge of the vessel as she spoke with a yawn, "I am getting bored call for me when you have encountered something interesting till then I will meditate in my room."


    Ryuu shrugged at that as he made his vessel rise up in the air as he looked down at the ocean below, he moved higher and higher but unfortunately he was unable to view any landmass when all of a sudden an warning flashed making him stop his ascend as he quickly left his ship as he climbed to the top as he looked up he could see a transparent membrane that seemed to cover the sky itself Ryuu took out a pill from his space ring as he flung it towards the membrane his eyes widen as he saw the pill disintegrate into nothingness.


    Ryuu''s eyes widen for a fraction before he whispered with a small smile on his face, "Interesting to see the simply disintegrated into nothingness, really interesting."


    Ryuu then spend a few hours poking and prodding the membrane that seemed to be keeping them inside yet he could find nothing about its mechanism as such with a huff of frustration he decided to cut his loss as he boarded his vessel as it lurched forward.


    A few more hours later Zywia voice came to Ryuu''s ears, "Ryuu did you not find any land? How long are you searching for?"


    As no reply came from him Zywia stepped inside the bridge shortly as he was about to speak Ryuu pointed her to the front as she looked forward her eyes widen as she saw what could literally be said as the end of the world, as the vast water of the ocean fell like a gargantuan water fall.


    Ryuu spoke for the first time his eyes never leaving the blue water that fell from the edge with a loud roar as it took the appearance of milk, "Beautiful is it not."


    Zywia nodded at that even she was dumbstruck at seeing such a scenery which she doubted even the best artist could capture no matter the devices used as Ryuu spoke with a sigh, "Well it has been over 59 hour since I started searching for the land and those small bits of rocks over there are the only land I have seen till now."


    Zywia looked taken aback at that as she spoke with disbelief, "That is surreal there must be some land on the vast ocean."


    Ryuu shrugged at that as he replied to her, "Well there might be and I have yet to encounter though I would also like to point out that there are planets that are devoid of any semblance of land as they are covered by vast expanses if fluids of various kinds."


    Zywia nodded at that as she spoke, "So true but plane��..", whatever she was going to say died in her throat as she turned deathly pale.


    Ryuu did not seem to take any notice to that he looked over the edge as he spoke with his voice laced with curiosity in his tone, "I wonder what we will find if we go down the edge I am quite curious, so shall we take a leap of faith sister."


    Only for Ryuu took wince in pain as he felt Zywis grasping his shoulder hard as he looked at her his eyes widen upon seeing the horrified look on her face as he looked at front he mirrored her expression.


    ''Sanctified Immortal'', the palace/vessel of Ryuu that was gifted moved so fast that even the most fastest man made vehicle was a snail in its comparison as it moved no tore through the air as it moved further and further away from the edge of the world, before it plunged at the sea with a loud splash.


    While both Zywia and Ryuu could feel their heart pounding hard upon recalling the sight they had witnessed, a sight that made Ryuu put at the very least a few thousand kilometers at the very least in between his ''Sanctified Immortal'' and the edge of the world and yet he did not feel any safe.

 Chapter 338 - Splashing Waves(Part-2)

    Zywia slowly turned towards Ryuu as she spoke her voice quivering slightly with fear, "What was that Ryuu? What kind of creature was that?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke with disbelief, "No idea, I have heard and learned about various creatures that might reach that size but I was unable to discern it by only looking at its eyes, but whatever it was extremely dangerous."


    Zywia nodded at that as she spoke, "I concur.", she looked down at her still shaking hand as she spoke, "But whatever it is, it sure did do a good job scaring us even from such a great distance."


    Ryuu nodded silently at that as he looked towards his front as he spoke, "Master warned me about this place stating how much I have to keep myself open minded and how much I will have to make sure to remember to expect the unexpected but this.", he shook his head tiredly as he continued speaking, "It is really tasting forcing us to see and feel things that are extremely unbelievable."


    Zywia sighed as she spoke, "So what now?", as she looked down at the back of her hand where a burned number ''1'' was present a definite increment from zero as she continued, "Well now where are we going to find the Gate to the next level."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "Out best bet is searching for some form of community of creatures, this place is a water world and I seriously hope that there is some form of community of creatures out here."


    Zywia frowned at that as she spoke, "There is a glaring hole in your plan how would you assume that the creatures are advanced enough to form a community."


    Ryuu looked at her with his one his raised as she spoke, "Well the creatures even if they are extremely primitive is bound to form a groups, or in this case some form of schools of fishes and I simply have to approach them and then we shall see what happens next."


    Zywia nodded at that as Ryuu spoke with a frown, "I seriously doubt the creatures will not be anything but spirit beasts that can give us the run for the money like in previous area, as such there is a high probability that the creatures have already some large underwater community or something like that as beings with KI develop faster."


    Zywia nodded at his reasoning as she spoke, "At the same time they will be many times as dangerous you have already seen in the previous area, every creature was enlarged into enormous sizes."


    Ryuu nodded at that as Zywia messaged her temples as she spoke, "Everything is giving me a headache of colossal level, and I hope we run across some kind of helpful intelligent creature like ''Dolphins'' they surely will be of great help."


    Ryuu''s grip on the handle of his chair tightened as his face morphed into a brief scowl for a second before it slipped into an impassive mask, ''You stupid idiotic woman, I have literally carried you through the entire last area and now you are still proving to be a dead weight with no street smarts and Dolphin I hate them.''


    An extremely embarrassing memory that he had hope that he had managed to purge reared its ugly head, a memory of his younger years when he had listened to some Dolphins went and raided a pirate cove with them only to turn out that he had robbed a theme park.'', Ryuu took some deep breath to calm his nerves and anger before he focused on other things, namely finding someone who was not a scatter brained Dolphin and who could point them in the right direction.


    As the vessel once again sunk into the dark depths of the ocean they had already caught the eyes of a group of cultivators as one of them spoke in a gruff voice, "Seems like a ''princeling'' is here, that vessel seems to quite costly."


    "Which means it would be difficult for us to capture it, those vessels are downright nasty build with all sorts of protection capabilities not to mention we know nothing about how many cultivators are already inside it and their strength is unknown."


    One of them snorted at that as he spoke, "Cowardly Cheng rears his head, always shaking in your boots."


    The person called Cheng turned his head towards the speaker as he spoke with a tired look on his face, "Monkeemur, I am so sorry but I prefer myself in one piece unlike you who charges forward without thinking and loses his limbs like an idiot."


    Monkeemur placed his hand on his right sleeve where his right hand should have been present but now was just an empty apparently punching a certain flower because you do not like it tends to blow up and destroy your hand, as he snarled in anger as he spoke, "Say that to my face and I will regret making you born."


    "Monkey shut up, and if you make yourself even more useless I myself will remove you from the world.", a melodious came to his ears making him stiffen before the woman glanced towards where the vessel disappeared into the depths of the sea as she spoke to another woman standing by her side, "Did you manage to tag it?"


    The woman in question standing by her frowned as she spoke, "No I believe there is some form of barrier that incinerated my talisman even before it could stuck properly."


    The woman in command narrowed her eyes as she nodded, "hmmm, I expected as much it is rather unfortunate that we could not tag the ship, oh well we have to keep our eyes open meanwhile I will try to contact rest of our group and wait for big sister''s orders."


    The others nodded as Ryuu discreetly looked at a monitor with his eyes narrowed, ''Someone was trying to put a tracking array on my vessel.''


    Zywia frowned as she spoke while giving a poke to Ryuu in order to draw attention, "Are you listening to me Ryuu?


    Ryuu blinked at her as he spoke, "Hmmm Did you say something?", Ryuu had turned her babbling off for quite some time as he was busy focusing on other important stuffs.


    Zywia let out a cry of anger before she left stomping hard as Ryuu cracked a small smile at that, ''Now I understand why that anime character always acted as such, it was so relaxing.''


    Before his face hardened with a scowl, ''I failed to detect the person who was trying to put tracking array on my vessel I have to keep my eyes, ears and every senses always on alert but most importantly��'', Ryuu pushed a certain button which made his vessel simply disappear from sight as he focused towards the front as the vessel went further and further into the dark depths of the sea.

 Chapter 339 - Splashing Waves(Part-3)

    "Charge charge forward!"


    "We will not falter hold the line."


    Various cries well more like echo in the water had filled Ryuu''s ears as he watched from behind a rock formation as a group of fish like people fighting against what seemed to be a gigantic octopus.


    ''Hmmm, this people seemed to be something akin to be mermaid/mermen from folk lore of my previous life but that beast is a 700 foot big octopus is that the thing called ''kraken''? now if I help them will they reciprocate in kind? Oh well I will know in a few moment.''


    "HIRO!! Look out!!!", a cry of anguish came from one of those merman as person wearing golden armor and peac.o.c.k green looked at the approaching tentacle with horror in his face, he could not move fast enough but before the tentacle reached him he the creature let out a cry of anguish as the tentacle was cut off.


    The battle stop abruptly as a voice spoke drawing their attention towards Ryuu, "I am sorry for crashing the party but do you need any help."


    The person called Hiro nodded as he spoke, "Please bother any form of help is appreciated."


    Ryuu nodded as he dodged a couple of tentacle, strikes easily while he slashed at another tentacle causing a sonic roar to erupt as Ryuu winced at that before he growled in anger, "Damn you takoyaki reject stop trying to rupture my ear drum."


    Ryuu moved with incredible agility as the tentacles tried to ensnare him only for him to slip, the octopus then released a large load of inky black liquid trying to blind Ryuu but he was prepared, while he slashed and cut off the tentacles he had also let a few of them to escape on purpose as it suddenly screamed as Ryuu activated those array which started to boil it alive, as it thrashed Ryuu had already reached it as he swung his blade cleaving the beast in half effectively, it thrashed around for sometime before it finally died causing a cheer to appear from the soldiers.


    Hiro swam towards him as he spoke with a grateful tone, "Thank you so much strange creature, you have saved my people and my life from certain death, you have my eternal gratitude."


    Ryuu gave him a small smile as he spoke, "There is no need to thank me anyone in my place would help you.", as he spoke Ryuu deduced from his interactions with Hiro and his group the person in front of him should be someone high up on the social structure by the way everyone spoke and acted near him.


    Ryuu looked around slightly as he spoke while cupping his hand, "My name is Ryuu and if I may be a bold enough to inquire about your identity and ask you where am I? And what was this fight all about?"


    Hiro looked at him imitating his gesture but from what Ryuu noticed he was a tad bit clumsy as he spoke with a smile, "My friend my name is Hiro Kymopoleia, Prince of the Holy Brirus Empire, and you are in the ''Central Rift Ocean'' and as for the creature you killed well we call him them the ''Children of the Great One''.", he finished with a wary smile on his face causing Ryuu to tilt his head slightly with confusion, as many had simply flinched upon hearing that.


    "Who is this ''Great One''?"


    At his innocent question it seemed as if he had literally plunged the entire area further into the cold abyss, as all others except the Prince flinched at the name.


    Hiro scowled at that as he spoke, "The Great one is��."


    Ryuu bit into the octopus meat as he spoke while trying to chew the meat, "And that is how I came across them while you were busy meditating, and now we will be moving in to help them.", he swallowed it as he spoke with a nod of his head, "The meat is delicious and the texture is not bad I had half expected it to be a bit chewy but it turned out nice."


    Zywia looked at the piece of Octopus meat placed in her front of her as Ryuu gave him a grin as he spoke, "This will be the last warm meal you will find, I do not think that they will be able to procure warm mea under water but most importantly I will be placing my vessel in stasis again, I so do not want to draw unwanted attention."


    Zywia bit into the meat as she spoke with a nod, "That is a wise decision but please make sure that it is a viable option for escape if possible."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "But of course, I would be unwise if I fail to use it during my time of need, but now let us hurry up and finish eating, I have told them that I was going to search and bring my companion back with me as such if I waste too much time they might feel suspicious."


    Zywia nodded at that in agreement as a few minutes later the duo was standing in front of the prince who welcomed them and was declared as their escort to the ''City of Pelaloch''.


    As Ryuu swam with them he could hear the whisperings of other mermen who were moving around them, to Zywia it was some weird noises but thankfully to because of the powers granted by his Divine body he could easily understand and as he listened to them he almost choked trying to contain his laughter.


    "Hey Dylon, what kind of creatures are they, the Great Warrior who helped us looks kind of like us without the breathing organs in his necks, but the ugly one with those globes of meat on his chest what is he?"


    "Stop pointing at them and the Great Warrior can hear us so shut up, but still I pity him for having to spend time with someone as ugly as her."


    Ryuu had an amused look on his face as Zywia looked at him with frown she did not know why but had the sudden urge to beat him black and blue as she spoke, "Ryuu is there something funny that you wish to tell me."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "Huh, what are you talking about."


    Zywia''s eyes narrowed as she spoke, "You have an amused look on your face."


    Ryuu gave him a kind smile as he spoke, "Ah about that I am extremely hyped up to see their city nothing more nothing less.", what else would he say to her, after all Zywia was beautiful enough to make even the most beautiful supermodels in his previous life look like half starved old woman passed their prime, it would be incredibly rude to convey her what the others were saying but more importantly it also made him wonder what kind of females that this people are accustomed with.


    Hiro gestured them forward as they looked at the city which seemed to be dug out of the coral as they neared the city they were greeted by joyous citizens who had already learned of the news.


    As they approached the city Hiro looked forward as he spoke with a fond smile, "It seems my sister June came to greet me, she is also the most beautiful woman in the whole empire."


    Ryuu looked at the woman as his eyes widen and his jaw threatens to drop on the floor upon seeing the most beautiful woman of the Holy Brirus Empire.

 Chapter 340 - Splashing Waves(Part-4)

    Ryuu was dumbstruck at what he saw, the sight made him as so speechless that Zywia had to elbow him on his ribs to bring him out of his funk as she spoke with a worried tone, "Is something wrong Ryuu?"


    Ryuu could already hear the cacophony of voices as others were praising the person in front of him some even nodded their head as they spoke about how even the hero was ensnared by his beauty.


    Ryuu looked at Zywia directly into her eyes, his soulless stare unnerved her as he spoke, "That person over there who looks like a ''Blob fish'' on two legs is the princess of the Empire who according to the citizens is the most beautiful woman of their species their princess and according to them you are the ugliest person they had ever seen."


    Zywia felt as if her entire world disappear as her pupils shrunk and from the looks of it she was about to collapse then her eyes were filled with fury as she was about to unleash a monstrous tantrum Ryuu quickly held her head as he shook her head negatively, "Remember we have to move to the next area and they might be our only way so please bear with them."


    Hiro was promptly joined by the Blob fish on legs as she, it or whatever the being was Ryuu was unable to decide as he watched the emotional reunion between the siblings, whether he should be gross out or be touched at the scene.


    Zywia by then had started murmuring every short of obscenities in existence and Ryuu was grateful to the fact that the mermen or whatever those creatures were unable to understand even a small word of what she was saying otherwise a full blown battle would have erupted by now.


    Hiro then turned towards Ryuu as he spoke to his sister, "Sister let me introduce you to the brave warrior who saved my life."


    Ryuu flashed the duo a small smile as he spoke with a slight tilt of his head, "It is an honor to meet your highness, my name is Ryuu and the person standing by my side is my companion Zywia."


    June the ''beautiful'' princess returned his smile with one of her own, which caused the citizens of the Empire to swoon over while Ryuu and his companion simple wanted to turn and leave it was taking all their emotional control to not throw up at that, as she spoke, "You look a bit different than us and your companion is also different than you."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Your Highness my species is known as ''human'' and my companion is female of my species.


    Zywia gave a small smile as she spoke while gritting her teeth with disgust, "If I have to stay much longer here I might start slaughtering this blind ignorant idiotic��"


    As she started slipping into another tirade of hers Ryuu quickly spoke to the royal siblings who were trying hard to understand what Zywia was speaking, "My dear friend greets your majesty unfortunately she is not aware of the noble tongue of the land as such she is not properly able to communicate with your grace."


    Hiro nodded at that as he looked at Zywia with pitying glance for a few moments which irked Zywia even more before he spoke to Ryuu, "Well it has been a long day so let me escort you all to your place of stay, please follow me."


    Ryuu nodded as he pulled Zywia along with him as he whispered harshly to her, "Sister Zywia please control your temperature."


    Zywia hissed back at him with righteous anger, "Shut up if you were compared to that blob of flesh and called ugly compared to that thing you would react like that as well not to mention I might not understand but I can clearly see the look of disgust as they are pointing towards me and speaking."


    Ryuu looked at her with one of his brow raised as he spoke, "Like they are not doing the same for me, my only saving grace is that I saved the prince''s life otherwise both of us are like some exotic animal on display, but I am not vain enough to get irked by their words do you not why?"


    Zywia shook her head negatively as she cast a curious look at him as Ryuu looked at the front as he spoke, "It is very simply sister because at the end of the day their opinion does not matter to me as it is simply so beneath me that I do not even have time to notice it.", Zywia looked at Ryuu taken aback at his sheer arrogance as he continued, "The only person whose opinion I have ever cared is my family, my teachers and my older sisters."


    Zywia looked at him with a new light as she followed behind Ryuu as they approached to what appeared to be the largest and most decorated structure which Ryuu assumed to be a palace.


    As they made their way to the palace Ryuu and Zywia made sure to memorize the pathway as well as, as much of the surroundings they could, when they had reached near the palace a person stopped their approach as he spoke with a snide remark, "My my look the prodigal son makes his return.", as he spoke a group of men and fish on two legs stood behind him.


    Hiro gritted his teeth as he spoke, "Uncle Dewy, it is nice to see you."


    The person called Dewy snorted as he spoke, "Cut the niceties, you have dragged the Royal family''s reputation through the muck, you are so weak that you had the need of an unknown foreigner to save yourself, such a disgrace.", with that he turned around and started to swim away without hearing Hiro''s reply as others around him sneered at Hiro and followed after Dewy.


    Hiro growled as June held his hand as he spoke, "If father did not care about family and his death could cause huge problems I would have put his head on a spike."


    "Calm down brother, I believe we are late for our meeting with Royal mother and father.", with that June started dragging Hiro who was still glaring behind Dewy''s back.


    Hiro then turned towards Ryuu as he spoke with an apologetic smile on his face, "Sorry about my ''honorable uncle'', he did not take that I survive so kindly, brother Ryuu let me warn you about him, stay away from him or he might cause you great deal of problem, that man is dangerous as well as treacherous."


    Ryuu nodded at him as he spoke with frown on his face, "I will remember to brother, but from what I deduced is he, His Majesty''s brother."


    Hiro nodded at that as he spat out in anger, "Unfortunately."


    June looked at his brother as she spoke in a scolding tone, "Brother, please."


    Hiro looked affronted at that as he spoke, "What you know it is true, he is bitter and jealous man because grandfather passed him over to hand his younger brother our father the throne, because he is incompetent and now he has the gall to judge me while his heirs are good for nothing wastrels."


    June looked agitated at that as she spoke, "Brother please there are people who are listening about��"


    Hiro raised his hand to stop her from speaking as he spoke, "Sister I will repeat myself again, as long as I live those pathetic bloodsucking ghouls were, are or will be ever considered as family no matter what others say."

 Chapter 341 - Splashing Waves(Part-5)

    Ryuu was lying on his bed inside a room that had been provided for his use inside the palace as he stared towards the ceiling, a faint knocking was heard on his door as his eye travelled towards the door as he spoke with a sigh, "Come in."


    The door was opened as Zywia stepped inside and stopped with her eyes open wide, Ryuu looked up towards the ceiling as he, "Sister Zywia shut the door."


    Zywia nodded dumbly before she closed the door as she looked around Ryuu''s room, for the lack of better word the room was dry, it was as if they were on land a quick look as she closed the door, confirmed her that they were indeed underwater.


    "How?", a single word escaped from her lips which drew Ryuu''s attention to her as he spoke in a confused tone, "What do you mean by ''How''?"


    Zywia spread her hand as she spoke with disbelief, "How is your room dry?"


    Ryuu''s looked at her with a look that screamed, ''are you an idiot'', as he spoke with a snort, "Are simply using some arrays nothing more nothing less."


    Zywia gasped at that before she spoke in a voice full of understanding, "Is this some special talisman that you are using that you master crafted for you."


    Ryuu''s brow scrunched up as he spoke, "Why would my teacher waste her precious time for something so trivial."


    Zywia looked at that thunderstruck as she stammered out, "But, but��you��"


    Ryuu rubbed his forehead in exasperation as he spoke, "Array is governed by one''s creativity and resourcefulness anyone who is a decent array master can make them."


    Ryuu spoke in a bored manner about the array he used as if it was nothing great but Zywia wasn''t born yesterday she might be sheltered but she certainly did not lack knowledge about things related to cultivation and she bet hr life that such skill was beyond even those who are not only millennia old but was even beyond his scope of cultivation, she could not feel the movement of KI due to array activation not only that the room seemed to have been cut off from the outside as well it was truly something else.


    She smiled wryly as a thought passed through her mind, ''I guess it is as expected of Lady Nuwa''s disciple.''


    Zywia shook her head to clear her thoughts before she spoke again, "So Ryuu can you do the same for my room, I so do not like spending so much time under water."


    Ryuu shrugged as he sat up on his bed while he pointed her towards a seat as he spoke, "Sure why not, but what do you think of this situation."


    Zywia bit her lips as she spoke, "The political situation in this Empire is not good, they have lost more than half of the land to the octopus attacks while they suffered massive casualties, now a faction under the so called ''Uncle'' is trying to topple the current Emperor it is gaining momentum and sympathizer but I doubt he would win, the Emperor is strong one he would not go down without a fight and beneath all those scheming the ''Uncle'' is just a coward."


    Ryuu gave her a small smile as he spoke with mirth shining in his eyes, "There is one thing you are wrong about, tell me what."


    Zywia scrunched up in deep thought as she spoke, "Sorry but I cannot see anything wrong in my assessment."


    Ryuu rubbed his chin with his face scrunched up in deep thought as he spoke, "Well the Emperor''s days are numbered."


    Zywia was taken aback at that as she spoke in disbelief, "What? How do you know that?"


    Ryuu looked at directly into her eyes as he spoke with a sigh, "Well when you have gained enough enlightenment in the Grand Dao of Alchemy, you could pick up this things easily though I am not at the level of my teacher or my third eldest sister who could have even told you with a glance what kind of poison is killing him, but I can say enough that he is poisoned and for some reason the Empress even though she is poisoned her condition is much better than her husband."


    Zywia looked startled at the revelation as she spoke, "But that is imposiible you must be mistaken did you not see the strong aura portrayed by the duo."


    Ryuu''s frown increased as contemplated the situation before he burst into laughter at that as he spoke, "Sister Zywia thank you for providing me the missing link."


    Zywia frowned at that as she spoke, "What do you mean by that Ryuu?"


    Ryuu cracked a grin as he spoke, "I understood now why their aura was so mixed well, even the going strong preventing the taint of the poison to show itself, the husband and wife must be doing some sort of dual cultivation technique sharing the burden, but it is not enough the problem would show itself within a couple of week, ad soon they would perish."


    Zywia frowned at that as she spoke, "So that ''uncle'' is now trying to kill his family."


    Ryuu shrugged at that as he spoke, "Well he is the most obvious one but we cannot be sure it can be a third party as well trying to sow chaos and conflict in the Empire."


    Zywia leaned on her chair as she spoke with a frown, "So what are you going to do."


    Ryuu tilted his head as he spoke, "Nothing I can do nothing unless His Majesty allows it, the last thing I would want is for us to be accused of poisoning the monarch of this empire, after all we are something new who popped up from who knows where as such if I approach them like that they might suspect me as an enemy who has staged the entire thing for some nefarious purpose."


    Zywia looked like she wanted to protest at that as she spoke, "But they could be in serious danger if we are late and how will they even know to ask for your help."


    Ryuu gave a small smile at her as he spoke, "Well they will know now who to ask for help, after all they have been eavesdropping for quite some time now is that not your majesty.", as he finished speaking as he tilted his head towards a corner of the room as an array began to glow as he spoke his voice was filled with anger, "I will be blunt with you, Your Majesty we are not a threat we stumbled upon your people while searching for a way out of this place nothing less and as for our objective it is simple we want a way out and if your people can help us we will help you as well, and as for spying on us I beg your pardon but please refrain from doing so as we find it utterly revolting.", with his speech said the array on the wall burst into flame as it disappeared.


    Zywia gawked at him before she spoke with a frown, "Wait a minute, how do you know that he will understand anything after all we speak different languages."


    Ryuu had a small smirk on his face as he spoke, "Well my dear when I discovered the array I simply tinkered with it and upgraded it slightly so that the translation array would work properly so that they could understand our language without any problem, but now I have had enough so I had it destroyed."


    Zywia suddenly jumped from her seat as she spoke, "You insulted Royalty."


    Ryuu looked at her in disbelief as he spoke, "Your father rules over galaxies and this is a small area under the sea have some pride in yourself."


    Zywia scowled at that as she spoke, "I have enough pride but not the foolishness after all even a dog is a lion in its kennel."


    Ryuu shrugged at that as he looked towards the door, which he went towards and opened with a smile on his face as he spoke, "Welcome your Majesty, welcome how may I help you this fine evening."

 Chapter 342 - Holy Brirus Empire(Part-1)

    Ryuu step to the side while bowing his head slightly as an older copy of Hiro stepped inside but unlike the jovial look on his son''s face, his was a bit stoic as he stepped inside the room he was followed closely by what seemed like a goblin shark on two legs, the ''Empress'' along with another that looked like a puffer fish.


    The Emperor looked with fascination as the large dry room was being filled with water and by the time the Emperor and his entourage had entered the room was already full.


    The Emperor looked at him with slightly wide eye as he spoke, "Amazing, but why did you leave the safety of the water the place above the water is poisonous."


    Ryuu gave him a small placating smile as he spoke, "Your Majesty, we are land dwellers which means we live above water as such we are adapted to stay out of water without any problem."


    The Empress whom Ryuu had dubbed as Mrs. Goblin-shark spoke with surprise evident in her voice, "But how there is no land above the water?"


    Ryuu looked at her as he spoke with a smile, "Your Majesty, we are not from this place we are far far away from this place and now we are stranded here searching for a way home."


    The Puffer fish on two legs spoke for the first time, "Is that why you have two unknown appendages on your lower body?"


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes ma''am it helps us to walk on land, but please pardon me if I am a bit rude but may I inquire about you identity."


    The puffer fish was startled at that as she spoke, "Ah please forgive me, my name is Jorah and I am the Royal Alchemist."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen at that as he spoke with a smile, "That is wonderful to meet a fellow Alchemist I hope we can get to discuss on Alchemy."


    The woman nodded at that as The Emperor spoke, "Honored warrior you said that you two were stranded here are you two alone or there are others with you."


    Zywia who was listening to them frowned, ''How can I understand them perfectly?'', she was about to ask Ryuu only to held her tongue, ''How stupid and idiotic I can be of course I can understand them after all this room must have some form of Array placed by Ryuu.''


    Ryuu nodded at his question as he spoke, "Your Majesty both of us were in a competition along with a large number of people, what I know is that many of them have been stranded here along with us but I do not know how many."


    The Empress spoke with concern in her voice, "We hope that our people will not have much problem with your kind."


    Ryuu grimaced inwardly as Zywia spoke for the first time, "Your Majesty we are sorry to disappoint you but not all people who have been stranded with us will be good, some will try to plunder your beautiful kingdom and harm your people."


    The face of the Emperor scrunched in deep thought before he spoke, "Then what about you two?"


    Ryuu looked at him directly in the eye as he spoke, "Your Majesty our wish is simply a way out of your world nothing more nothing less, and if while staying here we manage to do something good, well that is cherry on the top."


    Jorah looked at him directly into his eyes as she spoke, "You must be a well versed in alchemy to detect his Majesty''s condition even from 100 meters away."


    Ryuu shook his negatively as he spoke, "I have much to learn about alchemy compared to my seniors I am just an infant."


    The Emperor looked at him directly in his eyes as he spoke, "So can you heal me."


    Ryuu replied with a smile, "Maybe I can, I will have to first detect what kind of poison that is infecting you."


    The Emperor closed his eyes briefly as he spoke, "Fine, what do you need?"


    "Your Majesty I need your blood", no sooner did he say that the Empress protested at that, "Our Royal Husband, please reconsider."


    Ryuu looked at her as he spoke, "Your Majesty if you are concerned that I might harm him then please have the Royal Alchemist Jorah collect it for me, a single drop would do as I need to study it to find the poison."


    The Empress replied back with a sigh, "We will allow it, Jorah help him."


    "Your wish is my command your Majesty.", with that Jorah stepped forward as with great skilled pricked the Emperor''s hand to draw blood using a shell like structure as she turned to give it to Ryuu, she was stunned as she looked a bubble that had formed around Ryuu as he spoke, "Jorah if you would please."


    Jorah nodded at that as she put the shell like structure inside the bubble of air that was surrounding Ryuu''s hand as he spoke, "Just put the drop inside the bubble."


    As Jorah put the blood inside the bubble a circle of array formed above Ryuu''s palm causing her to swim back with great speed as she took guard in front of the Royalty who themselves tensed ready for attack, Zywia almost snorted at that before she controlled herself but Ryuu did not pay any attention to them as he focused on the blood sample in front of him.


    ''Hmmm blue blood, I have heard that the Royals are said to be called ''blue blood'' but this is really hilarious, but still the copper contained in blood is higher as such it is blue.''


    As he dissected the blood he came across some form of greenish specks inside it as he mused, ''Hmm oxidation of copper is taking place, that is something not good at all.''


    Ryuu was standing their silently for over 5 minutes as the array spun in a circle above his palm as it was flashing into myriad colors, and those minutes were the longest for the Royal couple, they reason they sought out Ryuu so fast was because they were simply grasping straws like a drowning man trying to survive in vain, the Emperor knew his end was nigh but because of his wife he had hoped to survive and live.


    Ryuu suddenly laughed out loud as he spoke, "incredible such a brilliant poison."


    A small cough from Zywia brought him out from his loud musing as he looked towards a bug eyed group who were looking at him incredulously as he cleared his throat as he spoke, "Well I have found the poison well it is actually a c.o.c.ktail of various things that are not poisonous by itself but upon reacting with your blood had caused a reaction to occur that has been oxidizing it into which is precipitating all over your veins as such causing various health hazard to occur specially when your own body''s immune system is considering it to be useful and others as health hazard,", he paused for a moment to let what he had just said to sink in before he once again began with a reassuring smile, "Rest assure I have the cure now would you want a faster but extremely painful solution or slower but a painless solution."


    The Emperor mulled over his choice as he spoke, "Well if you can we would love to take the faster but at the same time I do not want others to know that I am cured, I hope it is possible."


    Ryuu looked towards Jorah as he spoke, "Well as long as my involvement is not leaked I can with the help of your Royal Alchemist can manage it very easily but I would warn you since you have chosen the faster please brace yourself for a pain like you have never felt before."

 Chapter 343 - Holy Brirus Empire(Part-2)

    Ryuu stood beside an array circle as he gave finishing touches to it, he was watched closely by Zywia and of course the Royal couple and their Royal Alchemist.


    The Emperor whose name Ryuu later learned to be is Aquor Kymopoleia, apparently only people of higher standings or those who have been permitted by the Emperor or Empress have the right to have a surname behind their name.


    Ryuu stood in front of the finished circle as he spoke towards the Emperor and Empress, "Well I have the array ready your majesty, please remove any form of ornament or clothing and lay on the floor n.a.k.e.d, but before that please consume this pills also I would believe that Jorah has a couple of contraption for you, please put them inside your mouth it would prevent not only accidental grinding of your teeth but also biting off of your tongue accidently."


    The duo nodded at that as they lay on the ground atop the array, even if there were no hint of emotion on their face he could feel the uncertainty, the concern and a hint of fear from them.


    Ryuu looked at them as he spoke in a serious tone in his voice, "Are you ready, your Majesty?"


    The Emperor simply looked at him as he gave a small nod, which gave Ryuu permission to activate the array.


    The array shone with a turquoise color as it enveloped the Royal couple Jorah tensed even if she was briefed about the procedure before hand, to the Royal couple they were in bliss never had they felt so secure and safe as if they were once again in thei... any and all thoughts of safety and securitly were wiped from their mind as they were hit a pain so horrible that dying would be better, their body wanted to spasm and buckle from the pain but the array held true and prevented them from twitching a single muscle on their body.


    Jorah was distressed at the silent scream of terror and pain from her Emperor and Empress but she held strong knowing that the hour before dawn is the darkest.


    To Aquor and his beloved wife Marilla it was eternity of torture the only advice their guest had given them to focus on happy thoughts on their duty their commitment and most importantly about their family but it was easier said than done, as the pain seemed to be tearing them apart their body mind and soul.


    Ryuu''s right hand moved in a intricate pattern as another array formed over his hand as he then tossed it to over the array surrounding the royal couple.


    Jorah looked alarmed at that as she spoke, "What are you doing?"


    Ryuu did not even glance at her as he replied to her, "Their pain was too great and as such I put another layer of array to lower the pain, though I am afraid I cannot add much more on top of the already existing array as the array might become unstable and explode."


    Jorah had tensed and from what Ryuu could see that if anything happened to the Royal Couple she would try to put him to death, well more like die trying if Ryuu wanted to deal with her after all she was already out numbered with two to one, maybe if those hidden guards will lend her hand but from what tidbit Ryuu had learned about them, he would simply removed water from the room and they would have won, after all at the end of the day they were simply fish and a fish does not survive out of water.


    To Jorah it seemed to be a life time before the arrays deactivated while in reality it was just over an hour as the array stopped, both Jorah and Ryuu rushed to the Royal couple as they put various pills inside their mouth forcing them to swallow.


    Jorah sighed as she spoke, "So how long before will His and Her Majesty will wake up again?"


    Ryuu narrowed his eyes as he spoke, "Well if I am to��."


    Dewy let out a roar of laughter as he spoke, "That is the greatest news you have given me, with the Emperor in coma due to the poison the great protection of the Empire is useless, contact the Emissary of the Great One we will begin the assault tomorrow but make sure no one I mean no one will touch my dear brother or his family, and also prepare the antidote I will use it and it will make him conscious enough to see me ascend to my rightful position and that upstart Hiro make sure he is well enough to get the front row seat when our Loyal Army manages to have fun with his sister."


    Meanwhile Ryuu was meditating inside his room with deep concentration, when his eyes suddenly opened as he spoke with a sigh, "You know that it is rude to spy on anyone I hope you will make me break some sweat."


    No sooner did he finish that the ceiling of the room was broken as multiple mermen like being dashed to perforate him with various weapons made of corral only to freeze on their descend before the water disappeared, Ryuu let out a yawn as he stood up while the assailants tried hard to breath before they suffocated to their death, Ryuu kicked the door opened as the water outside dashed into his room dragging with a the flow a few more mermen who were soon cut into pieces in a blink of an eye.


    Ryuu looked like someone who had been forcibly dragged from their sleep as he lazily made his way towards Zywia''s room, the door of which was flung as a couple of bloody bodies were flung from her room.


    Ryuu knocked on what remained of the door as he spoke with a smile, "Sister Zywia good morning, I hope you had a nice sleeeep.", he somehow managed to speak as another yawn escaped his mouth.


    Zywia''s eyes narrowed as she spoke, "Why don''t you go back to your sleep, while others like me for example deal with this civil war."


    Ryuu looked at her with disbelief in his face as he spoke, "What are talking about I never slept, I was meditating."


    Zywia was incensed at that as she spoke, "YOU WERE MEDITATING??????? You look like someone who had been forcibly dragged off from his bed on which he was SLEEEPPPPING!!!!!"


    Her roar finally managed to awake Ryuu completely as he spoke with a sad sigh, "I know I am not as much experienced in the way you all meditate.", Zywia was taken aback at his sad voice but Ryuu continued, "I know I have yet to master the art of sleeping while sitting perfectly but fear not one day I will master the art of sleeping while meditating.", with that he turned around as he went towards where a skirmish was taking place leaving behind a bewildered Zywia.


    Zywia blinked for a couple of seconds before she chased with an anger filled cry as she chased after Ryuu, to her meditating was a sanctimonious ritual in which one manages to forge a bridge with the Heaven enabling them to cultivate as such to her Ryuu''s words were blasphemous and her anger was felt by any poor enemy who had the bad luck to catch her eye causing a rather gruesome death to them.


    Ryuu looked at that as he let out a chuckle it felt nice to poke fun like that, from what he had seen Zywia has a thing for rules and regulations and thus when someone challenges them it makes her mad with anger, he himself knew from experience most if not all cultivators are fairly serious and non nonsense when things like meditation was concerned he himself had been chastised and had been forced to listen to lectures for hours when he did not take his meditation seriously, well who would when he had never meditated more than a day unless he had accidently entered deep meditation.


    Meanwhile a few kilometers away from the capital a group of human cultivator had their attention drawn towards a skirmish between fish like creatures when one of them frowned, "Hey there is a human like amongst them with two legs."


    Another frowned as he spoke, "Might be that one is evolved or is one of us competitors as such as I have said earlier let us move closer and see for ourselves and decide what to do next, after all our yield in yhis trials are still very less."


    His suggestion was met with cheer as a group of 100 cultivators slowly started moving towards the capital city.

 Chapter 344 - Holy Brirus Empire(Part-3)

    Ryuu stepped to the side as he cut down more of his opponents from the corner of his eyes he saw the prince struggling in his battle he could easily see his half hearted attempt to fight against the rebel made him shake his head, ''A future Monarch with a bleeding heart may not be good in this situation.''


    He quickly moved towards the Prince as he killed the person attacking him as he spoke with a sigh, "I understand Prince Hiro you are hesitant to harm your countrymen but at present this rebels are anything but your countrymen but simply transgressors who are trying to destroy your ancestors hard work.'', upon seeing the uncertain look on his face, Ryuu growled and in front of every he grabbed the prince by his armor as he spoke, "Look over there, look at that injured soldier.", Hiro looked at the badly injured soldier still fighting against the rebels as Ryuu continued, "That man is fighting with everything he will not survive but he will die with the hope that it was for his country, his family but you bloody coward spat on his sacrifice, SHAME ON YOU!!!! Those who have raised their hand on your country the land they are born are nothing but traitorous disease that needs to be amputated, but are YOU.BRAVE.ENOUGH!!!"


    "Release me! JUST RELEASE ME!!!!!!", a thunderous shout came from Hiro''s mouth as he looked at Ryuu with eye''s red as he spoke, "I know I know but what will you have me do, I know some of this men and women whom I had to kill, I killed people who used to play with me, grew up with me, can you do such a thing, can YOU?????"


    Ryuu looked at Hiro directly in his eyes, while inwardly he winced at his behavior, ''I cannot be lenient on him, his presence is important for the morale of his people and the way he is behaving it is having adverse effect.''


    "I with my blood and soul as my witness solemnly swear,


    I will face any hardship with resolve,


    I will be strong for the weak,


    I will be shield for the innocent,


    I will be the sword against the tyrant,


    I will be merciless against the enemies,


    In times of battle, I will be fearless,


    In times of darkness, I shall never falter,


    In times of needless rage, I will remain calm,


    In face of death, I shall greet it with a smile."


    Hiro looked at Ryuu with wide eyes as he listened to him speaking so much passion in his voice, Ryuu looked at him directly into his eyes as he spoke, "That is the oath I took, when I entered the army, the very army where I am still the youngest member of the army in several millennia, the very army where I am a gained an officer position through my own strength, cunning and guts, the very army whose thousands of soldiers I lead in battle, where I have command on each of their lives, I have lead through numerous conquest and battles I have lost many brothers and sisters in those yet I have yet to taste defeat, do you know why? Because my men know that no matter what happens I will never toy with their life, I will never waste their sacrifice, and most importantly I will never let anyone taint their pride and honor."


    He let his words sink before he continued again, "You said that what I could do if I were in your place, well I will tell you the truth, I would feel remorse, I would feel sad like any other living being but I will do so after my duty is over, when I will not be required to perform my duty and as for you pain I understand, I once had a very close friend who had gone inside a place with others to investigate something and was careless and he let lose something that would have killed millions as such I had to stop it, and stop it I did by sealing the place with my friend begging me and cursing me to release him and the others who were unfortunately trapped inside, I can still hear his voice but I did my duty that was to keep the others safe as such Hiro will you wallow in self guilt while innocents die because for the greed of few or perform your duty to your people and protect them."


    Hiro was silent for a moment as Zywia who was nearby listening to him intently as she frowned at the story she heard at the end as many questions ran rampant in her mind but she decided to push it back in favor of confronting the enemies in front of her.


    Dewy waltzed into the inner sanctum of the palace with his men, he had managed to fool many thinking that it was an attack by some foreign power but by the time the guards Captain was aware of the rebellion, his men had already captured the key positions and most importantly the Captain himself was killed by his Deputy who backstabbed him, Dewy shook his head in head in disgust, ''If only that old fool had given me the throne I would have already made the entire ocean mine, but oh well.''


    "Sir the western front has fallen.", a messenger came to his side as he spoke the message making him snarl with displeasure as Dewy spoke, "Worthless, all of them worthless couldn''t even fight properly."


    "You are right Your Highness, such transgression you should punish them"


    "Yes! Yes!"


    Dewy looked please at his entourage as he spoke, "Hmmm you aright such a joyous occasion and they cannot even fulfill their Emperor''s demand, my first decree will be banishing their kin, I have no need of the blood of those weakling tainting my glorious Empire."


    As he moved near the Royal chambers he was stopped by Jorah and a group of 8 guards, "Halt and turn back you are not welcome here, if you disregard our warning there will be lethal consequence."


    Dewy looked at her before he and his entourage broke into laughter, "Oh and who is going to stop me you, now step aside and let me retrieve my dead brother and sister-in-law, I have a civil war to stop and I believe their head on pike will help me so stand aside Jorah."


    Jorah snarled in anger as she spoke, "I will rather die than let you maggots step inside."


    Dewy laughed at her as he spoke, "You and what army, men slaughter them as for the females do as you like with them."


    The group cheered as they dashed towards her and the guards, only for them to be electrocuted by strong jolts of electricity, causing them to collapse as a dumbfounded Jorah blinked as she slowly looked at the talisman in her hand which she received courtesy of Ryuu.


    ''Use it by pointing towards your enemy when you are in danger'', was the only thing that had been said to her by Ryuu.


    "You think you have won, no no my assassins are already inside cutting those fools to pieces.", came a tired groaning voice to her ears as she looked at Dewy who was looking worse for wear but still somewhat alive.


    Jorah''s eyes widen with alarm as she spun towards the door, it was blasted apart causing her to guard herself from the debris as a couple of bodies was flung towards Dewy as a roar came from inside the room that caused others to feel shiver down their spine, "DEWY YOU FITHY TRAITOROUS SC.U.M, I WILL FLAY YOU ALIVE FOR TRYING TO HARM OUR HOMELAND."

 Chapter 345 - Holy Brirus Empire(Part-4)

    Hiro looked towards the palace with wide eyes as he spoke angrily, "Commander how did the enemy breach the defense."


    The Commander himself looked incensed at that as he replied back, "My liege we are unsure how but we someone amongst the Royal Guards must have betrayed us."


    Hiro gained a constipated look on his face as Ryuu who was nearby was about to speak only to stop as they saw a disheveled looking Dewy swimming as fast as he could from the palace as if death was at his heals, well it literally was as the Emperor was hot on his heels.


    The fighting was literally stopped for a few seconds as someone shouted, "Kill that Emperor.", which was swiftly countered by, "Protect the Emperor."


    Dewy soon found himself surrounded when all of a sudden his panicked look changed to a smug look on his face as he spoke, "It did not have to end like this brother you should have surrendered like a wise person but alas you were always the fool now."


    Emperor Aquor narrowed his eyes as he spoke, "Shut up you cur, it makes me feel revulsion that we share the same blood, what you have done today no matter how much you plead I will have no mercy.


    Dewy laughed at that as Ryuu shook his head as he whispered, "Idiot."


    Zywia''s eyebrows scrunched as she spoke, "''Idiot''? Who are you calling that?"


    Ryuu looked at her as he spoke to her in their language, "The Emperor who else."


    Zywia was taken aback at that as she spoke in a scandalized manner, "What????"


    Ryuu looked at her as he spoke, "What else would I call him, never let a cornered enemy speak too much, whenever one does it means he or she is planning something and is simply buying time for the trap to activate."


    Zywia turned her head towards the Emperor as she spoke, "How would you know that is what happening here?"


    Ryuu smiled at her question as he spoke, "I know it because I have seen it done many times as well as a tactics that I have used before."


    Zywia looked at the scene with wide eye before she spoke with disbelief as he watched the scene in front of her, "You are right the emperor is a fool."


    Dewy had taken out a crystal and had crushed it before anyone could react as he did so a giant portal opened behind him as others watched with wide eye as multiple octopus like creature began stepping out of it.


    Dewy laughed as others including the Emperor stepped back as he gloated towards them, "Hahaha you fools bow before me l��..", whatever he was about to say was stopped as a couple of tentacles grasped him as they tore him apart as a guttural noise came from the octopus.


    Ryuu''s cheeks bulged as he tried to stop himself from laughing to others it might seemed as a guttural noise but he was able to hear it clearly, "Food should stop whining and wait to be digested", was what he heard before Dewy died.


    Ryuu let out a sigh as his eyes hardened as he spoke, "Sister Zywia get ready the real fun is about to begin."


    The group of participants of the trial looked at the fight going on in front of them some of them discussing strategies and what not only to stop upon arrival of the gigantic octopus look alike.


    "Damn that octopus makes me hungry.", one of them remarked at that, only to be rebuked by another, "You fool what part of that looks like an Octopus it is some kind of tentacle monster nothing more who knows what will happen if you eat it."


    As their bickering was about to begin they were stopped by the timely arrival of Ryuu who spoke with a smile, "Greetings fellow Daoist how have you all been?"


    The cultivators looked at him with guarded expression as one of them spoke, "We have been doing well fellow Daoist may I inquire of your name?"


    "Ah please forgive my rudeness, my name is Ryuu.", was his reply as another spoke, "So how may we help you fellow Daoist Ryuu."


    Ryuu looked at them as he spoke, "I would be grateful if you all would kindly lend us your strength."


    They looked at each other before a burly looking man spoke, "Daoist Ryuu I do not seem to be rude but why should we help them, we have nothing to gain from it, except a few more wounds."


    Ryuu looked at him as he answered him with a smile, "Fellow Daoist if I may inquire your name?"


    The person in question looked curiously at Ryuu before he spoke, "Well you may call me Daoist Lesharo."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he continued, "Well then Daoist Lesharo do you have any clue to where the gate to the next level is."


    Lesharo smiled as he spoke, "Well that I do not know but i believe we will find out eventually."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he looked at the battle going on as he spoke, "Well so true but do you even know what kind of place we are in."


    Lesharo looked taken aback at the question as he spoke, "Well we are in an ocean region and so far no land is at sight."


    Ryuu looked at him as he spoke with a sigh, "There is no land in this place except at the edge of the world which is enough for only a couple of people to stand."


    At that everyone was taken aback as one of the spoke, "You are kidding right? ''Edge of the world.'' What is this nonsense?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke with a ad sigh, "No I am not kidding as such I believe searching for the Gate will be even more difficult since we are trapped inside a cage, from which we are not able to leave, if we go high enough we will be stopped by a barrier and beyond the edge is an animal whose eyes is bigger than a moon, making it difficult to search. I swear on my honor that I am telling the truth and if you do not believe me feel free to check."


    He stopped as he let his speech sink into other''s mind before one of them spoke, "So what do propose fellow Daoist?"


    Ryuu gave them a benevolent smile as he spoke, "Why not join me in this battle get some brownie points with the Emperor I have already worked out the deal where he would lend me assistance to find the gate and with people who know this place like the back of their hand it will be faster, much much faster."


    They looked at each other as a few of them whispered amongst themselves before Lesharo spoke again, "Well we will help you as we all think it is best to know the exit before we search for exotic items but before we begin I want to know what is this ''brownie points''?"


    Ryuu gave him a smile as he spoke, "Well why don''t you follow me and let me show you what brownie points are and I think you might like them."


    Zywia was frustrated as she dodged another tentacle as she snarled at that while grumbling, "Where that idiot did run off to now.", her answer came as multiple war cry came to her as well as other people''s ears as multiple new combatants entered the fray lead by none other than Ryuu.

 Chapter 346 - Holy Brirus Empire(Part-5)

    "Take care of the right one and buy me sometime, I will deal with the portal.", Ryuu shouted out at the top of his lungs to his new comrades, the portal was churning more and more octopus like creatures by the time Ryuu had gathered the men to help him the enemy number had risen to 15 and now it was 55 excluding the 10 they had killed already, the Octopus that Ryuu had killed the other day was baby compared to them, as they were bigger faster and much much more deadlier.


    "Zywia watch my back but move away if you feel like you might get overrun.", to which she simply nodded as she stood guard while Ryuu worked his magic with the portal.


    Zywia gritted her teeth as she fended off attacks while protecting Ryuu, she knew that Ryuu already had a shield erected but they can be broken by brute force and all of sudden their enemies'' attention had been drawn by a scream as they started converging on from where Ryuu was trying to close the portal.


    "What the hell why are they converging on Daoist Ryuu?", one of the questioned as another spoke quickly, "Look he is using array on that portal may be he will be able to close it."


    "Then we better help him, otherwise it would be nigh impossible for him to close it, keep the heat off him you bastards."


    Meanwhile Ryuu was completely concentrated on the portal as he tried to unravel its secrets in order to close it permanently even if he was in hurry he had to be discreet about it after all today''s comrades can be tomorrow''s enemies whom he cannot allow to know his secrets such as creation of an array without the usage of kind of writing instruments or talismans.


    Ryuu frowned as he studied it while whispering to himself, "The sequence goes like this, so if I reverse it and then transmit it like this", before he let out a whoop of joy as the portal collapsed killing the octopus already trying to cross it.


    His cheers were followed by shouts of joys of others as they had no longer have to worry about more enemy reinforcements though he noticed some of them did not as they were still wary that the octopuses might try something.


    Ryuu looked at the reddish octopus that was glaring at him with intense hatred, as he looked at the beast he mentally disagreed that classifying them as octopus might not be a great idea as they seemed to be lot different than the one he had killed, it had at least 20 tentacles of various sizes with 4 pair of eyes and the tentacles seemed to have horns jutting out of them, not to mention the poison cloud they were emitting and the sound based attacks, they were a menace at their worst but nothing that he could not handle.


    "Thundering Palm", "Gale Tornado", "White Tiger''s paw", various attacks landed on them shredding them tearing them apart as the cultivators surrounded those creatures slaughtering them, all though they were not unharmed in the slightest as some of them had been afflicted with poison, some had deep gnashes and cuts on their bodies.


    Ryuu looked at them as he whispered towards Zywia, "This group is a nice bunch of cultivators and if we can strike friendship with them we will be in advantage during future levels."


    Zywia nodded at that as she whispered back, "So true but at the same time we run a risk of backstabbing."


    Ryuu sighed at that as he spoke, "An unwanted risk we might have to take oh well let us finish them off, otherwise this cultivator might thing we were just using them."


    Zywia nodded stiffly as she spoke, "So true."


    Nuwa was staring into the pond with her legs dipped into the cold water various species of fishes the likes of Golden Dragon Medaka, Golden horned Koi, Five eyed Arowana, and many more each fancier and more rare than the other to the point it would make people green with envy and drool with greed to just touch it let lone eat them but Nuwa paid no mind to them.


    "Thinking about our Ryuu?", came a melodious voice from her back startling her a but as she replied back with a smile, "Sister you startled us."


    Celestia smiled at her as she spoke in a chiding manner, "You should never let your guard down sister who knows what might happen."


    Nuwa snorted at that as she spoke, "Like there is anyone who would dare to harm us in our home."


    Celestia would have agreed to her before but she let out a sigh as she spoke, "Sister did you forget about one who calls herself the ''Empress''."


    Nuwa winced at that as she realized her mistake, ''a place where one cannot enter without our permission and yet she entered like she owned the place.''


    Nuwa nodded as she spoke, "You are right sister we were careless."


    Celestia looked up towards the sky as she spoke, "I worry for him too Nuwa, I worry for him after all he is at a place where I lost my brother all those years ago."


    Nuwa looked at her with her eyes narrowed at her as she spoke, "Yet you readily gave him permission to let him go there."


    Celestia gave her a wary grin as she spoke, "I know because it was needed for his growth even if I forbade him don''t you think that he would have pulled an act similar to that child Zywia, in fact I know that at least he would be prepared, not to mention I would sound like a hypocrite after all I let my own children to venture forth into such a dangerous place."


    Nuwa snorted at that as she spoke, "Nothing can prepare you for that place."


    Celestia did not respond to her for a moment as she glanced down at the water before she spoke again, "You know you can borrow sister Veena''s��"


    Nuwa shook her head as she spoke, "No even if that plant gives almost accurate depiction of one self, we do not wish to use it my nerves are not as strong as sister Veena''s , I cannot witness something untoward happening to him when I would be powerless to help him."


    Meanwhile back with Ryuu and his new comrades who were invited by the Emperor for the victory feast recoiled in disgust for in front of them was a perfect example of cannibalism, the deceased whether they were the rebels or the loyalist they received the honor of being food of their living citizens of the Empire, even they were offered a handsome share which all of them politely rejected as all of a sudden most if not all had become vegetarian well a few who were spirit beasts originally but had gained human form were tempted but were heavily discouraged by their peers.


    One of the people who was watching the eagerness with which Dewy''s deceased children were eaten by the Emperor and his family could not help but voice out his concern, "Daoist Ryuu are you sure this people are not the evil one and those octopus were the nice ones."


    Ryuu turned his head looking slightly green as he watched Hiro chew on his cousin''s head with a smile on his face spoke with disgust in his voice, "If the madness and strong killing intent and that horrible foul KI that those creatures gave made me realize they were dangerous and evil I would have agreed with you, upon saying that I believe that it is another one of the reason for us to hurry and find the thrice damn gate and escape from this place."


    Others nodded silently including Zywia who looked sick at the display as she watched a children happily feasting on the corpse of his species she wanted to throw up but decided to glare at Ryuu after all it was his idea to get involved with them.

 Chapter 347 - Gathering of the Strong(Part-1)

    A group of cultivator sat on a floating platform created by one their own, as they water lapped lazily across the surface a heated discussion was brewing as they argued amongst each other, the platform although big enough to hold a hundred was nowhere big enough to hold all of them as others were using similar methods or were simply floating on the air lazily.


    Ryuu had a saucer full of wine which he sipped at it lazily, ''Nice, the ''Purple Fire Sake'' has a nice spicy aftertaste I believe that it is something which 3rd mistress will approve of, now to find out where it is made.''


    "Excuse me Daoist Ryuu.", a melodious voice came to his ears as he turned he was greeted by the sight of a woman with turquoise colored hair wearing a bluish dress with a matching veil covering most of the lower part of her face, even then she looked extremely pleasing to many cultivators eyes easily standing on par with Zywia with her mesmerizing red eyes, unlike many cultivators who had leered at her upon seeing her well endowed chest Ryuu simply smiled at her as he looked directly into her eyes as he spoke, "Yes how may I help you miss, although I vaguely recall seeing you somewhere but I fail to remember your name."


    The woman looked as if slightly embarrassed as she spoke, "Oh how rude of me, I forgot to introduce myself my Dao name is ''Frozen Ocean'' I am older martial sister of ''Frozen Sky'' and ''Frozen Flames''."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen slightly as he spoke, "Ah remember you were there with Sister Frozen Flames, unfortunately I was in a bit hurry my older sisters are a bit impatient as such I had to leave so rudely for that I apologize, so how are they all doing your Sisters and their disciple."


    "They are doing well, in fact I want to convey their gratitude for saving their disciples without your help we would have had suffered a fate worse than dead.", the tone full of gratitude made Ryuu gave her a warm smile.


    "It was something anyone would have done for.", was his reply.


    But before anyone could say anything about it a voice intervened their small talk, "Sister Frozen Ocean when will you introduce fellow Daoist to us."


    Ryuu looked at the new comer with hair as black as midnight cascading down as water fall, with red pouty lips and violet hair looked at him intently as Frozen Flames spoke, "Daoist Ryuu she is my friend her name is ...."


    Before she could say Zywia spoke with a growl, "Kangjon Su-Min, it has been a while."


    The woman turned towards Zywia as she gave a smirk as she spoke, "Well well princess it has been a while."


    Ryuu tilted his head as he spoke curiously," Sister Zywia you know her.", and how could he not be curious when suddenly an acquaintance of Zywia suddenly appeared.


    Zywia nodded at that as she went and hugged the person in question who returned in kind with a smile on her face.


    Frozen Ocean tilted her head at that before she turned towards Ryuu as she spoke, "Well along with me are my friends Daniella and Amnon."


    Ryuu nodded towards a man and a woman, the man had a white hair with red eyes and the woman had purple hair with blue, from the closeness he saw Ryuu deduced them as couple.


    Ryuu simply nodded towards them as he spoke with a smile, "Nice to meet."


    "CAPTAIN RYUUUUU!!!!!", a shrill voice came to his ears as he turned his head slowly as he saw a person almost crossing the eight feet mark hulking towards him he tensed up as the person neared him bowing reverently like he was some form of deity drawing curious stares towards him he even saw some people trying to stifle their laughter, it was so embarrassing that he was wishing to disappear.


    As the person looked up expectantly Ryuu could not help but speak, "Excuse me but do I know you?"


    The person looked at Ryuu as his voice quivered, "Your highness you do not remember, you were there in��.", before anyone could react the person suddenly jumped towards him, as a dagger appeared in his hand as he went for the kill, " Venomous Naga cut!", a shout came from him as he moved for the kill.


    Zywia let out a squeak, as Ryuu moved showing an incredible agility jumped sidewise from his seat as he grasped the hand holding the dagger applying pressure while twisting it making the dagger lose, before he hit him hard on several parts of the assailants body as sickening crunch arose from them, before he flung the dagger towards Zywia so fast that she was unable to react as it went past her with crackle of electricity and loud sonic boom, a small gurgling noise brought her notice as she saw a headless body fall into the ocean.


    To a cultivator of Mystic Immortal a small broken body is nothing, they could still fight still activate dangerous talisman as such Ryuu made sure to send with each strike send a small part of a large array whose work was to join together and seal the KI circulating the assassins body along with it also destroyed any and all form of array hidden in the assailant''s body.


    ''Ho an array that released a deadly poison that can be activated by self or remotely, hmmm I might study both the array and the poison later.'', was Ryuu''s thoughts as he threw the dagger towards another assailant using a concept he had learned during his previous birth, the rail gun which when couple with KI infused throw was highly deadly not to mention the array that he inscribed with touch, when the dagger met with the eye of the second assassin not only did it take his eye off and punctured his head, but the array activated and literally vaporized it.


    "Ryuu are you alright?", came a concerned shout from Zywia as she moved to his side, while Ryuu looked down at the assassin who was lying near his feet foaming from the mouth dead.


    "Tc, he committed suicide.", Ryuu remarked as he kneeled near his body as others surrounded him, making a circle.


    "Ryuu��.", Zywia began again with concern before Ryuu cut her off as he spoke, "I am fine but do not try to go and retrieve the body it might have some trap on it, damn this fellow committed suicide before I could ask some questions though.", as he replied he grumbled inwardly, ''Damn it I have to up my speed of array creation if only I had managed to add a few more I would have easily prevented him from suicide.''


    Ryuu had almost stripped the dead assassin n.a.k.e.d when he finally saw a tattoo, a serpent head with deadly fang looking ready to bite, which looked to be slowly fading.


    Frozen Ocean narrowed her eyes as she spoke, "I have seen that tattoo somewhere."


    Amnon narrowed his eyes as he spoke, "Fury of Nirvana."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes a rather despicable group that will do anything for a prize."


    Su-min smirked at that as she spoke, "You seem to have made some interesting enemies but ''Captain''?"


    Zywia sighed as he replied on Ryuu''s behalf, "He is my big brother''s colleague and they are bound to ruffle some feather to make some enemies."


    "Well since the excitement is over can we begin the meeting now.", came a bored and lazy voice to everyone''s ears drawing their attention.

 Chapter 348 - Gathering of the Strong(Part-2)

    "Hello everyone for those who do not know my Dao name is ''Three-Lives'', we all have gathered around here in order to find the gateway to the next level", a tall man with long black hair flowing past his shoulders spoke as h looked towards everyone with his coal black eyes, his white robes making him look a bit sanctimonious as he continued, "Recently our fellow Daoists have stumbled upon residents of this planet and for those who do not know about much I would like to invite fellow Daoist Ryuu to say something."


    Ryuu was taken aback by being suddenly invited to speak as such he cleared his throat as he looked at a few thousand strong cultivators who were listening intently waiting for him to speak, "Greetings fellow cultivators and before I begin I would like to thank our esteemed brother ''Three-Lives'' for this opportunity but before I begin I would like to say that this place, this world", with that he spread his hands indicating the surrounding area as he continued, "Is not a planet but a cage."


    A murmur ran through the crowd as he swept his eyes he saw many emotions running through the crowd from disbelief, to outrage, to laughter, to boredom��. Wait what he did a double take as he watched a woman casting a bored look towards him, causing him to tilt his head slightly at that, ''interesting.''


    "I know many may not believe me but please try going up you will soon meet a barrier, and then try going to any other direction you will come across the end of the world, yes end of this world, just like a saucer which is over flowing you will find ocean falling to the abyss.", he gave a dramatic pause as he continued, "I know that many of you do not believe me so please feel free to check what I just said to you but after the meeting is dismissed I so do not want to be accused of disruption on another note the boundary of the cage is lethal so please be careful when playing with the boundary.", as Ryuu spoke he wondered inwardly, ''Damn I am casually speaking to all this people if I were the old me from my previous life I would have fainted since when have I conquered my fear of stage I never noticed.''


    "Many of you do not know but a few of our fellow Daoist brothers and sisters along with me were involved in a civil��."


    The meeting about what their next step would be went on and on as various strategies was discussed, while Ryuu calmly took a sip of wine as his mind went back to the meeting with a certain Emperor.


    "Lady Zywia and Lord Ryuu please take a seat.", Emperor Aquor spoke in a stoic manner although he did not say much but Ryuu could see the gratitude behind the tired and weary eyes of the Emperor.


    As they both took their respective seat Emperor Aqour began speaking with a sigh, "Lord Ryuu we do not know how much this might help you in your quest but our Royal Historian has found something that might interest you."


    As he spoke a bluish colored person swam forward as he bowed to the Emperor, from what Ryuu saw the person was very well past his prime, he bowed as a dozen more brought along with them stone tablets which they placed as the Emperor nodded the person began with his aged voice explaining in great details about its contents.


    As the person droned on and on Ryuu felt his will power being tested as the person''s voice was terrific enough to make him fall asleep, yet he held strong with great force.


    After a almost an hour of reading from the stone tablets, both Ryuu and Zywia were frustrated as the person had yet to say anything of real significance when all of a sudden he spoke, "Well from this we can conclude that the answer will lie in the ''Grand Caves of Enlightenment.''"


    Both Zywia and Ryuu had the sudden urge to throw their shoes and beat him to an inch of his life after prattling for over an hour the information he gave could have been easily given to them without wasting their time, both of them gritted their teeth in anger, before they let out a sigh.


    Ryuu turned towards the Emperor as he spoke, "Your Majesty if I may inquire where is this ''Grand Caves of Enlightenment''?"


    The Emperor sighed as he spoke, "The ''Grand Caves of Enlightenment'', are a series of caves inside which our glorious ancestors left behind their knowledge, their wisdom and we still remember the pilgrimage we took to that sacred place but alas the place is now the home of the ''Great One''."


    Ryuu looked at the person before he let out a tired sigh as his shoulder slummed for a moment, ''Of course it would be like that, and I should have known already, after all where else would it make its home if not the place where we would the gate would be.''


    While was thinking about it the Emperor continued speaking, "Well we can arrange someone to show you the direction but that we cannot help you, and all any answers that you seek we hope that you would be able to find it out there."


    Ryuu huffed at present as he watched someone amongst them volunteering for a particular dangerous yet important job, "Are you sure you would be deep within enemy territory.", spoke one of the cultivators with concern.


    "There is no need to worry I would easily manage that, if nothing else I simply retreat after all we are not going to war simply scouting.", a hawk eyed, person with a rather long nose spoke with a dazzling smile.


    Ryuu looked around as he studied the group of five who were chosen for the task, he sighed upon seeing the distrust leveled upon them, ''It is given many are thinking on the lines if they find the secret doorway and give us the slip and move on to the next level without notifying us but most importantly what kind of treasure they might plunder without us were the thoughts which plagued their minds.''


    Zywia leaned towards him as she whispered lowly while Ryuu''s fingers twitched a bit as an array appeared which granted them privacy, "So what do you think about the situation so many cultivators, it would be difficult to get any decent treasure."


    Ryuu his head as he whispered back to her, "I will only go after treasure if and only if I will know that my life is not in danger, safety first always Zywia most importantly in your case it might sound insulting but there plenty of cultivators who are much higher level than you and even if you claim to be able to fight people many level above you please do not forget there are others like you so be cautious."


    Zywia narrowed her eyes as she spoke hotly, "Without risk there is no gain."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "Sister Zywia, you are not even near the peak of our realm as such 10 millennia from now you might have a chance a chance I might not have, I have a goal which I wish to complete, I want to conquer more level than our predecessors did for that I cannot waste time, energy and most importantly my well being on some low level areas."


    Zywia scrunched her face in thought before she spoke with a sigh, "You are right but what about the rare and precious resources that are only available here and you should know how important they are for moving to the next realm."


    Ryuu''s deadpanned stare made her cheeks gain a faint blush as she turned her head while Ryuu began speaking, "Really you are telling that the powers behind us are not well enough to provide us with resources or that they already do not cultivate many of the precious medicinal plants which they had already acquired previously."


    As an embarrassed Zywia looked forward Ryuu continued, "I am not saying not to try and get your hands on some rare resource but make sure to avoid unnecessary danger as much as possible no treasure is worthy of our life remember that."


    Zywia nodded as she let out a tired sigh, "I understand."


    As the privacy array disappeared Zywia found her personal space invaded by Su-Min who spoke with a smirk, "So sister Zywia what were you two love birds discussing."


    Zywia groaned at that as Ryuu simply snorted as he gave his attention towards the cultivators who were living for scouting mission before he stood up and went towards them.

 Chapter 349 - Gathering of the Strong(Part-3)

    "Excuse me, brothers if I have a word with you.", Ryuu spoke with a kind smile on his face as he faced towards the five who were about to embark into their scouting quest.


    One of among them who had been designated as the leader turned towards him as he spoke with curiously, "Yes, how may I help you Daoist Ryuu."


    Ryuu forwarded five talismans towards them as he spoke, "Brother, we do not know what kind of creatures there might be out there and we do not know that what dangers you might face out there as such I want to give you this talisman to be distributed amongst your team.", the person gained a distrustful look on his face as Ryuu continued in a placating tone, "I do not mean to demean you or insult your strength as an ant cannot harm an elephant but an army of ant well that is a different story, as such use this talisman during emergency this will act as a beacon and it will help us send reinforcement to your position during an emergency though remember the beacon is active only for a day."


    The man had a thoughtful look on his face before he spoke, "Well since you offered it to us I would not be shy but I will not return it if it is unused."


    Ryuu simply laughed at that as he gave brotherly squeeze on his shoulder as he spoke, "Brother you are placing your life future and everything in danger for all of us and if I can help you in some way when I have the chance why should I not, and it will simply make me ungrateful."


    The man nodded his head with a smile as he divided the talisman amongst his group as Ryuu greeted each of them with a smile and cupping of his hand as well a few encouraging pat on his back and following his example many of the cultivators had gifted the group with some rewards making many envy at their haul as the scouting team looked as if they were on cloud nine.


    As Ryuu stepped back from them a highly irritated Zywia huffed as she turned her head looking away from her friend, her face completely red, as he watched the scene Ryuu raised one of his eyebrow curiously at that as he approached them.


    A few minutes ago, Su-Min was looking at Zywia intently as she spoke with a smirk as she placed a hand on her shoulder, "So girl tell me about your beau."


    Zywia glared at her as she spoke, "Ryuu is like a younger brother to me."


    Su-Min then turned towards Ryuu as her smirk widen as she spoke, "That means he is free right and I can have some fun with him."


    Only to be swatted on her head by a Frozen Ocean who glared at her as she spoke, "Shut it you boy crazy idiot, he is much younger than us."


    Su-Min send a bored look towards her as she spoke, "You who have already taken a path of maidenhood and celibacy will never understand the thrill of romance and the joy of love, as for younger does it matter to us, we live for long long time and something like age is not considered amongst us."


    Zywia sighed at that as she spoke, "So true but still he was not even born when you had already made a name for yourself, so please."


    Su-Min grinned at that as she spoke, "So what like I care I can already feel we can be a great couple."


    Daniella snorted at that as she spoke, "Well that was the same thing you said the last time and before that might be a few thousand time yet nothing happened."


    Su-Min''s face turned red then purple as she spoke with anger, "So what you are not the one who has her parent always nagging to get married or trying to get you hitch with anyone their eyes settle one, you are��."


    Both Zywia and Frozen Ocean rubbed her head with exasperations as they felt a colossal headache as they both glared at Daniella stepping on a taboo in front of Su-Min anyone who had spend some time with her knew that it was a taboo to say something like that.


    Zywia sighed at that as she watched Ryuu returning she could do nothing but turn her head out of embarrassment.


    Ryuu raised one of his eyebrows as he spoke, "Is something wrong sister Zywia?"


    "Ah Daoist Ryuu welcome back I hope your business went well.", Su-Min was already by her side invading his personal space causing Ryuu to taken aback.


    Ryuu looked at her as he spoke, "Yes I have finished my business.", with that he turned towards Zywia as he spoke while moving away from Su-Min, "Sister Zywia now we have to wait so is there anything you wish to do in the mean time?"


    Zywia shook his head as she spoke, "Nothing that I know off what about you?"


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "Well I believe I will take a small walk."


    Su-Min was once again by his side as she spoke, "Daoist Ryuu I hope you do not mind if I go along with you?", she tried to grab his hand only for Ryuu''s eyes to widen as he looked alarmed towards a particular direction.


    "WHAT IS THAT????!!!!!", his loud exclamation drew many cultivators attention as they looked towards where he was looking only to find nothing, as Su-Min turned towards Ryuu she found him missing and to be greeted by a sound of laughter.


    Zywia controlled her laughter as she spoke, "Oh my, you were made fool by Ryuu, and it is so hilarious."


    Su-Min turned red with embarrassment as Zywia took pity on her as she spoke, "Let me tell you something Su-Min, from what I have heard that Ryuu is very very handsome to the point many had been enamored with him to the point that they will do anything and everything just to be with him as such he had been using various methods his teacher developed for him to control it, so that people do not get crazy upon seeing him and what you just did made him think that you are just one of those who had been enamored by his looks as such now you have no more chances with him, even if you offer him a hand of friendship he will keep you at an arm length."


    Su-Min as well as those who were nearby got stunned upon hearing that as Frozen ocean spoke with disbelief, "You are joking right?"


    Zywia shook her head as she spoke, "No I am not joking, the current him you saw will can easily be said to be a very handsome person but is nowhere near when he is not using those methods, and I know such because his teachers are very close to us and I have seen him once a glance when he was not even an Immortal whereas I, a fully fledged Immortal nearly lost myself. I will be frank I do not know how he looks because of the various methods that had degraded his attractiveness but I can bet he is even more devastating now."


    Su-Min gained a predatory look in her eyes as she spoke, "Well then I will be sure to take a peek at him."


    Meanwhile Ryuu was sitting inside his vessel in deep meditation as he let out a small smile, a few minutes prior when he had touched those cultivators he had placed arrays on them whose purpose was to keep track of them by monitoring their health and movement, as such he sat in a meditative pose as he concentrated on the people.


    As he sat there his mind went towards Su-Min as he frowned, ''Did I mesh up again and she saw my face without the protection, but I was careful but if it happened it will be difficult Zywia would like to form a team with them and that means I have to leave otherwise it will be the same as that with my superior.'', he cringed at that as the face of Elyrin came to his mind, how the headstrong no nonsense woman had accidently seen his face when his control had slipped and had been enamored with him as such his presence makes her loose reasoning and act like an idiot, as such he hoped the same did not happen with Su-Min or might lead to problem later on.


    Ryuu was brought out of his musing as he frowned, "hmmm, it seems the group is under attack."

 Chapter 350 - Gathering of the Strong(Part-4)

    Ryuu sighed as he stood up, "They all got wiped out, and one so close, I better warn others about it.", with that he stepped outside his vessel before shrinking it and storing it.


    As he stepped up he was greeted with cultivators debating, meditating some were getting ready waiting for the scouts reports as he looked around he caught Zywia gossiping with her friends.


    Ryuu was about to draw their attention towards him when all of a sudden a woman screamed, "No no no no��it CANNOT BEEE, my husband cannot DIE!!!!"


    Her scream drew everyone''s attention as Ryuu watched the woman''s face distort with pain before she started crying tears of blood, many went quickly by her side to support he only for her to convulse coughing blood, before she passed away. Ryuu stood there with his eyes opened, ''I had heard people say that when one of the pair dies the other one of the Dao Companion soon follows after.'', he saw how the woman died while being full of grief, pain and anguish something that he did not like at all, as others crowded around them he watched many emotions from pity to sympathy, to boredom and amus.e.m.e.nt in some of the present cultivators eyes, but to him it was too painful to watch he could feel her orgains destroying themselves her dantian collapsing, it was horrifying too watch to him it looked as if she was tortured to death.


    As he watched the woman die a memory from a long time ago came to his mind,


    Celestia sighed as she spoke, "Ryuu you have to understand that for a cultivator their life is treacherous, you should be glad that you are learning from us instead of some school where if you remain mediocre no teacher will pay attention to you at the same time if you excel your fellow disciple would drag you down not to mention various kinds of dirty politics involved.", Ryuu nodded at that as Celestia continued, "Even falling in love can be dangerous as the other person might take advantage as such when the time to marry comes cultivators tend to be Dao companion rather than be simply married like."


    Ryuu''s brows scrunched in deep thought as he spoke, "But what is the difference in both the cases they are married right?"


    Celestia shook her head as she spoke, "Well in a way yes they are both married but unlike when you are normally married if for some reason the couple do not wish to be stay together they can get a divorce but a Dao Companion is one where they may never have a divorce it is permanent not to mention it can only be formed when a couple truly loves one another and trusts each other."


    Ryuu looked at her with wide eyes as he spoke, "Teacher do you know someone who is a Dao companion."


    Celestia gained a serene smile on her face as she spoke, "Well your teachers are each others'' Dao companion."


    Ryuu looked at her with wide eye as Celestia cracked a grin she always liked Ryuu''s wide eyed look before her face turned into a frown as she spoke, "Ryuu remember that Dao companion may sound cool and all but��."


    Ryuu grimaced at that as he mused, ''Teacher I do not know why you said that when one of the Dao companion dies the other follows and it is better than one of them surviving but it is too cruel the way the woman died it is too cruel.''


    But unfortunately here was no time for them to waste as Ryuu could already detect the dead bodies'' movement because of the still active array and they were moving fast and towards them, as such he let out a loud clap drawing everyone''s attention.


    "Everyone I know that a tragedy took place but I am sorry to say there is no time to waste, the scouts were unable to activate the talisman I gave them but one of them did, and one of the underlying feature was to notify me of the health status of the fellow daoist brother and according to him he is dead, yet the talisman is moving and is making its way towards us at an incredible speed meaning the person who slain them is planning something so please do not let your guard down they will be here any second now."


    At that many amongst them got ready to fight while a few had a look of skepticism in their eyes while the friend of the poor dead lady''s stored her body inside their space ring as Ryuu went by and stood beside her.


    Zywia took out her trusted zither, which included her hidden rapier as she spoke, "How fast did they die?"


    Ryuu''s jaw hardened as he spoke barely above a whisper, "Before any of them could activate their talisman."


    Zywia''s eyes widen as did her group of friends as a huge roar came and from under the waves a few dozen of cultivators jumped up but their looks made everyone falter it looked as if various protrusions were growing out of their body not limited to bones, mollusks jutting out and covering their boy but it also had tentacle like protrusions making them look akin to some eldritch horror, not to mention their grayish eyes and blood dripping from their mouth.


    Ryuu looked at them as his eyes widen as he watched the former scouting team amongst the lineup, as someone shouted, "Tear those abominations apart."


    As the people reciprocated his war cry multiple humongous beasts suddenly surfaced as each of them at the very least radiating power of a peak level Mystic Immortal Emperor.


    Ryuu grinned as he eyed his opponent as he spoke, "Zywia stay close to me no matter what."


    Zywia nodded as the humongous beast swung one of its massive tentacles as it send a barrage of spikes towards them as Frozen Ocean spoke with alarm, "Those spikes are poisonous do not let them touch you."


    Ryuu tilted his head as his grin grew wilder as he spoke, "Well then we have to take them out before they can harm us write.", with his piece being said he swung his sword as the spikes were destroyed by his swing his sword vanished as he had a bow in his hand as he pointed towards the sky at an angle as he let loose the arrow as he whispered his techniques name, "Star Fall."


    The arrow flew high up before a loud thunderous reached the ears of many as the sky itself lit up with blinding glow before it seemed as if stars were following from the sky as it collapsed on the beasts tearing while burning the beast itself as it let lose ear piercing cry before I collapsed dead.


    "What are you all idiots waiting for kill them all the battle has begun already.", Ryuu shouted out before he crouched lowly as what seemed to be a bone sword swung above his head as he cut it as the creature that was made up of the scout''s body screamed making Ryuu wince as his ears almost bleed because of making him growl but he did not have to attack as the creature was smashed to a pulp courtesy of Frozen Ocean, upon looking at her Ryuu almost let out a laugh as she looked kind of cartoonish to him seeing her wield such an oversized war hammer but he held himself as he send a small nod of appreciation as he looked forward as he watched as more and more nightmarish creatures appeared.

 Chapter 351 - Gathering of the Strong(Part-5)

    The sweet mesmerizing sound of zither came to everyone''s ears which were accompanied by various other instruments that were being played creating a soulful concert of the orchestra that suddenly seemed to fill everyone with courage.


    Ryuu simply looked back as he saw Zywia busy on her zither playing it, as the sound reached his ears he felt himself getting empowered a bit, he closed his eye before he stopped a large tentacle, covered with bone like protrusion that looked like armor covering it. with his sword before he let out a harrumph as his KI swelled up within his body before he caught the creatures tentacle with his other hand then he pulled and threw it up out of the water the creature screamed in surprise only for it to be cut short as it was cleaved into many small parts from the attacks intertwined with sword force.


    "EVERYONE MOVE!!!!!!",a shout came from one of the cultivators as Ryuu turned to look at one of creature swelling at a rapid pace and glowing, he bit back a curse as he manage jump back towards Zywia''s side when the creature detonated with enough power that it felt as if an attack by a low level Celestial Immortal had unleashed a technique at their full strength.


    Ryuu''s hands extended while he dashed towards Zywia as at least 6 talismans flew in front of him, as they touched his hands multiple array were inscribed on them as the blast reached them he pointed it towards the blast as it slammed on them, Zywia''s closeness with her friend made sure that they were protected by the beige colored barrier when it enclosed them, including some of the others.


    "Thank you fellow Daoist, for saving our lives we are in your debt.", a person spoke from his right as they waited for the steam to move as Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "Thank you for your kind words but we are in a battlefield where only working and helping each other will we succeed so there is no need to feel indebted to me."


    As the steam that was covering the battlefield lessened they were greeted by the sights of various cultivators standing each having erected their own means of protection against the blast although a few looked worse for wear and Ryuu was sure that a few of them had even died, a Celestial Immortal was no joke even if it was a low leveled one and his hunch proved to be right even if they died because of other means as he looked towards the nearest group of cultivators who seemed to have been dead even inside their protection bubble.


    Zywia frowned at that as she spoke, "Poison?"


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "I think that so."


    As soon as he spoke the dead cultivators twitched as Su-Min spoke with a huff, "You are seeing things they a��..", whatever she was going to say was stuck inside her throat as extra appendages like tentacles, bony protrusion started to grow as they began morphing into abominations like that they had slain a few moments ago.


    For Ryuu the process awoke some hidden memories that he wished to forget memories that still existed within the deepest recess of his mind.


    "��Run Kei��"


    "Sorry��I am��"


    "RYUU?", a shout from his side drew his attention as his gaze fell on the veiled face of Frozen Ocean eyes whose projected a strange mixture of curiosity and concern as she spoke again, "Are you alright Ryuu?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No I am fine."


    Zywia tilted her head as she spoke, "Have you seen something similar Ryuu?"


    Ryuu send a fake smile at her as he spoke, "No but it was rather grim and I hope not to see something similar.", while inwardly he frowned, ''Seen such a thing, I had seen such a thing from the front row seat, seen my friend and colleague turned into one and had to be put down like a rabid dog.''


    Ryuu shook his head to clear his thoughts as he spoke in a rare serious manner, "Focus everyone next time we might not be lucky, my array prevented anything from harming us including any form of gaseous poisonous substance that killed them and are now they are transforming, as such try to make sure when you are trying to escape from the blast make sure you are protected from the poisonous gas as well."


    Ryuu waited for a brief moment as more creatures came to his sight as he spoke, "Everyone brace yourselves I am going to release the barrier and the battle will begin anew."


    Everyone gripped there weapon hard as the sea in front was churning as multiple creatures started appearing causing Ryuu to narrow his eyes before he shouted out loud so that every cultivator could hear, "EVERYONE TAKE TO THE SKIES AND ATTACK FROM RANGE MORE OF THOSE CREATURES THAT BLEW UP JUST NOW HAS APPEARED FLY FLY FLY HIGHER."


    His shout drew everyone''s attention as they did not have to be told twice as they were high up into the sky as Daoist Three-lives approached him as he spoke, "Daoist brother Ryuu what a fine mess, I hope that we will be able to deal with them from afar."


    Ryuu looked at him directly in his eyes as he shrugged while speaking, "I hope so too, but I hope you know that eventually we have to enter the ocean into their territory."


    Three-lives gave him a smile as he raised a battle fan up while Ryuu aimed his bow towards them as he shouted out, "SEND FIRST VOLLEY."


    The sky lit up with various attacks which rained down on the creatures tearing them apart dying the blue ocean water into a more blackish tint.


    A loud yawn was followed by a lot of grumbling one Antariskh picked a sheet of paper as she went through it before scribbling something on it as she threw it into another stack of papers, "Here drink this.", a voice made her look up as she saw the smiling face of Shamiran.


    Antariksh took the cup from her sister''s hand as she spoke with a smile, "Thank you sister.", she sipped it as she let out a sigh of relief.


    Shamiran looked at her as she spoke, "You have been working too hard."


    Antariksh leaned on her chair as she gave her a tired smile as she spoke, "I hate it, I hate working."


    Shamiran gave her a sad smile, ''To think the person who was the most adventurous and free spirited to be chained down like this is cruel.'', "Why don''t you take rest then?"


    Antariskh snorted at that as she spoke, "And let my workload double no triple itself no thank you, but you do not have to worry my workload increases from time to time when something interesting happens it will wane down soon enough."


    Shamiran nodded as Antariskh sighed as she spoke, "I just wish Ryuu would be big enough to shoulder the responsibility and I will be free."


    Shamiran snorted at that as she shook her head as she spoke, "Ryuu is too free spirited but more importantly he is deathly afraid of paperwork until and unless you drag him here and force him to help you he will never help you let alone shoulder the responsibility."


    Antariskh pouted at that as she spoke, "Oh come on our baby brother cannot say no to her helpless poor sister."


    A snort came from near the door as Sylvana stepped inside the room as she spoke, "Well then I have a different set of memories where a certain someone broke the door frame in order to drag Ryuu inside the room to which he was clinging to as if his life dependent on it and then had chained him to a chair with various array and forced him to deal with the paperwork."


    Antariskh shook her head as she spoke, "Oh that was him simply being shy."


    Shamiran simply stared at her as she spoke, "You are delusional."


    Antariskh simply waved her hand as she spoke, "Please he is an intelligent boy who will ascend the throne after me as my heir willingly."


    Sylvana chuckled at that as she spoke, "More like coerced and forced to sit on it through force and blackmail.", before her face took a somber look as she spoke, "I just hope he is alright."


    Shamiran gave her sister a reassuring squeeze on her hand as she spoke, "It has not been so long that he has entered that place not even a couple of weeks, he is strong and he might already have reached 2nd level by now."


    Antariskh shook her head as she spoke with serious look on her face, "Strength has nothing on it don''t you remember a few expedition ago into the Eden and none of the participants returned and the stele outside recorded that they all fell in the first level, the place is very dangerous and God forbid he stumbled upon Zywia."


    Both of her sisters cringed at that, they had nothing against Zywia in fact she was like a niece to them but that girl had made a very very foolish decision and no matter how much they sympathize with her parents they do not know what they would do if something happened to Ryuu because of her, they could only selfishly hope that Ryuu did not come across Zywia and took her under his protection.


    "ZYWIA!!!!!", was the only sound she heard before she was shoved hard as she turned her eyes widen as a look of horror appeared on her face, a huge bone spike was sent towards her which would have impaled her but she was exempted from such a grisly fate courtesy of Ryuu who had pushed her but now the victim of the bone spike was none other than as it pierced through his right eye.

 Chapter 352 - The Great One(Part-1)

    Frozen Ocean since the time she had met Ryuu was aware of him, she knew that he was nothing but ordinary from what her junior sisters had claimed and from what little she had seen made her wary about him, but now all of them was for naught the large bone spike would surely gravely injure him and let alone kill him, she felt a twinge of pity for him but such was the life of a cultivato�� her inner monologue stopped as she gawked at where Ryuu was standing.


    Zywia felt as if her heart leaped out of her throat no matter how haughty she acted since she came here she had been the not only the lowest ranked person but she would have been lost without help from Ryuu now he was most likely dead, the incident with his brothers fresh in her mind and now if it was the cause of his dead she would not survive, as she was about to enter a catatonic phase when a shout brought her to her senses.


    "ZYWIA!!!!!", she looked up and was shocked to see a completely unharmed Ryuu without even a single scratch who looked at her with an annoyed frowned as he shouted at her, "FOCUS!!!! We are in battle."


    Zywia was shaken up while Frozen Ocean could not help but speak with disbelief, "How? How did you survive, is saw you get��.", she froze as Ryuu looked at her with a glare as he spoke, "I dodged it easily with my superior reflex."


    Frozen Ocean was taken aback before she spoke as her eyes narrowed, "I clearly so you��"


    Ryuu nodded his head at that as he spoke, "I know that, my reflexes made you awestruck seeing how I DODGED, now please focus on staying alive."


    Ryuu turned and glared at the beast responsible for making him reveal one of his trump cards that seldom works properly making him growl as he send one of his trademark attacks, "Joyeus Rain."


    Frozen Ocean had met many cultivators in her lifetime and she had seen one of them regarded as one of the top sword mistress of her generation as such she was accustomed to the feeling of the Grand Dao of Sword being used in her vicinity but what came from Ryuu was monstrous compared to that of her junior she could practically here the hum of energy as Ryuu swung his sword, the sword force that was send took the form of rain, that seemed to drench his opponents in it, but unlike rain it was dangerous it seemed as if anyone who were unfortunate to be in its path was turned to a blood mist making her wince at the sight.


    Ryuu raised one of his eyebrows as he spoke, "Well now the break is over so shall we deal with them.", with that he offered Zywia his hand which she accepted as he helped her to stand up.


    Zywia stood up with Ryuu''s head nodded with a weak smile as she spoke, "Thank you Daoist brother Ryuu."


    Ryuu simply smiled at her before his eyes harden as he spoke, "Focus Sister Zywia focus."


    Daniella and Amnon had frozen but for different purpose, Su-Min was a little further than them with her back turned and Frozen Ocean was standing behind Ryuu and Zywia was too shock to say anything but they had seen and what they had seen made it impossible for them to concentrate any longer they could not help but blush as the bone spike passed through his face, Ryuu''s face seemed to morph as a small wave passed through it making them witness a face so handsome so otherworldly that it was beyond anything they could imagine it was like perfection, they as their heart skip a beat, but it went away as soon as it came.


    Ryuu''s eyes narrowed his eyes as he looked at the look full of adoration came to their faces making sigh at that, ''Damn my control slipped, and now I have to deal with two more love struck buffoons for a decade.''


    Ryuu shook his head as he bellowed with a hint of anger in his voice, "Focus! We are in war."


    His shout shook them up as they refocused into the battle, he bit his lips as he looked around to see the cultivators have all been scattered as they each fought with various beasts, Ryuu looked around as he took out another talisman as he spoke, "Keep an eye on��.."


    "There is no need, I have already mapped it out we are outnumbered by 20 to one.", came a gruff voice that drew their attention.


    A tall mocha colored person stood with a large spear in his hand with an abomination skewered at the end of it as Ryuu looked at him he spoke in a smug tone, "My Dao name is True-Spear, because I never miss."


    Ryuu tilted his head slightly as he mused at that, ''Never miss interesting either he has a powerful technique, or some form of Divine body or simply braggart, but that also means I will have to be extra careful if what he said is true."


    Ryuu gave him a smile as he spoke, "Nice to meet you Daoist True-spear, can you please tell us more about what else have you found."


    True-spear nodded as he began, "Well from what we have discerned apart from the vast number of enemies, a very strong one is waiting just underneath us, and I believe it must be the head honcho as the others that are not busy fighting it are protecting."


    Ryuu narrowed his eyes as he spoke, "So we flush it out."


    "Yes you are absolutely correct, fellow Daoist brother.", a melodious voice yet frosty voice came to his ears as he turned she was greeted by the sight of a beautiful woman with blonde hair colored, s think greenish veil covering her face which complimented her dark green dress, her eyes were lilac colored, she stood there with a saber dripping with blood as she looked directly at Ryuu.


    Ryuu tilted his head as he spoke, "So how do you plan Daoist Sister and if I may be so rude may I inquire about your name."


    The woman looked at him as she spoke, "My name is Daoist Frost Flames, Daoist brother Ryuu."


    Ryuu nodded his head as he spoke, "So what is the plan?"


    True-Spear gave a savage grin as he spoke, "Why simple we are going to force it to the surface."


    As spoke more and more cultivators approached them, making Ryuu give them a small smile as he spoke, "I am all ears."

 Chapter 353 - The Great One(Part-2)

    Ryuu was always warned to be cautious inside Eden, as such when he sliced another of his opponent he made sure to touch it as the body part of the creature sank beneath the turbulent ocean he was able to confirm the report he had received his eyes widen momentarily but not enough for others to notice it, Ryuu took a deep breath before he promptly went by Zywia''s side as he spoke barely above a whisper, "Sister please persuade a couple of your friends and move away we are going to force the ''Great One'' to the surface he is at least a Rank 1 Celestial Immortal and humongous at that, not to mention he is surrounded by 20 strong bodyguards who are already half step into Celestial realm themselves so Zywia since you excel in support please keep distance it will get bloody soon enough."


    Zywia nodded at him, normally she would have thrown tantrum because Ryuu thought her to be weak but then her mind flashed to her inattentiveness a few minutes prior that almost cost Ryuu his life as such she could swallow her pride and further away, ''Like if stayed close it would do any better iw ould be overwhelmed.''


    "Daoist Ryuu if you have finished then shall we start.", a voice came to his ears as Ryuu smiled towards others as he spoke, "But of course fellow Daoist, although I fear that the battlefield would be more chaotic upon the head honcho''s arrival."


    True-Spear shrugged as he spoke with a voice full of false regret, "Well unfortunately our hands are tied."


    Ryuu snorted at that as the group of 0 cultivators broke up flying away with the creature at the center as they formed a circle, one of them had stayed directly above the beast who as soon as he saw them in their position let out a red flare, the flare drew others attention as the cultivators standing in the circle aimed downwards as they send their attacks in a brilliant flash of colors.


    Frozen Ocean frowned at that as she spoke, "What are they doing and why did you force all of us here?"


    Zywia bit her lip as she spoke with a sigh, "Well you will see soon."


    The ''Great One'' was lazily swimming under the ocean surface with its bodyguard surrounding it, its army were dealing with the strange creatures that defied it and so far it was very satisfied with the result, as it grew overconfident it did not pay any attention to its surroundings and it turned out to be its folly near about fifty different attacks connected it from its rear as it screamed with outrage as it swam up along with its guards, the ocean surface erupted as a gigantic figure appeared easily double in size to any other creature its numerous tentacle like protrusions waving around it, dozens of its beady eyes looked at the cultivators sending as the skirmish came to a halt.


    Ryuu looked at that as he smiled warily at that, ''Seems like a fantasy out of some Lovecraftian fan''s dream.'', he gripped his sword hard as he looked warily at the creature.


    Su-Min had a startling look on her face as she spoke, "Oi what is that creature?"


    Zywia looked at it as she spoke, "The Head Honcho of the enemy forces."


    The Great one surveyed the entire area before it suddenly inflated as it let lose a terrifying roar a roar so powerful that every cultivator simply held their ears hoping the sound would stop it was unbearable to the point some of them wanted to tear their ears off.


    Ryuu screamed in pain as the noise not only made his ears bleed but it was causing him severe headache, as such he greeted his teeth as he moved fast so fast that he was like a blur as he slammed into the creature, a large array appeared on it as the noise was stopped.


    Ryuu appeared a good distance away from the beast as winced while swallowing a pill which quickly began working on his injured ear drums as he growled angrily towards the beast as it inflated a couple of times but no sound came from it.


    Su-Min gritted her teeth as she spoke, "What was that abomination?", her ears were bleeding from the damage and she was not the only one many of the cultivators had fallen prey to its minions as they were disoriented by the noise, but they were soon taken care of by the enraged cultivators as many of them revealed their trump cards.


    True-Spear bellowed with righteous anger, "KILL THAT FILTH, TEAR IT APART!!!!!"


    His shout was accompanied by numerous roars from various cultivators who dashed towards it intent of extracting a pound of flesh from it.


    Ryuu seeing the charge stepped back, ''Well if someone want to charge into the unknown they are welcome this creature is making me uneasy let them deal with it.''


    As he made his way towards Zywia he met them half way to their initial position as Daniella spoke with concern in her voice, "Daoist Ryuu are you alright? That thing was scary."


    Ryuu had an uneasy smile on his face as he replied to her, "I am fine thanking for inq��."


    Ryuu''s words stopped into his mouth as he suddenly felt extremely uneasy and he did not like it, the creature suddenly let out a bluish hue as it fought against the onslaught of the cultivators a large pulse of bluish energy was released from the creature as it encompassed the entire area.


    Blood curdling cry came from every creature present as bluish vapor wafted out from them as they went berserk.


    Ryuu meanwhile had dropped his sword which reverted back into a bangle on his left hand as he held his head in pain, as reddish hue appeared from him all he could was a chant, ''KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL!'', the Dao of Asura was going out of control for him and he was not the only one many amongst them who had a brush with the said Dao felt similar effect they wanted to tear and rip apart everything living.


    The Dao suddenly tried to take over Ryuu, trying to control him taking over his senses, he felt as if someone had shoved their hand into his skull as it rubbed his head causing him to let out a scream of anguish as he held his head trying desperately to calm himself down, when all of sudden one of the cultivators went berserk then as if a chain reaction took place, they began attacking friends and foes without any discrimination, as Ryuu''s vision went black.


    Zywia''s heart stopped for a bit she had previously heard from her family that there is chance that Ryuu might have gained enlightenment into the Dao of Asura, she had heard about that Dao some call it one of evil Dao and now she saw the effect of that as she watched some of them driven mad making her gulp hard as she watched warily towards Ryuu someone of his caliber if he turned on them it would be difficult seeing her act like that made others frown before anyone could say anything a giggle came to their ears which then soon escalated to full blown evil cackle as intense killing intent hit them as blood red vapor started to form around Ryuu, who had a demented look on his face with a twisted sneer and red eyes.


    Before anyone could react a cultivator turned into abomination attacked Ryuu, who simply twisted his body and then capturing it by the bone protrusion as he literally tore it apart like paper with his bare hands while cooing and cackling with mad glee.


    Su-Min swallowed hard as she spoke, "What happened?"


    Frozen Ocean slowly shook her head as she spoke, "I do not kno��.", that was mistake as Ryuu''s gaze fell on her and before anyone could blink Ryuu held her by her throat.

 Chapter 354 - The Great One(Part-3)

    Frozen Ocean did not knew why but the moment Ryuu touched her it felt her strength drained to the point that she was an infant even lifting her hand was a monumental task let alone force Ryuu to release her from his grasp, as her vision began to fade a single tear escaped from her eye, ''SO this is where I die not a blaze of glory but because I was too weak to stop a cultivator who has not even lived a hundredth of my life went berserk and I was too weak to stop him, pathetic.''


    Suddenly a fresh bout of oxygen went to her burning lungs as her strength returned she looked as she found herself in Su-Min''s arms as she gently massaged her throat as others looked at her with concern, Zywia fed her something as she spoke, "Are you alright sister?"


    Su-Min frowned as she spoke, "You should have broken his hands sister when he held you like that."


    Zywia flinched at that as she spoke, "He was not in control the creature did something to him so please forgive him."


    Frozen Ocean found her voice again as she spoke in a hoarse voice, "What happened where is Ryuu?"


    Daniella looked towards the creature as she spoke, "He is not here but what happened to you?"


    Frozen Ocean frowned as she spoke, "I do not know what happened as soon as he touched me I felt as if all my strength left my body and I was about to die from suffocation, I a peak Mystic Immortal Empress was reduced to barely infant level strength not to mention a person of my level dying because someone strangled me I do not know what to say about all this, I simply do not know, but most importantly where is he?"


    She followed others glance as she looked at the creature with a gaping home on its body as Zywia recalled the events that took place a few minutes ago as she spoke��..


    Ryuu felt euphoric for a few second but suddenly he was at peace , when suddenly his mind went back to the battlefield but as if a seductive voice was trying to seduce him to forget it and stay here, he was feeling at peace, but the unease he felt burned through his core when all of a sudden his vision cleared for a second as he was horror struck to see him strangling Frozen Ocean as others were trying to pry him off of her, with a jerk he threw her away as his vision started to cloud again as the euphoric sensation was starting to return , he saw the creature at the corner of his eyes as he snarled, ''It is his fault the sc.u.m, tear it apart.''


    As the others tried to stop him suddenly were forced to leave him as while he released Frozen Ocean his body seemed to be suddenly covered by bluish white flames that made everyone to take a stepped back before he disappeared in a flash, a huge boom was heard as they looked as if a large explosion engulfed the creature as it was thrown at least a 100 meters in the air, many of its tentacles were cut off as the sea under it boiled, as it fell back it desperately tried to swim back into the depths only to be electrocuted from underneath.


    Frozen Ocean looked towards the creature from the looks of it, it was in pain but no sound was coming from it as it thrashed around the water around it started to boil as steam began to rise, the creature thrashed around as a person rose from the ocean, wearing a black armor, with a white mask covering his face, his black hair swaying in the air lazily but what caught many of the people''s attention was the dark blue flames that were dancing on his hair.


    He simply raised his weapon that looked like a highly decorated guandao, its looked like a golden dragon which was spewing flames that took the shape of its blade, the ''Great One'' screamed silently in anger as it send multiple tentacles towards him, he raised his weapon and spun in a beautiful deadly dance as it cut an sliced the appendages, every cut was cauterized immediately and every appendages that were cut turned to ash.


    Zywia looked at the person as he twirled the guandao in his hand as the ocean around him moved as if enthralled by him, as Su-Min spoke with a snort, "Idiot there are many hidden dragons amongst us and by showing his strength before like this he will paint a large target many will gang up on him if he slips up, such mastery of Daos will make even elders green with envy."


    "Divine Dragon Stampede", his voice came to many cultivators'' ears as he attacked the creature, as he stabbed towards the creature the roar of multiple dragons roar shook the area as every cultivators eyes fell on him by then most had cleared the enemy soldiers the only one left was Great One and a few of his bodyguards the latter of which only a few were left and would be soon dealt with, but now their attention fell on the unknown cultivator as many began to study him intently, especially after the attack he used.


    To the ''Great One'' the ocean was its domain it made it invisible in its presence as such it did not believe that the ocean would one day turn against it, it first began with it boiling it alive, it was angry at the small being who dared to harm it, but then the anger turned to fear as it came face to face with multiple humongous beings with glowing red eyes they looked deadly and ferocious. The Dragons lunged at it with righteous fury as they tearing it apart to pieces.


    The fire on his hair flashed suddenly blinding others for a few seconds but it was enough for the mysterious cultivator to disappear.


    "Focus on your enemy, where is your attention at?", a scathing remark jolted the KI cultivator''s side, he was controlling a plethora of weapons which floated around him as his attention was drawn towards the fight that took place, he looked to see one of the creature that had managed to sneak up to him lay dead as Ryuu looked at him for a moment before he made back to his original group.


    He looked directly into Frozen Ocean''s eyes as he spoke with a small bow, "I am so sorry fellow Daoist sister, I do not know why but I lost control of myself because of something that creature did, and I have no excuse when I came to my senses I never felt so ashamed in my life to come back to senses and find myself hurting my allies. If there is anything that I can offer you for my transgressions please."


    Frozen Ocean looked directly into his eyes as she tried to find any deceit before she spoke with a sigh, "I can forgive you for your transgression Daoist brother Ryuu if you accompany with us and help us with our endeavor."


    Su-Min looked furious at Frozen Ocean she did not want to travel with someone so dangerous and unstable who knows when another such incident will take place, she wanted to protest but the look on Frozen Ocean''s eyes made her protest die as she knew her friend had a plan, both Daniella and Amnon did not know what to think of as they were pleased as well as a bit wary of Ryuu where as Zywia let out a sigh of relief as she did not have to be forced to make a choice.


    Ryuu slightly tilted his head as he thought, ''Damn me and my thick head I should have thought before speaking I just gave her a full carte blanche to exploit me, oh well.'', a small smile on his face blossomed as he spoke, "Of course Daoist Sister it would be my honor and I thankful that you such a magnanimous person."

 Chapter 355 - In to the Abyss(Part-1)

    Zywia scrunched her face in disgust as she watched her fellow cultivators literally tearing the place apart for any valuable, even if she herself was keeping an eye out for some she was not so desperate to literally destroy the eggs and everything that unfortunately fell in front of their eyes was torn asunder.


    As she moved she heard a few of the cultivators grumbling about the loss of precious nucleus of the great beast as well as its essence, the all blamed the unknown mysterious cultivator for stealing the nucleus as well as the essence making Zywia snort as that after all since he defeated the beast by rights it is his.


    Her attention then fell on Ryuu who looked bored and looked as if he wanted to move to the next level already, he did not look excited for any treasure at all as he yawned loudly as he spoke, "Damn where is the doorway to the other level, it''s so boring I so want my precious bed."


    The others who heard him snorted at that as Su-Min spoke, "There are so many treasures here surely you would want try to find some?"


    Ryuu lazily raised his hand as he pointed towards a direction as others looked at it before they face took a look of disgust as they saw a bunch of cultivators fighting each other like hungry dogs after a piece of bread as he spoke with disgust in his voice, "I am not so desperate that I would like to lower myself like this people over there, it is pathetic."


    The others could not help but nod at that while Ryuu sighed inwardly, ''If it were not for the vast resources that my teachers lavishly spend on me, I would be like them scavenging for what little left over that the big shot cultivators would have graciously left behind.


    Ryuu looked towards as he spoke with a huff, "We do not have time let us search for a way out of this place."


    The others nodded at that before they were once again interrupted by a melodious voice, "Daoist Ryuu, please wait."


    They turned around as they were greeted by Frost Flames who gave them a small nod of her hand as Ryuu spoke, "Daoist sister, how may I help you?"


    Frost Flames spoke in the same icy stoic voice she had used since they had first met, "While searching one of us had come across a cave painting of some sort, since you were the one who had caused the entire thing to start I would request if you would share your insight on it, many of us have reached the conclusion that the painting is the next clue."


    Ryuu tilted his head slightly as he turned towards his fellow teammates, "If anyone has nothing then shall we go and check."


    Frozen Ocean nodded at that as she spoke, "Well I have nothing left here to do so if others agree to it then who am I to say no."


    With others consent the group trailed after Frost Flames with Ryuu walking by her side, "Daoist Ryuu where are you from?"


    Ryuu gave her apologetic smile as he spoke, "I am so sorry but I unfortunately cannot divulge the exact location of my home but I belong to Canis Draconis Galaxy."


    Frost Flames nodded at that as she spoke, "I am from Proxiama Peleus."


    Meanwhile Zywia bit her lips to stifle a laugh, ''Ayindril is nowhere near that place, he lied to her with such straight face.'', as she send a look to Ryuu, he promptly turned his head, ''Damn that idiot do not look at me like that if she sees her she will discover the rouse, idiot.''


    Ryuu sighed as he ran his hand through his hair, he looked at his surrounding as he watched small plankton like creature floating lazily in the water surrounding as his mind went back to Ayindril, ''Zywia is right as well as wrong at the same time, to others the entrance to Ayindril is located at Kentaurus Cloud but it is false only a handful a number so small that it can be counted with a single hand with many fingers left over know the truth that a person can leave or enter Ayindril to and from any part of the universe with my teachers blessings and I am one of those lucky few who knows it and can use it now.''


    "Hmm did you say something I was thinking of something as such I missed what you said.", Ryuu spoke as he missed whatever Frost Flames spoke.


    A single twitch of her brow was the only thing that he was able to see, as anything below her eyes were behind a veil as she spoke again, "I was enquiring about your teacher''s identity."


    Ryuu once again gave her a apologetic smile as he spoke, "I am sorry the rule of my teacher is not to mention his name until he bestows me a Dao name and I have still some trials left to complete before I am bestowed one by my teacher."


    Frost Flames simply gave him a small barely noticeable nod as Frozen Ocean frowned at that as her mind went back to her talk with her martial sisters, they had claimed that Ryuu was acquainted with one of the Princess of Shangri-la, who had been treating him like a close acquaintance which only pointed out that he belongs to a very powerful family not to mention the fiasco with his martial nieces, maybe she should ask Su-Min''s help she is a good friend of Zywia and as such might be able to discern Ryuu''s true identity.


    "We are here", with that they entered a giant cavern which was filled with many cultivators who were busy in heated debate as they entered True-Spear spoke with a grin, "Thanking for bringing them here Martial sister."


    '' ''Martial sister'' that means that they share the same teacher.'', Ryuu send a small smile to True-Spear who gave him a nod as he went towards the painting before his face was full of disbelief as he spoke out loud, "You got to have been kidding me."


    At his exclamation many turned to look at him with a frown as one of the spoke, "Fellow Daoist brother do you have any idea about what that thing entails?"


    Ryuu did not reply to her as he turned towards Zywia as he spoke, "Sister Zywia, please take a look."


    Zywia looked at it for few seconds before her eyes widen as she spoke with disbelief in her voice, "Ryuu is that not the creature that we��"


    Ryuu looked at the painting as he spoke, "Yes."


    "That same humo��.."


    "Yes"


    "The door to the next level is inside its��"


    "yes"


    "We have to then��."


    "Yes"


    "But what if it is wrong"


    Ryuu simply shrugged at that as he spoke, "Well we are dead."


    "Can any one of you two please let us humble cultivators tell us what you are discussing."


    A voice interrupted them as Ryuu spoke with a small cough, "Well you all remember that today when I said that this world was flat and like a cage."


    Many nodded at that as Ryuu continued, "Well if you are to visit the end of the plate you will be able to see a being whose eye is as big as a moon as you can see that being is the gate keeper of the doorway to the next level."


    Frost flames frowned at that as she spoke, "How sure are you Daoist Ryuu?"


    Ryuu raised his hand as he pointed to the picture as he spoke with a sigh, "Well if this picture is genuine then I am absolutely sure and as for the creature you all can go and check it out, I will waiting topside in the air away from the ocean, you all are free to confirm it and then we can discuss the necessary steps."


    As many left Su-Min spoke with a frown on her face, "Ryuu how are we going to defeat, a beast so humongous would be strong."


    Ryuu''s lips pursed as he spoke, "Everyone has weakness and you have to identify it, and as for fighting it who says I will have to fight it, if possible I would sneak past it."


    Frozen Flames sighed at that as she spoke, "Many would die."


    Ryuu simply turned and left as he spoke barely above a whisper, "We cultivators walk on a fine edge between life and death, if someone wishes to live then they should try harder to survive."

 Chapter 356 - Into the Abyss(Part-2)

    Ryuu took out his trusted kiseru as he took a puff of smoke, all those nearby suddenly felt as if they were about to enter a trance it suddenly felt so peaceful only to be a voice to break it, "Don''t let your guard down."


    His voice jolted everyone awake as if a cloud had been lifted from their eyes as Su-Min quickly away from him as she spoke in an accusing tone, "What did you do me?"


    Ryuu lazily glanced at her as he spoke, "Nothing."


    Su-Min raised one of her fingers as she spoke, "You did something just now."


    Ryuu shook his head as the corner of his lips curled up in amus.e.m.e.nt as he spoke, "Nothing as you can see that I am currently enjoying a peaceful smoke and since you people were dozing up I told you to wake up."


    Frozen Ocean narrowed her eyes as she spoke, "That thing you are smoking it is��"


    Ryuu gave her a dazzling smile as he spoke, "A concoction created by my teachers that calms the blood boiling in my veins."


    Su-Min glared at him as she spoke with a growl, "You should have warned us."


    Ryuu tilted his head as he spoke, "Why should I you should already be aware that I was going to smoke making you all passive smokers and I am you ally as such you did not have any problem but what if I were your enemy but most importantly I would like some private space please."


    Zywia frowned at that as she looked at Ryuu, ''Something is wrong with him, since the battle he is acting not only hostile but rude as well, the Ryuu I know does not act like this.'', before her eyes widen, ''No way he is still having problems since he went berserk as for others who shared the same fate they were all put down like rabid dog by their fellow cultivators but Ryuu he fought against it but that does not mean he is still not battling the side effects.''


    She turned towards her fellow cultivators as she spoke, "Sister Su-Min, Frozen Ocean if you will please I need to speak with you about something."


    As they duo went together with Zywia she spoke with a grimace, "I am so sorry for the way he is behaving��."


    Su-Min sighed as she spoke, "Please there is no need for you to say sorry for someone like him."


    Zywia shook her head as she spoke, "Ryuu is not like that, I do not know why but he is acting rather strangely I blame the strange attack that caused him to go berserk I believe he is not out of the woods as such he must be experiencing some sort of side effect so please give him some time to deal with it."


    Frozen Ocean tilted her head as she spoke, "You care about him?"


    Zywia sighed as she spoke, "I entered here because of my pride and things I have since then had made me realize I bit of more than I could chew and Ryuu helped me in more than one way he could have left me behind yet he did not."


    Su-Min looked send a glance towards Frozen Ocean before she spoke, "Hey Zywia I wanted to ask something before she spoke, "What is Ryuu''s relation with the Princess of Shangri-la?"


    Zywia frowned at that question before her face broke into a smile as she spoke, "Ah I remember you missed the ''Thousand Year'' banquet as such you do not know and I do not know why your teacher did not mention to you, well sorry I will not tell you here in the open maybe sometime in the future from prying ears and Daoist sister please do not thing I meant you."


    Frozen Ocean nodded at that as she spoke, "I understand, though what is this thousand year banquet?"


    Zywia as well as Su-Min''s smile widen as they began explaining to her about the ''Thousand Years'' banquet.


    Meanwhile Ryuu was in a bad mood it was getting difficult for him to reign in his bloodl.u.s.t as such he decided to meditate under the effect of the special concoction created by his teacher and it was working well as he had almost reigned in his control when all of sudden someone shook him awake.


    Daoist Three-Lives was old, old enough to claim that even amongst all the cultivators present he might just be the oldest as well as one of the few who have returned for the third time, others say that once you have returned successfully from this wretched place then you are guaranteed to be a Celestial in no time then what about him and those who are forced to return here again and again and fail.


    As they returned his mind was working hard on how to make it to the next level, if he were forced to quit in the 2nd level he won''t be able to live the humiliation, it would be too much for him to withstand, as he looked at Ryuu he found him meditating as such he went towards him and decided to draw his attention which proved to be a mistake.


    Bloodl.u.s.t of the like he had never felt before it felt he had awoke something primal something dangerous yet it was regal and commanding, he felt himself wanting to prostrate and beg for mercy, the air seemed to burn from the beings anger, he felt as if he lost the ability to breath, drowning in the ocean of blood, his lungs burned as he saw something looking at him with terrifying eyes that seemed to devour his soul.


    "Are you alright Daoist Three-lives?", a voice broke him out of his trance he blinked as he was greeted with the concerned voice of Ryuu, who was looking at him curiously, ''What happened?'', as if the entire thing that he witnessed was a dream no not a dream but a bad a very bad nightmare, he found himself kneeling in front of Ryuu shaking as others looked at him making him feel embarrassed, ''I must be going senile with age and pressure.'', he gave him a fake smile as he spoke, "I was hit heard on my head during the battle, it seems I underestimated my injury."


    Ryuu''s face did not lose the look of concern as he spoke, "Please fellow Daoist I urge to rest, this is a treacherous place and ignoring once health would be fatal.", Three-Lives nodded in agreement as he moved as far away from Ryuu as possible.


    Daoist Heavenly Earth was a portly man with a goatee spoke in a thundering voice, "My fellow Daoist brothers and sisters we have all been able to witness the beast that is guarding the portal to the other level.", he took a deep breath as he continued again, "So now we have three choices, one slay it and move into the next level, two somehow sneak past it to the next level and three stay here till the end and wait for Eden to eject us."


    One of the people who was listening spoke with a huff, "The chances of the last one happening is almost nil, our instructions were to find and move to the next level which we have yet to do as such the notion that Eden would eject us only true when we are in a level that is conquered as such the option you should say is retreat back into the first level."


    Daoist Heavenly Earth gave him a nod as he spoke, "Ah thank you fellow Daoist for correcting my mistake but as I say there are three choices in front of us, and so what should we do."


    "What about those who are lurking around and keeping a distance from us, more than ten thousand Mystic Immortal Emperors and Empresses had participated to enter this place, I know some have passed away already and amongst those present and fought here there is a rather healthy number who have chose not to aid us and are simply observing us."


    True-Spear spoke with a huff, "What about those opportunistic cowards if they interfere we would gut them otherwise we do not care if they peacefully move to the other level or not."


    "Actually there is something I want to point out.", a meek voice drew everyone''s attention as they all stared at the speaker who ''eeped'' at the attention as Frozen Ocean took pity on the girl as she spoke, "Please Sister do not hesitate to speak."


    The woman in question nodded as she spoke, "Well after many of us had decided to check on the beast that fellow Daoist brother mentioned, my friends and I went back to check for the portal so that if it comes to worst we can retreat.", she took a gulp as she spoke in a trembling tone, "The portal from level to level 2 is not working anymore they have closed."


    Her words shook everyone down to their core before everyone broke into serious discussions as they argued back and forth as some even looked ready to punch others Ryuu had enough the entire situation gave them a headache as he clapped his hand hard, it was like as if like a clap of thunder as everyone became quite as he spoke, "Enough stop acting like children you are grownups with some of having dozens of great grandchildren ourselves so act like the responsible a.d.u.l.ts you are.", he then took a deep breath as he continued, "Now as our fellow Daoist Sister had mentioned that the portal that brought us here is closed as such there is no way back correct.", the girl nodded meekly at that as Ryuu continued, "Now, there was not one but many portals that brought us here so are all of them closed?"


    At Ryuu''s question the girl swallowed hard before she continued again, "Well no I do not know but the portals that brought me and my friends both of them are closed, as such we came to the conclusion that the others might be as well."


    Ryuu took a deep breath as he spoke, "While I do not doubt our fellow sister''s reasoning but I believe we should check the portals that brought us here as well as keep an eye out for any other portal that we might encounter."


    Frost Flames looked intently at Ryuu before she spoke, "I propose that we return here after a week, then not only we will have searched properly and thoroughly but we would have recovered as well as have much better ideas on how to move to the next level."


    Everyone nodded as group broke and everyone started to leave upon seeing that Ryuu moved towards Zywia and the others as he spoke, "Well then shall we move as well."


    "Daoist Ryuu please wait.", he turned his head as he watched Frost Flames approach him as she spoke, "I wish to join your group if you have no problems."


    Ryuu turned his head towards others as Su-Min spoke with suspicion laced in her voice, "Why are you wanting to come with us, you already have people with you do you not?"


    Frost Flames lowered her head a little as she spoke, "My current group is made up of mostly males even if I know them, I feel a bit awkward to move along with them and my original group with whom I am had entered here, I got separated from them as such I hope you would allow me to travel with you temporary till I reunite with them again."


    Su-Min shrugged at that as she spoke, "Well you are free to follow us then."


    Frost Flames simply bowed as she spoke with gratitude in her voice, "Thank you! Thank you so much."

 Chapter 357 - Into the Abyss(Part-3)

    "Ryuu do you think that the portals are really gone?", asked a very anxious Zywia.


    Ryuu shrugged at that as he spoke, "There is a chance that such a thing could happen and the only way is forward."


    Suddenly Su-Min gasped out loudly as she spoke in fearful tone, "Heavens how could I forget we are doomed."


    Frozen Ocean looked at her curiously as she spoke "Is something wrong?"


    Su-Min spoke with a shudder at that, "I remember a long time ago when I was a baby cultivator not just started walking on the path of cultivation I had an older Martial Brother, he was the legacy disciple of my teacher, he had entered Eden along with his friends, then something happened."


    By then the entire group was paying undivided attention to Su-Min as Daniella spoke with a gulp, "What happened?"


    Su-Min''s jaws tighten before he spoke with a sigh, "Nobody knows what happened but they all managed to reach the second level before every, and by ''every'' I mean all the cultivators that had entered Eden were killed."


    Frost Flames for the first time broke her stoic visage as she spoke hurriedly, "You are joking right?"


    As they broke into furious discussions while Ryuu frowned before his eyes widen as he snapped his fingers drawing everyone''s attention as he spoke as if he just discovered something otherworldly and he wished to share with others, "Now I remember I knew I was forgetting something."


    At that everyone''s attention fell on him as he spoke, "My older sisters said something similar to me."


    Now it was turn for Zywia to frown she had not heard or learned about something like that, given she had spend her time researching various biospheres and creatures of Eden as such when hearing such a tale from Su-Min at first she thought she might just be making fun, but the seriousness and conviction of her tone made her falter a bit and then Ryuu went and said something like that made her heart stop beating out of fear.


    "You know something Ryuu, you sisters what did they tell you.", was her immediate retort to Ryuu upon hearing.


    Ryuu looked curiously at that as he spoke, "Well they were speaking something similar but I did not find it interesting as such I turned a blind eye to their discussion."


    The others gaped at his callous nature as Zywia could not help but scream at him, "WHY DID YOU NT PAY ATTENTION TO IT, it is so important."


    Ryuu tilted his head as he spoke, "It is important in what way? After all you all are forgetting one very crucial information, that no one knows how they died so how do you think they would inform me about when they did not know about what caused so many cultivators death almost an entire generation, though Zywia I could say the same about you since my sisters knew that means that your parents should as well so did you not find and learn anything pertaining to this from them."


    Zywia looked ashamed at that as Ryuu simply looked at others as he spoke, "Look now there are two ways in front of you, firstly we can try and try our hardest and maybe we would succeed and manage to move to the next level or we would fail, but the main thing is that even if we under some very very bad luck that we fail at least we had fought hard and died without regret and the second is that just roll over and die.", with that his piece said he let out a yawn before he began flying away from them lazily.


    Ryuu missed his flying vessel very much he was bored and inside his flying vessel he could do so many important and interesting things like sleeping but now he could not take it out, Zywia was one thing at least he knew that he could trust her that she would not blurt out about his flying vessel and a few dozen secret that she is privy to because of her parents but others never, he had to keep it safe and away, now if only he could give them the slip.


    Amnon could help but let out a yawn before he spoke in an accusing tone, "Brother Ryuu would you stop infecting us with your yawning."


    Ryuu snorted at that as he drawled out lazily, "Hey it is not my problem I am simply bored."


    Frozen Ocean narrowed her eyes as she studied Ryuu intently, ''How very interesting a few hours ago he was like a psychopathic murderer now he is joking and jovial friend.''


    "Daoist Ryuu I forgot to thank you earlier for your help.", Ryuuu turned to look at Frost Flames as he spoke curiously, "About what?"


    Frost flames looked at him directly into his eyes as she spoke, "When the abomination attacked us frost it used some sound based attacks and you managed to silence it with your array."


    Ryuu simply waved at her as he spoke, "As I have said earlier there is no need to thank me, we were in a battle nothing more nothing else."


    Amnon then remembered something as he spoke, "Ah, about the mysterious cultivator does anyone have any idea on who is he?"


    Frost Flames eyes narrowed as she spoke, "Well he is an unknown and no I am sorry to disappoint but I have do not know who is he? But his weapon was unique, it could be used as a sword as well as staff and the technique he was using was good at least a High level 8 or maybe even a pseudo Level 9."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke with a sigh, "So true but unfortunately now he would have a target on his back, there are many amongst us who could have defeated the creature as easily as him but chose not to reveal their hand but now he has exposed himself as such others might try to remove him early on to prevent the competition."


    Su-Min spoke with a sigh, "So true but he was fast when he made the escape, not to mention the nucleus and essence of the beast were missing."


    Daniella who was nearby spoke with a frown as she decided to change the topic, "So what are we to do now?"


    Frozen Ocean spoke towards them with a sigh, "Well let us check the location of the portal that brought us here."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Well I think that the place from where Zywia and I arrived is nearby so let us begin checking from that place."


    The others agreed as Ryuu spoke, "Well then keep up then.", with that he shot like an arrow towards the depths of the ocean with others following closely after her."


    As they descended Frost Flames spoke with a frown, "How much deeper do we have to go?"


    Ryuu turned his head as he gave them a grin as he spoke, "Much deeper but from what you said were you teleported near the surface."


    Frost flames nodded at that as she spoke, "Well I was actually teleported above the surface."


    Ryuu was about to reply when his battle instincts went haywire he somehow managed to pull out his sword, when all of a sudden a gigantic creature resembling a sea snake appeared and before anyone could react, it swallowed Ryuu as it turned left for deeper depths of the ocean.


    Su-Min was the first one to react as she shouted out, "After it we have to rescue brother Ryuu."

 Chapter 358 - Nine Netherworld Ba?mu(Part-1)

    Annoyance was what he felt at the moment inside the dark slimy and stiking place that was the stomach of the creature, the acidic vapors inside the beast''s belly made his skin itch and eyes burn to mention that he had accidently inhaled it making his lungs to burn as well not mention the smell that wanted to make him hurl, a drop of liquid from the ceiling fell on his shoulder making his cloth to let out a sizzling sound, as he tumbled because the creature moved as he quickly decided to need for something that giving him better visibility as he lit a scorching ball of fire on his palm, his eyes widen as he saw a large wall of stomach acid was able to fall on him, but he had already made another mistake.


    The beast was fast but not fast enough for a group of made up of almost entirely of peak level Mystic Immortal Emperors, as they neared it Frozen Ocean spoke, "We are going to trap��", she managed to speak that much as her world went white.


    They all felt as if they were hit by bull hard, their ears were ringing as they returned to their senses they were gritted by the sight of blood floating all around them with large chucks of the creature slowly sinking into the depths and in the middle of it was Ryuu who looked worse for wear, he standing dumbfounded with his right hand raised up, his clothes were torn specially on the right side, as his hair seemed singed, his face looked as if someone had rubbed charcoal all over his face.


    He looked up towards them as he blinked owlishly as Zywia spoke with distress in her voice, "Ryuu are you alright?"


    Ryuu tilted his head as he shouted towards them, "WHAT ARE YOU SAYING SPEAK CLEARLY."


    Zywia palmed her face as she spoke, "The idiot blew his eardrums, and who carelessly uses attack like that."


    Ryuu looked at them with a frown he could lip read but he could not hear them then it struck, ''I blew my eardrums'', he sighed as he took a medicinal pill and within he was as good as knew.


    He looked at them as he spoke, "The explosion was something else, are you people alright?"


    Su-Min glared at him as she spoke, "Daoist Brother Ryuu could you not use anything as not so devastating in order to escape your foolish even injured you."


    Ryuu deadpanned at her as he spoke, "Would you believe me if I say that I did not use any attack whatsoever, I was in dark smelly and disgusting place as such I decided to light us a small flame to have better understanding of my surroundings but I do not know why but it caused the explosion."


    As everyone looked at him incredulously Ryuu blushed at that as he spoke, "Hey how would I know something like this might happen it has never happened before."


    Frost Flames could not help but speak curiously at that, "Daoist Ryuu, you have prior experience of getting eaten."


    Ryuu turned his head as he mumbled loud enough for everyone to hear, "Well I was just young Zifu disciple, and I was hunting an Immogi and because of my mistake it ate me, I escaped from it by cooking form the inside then cutting myself out of it."


    Others gawked at that as Su-Min had her fingers pressing her temples before she spoke in a tired voice, "I give up, I simply give up."


    Ryuu beamed at that as he spoke, "Thank you for the compliment.", only to receive stares from others screaming, ''Are you a lunatic?'', to him but he did not pay any heed to it as he continued speaking, "Well since you have already given up can we proceed to the location of the portal, also I would like to point out that this amount of blood would attract various predators and I would not like to waste my energy on them."


    A few days ago Ryuu was standing along with others in a new robe, his previous one he had burned to ash because not only it was damaged but the smell would not come out.


    "So this it we are now going to find out what kind of beast it is.", he looked over towards the group present as he frowned, "It seems that we have at the very least five times the amount that fought along with us."


    Su-Min who was nearby snorted upon hearing Ryuu''s observation as she spoke, "Of course there are, the number of cultivators who were observing before had also joined us."


    Ryuu looked forward into the dark empty abyss, a flickering light could be seen in the distance but no one could see the creature that was guarding they waited and waited when all of a sudden a cultivator screamed, "F**k I can no longer tolerate it.", with that he dashed towards the doorway.


    Everyone was stunned before the crowd broke into a run, Ryuu himself was stunned before be spoek with a snarl, "Move, move fast."


    Their strategy was simple they would use the rest of the cultivators as cover while they make their escape, and he knew that many of their fellow cultivators had the same plan, maybe they could fight maybe they would win but no one wanted to follow show their true and strength and trump cards.


    Ryuu turned as he looked back he saw a few did not make their move they were standing back, he could taste their anxiety and he knew that those who stayed behind were banking on the fact that they would move to the next level thus they would be safely able to stay here, Ryuu simply shook his head at that before he froze in horror as he saw a gigantic face descending behind them, a face he was very familiar to as he had seen the creature before a being he was very familiar after all her third eldest sister was one, as such he knew how dangerous a Nine Netherworld Ba?mu.


    "ZYWIA RUN DO NOT LOOK BACK, JUST RUN!", he bellowed startling his companions who looked at him only to be taken aback at the frightened look on his face.


    But they did not get any chance as another humongous head appeared from just appeared in front of the cultivators as it roared before letting out a purple colored smoke to escape from its mouth which raced towards the cultivator, before they could brace themselves another roar came from behind.


    Everyone looked at horror as anyone who came in contact with the purple colored cloud simply, screamed in pain before they turned to ash before they scattered into winds.


    Ryuu bit back a curse he knew how dangerous the creature was, as well as dangerous Shamiran being the only known in existence, she is so poisonous that if she were to carelessly breath she would kill every living being inside the world within seconds and the best part, the poison was like a virus it would spread through contact, he knew his sister had to keep herself in control so as not to accidently kill the residents of Ayindril, the only time she can be herself when she is not in the confines of her room.


    A poison that does not even have a cure, the only hope of countering it was building immunity against it, and the process would take countless millennia to complete, knew that even her teachers and older sisters were not completely immune to her, they may be able to withstand her poisonous breath but if directly bitten they might die. Her blood, her saliva everything carried that deadly poison which also prevented her from falling in love as well such a sad life.


    But Ryuu did not have time to think about her, he was now facing two Ba?mus even if it was just their breath he did not wish to taste his immunity against them let alone getting bitten, for the first time he entered inside Eden he felt true fear.

 Chapter 359 - Nine Netherworld Ba?mu(Part-2)

    Eden a place of hope and dread, where countless cultivators were seduced by the promise of treasure, fame glory amongst the imposing structure of Eden, was a couple of stele one of them the names of Pangu, Antariskh, Saidhal along with the rest of their friends were immortalized beside their name 14th level, that has been many eons ago before the great calamity yet no one has ever broken their record, no one has conquered the 15th level as such their names were still shown up, another such stele happened to show the numbers of cultivators alive the only thing that told them the condition of the cultivators, it showed how many were left, the number was a little over 30,000 to have so many Mystic Immortals in a place was astounding a force that made many wary but then something happened, with the sound akin to hammer being struck on stone the numbers changed as chaos erupted.


    Antariskh sat on her chair as she nursed a headache no matter how powerful she became she could not get rid of the paperwork in front of her and that irritated her the most, as she was about to take a sip of wine from her saucer one of her servants knocked the room as she permitted the person to enter she kneeled in front of her as Antariskh commanded her, "Speak."


    "Your Majesty please forgive me for my insolence, but something terrible has happened at Eden, a calamity has taken place."


    Antariskh took a deep breath as she spoke, "What has happened?"


    The room was starting to get saturated from her terrifying KI as the servant cowered from her might while speaking in a frightened tone, "Your Majesty an incident took place in the Second level most of th��.", as she heard the report her KI went wild as the table was flung as she disappeared, the servant herself found flung on the wall with enough force to crack it, as the paper fell like confetti all around her.


    Veena was enjoying some alone time with her husband when they both felt the terrifying power of their eldest daughter running wild as such they quickly made themselves descend just in time for the door to their door to be pulverize.


    Maheswara could not help but jibe at that, "My baby daughter it has been eons since something spooked you so much that you ran to our bedroom, do I have to check under your bed for some monsters."


    Antariskh did not look towards her father her focus was on her mother, by then the other members of the household were running towards their room as she spoke, "Mother please show me Ryuu''s ''Thousand Life Petal Flower''."


    Veena was taken aback as she spoke, "Daughter what has happened��"


    She could not ask complete her question as Antariskh gritted her teeth in frustration as she spoke, "Mother PLEASE show it to me, Please.", her voice breaking in the end, startling them.


    Veena quickly picked up her space ring that she had taken off of her finger as she picked it up she gasped as she felt something different about it, couple of leaves had fallen from the plant as she watched with it horror.


    To what seemed like an eternity the no change appeared on the plant as Celestia spoke with a gulp, "So is Ryuu safe."


    Veena shook her head as she spoke, "If Ryuu was in mortal danger the plant would continued to decay until Ryuu is dead, yet a few leaves had fallen means he was in mortal danger again when he would have been out of the danger the leaves would grow but unfortunately it did not that means that he is still not out of danger.", her focus then fell on Antariskh as she spoke, "Daughter you know something, please tell us what has happened."


    Ryuu dashed through the crowd of cultivators as he flung them out of his path as he trampled through them his teammates followed the suite with Amnon bringing the rear, RYuu gritted his teeth as he saw the size of the portal, "That damn thing is not big enough, we will get stuck and massacred.


    He moved his hand as a few dozen talisman appeared, he grasped them before he flung them around the talisman surrounded them forming a sphere, he did not look back as he shouted, ???Do not look back do not falter just keep moving, if you stop you would be dead."


    By then many others had applied similar tactics using defensive arrays to protect themselves, Ryuu gritted his teeth as he spoke, "Use any form of movement skill to move faster I am going to punch a hole through the group we are going to force ourselves through the portal at any cost."


    Daniella looked at the people who were dying as she spoke, "Surely your array will hold."


    Her words earned a scathing glare from Ryuu, who simply spoke, "Keep up.", with that he began to increase his speed.


    "Prancing Dragon", he murmured lowly but enough for others to hear, Zywia followed his example as she activated her own skill, "Gentle Stream."


    Everyone followed their suite but it was proving extremely difficult for Frozen Ocean, Daniella and Amnon to keep up with them, even Su-Min grimaced t the skills they used, ''Damn bastards Ryuu and Zywia both are from older and powerful families and they really spoil their children rotten.''


    Froze Ocean bit her lips her whole body was screaming in agony as she pushed her movement skill to the absolute limit, she had means to escape some form of crucial yet self harming arts used for emergency but she did not wish to test her mettle against such a horrifying poison.


    Ryuu''s protection sphere mashed against the others and as soon as they were struck by it a very powerful force swatted them away rather violently from Ryuu and his entourage, he gritted his teeth at that, ''My action would cause my karma to be affected badly, but I am sorry my life is the most precious to me than anyone or anything else in this place.''


    He idly noticed True-spear, a good few distance in front of him, leading charge with Frost Flames following after him with another group various protection arrays covered each of them but what made him winced was the way True-spear lead the charge, just like a cavalry tearing his way to the portal.


    A huge purplish gas appeared in front of them Ryuu flinched but he did not stop nor did he could stray from his path, the sphere went through the crowd as screams of anger, fear and pleading for mercy rang throughout as countless died.


    Zywia''s heart shook with fear, as they moved through the gas as they cleared past it she let out her breath she did not even noticed she held out of fear, she suddenly felt relieved that she did not turn into ash, when all of sudden the heard a crack.


    Almost anyone in their group whose name was not Ryuu looked up to see a crack on top if the sphere, which was starting to slowly widen and a small purplish gas holding onto it, for the first time they knew why Ryuu panicked, when they were saved from the abomination detonating in the battle of the 2nd level by Ryuu''s array they had believed in his ability to protect them which had been doubled many times over after they had seen him create the sphere, even someone who was not well versed in array could tell that this sphere was heaven and earth apart than the one Ryuu used previously, yet now they fully understood why Ryuu was scared, after all the poison seemed to be eating away the array itself slowly breaking it.


    Then the sphere protecting them groaned as it shook gradually threatening break apart any minute, their hearts hammered as they could here Ryuu muttering with fear evident in his voice, "Please hold! Please Hold!", over and over again, 300meters,200 meters as they neared the portal the shaking of the sphere began so violent that it was becoming difficult for it to maintain its shape.


    As they neared Ryuu was gritted at the sight of multiple cultivators stuck at the portal completely, because of their protective arrays, blocking their way and they were so close, Ryuu closed his eyes for a moment as he spoke solemnly, "I am sorry."


    His statement seemed like a cold steel guillotine that cleaved through their soul as Su-Min let out a strangled sob at the thought of their imminent death and she had so much to accomplish.

 Chapter 360 - Nine Netherworld Ba?mu(Part-2)

    Eden a place of hope and dread, where countless cultivators were seduced by the promise of treasure, fame glory amongst the imposing structure of Eden, was a couple of stele one of them the names of Pangu, Antariskh, Saidhal along with the rest of their friends were immortalized beside their name 14th level, that has been many eons ago before the great calamity yet no one has ever broken their record, no one has conquered the 15th level as such their names were still shown up, another such stele happened to show the numbers of cultivators alive the only thing that told them the condition of the cultivators, it showed how many were left, the number was a little over 30,000 to have so many Mystic Immortals in a place was astounding a force that made many wary but then something happened, with the sound akin to hammer being struck on stone the numbers changed as chaos erupted.


    Antariskh sat on her chair as she nursed a headache no matter how powerful she became she could not get rid of the paperwork in front of her and that irritated her the most, as she was about to take a sip of wine from her saucer one of her servants knocked the room as she permitted the person to enter she kneeled in front of her as Antariskh commanded her, "Speak."


    "Your Majesty please forgive me for my insolence, but something terrible has happened at Eden, a calamity has taken place."


    Antariskh took a deep breath as she spoke, "What has happened?"


    The room was starting to get saturated from her terrifying KI as the servant cowered from her might while speaking in a frightened tone, "Your Majesty an incident took place in the Second level most of th��.", as she heard the report her KI went wild as the table was flung as she disappeared, the servant herself found flung on the wall with enough force to crack it, as the paper fell like confetti all around her.


    Veena was enjoying some alone time with her husband when they both felt the terrifying power of their eldest daughter running wild as such they quickly made themselves descend just in time for the door to their door to be pulverize.


    Maheswara could not help but jibe at that, "My baby daughter it has been eons since something spooked you so much that you ran to our bedroom, do I have to check under your bed for some monsters."


    Antariskh did not look towards her father her focus was on her mother, by then the other members of the household were running towards their room as she spoke, "Mother please show me Ryuu''s ''Thousand Life Petal Flower''."


    Veena was taken aback as she spoke, "Daughter what has happened��"


    She could not ask complete her question as Antariskh gritted her teeth in frustration as she spoke, "Mother PLEASE show it to me, Please.", her voice breaking in the end, startling them.


    Veena quickly picked up her space ring that she had taken off of her finger as she picked it up she gasped as she felt something different about it, couple of leaves had fallen from the plant as she watched with it horror.


    To what seemed like an eternity the no change appeared on the plant as Celestia spoke with a gulp, "So is Ryuu safe."


    Veena shook her head as she spoke, "If Ryuu was in mortal danger the plant would continued to decay until Ryuu is dead, yet a few leaves had fallen means he was in mortal danger again when he would have been out of the danger the leaves would grow but unfortunately it did not that means that he is still not out of danger.", her focus then fell on Antariskh as she spoke, "Daughter you know something, please tell us what has happened."


    Ryuu dashed through the crowd of cultivators as he flung them out of his path as he trampled through them his teammates followed the suite with Amnon bringing the rear, RYuu gritted his teeth as he saw the size of the portal, "That damn thing is not big enough, we will get stuck and massacred.


    He moved his hand as a few dozen talisman appeared, he grasped them before he flung them around the talisman surrounded them forming a sphere, he did not look back as he shouted, ???Do not look back do not falter just keep moving, if you stop you would be dead."


    By then many others had applied similar tactics using defensive arrays to protect themselves, Ryuu gritted his teeth as he spoke, "Use any form of movement skill to move faster I am going to punch a hole through the group we are going to force ourselves through the portal at any cost."


    Daniella looked at the people who were dying as she spoke, "Surely your array will hold."


    Her words earned a scathing glare from Ryuu, who simply spoke, "Keep up.", with that he began to increase his speed.


    "Prancing Dragon", he murmured lowly but enough for others to hear, Zywia followed his example as she activated her own skill, "Gentle Stream."


    Everyone followed their suite but it was proving extremely difficult for Frozen Ocean, Daniella and Amnon to keep up with them, even Su-Min grimaced t the skills they used, ''Damn bastards Ryuu and Zywia both are from older and powerful families and they really spoil their children rotten.''


    Froze Ocean bit her lips her whole body was screaming in agony as she pushed her movement skill to the absolute limit, she had means to escape some form of crucial yet self harming arts used for emergency but she did not wish to test her mettle against such a horrifying poison.


    Ryuu''s protection sphere mashed against the others and as soon as they were struck by it a very powerful force swatted them away rather violently from Ryuu and his entourage, he gritted his teeth at that, ''My action would cause my karma to be affected badly, but I am sorry my life is the most precious to me than anyone or anything else in this place.''


    He idly noticed True-spear, a good few distance in front of him, leading charge with Frost Flames following after him with another group various protection arrays covered each of them but what made him winced was the way True-spear lead the charge, just like a cavalry tearing his way to the portal.


    A huge purplish gas appeared in front of them Ryuu flinched but he did not stop nor did he could stray from his path, the sphere went through the crowd as screams of anger, fear and pleading for mercy rang throughout as countless died.


    Zywia''s heart shook with fear, as they moved through the gas as they cleared past it she let out her breath she did not even noticed she held out of fear, she suddenly felt relieved that she did not turn into ash, when all of sudden the heard a crack.


    Almost anyone in their group whose name was not Ryuu looked up to see a crack on top if the sphere, which was starting to slowly widen and a small purplish gas holding onto it, for the first time they knew why Ryuu panicked, when they were saved from the abomination detonating in the battle of the 2nd level by Ryuu''s array they had believed in his ability to protect them which had been doubled many times over after they had seen him create the sphere, even someone who was not well versed in array could tell that this sphere was heaven and earth apart than the one Ryuu used previously, yet now they fully understood why Ryuu was scared, after all the poison seemed to be eating away the array itself slowly breaking it.


    Then the sphere protecting them groaned as it shook gradually threatening break apart any minute, their hearts hammered as they could here Ryuu muttering with fear evident in his voice, "Please hold! Please Hold!", over and over again, 300meters,200 meters as they neared the portal the shaking of the sphere began so violent that it was becoming difficult for it to maintain its shape.


    As they neared Ryuu was gritted at the sight of multiple cultivators stuck at the portal completely, because of their protective arrays, blocking their way and they were so close, Ryuu closed his eyes for a moment as he spoke solemnly, "I am sorry."


    His statement seemed like a cold steel guillotine that cleaved through their soul as Su-Min let out a strangled sob at the thought of their imminent death and she had so much to accomplish.

 Chapter 361 - Nine Netherworld Ba?mu(Part-2)

    Eden a place of hope and dread, where countless cultivators were seduced by the promise of treasure, fame glory amongst the imposing structure of Eden, was a couple of stele one of them the names of Pangu, Antariskh, Saidhal along with the rest of their friends were immortalized beside their name 14th level, that has been many eons ago before the great calamity yet no one has ever broken their record, no one has conquered the 15th level as such their names were still shown up, another such stele happened to show the numbers of cultivators alive the only thing that told them the condition of the cultivators, it showed how many were left, the number was a little over 30,000 to have so many Mystic Immortals in a place was astounding a force that made many wary but then something happened, with the sound akin to hammer being struck on stone the numbers changed as chaos erupted.


    Antariskh sat on her chair as she nursed a headache no matter how powerful she became she could not get rid of the paperwork in front of her and that irritated her the most, as she was about to take a sip of wine from her saucer one of her servants knocked the room as she permitted the person to enter she kneeled in front of her as Antariskh commanded her, "Speak."


    "Your Majesty please forgive me for my insolence, but something terrible has happened at Eden, a calamity has taken place."


    Antariskh took a deep breath as she spoke, "What has happened?"


    The room was starting to get saturated from her terrifying KI as the servant cowered from her might while speaking in a frightened tone, "Your Majesty an incident took place in the Second level most of th��.", as she heard the report her KI went wild as the table was flung as she disappeared, the servant herself found flung on the wall with enough force to crack it, as the paper fell like confetti all around her.


    Veena was enjoying some alone time with her husband when they both felt the terrifying power of their eldest daughter running wild as such they quickly made themselves descend just in time for the door to their door to be pulverize.


    Maheswara could not help but jibe at that, "My baby daughter it has been eons since something spooked you so much that you ran to our bedroom, do I have to check under your bed for some monsters."


    Antariskh did not look towards her father her focus was on her mother, by then the other members of the household were running towards their room as she spoke, "Mother please show me Ryuu''s ''Thousand Life Petal Flower''."


    Veena was taken aback as she spoke, "Daughter what has happened��"


    She could not ask complete her question as Antariskh gritted her teeth in frustration as she spoke, "Mother PLEASE show it to me, Please.", her voice breaking in the end, startling them.


    Veena quickly picked up her space ring that she had taken off of her finger as she picked it up she gasped as she felt something different about it, couple of leaves had fallen from the plant as she watched with it horror.


    To what seemed like an eternity the no change appeared on the plant as Celestia spoke with a gulp, "So is Ryuu safe."


    Veena shook her head as she spoke, "If Ryuu was in mortal danger the plant would continued to decay until Ryuu is dead, yet a few leaves had fallen means he was in mortal danger again when he would have been out of the danger the leaves would grow but unfortunately it did not that means that he is still not out of danger.", her focus then fell on Antariskh as she spoke, "Daughter you know something, please tell us what has happened."


    Ryuu dashed through the crowd of cultivators as he flung them out of his path as he trampled through them his teammates followed the suite with Amnon bringing the rear, Ryuu gritted his teeth as he saw the size of the portal, "That damn thing is not big enough, we will get stuck and massacred.


    He moved his hand as a few dozen talisman appeared, he grasped them before he flung them around the talisman surrounded them forming a sphere, he did not look back as he shouted, " Do not look back do not falter just keep moving, if you stop you would be dead."


    By then many others had applied similar tactics using defensive arrays to protect themselves, Ryuu gritted his teeth as he spoke, "Use any form of movement skill to move faster I am going to punch a hole through the group we are going to force ourselves through the portal at any cost."


    Daniella looked at the people who were dying as she spoke, "Surely your array will hold."


    Her words earned a scathing glare from Ryuu, who simply spoke, "Keep up.", with that he began to increase his speed.


    "Prancing Dragon", he murmured lowly but enough for others to hear, Zywia followed his example as she activated her own skill, "Gentle Stream."


    Everyone followed their suite but it was proving extremely difficult for Frozen Ocean, Daniella and Amnon to keep up with them, even Su-Min grimaced t the skills they used, ''Damn bastards Ryuu and Zywia both are from older and powerful families and they really spoil their children rotten.''


    Froze Ocean bit her lips her whole body was screaming in agony as she pushed her movement skill to the absolute limit, she had means to escape some form of crucial yet self harming arts used for emergency but she did not wish to test her mettle against such a horrifying poison.


    Ryuu''s protection sphere mashed against the others and as soon as they were struck by it a very powerful force swatted them away rather violently from Ryuu and his entourage, he gritted his teeth at that, ''My action would cause my karma to be affected badly, but I am sorry my life is the most precious to me than anyone or anything else in this place.''


    He idly noticed True-spear, a good few distance in front of him, leading charge with Frost Flames following after him with another group various protection arrays covered each of them but what made him winced was the way True-spear lead the charge, just like a cavalry tearing his way to the portal.


    A huge purplish gas appeared in front of them Ryuu flinched but he did not stop nor did he could stray from his path, the sphere went through the crowd as screams of anger, fear and pleading for mercy rang throughout as countless died.


    Zywia''s heart shook with fear, as they moved through the gas as they cleared past it she let out her breath she did not even noticed she held out of fear, she suddenly felt relieved that she did not turn into ash, when all of sudden the heard a crack.


    Almost anyone in their group whose name was not Ryuu looked up to see a crack on top if the sphere, which was starting to slowly widen and a small purplish gas holding onto it, for the first time they knew why Ryuu panicked, when they were saved from the abomination detonating in the battle of the 2nd level by Ryuu''s array they had believed in his ability to protect them which had been doubled many times over after they had seen him create the sphere, even someone who was not well versed in array could tell that this sphere was heaven and earth apart than the one Ryuu used previously, yet now they fully understood why Ryuu was scared, after all the poison seemed to be eating away the array itself slowly breaking it.


    Then the sphere protecting them groaned as it shook gradually threatening break apart any minute, their hearts hammered as they could here Ryuu muttering with fear evident in his voice, "Please hold! Please Hold!", over and over again, 300meters,200 meters as they neared the portal the shaking of the sphere began so violent that it was becoming difficult for it to maintain its shape.


    As they neared Ryuu was gritted at the sight of multiple cultivators stuck at the portal completely, because of their protective arrays, blocking their way and they were so close, Ryuu closed his eyes for a moment as he spoke solemnly, "I am sorry."


    His statement seemed like a cold steel guillotine that cleaved through their soul as Su-Min let out a strangled sob at the thought of their imminent death and she had so much to accomplish.

 Chapter 360 - Nine Netherworld Ba?mu(Part-3)

    "Control yourselves Su-Min", bellowed Ryuu in anger as he spoke, "I am not going to die today and neither are you because of this incompetent mongrels."


    Ryuu took out his sword as he dragged his palm over the sharp edge drawing blood before he closed his eyes to focus. The sphere by then was completely unstable and wobbly and with a loud bang it shattered as did the heart of anyone inside whose name was not Ryuu panicked as they quickly decided to use whatever technique necessary to preserve their life only to stop as a intense killing intent combined with KI washed over them, for them it seemed the world around them froze, as they looked at Ryuu no they looked at the sword that had taken the shape of a human waiting to be unleashed on the enemy.


    Ryuu had at first felt guilty at the same time he knew that the protective sphere that detonated outwardly made sure to push any cultivators or poisonous gas away from them, he knew that it would cause deaths of some and he also knew he will have only one chance to pierce through the barrier preventing them before he would be overwhelmed by the gas as well as fellow cultivators.


    Then he noticed something that made his blood boil, he had made the mistake of reading their lips.


    "��..shut up you do not know what is a good wine��"


    "Really brother Hao you seemed to forget about the place I took you to before entering this place��.."


    Hao''s eyes glazed over as he gave a lecherous grin as he spoke, "Let us return there again��."


    Ryuu had a look of disbelief over his face, from the distance he thought that this people were arguing after getting stuck, he thought they were scared people he knew how in face of danger people simply wanted to run and most of the deaths or injuries were caused by panicking people but this they deliberately blocked the pathway they simply wanted decrease the competition, ''This mongrels how dare they, HOW DARE THEY CONSPIRE TO KILL ME.'', his anger erupted like a volcano as did his hatred for them, ''I SENTENCED THEM TO DEATH."


    His sword hummed in agreement as it wanted to bathe in blood of those that defied and conspired against its master.


    Ryuu gained a blood thirsty grin as he stopped his Divine body from acting up although his eyes had gained the tell-a-tale sign of the Divine body as he used one of the techniques borrowed from his second older sister, his words seemed to reverberate through the soul of others as the offenders were finally realized of their imminent doom, but it was too late.


    "Forbidden Arts: Thousand Flower Blossom."


    As he spoke those words the Grand Dao of Sword formed around him like a lotus, then its petal seemed to be scattered across swaying gently as if under a breeze, before it was lit with fire and encased with ice which turned black in color as array seemed to be forming on top it, Ryuu then thrust his sword forward like a stab as the world seemed to move along with it.


    They did not even feel when they died, their protective bubble torn to shred like a piece of paper trying to stop a lake full of water, they petals had turned to deadly swords that tore them apart faster they could blink and their bodies were destroyed even faster, with the road cleared Ryuu turned and grinned, "Road is clear let us escape."


    With that he dashed forward, Frozen Ocean looked at the tall back of Ryuu, a moment ago she had already made peace with the idea of her death, she had given up yet someone so many years younger than him did not he pushed forward literally dragging them, even when their path was blocked Ryuu did not falter he cut through it and as such she understood why her Junior Martial Sisters sung praises of him, he was truly unparalleled with sword.


    As they reached the other side of the portal they heaved a sigh of relief, they were safe and that proved to be fatal as Su-Min let her guard down.


    A screaming cultivator emerged from the portal, "Save me someone anyone."


    Then he tried to grab the nearest person to him which unfortunately was Su-Min, after dashing so much her body was screaming with pain, as such when she decided to relax and let her guard down so did her body as such she could not move fast, everything slowed down for her as a look of dread appeared on her face, her brain was screaming to move but she could not, Ryuu who was nearby reacted as he flung the person from near her as look of realization dawn on his face, ''Damn it I touched him, I could have flung him without touching, I am an idiot colossal idiot.''


    A pain erupted from his left hand, he felt as if something was feasting inside his hand digging through it, he knew he had to act fast his poison tolerance was not enough, he gritted his teeth as a flat board appeared in front of him, he fell on the top on his knees with his infected hand supporting him, he turned to Su-Min whose visage was rapidly paling as he spoke, "Su-Min do not gawk I will die within seconds if you waste my time, use this board and move me away from the portal fast I do not wish for it to repeat again will you, and please guard me."


    Su-Min quickly nodded as she caught the board as she carried him, only to be joined by others who started moving fast from the portal, Amnon who was nearby frowned as he spoke, "Try to move without shaking too much, I hope Daoist Ryuu can pull of a miracle."


    True-Spear looked at the retreating group as he spoke, "Oh it seems Daoist Ryuu is done for and he seemed to have so much potential."


    Frost Flames looked towards them as she spoke, "I am going to follow them from a distance, any other person would have stated to crumble but Daoist Ryuu is still intact."


    Ryuu had by then torn his shit as the part of his armor retreated into his space ring, exposing the upper left side of his body, his lifted his right hand as dozens of talismans spun around his hand which glowed briefly before they covered every inch of his hand as he placed his right hand on top of left hand, multiple array covered his hands making the left hand covered by the talisman look completely black, before it started releasing steam.


    The arrays then started to spin in red color as more and more steam erupted from his hand, Ryuu gritted his teeth, ''It is not enough'', he raised his right hand as a good few pills appeared in them he crushed them and then he did something that made everyone nearby specially Daniella gasp in shock, he directly shoved his hand into his chest as he inserted the medicine directly into his heart.


    The red hot lines receded soon enough as the steam left exposing his left hand for the world to see, it looked as if someone has skinned the entire left arm from the shoulder then tattooed them with bluish black lines, Ryuu collapsed on his back as he removed his right from his chest as it started to close with a sizzle and within a couple of seconds there wasn''t even a small mark on his chest, a small fire rose as every drop of his blood vaporized as Ryuu chuckled out loud, "I did it."


    Zywia looked at him worriedly as she spoke, "Ryuu are you alright now?"


    Ryuu gave her a weak nod as he spoke, "Well I would need a good night sleep though I am tired."


    Zywia nodded at that as she spoke, "Well then I hope others do not have any problem, we would carry Ryuu away and make a shelter for the night, first a water world now a giant desert."


    Ryuu for the first time paid attention to his surroundings as he noticed twin Suns in the sky making him groan at that, as Frozen Flames spoke curiously, "How did you manage to survive long enough to heal yourself?"


    Ryuu snorted at that as he spoke, "Heal myself please I somehow managed to seal the poison with the hope that after I leave this place my teacher would be able to remove it from my body, and as for the poison''s effect it was simply delayed because of the poison resistance of my body, since I was a toddler my teacher has been building my resistance against poison."


    Frozen Flames nodded accepting the answer although her eyes flickered briefly at Ryuu''s face as she mused, ''Was I mistaken for a moment while he was working his pupils changed as scales seemed to appear on his cheeks, it might be I was hallucinating.''


    Frost Flames looked at True-Spear who simply whistled as he spoke, "You are right he is definitely interesting."


    Meanwhile outside Eden an absolutely pandemonium had occurred as everyone looked at the stele which had four lines appearing on it.


    Level 3: 879


    Level 2: 0


    Level 1: 63


    Alive: 942


    Over 30,000 Mystic Immortal Emperors had entered Eden but at the end of the day less than a 1000 remained alive something happened in the 2nd level that had killed most of them, it was a sad day, a dark day as many factions would soon cease to exist because of today''s massacre.

 Chapter 361 - Beyond the Dunes(Part-1)

    Ryuu stretched himself while letting out a loud yawn as he looked around, he found himself to what seemed to be a tent of some sorts, as he stepped outside he was greeted with the sight of his group chatting around to what seemed to be a camp fire, he noticed that the faux campfire was the byproduct of some sort of array that was placed on the ground as they sat surrounding it, as he approached them he could here True-Spear laughing loudly, ''Since when did they join us.''


    "Ah Daoist Ryuu, I see you are awake how are you."


    Ryuu smiled at True-Spear as he spoke, "I am fine, as good as new, and so how many did make it?"


    At his questions many of them frowned as Amon spoke with a tired sigh, "From what we have found may be around 800 managed to reach this place and those who have not I hope they had managed to survive."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "I doubt it they are the most vicious creatures, not to mention there were two of them, but you are right we can hope that more escaped and hid in the 2nd level."


    True-Spear frowned at that as he spoke, "I want to thank you for that if you did not recognize the beast we would be dead, but to speak the truth I have never heard of any such creature."


    Zywia frowned at that as she spoke, "I also wanted to ask you the same Brother as I have never seen nor heard of such a creature."


    Ryuu tilted his head as he mulled over what Zywia had just said, ''So it seems that her parents did not share such information with her good to know.''


    Ryuu simply smiled as he replied, "I recognize it as simply a fluke."


    Frost Flames looked intently at him as she spoke, "Explain."


    Ryuu sighed as he looked up to see the star lit sky as he began speaking mixing half truths and lies, "In my family the youngest member was my mother was the youngest member prior to my birth, as such by time I was born I had no one of age to play with, so I turned towards books. My mother has a hobby of collecting books, manuscripts and over the years she had managed to gain a rather impressive collection of literary jewels including some extremely rare ones. Since I was young my family had instilled in me the habit of reading, and when I learned to read I became frequent visitor to her library, at first it was simply children books with pictures and what not.", he stopped for a small breath as he accepted a glass of wine with a smile before he began again, "One day I came across a rather worn out book with pictures and I learned from that."


    Frozen Ocean looked at him incredulously as she spoke, "You mean that you learned about that creature from a children book."


    Ryuu scrunched his face as he spoke well I will not signify it as mere children book it was more like a book on mythical creatures that I had found, that creature was mentioned there, so horrifying was its poison that its breath tainted in the presence of the poison stored in its glands were strong enough to kill let alone the poison itself."


    Daniella''s jaw dropped at that as she spoke, "I thought that the creature was spraying the poison in some gaseous form, not simply breathing around and killing others with it."


    Ryuu shrugged at that as he spoke, "May be you are right may be you are wrong who knows, I just shared that information that I had learned from the book."


    Amnon sighed at that as he spoke, "Now we know why that expedition of our seniors fell apart all those years ago."


    Zywia bit her lips as she spoke, "I also hope that was the reason who knows what might have happened after all we are told how Eden is unpredictable and how no one knows what might have caused that incident."


    Su-Min was looking intently at Ryuu who was feeling uncomfortable by it as such he could not help but speak, "Is something wrong sister?"


    Su-Min looked at him as she asked in a confused tone, "Why?"


    Ryuu was confused at that as he spoke, "What do you mean by ''What''?"


    Su-Min looked at him devoid of any emotion as she spoke, "Why did you risk your life to save mine?"


    Ryuu looked at her before he spoke with a sigh, "Sister I hope you remember that I promised that I would help you and let me tell you that my word is law, if I make a promise I will keep it no matter the consequences."


    Ryuu knew he looked cool the way he delivered and judging by others face it had quite the impact now he only hoped others did not bring about his momentary lapse of judgment.


    Su-Min looked down for a moment as she spoke with resolution in her eyes, "Ryuu you once said your goal is to conquer the 15 the level, as I Su-Min promise you that I will help you to achieve it."


    Ryuu looked at her with slightly wide eyes before he spoke with a smile, "Thank you."


    One of the many cultivators who were nearby spoke curiously, "Why do you want to reach the 15th floor? Is there something interesting in that floor?"


    Ryuu smirked at him as he let go of the cup which floated near him before he inspected his left hand while speaking, "Well the most important thing about that floor is no one has ever managed to conquer it and I wish to be the first one to do so."


    The same cultivator frowned as Ryuu started to bandage his arm as he spoke, "How do you know that, after all this place existed for time immemorial so how do you know that no one has ever conquered the 15th floor?"


    Zywia replied on behalf of Ryuu, "Well do you know that stele that shows the number of cultivators that are participating in Eden.", as she spoke many nodded as she continued, "Well near it there is another stele which mentions the name of cultivators who have conquered the 14th floor, it has been there for ages, so long that most no longer pay attention to it anymore."


    True-Spear seemed to have been struck by realization as she spoke with a grin, "Ah I remember those names might be some seriously cool cultivators if they had managed to do such a thing. Pangu, Zarina, I think that were their names though I do not remember the names of rest of them."


    "I never heard of them.", was quipped by another by then Ryuu had completely finished bandaging his hand.


    Ryuu looked up to them as he spoke, "Brother, what about you? Do you believe even in the most remote part of our world in small villages a bit detached from your society people would know your name no they will not, how many of your know the names of every Dao Father of our universe, well if you ask me I surrender I do not and I can bet many of you don''t, same with them they might be heaven defying cultivators but at the end of the day Truth becomes Legend, Legend becomes History, History becomes Myth, and Myth just a bed time story and soon they are forgotten."


    Under the sound of crackling campfire Ryuu inspected his bandage as he nodded in satisfaction before he took a sip from his cup, as others around him dissolved into their meaningless chatter, ''Nine years and a few months more before I can get out of this place and get help from my teacher.''

 Chapter 362 - Beyond the Dunes(Part-2)

    Ryuu glared at the twin sun up in the sky, how does this planet have twin suns yet at the same time it had day and night cycle he would never know, a red dwarf and a blue giant he did not even know that it was scientifically possible for them to coexist together before he had the urge to slap himself, ''Since when did this world have anything sensible people live for millions I myself am over 75 yet I am more health and fit than a late teenager and can even pass myself as one because of my looks.''


    The heat was so strong that it seemed to be melting the sand itself as traces of glasses could be seen on the surface and they were the worst they had to be careful lest they be blinded by the reflection, he turned around to see some of the members of their group struggling from the heat like Frozen Ocean who was constantly using some form of skill to keep herself cool, ''Must be because of her disposition towards water and ice the heat must not be bearable as some of us.'', he watched as some of the girls were being closer to Frozen Ocean because of it making him snort a bit.


    "Hey over there a is that not a ''Desert Sun Flower''?", a shout came as others attention was drawn to a bunch of sunflower lookalike plant but with bluish tips on the petals as another shouted, "It might be but please be careful it might ''Desert Bush Daisy'' then they would be poisonous."


    The person who shouted at first simply waved his hand as he spoke, "I know I know I have to look closely at the stem, as well as look out for any unwanted creatures."


    The person in question along with a few went towards to pick the flower, while the others decided to move forward. He kneeled in front of the flower only for a humongous jaw erupt from around him trying to swallow him with a roar, the person simply caught the jaw, as a large rotund body appeared underneath the sand as the cultivator calmly tore the jaw apart with his bare hand as he let out a tired yawn as he and his group rejoined the others living behind a bleeding monster with broken jaw.


    "Does anyone recognize the creature?", Ryuu asked with a frown.


    Others shook their head as one of the cultivator who was known to others as Brother Zwei, spoke as he narrowed his eyes, "I do not recognize that creature, jaw as big as its body sorry but nothing comes to my mind.", he then turned towards the one who had killed the beast as he spoke, "Brother Shen do you mind if I take the carcass to study it."


    Shen simply shrugged as he spoke, "No but I would love if you would share with us your findings, who knows when we might need it."


    Zwei simply smiled as he spoke, "But of course."


    Ryuu sighed as he ran his hand through his hair, he was getting bored moving through the sands was boring, ever since the events of the 2nd level it was decided by everyone to stick together and it was frankly boring as well as annoying he could already have been sitting inside his flying vessel without but now he would not dare to bring it out and even if the heat did not cause much problem it annoyed him too much due to boredom, and an annoyed and bored Ryuu was an irritated Ryuu.


    "Ryuu what are you doing?", came a voice from behind him which he identified as that of Daniella, he grunted as he replied to her, "Nothing I am bored and I so do not feel like flying."


    Zywia watched while she was flying near Frozen Ocean because of her cool aura, Ryuu fiddling with the board that was used to carry, he was putting some sort of array on it, and then he took another similar board that was used to carry him a few days ago, with the help of what seemed to be a staff he joined the two, with one slightly incline, he then had what seemed to be a beach chair placed on the one at the base as he sat on with a sigh as his creation started to carry him, while many people had their jaw dropped upon seeing it.


    Su-Min''s brow twitched as she watched Ryuu lying on a chair in a relaxed motion with what seemed to be a glass of wine in one hand and from the looks of the bottle and the glass it was chilled, she twitched and she wasn''t the only one, but she was the only one to dash towards him as she entered she was suddenly assaulted by cool air, from burning hot desert to seemingly cool indoors of some mountain area.


    "How could you?", was the exclamation from Su-Min as she spoke with disbelief, "We are all burning from heat and you are lazing about in shade which is as cool as a mountain top have you no shame."


    Ryuu looked at him tiredly as he spoke with a deep sigh, "Sister Su-Min the day I began walking in the path of a cultivator I shed any useless things namely shame, not to mention this old bones needs some rest sometime."


    "Shut up you shameless idiot who is older, even if all the cultivators are combined you are definitely the youngest.", came a screech courtesy of Zywia.


    Ryuu looked thunderstruck at that, then his face morphed into horror then into one of enlightenment as he cusped his hand without even lifting his head from his seat as he spoke, "I am so sorry Senior I forgot that you were travelling with us Ancestor try not to break your hip from moving too much at your age."


    The world was silent at his retort then a scream erupted courtesy of Zywia that seemed to shake the heavens themselves followed by a chuckle as the contraption created by Ryuu sped forward followed by a loud laughter as Su-Min was left blinking owlishly as she looked at the speeding Ryuu, she wanted to give him a chase but the heat dissuaded her as it did for Zywia.


    Ryuu chuckled at that what Zywia said was true that he was the youngest but he did need others to know his true age lower the number of people knew the better after all he was not in the mood for some interrogation or dissection for his secrets, but most importantly he was able to create enough distraction to move forward and be alone for some time.


    Ryuu hunched forward as suddenly he had a coughing fit, a few minutes later he was able to control himself as he wheezed trying hard to breath, he looked down on his hand it was full of black blood, he growled as he balled his hands as fire erupted burning it.


    Ryuu knew that despite all his efforts and bravado he was dying slowly the poison was killing him and he could do nothing, he could not show weakness lest others would kill him, he doubted he would live long enogh for his teachers to help him, he suddenly felt a pain in his chest as he pulled his legs together as he clasped his chest as he took deep breath, ''Focus Ryuu focus you cannot give up like this, I will survive and I will return home alive, I will conquer the 15th floor I will not GIVE UP!! I AM THE SOVEREIGN I WILL NEVER BOW TO ANYONE", as he swore to himself his KI boiled as another coughing fit overcame him as the floor of his creation was splashed with blood.


    The small flying board created by him lost control as it spun and crashed on the sand, Ryuu was flung from his place inside it as he landed on the sand, he looked forward with a mouth full of sand, his eyes widen at the sight in front of him.

 Chapter 363 - Beyond the Dunes(Part-3)

    "Spirit lake no way and a rather large one.", Ryuu whispered to himself as he looked at milky white lake in front of him when an idea struck him, "Wait a minute I am struck at 9th rank of Mystic Immortal Emperor level, and I have four extra levels to go in comparison to others before I can even think of facing the Tribulation to move to the Celestial Level, but if I can force myself to gain another level, I might be able to use my cultivation base to force the poison to lay dormant in a much much easier manner than now and thus buy myself enough time."


    Ryuu gained a maniacal grin on his face before he remembered that a spirit lake always has a guardian, lower intelligent spirit beasts are drawn to it like moth to flame, it is true that because of the lake their cultivation level increases very fast but at the same time the lake not only saps their precious life energy but even corrodes their potential not to mention they become thralls who protects the lake from others with their dying breath.


    Ryuu looked around as he spoke with a sickeningly sweet tone, "Come out, come out come and meet you death, where are you beast, do not worry I would not hurt you too much", he cooed at the end in a rather disturbingly creepy manner.


    Suddenly he was under the shadow casted by someone as he looked up he was greeted by a grotesque looking visage of a creature that was towering above him, it was easily surpassing the 200 meter marked as it roared Ryuu could feel its rancid breath washing over it making him gain a look of disgust a he spoke, "Damn you should change your toothpaste you smell bad."


    His comment seemed to further enraged the beast as Ryuu grinned at it as he spoke, "I am getting frustrated a lot lately please try to stave off a little of my frustration before you die."


    The area surrounding Ryuu seemed to heat up as his aura slammed into the beast as he charged forward, a few minutes later the smoldering corpse of the beast lay in front of him, as it burnt a sweet appetizing smell suddenly filled the area, causing Ryuu''s brow to scrunch up, ''tch I forgot about that ability of ''Millennium Worm'' upon being killed it attracts others with its smell making them feast on it, but as soon as the poor unfortunate idiot eats them, the meet invades the body of the eater as a few dozen more worms are born by feasting on the flesh of the victim, it is nasty and I hope the smell does not attract even more troublesome creatures a quick application of array the smell vanished as he transformed the carcass into nothing but ash, leaving behind its bones that seemed that it would crumble upon touch after the heat treatment.


    His attention then fell on the lake, his clothes disappeared as a n.a.k.e.d Ryuu jumped into the spirit lake with a grin, he was so happy to find one, spirit lake was one of the resource which he had exclusive right to use, it was as if it was meant for people with similar tier of Divine bodies as to others it was highly poisonous.


    He swam to what he deduced as the center before he sat in the meditating pose, slowly sinking into the milky white depths of the lake.


    Frozen Ocean frowned as she spoke, "Did anyone spot Ryuu? He ran off like that and we have yet to see him, I hope he is not in some kind of trouble."


    Zywia bit her lips as she spoke, "I do not think so, from what my brother told about him, Ryuu is very responsible person and cunning as well as such I do not believe that he would be caught flat footed."


    It had been nearly a day later when they found Ryuu again, during the way they had taken care of a few creatures that got too close then the night came, from what they deduced a single day lasted for over 36 hours with only 6 hours of night time, they were covering some distance but it was slow as they did not want to miss something or other.


    "Hey over there look.", a shout drew everyone''s attention as they were able to see glimmer of some kind in the horizon.


    "It looks like a body of water over there let us move over there.", his words energized everyone as many dashed towards it only to stop upon seeing a certain someone lazily floating on top of the water without a care in the world, he looked towards them as he lazily waved, "What took you all so long."


    "Just die already", was the retort of one whose name was Zywia who had her zither out, she pulled some string sending sound based attack only for Ryuu to move from its path as the water of the lake erupted.


    Ryuu was now up in the air, he was only wearing his swimming trunks with his wet hair down water dripping down his body, with the bandaged left hand granting him a bad boy image, as he caught a good few blushes in the crowd that made him mentally wince while he thanked his teachers mentally, ''It is a good thing I know that technique if they had seen my real face and in such a state of undress I doubt I would escape with my chastity intact.''


    "Oi what did the poor lake do to you Sister Zywia?", Ryuu spoke in a sagely manner before he gained a mournful expression on his face as he spoke, "Learn to forgive others sister it would do good for you."


    A vein popped on Zywia''s forehead as she gritted her teeth in anger, only for Su-Min''s hand to be placed on her shoulder as she spoke, "Leave him, I so do not feel like arguing with that buffoon."


    Ryuu pouted before he spoke with a smile, "Well what are you all waiting for I believe you well have been barbecued enough so why not join me.", with that he fell into the bosom of the lake once again, other simply shrugged as most of the male cultivators with a shout of joy joined him while removing most of their clothing.


    The women just looked at each other before they decided to relax some of them entered the water, the cool water seemed to wash away the tiredness of the people, as Frost Flames swam in the water she frowned, "It is strange to see a body of water present here when it should have vaporized under the glare of the twin Suns."


    Another cultivator nodded at that as she spoke, "Strange indeed, but how did it form indeed it is fresh as well as seemed to be as if it has just form by melting of a glacier, it is not only cool but refreshing, but it should not be possible we should ask Ryuu he was the first one to find it may be he could shed some light into the matter."


    As such the girls decided to question Ryuu and flocked over to him as one of them spoke, "Daoist Brother Ryuu, a moment of your time please!"


    Ryuu looked towards the woman with raised eyebrow as he spoke, "Yes Daoist Sister is there something you want from me?"


    The woman nodded as she spoke, "Greetings Daoist Ryuu my name is Estele there is something I want to ask you."


    Ryuu studied the person in front of him, while others were swimming in the water she stayed out of it not to mention she was covered in heavy armor with the only visible part of her body being her eyes, Ryuu nodded as she continued, "This place is extremely hot so does it not make you curious as to why this place exist, when it should have vaporized because of the scorching heat of the twin Suns."


    Ryuu gained a glazed look in his eyes as he remembered another by that name someone whom he saw as his little sister someone he failed, he took a deep breath to cover the open wound, "Ryuu are you alright?"


    The question jolted him awake as he smiled towards the speaker as he spoke, "Ah I am sorry your name brought back some memories of my younger days, I knew someone by your namesake.", he coughed on his hand to compose himself as he spoke, "As for the lake well it exists because I allow it."


    At that all those hearing were startled as Ryuu continued with a smirk, "I created it, there are number of arrays surrounding it that prevents it from being vaporized as for the water.", he raised his hand as a small ice ball formed on his palm as he continued, "Recently we had such a horrendous ordeal then we were thrown headfast into this ghastly place as such I believed it would be better for us to unwind and relax a bit."


    Estelle nodded in acceptance as she spoke, "Thank you.", Ryuu watched as she went near the shore as she took a place under the shade of a tent.


    Ryuu smirked inwardly, ''I hope this people would simply take my words without digging too much, I so do not want them to know that this was a spirit lake that I drained of the energy and now what is left is just plain water, which I am preventing it from evaporating because of my array.''

 Chapter 364 - Beyond the Dunes(Part-4)

    Ryuu looked back at the lake with a sigh, what he had claimed was not a lie as he had really placed array around it to prevent it from drying because of the sun, after the spirit lake had been used by him what was left was purest form of water possible even if the lake had shrunk to half of its original size it was definitely big but it would not survive the scorching heat and the desert as such he had placed arrays that allowed the lake to stay cool and not to vaporize, he looked back towards it for the last time as he felt the array fade, the lake already started to steam and he knew it would not be long before it would completely vaporize.


    Zywia looked towards Ryuu with her eyes narrowed as she spoke curiously, "You look a bit more energetic and relived compare to before."


    Ryuu simply back at her as he spoke, "It must be the cool refreshing lake, everyone looks a bit more energetic and refreshed after visiting the lake."


    Zywia looked unsure of what he spoke as she kept looking at him with suspicion in her eyes before she spoke with a nod of her head, "If you say so."


    Meanwhile Ryuu''s heart was beating like a war drum, ''How did she notice it, my acting and lying skills are Godly they should not notice anything, but she is right I am a bit relaxed after all the spirit lake helped me cross the threshold to 10th rank but I would need more than that, 13th rank is still a long way, but for now I am fine the poison had been suppressed temporarily.''


    Meanwhile back in Ayindril, Veena was suffering from a severe headache, Ryuu''s Thousand Life Petal flower was acting weird, at first it lost a good few leaves too fast for her liking then it slowed and stopped for a while but the plant did not recover, they knew Ryuu was in danger when it began to rot slowly.


    Maheswara looked every bit his age as he peered over her shoulder as he looked at her, his family was once again falling apart and he was helpless to do anything.


    Veena shook her head as she spoke, "I do not know what he did but he will not make it, he somehow managed to extend his life, but it is not enough previously he would have died within four years time but he managed to somehow gain another year barely, but it is not enough he would not survive till the end."


    Celestia growled at that as she spoke, "We do not know what happened there but our Ryuu is cunning and resourceful with a very healthy dose of luck, he will survive a couple of days ago you said he had only 4 years left even that was pushing far but now you are saying he had 5 years so that means he managed to do something that has delayed his death I believe he will return unscathed."


    Veena bit her lips as she let out a tired sigh, "He did but we do not know the extent of his injuries or in what state he is in.", Celestia winced at that as Veena continued in a serious tone as she spoke to Sylvana, "Daughter make sure to use your influence and make him retire from the army, he will be staying here in Ayindril for the next few millennia I made the mistake of letting him convince us to let him going to that ghastly place, every time he leaves he is always in near death situation and I cannot take it anymore he will leave Ayindril when he is at least a few hundred thousand years old."


    Ryuu''s sisters especially Shamiran winced as both Nuwa and Veena looked at them with their eyes narrowed as Celestia spoke on their behalf, "That means you three cannot help him to escape Ayindril, you three young ladies are not old enough for us not to bend you over our knees and spank you."


    The three sisters turned red with embarrassment as Nuwa spoke, "We told you that he should not be allowed to enter ''Eden''."


    Veena nodded with a sad look on her face as she spoke, "Yes sister you were right it was a mistake."


    Celestia gave a small squeeze on Nuwa''s shoulder as she spoke, "Do not worry I have faith in him he will return unscathed and as for keeping him in Ayindril, I believe if we three work together we can definitely make him stay here and if worse come to worse I have a shiny spotless new dungeon we could use."


    Antariksh had enough she was about to protest only for her father to shake his head preventing her speaking from that but her expression was seen by Nuwa who spoke with a frown, "Do you wish say something daughter."


    Maheswara quickly spoke on his behalf, "I believe she meant to say that she would even help you with your endeavor to keep her baby brother safe, right?", as he finished he gave her a small meaningful nod.


    Antariskh quickly caught on to what her father meant as she spoke with a vigorous nod, "Yes father you are exactly right, not to mention by the time he returns he would have finished his minimum required tenure in the army under the treaty as such there will be no problem to make him retire though we need his signature as such we have to wait till he retires."


    Sylvana nodded at that as she spoke, "So true and Ryuu is a nice and understanding kid so I believe the dungeon is unnecessary."


    Shamiran simply nodded in support of her sister, as she spoke, "And even if he tries to throw tantrum we his big sisters would happily be his role model and we will make sure that he does not misbehave."


    Their mothers narrowed their eyes as Sylvana spoke with a sigh, "I know mother you are all tensed and worried but you forget that he has a part of my essence lying dormant in him as such if worse come to pass he will still have a fighting chance to survive."


    Ryuu looked at the direction that one of his new teammates had pointed out and drew his attention towards it, he could easily see something flashing in the distance as one of them spoke, "Let us check it out."


    Ryuu tilted his head as he spoke, "Well we should but at the same time be a exercise a bit more caution as it can be trap."


    Frost Flames nodded at that as she spoke, "A wise decision."


    As such it was decided that a near about a dozen cultivator would approach the place where others would keep a safe distance and keep an eye out for them.


    Ryuu grumbled a bit as he was about to leave with the scouting group apparently since it was his idea that meant he had graciously volunteered to join the scouting team, ''Why did I have to open by big mouth, I would have watched from the back the entire proceeding and planned accordingly but now I will have to step forward and put myself into danger and may be reveal my trump card.'', even though his face held a kind friendly smile inwardly he was raging with anger at his predicament.

 Chapter 365 - The City of ??

    "Father thank you, if you have not stopped me there I would have had been severely punished by mothers."


    Maheswara gave a small smile to his eldest daughter as he spoke, "I am your father of course I will help and sometimes your mothers can be a bit irrational."


    Antariskh grinned at that as she spoke, "Do not let them catch you saying it."


    Maheswara looked scandalized as he spoke, "I am not suicidal."


    Sylvana who was sitting opposite to her spoke with a frown, "But what about their demand about forcing Ryuu to leave the army, I doubt he would give into their demand so easily."


    Maheswara smirked at as he spoke, "Just like you said that he needs to be back before you could proceed well after Ryuu arrives, you can try to but sometimes paperwork could get displaced and the process might take a while and poor child forced to return and serve in the army."


    His elder daughters shared the smirk as Shamiran spoke with a sigh, "But still mothers'' words do have merit he is being forced to face such life and death situations."


    Antariskh snorted at that as she spoke, "I remember how our childhood was it was more chaotic our parents had so many enemies and alliances were more fickle don''t you remember how we had to travel under assumed names hide our identities all the battles that we fought all those people we befriended our friends they all crumbled to dust one day.", as she spoke her eyes gained a faraway look, which was mirrored by Maheswara''s other daughters making him wince.


    Growing up as a child the three sisters had to face many hardsh.i.p.s constant battles and wars no matter what their parents tried their enemies seemed endless and numerous, seeing their mood plummet like that made Maheswara wince as such he decided to change their train of thought.


    Maheswara gave them a small understanding smile as he spoke, "There is no need to fear for Ryuu I will make sure that using my unparalleled charm and suave nature I will make your mothers agree,"


    All of his daughters deadpanned at him as Shamiran spoke, "Father remember the last time you did said something similar you were kicked out of our house for hundred years and was forced to sleep under the tree.


    Maheswara let out a nervous laugh as he spoke, "Well do not worry I learned from my mistake."


    "Learn from what mistake.", came a cold voice from near the door of the room making him jump up as he spoke, "I am sorry I did not do....", as he began apologizing he found no one near the door then loud laughter erupted from his daughters.


    As they wheezed from laughter Sylvana managed to speak somehow, "Sorry but I could not help it father."


    Maheswara''s face turned an interested shade of red as he spoke with gritted teeth, "It seems someone is having fun out of their poor father''s expense it seems that certain people need to be taught some manner.", with that he lunged at the trio who decided to show him their dust as they ran.


    Nuwa looked towards them with warmth in her eyes as she spoke with a smile, "It has been sometime since they acted like that."


    Veena nodded at that as she spoke, "Yes I miss those days."


    Meanwhile Ryuu ducked a claw swipe, as he did so he made a round house kick at his opponents legs make his opponent lose his balance before sending a haymaker rattling his jaw, only to be receive a punch in return making him fly off from his opponent, as he spit out blood as his opponent grinned at him which was mirrored by Ryuu as with a roar they charged against each other.


    Zywia looked at the scene as she let out a frustrated sigh as she covered her face with her hand as she murmured, "What part of diplomacy does it evolve into fist fight we simply wanted to enter the city."


    True-Spear who was nearby laughed as he spoke, "Oh sister please do not misunderstand but he is being an excellent diplomat what better way to understand fellow warriors than having an honest fist fight without using our KI and look at his face in fact look at both their faces they are covered in their blood yet they are enjoying."


    Ryuu felt elated he was having the fist fight without using even an ounce of KI and he did not know why but it felt refreshing to him, he send a roundhouse kick towards his opponents head as he ducked making Ryuu''s eyes to widen seeing the flexibility with which he ducked even with his hulking body but his opponent made the mistake of raising his head a bit as the left leg that was being curled back move like a whip as the kick connected making him stumble.


    As he brawled against his opponent his mind went back to how it evolved into such, Ryuu and his group made their way to what seemed to be a city, a city that seemed to be made up from hill, in the midst of desert, another flash was noticed by them from the caves that were peaking out of the hill.


    As they neared the city one of them spoke with a frown, "Do you thing that whatever creature that would be present be intelligent enough for us to speak with."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "I hope so from whatever we have seen whoever had build it must be some intelligent creature though please do not take initiative to attack first, and we will say their reaction that act accordingly."


    The others nodded at that as they flew towards it when they were near the city the group descended only to come face to face with what seemed to be half human half scorpion like being.


    The creatures looked intimidating as Ryuu cupped his hand as he spoke, "Greetings we are travelers who are searching for shelter and direction may I inquire where we are."


    The strange beings kept staring at them without making any movement whatsoever but it looked as if they were waiting for someone or something, "Do we atta��"


    "No", Ryuu''s sharp and crisp voice stopped him from speaking they did not have to wait long before another of the scorpion person arrived Ryuu studied the person and found him to be not only stronger but it seemed as if the others treated him with respect which meant that person must be way up the totem pole.


    "Who are people and why do you have people hiding a good distance away from the city?"


    Ryuu grimaced inwardly at that as they had already found the rest of them as Ryuu spoke with a smile, "Greetings my name is Ryuu, and we are travelers we stumbled upon your city and wish for shelter and for directions, although if I might be rude enough to inquire you of about your name"


    The person tilted his head as he spoke, "This city is meant for warriors if you are one then we would talk further if not then scram."


    Ryuu''s brow furrowed as he spoke, "And how do you determine if we are warrior or not?"


    The man had a grin on his face as he spoke, "Simply one of you fight with me bare fist without use of any weapon or using spiritual energy just us man to man brawl and if you impress me we will speak further, so who amongst you would have the honor of being pounded to the ground by me, just step forward."


    Ryuu knew that this person had issued a challenge and if they want entry into the city whose population is unknown there are two ways one fight against all of the citizens and hope that they win and second to respond to his challenge, fighting bare handed no more like a brawl with no use of KI after all from his aura that he is flexing he must be calling KI as the spiritual energy, now who amongst all of us would be a better choice.''


    Ryuu did not have to think much as he once again heard the person speak, "Ah so you are your people''s representative a bit of a scrawny side are you of well I hope you entertain me well."


    Ryuu was taken aback by his speech, ''Is he speaking to me?'', as he turned around he found all his teammates had taken a few steps back leaving in the front for slaughter.


    Ryuu''s brow twitched as he greeted his teeth, ''Those mongrels are once again making me do something against my wish, oh next time I will not help this idiots.'', Ryuu''s shoulder shagged briefly before he stood tall and straight facing his 9 foot tall opponent while the rest surrounded them making a circle as both the person and Ryuu became ready to face each other.

 Chapter 366 - The City of Caves(Part-2)

    Ryuu reclined on his seat in the hot spring as he let the medicinal pill work his magic his opponent had managed to rearrange his face and he had offered the same courtesy to him, but now they both chatted like they were good friends for generation, a sensuous woman attended to him as she rubbed some form of ointment over his injuries. The woman had her face covered by a veil but she even then the state of her dress and looks would have driven any man to act on their baser instinct even if her lower half was that of a scorpion, yet Ryuu did not pay any heed to her as he was busy relaxing.


    The ointment felt like cool water after a particularly scorching day, as his host and previous opponent spoke with a frown, "Brother if I may ask what happened to your left arm, it feels a bit tainted."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Well before I arrived in your land we were attacked by a very dangerous creatures one of them poisoned me, I have managed to deal with it, but it left some unwanted scars on me, but it would heal with time."


    The person who had questioned gave him smirk as he spoke, "That is good warriors should have some scars on them it looks nice."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke in sage like manner at that, "So true my friend but sadly enough after I return home my mother would find some way to remove it."


    His new friend Dhaeq looked scandalized at that as he spoke, "That is preposterous but what is this ''mother'' thing?"


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "The one who gave birth to me."


    The person seemed to realize as he spoke with a shake of his head, "Ah you mean the bearer well then you give up there is no force that can go against an angry mother."


    At this retort both of them burst into laughter as another attendant filled Ryuu''s glass with wine.


    The others from Ryuu''s group had received a nice welcome but none had received anything remotely similar to that of Ryuu apparently his fist fight with the Chieftain of the clan had managed to impress him as such he had the honor of healing in his private ho spring.


    A few hours later a very happy Ryuu went to his room with a skip on his step as he was humming a particular anime theme from his previous life, even if outside of the cave was scorching hot, the inside of the place was another matter entirely, it was a pleasant temperature and the hot spring as such was refreshing, specially the wine and the succulent meat that was served along with it, ''Hmm this people are nice specially the food I liked it, I cannot wait to go back home and feast on the delicious food cooked by my teacher.'', drool escaped from his lips only to be brought back to the harsh reality that he only has a few more years to live, as he feel on his knees he wanted to curl up and wanted to cry only to jump with eyes burning with determination.


    A couple of his fellow cultivators looked at his antics warily as one of them spoke, "Is he touched in his head?"


    The other looked at him with deadpanned eyes as he spoke, "Point to me a cultivator that is right in his head, but even then it seems he is more deranged than us at least we do not act like him in the open."


    The other one snorted at that as he spoke, "That is an understatement of the millennium."


    As Ryuu entered the area of the cave that was set aside for their use every eye fell on him as he spoke, "What?"


    Zywia frowned as she spoke with concern laced in her voice, "Where have you been Ryuu?"


    Ryuu gave her a grin that infuriated her as he spoke, "Well the Brother Dhaeq was kind enough to allow me into his personal hot spring, it was so nice the temperature was nice and it worked wonders on my injuries not to mention healing ointment was refreshing, the wine was wonderful and meat so succulent.", his eyes sparkled like some kid in candy store.


    "WHAT!!!!!!", came a shout form one of the cultivators who was instantly by his side as he spoke, "Do not tell me there were women serving you."


    Ryuu tilted his head as he spoke, "Well there was wh��.."


    Only to be held by the collar as the person literally shook him by holding him by his collar, only to wince as an irritated Ryuu hold him by his wrist as he spoke, "I do not understand why are you acting like a moron, but if you want to blame anyone blame yourself who told you to step back and allowing me to fight."


    The person stammered an apology as he stepped back Ryuu simply waved it off as the person turned around Ryuu''s eyes became cold for a split second before it disappeared, ''You piece of dung, how dare you try and use my tactics against me not to mention in such a pathetic display, trying to spy on me by placing array, at least try to act normal not a moronic idiot while doing so but who is trying to spy on me after all the idiot seemed to be just a lackey.''


    Unknown to anyone a set of array glowed briefly over the skin before it disappeared perfectly hidden under the shirt of the person who had accosted Ryuu previously.


    Su-Min grinned at him as she spoke, "So you had a nice time there."


    His grin was mirrored by Ryuu who nodded towards her as he spoke, "Of course it was, after all a nice hot spring after heavy workout feels nice and relaxing with a bottle of wine and meat."


    Zywia snorted at that as she spoke, "I remember a kid who did not like wine at all, used to gag at its smell."


    Ryuu blushed slightly as he spoke, "That was a long time ago and as you said it was kid."


    Su-Min seemed interested at that as she spoke, "Really so you know each other since you were children?"


    Ryuu send a small smile towards Zywia as he spoke, "Well I knew her for the first time when I was a teenager a long time ago, so yes in a way I know her since I was a child."


    Zywia nodded at that as Su-Min looked slightly confused at that before it dawned to her as she spoke, "That is why you said he is the youngest amongst us all."


    Frozen Ocean who was nearby listening spoke for the first time, "Ryuu is younger even compare to my Junior Martial sisters."


    Ryuu could feel many others eavesdropping on them and wished that neither Frozen Ocean nor does not let it slip that he had not even reached a 100 years of age compared to their hundreds of thousands and in some cases a million years.


    True-spear arrived next to him as he spoke with a serious look on his voice, "Brother what have you learnt about them."


    His question made everyone silent as Ryuu let out a sigh before he spoke, "Well form a silencing barrier so that no one can eavesdrop on us and I will tell you all whatever I have learnt till now."


    True-Spear nodded as a few started working on the array, that soon encompassed them as Ryuu began retelling whatever information he managed ot procure about their newest host.

 Chapter 367 - The City of Caves(Part-3)

    True-Spear twirled his spear as he slashed against another creature that tried to lunge at him, by then the sand had been dyed red from their blood, this time their instruction was simple find shelter and guard it for 300 days and they were already half way through it. According to the locals every 50 years interval a beast tide occurs for approximately 300 days.


    The City of Thousand Sands and their Chieftain had been preparing for a long time and the arrival of the cultivators proved a boon to them, as they provided extra help to them, Dhaeq ahd already warned them the situation would be dire and Ryuu could understand why, after all sometimes a horde that was so big that even the horizon could not be seen would appear, the ravenous beast who cared for nothing but to rip apart and consume their prey and each horde were unique some were just simply beasts of immense strength but simply beasts at the end of the day where as others were more dangerous as they happened to be simply poisonous to spirit beasts of various kinds.


    As he let out a huff as he turned to see Amnon who was nearby, Amnon had fought shoulder to shoulder with him as both of them had slain many of the beasts.


    True-Spear grinned back at him as he spoke with a tired huff, "This is getting tiring."


    Amnon nodded towards him as he spoke, "So true, if that tragedy had not taken everything would have been so different."


    True-Spear sighed at that as he spoke, "So true, and I am grateful that we stumbled upon this shelter, fighting waves and waves of so many enemies is no joke even if we had erected a shelter eventually we would have been overrun as no matter how strong we are we would been overcome by fatigue."


    Amnon nodded as he spoke, "So true my entire body is screaming and protesting, how long has it been since the battle began."


    True-Spear looked to the sky as his eyes squinted before he let out a sigh, "I think that the sky turned dark twice, so three days I guess?"


    "It has been four days brother True-Spear, it has been four days since we began the battle.", came a tired reply to his unsure one as True-Spear turned he was greeted with the sight of Amnon''s wife Daniella who looked worse for wear and injured.


    Seeing her Amnon was quickly by her side as he spoke with concerned smile on his face, "Are you alright?"


    Daniella gave him a weak chuckle, "Have a taken a look in the mirror you do not look too well."


    True-Spear sighed as he looked at the corpses that had pilled around him as he spoke, "So much death today I hope that some of our fellow brothers and sisters have not fallen today, so many enemies it seemed as if the entire desert has turned into a mass grave."


    Daniella bit her lips as she spoke, "Brother sorry to disappoint you but today we lost a few.", as she spoke she closed her eyes.


    True-Spear gripped his spear hard enough to draw blood from his hand as he spoke, "I regret coming here you know, so many dead needlessly our group is really unlucky we really are unlucky."


    Amnon then looked around as he spoke with a frown, "Where are others?"


    Daniella frowned towards him as she spoke, "Su-Min is injured she will recover."


    Seeing her tensed Amnon groaned as he spoke, "What did that idiot do now?"


    Daniella sighed as she spoke, "The left flank was falling and was on verge of being wiped out."


    At that both men was startled at that as did others as one of them spoke in a voice filled with dread in them, "What do you mean what happened?"


    Daniella sighed at that as she spoke, "The leader of the horde charged at us and broke our line, we were at loss when Ryuu did sprinkled some kind of powder over himself that drew most of their attention towards him before he ran away from the battlefield with most including the leader hot in his heels."


    "I think he must have used something similar to ''Instigator of the Moon'', it makes beast gather around a place completely enraged, mostly used when different types of animals are around making them fight each other", a reply came from one of the many cultivators present.


    Daniella frowned at that as she spoke, "Well it certainly seemed as such it had been a few hours since then we have not heard or seen him. Frozen Ocean and Zywia had both gone after him, but as soon as they left a brilliant explosion was seen at the horizon. But I am grateful to him without his help we would have been fallen."


    Everyone frowned at that as True-Spear spoke, "We will wait here for a couple of hours and kill any strays that are still breathing, while trying to recuperate a bit then we will send a group to find about their fate, I do not think most of us have enough energy to go after them at the moment."


    Daniella bowed slightly at that as she spoke, "I know and I hate it."


    One of the cultivators that looked old enough to be someone''s great grandfather spoke as he stroked his beard, "Daoist brother is resourceful and strong I do not believe he will fall so easily."


    Meanwhile Frozen Ocean and Zywia both had fought against numerous beasts that attacked them, but as they moved towards Ryuu''s direction they found more and more corpses of the beasts, when all of sudden they noticed a large dark cloud near the horizon, a brilliant flash accompanied by a large boom followed soon after, as they hurried towards that direction while slaughtering what remained of the beast as they neared the epic center of the blast they were greeted by few miles of scorched earth, the entire part of the desert seemed like made up of steel smoking molten hot glass with a familiar smoldering carcass at the middle.


    The giant carcass belong to a certain leader of the horde that had attacked them, Zywia grinned back at Frozen Ocean as she spoke, "See I told you he would win."


    Frozen Ocean rolled her eyes as she spoke, "Of course you said that as soon we began to follow this bloody trail, but now where is he?"


    Zywia frowned at that they did not have to wait long as they found a kneeling Ryuu a good few distance from the epic center of the blast kneeling on the ground looking a bit worst for the wear, as they neared they felt something wrong with Ryuu.


    "Ryuu? What happened are you alright? Ryuu answer me?", a voice came to his ears which made his blood freeze with fear.


    He turned to see both Zywia and Frozen Ocean looking towards him with concern in their face, before another bout of pain racked through his body making wince as he placed his hand over his heard.


    Zywia was by his side as she quickly patted him on his back worried about Ryuu''s heath only for him to collapse in a coughing fit as he quickly placed his hand over his mouth he vomited blood, but unlike normal reddish colored life fluid it was more like some putrid blackish substance.


    Seeing him like that made both of their blood to freeze as Frozen Ocean was quickly by his side, as Ryuu managed to control her coughing fit his voice sounded hoarse Frozen Ocean quickly held her bottle of water to Ryuu''s lips as he drank from it like someone who had not even had a sip in ages.


    Frozen Ocean bit her lips as she spoke, "He has a slight temperature, something is not right we have to get him help quickly."


    Zywia nodded at that as they tried to carry him he stopped them, "Please don''t, I do not wish for others to know, please. I will be fine if I get some rest."


    Ryuu''s voice sounded incredibly weak, shocking the duo greatly as Zywia quickly spoke, "Do not worry Ryuu there are many strong and wise cultivators with us they can help you please let us help you."


    Ryuu gave her a small smile as he spoke, "Thank for that sister Zywia, but I am sorry there is no one here who can help me."


    Frozen Ocean was the one who spoke hurriedly at his declaration, "Brother Ryuu please tell us how did it happen did the leader of the creatures did something to you, we can definitely find some cure we can heal you."


    Her voice had a note of desperation in them, the time he had spend with Ryuu had brought them all closer to each other and seeing him like that made her heart ache.


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No one can help me sister no one can, that day when I said I had completely sealed the poison I had lied, I only have half a decade to live and using a Forbidden Technique simply..*Cough* *Cough*", Ryuu could not finish the sentence as he broke into another coughing fit as more blood flowed from his mouth, as the duo looked at him with their eyes widen with alarm.


    "Yo Brother True-Spear, I hope everything is well here."


    True-Spear turned towards the speaker as he speaker as he spoke, "Ah Brother Ryuu welcome back, the stunt you pulled saved many lives but we were all worried when you did not arrive for so long and I was about to form a party to go on search for you."


    Ryuu smiled at him as he spoke, "Sorry for making you all worry, the battle with the leader was tiring and I was forced to take rest to recuperate a bit."


    True-Spear nodded towards him as he spoke, "Well you are back now so go and rest who knows when another horde might pop up."


    His words made every grimaced except the absent minded duo that had just arrived with Ryuu.

 Chapter 368 - The Siege (Part-1)

    Ryuu leaned against a chair, various food items were placed on top of his table, his hand firmly grasping a goblet full of wine, against him sat Dhaeq and his lovely wife Kiesa, compared to all the female of the ''Blood Mountain Horde'', she was a petite looking woman but was vicious in battle wielding a bastard sword at least twice her height and the only person Ryuu had seen doing something similar was sister Neacht. He had fought alongside her and saw her cleave creatures half with each swing a testament to her strength not to mention all the battle scars specially on the left side of her face indicated that the power couple were bought battle crazy duo.


    Ryuu felt a colossal headache forming, "So more and more refugees are coming to seek shelter in your tribe because the ''Emperor'' is tearing them apart, so how dangerous is this Emperor."


    Dhaeq gained a solemn look on his face as did his wife as he spoke with a tired sigh, "You saw the group that arrived today, a few hours ago?"


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "I do around 100 something arrived so what about them."


    Kiesa replied on her husband''s behalf, "They were around 50,000 strong and we were its vassal."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen as Dhaeq continued, "Not only that but we have already lost many of our sister tribes and it seems in our region we are the last one standing."


    Ryuu''s grip on the goblet hardened as he understood the full implication of everything another tough battle that would lose huge amount of their lives, lives that they will have to pay if they want to move to the next level after all their 300 days were not yet over and abandoning the shelter might very well be a defeat which they have to pay with their lives, it was so irritating if they could just wait for another week then they could qualify to move to the next level and they will not have to tussle with the so called ''Emperor''."


    Ryuu looked at them as he spoke, "How frequent do this Emperor''s pop up?"


    Kiesa frowned as she spoke, "Long time ago our honorable ancestors were part of an extremely large tribe of a few hundred thousand strong an Emperor attacked with his horde and now we are just scattered remains of the once glorious tribe."


    Dhaeq squeezed her wife''s hand as he spoke, "We were only saved by the timely intervention of a great hero, but enough of that we decided that if it is our fate to disappear in the sands of time then so be it, but there is still time for you all to escape from here, it is our tribe and as such we do not wish for our guests to suffer you all have done more than anything we could ask you have stood shoulder to shoulder and fight alongside us but please do not thing that it is an insult but we do not wish for you to fall alongside with us."


    Ryuu closed his eyes and mulled over the situation with careful consideration as he spoke, "Brother Dhaeq I do not know about my other companions but I believe if it is to be our last stand than we should try to do so when our feet are firmly on land rather than while in stormy seas, I believe abandoning you would be a death sentence to us because we are very few in number as such chances are that we will not survive out in the open, but if we stay here I will acknowledge that we all might not survive but at least we have a chance to win, upon saying that I cannot speak on behalf of others who are my companions I will have to ask them on what they want or not but I will tell you here and now I am staying. "


    Dhaeq let out a tired but relieved sigh as he spoke, "Thank you brother thank."


    Their talk went on for at least an hour before Ryuu began moving towards the place of their residence, he was smoking from his trusted kiseru with a frown etched on his face as he entered the place many cultivators who were loitering around looked at him.


    "Please summon everyone around something important has happened I need to inform and discuss any further future course of action.", with his piece said he sat on the nearest chair staring at the wall as his head was swimming with ideas.


    A shake brought him out of his thought as Ryuu looked to see Zywia looking at him with a frown, "Is something wrong brother Ryuu?"


    Ryuu gave her a small smile as he spoke, "Yes Sister there is something wrong as such I summoned all of you.", with a huff he stood up as he spoke loud and clear.


    "My brothers, my sisters and my comrades in arms for the last 292 days we have toiled hard to protect our shelter and in doing so we already have lost couple of our esteemed comrades it was such a sad day for us, we all are tired from constant battles and we are on verge of moving to the next level within a week but alas it seems Eden is once again after us."


    As he spoke the ear shattering silence reigned the room as Ryuu looked at each one of them directly in the eye, ''If I were back in earth there were many who would have thrown tantrum upon the word ''comrade'' I never understood even after dying why they did that, it is just a word synonymous to friend''.


    He took a deep breath as he began speaking, "I was having a conference with the Chieftain from who I just learned that 10 tribes in the surrounding area including the Royal tribe whose vassal our host is, has been wiped out few of their survivors have joined our host and I believe many of you have seen their arrival seeking refuge.", many of them nodded as some of them frowned thinking about where Ryuu was leading the conversation to, "From them I have learned that they were attacked by something that they are calling ''Emperor'' beast, according to them similar beast had attacked their ancestors long ago and had decimated a tribe with the strength of few hundred thousand.", he stopped letting his words sink into their mind as he continued again, "I know you have seen the strength of the members of this tribe as such you can safely guess its strength when the Chieftain simply told me to abandoned them to their fate and escape while it is still time."


    At his proclamation everyone was startled the entire clan was warrior like and respected strength for them to say something like that was worrisome for them as one of them suddenly broke down as she spoke, "Is it going to be a repeat of the 2nd floor again."


    Ryuu simply nodded at that as he spoke, "It might be."


    The room erupted into complete pandemonium as everyone was shouting as a good few decided to abandon and run from this place.


    "SHUT UP!!!!!", a shout came from True-Spear who slammed his spear hard as he spoke, "You want to run, then please do so but where will you go? At least if we stay here at least we will have number enough to hold them off and who said we have to win we simply have to fend them for a week and then we could run but in the desert we will die for sure."


    As the mood plummeted Ryuu spoke with a vicious smirk on his face, "I have a plan."


    Zywia''s eyes narrowed at the smirk before it widen in horror as she shouted out, "No NO, never the last time you had that smirk you cause a super volcano to erupt."


    Ryuu pouted as he spoke, "How would I know that the volcano was active."


    Zywia screamed in anger, "THAT WAS A DORMANT VOLCANO!!!!!"


    Ryuu waved of her concern as others gained a shocked look on their face as he spoke, "Meh that is not important."


    Zywia was about to rant at him but Ryuu stopped her by placing a map in front of everyone as he began speaking again, "Well this is the map of the place which was graciously provided to me, along with command of their rune carvers and potineers and in fact if any of you do not know what I meant, rune carvers are array master and potioneers are alchemist."


    As he placed the map on top of table that he was placed near him, a three dimensional model erupted as he began speaking, "Is there anyone amongst you knowledgeable on Array weaving?"


    Many of them frowned as one of the spoke with a gasp, "That is very high level technique, said to be impossible to learn, you know it?", his voice had a touch of awe in it as he looked towards Ryuu.


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Yes, I know Array weaving is a very obscure subject with limited application as such many do not venture into it, basically I along with the help of array masters will have place 367 arrays around this place, the array diagram will be the one which I would provide then I would link them to create a giant barrier, a barrier which would entice our enemy to enter and as soon as they would step inside it they would get slaughtered, now I would want alchemists to work in tandem with us to supply us with poison that will spread towards the enemy further crippling the invading horde."


    True-Spear frowned as he spoke, "Will your barrier hold them for a week."


    Ryuu gave him a small reassuring smile as he spoke, "Of course it will hold."


    "Just as long as you do not make a volcano to erupt brother Ryuu.", came a voice which made Ryuu to stumble as others broke into laughter.

 Chapter 369 - The Siege (Part-2)

    "Brother Ryuu what kind of array is this, this is too complicated I cannot make head or tails about the array.", one of the array master present spoke with a frown."


    Ryuu looked at him directly into his eyes as he spoke, "I only want you all to make the array according to the diagram nothing more nothing less, I do not believe you need to understand it for you to copy it now do you?"


    As the man shook his head Ryuu spoke with a smile, "Good now every Array Master please start creating 367 arrays as fast as possible, I will drop by and supervise as much as possible, now time is running out and please make it as accurate as possible otherwise everything will be lost, you are all dismissed."


    As the array masters left he went towards the group of poison makers, "Hello everyone, as you all are already aware of defensive measures being installed, as such I would like to concoct some lethal concoction make sure whatever you create does not neutralize the work of others now please begin."


    With his piece being said he left the room as did others, Ryuu quickly flew high up in the sky as he looked down towards the ground.


    Zywia soon joined by his side as did the rest of his group as she spoke, "This looks identical to the one that created the volcano."


    Ryuu did not glance towards her as she spoke, "From the array that they are making it looks like similar to your ''Volcano Eruption array''."


    Ryuu''s eyes twitched a bit as he spoke, "It is my God Killing Array and stop saying ''Volcano Eruption array'' it sounds stupid."


    Zywia huffed at that as she spoke, "So you are planning to dye the entire desert red with blood."


    Ryuu''s eyes narrowed as he spoke, "It will definitely be the unfortunate outcome but as long as we remain alive it does not matter."


    As they looked down Ryuu suddenly let out a growl as he spoke, "That colossal idiot.", with that he dashed towards a certain array that was being created.


    He dropped to the ground as he spoke with a snarl, "What are you doing?"


    The person in question looked taken aback as he spoke, "I was creating a part of the array."


    Ryuu huffed at that as he spoke, "No you are doing it wrong, now lend me your brush."


    With that he took the person''s brush as he made some changes as he spoke with a , "Now it seems alright, normally I would have not paid much attention to detail but for array weaving I need it to be as accurate as possible, after all a single mistake will kill us all."


    Ryuu''s brow twitched even after using so many array masters it took a good few hours to complete all 367 arrays and it made him growl in anger, ''The amount of time this idiots took is horrendous, I myself would have finished making them alone much much faster, they are so slow my teacher would weep upon seeing their skill level and they are so many years older than me.''


    Su-Min looked at Ryuu''s face which had a permanent scowl etched onto it as she spoke, "Is there a problem?"


    Ryuu snarled as he spoke, "Problem, these idiots are the problem they are taking so much time, simply disgraceful."


    Zywia rolled her eyes as she spoke, "Ryuu the things both of us seen and have heard are something that they could not even begin to comprehend, we have had the honor of being in presence of cultivators according to them who are simply myths, people who have reached the very height of their profession they are on another level compare to these people you are not being fair Ryuu."


    Ryuu was about to speak only to be stopped by Zywia who raised her to prevent him from speaking as he continued, "Ryuu you are leagues apart from them you who have created a masterpiece of an array, an array which this people were unable to understand at all, I myself may not be able to understand much about an array as it is not my forte but you are comparing them with true masters of the craft, even comparing themselves to you is unfair so Ryuu am I wrong?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke in a monotone, "No you are not wrong, sorry but I have an array to weave.", with that he left.


    Frost Flames who had just arrive at the beginning of their argument spoke with a frown on her face, "Excuse me sister Zywia I do not understand why is brother Ryuu sounded so disappointed at them."


    Zywia bit her lips as she replied while trying to preserve as much of Ryuu''s secret as possible, "Ryuu comes from a very old and well off family with many legendary cultivators from them, and from what I know he never had any friends of similar or of near age while growing up as such he had spend learning from this various family members and now when he is standing along with his peers he finds himself ahead of them in many things by quite a lot as such he is a bit frustrated."


    Frost Flames nodded at that as she spoke, "I see where you are going he wants someone to share his passion and compare himself with.", at this words Zywia simply nodded as she thought, ''I doubt you would ever find your child after all you are an anomaly, an aberration in our world after all you have surpassed me, someone who is older than your own mother, may be even older than many of your ancestors while you have not even celebrated your 100th birthday you have already surpassed every cultivators that came in before and will come after you, truly a lonely existence.''


    A shake broke her out of her thoughts as Daniella spoke, "I think he is beginning."


    At Ryuu''s command everyone moved away from the arrays towards the caves, as he stood directly on top of the center of the cave as Dhaeq arrived near him as he spoke, "Do you think it would work?"


    Ryuu tilted his head as he spoke, "If it does not work then brother we will not have to worry about anything because none of us will survive."


    Dhaeq laughed out loud before he spoke as he patted Ryuu''s back, "Brother Ryuu I will leave you to concentrate on your work."


    Ryuu nodded as a group of cultivators approached him as one them spoke, "Brother Ryuu does this poison suit your need."


    Ryuu took the vial from the person''s hand as he send a strand of KI into it before he spoke with a smile, "Wonderful you all have made me a very nice poison now please move along and let me concentrate."


    As they left Ryuu looked at the vial as he mused, ''It seems that yhese people have outdone themselves especially with the help of the indigenous people they simply collected some type of poison and with hit as its base they had added a few concoction of their own and have managed to lower the lethality of the poison and now they are proudly presenting it to me, they are lucky I am not my teacher even though I have to inquire about the main poison that was given to which they added their substandard object although I cannot blame them whatever it was, the stuff was too potent even it would give me trouble as such they thought of their safety I cannot wait to get my hand on the main ingredient it would be greatly helpful.''


    With that he opened the vial as the poison stored in it floated out, the talismans in his hands glowed as he let them, and they circled around him and began rotating while they started to glow their speed of rotation increased as Ryuu stood at the center then suddenly with a roar of thunder the glowing talisman hit the center of each array as fire seemed to race from a ring with the outer circle clockwise and the inner in the anti clockwise direction before they let out light that made everyone shield their eyes as they opened it seemed as someone had drawn a ring with intricate patterns on it, drawn with sand as the canvas.


    Ryuu looked pleased at the outcome as he spoke with a smirk, "Well now we simply wait for the horde."

 Chapter 370 - The Siege (Part-3)

    Josiah sighed as he looked towards the shelter that he and his friends have abandoned they simply did not want to die as such they decided to run as far away from the shelter they had been staying as soon as possible.


    "Josiah, are you thinking about them?"


    His friend''s voice drew his attention towards them as he spoke, "Do you think it was wise for us to leave like that?"


    "You are acting like a scared cat Josiah, only the most intelligent survive in Eden and if those idiots want to throw away their life they are free to do so."


    Josiah nodded as he moved along with his companions as he spoke, "So where are we going to hide?"


    "Before entering into Eden I have managed to borrow my Teacher''s flying vessel it can shrink to a very small size we can hide behind it easily."


    True-Spear went inside the cavern where their entire entourage was present as he moved to the inner sanctum he met and greeted his fellow cultivators, the part of the cave they had taken refuge in consisted of long hallway and along with it rooms which had been occupied by the cultivators, mostly the female cultivators had taken up the room while the males usually occupied the hallway the space was lacking after all.


    As he moved he quickly spotted Ryuu at the end of the tunnel sitting in a meditative position his head was leaning back resting on the wall, as True-Spear neared him one of the cultivators approached him as she spoke, "Daoist Brother True-Spear are you here to meet with Daoist Ryuu?"


    True-Spear nodded at her as he spoke, "Yes I am though it seems that Brother Ryuu is meditating as such we have to wait."


    Chasing wind smiled at that as she spoke, "Well from what I was told Brother Ryuu has said that we can speak with him whenever we need to so I do not see any problem."


    True-Spear frowned before he spoke with a shrug, "Well then I do not see any problem with it."


    With that the duo made their way towards a meditating Ryuu as they stood near him True-Spear frowned as he whispered with a frown on his face, "Is that drool on his face."


    Chasing Wind''s eyes narrowed as her ears caught a certain sound, "Is he snoring?"


    A flabbergasted True-Spear spoke with disbelief in his voice, "Is he sleeping I thought he was meditating?"


    "What kind of idiot sleeps when they should be meditating?", upon saying that she moved her hand to shale him awake, as she neared him she found herself pinned to the wall with a sword on her throat.


    "Ah sorry I was meditating deeply as such when you shook me from that state I reacted badly", a voice full of remorse came to her ears as her heart hammered like war drum, ''I thought I would die.'', for a split second it seemed as if the air had left her lungs as she choked in killing intent only to disappear as a smiling visage of Ryuu appeared in front of her as True-Spear shook his head in exasperation.


    "You should not try to awake someone when they are sleeping like that.", True-Spear chided as Ryuu turned face to face with slight blush as he spoke, "I was not sleeping I was meditating too deeply."


    Chasing Winds decided to make fun of Ryuu as a form of revenge for acting towards her like that as she spoke in a dull tone, "I have never seen someone drool while meditating."


    The blush on Ryuu''s face disappeared as he spoke with a tilt on his head, "What are you talking about falling asleep while meditating is the most important and vital part of meditation.", the sincerity of his tone made everyone in the hearing range made themselves doubt their own experience and knowledge.


    One of the cultivators could not help but retort, "Where did you learn that?"


    Ryuu tilted his head as he send a pitying glance at the person as he spoke, "Oh poor you, you did not know the secret behind meditation was deep sleep.", he then made his way towards him as he squeezed his shoulder as he spoke, "I pity you brother."


    True-Spear could not help himself anymore as he bowled over in laughter as he used his spear to keep himself in standing position albeit with great difficulty, as he wheezed hard he managed to speak somehow, "Brother Ryuu you are a riot, never in all my life have I seen the ability ti make others dumbfounded like you."


    Ryuu smirked back towards him as he gave him an overly exaggerated bow, before continued speaking, "Why thank you kind sir."


    Chasing Wind rubbed her temples as she spoke, "Now I can understand why Sister Zywia is always seemed so frustrated and incensed."


    "Finally someone understands my plight.", Zywia spoke with hope shining in her eyes as Ryuu spoke with a snort, "I do not know what happened to you but I prefer the Zywia I saw the first time I met you calm and collected."


    Zywia turned towards him as she spoke, "I prefer the younger you who was shy and gentle child who did not act like a crazy person."


    Ryuu snorted as he spoke, "You got only one life leave to the fullest."


    A person snorted as he heard Ryuu''s saying as he spoke, "Really now, we could easily reincarnate if we choose to do so."


    Ryuu nodded towards him as he spoke, "You are right my friend but you will not be able to lead the life of Daoist True-Sword anymore but someone else entirely."


    Frozen Ocean looked towards Ryuu with her eyes narrowed before a small smile formed on her face, ''He sure is charismatic making sure that tension that was rising because of the drums of war dissipate at the same time making fill with hope he slowly and surely is becoming the driving force, I hope to see where his future leads to that is if he survives long enough.'', her brows furrowed upon remembering the sight of him puking blood, it was horrifying she hoped Ryuu would survive.


    Loud blaring of horn drew everyone''s attention as their expression grew grim, every cultivator ran outside as they were greeted by an enormous army slowly surrounding the caves from all side, the sheer number seemed to swallow the desert, their hooves seemed the shake the earth as they were marching to what seemed like sand storm forming by their feet which, not to mention their cries seemed to destroy their previous tranquil atmosphere.


    Everyone''s heart hammered at the sight as they gulped upon seeing the sheer size of the enemy, Dhaeq who appeared near Ryuu spoke in a solemn tone, "Brother, over there.", as he pointed towards a certain direction.


    Ryuu looked towards the direction where he pointed as he spotted to what seemed like a lizard walking on two legs, covered with bones and body parts of various creatures, it was dragging a large sword made up of bone behind it as other creature of the horde was keeping a distance from it.


    "Is it the Emperor?"


    Dhaeq nodded as Ryuu spoke with a frown, "I hope you are ready, when they cross the marker I will activate it."


    Dhaeq nodded at that as he spoke, "Of course hope your rune works."


    Ryuu smirked at him as he spoke, "It would work brother my arr��. I mean my rune will work you have my word, if it fails we will use the most effective method since the time of our ancestors."


    Dhaeq gained a blood thirsty look on his face as he spoke, "We will bash them with our own hands I like the idea."

 Chapter 371 - Blood Gods Fountain (Part-1)

    Salazar glared at his nephew as he spoke, "I understand uncle but our clan is not made up of a single child, you wasting valuable resources and I understand my cousin''s plight but he should not forget he has two other children, concerns have been raised��.."


    The shattering of arm rest of Salazar''s chair plunged the room into silence as he spoke in grave tone that send shivers down his nephew''s spine, "I am still the Head of OUR clan and you should not worry about things that do not concern you and as for spending resources does any member of our clan has any shortages to report?", he scanned the entire room before he spoke with barely concealed anger as his aura slammed against them, "Then I do not understand why you all are having problem with how I spend my portion nor do I think you have the authority to do as such.", his words seemed to make the elders of his clan find the floor suddenly rather interesting before he looked towards his nephew as he spoke, "I know who you are fraternizing child and remember if even a single hair of even the lowest member of our clan is touched by your so called well wishing friends I will personally end your lineage and then I will end you.", his nephew nodded wordlessly clearly frightened which made his eyes narrow even more, ''Fool do not think I do not know you will not try something because of my reprimand, step a toe out of the line and nephew or not I will see you burn.''


    Ryuu''s eyes narrowed as he looked at the Emperor, ''It looks like I have seen it before, hmm I cannot seem to recall it, oh well.''


    Suddenly the beast tide stopped as deathly silence descended into the place, when all of a sudden the lizard like creature roared which was followed by a cacophony of sounds that seemed to deafen everyone.


    "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU ALL WAITING FOR REPLY THEM.", someone shouted at the top of his lungs as his shout broke the dam as everyone shouted accompanied by sound of horns and in some cases banging of weapons.


    Ryuu smirked at as he tilted his head, ''I doubt if my barrier holds properly they would need to fight at all.'', before his eyes fell on a few creatures making him sigh, ''Well those creatures might be able to breach by brute force though I doubt they would be much help.''


    "Brother Ryuu.", Dhaeq''s voice came to his ears as Ryuu acknowledged him with a nod as he spoke, "So will you activate the array?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "Activating it prematurely will make the rest of the plan to derail, even after I leave the array will be able to survive and aid your future generation, though let me teach you the proper activation process, so can I have something that I can use as a spear, I will throw it to mark a border."


    Dhaeq nodded as a wooden spear was brought quickly and Ryuu threw it like a javelin as it soared through the sky before falling embedding in the ground with a dull thud, that drew everyone''s attention as the silence descended once again, but Ryuu did not pay any attention as he turned towards Dhaeq as he spoke, "Think of that as the border of the circle surrounding our home, now do not activate until they breach the circle.", having said his piece Ryuu took out a scepter which he had previously borrowed from Dhaeq as he handed him it to him as he spoke, "This scepter can be used to control the array but be careful the initial drain is large."


    Dhaeq nodded as he held the scepter like a life line he may like to fight but he was not suicidal when the entire life of his tribe was in jeopardy after all no sane person would throw away their life in a futile attempt to fight the horde of spirit beasts surrounding them.


    Dhaeq gritted his teeth as he spoke, "Brother Ryuu, please tell me when I should activate I will do so."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Okay no problem."


    Ryuu let out a deep breath as he closed his eyes for a second, any and all form of sound seemed to vanish from his ears and as he reopened his eyes he could feel all the circle of surrounding them, with a roar from their commander the creatures dashed forward, he could feel the thundering steps as the circle shrunk, when one of the creatures crossed the imaginary line Ryuu shouted out now, "NOW!!!!!"


    Dhaeq activated the array but he was promptly on his knees from the drain caused by its activation, Ryuu could feel the gentle hum of the array activation the coursing of KI through it, but alas it seemed only he was able to feel it as others were only focused at the tide of beast approaching towards them.


    50 meters, 40 meters, 30 meters.... as the beasts neared so did the heartbeat increase Ryuu could taste the fear and desperation in the air, but he stood resolutely without fear as he watched the beast approached, he watched as one of the beast reached the array, then he felt immense despair as others watched the beasts moving unhindered, Ryuu could feel the accusing glare and loathing directed at him as nothing happened the beast as it had already crossed half way through ring of array and for a split second he had the urge to smash the person who was sending such vibes towards someone as him only for him to shake his head as he pushed the thoughts to the deepest recess of his mind, ''Why are my thoughts taking such a darker turn these days, though they should trust him more, if he had said he would stop them it was the absolute truth and they should shut up and obe��'', he again shook his head as Ryuu frowned hard, ''Seriously what is happening to me.''


    Dhaeq had crossed his fist against Ryuu and he knew what kind of person he was an honest but proud person and he knew if he had said that he would protect them with a barrier then he would believe him.


    Frozen Ocean frowned as she spoke as blood drained from her face as she spoke with trembling voice, "Did Ryuu''s array fail?"


    Zywia was in denial as she watched the sky darkened as various spirit beasts followed after those on foot, "No no it cannot be Ryuu is Her''s disciple I have grown up hearing her praises, he cannot make such mistake, I refuse to belief."


    "That idiot going to get us killed, EVERYONE BUCKLE UP W....", whatever he was going to say was stopped as he was stunned seeing the scene in front of him.


    As the beast drew near Ryuu was getting annoyed not at the beast horde but at others as they were doubting his ability specially when Zywia''s voice entered his ears, ''Why am I listening to these idiots specially that Zywia she had already seen something similar to work but now I have to think of an appropriate name such a difficult decision wish I had something to generate names of stuff.''


    As Ryuu was having an inner battle trying to decide an appropriate name the cultivators were all gawking at the scene in front of them, no sooner did the beast placed a foot out of the ring that constituted the array, it seemed as if an invisible force seemed to tear it shreds, no shredding was a wrong word as it seemed that the entire creature was liquefied, then the blood gushed upwards, and it was not an isolated incident as every beast met the same fate, as a wall of blood rose in the air as if a cone made of blood had been placed upside down on top of them.


    "Aha ''Blood Demon''s Fountain'', I should name it as such.", reached a proud voice of Ryuu to everyone''s ears.

 Chapter 372 - Blood Gods Fountain (Part-2)

    Frozen Ocean when she looked up towards Ryuu for a moment felt as if he was some Emperor who was looking down no sneering down at some lowly peasants in a way that meant that the peasants should be grateful that he even decided to grace his presence amongst them, she blinked by then the look had morphed to that of elation as he spoke in a smug tone, "If I say I will do something it will be done."


    True-Spear whistled lowly as he looked at the barrier that Ryuu had erected as he spoke, "Brother Ryuu that was remarkable."


    Ryuu grinned back at him as he spoke, "Told you it would work", he then extended his hand as he helped Dhaeq to stand up, before he dropped down to the ground with him following after Ryuu.


    "So how long will it last?", Dhaeq questioned Ryuu who simply smiled as he spoke, "Well as long as you do not turn it off."


    Dheaq nodded at that as Ryuu continued speaking, "Although I have designed it in such a way that only those on the outside will have travel I would not recommend anyone trying to touch it from inside as the barrier might pull him in and turn him into blood spot."


    Kiesa frowned as she spoke, "Well that is well and good but now they will simply wait for as long as it requires outside."


    Ryuu laughed at that as he replied to her, "The beauty of the array does not lie in the form of how it kills the enemy but how it lures the enemy to the slaughter, the more it runs and more its influence would spread and the enemies would rush towards it, entranced by it and meeting their death."


    Everyone who heard about it had their eyes widen in shock as Zywia was reminded of another similar array by Ryuu and she felt herself foolish as she was had witnessed the creation and activation and even then she had doubted Ryuu.


    True-Spear shook his head as he spoke with a sigh, "Your mind is dangerous brother Ryuu."


    Ryuu snorted at that as he spoke, "Point me to a cultivator whose mind is not dangerous."


    True-Spear laughed hard at that as Dhaeq spoke, "Is there any weak point that I should be aware of."


    Ryuu''s eyes narrowed as he spoke, "Well it can be breached by creature with exceptionally strong armor and move extremely fast even then while crossing the barrier it would cause the poison to be directly injected into the heart."


    Chasing Wind frowned as she spoke, "I have heard of arrays that are used as traps and are used to store poison but they cannot perform any other functions is that why you have used array weaving? Tying up to different arrays together?"


    Ryuu looked at her as he spoke, "No array weaving does not work like that, it only works on similar types of array."


    Chasing winds was confused at that as she spoke, "Then how do you create such an array that is tearing the opponents as well as poisoning them?"


    Ryuu looked at her as he spoke with a smirk, "Well you forgot about the fact that the array has an ability to make the beasts commit suicide and continuously increase in strength and area of effect as more and more creatures die."


    Chasing winds eyes widen as she spoke with a touch of desperation in her voice, "But how does this work can you will you please teach me."


    Ryuu was taken aback at the ravenous hunger for knowledge making him sigh, ''I have seen that look before the l.u.s.t for knowledge is good but if you lose yourself in that last you will lose your life, future and everything you hold dear'', as such he cleared his throat while he produced a talisman towards her as he spoke, "Can you tell me what this schematic of an array means?"


    Chasing Winds took it reverently in her hands as she mulled over it hard by then a crowd had formed around them as a few of them peeked at the talisman but only manage to gather a frown on the brows while Ryuu was pleasantly chatting with True-Spear and Dhaeq.


    After a good few moments later Chasing Winds gave up with a huff as she spoke, "Sorry brother Ryuu but I believe no one amongst us could decipher it."


    Ryuu sighed as he gave them a weak smile as he spoke, "I see, you all spend some time drawing the arrays I had instructed this small schematic was part of the larger part of the same array, one of the most simplest and basic part."


    Chasing Wind frowned as she argued back, "Brother Ryuu that was cruel of you testing us with such an obscure arra..."


    Ryuu''s look hardened as he spoke, "I never deceived you, this schematic is the very basic of the array a small but vital part, tell me sister Chasing Wind, have you heard about Nuwa''s exclusion principle, Hamirabi''s conjoint theory, Kilbasa''s uncertainty law?"


    Chasing wind shook her head as did the others as Ryuu continued, "They are the laws that have been created by our ancestors who have paved the way for us array masters, this laws help in understanding as well as gaining enlightenment in the Grand Dao of Array yet at the same time without having sufficient enlightenment in the Dao you may not understand this law and this small part of the array was the only part that did not have those laws embedded into it as such, and for you who could not understand a simple array how will I be able to explain to you the working of one where thorough understanding of such complicated laws are needed."


    Chasing Winds looked down for a moment as if a bit ashamed making Ryuu sigh, "Listen sister I am not trying to insult you or trying to look down on you but you have to understand there are some requirements needed for you to even begin deciphering parts of the array and understand it completely and currently you do not possess."


    Chasing Winds bit her lips as she spoke, "Can you then teach me? If you teach me I ��.."


    Ryuu raised his hand as he spoke, "Sister Please stop you should not act like that we are proud IMMORTAL CULTIVATORS we have load s of time in the world you should not act so desperate as if you have only a day to live take it easy you cannot simply learn by devouring everything up give it time."


    Chasing Winds gave him a sheepish smile as she spoke, "Sorry whenever I see something new I cannot contain myself."


    Ryuu smiled towards her as he spoke, "Well that makes us two."


    "Hey what are those sparkling things amongst the blood river?"


    Everyone looked at the sparkling flashes amidst the sea of blood with wide eyes as they slowly turned to a frowning Ryuu who suddenly seemed to gain an epiphany as he spoke with a smirk, "I think those are broken nucleus pieces."


    "Really such a waste", came an exclamation from the side as Ryuu nodded with a sad look on his face though inwardly it was a different matter, ''Muhahahaha I struck gold no diamond, the array did destroy anything that was beneath Level 7 of Mystic Immortal Emperor level, but the rest are so much in number my space ring seems to be over flowing with them, so lucky and no one caught the ''sleight of hand.'''', with a mental pat he looked at the sparkling river of blood that rose to the sky.

 Chapter 373 - Blood Gods Fountain (Part-3)

    Ryuu was laying on top of a rock formation as he looked at the red fountain of blood, as he let out a yawn he felt Zywia approach him.


    "Brother Ryuu you did not mention them the working of the array completely."


    Ryuu closed his eyes as he spoke with a smirk, "Why should I?"


    "From the shy kid you changed a lot, the first time I met you, you seemed to be kind of depressed."


    "Why should I not be after getting scolded by your older Sister."


    Zywia''s eyes widen a fraction as she spoke with a sigh, "Yes I remember you were dozing off during a meeting where you had been dragged off to attend alongside your sister, I meeting if I recall a meeting you had no reason to participate."


    Ryuu gave her a small smile as Zywia continued speaking, "So many years have passed away since then, and now from a Void Immortal you are now peak Mystic Immortal Emperor."


    Ryuu nodded as an array glowed under his hand as he spoke, "Yeah so many, I missed almost half a century of my life gone because I was in coma."


    Zywia frowned at that as she spoke, "I heard tidbits about it, so the woman was strong."


    Ryuu snorted at that as he spoke, "Strong would be understatement, I was in a tea shop you know when she approached me asking permission to take the unoccupied seat in my table, when she suddenly started speaking as if she had known me forever, her aura I knew I would not win so I ran but it was futile, my flying vessel went up in flames as my bodyguards intervened, I never knew their names as they referred themselves as numbers."


    Zywia listened with rapt attention as Ryuu continued, "They had protected me many times whenever I had landed in some idiotic situation, two of them stayed back as the third teleported with me but it was all for naught for we found ourselves face to face with her again, she was holding the severed heads of the other two, they were not weaklings but strong honest to Heaven DaoFather level opponents and what did she do she simply walked and tore the soul out of the third one, they I found myself being forcibly kissed with her tongue down my throat."


    "WHATTTTTT!!!!" Zywia gave an incredulous shout as Ryuu chuckled as he spoke, "Oh what a kiss it was full of passion if it weren''t for the feeling of having someone tearing our brains out did not accompany with it, and I was so scared I still sometimes have nightmares of her."


    An uncomfortable silence descended amongst them before Zywia spoke, "Then what happened."


    Ryuu sighed as he continued, "She was practically shoving Dao into my brain causing it to almost make brain dead, not to mention I was forced to watch my previous life, and when I woke up I was a Mystic Immortal Emperor who had spend over half of his life comatose."


    Zywia winced at that as she spoke, "How strong is she?"


    Ryuu closed his eyes before he spoke, "She strolled into Ayindril once, when all of my teachers were present, along with my sisters not only that three more cultivators whose strength equal to my teachers and older sisters were present and in spite of all those people present there, she casually crushed my third sister''s heart before anyone could react."


    When he said that Zywia looked ready to faint upon hearing that as she spoke, "That is impossible how is that even possible what is she?"


    Ryuu snorted at that as he spoke, "That is something I myself wonder often what she is, my teachers your parents they are known to have reach the pinnacle of cultivation yet they fall short of her by quite a margin."


    Zywia felt a headache forming as Ryuu turned on his side as he supported his head with his hand as he spoke with a yawn, "Why are you suddenly interested in such old dreadful stories?"


    Zywia sagged as she spoke, "Because I am bored, this entire trip is nothing but facing near death situations not to mention we have yet to find anything of value."


    Ryuu closed his eyes as he spoke, "So true so true, though dear sister Zywia I spoke with you so much yet what precaution have you taken so that no one eavesdrop on us."


    Zywia gave him a smug smile as she spoke, "I used a talisman that prevents someone from listening to our talk."


    Ryuu stifled a yawn as he spoke, "Is that so.", as Zywia nodded she felt something fizzle near her back making her yelp in surprise as Ryuu continued in an extremely bored tone, "Then next time do not forget to check for any bugs that had been planted on you."


    Zywia''s jaw was unhinged before her eyes shone in anger at having an array placed on her discreetly with her realizing it as she spoke, "Duly noted brother and thank you."


    Seeing Ryuu roll back again into lying position Zywia could not help but ask, "You could have tried to gather some of the nucleus I have seen you use something similar in the first level so why did you not gather some."


    "I see no reason to, not to mention the fact it would further complicate make the array even more difficult to draw by them, although it would have been nice if we could get out hands on some nucleus.", as Ryuu spoke his brow twitched as he smiled inwardly, ''I got the nucleus of the ''Emperor, Celestial 2nd level not bad.''


    Zywia nodded at that as she spoke, "So true it would be nice, you know I have been thinking for some time now."


    Ryuu started to sweat bullets upon hearing that, ''She is thinking oh Heavens, her greatest idea till date was sneaking into Eden without preparation, oh Heavens please someone save me.'', bracing himself from whatever idea that might pop out of her brain and give him nightmare he send her an encouraging nod accompanied by faux smile as she continued, "About those laws you said to them, I remember my mother speaking about them, it was something like ''Code'' something, something."


    Ryuu completed on her behalf as he spoke, "''Codex Synergy'', written by my teacher what of it."


    Zywia deadpanned at him as she spoke, "You recommended them that book and then told them that you have yet to read it and have learned about it from your teacher and your teacher taught you about those laws."


    Ryuu raised one of his brows as he spoke, "Well yes I learned everything from my teacher though she made me memorize the entire thing by heart even before I was 10 and I do not see its significance."


    Zywia''s eyes narrowed as she spoke, "You told them to inquire about any manual from Shangri-la Pavilion, you are profiting from them."


    Ryuu snorted towards her as he spoke, "So I do not see any problem with it, as for the text they should forget it DaoFathers fight for a copy and it is very rare, and at their level they do not even have the strength nor influence and status enough to touch a summary of the chapters of the book let alone the original."


    Zywia smiled warily at that as she spoke, "Chasing Winds is the type who will now chase after you for your knowledge."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Well then she has to live with severe disappointment because I am not going to teach her or anyone else anything at all."


    Zywia cracked a smile as she spoke, "Well one day you will be taking a disciple then you will have to share your knowledge."


    Ryuu nodded towards her as he spoke, "Of course, but I doubt it would be anytime soon."


    Zywia nodded at that when all of a sudden her eyes harden, "What about those deserters? We were gambling our lives, working hard those people had run away and I do not doubt when we move to the next level upon completion of the task those shameless deserters would join us as if nothing happen."


    Ryuu gave her a smirk as he spoke, "Dear sister please do not get worked up about those deserters they were simply afraid and decided to take a cautious route and I hope they do so when the decide to venture into the next level after all it would be unfortunate that accident happened and we being tired from fighting against the horde failed to save them."


    Zywia returned the smirk as she spoke, "Yes it would be unfortunate."


    Meanwhile on another part of the cave a slap resounded as a feminine voice spoke with anger, "What is this rubbish, I gave you one task and you could not complete it, I told you to plant the bug on that girl so that I might eavesdrop on their chat and you could not even plant the bug properly all of you are hopeless."


    The person in question had a perfect hand print on his cheek as he mumbled lowly but was loud enough for the person to hear, "But I did Boss Lady"


    The woman in question had a vein throbbing on her forehead as she spoke with anger, "Then please explain to me why I am only hearing braying of DONKEY!!!!! GET OUT WORTHLESS TRASH!!!!"


    With that she kicked the person as she spoke with a snarl, "If you want something done, do it by yourself and not use idiots.", and then with a huff she left.

 Chapter 374 - Blood Gods Fountain (Part-4)

    Ryuu sat in front of Dhaeq as Dhaeq spoke with a smile on his face, "Thank you brother Ryuu, we do not know what we could have done without your help."


    Ryuu simply smiled back towards him as he spoke, "Brother it was combined effort of all of us that helped us to prevail."


    As they were about to speak a snotty voice interrupted them, "If you could create something then why did you not create something like that before, then we could have save some more of our people."


    Ryuu''s brow twitched as Dhaeq spoke with a snarl, "Elder Myde cease speaking in such foul manner."


    As the Elder grumbled Ryuu gave her an apologetic smile as he spoke, "I wish to apologize Elder, I cannot fathom to understand your grief for your martyred brethren, but please believe me when I say there will be no one happier than me if I could have been able to erect the array ages ago."


    Myde huffed as she spoke, "And may I inquire what stopped you."


    Ryuu sighed as he gained a pained expression on his face, "Brother Dhaeq, you remember the first time you met asked my left hand."


    Dhaeq''s face scrunched up in confusion before he spoke with his eyes wide, "Yes yes you said you were attacked by some creature."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke with a sigh, "What I failed to tell you that we were above 30,000 strong, before we met the enemy, we did not even get chance to attack it, it simply breathed towards us and in blink of an eye so many died."


    Upon hearing that the entire room was plunged into deathly silence as Ryuu continued, "Its poison was so dangerous that they all turned to ash within seconds upon coming in contact with it, so many had died that day, and the best part it was simply its breath it did not even bother attacking us, yet we fell that day."


    Dhaeq spoke with soft sigh, "But you manage to survive in spite facing such fierce adversary."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "I did not manage to survive brother, I merely delayed the inevitable, I am dying, I have less than 5 years left to live."


    Upon hearing that Dhaeq''s eyes widen with alarm as Kiesa spoke with a frown, "Surely there is a cure."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "I know someone who might be able to help me but I am so far away that I might not be able to reach him before a decade at the very least."


    Myde frowned as she spoke, "So your injury prevented you from acting before."


    Ryuu nodded while looking a bit downtrodden as he spoke, "It is as you have guessed esteemed elder, and the poison is slowly eating me from the inside and most I can do is suppress the poison with my strength but it is weakening me by a lot and every time I have to exert more strength the poison flares up and leaves me incapacitated and in great pain."


    Kiesa''s eyes widen as she spoke, "That was why you go missing after almost every siege we faced."


    Ryuu nodded towards her as she continued speaking, "Then why did you exert yourself you could let your companions to deal with it."


    Ryuu chuckled at that as he spoke, "My companions are my allies as long as I do not become liability then I would be culled, as such I cannot show weakness in front of them."


    Dhaeq with a worried look on his face spoke, "Is there anything you know that might help you brother Ryuu, you helped us so much I cannot in good conscious just leave in to your death."


    Ryuu was quite for a moment before he spoke slowly, "There is a way that might work, it involves ingesting poison and slowly building up resistance to it and hope to reach the level required that will make me resistance to the poison."


    Kiesa was taken aback at what she heard as she spoke with disbelief in her voice, "How will the using of extra poison even work? Will the extra poison not interfere with the one in your blood?"


    "A person when he has to climb higher level and cannot fly will make a ladder to reach the higher ground and this poison would be my ladder. As for working, well it should after all my teacher used similar method to help me gain poison resistance though I will have to tweak a bit and hope for the best."


    Dhaeq spoke with a frown as he spoke, "How sure are you that will work?"


    Ryuu gave a nervous laugh at that as he spoke, "I am not sure it might work.", as he looked at the concern look on their face he spoke quickly, "Brother I know you are concerned but this is the only way for me, if I had any other method I would have done it in a heartbeat."


    Dhaeq sighed before he spoke, "Is there any requirements of the poison?"


    Ryuu bit his lips as he spoke, "During the siege I saw you use a black orb dripping with poison, the same poison was provided to us in order to create the poison for the array, can borrow some of the poison."


    Dhaeq nodded at his request as he spoke with a worried look on his face, "Of course brother."


    Elder Myde sighed as she spoke, "Do you need any discreet location for what you plan to do."


    Frozen Ocean and Zywia both made their way to the inner sanctum of the cave after receiving the message that the Ryuu wanted to speak with them and it was an emergency, as such thy moved as fast as their guide to take them to the inner part of the cave.


    "Why did he asked for us like this Sister Zywia?, Frozen Ocean spoke concern laced in voice.


    Zywia simply shook her head as she spoke, "No idea sister, no idea I just hope he did not do something incredibly foolish."


    As they entered a room they found a giant array pulsing on the ground with low hum with Ryuu stripped down to his shorts, but what shocked them was array made of blood covering all over his body, even his head had been shaved clean seating at the middle of the array, "Catch this".


    A space ring flew towards Zywia which she caught with her right hand as she cast a questioning look towards Ryuu as Frozen Ocean spoke with a frown, "What is this weird smell and what are you doing shaving off your head and drawing array all over your body and did you use blood to draw the array."


    Ryuu smirked at her as he spoke, "Dealing with my condition and yes the array that has been drawn in this room and on my body is created with the help of my blood and lots of blood replenishing pills, the smell is from various medicinal herbs that is about to be unleashed soon.", as he spoke a glob of black colored liquid with a slight purple tinge floated around him lazily.


    Both the ladies had their eyes open wide at his proclamation, as Ryuu spoke with a small smile towards Zywia, " If I die today make sure that my stuff that are all stored into my space ring is delivered to my teacher and if possible my corpse is salvageable and not hazardous makes sure it is as well, now leave I have to concentrate."


    The abruptness of the situation stunned them and made Zywia feel scared for Ryuu as such she quickly spoke out, "Ryuu what are planning to do, I will not allow you to��.."


    Ryuu''s eyes hardened as he spoke, "Zywia leave and please do not tell others anything about it."


    Frozen Ocean sighed as she spoke, "Ryuu how sure are you that your idea will work?"


    Ryuu sighed at that as he spoke, "Nonw."


    This time Frozen Ocean exploded with anger, "THEN WHAT..."


    RYuu growled lowly as he shouted out, "I KNOW WHAT I AM DOING NOW LEAVE."


    With that the duo were flung out of the room as the door closed and a massive array formed sealing it, the last glimpse of Ryuu they managed to get was him getting surrounded by grayish smoke and the blob expanding and flowing to him.


    As they landed on their feet Frozen Ocean looked in disbelief as she spoke, "How did he manage to fling us like that how strong is he."


    Zywia snarled as she glared towards the door as she spoke, "He is strong but I have no idea by how much but I know when he steps out of that room I will give a dressing down, how dare Ryuu treat me like that?", with a huff she turned and left while gripping the space ring hard as she looked back towards the door with concern in her eyes, for the last time before she left.

 Chapter 375 - Being Nincompoop (Part-1)

    Pain pain was all Ryuu knew, to him it felt as if someone was tearing his flesh, his skin grounding his bones and organs to paste, while time seemed to have slowed down entirely he never felt so much pain like that before his entire body seemed to be on fire, he could no longer scream from the pain as his blood dripped from his mouth courtesy of the torn vocal chords from screaming, he simply wanted it to end.


    Zywia gave a fake smile to Su-Min as she nodded at her only for Su-Min playfully punch her as she spoke with a scowl on her face, "Where is your mind wandering off to? I am speaking with for some time now and all could do is nod like a doll."


    Zywia gave a sheepish smile as she cursed herself inwardly before she spoke with a smile, "Nothing I was just thinking what kind of danger we will face."


    Her words made everyone within hearing range wince at that as Su-Min spoke with a sigh, "I know it will be difficult and our esteemed friend so wants to conquer the 15th floor, I doubt it would be possible, you know what is after the 5th floor, and Ryuu wants to reach the 15th floor he surely is ambitious."


    Zywia winced at that, ''He may be ambitious but is forced to unlike us he does not have the luxury of giving up he is forced to continue as means to prolong his life, compared to us he is still a child, he has already lost a part of his life and now he knows he would not live more than 5 years it is so cruel.''


    "But where is he, I have not seen him since yesterday Sister Zywia you are his friend so do you know where brother Ryuu is I have not seen him since the siege."


    Zywia stiffened at the question only for Frozen Ocean speak with an irritation in her voice, "Leave him he shouted about some form of enlightenment he had received upon seeing the working of the array and is now busy with it."


    Snickers were heard as well as muttering about an array nut or what not.


    "You know ��", one of the fellow cultivator known as Daoist Calming River spoke with frown on his face as his words captured the attention of others, "From what I have seen I am inclined to believe that Daoist Ryuu is a ''savant''."


    At that many furrowed their brows only to be dismissed vehemently by Amnon as he spoke with a snort, "No I do not believe he is a ''savant'', after all a savant is unparalleled in only one direction and in rest he is trash so I do not believe he is a savant."


    Calming River frowned before he nodded with a sigh, "You are right fellow Daoist brother you are right."


    Frost Flames sighed before she spoke in a cold tone, "Well we all will be moving to the next level soon I think we should all male preparations for it."


    As most of the people dispersed and were out of reach, Zywia quickly pulled a talisman which she activated, an action that was not unnoticed by both Su-Min and Frozen Ocean though Daniella and her husband Amnon were a bit distracted to catch its activation as such they were caught off guard, seeing them alarmed Zywia quickly spoke, "Sorry for activating the array, do not worry about it as it only prevents someone from eavesdropping on us."


    Upon hearing that all of them frowned, as Su-Min spoke, "Is there something wrong?"


    Zywia nodded as she continued, "I was having a chat with Ryuu when he spotted a bug on me which was being used by someone to spy on me as such I would like to warn you that someone is actively engaging in eavesdropping on us as such please be careful whoever the person might be might have an ulterior motive."


    The others eyes widen at that as Su-Min spoke with barely concealed anger in her voice, "Do you know who is trying to eavesdrop on us?"


    Zywia''s shoulder slouched at her question before she spoke with a sigh, "No I do not know but the person is using array and was able to plant it on me without myself noticing it so please be careful now on."


    Other nodded at that as Daniella spoke with a frown, "So where is Ryuu really?"


    Frozen Ocean looked at her as she spoke, "Well as I said before he received some enlightenment and is now working on it."


    Su-Min pouted on hearing that as she spoke, "Really I hope he finishes before our time ends in this place."


    Zywia nodded at her with soft smile on her face as she spoke, "Me too."


    Ryuu shook slightly as he curled up into a ball, the entire ordeal was horrendous for him never in his wildest nightmare did he imagine it would hurt him so much, ''It??s over, it''s over'' was the only thing that ran in his mind over and over again.


    It had been a few hours since Ryuu had finished with the procedure he looked down on the ground any and all evidence of the array had been destroyed completely by him, as he rubbed his bald head he sighed, ''Damn my Ki is unstable and now if I use the pill, I will look like a wooly mammoth what to do now, ah yes I could get a stylish tattoo.'', Ryuu was glad that he was born with such an intelligent brain he always like tattoos but unfortunately during his last life his wife grounded him into dog house after he got one even though it was her name in that tattoo, but now he would simply get one and no..... a horrible foreboding by the name of Nuwa, Veena and Celestia appeared in his mind, he had once casually remarked that he like tattoo but the glare he had received from his 2nd mistress made him want to change his pants, anything that wasn''t an array that was necessary was forbidden.


    Ryuu was depressed even further by the fact as he closed his eyes he winced as a small tremor that went to his body, ''Damn it even my body is not at the optimal condition and now I have to use the same procedure three more times, when teacher used it was much better it only gave a slight tingling sensation once it began and nothing more not to mention it would take place over a long time not in mere three days and that to when I am trying to suppress a very deadly poison.''


    He fell on his back as he muttered, "I do not wish to step outside looking like a bald no brow and with my otherworldly luck because of my fluctuating KI I will have no control on my looks and the minute I step out of it I will get mobbed by dazed and glazed drooling admirers."


    "Who are you?", sharp voice of True-Spear cut the air like hot knife through butter, only for the intruder to raise his hands in surrender by then most of the people were casting suspicious glances with many had already drawn their weapons ready to strike the newcomer wearing a turban and a white mask with tribal print on it.


    Only to be stopped by an amused laughter from Zywia as she spoke, "Brother True-Spear it seems you failed to recognize Ryuu, this idiot sneezed while creating an array and now lacks any and all form of hair on his head."


    Ryuu grumbled at that as he whined petulantly, "Sister Zywia I told you not to tell others about it, I wanted to pass it as a fashion statement."


    True-Spear laughed at that as he spoke, "Well then nice fashion statement brother Ryuu."


    Zywia glared at True-Spear as she rounded him up, "How dare you try to��..", Ryuu tuned the duo out as he saw them bickering well more like flirting making him tilt his head, ''Huh when did they become close'', before his shoulder slouched forward as he let out a sigh of depression.


    "Oh my, seems like Brother Ryuu is jealous", came a sweet voice to his ears as he watched Su-Min eyeing him with a smirk.


    Ryuu tilted his head as he spoke, "Huh what are you saying?"


    By then Frost Flames as well Frozen Ocean had also joined them as Su-Min continued, "Well you seemed to be depressed upon seeing dear adorable Zywia flirting with Brother True-Spear."


    Ryuu waved his hand as he spoke, "You misunderstand me I care not for whom she falls in love with as long as that person does not try to use her, but I was thinking about what would happen when we step out of this place, Su-Min have you ever met with her older brother by any chance?"


    Su-Min shook her head negatively as Ryuu continued, "Well how should I say it but Brother Cezary is highly over protective of her sister and after she steps out of here he is going to go after True-Spear then he will cast his sight on me for not preventing it and I so do not look forward to it."


    Upon hearing that Su-Min broke into laughter as the other two had look of amus.e.m.e.nt in their eyes as she patted Ryuu''s shoulder while speaking, "Well then I hope I get the front row seat then.", she then turned towards the other two as she spoke, "Would you mind joining me."


    The normal stoic and cold Frost Flames glanced at Ryuu as she let out a small giggle, which to Ryuu sounded like sound of chimes as she spoke, "I would not mind sister I would not mind."


    Then could not see Ryuu''s face but guessed that he had a dejected look on his face, but unfortunately it was not true as he was looking at True-Spear who was still bickering with Zywia without a care of the world with narrowed eyes as he mused inwardly, ''I do not care if he loves Zywia or not but if he is trying to seduce her for nefarious purpose then accidents happen and it would be doubly so if Zywia blabs my secrets to him I will have to silence him at the same time pick up my pace.'', once again the thought of the painful experience that he will have to undergo made his gut wretch and a feeling of nausea rose within him, ''Calm yourself you could do it, you have to you promised your ''mother'' to stand atop the world you cannot fall because of some silly poison.''

 Chapter 376 - Being Nincompoop (Part-2)

    Ryuu looked down at his palm as he closed and opened it few times before humming in satisfaction as he found his KI completely under his control, a pill found his way into his mouth as a slight tingling sensation came from his scalp, as he removed the turban luscious red locks fell to his shoulder he ran his hand into the soft silky hair of his as he let out a sigh of satisfaction he closed his eyes as his skill activated he counted to 10 before his mask was removed.


    As Ryuu breathed a sigh of relief as he gazed around only for his attention to be drawn out by Dhaeq, "Brother Ryuu how have you been in this fine morning?"


    Ryuu flashed him a smile as he spoke, "I have been fine Brother Dhaeq I was simply admiring the view around."


    Dhaeq smirked at him before he turned towards the desert surrounding them, the yellow colored sand had been died red in color just the thought of that otherworldly ''rune'' made Dhaeq shiver in fear, ''I am glad that they, especially brother Ryuu had found and arrived at my place first and I was able to strike friendship with him, otherwise we would not have survived it.''


    Ryuu looked towards the sky as he spoke, "Thank you brother, you saved my life without your help.."


    Dhaeq stopped him from speaking as he continued, "What are you saying brother Ryuu? We did nothing to you, you saved the lives of my people and it was more than we could ever do that to you.", with that he clasped Ryuu''s hand as a show of gratitude.


    Meanwhile others were looking towards them from a distance amongst them was True-Spear who frowned as he looked towards the duo, who gave each other a hug not before shaking their hands as they said each other goodbye, "He is good at making friends."


    Zywia was taken aback at his words before following his gaze as she spoke with a smile, "It seems so, when he was younger he was a shy kid and it took a lot to warm up to others."


    True-Spear was taken aback at that as he spoke, "Really he looks far cry from a shy kid."


    Zywia nodded at that as she spoke with a sigh, "Well it can be because of his family could be quite demanding sometimes."


    True-Spear looked curious but before he could speak Su-Min spoke, "Really? And why is it so?"


    Zywia bit her lips before she began speaking with a sigh, "Well it was a long time ago, he was 15 years old and his eldest sister dragged him to a meeting despite his protest and a meeting where he had no business to be present and forced him to spend hours listening to reports about matters he had no idea about and he eventually got bored and dozed off a bit, the end result the scolding he got in public it was horrendous."


    Both True-Spear and Su-Min winced at that as Su-Min spoke, "Ouch that must be hard on him."


    Meanwhile Ryuu''s left brow twitched as while speaking with Dhaeq with a smile on his face he currently standing in such a way that he was able to see Zywia''s group and he read her lips and it made him angry, ''That stupid idiot who gave her the permission to speak like that and divulge information about me, whether my teachers'' family was hard on me or not who gave you the permission to gossip on it with outsider who is no way linked with either of the families, and for the record I have never been shy yes a bit subdued during that time because of certain but never shy'', with great self control he swallowed his anger.


    Zywia suddenly felt a chill flow down her spine causing her to look around but found nothing out of place she immediately dismissed it as nothing before she returned to speak with her friends.


    As Ryuu spoke with Dhaeq for a brief moment his mind went back to the first real adventure he had when he had assisted in battle against the spiders during the trials, he a child had helped the Monkey Queen and had earned their gratitude, ''Do they remember me? I hope so Dhaeq seems so happy and he treated me as his brother but after today I will never see him again just like so many others whom I have met before do they all miss me, do they remember me or I am just a story for them to tell others, who knows.'', a small melancholic sigh escaped his lips.


    "So this the portal to the other level.", Frost Flames spoke in cold tone as they looked at the giant portal that has appeared a few minutes prior, an earthquake followed by a giant gate made up of bones appeared followed by swirling portal that linked to the other side.


    Chasing Winds grinned towards her as she spoke, "Well what are we waiting for? Let us venture forth."


    With a roar of agreement they all decided to move forward Ryuu turned to look at the people he had the honor of knowing for almost a year waving at them shouting out their goodbyes he turned towards them as he gave them a small bow with a smile on his face which was promptly returned by many others, they were only half way through the portal when a group of voice came to their ears, "Hey wait up how dare you leave without us."


    Every cultivators who were present had their jaws tighten at the sight of Josiah and his group of deserters they were returning as if nothing had happened and worse of all they gave a look as if they were at fault for leaving them behind.


    Ryuu snarled as he watched them dash towards the portal and from the looks of it every cultivator were enraged at their action when they were busy putting life on the line this 6 people had abandoned them and had run away.


    Then their anger turned to amus.e.m.e.nt as they upon reaching the portal were flung away with great force, as they landed on their back the people present laughed at their plight as they started moving again as one of them shouted out, "Serves you right you idiots you did not fulfill the challenge and ran away before the 300 day mark and now you all are stuck here, so have fun."


    The laughter increased even Ryuu smirked at their misfortune as they moved to the next level, Ryuu stepped out of the portal as a vicious smell assaulted his nose as he stood waist deep inside a swamp as did many others.


    Screeching and screaming of various insects and creatures filled his ears as he let out a sigh, ''Ugh it seems I will run out my clothes sooner than later.''

 Chapter 377 - One-Eyed Sword Raksasha

    Ryuu stretched as he looked back at the remains of a ''Storm Devouring Hydra'', ''Shame such a beautiful beast died because it crossed path with me, there was a time when I wanted to bond with a Hydra as my spirit beast but now I killed one, if it were not for Dhaeq I could have used its venom to increase my immunity but oh well it''s poison is weaker than the one I received.''


    Ryuu then turned towards the dead beast as he mused with a slight drool on his face, ''Well I can eat it after all big sis Shamiran said that this species of Hydra albeit it''s deadly and toxic face is tasty.'', his fantasy about Hydra meat ended when he heard some voice, "Is that a Hydra?"


    Ryuu''s shoulder shagged as he spoke, "Yes yes it is."


    Ryuu turned to look at one of his companions as the person spoke, "It is pity that except its venom and maybe its bones, such a pity."


    Ryuu shrugged at that while inwardly he was fuming, ''I was about to have it for dinner but now I cannot because of them, if I eat it in front of them they will start to question about my poison resistance and might figure out my limits something like that will be foolish, since I do not know if those people who tried assassinated me still have someone from their group alive amongst us.''


    "It is a pity that the meat is too toxic for us to eat and this swap is full of such creatures if it continues we might die of starvation."


    Ryuu as he wordlessly acquiesced at his words with a nod, the challenge for them was simple open the gateway to the other level and survive till you succeed survive, it was simple the word survive meant for them to kill some dangerous animals spend sometime in the swamp but then it happened as all of a sudden pangs of hunger and thirst hit them like a wrecking ball. Cultivators as they ascend through various realms their strength goes through a dramatic increase but at the same time the one of the basic but a very important necessity of any organism otherwise known as ''sustenance'' loses its value it is true that spirit food helps a lot to heal may be even boost cultivation but there are various medicinal pills that do the same but in a much better way, the need of sustenance is not necessary but a guilty pleasure, and for cultivators like Ryuu who can survive decades if not centuries without a drop of water.


    After entering the 4th level of Eden they were forced to seek sustenance and to make matter even worse anything that would classify as food or water including any alcoholic beverages, spices anything excluding medicinal pills would become stale and would become unfit for consumption shortly after being taken out of the space ring or space bags, as such they are forced to hunt and scavenge for food and water but it was proving to be incredibly difficult because the swamp was full of poisonous creatures and fresh water was even rare, only a few plants when their stems were cut provided them with water, they had been forced to stay in such a condition for a good few months already and even though they had already found the doorway to the next level the means of activation was unfortunately out of their reach at the current moment.


    True-Spear strolled into the place shortly after as he let out a small whistle as he spoke, "Well looks here someone killed a Hydra."


    Ryuu pouted as he spoke, "Well it is not my fault I was minding my own business it decided to attack me."


    True-Spear snorted at that as he spoke, "Well if you all have finished then we should move the last thing we need is other beasts being attracted here because of the smell of blood."


    No sooner did he speak a loud boom was heard and Ryuu shared a glance with True-Spear before they dashed to the sky along with others hot on their heels as they reached to sky, they were greeted with screeches and screams of various creatures who were fleeing was heard.


    Ryuu looked at what seemed to be a giant Iceberg had fallen over the swamp, True-Spear tensed as he looked at the battle raging on as he spoke in a tensed tone, "That KI I know it, Frost Flames is fighting someone, and Zywia should also be with her."


    As True-Spear dashed forward towards his martial sister''s location, Ryuu raised his brow as he noticed slight bit of panic in his voice when he mentioned Zywia''s name, he then followed after him as did the others.


    Zywia was currently enjoying her present company Frost Flames that might be because she was learning a lot about True-Spear, and she liked it very much amongst all the male she had met he seemed to be the most honorable single person except may be his brother and may be even Ryuu but he was too young not even a hundredth of her age.


    When all of a sudden one of the people who were travelling with them shouted out in alarm as he was flung hard against a rock protrusion, the others brought their weapons out, which included her Zither as she looked at that creature a cold pit formed inside her stomach.


    As True-Spear reached the place he was greeted large amount of destructions and many cultivators lying on the ground injured his eyes fell to one particular cultivator who was lying on the ground as blood flowed from her stomach he screamed with fear at the top if his lungs, "ZYWIAAAA!!!!!"


    Ryuu casted a glance towards Zywia but since True-Spear was making his way towards her as such he did not make a move to reach her but his attention was drawn towards another Frost Flames was on the ground as her assailant was about to finish her.


    Frost Flames dress was in tatters, her veil missing not to mention the numerous wounds that had appeared on her body, even though she her opponent was vicious she did not give up and fought valiantly but alas she was slowly but surely overpowered and now her enemy was about to finish her off, when suddenly a talisman appeared in front of her as a barrier protected her, the creatures attacked hit the barrier before it was flung away from her.


    "Sorry we were late, can you stand and do you need any help?", came a very familiar voice to her ears.


    Frost Flames looked at Ryuu with a grateful but tired smile on her face, he looked down towards her as he extended his hand towards her, she caught his hand before being pulled to her feet only to stumble as Ryuu caught him as he spoke, "Easy there it did a number on you, you should rest."


    Frost Flames blushed being such a close proximity to a male before she schooled her features before she spoke with a wince, "I am okay brother Ryuu though we should focus on the enemy, it is very strong as such we should fight against this together."


    Ryuu nodded as he released his hold on her as he spoke with a sigh, "You are injured and you should rest but if you wish to fight then please be my support while I will be the vanguard."


    A roar announced the arrival of the enraged enemy Ryuu gripped his sword hard as his eyes narrowed as he looked towards his enemy, a tall humanoid looking creature with its upper half looking like a human clad in bony armor while the lower half was that of a snake, its head looked like covered by a helmet with a single glowing red eye not to mention its six menacing hands that ended into sword like claws, it helmet parted to what seemed like a mouth with long tongue as it let out a bone chilling laugh, ''Ghi Ghi Ghi��'', before it dashed towards Ryuu as he spoke with a smirk on his face, "Ho a ''One-Eyed Sword Raksasha''."


    Six sword like claw slashed towards Ryuu swift and hard, trying to tear him apart, only to be stopped by his sword as they clashed a few dozen times with the creature, parry attack, parry was all he did as he fended all six swords gracefully without any problem as others watched the deadly dance between the two.


    Up, left, down, right, upper right his sword sung with joy and anger as it clashed against the beast joy for being used and anger against the creature that defied its master, Ryuu felt elated at being able to fight such a duel with its sword the creature was fighting on even footing well maybe not as Ryuu was pressing forward when all of a sudden Ryuu broke its guard making it falter and Frost Flames did not waste the chance as with a yell she chopped off two of its hands.


    A cheer was heard as the Frost Flames gained a smile on her face only to disappear as the creature disappeared only for her eyes to widen as she watched Ryuu swing his sword towards her head, a loud clang followed as she was pulled towards Ryuu as she turned back she was greeted by the creature that had tried to cut her down and would have been successful if not for Ryuu her eyes widen as two new fresh hands appeared from its bleeding stump.


    "Stay on your toes it can not only teleport but has very high regeneration, if you are not careful it would take it ��..", Ryuu stopped speaking as he cursed out loudly, "Shit��", before he dashed towards one of the injured cultivators as the creature had teleported directly in front of injured cultivator with intent to kill him.

 Chapter 378 - One Eyed Sword Raksasha(Part-2)

    The One-eyed sword raksasha raised its claws high up in the air as it tried to cut the fallen cultivator to pieces while the desperate and injured cultivator made the futile attempt to shield himself with terror in his eyes, a spear thrust saved him as the creature once again disappeared.


    Ryuu jumped back as he flipped over Frost Flames who was just behind him as he did so he placed his hand over her head before shoving her forward, Ryuu''s KI thumped through his spirit veins, while his sword was coated with sword force, the enemy had reappeared just behind Frost Flames and met with an onslaught of attacks courtesy of Ryuu, it gave an enraged roar as it eye seemed to shine bright red.


    They exchanged attack so fast in a blink of an eye, that many could not even track them Frost Flames was about to follow after Ryuu but was stopped by a hand on her shoulder, "Frost take the wounded and retreat you are wounded and tired as such your reaction has slowed let me take care of it alongside Ryuu."


    Frost Flames send an annoyed glare towards True-Spear who passed by her, the exchange between their sword at the first glance did not seem to do anything when all of a sudden the area around them exploded while any tree that had managed to get between was cut into small pieces.


    Ryuu titled his head slightly as a spear lunge went past him making the beast to stumble slightly against the sudden attack as both Ryuu and True-Spear flanked the creature.


    Frost Flames ran towards Zywia before helping her to stand up as she spoke with anger in her voice, "Let the boys deal with it, we are injured as such we would get in their way."


    Zywia nodded at that as she stood up using Frost Flames as a support before they flew away fast, their action was repeated by several other cultivators who were injured upon receiving help from others, as one of the cultivator was helping another something he remembered something as he used a talisman to send a red flare into the sky as a means to call reinforcement.


    Ryuu and True-Spear both cut off as many of the creatures hands as possible but it regenerate at a very high speed though it seemed a bit tired after each regeneration, True-Spear send a thrust towards the beast only for it to disappear once again, making him shout out in anger, "WHERE THE HELL DID IT DISAPPEAR."


    Ryuu tensed before his eyes widen slightly as he send an attack without turning back, "Joyeus Rain!"


    Like a rainfall his attack fell on the creature tearing him apart as Ryuu jumped sidewise, as True-Spear send a spear thrust as he leaped above Ryuu, "Planet Piercing Thrust."


    The forest shook as large swath of land was vaporized from the attack True-Spear huffed as he marveled at the destruction, as Ryuu stood by his side while sheathing his sword as he spoke, "Well that was interesting enemy."


    True-Spear''s eyes narrowed as he spoke, "Ryuu you have sheathed your sword are you sure he is dead."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Well a good part of its head along with its brain is lying over there so definitely it is dead."


    True-Spear relaxed upon hearing that as Ryuu spoke, "You are exceptionally skilled with your spear."


    True-Spear puffed his chest up in pride as he spoke with a smile, "Though you were also exceptional with your sword.", before his smile turned to a frown, "Brother Ryuu how did you know when and where it would appear."


    Ryuu gave him a bewildered look as he spoke, "What are you talking about brother, did you not feel the rippling of KI just as soon as it reappeared? And I was simply following it nothing more and nothing less."


    True-Spear frowned at his answer before he spoke with a shake of his head, "It was disgraceful for me that I failed to notice something so simple if it were not for your help I would have failed to slay it."


    Ryuu waved off his concern as he spoke, "Meh it is nothing to worry you were distressed upon seeing your friends in injury and making mistake during such duress is normal during battle.", while inwardly puffed up with pride, ''My superior acting and lying skills fooled him as if the One-Eyed Sword Raksasha send ripples like that while teleporting I only found out because I made manage to locate it because of my high understanding of Grand Dao of Sword and my I have manage to touch Supreme Dao of Space.''


    True-Spear nodded at that as he spoke, "Keeping one''s emotion check is so damn difficult during battle."


    Ryuu''s shoulder sagged as he sighed, ''Damn I am sighing a lot is my age finally catching up.'', before he began to speak, "So true brother so true but at the same time they also give us strength to overcome the odds."


    True-Spear nodded in agreement as he was about to reply his attention was drawn towards something shiny on the ground as he stepped forward he was greeted by what seemed to be a met with a blue colored diamond, he was about to pick up only to stop before he spoke turning towards Ryuu, "Brother Ryuu over here what do you think of this."


    Ryuu kneeled beside him as he lifted the diamond with the help of his KI without touching it, "It looks like a blue colored diamond though it looks like as if some has take a diamond and shaped it to look like slightly curved rod and a hole at the middle enough for a needle to pass through it."


    True-Spear nodded kneeling with his spear resting on his shoulder, "Not to mention this diamond look alike would fit into a certain slot on the portal."


    Ryuu nodded as the diamond floated by his side as he spoke while standing up, "You are right it would fit perfectly as such let us make our way to the camp and discuss it with others also who knows what kind of thing this is it looks like a diamond and seems harmless but I am not touching it as it might be dangerous.", True-Spear looked at the diamond with his eyes narrowed as he nodded in agreement before they both took the skies.


    "Easy, easy there Zywia.", Frost Flames helped Zywia to lie down on the ground of their makeshift camp.


    Zywia winced in pain as she heard a gasp from her side she looked up and saw Su-Min had just arrived at the camp kneeled by her side, "Oh Heavens Zywia you are so greatly injured."


    Frost Flames bit her lips as she spoke, "I gave her medicinal pills but the effect is very slow."


    "The only reason for it not to heal is because of poison as such you have cure it before you attempt to close the wounds and do other stuff.", came a bored voice both turned around to see Ryuu standing with a bored look on her face as Zywia spoke with pained voice, "Can you cure me?"


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "I can try if you wish to."


    Zywia gritted her teeth in pain as she spoke, "Then please do it brother."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "If you two would please move aside I would need to inspect the nature of her wound."


    The other two nodded as they took a step away from Zywia as Ryuu kneeled by her side by then both True-Spear and Frozen Ocean had had also arrived as Ryuu quickly removed the binding over the damaged part of her belly as he spoke while cleaning the wound, "Your stomach is perforated, the liver is missing a good chunk and your left kidney is cut in half as well as your right is damaged, the Dantian survived by few millimeters, the poison I know and I can neutralize it but I would need at least an hour to prepare all necessary medicine please try to hold on till then."


    As he stood up the trio of girls swarmed the Zywia as Ryuu turned towards True-Spear as he spoke, "Try to keep her awake and hydrated I will be back as soon as possible with the medicine, also do not forget to clean the wound time to time and try to keep her dry."


    True-Spear nodded as he spoke, "I will hurry brother.", Ryuu nodded as he left in a hurry.


    Ryuu growled in anger as he nearly tore throw the swamp in search of medicinal plants needed to heal Zywia as he sighed, "Damn it if only I could use my stock it would have been so much easier, i finally found everything I need and now I will have to concoct the pills."

 Chapter 379 - The Alchemist

    Ryuu stepped inside a hollowed out tree, as soon as he entered the tree, he touched its interior and upon his touch multiple array began to form and soon it covered most of the interior, then with a snap of his finger the array glowed momentarily.


    A huge Rainbow Comb Pythin had caught sight of Ryuu and was making its way slowly and steadily it had seen Ryuu enter a train hollow its prey was trapped when all of a sudden it stopped abruptly as it looked around confused as it had completely forgotten what it had been doing a few minutes ago, it hissed in embarrassment before it changed its direction and went towards a different direction in search of a prey.


    Meanwhile Ryuu nodded at his work pleased he had managed to erect an array that would not only hide the tree but also misdirect anyone who had arrived too close for comfort and make them go away, he had already sensed the snake following him and had decided to use it as a guinea pig and it had worked perfectly, normally anyone who would arrive near the tree would not only not notice the tree but also move away from it, the snake suffered the same fate but since it was already following Ryuu it simply forgot Ryuu''s existence as such after that it simply moved away from the place under the effect of the array.


    Ryuu waved his hand as a small burst of KI and the place was clean, Ryuu then promptly placed his cauldron on the ground as he placed his hand on its side as it was injected with his KI it slowly activated as various drawing of various creatures began to move slowly, the cauldron was specially crafted for Ryuu by his teacher Maheswara with great care, and it was so well designed at that Ryuu can use it to concoct pills with as many as 81 different ingredients each separately prepared under different conditions until they would be joined together.


    Ryuu quickly separated the essence of various medicinal plants each occupying various spaces, he had decided to create five different medicinal pills and a healing salve, he quickly separated the essence from the ingredients as each occupied different part of the cauldron some place was freezing cold and some hot, Ryuu practically feel the call of the ingredients as if they were whispering sweet nothingness into his ears, he could feel their wants and desires as he molded the essence into desired stage he could feel the Grand Dao of Alchemy itself holding his hand and it always felt euphoric to him, the smell of the ingredients hit his nostrils as the lid floated and sealed the cauldron, the antitoxin pill was a bit tricky in comparison to the others as a couple of its ingredient needed to be done while being exposed to open air as such select part of the lid opened up for the air to flow in.


    Ryuu could feel most of the impurities separate from the essence leaving behind the almost pure part of the essence he then slowly began to guide them as they interacted and flirted with each other slowly merging into one.


    Ryuu did not have time as such he decided to concoct all the necessary pills as well as the healing slave at the same time, something that was inconceivable to others including Ryuu until he stepped into the realm of Legends, he fell the cauldron shake as he gave his undivided attention into it, as sizzling, hissing and crackling noises were heard and it soon came to an end, as he opened the lid he was greeted by freshly made pills of excellent quality but before he could say anything a tine black cloud appeared on top of his cauldron as he tensed this was the final part of the pill creation process, the ''Pill Tribulation'', any and all pill upon crossing a certain threshold would undergo Tribulation and according to his teacher it was the ''Blessings of the Heaven'' itself and as such any cultivator worth their salt would use it further purify to the pills and soon the tribulation began as small albeit deadly spark of lightning descended on the pill trying to turn Ryuu''s creation into ash it would as it would not allow such blasphemy against it to exist, Ryuu welcomed the lightning with open arms as it guided it in to the pills further removing any form of impurity present inside it, a few moments later the tribulation cloud vanished as if it was never even there to begin with as Ryuu let out a huff of relief as he examined the pills, he let out a sigh as he spoke with a hint of sadness in his voice, "A little over 90% pure even after tribulation I failed to make it reach 91% mark, oh well I do not have much time I have to return."


    Zywia was in great pain, and even if she was being taken care of the pain did not lessen by much, ''I now wish I had become a body cultivator instead of a KI cultivator at least I would not only have had a higher threshold of pain but also some form of regeneration.''


    "I hope I am not late how is she holding?", a voice brought her as much relief as rain brings to a thirsty land, Ryuu had arrived and that means now she would get treated.


    Frost Flames and others moved in order to give Ryuu some space who kneeled by her side as he pushed a couple of pills down her throat without giving anyone chance to speak, they might not have been able to hold the pills but they had managed to catch a glance at it also the smell made their breath hitch.


    Zywia felt the immediate effect of the pills, it felt like able to deep in cool water after staying under murderously hot sun but its effect did not end there for a moment it felt as if she was in her mother''s loving embrace.


    The pills worked well as the steam was released from her body as it began to heal itself as the toxin was expelled from the open wounds which was promptly cleared and soon the flesh stitched itself as the injured organs healed themselves to the point that others would not even believe that they were injured.


    As she sat up True-Spear helped her up as Zywia spoke with a small smile full of gratitude, "Thank you brother Ryuu you saved my life once again."


    Ryuu simply waved her off as he spoke, "I have told you before but let me repeat again you have nothing to thank me, I am just helping a friend nothing more nothing less."


    Su-Min raised her shaking hand as she spoke with disbelief, "It looked like a crystal, a pure translucent crystal it should be above 70% no above that maybe above 80%, and that heavenly smell how did you make it Ryuu?"


    Ryuu tilted his head as he spoke, "What are you babbling Sister Su-Min, seems like the recent adventure and exhaustion has caught on to you."


    Frozen Ocean looked into his eyes as he spoke, "Brother Ryuu do not insult our intelligence like that we know what we saw and if you do not want to say please state it but please do not try to shift the topic in such a poor manner."


    Su-Min looked at her as she spoke, "But do you not want to know about the ...."


    Zywia looked towards her friend with a frown as she spoke, "Sister everyone is entitled to their secret and ��."


    Su-Min let out a huff of frustration as she spoke, "Sister any pill that is above 70% is rare and even manage to procure it, it would have sky high price even the best you could get is near 80% and his pill looked even more better than that so please forgive me for my curiosity."


    Ryuu raised his hand in mock surrender as he spoke, "Wow do not get so worked up, if you are so desperate than I will absolutely tell you after we step outside from Eden, otherwise simply forget about it."


    Su-Min huffed in annoyance and Ryuu could see that others may not have said anything but they were curious as well except Zywia who had a playful smirk as Ryuu snorted inwardly at that, ''If they are freaking out like this what would they saw when they learn that my teacher considers any pill below 90% as trash.''

 Chapter 380 - Caught between the rock and a hard place(Part-1)

    It had been a few days since that day and as rest of the cultivators had arrived back at their home base a meeting was held discussing the ordeal of the entire day, and it was decided that their group would be divided into three, the bigger part of the groups would be dedicated on searching for dangerous beasts like that of ''One-Eyed Sword Raksasha'' and possibly try retrieving another piece if possible otherwise they would keep track of it until the rest of them would gather and then they would kill it.


    All the cultivators agreed upon the plan as it was the safest, they cannot risk their dwindling numbers very much not to mention because of idiocy of some amongst them their number has already been decreased by 12, as such they were not in the rush to make it even lower by taking unnecessary risk.


    Talking about unnecessary risk Ryuu knew it was something unavoidable when they stepped inside this place but the lure of precious treasures in the form of herbs, techniques, weapons amongst many things was too great for cultivators to not pay attention to, he himself stepped in for glory did he absolutely have to enter the place, no but he did so because he wanted to overcome the legends created by his predecessors.


    The rest of the cultivators who were not actively searching for the beast would break into two groups with one of them staying inside the strong hold and always ready in case of some emergency comes up and the last their duty was forging, hunting and gathering food, water and if possible medicinal herbs.


    Even if many of them did not want to they still decided to press forward after all even if they were in the Fourth level their harvest of precious treasures and what not was nothing note worthy, the first level almost all of them had to pay beast nucleus as a toll to move to the second level, and second level the thought of it was nightmare to many, the third was another disappointment though the collection of beast nucleus and essence meant that it could help in cultivation for some and may be earn some money after they leave here nothing more and fourth was another disappointment it was true that they had ventured into a place full of medicinal herbs and plants and what not it was nothing spectacular in fact it was a disappointment when compared to the stories of Eden, most if not all the herbs and plants they found here could be very easily found and were in abundance outside even the rare few good herbs they got their hand on were only good for selling them for some pocket change.


    Ryuu was navigating through the swamp along with Frost Flames for few hours, they had been assigned on hunting duty, and now they were making their way to one of the areas where they had laid traps a few hours ago.


    It has been a few days since Ryuu found Frost Flames to be an extremely pleasant company not to mention she was skilled as she well managed to get along with him extremely well whether they were on battlefield or not.


    As they moved Frost Flames was regaling him with an incident during one of her travels making Ryuu laugh hard as he wiped out the tears that seemed to form as he wheezed out some words, "That was so hilarious please if all of your journeys are like that then please allow me to accompany you next time."


    Frost Flames let out a small giggle as well which Ryuu found extremely refreshing and preferably better than the cold and detach look she usually had on her face as she spoke, "And Maia was like��..", whatever she was going to say did not get passed her lips as she tensed, only for Ryuu to tap on her shoulder as he whispered lowly to her, "Do not stop act as if it that thing is not following us but at the same time stay on your guard."


    Frost Flames gave a small but all most unnoticeable nod as she spoke, "Brother Ryuu , after we get out of Eden you will have to accompany me to that place it seemed to be interesting."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke with a smile, "Of course why not sister I would love to.", they bantered with each other before Ryuu spoke with alarm, "Frost it seems we have already fallen into a trap."


    Frost Flames was taken aback before she spoke with slight tremor in her voice, "You are kidding right?"


    Ryuu had already drawn his sword as he spoke, "No we are not we already had been ensnared in an illusion as such we are going on in circles for quite some time now, that tree over there we have passed it at the very least thrice and it can be mere coincidence we are feeling something is following us but do we hear anything, smell nothing except the KI of the being but most importantly why are we walking when we could easily fly."


    Frost Flames opened her mouth to retort only for her to acquiesce to Ryuu as she spoke, "How do we get out of the trap."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "Well it seemed like an illusion so hold my hand we would synchronize our Ki before disrupting it, I hope it would be enough."


    They both held their hand as they tried to synchronize with each other''s KI, to Ryuu Frost Flames KI felt a bit spicy with a sweet underlining a complex taste whereas to Frost Flames it was simply euphoric, they pushed their KI into each other mixing it before stopping the process and then withdrawing the mixture into themselves before letting out a huge blast, and the entire reality seemed to be torn apart, as they looked around they were greeted completely destroyed forest area as if a hurricane had just passed by that place.


    Ryuu and Frost Flames stood side by side as they watched chattering and screeching of insects as what stepped out was a horrid creature from nightmare, a spider look alike with dozens of long legs, and its flesh seemed to party cover its legs which ended into bony structure, but what seemed to be most bizarre was a humanoid headless torso attached to where its head should be, the belly of the torso had its mouth with numerous teeth in it and the chest was full of eyes dozens of eyes, to the two cultivators it looked as if it had torn off and worn clothes made up of human flesh, making them recoil.


    Then it happened the screeching and screaming increased by many times as more and more similar creature stepped out from behind the trees making Frost Flames look at them with disgust with a hint of fear as she spoke, "Ryuu do you know what kind of creatures are these."


    Ryuu was stunned into silence for a moment, ''What is wrong? Why can I not understand anything this creature is saying, all I am hearing is screeching and screaming, why is this happening my ability was working a few minutes prior so why is it not working.'', he gritted his teeth as he replied to her question, "I do not know, I have never heard or read about such creatures."


    Frost Flames greeted her teeth as she spoke, "We are calling in reinforcement.", she eyes the creatures with a caution as they seemed to be jeering at them, laughing at them, mocking them the duo feel unease because of it.


    Ryuu nodded at her as he spoke, "I agree with you but the flare and the emergency tag would be like pulling the trigger and they would begin attacking."


    Frost Flames bit her lips as she spoke, "I know but what to do, I now wish we had not destroyed the illusion."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Me too now your Dao name has the word flames in it are good with fire."


    Frozen Flames huffed in indignation as she spoke, "Dare to try my flames."


    Ryuu smirked as he spoke, "Well most swamp creatures are susceptible to flames as such on count of three we would let lose the most powerful flames that we can make and as well as the same time we let out the distress signal."


    By then they were completely surrounded by at least a hundred such creatures and Ryuu new if push came to shove he would have to go all out and expose his trump cards and secrets in front of his companion and for some reason he did not mind if it means saving her.


    Ryuu took a deep breath as he pushed such thoughts deep in the recess of his mind as he spoke, "On the count of three ok."


    Frost Flames nodded as Ryuu counted, "One��Two ��..and Three.", a signal was let lose as the creatures jumped towards them only for the swamp to be bathed in extremely hot flames with the duo as its architect.

 Chapter 381 - Caught between the rock and a hard place(Part-2)

    "Your fire is really very strong", Ryuu complimented her upon seeing her white hot flame devouring them like a hungry tiger does to piglets.


    Frost Flames simply gave him a slight bow as she spoke, "Please brother Ryuu you yourself are going hand in hand with me, so please do not praise me for something you can accomplish as well very easily."


    Ryuu send a smirk as he folded the palm of his hand to make a fist, the fire rushed towards his hand as whip made up of pure fire appeared in his hand, even after the heat and flame killed many of the creatures, it did not deter them as they rushed towards him Ryuu fought back with his whip, he swung his head as the crack of the whip was heard, followed by howl of a beast that died soon after, as being cut down in almost half and getting roasted was not a good combination to stay alive.


    Frost Flames snorted at that as she spoke with a smile, "Show off."


    Then she mimicked Ryuu''s whip and dealt similar damage then something happened that made their eyes go wide the dead creatures suddenly seemed to melt releasing acidic fumes then from the melted goo another two smaller version of them appeared.


    "What is in the Heaven''s name is that? If we they are getting reborn like this then��..", both Frost Flames and Ryuu had a look of horror as the horrible realization dawned.


    Ryuu spoke barely above a whisper, "We are so screwed we have killed so many of them and by now the rest of us should have appear��.."


    Whatever he were about to say was stuck in his lips as the ground beneath the exploded making them jump up to the sky a few dozen creatures exited from the hole in the ground, as they tried to move up even further they get stuck in what seemed to be web of some sort.


    Frost Flames tried to free herself but it was all for naught, as was it for Ryuu who frowned before he spoke in alarm, "The webs are leaching off our KI and using it to keep us in place."


    Frost Flames eyes narrowed as she spoke, "Well we can certainly try and stop the KI and maybe use our physical strength to escape although the flames��.."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he had arrived at the same conclusion as he spoke, "Well they might be able to douse is since our KI is not fueling the fire but it would take some time and if we hurry up then we can refuel it, though this time I propose that we should not hold back."


    Frost Flames looked directly into his eyes as she relented, "Well I will follow your plan, and also we should remember turn to them into ash as soon as we are free from it and hope they cannot be born from it."


    With the plan in place they acted upon it, but unfortunately for them the plan failed, no matter what they do they were unable to get out of their current predicament as the hold of the web bigger better and better with each passing second.


    Ryuu gritted his teeth at that as he spoke, "This is not working we have to go all out and try to free ourselves from it, they are nearing our position and at this rate we will be dead."


    Frost Flames bit her lips she never wanted to expose her true strength but the situation forced her hand as such she spoke with a sigh, "The reinforcements are surely taking their time."


    Ryuu grunted as he replied to her, "They might have got caught in similar situation as us, we are alone for now."


    Frost Flames sighed as she spoke, "Try not to die."


    Ryuu would have like to grin back at her but unfortunately his head was already stuck and he was unable to move it, as he spoke, "Well same goes for you."


    Frost Flames giggled at that as she released her full might, meanwhile Ryuu did exactly the opposite for him releasing his full might means exposing the fact that he poses a divine body as such he concentrated on the Dao, he used the Grand Dao of Alchemy to analyze the composition of the web as well as try to find its weak point while using the Grand Dao of Sword augmented by the Dao of Fire and Lightning to severe it.


    Frost Flames was struggling hard using her full strength she had managed to wedge herself from most of the web, her clothes were torn and ruined because of it, the creatures had managed to reach within striking distance from them yet Ryuu had yet to make his move, her brows furrowed she was in no position to properly defend herself let alone Ryuu who was a bit away from her as she shouted out, "Brother Ryuu, RYUUU PLEASE BE QUICK!!!!"


    Seeing him not moving at all whereas the creature was about to break its legs down on Ryuu in order to kill him made Frost Flames fill with despair she let out a cry of anguish as she saw Ryuu drop his sword from his hand signifying him surrendering to the inevitable.


    ''Requiem'' fell from Ryuu''s hand only to stop a couple of meters away from him before it glowed as it caught fire with lighting coursing through it, then it let out a torrent of potent slices towards Ryuu, each slice was actually sword force that was empowered by Ryuu''s understanding of the Grand Dao of Sword, which was further enhanced by the Dao of Fire, Lightning and Poison courtesy of the Grand Dao of Alchemy.


    At first Frost Flames was bewildered upon seeing Ryuu''s sword attacking him but her eyes widen in amazement as those sword attacks seemed to gentle caress Ryuu before tearing the web asunder not only that the sword continued attacking each and every creature that had dared to attack them, but each attack was different than before even if it scratched the creatures it instantly lit them aflame and the heat of the blue flames was something that made even her wary of them, after all anything that touched by those flames turned to ash.


    Ryuu slowly moved from his position as he looked at his handiwork before he spoke with a grin, "Seems like we have freed ourselves from��oofff!!!", Ryuu was stopped by a bone crushing hug before he was slapped.


    Ryuu saw red at that no one touches him like that only to stop upon seeing a teary eyed Frost Flames looking at him as she spoke in a quavering voice, "Never do something so stupid like that I though you would die, how heartless can you be."


    Ryuu was taken aback by that before he spoke, "Sorry if I scared you like that.", before he was aware of state of Frost Flames dress well here lack of proper clothing as most were torn asunder revealing a little bit more skin that she would have liked and normally Ryuu was not that much worried about nudity after all his teachers as well as sisters have drilled into his head that if you care about modesty during battle you might die and had conditioned him not to feel anything even if he was tossed in a battlefield completely n.a.k.e.d but others might not have conditioned as such as such he turned his back on her as he spoke, "Sister Frost Flames your clothes are in disarray so please kindly fix your attire and till then I will hold the enemies down."


    Frost Flames was red in embarrassment as she quickly fumbled for words before she fixed her dress by covering herself with cloak for the time being, upon which Ryuu turned to face her while he extended his hand his sword flew back into his welcoming grasp, Ryuu looked at it lovingly before place a small kiss on the blade of his sword as he whispered, "I could always count on you."


    Frost Flames looked at Ryuu her normal cold look was back as she spoke, "I forgot that you were a Hybrid cultivator."


    Ryuu gave an uneasy laugh as he spoke, "Me too sister me too."


    Frost Flames looked towards a certain direction before she spoke in a vulnerable voice, "Brother Ryuu I am sorry I reacted so badly and I��..I am sorry for that."


    Ryuu waved her off as he spoke, "I understand but it seems our reinforcement is here.", they could hear the shouts and the sound of battle nearby.


    He looked towards her as he spoke, "Let us go and join them."

 Chapter 382 - Caught between the rock and a hard place(Part-3)

    True-Spear was stunned there was nothing that could describe his feelings at the moment as he cut down another of the beast only for it to become two he could not help but curse aloud, "What in the Heaven''s name is this thing no matter what I do it is not only still alive but also growing in number."


    "Brother if we turn it into ash it can be killed off.", a shout came from his side as True-Spear looked towards the person with a glare as he spoke, "That I would have done if I knew anything about creating a fire and the best person to know about is sister Flames and she is trapped inside the towering inferno."


    Zywia was nearby him as she provided support every now and then could not help but bite her lips while worrying about both Ryuu and Frost Flames especially for Ryuu as she was fully aware of his condition and the last thing she wanted him is to over exaggerate and fall ill or in worst case scenario die.


    When suddenly the flames lowered a bit as one of them spotted something and shouted out, "Hurry deal with this creeps both of them have been trapped in some kind of web like thing their lives are in danger."


    True-Spear roared in anger as he began to attack the creatures relentlessly by now most of the cultivators were surrounded yet were slowly gaining foot hold as they had begun to fall on utilizing Dao in their attacks Zywia was deathly afraid she knew Ryuu would be forced to use something dangerous when all of a sudden as if the air stood still before the flames became bluish in color, then it appeared from amongst the flames sword force based attacks torn the area into waste land as did the brief release of tyrannical KI, as the cultivators stopped for a moment before they cheered as they began anew with renewed vigor.


    Meanwhile Frozen Ocean looked towards the sea of flames her eyes widen with worry, ''That idiot who told him to use Dao related attacks he should be well aware of his surroundings as well as his health to attack like this, his body is nowhere strong enough to withstand the strain of wielding such attacks.''


    Both Ryuu and Frost Flames were in a killing spree, there were using every method available to them to kill ht beast, normally when a creature is faced with danger it tends to avoid doubly so when the danger is fatal yet in this case even if they were to die they were rushing towards them with unparalleled enthusiasm, and as such it was becoming slowly and steadily a bit overwhelming to the duo as they tried to retreat amongst their friends.


    Frost Flames gritted her teeth as she spoke, "Is there nothing you can do about it, this is overwhelming us."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "I am working on it, there must be a reason behind it��.MOVE!!!!!!!!!!", he grabbed Frost Flames by the waist pulling her from her spot as multiple web appeared from under her at incredible speed trying to ensnare him, Frost Flames would have blushed under such close contact but her eyes were on something staring at them with multiple glowing eyes, they were focused on them studying their movements before it disappeared into the dark recess of the cave in as more creatures poured out.


    "Ryuu did you see that?", her question made look at her curiously as he spoke, "What are you talking about sister Frost Flames?"


    Frost Flames kept staring into the dark cave-in as she spoke with a frown, "There a creature in hiding in the dark, and it was watching us intently I believe it might be the leader of the group."


    Ryuu mulled over her words as he spoke, "Flushing it out would be dangerous specially when we are already being attacked merciless and the web that was used on you seemed a bit different not only is it sturdy it was toxic as well it even managed to harm its own brethren when it touched them we have to be careful."


    Frost Flames bit her lips as she spoke, "I know but what other way do we have other than to try and flush it out, we are already under siege from the nearly inexhaustible army of it.", she then looked at him as she spoke, "Can you not use that array of yours."


    Ryuu sighed at that as he spoke, "I can but I need time to prepare if we could join others we could retreat and may be use it on them, but now."


    Frost Flames nodded at that as she spoke with a sigh, "I understand.", she closed her eyes for a brief second before she spoke, "Brother Ryuu please smoke it out, I will show you why I am called Frost Flames."


    Ryuu c.o.c.ked his eyebrows as he spoke, "Aren''t you getting a bit arrogant?"


    Frost Flames shook her head as she spoke, "Us cultivators are sly by nature we horde our strength until and unless we are forced into corner, there are many amongst us present who are strong incredibly so and amongst them you are there yet unlike them situation has forced you to reveal your true strength and trump cards many times now it is time for make it even."


    Ryuu tilted his head unsure of her motives as he spoke, "If you say so but please be careful, though I do not remember I gave you permission to say my name so casually."


    Frost Flames flashed him a small smile as she spoke, "I will be Brother Ryuu, I will be careful and I swear on my pride as a cultivator I will thrive and it might not be today at this very moment but one day I will earn your trust to allow me enough permission to call you as such."


    Ryuu gave her a small nod at that, he enjoyed her company and the fact they could fight extremely well together and in such coordinated manner that he had soft spot for her or the moment she had slapped him he would have killed her and who was he to try to stop someone who was already wagering her pride as a cultivator, "Multiple talisman appeared, each glowing but unknown to all Ryuu had already placed arrays on it to make everyone think he was activating an array but the truth could was off course from it, what he did in fact was place whatever array needed by touch while others were distracted by the light show.


    The arrays sped off towards the darkness as his sword was floating by his side protecting its master while he worked his magic with the array they did not have to wait much longer as another creature jumped out from the whole as the ground exploded with it, what stepped from under the ground was at least as big as a small mansion, it was standing on four legs, with the front two bigger and looked like a as if a knife was tied to it, as for the main body it looked like a worm a very dirty filthy unhygienic looking worm covered in pus and boils, with countless teeth in its circle shaped mouth which was surrounded by multiple eyes, it roared well more like made farting like sound all the creatures gave ups their assault of the duo as they ran towards it surrounding it like obedient soldiers while many more poured out of the hole in the ground, some stayed with her but the vast majority went out to fight those outside of the fiery inferno.


    Frost Flames looked at Ryuu as she spoke, "Brother Ryuu, please step and watch my battle."


    With her piece said she closed her eyes before her tyrannical and bone chilling aura surrounded the area, but to Ryuu it was soothing like a cold drink in hot summer, he watched as her blond hair take a slight bluish-white tinge before she raised her rapier and send a thrust towards the creature, he saw a pale blue semi transparent flame went and struck every creature who tried to shield their leader, they caught fire but instead of getting burned to ash they froze and when they fell to the ground they shattered like tiny crystals Ryuu thought that heat will make them return to normal and they would not only revive but become more again but what was left behind was just wet ash, Ryuu tilted his head as she frowned at that, ''Interesting ability, a flame that freezes instead of burning interesting maybe I should try and replicate it with the help of my understanding of the Dao.'', he then looked at the battle raging on as he smirked looking towards the figure of Frost Flames fighting against the enemies, ''So that is why you are called Frost Flames, hmmm you have definitely managed to arouse my interest.''

 Chapter 383 - Caught between the rock and a hard place(Part-4)

    Ryuu looked down at the ballad of blades as Frost Flames sliced and diced the creature with each of her attack more and more of those creature shattered like crystal, and with each attack she grew more and more stronger as if like a fire slowly spreading and turning into an inferno, like a brush of an artist she struck her opponents tearing them and killing them, Ryuu looked at what Frost Flames claimed as her true strength along with the strange fire ability and it was really praise worthy.


    ''But why?'' a question that ran through his mind, why did she show it to him is it because she found him trustworthy or is it because she has some form of ulterior motive Ryuu bit his lips as a couple of creature sneaked up to him but was quickly disposed of by ''Requiem'', Ryuu smiled at his sword as he ran his fingers over its blade which cause the sword to vibrate slightly making him smile, to Ryuu ''Requiem'' sometimes acted like a playful pet and he liked it, according to his teacher only very high level weapons, armors or treasures gain sentience but it will be only be limited to making the weapon to be used by only its owner, but as time passes by it will develop more and more like in the case of ''Requiem'', it acts like dog trying to please its master in this case Ryuu, but level of sentience it was showing only meant that it was with Ryuu or the previous incarnation of Ryuu for a very very long period of time spanning over at the very least a few million years.


    As if sensing his thoughts it vibrated once again in his hands making Ryuu crack a grin, "You are absolutely right ''Requiem'' no matter what happens we will always be together and triumph above whatever conspiracy that might take place, but should we lend a hand?"


    His sword vibrated as he caressed it gently as he spoke, "Well then let us not keep the lady waiting too much although it would be a great shame if at the end of the day she became my enemy when I just started to enjoy her company."


    Frost flames was getting agitated with each passing minute she had said she would deal with it, but now she had to fight horde upon horde of those creatures and she was moving towards their leader in an incredibly slow pace and from the looks of it the leader had decided to leave and it would not be nice if she had to once again ask Ryuu for help in order to pull it out of the ground.


    "Go after it, I will deal with this creatures.", Frost Flames looked at Ryuu before she gritted her teeth in anger as she spoke, "Brother Ryuu you cannot dishonor me like��"


    Ryuu held up his hand in surrendering motion before he spoke with a smile, "I am not trying to dishonor you, I am simply asking you to get to the leader, we might not be as lucky as next time and might not be able to get hold of it as such go after it while I deal with the rest, I know you are incredibly strong and your powers are truly not only worthy of praise but awe inspiring as well and in normal situation I would not even bother getting in your way but I do not think our condition allows us that right? So please deal with their head honcho where as I keep of the minions of your back."


    Frost Flames grunted in acknowledgement as Ryuu gave her a small bow before he swung the sword hard as it cleared a path through the various minions as Frost Flames dashed forward towards the leader, as the creature regrouped and tried to attack Frost Flames they were stopped by none other than Ryuu who gave them a grin as he spoke, "Sorry but I cannot allow you to hinder my friend anymore I will have you dead here."


    The horde of creatures screamed well more like laughed in an insane manner as they dashed towards Ryuu who simply dodged sliced them apart then dodged again, each slice of his sword, poisoned them, froze them, burned them, electrocuted them but none of them were able to take a single step all those techniques he had learned from his teachers all those years ago helped him a lot, ''Omniscient Eyes'', a powerful Low Rank 9 variation of the Rank 6 skill ''Divine eyes'' and ''Ferocious Buddha''s Mind'' an upgrade to Peak Rank 8 from Rank 6 skill ''Buddha''s Mind'' helped to make sure that none of the creatures could blindside him he could feel even the smallest twitch of their skin their intent no matter where they were and he reacted accordingly as he danced through their carcass with each swing dozens died, it had been a while since he had let loose, he could easily feel Frost Flames who was fighting off the leader if the horde with great concentration as such she had yet to notice him but such was not the case with the leader it had perceived Ryuu as the greatest threat but alas Frost Flames stood in its path, the webs covered the sky, the ground and any other directions as it tried to ensnare Ryuu the combined might of hundred of those creatures who had already forgone their laughter like scream and were now screaming in literal sense as they tried to fight him, but it was all for naught an ethereal blue flame not only destroyed the webs but the fire retraced back to the webs source as countless died in a blink of an by now only a few dozens were left and he could already here the sound of other cultivator approaching, as such he began to lower the towering inferno surrounding them, the leader of the horde fell at last under the onslaught of Frost Flames who looked worse for wear and Ryuu did not waste any time a snap of his finger and multiple talismans flew at incredible speed towards the survivors as they touched them it detonated with great force and heat vaporizing them.


    A tired Forst Flames looked up with a smile as Ryuu descended by her side as she spoke, "Thank you brother Ryuu for the help."


    Ryuu simply smiled at her as he spoke, "Well you wanted to be my friend worthy of my trust well you definitely did a take a step by trusting me to watch your back."


    Frost Flames simply smiled as rest of the cultivators began appearing slowly and steadily, Ryuu glanced at Frost Flames as he thought inwardly, ''Strong she is strong enough to give run to even a rank 1 Celestial, she said that she was going all out well the devastation we caused has turned at the very least a good few dozen kilometers into wasteland thankfully there were no strong beast around here, her ability with the freezing flame was nice but the range was the problem she could take multiple opponents but as they number of opponents increased so did her range and it was a rather drastic decline not to mention it seemed a bit taxing as well, it would be cool if I can copy it though.''


    "Sister are you alright?", True-Spear''s voice came to Frost Flames ears who simply looked at him as she spoke, "I am fine brother it was taxing and tiring but I am fine, and if it were not for brother Ryuu''s help I would have been done for."


    Ryuu snorted at that as he spoke, "Sister you give me too much credit we fought together watching each other''s back so stop pushing me to the front."


    Frost Flames gave a soft smile towards Ryuu who returned it with one of his own before he spoke with a frown, "Sister did this creature carry any ��"


    Frost Flames did not allow him to speak as she produced another diamond piece as others grinned upon seeing it, they were a bit closer than before, "Yes I found it though I would like to explore its caverns who knows what we might find in there."


    The others nodded in agreement except Ryuu who spoke with an apologetic look on his face, "Well sorry sister but count me out for today I am extremely tired and I wish to rest."


    Frost Flames nodded as she spoke, "So am I, though if any of you want to please feel free to do so."


    Zywia glanced at Ryuu before she spoke, "Well both of you had a very tiring battle being in the midst of it as such if you two wish to leave well so be it, though I hope sister would not mind me accompanying her."


    Frost Flames shook her head as she spoke, "I have no problem with that."


    True-Spear narrowed his eyes as he looked at the dark hole in the ground from where all the creatures had crawled out with narrowed us before he spoke with a sigh, "I think we all should postpone for today, we do not know what might be down there we should rest and gather our strength before we go and check down there."


    A proposition that was accepted by everyone whole heartedly making Ryuu swear inwardly his body was suddenly writhing in pain and he wanted to rest somewhere out of prying eyes and ears and but no the entire group would follow him because they were too tired to explore which was something he did not want to sudden an idea struck him, ''I will casually separate from the group as soon as possible otherwise I am taking a bathroom break would work effectively.'', with a mental pat on his back for the wonderful idea Ryuu began to move.

 Chapter 384 - Stalking the Mantis (Part-1)

    Ryuu opened one of his eyes slightly as he found one of the cultivators near him snooping around he cleared his throat making the person to jump up as he spoke, "May I help you fellow brother?"


    The person looked like deer caught in front of headlight for a moment before he spoke with a smile, "AH brother Ryuu I was merely admiring the ring of my beloved wife, when all of a sudden the precious stone on it fell and I am now searching for it."


    Ryuu gave him as small smile as he stood up while spoke, "Ah brother please let me help you what is its color."


    "Red it is red in color." The person replied as he continued to speak, "How clumsy of me because of me your rest was disturbed."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "Please brother I was resting because I was bored and had nothing else to do so I decided to take a nap so please let me help you."


    The man''s brow twitched as he grimaced for second as Ryuu caught on to it as he spoke, "So where did you lose it."


    The man simply turned as he spoke, "Well it was over there and it rolled off over to his direction."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Well then I will begin looking from there then."


    The man nodded as he spoke, "Please and thank you brother Ryuu."


    Ryuu simply waved off as he began to move, he took a few steps as he turned around to see the man looking at him who gave a shaky smile as Ryuu spoke, "It was blue right? Just getting bored with nothing to do is addling my mind you see forgetting even the simplest of things."


    The man was taken aback as he spoke, "Yes yes it was blue."


    Ryuu nodded as he turned to leave, as he did his eyes became cold momentarily before it returned to normal brightness, ''You idiot did you not think I was not able to detect your snooping whatever you want I will take your life as payment if the need arises mongrel, and next time try to remember your excuse correctly.''


    As Ryuu bend down looking acting as if he was searching for the stone while in fact he had engaged his skills ''Ferocious Buddha''s Mind'' and ''Omniscient Eyes'', their effect he could practically feel even the minute movement of the ant that was 500 meters away situated at what would have been his blind spot normally the skill ''Omniscient Eyes'' by itself only allowed its user to look an extremely long distance by enhancing their vision by at least 20 times and for a cultivator of the already on very higher realms their vision was tremendous seeing something away at least a 10,000 Km away was child''s play for them and combined it with the skill it was simply Godly, not to mention it allowed to make notice of finer details in greatly when used in lower range.


    Then there was the skill ''Ferocious Buddha''s mind'', which always managed to keep the mind as calm as ice no matter the situation, keeping the emotions in check a great skill for any battle commanders but their true strength comes into play when used in tandem, Ryuu could not only feel the movement of an ant 500 meters away he could also predict the path of an attack from the twitch of an muscle to the point it made others thing he could see the future, he could easily discern and dissect any opponent and figure out any weakness in a heartbeat, the usage of the skills made him practically invincible as no matter which way or what formed of attack was used he could, dodge, parry or block with ease but he knew not to be arrogant there were many strong cultivators out there who could easily bypass his defense easily, because the attackers speed was so high his body could not keep up or the strength so great he could not endure and currently he was using it as a means to not only spy on the person but also to be ready in case anyone dares to attack him.


    Ryuu could feel the person glare at him slightly before he took out a ring and pulled out the gem from it making Ryuu snicker inwardly at that as the person spoke in a faux cheer, "Brother Ryuu I found it."


    Ryuu looked at him as he watched a small precious stone probably an emerald in his hand as he spoke, "I am so relieved that I found it before he put it back fast inside his space ring."


    Ryuu simply wanted to face palm at that, ''He told me it was red, then confirmed it was blue in color and he is now showing a green colored gem I do not know if I should laugh or cry at that, ''What an idiot at least speak something believable .... Oh I see he is just the distraction so his friend wants to tag me with an array, did he think if he folded the talisman and send it near my boots while I am speaking with his friend that I would not be able to detect it such naivety and foolishness.''


    As the talisman neared he could feel the basic functions that were imprinted upon it, and he was disappointed once again it was created in order to track him and listen to his conversations it had been sometime since the last attempt and including the current person and his accomplish he had counted no less than 5 who were involved with the party that had been trying to eavesdrop on him, after so many deaths it was impressive that they had even so many people still alive and working for them, if we had not suffered so much death I would have already thin the herd, but that does not mean I cannot play a prank on them.


    The person cupped his hand as he spoke, "I once again apologize for making such an inconvenience for Brother Ryuu."


    Ryuu simply gave small clap on his back to put an array of his own at the same time as he spoke with a smile on his face, "Nonsense brother I am happy to help, this are trying times and only the loving thought of our love ones can help us move forward though be careful next time."


    The person nodded with a smile as he spoke, "Absolutely", with that he left.


    Ryuu had never bothered learning his name like the many others who were just nameless face to him even after spending nearly 2 years with them after all according to wise words of his sister, ''Baby brother remember that memories are precious no matter if they are only about some advertis.e.m.e.nt you saw while walking down the street but there will be plenty of people who you might come across who are not worth your time and trying to commit each of their name to memory will be simply wastage of the valuable space in your head.'', Ryuu inwardly nodded at that he did not have time to know the name of a lackey as such he would christen him with the name Idiot #3 or was it Idiot #4 unable decide the order he decided to call the bunch solely as idiots and leave it that he had much better thing to do like setting up a prank.


    Deep within the swamps a certain creature had taken residence, a creature that Ryuu had stumbled upon by accident a creature that causes even the mightiest of beasts as well as cultivators to be wary of it, not because of its ferocious powers or anything but because of an ability that places it way above other creatures and regarded by others as must avoid by any means necessary, as such Ryuu did not waste any time as he began to leave the camp as he was leaving he was greeted by Su-Min who had just arrived, ???Ryuu where are you going?"


    Ryuu simply smiled at her as he spoke, "Nothing special just about to go and stretch my legs do you wish to accompany me?"


    Su-Min gave him a tired smile as she spoke, "Not today brother I am a bit tired."


    Ryuu gave her a sad smile as he spoke, "That''s a shame well see you later."


    With that he started to leave, only to be stopped by Frozen Ocean, "Mind if I join you?"


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "More the merrier but try to keep up."


    The duo left fast meanwhile the person had lost his precious stone along and along with his friends had gone off to inform about their success in the matter as they reached their location the person bragged to others, "Told you I would pull it off when me and Shin work together we can get anything we want."


    Another person snorted at that as he spoke, "It is Shin and I and as for your success let us see about it."


    "Why don''t we open the link and see where it leads us.", a charming voice full of authority came to their ears.


    "Yes Boss!", was the immediate reply, as they link was opened up and a slight static was heard followed by an excited voice.


    "No way, you are lying to me Brother Ryuu."


    "Sister how can you accuse me such misdeeds I am an extremely honest person.", at that many of the listeners snorted, ''An honest cultivator yeah right'', was their general consensus.


    "Fine then sister just follow me and I will show."


    "If what you said was the truth then not only my entry into this place was successful but I might not have to risk my life further."


    "Sister I promise you, everything I said was true, now keep up and I think we will have only one chance that thing is rare and if we lose it tonight we might never get it."


    Upon eavesdropping on them, their eyes shown with greed as plans began to form in their head as they quickly left following the tracking beacon it would do them no good if they lose whatever treasure Ryuu had stumbled upon.

 Chapter 385 - Stalking the Mantis (Part-2)

    Frozen Ocean when she was younger like many others of her age was a bit mischievous being the only child of an extremely rich merchant she was a bit spoiled but it all changed when her father''s mistress bore him a son then the position of the household changed the mistress became the madam of the house and she and her mother were slowly began to be driven away she remembered how her kind and loving father became uncaring and treated them like dirt he was forced to endure and then all of a sudden her perfectly healthy mother passed away from a sudden bout of illness even if she was only 12 she understood there was something amiss specially when his father remarried again even before his previous wife was laid to rest and then his father decided to marry her off, it was more like selling her for some coins, she decided to run away from home, no not a home but prison ever since her mother died she was all alone and she stumbled upon her teacher who took her in, she never went back to the mortal village and find her family and by now even their distant descendants bones would have turned to dust.


    When she entered the sect many were envious at being chosen by the esteemed elder of their sect who was rumored to be one day to become the leader, yet she found many friends who washed away her loneliness, her sadness she wanted to one day return and lay waste to her former family but alas years had passed by her master took her and by the time she remembered about her so called family a century had already passed, her teacher by then had two new students and she was elated she got two younger sisters to spoil. To her, her teacher was like her own mother who always encouraged her to act like child but as she grew she understood the disapproving looks her elders used to send to her for not acting as someone of her station did her teacher no she did not but over the years as she grew she reigned in her emotions and adopted a cold persona and now she was one of those candidates for becoming the next leader something she did not wish for.


    Even after all those years living under a cold aloof persona the mischievous nature never disappeared and now it was going full throttle courtesy of Ryuu, her eyes shown with mirth as she hid behind an array, "I feel sorry for SU-Min and others they missed a great show."


    Ryuu shrugged at that as he spoke, "Well it cannot be help now sush they are here I wish to know who are working against us."


    Frozen Ocean nodded as she watched eagerly at the scene in front of her, one by one seven people entered the cave five men and two women but seeing the identity of the person leading them was a bit shocking for them.


    Frozen Ocean spoke with disbelief at what she saw, "Chasing Winds!!! She is leading them and ordering them and here I thought she was a nice honorable person and simply wanted to be our friend.", as she spoke anger started to bleed in her voice.


    Ryuu added his two cents in this matter, "Aiyee I now understand why my older sisters warned me against fraternizing with unknown people too much while staying inside Eden and she was right I never saw it coming."


    Frozen Ocean growled at that as her temper was slowly rising only for Ryuu to stop her, "What are doing sister?"


    Ryuu hissed at her in an urgent manner, "Sister what are you doing? You will give up our location."


    Frozen Ocean took gulps of air as she calmed herself while mumbling out, "Sorry!"


    Ryuu waved her off as he spoke, "Sister I know you are angry terribly so but please I request of you to maintain a fa?ade until we get out of Eden, do not let her understand that you are already aware of her treachery and I promise you we will get even with them. We might not kill them or cripple them because we are in dire need of cultivators but there is nothing to stopping us from humiliate them through pranks like we are doing today, so will you please cooperate with me?"


    Frozen Ocean let out a sigh as she spoke, "You are correct about the fact that us cultivators love our honor, reputation and pride the most as such humiliating them through pranks like this would be extremely suitable punishment as such I will not only cooperate but help you as well.", as she spoke her face morphed into a grin which was hidden well behind her veil.


    A grin that was mirrored by Ryuu as he spoke, "Well then it is start of a beautiful partnership, I hope they provide good entertainment for us."


    Frozen Ocean looked at the group as she spoke, "Well they would if they do not wish to be humiliated even further."


    Chasing Winds entered the damp dark cave as her nose wrinkled in disgust, "Are you sure that this is the cave."


    "Of course boss they are exactly ahead of us,"


    Chasing winds face darken at that as she spoke, "Good they are unaware that we are following them so we will ambush them try to be as stealth as possible."


    "But that Ryuu is formidable if he survives we won''t, not to mention his allies they are many who are grateful to him for helping us in the previous level if we are found out."


    Chasing winds growled at her underlings as she spoke, "That was simply a parlor trick which we would get to learn from his corpse and his allies will only know if you all decide to blab about him, and as for dealing with that showoff I have an array that would deal with him you could call it a ironic justice an array master died by an array."


    Ryuu''s eyes harden slightly upon hearing that his sisters as well as his teachers had always taught him, ''A good enemy is a dead enemy'', a lesson he took to heart but now was not the time to act frivolously he had yet to determine if they were simply a malicious group who made him a target because of his rotten luck or they were in any way related to that group that tried to assassinate him, and as for their death well that can be arranged easily but he would use them as a sacrifice to evade much bigger dangers after all baits and coal mine canaries exist for a reason.


    The group entered noiselessly through the narrow tunnel which led to a larger cavern as the last one entered he unknowingly triggered the trap which made him sneeze loud startling everyone as they turned towards him with the harshest glare possible the tunnel they came in collapsed as they detected something moving Chasing winds did not waste her time as she used the special array on it.


    A loud screeching noise was heart then it hit them a tidal wave of an extremely noxious gas it burned their eyes their mouth their lungs not to mention the terrifying smell that accompanied it that made them want to commit suicide.


    Frozen Ocean and Ryuu decided to not try their luck and take any chance as they had fled as soon as they tunnel collapsed they were not keen in to be present when the creature inside the acted, the creature was none other than the Imperial Skunk, like its normal counterpart releases such disgustingly hideous odor but it differed in two points firstly the chemicals that caused the odor was so much potent that it was like comparing a skunks smell with the most costliest perfume and secondly as soon as it died the Imperial Skunk would explode spreading a much concentrated dosage of its chemical in an extremely large radius spanning a few kilometers it was said that the smell was so horrendous that every creature whether they be plant or animal prefers to die than live specially when it takes three whole months to disappear with no cure for it ever made, as a result in many places the people in power had ruled that killing one carries an automatic death penalty for the killer, the Imperial Skunk that died was only an initial level Mystic Sword Immortal level creature, a creature that has no combat power and could be killed easily by anyone but because of the fear of its odor everyone gave it a wide berth until Chasing Winds had killed it, the normal blast radius was at least near about a dozen kilometers was confined inside a cave of only a hundred meters at its widest part.


    Ryuu and Frozen Ocean never ran as fast they did in their entire life as they neared the base Frozen Ocean scowled at him as she spoke, "Was it us you were playing pranks or them you made me run so fast my body is aching."


    As they descended to the ground Ryuu gave her a smirk as he spoke, "Well considering the alternative was to be drenched by that amorous smell."


    Frozen Ocean visibly gagged at that as they entered their base, and soon found the rest of the group, Su-Min narrowed her eyes as she looked at the duo chatting amicably as if they were hiding some secret that they found amusing, as such she made her way towards them as she spoke, "Care to share with us what you found so hilarious."


    Frozen Ocean looked at her with mirth in her eyes something that made Su-Min feel suddenly concerned after all she was her cold, collected and no nonsense friend as Frozen Ocean continued, "We had a rather amusing adventure sister something you missed and I will not tell you because you will their effects soon very soon.", the grinning made Su-Min gulp in fear as a shiver ran down her spine, ''What have they done now?''

 Chapter 386 - Stalking the Mantis (Part-3)

    Everyone suddenly felt a group of erratic KI moving fast towards their location, Ryuu''s eyes widen slightly as the KI was all too familiar as he grimaced, ''Damn they will be here.'', he shared a knowing look with Frozen Ocean as they slowly began to move deeper into their base but not before they started to drag other members of their team with them.


    Zywia frowned as she spoke, "Brother Ryuu what happened?"


    Ryuu looked at her as he spoke, "We set up a prank on our eavesdropper and I swear when they will arrive you would not want to be within a hundred miles of them without some protection."


    Every member of his team had a grim look on their face as Frozen Ocean nodded sagely in agreement with Ryuu as she spoke, "Yes what brother Ryuu said is absolutely correct we have to prepare proper protection if you do not wish to driven mad and commit suicide."


    At that the listener''s eyes widen as they hurried quickly after Ryuu and Frozen Ocean, True-Spear was nearby saw them acting strangely as such he and Frost Flames followed after them as they caught up to them True-Spear could not help but ask Zywia, "Is there something wrong?"


    Zywia looked at him as she smiled sending butterflies in his stomach as she spoke, "Oh nothing a few people amongst us were spying on us trying to eavesdrop on us many a times and Ryuu not only caught them but prank them as well."


    Frost Flames gained a look of alarm on her face as she spoke, "Surely not."


    Zywia gave her a small nod as she spoke, "Unfortunately it is the truth."


    True-Spear frowned hard at that as he spoke, "That is despicable no person without nefarious intentions would do so."


    As they spoke amongst themselves Ryuu''s eyes twitched as he had the sudden urge to drown Zywia in the blood of the ''Imperial Skunk'', his anger further increased as he felt Daniella and Amnon nodding in agreement with her, ''Have they never learned the idea of subtlety what in the Heaven''s name is wrong with them.'', he looked to his side and had the urge to facepalm seeing Su-Min agreeing as well only Frozen Ocean looking at their other teammates with annoyance.


    As they moved to a more secluded region they stopped as Ryuu handed everyone a talisman as he spoke, "Stick them to your body and do not let someone take it off or you will really die."


    As they took the talisman a bit skeptical a shout came to their ears, "OH HEAVENS WHAT IS THIS SMELL SOMEONE DO SOMETHING."


    A flash of light came from both Ryuu and Frozen Flames as Ryuu looked at them with a raised eyebrow as he spoke, "Are you waiting for an invitation?"


    They quickly followed Ryuu and Frozen Ocean''s actions before they hastily followed after them, as they neared the outer edges of their base their eyes were wide open as they saw a few of the cultivators emptying the contents of their stomach as they looked rather sick but what came next did not prepare them in the slightest, the entrance was practically empty except a few cultivators who seemed to be writhing on the floor in their own vomit and the environment around the base seemed to have died out as well.


    Ryuu and True-Spear both fell on their knees as they looked towards a certain direction, tears seemed to have acc.u.mulated in their eyes as True-Spear spoke in a hollow tone, "My precious my beloved is gone"


    Ryuu seemed to hiccup as he spoke, "No it cannot be true please tell me it is a lie.", the broken look on their faces shocked the others as they both stood up like zombie.


    Ryuu looked at True-Spear with dull eyes as he spoke in a hollow tone, "Our precious and beloved tea plant is dead and gone."


    True-Spear replied in the same monotone, "And it is those bastards fall."


    An unholy fire lit in Ryuu''s eyes as he spoke, "We will avenge our beloved."


    The fire seemed to infectious as True-Spear displayed similar symptom as he let out a war cry while raising his spear high up in the air, "FOR OUR BELOVED TEA PLANT!!!!!"


    Ryuu was about to join only for him to end up along with True-Spear face first into the floor courtesy of Zywia and Frost Flames as they spoke out in unison with a terrifying glare, "Stop acting like an immature brat and think of a solution as we cannot stay in such a pathetic condition the horrible smell caused."


    Meanwhile for Chasing Winds it was the worst day of her entire existence they had somehow managed to break out of the cave but she might have lost a couple of her minions there but she did not care she wanted to get as far away from that horrible smell as possible but alas no matter what she did it did not disappear, she did not know nor did she care for her minions any longer the only thing that ran in her mind was getting rid of the smell, as she ran towards a lake that she spotted she had torn her clothes off as the smell clung to her skin and then she dived into a the lake a few seconds later the water became a turbulent mess as a few creatures ran off then it was all calm and peaceful as slowly and steadily various creatures floated dead as the lake water itself seemed to have taken a sickly greenish hue as if the water itself had begun to rot.


    With a scream she came out of the water as she tried to rub her skin raw, well more like trying to skin herself in order to get rid of the smell, but nothing worked and about an hour later she had used every beauty products and toiletries that she still had and that she was able to use for a moment before the effect of the level kicked in and destroyed it.


    After the funeral of the plant took place as the duo hugged each other and cried to those who had not known whose funeral it was would assume that someone extremely closed to them had passed away both Zywia and Frost Flames were on the verge of a mental breakdown because of their antics.


    As the duo calmed down Daniella asked the most important question, "What do we do now?"


    Ryuu growled at that as he spoke, "Do what one of them had fainted in front of the base as such we have to abandoned it, I can supply enough talisman so that others might be able to get any stuff that is still left behind though I will not supply the paper for the talisman, everyone will have to bring something suitable for me to write the array if they want me to create one for them, I know some may think I am being cruel but you forget we have more levels to go and I do not have any means to restock."


    A few others who were nearby shrugged in acceptance as one of them spoke, "Fair enough if anyone wants to venture forth into that place their funeral but now we should try to find a suitable base also does anyone know what caused this incident?"


    As others mulled over the situation Frozen Ocean decided to speak, "I do not know what that poor cultivator did but we all have already arrived at the same conclusion that it might be some kind of animal or plant that he had come across that caused it as such we should be careful, what if a very intelligent beast used the method to distract us and then attack us."


    One of the fellow cultivators frowned before he spoke with a grim look on his face, "You know that is a classical example of causing disruption in the enemy camp before picking them apart, infecting one of our own with such a strong intolerable smell that made us scatter to the four winds out of disgust and those who were unable to escape in time have fallen horribly ill but thanks to our brave and courageous fellow cultivators they were rescued.", as he spoke he send a nod of appreciation towards Ryuu and his group.


    Ryuu meanwhile frowned as he spoke, "What our fellow Daoist brother has said has some merit, how familiar are you with collection of honey from beehive?", as many gained a contemplative look on their face as Ryuu continued, "The collector uses smoke to chase away the bees and then he collects the honey from them, in this case we are the bees and the smoke was the smell so the major question is what is the ''Honey''?"


    At that many of them had a look of alarm on their faces as Ryuu continued again, "We do not know when and how the enemy will attack again we have to be careful I hope all of us are here now as such ��.", Ryuu looked towards a small dumpy looking cultivator who had a look of concern on his face, "Daoist Severing Saber do you have any problem you looked visibly concerned."


    Daoist Severing Saber he looked a bit on the dumpy side but was exceptional with saber techniques spoke with a frown, "Daoist Ryuu forgive for remembering such a crucial information so late but I had seen our fellow Daoist Sister Chasing Wind had leaving with a group today and the poor cultivator over there was one of them, and I do not see any of them here with us."


    Ryuu had a look of alarm as Frost Flames spoke hurriedly, "We have already seen what that dastardly creature had done to that poor cultivator if cultivator Chasing Winds has fallen prey to something so sinister I cannot forgive myself if something happened to my good friend, she is so nice and helpful to us all."


    Ryuu decided to add more oil to the fire as he spoke with such a profound look of sadness that made many to break into tears as well, "I remember her with how eager she was to learn new things always volunteering herself first to help she wanted to learn from me about my special array but unfortunately I was unable to teach her at the current moment because of various circ.u.mstances as such I promised her I would but now��.", Zywia was about to retort, ''why are you two giving eulogy speeches already.''


    Frozen Ocean balled her fist in anger as she spoke, "We cannot let this attack on us go unprovoked we will avenge our brethren and teach that beast the consequences of messing with us."


    Every cultivator roared in agreement except Ryuu''s group who looked at the duo in awe especially Zywia who so badly wanted to shout at them, ''It was YOU!!!!!, so stop trying to blame on some nonexistent creature you two are the cause of their misfortune.'', but held her tongue after all Chasing Winds was guilty and guilty should be punished though she silently praised the acting skill of the duo.

 Chapter 387 - Stalking the Mantis (Part-4)

    It was a bad day to be Chasing Winds she had literally tore her skin off yet the smell did not vanish it seemed to have seemed through every pores of her body making her feel ill as nothing worked, even if by using some form of array she blocked the sense of smell she could taste, feel it and she started to see it, the terrifying smell was slowly driving her insane.


    ''Why did I foolishly conspire against him, I should not have done so I should not have��'', was what ran through the mind of Chasing Winds who was desperately trying to grasping any straws like a drowning man to save herself.


    Ryuu meanwhile sat near a campfire with his group which now included Frost Flames and True-Spear as he poked and prodded the fire Su-Min spoke with a sigh, "I know that you all decided to prank her and her group for eavesdropping but was it not cruel to deal her with such punishment."


    Ryuu looked at her as he spoke, "Forgot to add murder along with it."


    Su-Min was taken aback by that as she spoke in disbelief, "What?!"


    Frozen Ocean looked directly into her eyes as she spoke in a cold voice, "I overheard her group and her planning on disposing both of us as such considering the fact that she is she still breathing and kicking is more than merciful."


    True-Spear nodded solemnly at that, "So true enemies should always be dealt with, without any remorse."


    Ryuu looked up to the sky as he spoke, "You know according to my family I am too soft hearted, even if I drew them into that enclosure I never would have guessed they would kill the beast without trying to check what it was in the first hand."


    Frozen Ocean who was sitting by his side simply gave a small pat as spoke in a soft voice, "Brother Ryuu that makes you better than most of us, even after your enemy wishes your ruin still you think about their well being and as for the unfortunate incident well that was their karma acting.", while inwardly it was different manner, ''Calling you soft is a big joke the most accurate description is that you Ryuu are a sadist as people would simply kill their enemy rather make them beg for death and bask in it.''


    Zywia bit her lips as she spoke, "You know I never would have thought she would betray is like that.", as she spoke both Su-Min and Daniella supported with a nod, even Frost Flames looked a bit dejected as Zywia spoke.


    Meanwhile Frozen Ocean simply balled her fist as she spoke, "For that she should die a thousand times when I first learn about her treachery I lost all sense of reason if it were not for Ryuu I would have attacked them then and there."


    Ryuu simply shook his head as he spoke, "It would have amounted in us getting seriously injured or Heavens forbid dead they had completely outnumbered us."


    Frozen Ocean simply nodded as Amnon who was sitting a few distance away from them spoke for the first time, "Did any of you find where they are hiding?"


    True-Spear shook his head as he spoke, "No I do not believe we have found all of them."


    Amnon frowned at that as he spoke, "Then they might be plotting against us."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "You saw the devastation caused by that smell it would take a couple of months before it wears down as such the chance of them plotting against us during that time is very very slim."


    Almost everyone looked at him with their face morphed into a look of horror at that as Amnon spoke with a sigh, "I pity them death would have been merciful for them."


    As others nodded in agreement Ryuu gained a melancholic look on his face, "Maybe so but death is the end of every hopes and dreams not to mention wasteful, after all life has so many possibilities infact it has infinite possibilities and anyone specially a cultivator can achieve so much.", as many amongst them nodded in agreement Ryuu was having a completely not so innocent thoughts floating inside his head, ''What I just said to them is absolutely true after all there are so many different ways I can use them as a bait.''


    True-Spear snorted at that as he spoke, "Meh we are cultivators after death we will reincarnate and start anew."


    Ryuu smirked at his words as he spoke, "So true but during reincarnation so many things happen, may not remember your previous life at all, or you may be born with extremely low talent this time so many things might happen but most importantly you are not the same person as you were before."


    True-Spear waved his hand at that as he spoke, "Nah if you live with so many what ifs life becomes boring and if I was to die now I would greet with a smile."


    Ryuu smirked at that as he spoke, "As do many of us would do at the time of their death.", he then whispered in a low voice so low that many did not manage to hear him clearly, "Only the blessed and happiest person with no desire can say they can die with a smile on their face otherwise the regrets eat us away."


    Frozen Ocean narrowed her eyes as she spoke, "Did you say something Ryuu?"


    Ryuu looked towards her with a frown as he spoke, "No I did not."


    A comfortable silence descended amongst them only the faint crackle of campfire was heard as Frost Flames broke the silence, "Did you hear that another piece was found today."


    Ryuu looked at Frost Flames as he spoke, "Really? Who was the lucky one?"


    Su-Min answered on her behalf, "It was Daoist brother Chunyu and he was lucky enough that he did not have to get into some super tough fights like you had to."


    Ryuu clicked his tongue in annoyance as he spoke, "Super lucky, I wish I was as lucky as him always forced to fight against something dangerous."


    True-Spear nodded at that as he spoke with a teasing grin on his face, "So true your luck is really terrible."


    "Brother do I need you to remind about the incident in Daklam?", came the ever so serious voice of Frost Flames.


    True-Spear immediately raised his hands in a surrendering motion as he spoke with his face considerably pale, "Sorry Sorry sister please have mercy on this fool."


    Frost Flames kept a narrowed eye on him as he literally groveled for mercy under amused as well as curious eyes of others she held her looks for a few minutes before relenting as her eyes fell on Zywia she could feel the unasked question to which she spoke with mirth in her voice, "May be sometime in the future.", to which she relented but that made True-Spear literally foam in his mouth as he almost fainted from shock.


    Su-Min could not help but laugh out loud before she spoke after reigning in her laughter, "I wonder what you would do when you have to face his brother and father."


    Both Zywia and True-Spear went ramrod upon hearing that, and this time Zywia joined True-Spear in competing on who could get palest of complexion as Ryuu snorted as he spoke, "Whatever you two do make sure I am far away when you two decide to confront her family I so do not want his brother shouting at me for not protecting her virtue."


    Both True-Spear and Zywia blushed intensely at that as she abruptly stood up and spoke hurriedly, "We did not do something like that, and if you speak with your elders with that tone I would wash your mouth with soap.", she ended the sentence with a threatening voice.


    Ryuu raised his hand in mock surrender as he spoke, "I am so sorry honorable ancestor please forgive this youngsters folly.", other burst into laughter as Zywia shout out in indignation.


    Ryuu meanwhile smiled inwardly at that, ''Having friends is not bad, not bad at all, before that smile turned into a frown, ''But for how long sooner or later I would surpass them leaving them in the dust will they still be my friends or simply people who would try to use me.''

 Chapter 388 - The Last Piece(Part-1)

    "So the last one huh.", True-Spear spoke with tired sigh as Amnon nodded towards him as he spoke, "Yes the last one well as soon as we find its location that is."


    "Then the dreaded 5th level, I hope we survive."


    "Yes me too though is Brother Ryuu not affiliated with the army of our realm maybe he can help us. Let us hunt him down."


    "Yes let us."


    With that the duo left in search of Ryuu who was busy sleeping in guise of meditating again and as they approached him along with many of their fellow cultivator s one of them spoke with a growl, "He is sleeping again pretending to be meditating, no matter what he claims to be no one drools while meditating."


    "Lay off him will you there are so many esoteric method of cultivating maybe he is using one, damn I am now jealous of him if only I can get him to teach me I can get rid of nagging wif��.", was the only thing he said before he was brained hard by a petite looking woman.


    The commotion finally managed to bring him out of his sleep or as he would say his meditative state as he spoke stifling a yawn, "Is there something I could do for you all, if you are all after my super secret meditation technique forget it, I cannot teach something on that level."


    Zywia looked at him in disbelief as he wiped off the drool on his face as she whispered loud, "How shameless can a person be?"


    Ryuu looked affronted at that as he spoke, "Hey I can hear you just because you do not know something, as such there is no need for you to be jealous."


    Zywia was about to pounce on him and slap him silly only to be stopped by True-Spear who quickly intervened as he spoke, "Brother Ryuu about the next level I hope you know about its specialty."


    Ryuu gained a serious look on his face as he spoke, "of course I know, now what do you wish to know about it?"


    Amnon looked directly looked at him as he spoke, "Well since you are in the army you must know about them right, those cultivators from the other realms?"


    Ryuu frowned at his question as he gave a small nod as Amnon continued, "As you know that we lack in strength so we thought you might help us with it ''Captain'' Ryuu.", he finished in a teasing tone that earned a mock glare from Ryuu.


    Ryuu ran his hand through his hair as he began to speak, "Well you must know about the realms?"


    Mnay nodded at that as Ryuu continued, "Well the three realms known as Preta, Manushya and Deva and amongst them I have interaction with the Preta and as for the Deva I have only heard stories and as for those who did not know yes we are from Manushya, now the Preta well it is Heaven for people who follow Demonic path of cultivation, no matter how depraved the path is you will find it there. There are vicious and they will not shy of using any tactics no matter how cowardly and morally short it might seem to you and my best advice is always to be in a group even if you confront one of them."


    Frost Flames frowned at that as she spoke, "From personal experience?"


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes, I had once faced an opponent that could control puppets she created using her dead enemies, I was forced to fight a hundred of them, and I almost died because of it, you all know how dangerous a puppet master can be?", many nodded at his question as Ryuu continued, "Well a cultivator puppet is more dangerous as they can use their skills from when they are alive and believe when I say comparing a Demonic Path cultivator from our Realm is small newborn puppy when compared to theirs."


    Many listeners had their eyes widen at that as Ryuu continued to speak, "Now as for the Deva realm well I have never met with them though from the stories that I have heard they have a holier than thou attitude often looking down on others not to mention they have the annoying habit of being ''arrogant self righteous pricks'', not my words mind you but those who have interacted with them.", he paused for a moment letting his winds sink into them as he continued, "The relation between the three is like ''Enemy of my enemy��"


    "��..is my friend.", Frozen Ocean continued Ryuu''s words with her brows scrunched up in deep thought where as Ryuu send a small smile towards her as he spoke, "Yes as sister Frozen Ocean had aptly said we are only friends with Deva because we share a common enemy though when the enemy is gone they would turn against us in a heartbeat."


    Severing Saber frowned at that as he spoke, "Well last time I got injured and had to stay back at the fourth level as such I can only say from what I had heard from others that what you said is horrifyingly accurate."


    Ryuu gave a tired smile at that as he spoke, "Personally if you ask me considering our situation.", many lowered their head being reminded of their situation, "I would prefer allying with Deva over the Preta anytime of the day they mind bully us for more resource but it is better than being used as a sacrifice for their twisted method cultivations, though that is possible if only they do not find allying with each other as much more beneficial to them then we are doomed, we cannot match the combined might of over sixty thousand cultivators."


    "Surely if they betray us and kill us surely the senior cultivators would do something about it."


    Ryuu gave the speaker a stare full of disbelief as he spoke, "Pray tell me how will they know who killed whom, the Deva realm could very well claim the Preta realm did it and even if the truth is learned those senior cultivators are too busy with their own lives than to pay attention to a bunch of puny cultivators like us, we are replaceable easily and the only good might come of it will be miniscule trade concessions that is if one of those seniors are slightly greedy nothing more nothing less."


    The person had a look of disbelief written on his face as he spoke, "You are kidding right?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No I am not, if I were I would have successfully cracked a joke that would have made all of you laugh loud but no, and as for them avenging you why would they what makes you so special in their eyes, the answer is nothing as such the only thing I want to advice you when we meet them specially the Preta realm try to keep your mind collected and calm and your heart strong.", Ryuu stood up as he stretched popping his bones in place as he spoke, "Well is there anything you all want to ask."


    No one spoke anything as most turned to leave as various theories ran rampart in their mind as Ryuu himself frowned in deep thought, ''During the time of my big sisters Eden did not have such function but after that incident it began to allow people from three different realms to enter simultaneously by appearing at three different realms at the same time but how and why? Truly a mysterious and magnificent artifact, wish I could meet its maker.''


    As others were away from their earshot leaving only Zywia and Ryuu alone she quickly rounded up Ryuu as she spoke with a frown, "If I remember correctly you have quite a sizable bounty on your head."


    Ryuu nodded at that while inwardly he was panicking, ''By Heaven''s I hope she does not state the original amount then many would try to claim my head what a chore.'', as he spoke, "I do but for someone to claim it they will have to run to the Preta Realm otherwise it would be mute point."


    Zywia huffed at that as she spoke, "I am not though you have a sizable bounty on your head so what would you do? Some might recognize you and try to kill you to claim it.", she had a hint of concern in her voice which touched Ryuu a bit.


    Ryuu looked to the sky as he spoke in a serious tone, "If they have heard that then they must have heard the warning and even after that they try something I would perhaps arrange a lovely date with their head and the lovely edge of sword.", the smile on his face send a chill down her spine, but Ryuu knew not to be arrogant specially with his condition the last few days had been a bit brutal because of which he felt incredibly drained and tired as such he was sleeping around every now and then making both Zywia and Frozen Ocean concern for him but at the same time they played their part of painting Ryuu as a lazy person so as to avoid people looking too closely into him.

 Chapter 389 - The Last Piece(Part-2)

    "Devraj Move to the right, Marcus to the left flank it, do not let it escape."


    The trio flanked at the creature and soon Radiant Sky landed a killing blow to the creature ending its life, "Well we have our dinner boys."


    The trio grinned and as Devraj bend down to pick it an arrow flew and hit the corpse as a harsh voice came to their ears, "Trespassers destroying our homeland shall be dealt with."


    They turned to see a large beefy man with fur covering his modesty looking at them with anger in his eyes as his bow pointed towards them, they could have fought and taken care of the man but then they were surrounded by a dozen of them each aiming their deadly arrows towards them, seeing the men dressed in a primitive fashion they would have scoffed off and killed them if it were not for their aura that rivaled them as such Radiant Sky the ever brave and ferocious cultivator retaliated soon by raising his hand high up in the sky as he shouted out at the top of his lungs, "We surrender.", both Devraj and Marcus looked at him with disbelief as their jaws drop, even the people who had them surrounded were taken aback.


    A few hours later Ryuu felt a headache forming apparently their group had managed to ran afoul with the inhabitants of the swamp when they were so close to finding the last key and moving to the next level, ''It wis like some kind of RPG a certain actions would trigger certain events don''t tell me we have to help another group fight another ugh it is getting boring and repetitive.''


    Devraj had just finished retelling word by word of their recent encounter as everyone turned towards Radiant Sky as many of them glared, because of his actions not only did it not save their lives but also presented them as a joke and weakling in front of the new group, it was only because of Marcus''s quick thinking that they managed to escape.


    "I bet they might have to last piece."


    True-Spear snorted at that as he spoke, "That is a sucker''s bet as far as we have seen the stronger the opponent the more are chances for another piece of the puzzle."


    "So how do we tackle it?"


    "Let Chasing Winds deal with it her beautiful amorous aroma might be soothing to them.", a certain redhead whispered only for his feet to get stomped by both Frost Flame and Frozen Ocean making him wince.


    "What is there to think about we go and take it from them if required by force."


    Ryuu looked towards the speaker as he spoke with a frown, "As much as your idea holds merit you forgot a few vital details, firstly we know nothing of their strength, numbers or anything secondly if we leave behind an overly antagonistic enemy what would you do if we were forced to retreat back to this level, we would have to fight against a very dangerous enemy for at the very least 7 and a half years not to mention in their territory."


    Frost Flames closed her eyes for a brief moment before she spoke with a fierce gleam in them, "So we should try and study them."


    Ryuu looked at her momentarily before he spoke with a nod, "Yes study them by spying on them we should try to learn as much of their habitat, their way of life their behavior before we strike them."


    Zywia bit her lips as she spoke, "It would be difficult if not outright impossible as you said that they are natives they know this lands as such it would be difficult for us to spy on them."


    Ryuu smirked at as he spoke, "Of course it would be difficult to nigh impossibility if not Eden would not be called nightmarish by our seniors, we do not know the extent of their power, we do not know how knowledgeable they are but we are no pushover and I believe as long as we stand united and together we would overcome the most bizarre and dangerous of obstacles easily."


    Many of them smiled at that as Severing Saber spoke with a pleased look on his face, "Well said young man well said, as long as we stand together we would surely succeed."


    Ryuu tilted his head slightly to the front as he spoke, "Well thank you for your kind words but now how do we proceed.", normally many cultivators disliked being treated as a child but he knew compared to those around him he was indeed a child.


    After a lot of argument and counter argument followed by equally nerve wrecking hair splitting analysis the argument came to an end as the pangs of hunger hit them hard as a wrecking ball but before they decided to attack their lunch upon unanimous decision they had decided to follow a plan proposed by Chunyun.


    Someone who was slowly becoming a popular figure amongst the group of cultivators from the looks of it compared to many included Ryuu he seemed to have come from a fairly ordinary family and had climbed through the ranks with not only hard work but extreme amount of struggle something Ryuu found worthy of respect, as whether it be this life or his previous he never had to suffer when it came to money, surely his parents in his previous life never did they want to spend a single coin his grandparents were a completely different matter the spoiled him rotten just as in this life his master does, he never had to as such struggle for monetary resources but he had not only seen but read about many as such he always held a respect for them, specially for a cultivator after all the resources consumed by them is so huge even the richest man on his previous life would not be able to afford to lead such a life.


    A few hours later camouflaged Ryuu stood alongside Frost Flames as he looked at a couple of men from the tribe, well more like savages from the looks of it, they were strong that was no doubt about it but at the same time they were epitome of what according to his own words a savage, brutish, uncultured being should be, from what they had learned the tribe was patriarchal and it seemed they believed the strength is everything and as for the women well they were treated worst than cattle simple breeders nothing more nothing less I was to the point that both the cultivators blood boiled.


    Frost Flames spoke with a snarl, "I hate these pigs."


    Ryuu gained a solemn look on his face as he spoke, "Me too but the currently all we can only wait and observe no matter what happens do not make a move."


    Frost Flames closed her eyes as she balled her fist hard nearly drawing blood only to stop as Ryuu held it tightly as he shook his head as he spoke, "I said do not do anything drastic blood smells from a long distance."


    Ryuu looked to the sky as he spoke, "Well our work is done for the time being, let us return and regroup and then we could exchange stories with other scouts.", Frost Flames acquiesced with a tired sigh as they swiftly left the place.


    As they reached the camp they were greeted with slight excitement, the very excitement seemed to ignite the anger into Ryuu and Frost Flames as their thoughts went to the poor women, but they manage to swallow their anger as Ryuu spoke, "Is there something wrong?"


    True-Spear grinned towards Ryuu as he spoke, "Nothing is wrong Brother Ryuu Brother Amnon and Sister Daniella made a remarkable discovery today they found that there is another camp of people like them and they are incredibly hostile to each other and we are planning to make them fight each other to death."


    Both Ryuu and Frost Flame''s eyes widen for a fraction before they both grinned at that prospect making them fight each other before moving in for the kill."


    True-Spear looked towards them with a savage grin on his face as he spoke, "Now we only have to figure out how to light the tinder and watch the bonfire without getting burned."

 Chapter 390 - The Last Piece(Part-3)

    "So how do we proceed? The idea is good but how do we cause it to happen.", Ryuu could not help but ask out aloud.


    True-Spear smiled back at him as he spoke, "It is very easy brother you already gave us the solution."


    Ryuu frowned hard as he tried to find any conversation that he had in front of True-Spear in order to discern what plan was hinting at and seeing Ryuu in such a quandary True-Spear spoke with a smirk on his face, "You already proposed the idea of keeping an eye on them and learn more about them to discern their weakness so why are you getting confused Ryuu we are simply going to keep an eye on them for now nothing more nothing less."


    Ryuu blushed in embarrassment at that as he spoke while trying to regain control of his emotions, "Well then we better try to create a rotation system where we by turn would keep an eye on them and gather as much intelligence as possible."


    True-Spear nodded at that where as Frost Flames balled her fist her making him curious as such he could not help but ask her, "Sister Frost Flames did something happen that got you incensed in fact I can also feel the agitation in brother Ryuu."


    Frost Flames rubbed her temples as she spoke with a sigh, "Nothing brother just that those people are simply savages that should not exist, I counted around over a thousand people in their tribe, they are a patriarchal society but not only that they are highly misogynist pigs to the point that I simply wished to erase them from existence."


    Ryuu snorted at that as he spoke, "You simply did not wished you more that wanted to if I had not stopped you, you would have started a war with them and for that I do not blame you it was very very difficult o keep myself under control."


    True-spear grimaced at that as he spoke, "Well we have to then work fast and hard in order to make sure the groups are dealt with, the group that Amnon found was a bit more civilized than their counterpart and were less of savage as well."


    Ryuu tapped his chin as he spoke, "You see I love to read a lot and in one of books I read it was a story about how a small group of people had not only captured a nation that outnumbered them by thousand to one but ruled over them with iron fist.", as he spoke a small group had once again gathered him which made him pleased inwardly as the words of his sister rang in his mind, ''Remember Ryuu do not show all your hands but at the same time present yourself to be reliable so as to get others to draw towards who knows when you might need a few good followers.


    "They used a simple tactic divide and conquer, the idea was simple there were two main groups in that country both had different beliefs but both had learned to coexist peacefully with each other the invaders knew that it would be a matter of time they might unite with the common goal to chase them out of the nation so what they did was to create distrust and misunderstanding between them causing them to fight amongst themselves, like ��..", Ryuu spend the entire evening recounting the tale as such also making sure they understood what they might be looking for and how to proceed with it.


    They had just finished dinner and they had retreated to their respective corner of the gigantic cave that they were using for their second base, since the encounter with the native the security of the place had been increased by many times using all sorts of traps that they could device.


    It had been many days since that day when Frozen Ocean and Ryuu conspired together and had turned the tables against Chasing Winds and her minions and since then there was no words about them and most if not all of them were missing as no one knew where they were and no one wanted to risk their noise and health in order to find some extremely ''stinky'' cultivators.


    Ryuu decided to relax a bit he felt weary and tired and needed some form of release as such a quick array that was bound not only to protect him but also awake him if any form of danger was about to cause him harm and he knew from his experience if he had managed to judge his companions well he doubted any of them could bypass the array without triggering the other safety measures he had installed like a simple alarm that would trigger if anyone was to try and bypass the array.


    Ryuu closed his eyes and for the first time since he had entered this place he truly began to meditate, every worry, every thoughts seemed to disappear like the fog that seemed to lift after a rather cold morning and the sun shone brightly, he travelled down the spirit branches, veins and wells inspecting each of them thoroughly as he made his way to his Dantian, it had taken more and more solid form like yolk floating in the albumen that was being slowly cooked and it had started to harden, this was his core, his power he could see tiny specks of red moving through he could hear the thunder like roar that reverberated his entire being he could spot it as a dragon from a miles away yet it was hazy enough not to recognize which one it was, he was greeted by a swarm of feelings ranging from happiness, from serenity to outright annoyance they were Dao he had learned he always loved to bask in their presence he chuckled inwardly at one particular Dao that seemed to be annoyed at him the Dao of Asura, ''The Daos behave so much like any living being sometimes that it is amazing even after I claim to enlightened in the function of the Dao, I have yet to learn what a Dao itself is why do they exist, why do they behave as such.'', his focus then went towards the only Dao that was annoyed of him, ''May be because I actively shunned the Dao when I was younger even if I had tried to get to peace with the Dao later on, I cannot claim I am still not afraid of Asura may be that is why I get the feeling of annoyance.


    Ryuu then extended his senses as he felt his soul that was glowing like sun in the distant sky it looked blazing hot yet it gave the sense of warmth that one finds from their closest family members, ''I have not cultivated my soul for sometime it is hard to do so, my entire body is leagues ahead of my soul I should work on it but it is slow extremely so cultivators really are the most patient of beings in the universe.''


    He followed through the spirit veins before he approached a certain area, an area he knew too well this branch his consciousness had followed had led him towards his left hand, he looked at the shuddering and severing walls, etched in various glowing arrays but they seemed to be decaying seeing a few flickering and dead and the wall unlike the light translucent glow the other branches had this branch had a murky green color and not to feel the nausea inducing feeling he got whenever he entered the place, he passed through a particular section and grimaced the parts of the array was missing and the entire area was dark and pus had seemed to form to him it felt as if someone had swapped that part of his Spirit Branch with the dirtiest sewer anyone could find, he wanted to hurl but he controlled himself, ''I have to repair'', he grimaced at that, he could see tiny green specks were appearing and then it was disappearing into the KI flow something that should not be allowed, ''Since I came to this level it has not only affected our physiology but it seems the poison is also agitated I hope we can move out of this place soon, it is becoming unbearable for me.''


    Ryuu did not wish for the cancerous areas to grow and expand especially when he did not know when he would require his full strength and it might prove to a hindrance, he mentally steeled himself before he began to push out the poison and clear and repair the veins and the array, no matter how much he repaired and cleaned them at the end of the day it would reappear again somewhere it was an extremely frustrating work and painful work, no sooner did he tried to work on it he felt as if his enter body was lit with fire, his soul itself seemed to scream from agony, while his skin was getting pealed and his bones was turned to dust it was so agonizing but he endured it.


    To what seemed an eternity to Ryuu in reality a few minutes had passed he groggily opened his eyes before he slumped on the wall and closed his eyes again tiredly, he was so tired and worn out he needed his sleep, a few hours later Zywia came across a sleeping Ryuu, "Damn it he once again is sleeping in guise of meditation, when I go out I will seriously complain about this blasphemous mockery to his teachers, hmp.", with her thoughts spoken out loud she stomped away from the place.


    Meanwhile Frozen Flames narrowed her eyes at the sleeping figure of Ryuu, ''He spends most of his time sleeping nowadays and I have seen him getting tired easily I hope the poison is not causing him too much problem.''

 Chapter 391 - Igniting The Fires of War (Part-1)

    "So what we will do is pretty simple, just like Brother Ryuu told us a few days ago, I hope you remembered the story of how two groups were brought down to their knees by the third, he simply committed crimes and then made sure to frame the two groups slowly and surely turning into each other, and then the capitalize on the situation what Brother Ryuu had suggested is extremely easy for us they are already at each other''s throat as such we would simply light the fire and fan the flames."


    A rather eloquent cultivator finished his speech only for another to begin his, "What Brother Daoist said is true but at the time he also failed to mention how delicate the situation is, from a glance we can see two groups who are fighting against each other but at the same time we should not forget that they have been fighting for who knows when and as such they should be familiar with each other''s tactics and as such it would be very easy for them to notice something amiss and I do not doubt that they might be already aware about us and it would not take much longer to add two and two make four and then we have to fight on both of them after all we are the third part that had encroached upon their lands and because of us they might form a temporary truce to deal with us."


    Many nodded at that after all being cautious was an extremely good habit until one of them spoke aloud, "Hey has anyone seen brother Ryuu? After all we are following his suggestion so where is he?"


    True-Spear grunted at that as he replied to them, "He volunteered to take my shift according to him, he was getting bored and wanted to stretch his legs but he should be back by now."


    Severing Saber shook his head as he spoke, "Even after all possessing many good qualities Young Ryuu is too restless as well as lazy, always seeking for something that would either keep his attention or sleeping."


    Chianyu frowned as he spoke, "Why do you refer to him as ''Young Ryuu'' many of us might be younger than you fellow Daoist Brother but I do not think we are that much younger."


    Severing Saber gave him a slight smile as he spoke, "Forgive me brother Chainyu and anyone who might be offended but Ryuu reminds me of my Great Grandchild he would reach his Hundred years soon he is very lazy until something catches his eyes, Ryuu reminds me of him."


    Chianyu nodded at that as he cracked a small smile as he spoke, "The only difference is Ryuu is million years older.", Zywia almost choked on hearing that as even Frozen Ocean''s brow twitched a bit.


    Severing Saber nodded at that as he spoke, "Exactly brother Chianyu exactly as you say."


    Whenever Ryuu''s age was brought up Zywia had the sudden urge to hole up inside a room and cry at the unfairness of the world, even Frozen Ocean to a certain extent after all how many could claim they are an Mystic Immortal Emperor before their hundred years of age, Zywia still remembered how her parents had laughed upon hearing from her brother Cezary about Ryuu''s strength thinking he was joking then it morphed into that of horror and finally resignation the only thing his parents would say was that even Pangu was less troublesome than Ryuu and how he was the only one in existence that had created such reality defying miracles, she had chalked it up as good luck but now she hoped that his luck would hold for many millennia to come, Frozen Ocean had a small chat with her and helped her realize that Ryuu might not be sleeping but because of the poison he was forced to rest often as such the duo decided to create as much distraction so that others might not learn about it.


    "I am sorry everyone I was bit late.", Ryuu came to the clearing with a figure covered from head to toe in some form of cloth making everyone look at the person curiously.


    "Brother Ryuu, if I may ask who is this person accompanying you?"


    Ryuu gained sad frown on his face as he spoke, "Today when I took the shift on spying the second village or as I would designate its name as ''Beta'', I came upon a startling discovery the Village ''Beta'' are full of cannibals."


    At that everyone''s eyes widen especially those that who were not spirit beast and had taken humanoid shape, cannibalism was seen as a taboo to any cultivator who indulges in it, it was one of those many taboos for that affects ones karma badly and tarnishes it to the point no amount of good deeds and repenting can make them karma good.


    True-Spear frowned as he spoke while leaning forward, "Brother Ryuu the person beside you did you rescue the person by your side?"


    As Ryuu nodded at that but before he could speak, one of them suddenly spoke with alarm in his voice, "Brother Ryuu by doing so you would draw their attention to us, how could you be so careless?", many seemed to share his sentiment making Ryuu to sigh inwardly at that, ''Damn we cultivators are surely a rather selfish bunch.''


    "Let him speak, brother Ryuu has done nothing without thinking so why doubt his actions and motives.", came Frost Flames stern voice, he looked to see his group as well as True-Spear nodding agreement but from the looks of it the glare from Zywia made him nod making him snicker inwardly.


    Ryuu cleared his throat as he began, "I understand your concern Daoist Brother but unfortunately I cannot condone the death of one of our fellow cultivators, today I stumbled upon Chasing Winds on my way back who had been captured by them as such I rescued her."


    Everyone''s eyes widen as many of their fellow cultivators stood up while the female cultivators made their way to their fellow cultivator as Ryuu moved to the side to give space, "Are those savage cannibals responsible for her and what happened to others."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke in a somber tone, "I believe it is to be as such, trying to separate and scatter us like a person does to the bees in order to collect honey, that smell was the smoke and we made a mistake thinking it was some highly intelligent spirit beast but it turned out to be cannibalistic humans.", most of the cultivators eyes went cold upon hearing that, they had finally found the culprit behind the ghastly smell incident a target they are willing to make them pay via blood.


    Chasing Winds looked at Ryuu her mind was a mess, the entire incident began when they decided to follow after Ryuu and Frozen Ocean she was so sure that she would be able to kill him easily, he had shown incredible skills but even the most strongest of beings could be taken out by being blindsided but never in all her years she would have thought that not only did she attacked such a horrifying creature but also she foolishly used her one use trump card she had to spend days and weeks trying to scrub the smell of off her and spend nightmarish days only to be captured by cannibals, she still remembered how Ryuu came to her rescue and saved her.


    "Sister Chasing Winds you are alive, we all thought the worst please return with me back to our base, I was so worried for you thinking the only peer of mine with such interest in array dead I felt a bit hollow but now seeing you alive I can only praise the mercy of Heavens.", the face filled with worry and slight tears of relief on his face moved her really moved her no one has ever been concerned for her so much let alone her own victim she did not know if it was genuine, she did not know if Ryuu had purposefully let her into a trap for a moment she felt twinge of guilt as such she spoke in a rather hoarse voice, "Thank you brother Ryuu, I am in your debt."


    Ryuu shook his hand as he spoke, "There is nothing for you to feel as such I only did so because you are my precious comrade.", Ryuu flashed her a bright smile as he channeled the power of friendship for the ''shonen'' formula of friendship that he had learned in his previous life.


    As Chasing Wind nodded at that Ryuu spoke with a determined look on his face, "Sister when you went missing we were so devastated that we all swore to avenge you can you tell me what happen."


    Seeing the innocent look on his face she was taken aback she wanted scream to his face at the top of her lungs that it was because of ''Ryuu that they suffered such calamity because of him'', but she could not after how he reacted what if he really did not do anything to cause them harm and if she were to accuse him the truth might come out and with that her death as such she tried to come up with a solution to her problems,


    "If you are having problem then please do not speak sister there is no need to strain yourself but though I were to hazard a guess are this mongrels responsible for your plight?", Chasing Winds wanted to thank whoever had given the idea to Ryuu as she simply nodded in acknowledgement as Ryuu balled his fist as he spoke, "I thought as much do not worry sister we will make them repent for their heinous acts but now let us go home so that you may rest please follow me."


    Chasing Winds did not know why but a tiny voice in her mind screamed at her to run and not to tangle with others but she squashed as a malicious smirk return to her face, ''Brother Ryuu your help is appreciated as such I will let you live for now.''


    As the moved Ryuu''s face morphed into a vicious smirk for a moment, ''I cannot allow my bait to die too early after all it would be bad investment.''


    Back to present everyone praised Ryuu for being such a good Samaritan as he simply spoke with a gentle smile, "Please do not say something like that, you all are my good friends how can I be call myself a cultivator if I let you suffer.", Frozen Ocean excused herself as she left promptly it was difficult to stay stoic after seeing someone perfect the art of being praised and lauded as a great selfless hero after saving someone from their misfortune when the person being praised was the main cause of the said misfortune, as such she promptly moved far away from them where she could pass out of laughing a notion that a few amongst Ryuu''s group seemed to share.

 Chapter 392 - Igniting The Fires of War (Part-2)

    "So that is the tree that they worship?"


    Chianyu nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes a real nasty thing they sacrifice their victims alive near it over that stone table the Tribal Chieftain devours the heart raw as the blood flows to nourish the roots before the body is tossed with much dramatic fanfare towards the tree roots where it dragged the poor bastard, the Chief had been practicing for some time now and I believe no less than half a dozen beings had been sacrificed."


    Ryuu looked at the tree with hundreds of thousands of flora and fauna rammed down his throat there was hardly anything that he did not know specially while working in the herbarium and the garden of his teacher, well it was true there were parts that he was still not permitted to enter mainly because he was not strong enough but even after all this he failed to recognize the plant that looked as if made up of hair as dark as the night which had been braided together and stood tall with its purple color leaves that looked like faces of various creatures including humans in great agony.


    "Interesting tree they have do you recognize it brother Chainyu?"


    Chianyu shook his head with a tired sigh as he spoke, "No though it kind of give me creeps you know the kind that makes you want to��"


    "Stay as far away as possible I understand brother I also fell the hair raising of my back that thing is nasty, do you think fire can deal with it?"


    Chianyu shrugged at that as he spoke, "Might be most plants do after all but��"


    Ryuu scratched his chin as he spoke with a contemplative look on his face, "Hmm if we use a c.o.c.ktail of various methods we might succeed."


    "So we take care of the tree or whatever it is?"


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes and since their festival or whatever is arriving soon I believe that it is the most important time for us to deal with it we cannot let such evil thing to survive I just hope that the no marking of the other tribe is mistakenly placed here when we do the deed."


    Chinayu''s face flushed as he tried to hold back his laughter after all it would do them no good if he gave away their location because he forgot to reign in his laughter.


    At the same time a similar situation was taking place as Zywia and True-Spear looked at another giant plant but unlike the previous tree that was been watched by Ryan and Chianyu but unlike it this tree seemed to be made up of giant flowers in fact tree seemed to have been made up of flower itself and inside the flower a scene of debauchery was taking place that made Zywia feel sick as she grabbed hold of True-Spear''s hand hard, True-Spear himself had a look of disgust as he whispered to her, "Let us leave this place makes feel sick.", Zywia wordlessly nodded at that as the duo left.


    As they arrived at camp they were greeted by the sight of Ryuu and Chainyu in furious discussion with rest of their companions as they entered Chianyu looked towards them as he spoke, "Ah the duo we were waiting for is here."


    Ryuu frowned seeing their slight green face as he spoke, "Is something wrong?", if True-Spear had attempted something foolish Ryuu would have taken his life then and there consequences be damned he may joke and make fun of Zywia from time to time but he had zero tolerance policy against such dastardly acts but more importantly Zywia was not only one of his closest friend and confidant Cezary''s younger sister but she was also the daughter of her sister''s closest friend and Ryuu would happily pull out various tricks out of his bags that had been taught to him by his third Mistress and third Sister but luckily for True-Spear seemed to not only supporting her but he himself looked a bit distraught.


    ''Well it is good for him that he had done nothing funny.'', as the idle thought passed through Ryuu''s mind True-Spear suddenly felt an intense sense of dread that nearly made him choke only for it to be replaced by a sense of intense relief, ''I might be working too hard and now I need some rest yes that must be.''


    Su-Min swiftly moved towards Zywia as she spoke, "Sister, are you alright?"


    Hearing the tone of concern in her friend''s voice Zywia let out a small albeit weak smile as she spoke, "I am fine though the horror I witnessed caused by those bastards made me feel a bit sick so I wish to rest for the moment for the time being"


    Ryuu nodded at that as he turned towards True-Spear as he spoke, "Brother, do you wish to take some rest as well."


    True-Spear gave him a tired smile, a smile Ryuu never thought he would witness on True-Spear''s face as he spoke, "I will but after I have given my report when it is still fresh in my mind."


    So a plan was formed and a week later three teams had formed one would stay at the base where as the other two would as Ryuu had eloquently put ''Start the fires of War'' and with that started the operation ''Fire Starter''.


    Those who were participating had gathered around the center of their base with each of them wearing something that would not hinder their mobility too much as they slowly made their way to their respective destination, they would have launched their plans much earlier but had decided to wait for two very important reasons one it would be almost a few days before their day of celebrations and secondly they would get to prepare for the inevitable, they knew they had to destroy those trees but what they did not know how and what would be the most effective method to deal with them as such the alchemists working with tandem with array masters and blacksmiths had created a few balls, a ball that would seemed to be at a glance as any ordinary ball used for children to play but it was anything but that, the ball was actually a fragile shell that held an extremely volatile poisonous as well corrosive liquid that was at the same time highly flammable with its temperature reaching as hot as the surface of the blue stars, the array that was placed on the ball helped to contain the volatile liquid without making its paper thin container leak.


    Ryuu watched as everyone took held the ball in the palm of their hand as he spoke, "This balls are now so strong that they would not break even if they are thrown on a planet from outer space if you were to throw this like this nothing would work what you have to do is apply a tiny amount of KI to it and it would glow slightly red and then lob it towards your target and make sure to move away from there as fast as possible the various poisonous substance in it are not only harmful but also guaranteed to cause intense rage as well as act as a slight hallucinogenic even in small amounts as such remember ''STAY AWAY'', specially from the smoke or it might cause your death. Our job is to move fast destroy them, plant evidence about village ''Alpha'' or ''Beta'' according to your objective and leave."


    "Now while those who do not have anything to do with destruction of the plant, you have a very difficult mission for you, you will be sneaking in at the first sign of alarm from them if I am not mistaken such an important thing would surely make them frantic and panicked as such most would leave using the cover of darkness and your stealth you will enter the chief''s hut and all thanks to the wonderful and hard work of Brother DarkThorne and Sister VanishingShadow we all know the location of our objective, they will be in charge of the infiltration mission now like the destruction team you will have a few items for you to use, firstly this", he produced a small tag that he handed to both the team leader as he spoke with a smile, " as soon as you reach the objective you use this talisman which will make anyone on the outside of the hut ignore it for about half an hour plenty of time for you, secondly this small pellets they are highly poisonous and paralyzing agents use them to stun whoever would be left in that room guarding our objective within a couple of minutes at best and when they are down make sure turn them into bloody corpse, then this third object it carries the bodies of the spies from either of their villages stored safely in it still fresh and i hope you can set up a crime scene that looks as if a bloody fight broke out and then the fourth is this.", he handed a square shaped object to the team leaders as he spoke, "This brick like thing touch it with our object and pulse your KI it copy it perfectly switch it with our objective and then leave, and oh do not forget to start a fire."


    He paused for a moment as he spoke, "Are there any questions?"


    "Hey Ryuu which team are you going to join?"


    "What made you think I would join anyway?"


    "The fact that you are always looking for trouble and excitement makes me believe that you would join."


    Ryuu frowned at that as he spoke, "It is true that I like to seek excitement well the right kind that does not involve causing other pain misery or drugs but seeking out trouble never I never sought out trouble but unfortunately trouble seems to find me and of course you are right I am joining and since I am as stealthy as a bull in china shop I will be going with team destruction that is heading towards Village ''Beta''."


    With his explanation finished Ryuu watched as each of them pocket the various assorted items as he remembered something as he spoke, "Ah forgot to mention that the destruction orbs or balls or whatever you chose to call it will be destroyed within three days from today because of the volatile liquid it contains so please do not take one as a souvenir.", he watched as many grumble while he had a pleasant smile in the inside, ''Fools did they never learn not to touch something with unknown array on them no matter how the array seems inactive those extra arrays that I planted in them will soon enter their body without them knowing and if they try to backsta,,,, drat I forgot the tracking array oh well the kill switch will do for now, I hope there does not come a day when I have to use them on my fellow companions. May be I should also try practicing some comic book villain like laugh as well to go along with it.''

 Chapter 393 - Igniting The Fires of War (Part-3)

    "Where is Poontah? He and his team should have finished their scouting and would have arrived by now."


    A large man with broad shoulders spoke with a gruff voice as he sipped from his goblet made out of a human skull.


    "My Lord those newcomers are crafty, and it seems that the ''Sapphire Ash Clan'' has also set their sights on them as well, as such I believe he is running interference, after all, we cannot let them steal our cattle before we got hold of them."


    "Poontah better be doing something worthwhile then I do not like being kept waiting."


    The person who spoke nodded at that as he spoke, "He is the child of the mighty ''Blessed Kudzu Tribe'', he would rather die than bring dishonour to the tribe."


    "I know that is why I entrusted the important mission to him, and I hope the newcomers have some spawns running around they are the most delicious and tender."


    But before anyone could speak an alarm was sounded, as a man dashed inside the Chief''s hut as he spoke with fear in his voice, "Chief, Chief the ''Blessed Kudzu'', the ''Blessed Kudzu'' is on fire."


    The Chief of the ''Blessed Kudzu Tribe'', snorted at that as he cast a bored look towards the person as he spoke with an arrogant tone in his voice, "If you have any problem with the fire douse it, there is no fire in this world that can damage the ''Blessed Kudzu''."


    The messenger shook with fear as he spoke with dread in his voice, "The ''Blessed Kudzu'' is dying. It is melting."


    Chief Mingun stood up with anger blazing in his eyes before he dashed out of his hut shoving the messenger out of his way, as he looked at the direction of the ''Blessed Kudzu'' of the night sky.


    The night sky towards the direction of the ''Blessed Kudzu'', seemed to have been painted by a bright purple colour which increased his unease as he ran towards it as fast as his legs could carry him.


    As he neared the ''Blessed Kudzu'', he could hear the scream of men, women, children, old, animals, and he could feel their anguish. His eyes blurred as tears of grief appeared, and he no longer cared who he trampled on his way to the tree all he wanted was to save it.


    Mingun collapsed in grief at the sight of the once great tree that blessed them had almost melted with fire dancing around it.


    Mingun was not the only one who acted as such, the other members of the ''Blessed Kudzu Tribe'' were similarly on the ground or trying in vain with their lives to douse the flames, a sudden death rattle came to their ears as the once mighty and invincible ''Blessed Kudzu'' was no more.


    Time seemed to be meaningless to Mingun as he stared towards the murdered ''Blessed Kudzu'' "Beloved", a soft and soothing voice came to his ears as he looked up he saw his beloved and beautiful wife standing by his side, her eyes red and tears streaming down her face.


    "This was not an accident, but a deliberate attack by the ''Sapphire Ash Tribe'' their markings is all over the place, Punta is still alive, but barely he wishes to speak with you."


    Mingun stood up his hands clenched and his eyes shining with cold fury, since the first time when his ancestor had found the ''Blessed Kudzu'' his people had always worshipped and took care of the sacred tree.


    In return for their care, the tree would provide them with its fruit every decade that was consumed by his tribesman, but every other millennium it would give birth to an exotic fruit that Mingun had been waiting to eat it since he was but a small boy.


    The exotic fruit rumoured to grant the one who has eaten it the strength and wisdom of a thousand men, and as such he had spent countless trying to take care of it without failure, day after day and he was so close only a few days left.


    He walked towards Punta and winced at what he saw. Mingun knew him since they were just a child, his most trusted comrades he still remembered their first hunt together how they killed the member of the ''Sapphire Ash Clan'' and how they ate him after.


    "Old friend save your breath we will get you help soon and then we will kill those bastards from that wretched ''Sapphire Ash Tribe'' "


    "Sapphire they.... ", before he could say anything his eyes glazed over as he passed away.


    Mingun closed his friend''s eyes before he stood up and spoke with barely concealed anger, "To arms my fellow brothers and sisters to arms too long have we tolerated them, but no more we have reached our limit with their barbarism and tonight we feast on their flesh."


    Their eyes were red, and their rage had reached their zenith their soul demanded justice and blood and they will receive them.


    Their eyes were red not only because of their anger but as a side effect of inhaling the c.o.c.ktail of hallucinogenic and rage-inducing concoction.


    Unknown to them a few arrays scattered around that were keeping an eye on them, fizzled out of existence as a redhead with heterochromia let a small unnoticeable smirk.


    "I hope that the other teams bring some good news as well."


    "They would brother Ryuu they would though please remember to send me a gentle warning if by mistake I find myself standing on a side opposite to you."


    Ryuu looked confused at that as he spoke, "Why do say so?"


    The fellow cultivator gave a nervous laugh as he spoke, "Well, the way you took down and tortured your opponent."


    Ryuu snorted at that as he spoke, "Please! that mongrel had it coming who told him to eat a child alive, and I feel guilty of the fact that I was not fast enough to save the child."


    Many of them nodded in agreement, as one of them spoke with a frown, "That child if I am not mistaken did not belong to that other tribe was he?"


    Devaraj who was nearby frowned, his mind working hard for a brief moment before he spoke with an understanding nod, "Ah I see while trying to find them we found signs of other tribes who are much smaller and are often prey to these two."


    "Hmm, if we could have gotten them involved then."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "Then nothing, nothing would have happened except we might have failed by involving others who we know nothing about."


    "They can replace them."


    "And how do we know they are not as bad as these two?", with his piece said an impatient Ryuu began pacing in the clearing as he a spoke with a growl, "They surely are taking their time."


    A rustle of leaves made them tensed for a moment, "Objective complete brother Ryuu."


    True-Spear''s voice came to the clearing, making everyone relaxed at that even more so when he appeared in front of them.


    "Did anything interesting happened during your objective?"


    True-Spear smirked as he pointed towards his martial sister as he spoke, "Sister Frost Flames got a bit angry with them and decided to torture one of them a little."


    Sabering Saber snorted at that as he spoke with a sever, "A little I was feeling sorry for that bastard."


    Chianyu laughed at that as he spoke, "It seems that there is a female version of Brother Ryuu out there never thought I would see two sadists at the same place."


    Ryuu did not pay any heed to them though he noticed from the corner of his eye Frost Flames blushed for a split second.


    "They are taking too long.", with Ryuu''s words, an uncomfortable silence descended in the clearing.


    Every second seemed to be an eternity to them many were meditating, some pacing around whereas others leaned against the tree stump trying to wait patiently.


    True-Spear could no longer wait as he spoke, "I am going to check on them."


    Ryuu nodded towards him only for the trees to rustle again as the other two teams appeared.


    "Mission accomplished."


    "Then let us leave, they can fight all they want we are leaving this level as soon as possible."


    Ryuu could no longer wait they already have the ticket to the Fifth Level, and with the hope that it would not be as uncomfortable as the current level, he wished to move onto the next and hopefully, the poison would not trouble him much.


    Chianyu pouted a bit as he spoke, "Aww, I wanted to witness their battle."


    A few of them smirked having the same idea in their mind making Ryuu groan inwardly, as he was getting tired of their shenanigans, because of his current health condition.


    "Maybe we can take a bit of a vacation before moving to the next level as I so do not wish to hurry and jump into a conflict between the Deva and Preta."


    Ryuu snorted inwardly at that, ''The swamp is hardly any vacation spot, they are simply stalling as they do not wish to get involved in the feud before realms.''


    He understood their motive and he, himself did not wish to get involved while their number was so low, but alas that would be akin to courting death for him.


    "Whether we move or whether we do not the fact remains the same that we would face them sooner rather than later.", as he finished his speech Ryuu started to leave towards their base.


    A few hours later, as they were preparing to leave a figure looked at his fellow Cultivators, he raised his hand as a pink pear-shaped fruit appeared in his hands. The fruit looked as if it was trying hard to maintain its shape as countless beings trying hard to claw their way out of it.


    The figure smirked before consuming it with a gulp, ''Who would have thought I would be so lucky to find a ''Soul Trapping Pear'' in this swamp and the best part no one knew about it, and now my Cultivation, as well as my Divine body, would benefit greatly."


    "With the last of the piece of the puzzle assembled, the door is now open, let us venture forth."


    Ryuu looked at his team as he shared a small nod with them as he ventured into the unknown, as everyone gambled their past, present and future with the hope they would survive.

 Chapter 394 - The Maze (Part-1)

    Ryuu flew down the narrow, dark and damp corridor the constant sound of dripping water echoing around the entire place made him annoyed, he had been trapped in this maze along for a long time with no way in sight and the worse part he was separated from the rest of them.


    As he took another turn to the right he found himself standing in front of a large stone door with various glowing arrays on them, "A door that too protected by array, interesting during my time here I believe this is the first door that I came across."


    He studied the array and he knew he could unlock the door easily but he hesitated for a moment, "What if it is trap? Or it could be the way out."


    He bit his lips hard enough to draw blood before he decided to gamble on his luck, he placed his hands on two specific spots on the array as he fed his KI into it, for a moment it seemed that no change was visible when all of a sudden he felt a tug as a good amount of KI was sucked out of his body making him jump back as he eyes the door warily, a groan was heard as the door slowly opened revealing its contents.


    A circular room came into his view as he stepped inside it, a pedestal was present at the center of it, Ryuu looked around when all of a sudden he a loud thud and as he looked back he was horrified to see the door not only closed but the arrays themselves have disappeared completely.


    Ryuu suddenly felt scared as a chill went down his spine as he could not help but shout out loud, "Wait a minute I know this, I have seen it before in that movie now some eggs would po��.", he did not get to finish his sentence as the sound of stone scrapping on stone was heard as the top of the pedestal seemed to move."


    Frost Flames was lucky that she was at least with some familiar faces since entering the maze their group had found themselves separated because of traps and what not it was as if something or someone was herding them and now she was with Zywia and Frozen Ocean as the rest have all been separated.


    She suddenly stopped in her tracks as she spoke with a frown, "Hey did you all hear that, it sounded like Ryuu was shouting."


    The others frowned at that as Frost Ocean shook her head as she spoke, "No we did not it might be the atmosphere is affecting you."


    Frost Flames frowned at that as she spoke with a nod, "You are right, this place must be affecting me, and let us move forward the sooner we get out of this place the better it is."


    As they began to move further through the maze Frost Flames mind went back to how they had suffered such a predicament.


    "So this is the fifth level", Severing Saber drank into the appearance of the large cavern that they had entered.


    Ryuu frowned as he looked at the cavern that seemed to be manmade, not to mention the statues and the artwork seemed extremely familiar to him like he had seen them before, his eyes widen slightly as he remembered something, ''Ah I remember now they looked similar to Ajanta caves from India.''


    "Hey over here?", a shout drew their attention as they all dashed to the source.


    A large stone slab was found standing proudly near the wall as they reached the slab their eyes widen at the information that was written on it.


    Gate I: 63,900


    Gate II: 40,000


    Gate III: 867


    Level V: Gate I+ Gate II


    "We are safe, we are safe for now.", came a voice full of relief as many had a grin on their face.


    Ryuu glared at the stone slab as his jaws clenched in anger, ''63,900! Who has that many Mystic Immortal Emperors? The Deva or the Preta realms, it does not look good for us at all, whoever that realm that managed to send at least thrice the number is cause for immense concern, after I leave this place I have to inform my superiors about this.''


    "Ryuu are you alright? You look tensed.", a voice came to his ears making him turn towards the speaker as he send a glare towards her.


    Frost Flames was taken aback at the glare before Ryuu''s eyes softened as he spoke in an apologetic tone, "Sorry this numbers made me a bit tensed."


    Frost Flames nodded at as she spoke with a small smile, "There is nothing to worry about Ryuu, so why are you so tensed?"


    Ryuu pointed towards the number as he spoke, "The numbers are problematic, and worrisome I do not know who is what but they are worrying me a lot."


    As many paid undivided attention towards him Ryuu continued to speak, "You see the large number means only one thing that realm is currently prosperous and if they are so much ahead of us then there is a chance for an invasion from their side using their superior numbers especially if that number belongs to Preta realm."


    ''Is that why they are attacking randomly, are they testing our defenses?'', many thoughts ran rampart in Ryuu''s minds but he had no answer to them.


    "How are we going to face such a large number of cultivators? Over Sixty Three thousand are you insane we will not make it."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "You are definitely right, facing such a number is suicidal but fortunately we are not at present as such let them fight against each other while we try to find some treasures in this level."


    True-Spear narrowed he send one last look towards the slab before speaking, "You are forgetting something Brother Ryuu.", at his words Ryuu turned to look at him with curious look in his eyes, "Quality over Quantity you are forgetting the age old saying."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No brother no I am not, with enough numbers the quality can be overtaken by quantity and sadly for us��.", he did not finish the sentence as the full implication of his words sank into them.


    As they moved towards the exit that led them outside the circular cavern Zywia approached him as she spoke, "Brother Ryuu if you know about this then is it safe to assume that they know as well, as such they will also know that our realm is weaker and they will inform their seniors and the invasion might occur."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "That is a given as such I can hope that Deva realm are the one with the highest number."


    "So, what will you do if the worst case scenario happens? We cannot let them escape Eden and inform their superiors."


    Ryuu simply kicked a stone in front of him as he spoke with a sigh, "There is nothing we can do except killing every last one of them and frankly speaking I do not see such a thing occurring given our paltry numbers."


    "Ugh this place is horrible I thought after leaving the swamp behind we will not have to withstand another damp place sometime soon."


    Ryan snorted at that as they stepped into a narrow, dark and damp tunnel as they heard a faint sound of water dripping in the distance.


    A few hours later many Devraj shouted out in frustration, "This place is a Heaven forsaken maze."


    Chianyu laughed at his outburst as he spoke, "You found out about that just now, we have been going in a circle for a long time is that not right brother Ryuu we already passed by one of your marker thrice."


    A disgruntled Ryuu simply send a small nod to him as one of them spoke, "Whatever we should keep a cool head and try to figure it out an exit."


    As they moved in circle slowly they began to get frustrated as well as angry and one of them foolishly stepped on a lose stone on the floor which triggered one of the first traps, a portion of the wall slammed cutting the group into half it was only because of Chianyu''s reflex who kicked one of the cultivator away that he was prevented from becoming paste on the wall.


    But it did not end there for Ryuu''s group as another wall boxed them in as the floor collapsed and the ceiling came down on them hard forcing them to move under a few minutes later the walls restored as the other group was taken aback upon seeing that the one in front was missing.

 Chapter 395 - The Maze (Part-2)

    "Eww, this place smells so bad.", Zywia grimaced at that as she held her nose before her eyes fell on Ryuu as she spoke with a glare, "Ryuu hand over the array you are using."


    Ryuu looked at her before he sent her a talisman upon its activation Zywia let out a sigh of relief as the terrible smell disappeared.


    Ryuu sighed at that as he shook his head at her antics only to be taken aback upon seeing many giving him an expecting look on their face as such he could help but ask out loud, "What?!"


    "Well could lend us some more of your talisman."


    Ryuu''s jaw slackened as he gained a look of disbelief before he retorted back, "Why would I give you some, it is a simple array so make it yourself."


    "But, you gave her.", only for the speaker to slightly swatted at the head by his fellow cultivator who spoke in a gruff voice, "Of course he would, after all, they have entered together."


    Ryuu coughed slightly drawing attention towards him as he clasped his hand looking like he was praying, and then all of a sudden a warm light came from behind him as he spoke in a revered voice, "Helping the old helps my karma, next time you see an old lady well past her prime help her, like helping her cross the street at the very least it helps your karma��."


    Ryuu ducked his head as a shoe went passed over his head missing him narrowly before it embedded firmly on to the wall before an insane amount of KI hit him as a deranged Zywia shouted at the top of her lungs, "I WILL KILL YOU RYUU, I WILL KILL THEN PISS ON YOUR REMAINS."


    Ryuu knew he was pushing her too much and if he continued she might break, and the thought was enticing to him only to make him shake his head, ''Damn, why am I acting as such? It must be the poison acting in my body yes that must be it.''


    He cleared his throat before he gave a dull glare towards her as he spoke, "Zywia you are a lady act as one, your set a bad example to children such as I with such bad words.", he shook his head like someone deeply disappointed at her.


    Zywia saw red as she went to lunge at him only to be stopped by Frost Flames and Frozen Ocean as Frozen Ocean rebuked Ryuu, "Brother Ryuu please stop making fun of her like that by referring her to as ''grandmother''."


    "Then maybe she should learn not to act like one, she did not ask let alone request me for a talisman but she ordered me like an impudent child and since she is so adamant about acting as an aged old grandmother I will treat her as such."


    Everyone including Zywia was taken aback at the cold tone in Ryuu''s voice they never thought that the normally easy-going Ryuu would act in such a way as Zywia''s eyes widen slightly she had forgotten how her brother had once told how prideful Ryuu was and her speaking and treating him in such a way might have bruised his pride, the fiasco with his brother and the way he crippled that cultivator in the thousand-year banquet in front of so many seniors was proof of that.


    She remembered how once when she was present with her mother and Ryuu''s older sisters had visited them, they had mentioned how a seven-year-old Ryuu stood defiantly against a Dao Father, was he afraid? Of course, he was yet the only reason he kneeled was because of the aura of the Dao Father forced him to, her mother snorted at that as she had replied to them, ''What do you expect from a Dragon except for their immense pride and rage.'', and it seemed that Ryuu had finally reached his limit with her.


    Zywia composed herself as she spoke, "Sorry Daoist Brother Ryuu I apologize for acting in such a way against you."


    Ryuu''s face did not betray any emotion as he gave a small nod before he began to move the others slowly followed his example as they floated slowly through the dark corridor in front of them.


    "Zywia are you alright?", Frost Flames voice came to her ears as Zywia shook her head at that.


    "No I am not, I made a mistake a terrible one. Since I have stepped inside Eden, I have taken advantage of brother Ryuu many times and seeing I am his family friends he indulged me a lot, but it seems that he might have reached his limit after all."


    Frozen Ocean gave her shoulder a small squeeze as she spoke, "I will speak with Ryuu, I understand why he acted, but that was way too much."


    Zywia shook her head hastily as she spoke, "Don''t you will make it worse he is very prideful even when he was young."


    Frost Flames had a curious look on her face as she spoke, "Care to tell us more."


    Seeing the curiosity mixed with expectancy made her sigh, ''If they want a story I will give them but slightly embellishing it would not be a bad thing'', as such she began to speak, "I know about an incident when he was seven years old.", she noticed that many were listening to their conversation.


    "Well it so happened he went to a market and got separated from his family, and then accidentally bumped into an Immortal who got incredibly angry at being bumped at and even though Ryuu apologized the Immortal wanted him to prostrate and ask for mercy.", by then others had slowed down as they listened to her intently trying to learn anything about Ryuu, while the person of the hour suddenly reminisced a slightly similar incident.


    "Ryuu refused a seven-year-old refused t bow before the person who was halfway into ''Golden Immortal Stage'', and no matter how much threats he gave Ryuu did not budge, as such the person resorted to breaking his legs but did not submit nor did he bow. Ryuu had always been like that, and if you notice carefully he simply tilts his head forward slightly, but Ryuu never gives a proper bow to anyone who is not his family or his teacher, consequences are damned."


    Seeing that Zywia had stopped speaking, Frost Flames could not help but ask out loud, "What of that Immortal that was bullying him?"


    Zywia looked at Ryuu''s back as she spoke, "When his family caught they found him struggling to stand up with his broken hands and legs at the same time glaring back at the Immortal even if his aura was pressing down at him Ryuu did not lower his hand nor did he submit, and as for the Immortal I doubt even a shard of his soul is left, his family is very protective after all."


    "Ryuu is always like this, he is friendly, respectful and helpful, but you cannot force him to do something he does not want."


    "Hey, you all are going too slow we have to hurry up and regroup this place is a maze.", Ryuu''s shout back towards them as they hurried after him shortly but not before Zywia collected her shoe.


    It had been a few hours since then all they did was moving through an endless corridor with nothing except the dark and murky water beneath and the constant sound of dripping water that was driving everyone against the wall, they simply wanted the noise to stop.


    Suddenly some of them were stopped by an invisible wall as Devaraj shouted out, "What in Heaven''s name is this? If someone is playing a prank stop it immediately it is not funny."


    The cultivators at the front turned as one of them made his way towards Devaraj only to be stopped similarly, making everyone stunned when all of a sudden the wall on Devaraj''s side collapse showcasing another corridor.


    Frozen Ocean suddenly pointed towards the ground as she spoke, "Look, the invisible wall is becoming visible."


    "Stand back we will breakthrough, a simple wall will not separate us.", as Devaraj moved to the side as a cultivator swung his war hammer hard and hit the invisible wall hard but instead of breaking the part that was hit became solid.


    "Stop it stop it, your plan is not only not working but making it go faster."


    As the cultivators paused and looked at the invincible wall forming, Ryuu''s eyes went towards the further back of the group as he shouted out in alarm, "The ceiling is collapsing look out behind you."


    The second group turned back and was horrified to see that the ceiling was coming down.


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke with urgency in his voice, "I think the maze is separating us even further, and for now we have no choice but to abide by it."


    "Stay safe and be careful, and we will meet again.", someone shouted from amongst the group.


    Many from the second group gave Ryuu and his group a small nod as they sped off through the new opening.


    As Ryan and his did through theirs as the sound of ceiling collapsing came nearer and nearer.

 Chapter 396 - The Maze (Part-3)

    "Damn it, this please is not only a maze it is tearing us apart as if it is alive."


    "I believe it is but getting angry would not help our cause Brother True-Spear."


    True-Spear gripped his weapon hard, at first they were over eight hundred strong but, now their strength has slowly dwindled to only five.


    The maze was separating them, and he would not say out loud, but he felt scared, scared for himself, scared for his martial sister but most importantly scared for Zywia.


    Meanwhile, in another part of the maze, Ryuu let out a swear he was incensed, and since they were slowly separated he had suggested the use of an array, and as such he and a few of the array master had created one, that would be used to monitor someone''s location, their health but most importantly communicate with them.


    But, it was all for nought the walls of the mazes made every kind of communication useless.


    Ryuu had thought that the array his fellow ''companions'' might have been found out and removed it, his hubris had made him underestimate them.


    Although, the chances that the place is interfering with the arrays are not low.


    But, one of the things that they learned was that as long as they are not separated, the arrays would work fine.


    ''There is a possibility they have died, but the tracker that is monitoring their health is utterly confused, so I believe something is blocking the signal. Damn it.''


    "Ryuu calms down", Frost Flames voice filled with worry came to his ears as he punched the wall hard.


    Ryuu took a deep breath to calm himself down as it would not do him any good if he exposed his Divine body for the whole world to know because of frustration.


    "I am sorry I simply do not like the fact something or someone is messing with the array I created."


    Frozen Ocean gained a small smile on her face as she spoke, "I understand what you meant by Ryuu and his ''pride'' now Zywia."


    "Have you ever lost to someone, Ryuu?"


    Ryuu replied to Frozen Ocean with a fond smile on his face, "Plenty, till date my score against my teacher is seven thousand, eight hundred and ninety-eight to zero, and I hope that I would defeat my teacher one day."


    Frozen Ocean just gave him a deadpanned stare as she spoke, "I was asking about someone who is not your good wisher."


    Ryuu flashed her small smile as he spoke, "If I had lost to even one of my opponents, then I would not have been standing in front of you today."


    "Well enough of that, only four of us are left together we would have to take great care so that we do not get separated.", The trio of female cultivators nodded in agreement as the group of four moved forward.


    "Calm down True-Spear brother Ryuu is there and he is strong enough to protect them."


    "But what if he is separated then what?"


    "Ah well but if you rush on like this, we might get caught on various unnecessary traps and get delayed even more so, please calm down."


    True-Spear took a deep breath as he spoke, "You are right Chianyu, you are right.", Chianyu let out a deep sigh of relief only to be shattered upon hearing True-spear''s next words, "If, within half an hour, I do not find another cultivator I am so going to triple my effort."


    Chianyu wanted simply gather up his knees and weep, ''Why did I get stuck with this over-excited moron? It could have been anyone other than him.''


    "Does anyone know how long have we are stuck in this place?"


    "No Zywia it seemed as if our senses of time is screwed thoroughly."


    Ryuu grunted upon hearing that as he spoke, "Is there anything not screwed up in this place? Not to mention the constant sound of water dripping is driving me insane."


    It was indeed tiring for them, moving through corridors that looked the same, yet they could not find any of their markers indicating they were at least not going around in a circle.


    A long time later, Ryuu suddenly spotted something glowing in the distance, "Hey, over there a stone tablet with words on it, finally something different."


    Upon spotting the stone tablet, the group decided to move towards the tablet.


    Frost Flames narrowed her eyes for a moment as she gazed down on the stone tablet before she rubbing her eyes as she spoke with a frown, "Sorry but it seems I am having difficulty in reading it."


    Zywia narrowed her eyes as she spoke with a frustrated sigh, "Me too sister, it seems so hazy."


    Ryuu looked at the confused as he spoke, "What are saying, the words are clear and visible to me."


    Frozen Ocean looked sharply towards Ryuu as she spoke, "Sorry brother Ryuu it is the same for me, could you please kindly read it."


    Ryuu shrugged as he began to read, "Beyond this only those who pass may move others find a different way, beyond this only those who are below hu��"


    Ryuu''s blood ran cold as he shouted out, "It''s a trap!!! Run!"


    They did not need to be told twice as they turned around and bolted only to stop upon hearing a pain-filled groan, as they turned to look back they were horrified to see Ryuu trapped by an invisible wall.


    "Damn it seems I am trapped.", Ryuu gave them helpless smile as he spoke, "Well sorry ladies but it seems that this is it for me at the moment and I hope we will meet again in the not so distant future."


    The trio looked on as the invisible wall slowly became solidified with Ryuu behind flashing them a gentle yet comforting smile before he disappeared behind the walls.


    "Damn it, damn it all", Frost Flames was the one who punched the wall hard this time as Frozen Ocean gently placed her hand over her shoulder.


    "Control yourself he is resourceful and has a good head on his shoulder he would surely find a way out of there and would reunite with us."


    Beyond this, only those who pass may move others find a different way,


    Beyond this, only those who are below a hundred years will move forward,


    Beyond this, the qualified may not retreat,


    Beyond this to activate you have to start reading.


    Beyond this, if you chose not to go forth break the wall before it forms.


    Ryuu''s brow twitched as he cursed himself while he spoke out loudly, "''I can read it'', which idiot told you to say that out loud, now you are trapped, damn it, I so do not wish that out loud nor should I have tried to read it, my teachers always cautioned me about reading from unknown texts and now I am trapped alone. But, the worst thing is why did I not read the entire thing damn it."


    He studied the stone tablet for some time with his shoulder sagging as the lines, ''Beyond this if you chose not to go forth break the wall before it forms.'', as the lines echoed in his mind taunting him making fun of him, then the sound of water drops hit him with full force.


    He shook with barely concealed rage as he roared out, "I do not know who you are you bastard, but I will find you and ram every text ever written on water conservation down your throat if you do not close the thrice damn tap now.", as he shouted his enraged aura spread around the corridor like flames, his Divine body activated fully for the first time in a long while, the dragon silhouette appeared behind him looked enraged as well.


    He punched the stone tablet hard, only for his hand pass through it as it dissipated like smoke, ''What in heaven''s name is this?''


    ~rumble ~~rumble~


    A sound came from above, upon hearing that nose Ryuu''s body reacted on his own as he moved forward only for the ceiling to come crashing down, he did not get chances to relax as the sound came once again to his ears as he dashed forward with incredible speed.


    It was sometimes since when Ryuu had started to fly as first as he could, ''Damn it at the speed I am moving, I would have covered the distance from a planet to the next and back again a few times in few minutes yet the maze has no end in sight and neither the collapsing of ceilings are stopping, damn it, I might have angered the water tap operator.''


    As a sweaty and tired Ryuu swallowing his pride shouted out, "Well I apologize for the rude comment earlier and promise I will not ram down those books, but I will ram down every text ever written on the manner, etiquettes, and anger management along with water conservation down your throat otherwise my name is not Ryuu."


    A few seconds later the collapsing of ceiling stopped as a heaving and huffing Ryuu glared around to see if he could spot the culprit only to be taken aback at what he saw.


    Unlike the previous areas, this place was spotlessly clean, and the walls seemed to be made up of pure gold, with jewels glistening in them, the air was incredibly fresh and space was no longer dark but well lit but what made him taken aback was the floor and ceiling, instead of being solid they had a silver-coloured liquid covering it, ''Is it mercury? Strange.''


    As he moved down the corridor he met various small figurines adorning the walls, it looked as if they were in the midst of a battle against someone.


    The small figurines looked alive as if they would simply jump out and harm him, not to mention their killing intent was staggering, Ryuu''s heart was pounding hard he did not look much towards them least he would lose his mind, ''I have never encountered something like that, I do not know why but even those statues that used to scare me when I was young did not give such feeling I do not recall ever coming into contact with such statues.''


    Even if he did not wish to look at them, his curiosity could not be chained as he found himself looking at them now and then, all those beings in different armour and weapons with their eyes shining with hatred but then he came to face with something that made him take a step back, he saw in midst of the corridor was a statue and unlike those on the wall it was a life-sized statue, that was placed on a pedestal that looked like made up of bones of various creatures, as their skull adorned their sides, but what blew his mind was the statue itself.


    With his eyes widen in disbelief Ryuu looked at the statue with wide eyes as he whispered lowly, "Why and how can it be? This statue looks like��.."

 Chapter 397 - Mysteries of Mysterious Maze (part-1)

    "Please forgive me, Plea....aaAAAHHHHh.", Chasing winds screamed as blood flowed from her nose, and drool fell from her mouth, the pain was so great that she could no longer control her bladder.


    The person torturing her gave a disgusted grunt upon seeing that.


    "Pathetic, simply pathetic a cultivator like you, losing their bowels simply pathetic, then you bungle up your task, make a mockery of yourself. I took you because I appreciated your intelligence then how did you not notice that you were being played, like a puppet?"


    "I am so s��"


    A loud slap resounded the area as the already writhing Chasing Winds not only sported a red handprint over her cheeks, but blood ran down from the corner of her lips, as the pain intensified she found face to face with her tormentor who held Chasing Winds by her hair.


    "I should kill you, but unfortunately the Heavens itself seems to be looking out for you as I have still useful for you."


    "Now you will cease any attempts on anyone until I say otherwise. Ryuu and his group is keeping a close eye on you and would deal with you swiftly, and you are only allowed to die upon my order, do you understand."


    Chasing Winds shook with fear as she somehow managed to speak, "Yesh"


    "Good girl now than clean yourself, and then entertain me, I am frustrated as of late."


    Meanwhile, in another part of the maze Ryuu stared at a face of the statue eyes wide, the person had a haughty smirk on his face as it seemed that he was looking down on all that was attacking him, like a God looking down at some unwanted plebeians.


    The person''s sword was held on his right hand with its tip touching the ground and with a left, he held a spear that rested over his shoulder, but what drew his attention was his face, it was otherworldly handsome and Ryuu knew that face, after all, he had seen it every time he looked into the mirror as it stared back to him only many times more handsome.


    "Why is my over-glorified statue here? That sword is ''Requiem'', I can spot my sword from over a thousand miles away, and he even has ''Genesis'' by his shoulder."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen as his head whipped towards the spear, ''How do I know its name? I have never seen, held or dreamt about it, so how do I know it.''


    He stared at the spear, which was a Dao spear slightly longer than his sword with carvings of a dragon on it, he did not know how or why, but he knew it as if he had held it his whole life and that made him feel scared.


    He shook his head trying to clear his mind, ''This is must be because of the maze, it trying to confuse me.''


    As he decided to leave his attention as drawing to another that stood just behind her back to back with his lookalike, with a similar haughty look on her face and from where he was standing it seemed both of them were fighting against enemies that had them surrounded but what made his eyebrows move past his hairline was the person, it was none other than the insane woman who claimed to be his Dao Companion from his previous life, ''Empress''.


    Bile rose in his throat as he ran as fast as he could, fear, anxiety and confusion were written in his face, ''I have to get out of this place fast, or it would drive me crazy.''


    "Sister Frozen Ocean", a teary-eyed Zywia embraced her into a tight hug as another voice came to their ears, "It seems we are finally back together again."


    They turned to see Frost Flames standing in front of them as the door behind her closed while the ceiling of the circular room opened this time.


    "I was so scared alone in the dark, but now I am back with you all."


    Frost Flames nodded at that as she spoke, "It was scary we all got separated so fast after Ryuu got separated from us."


    "Well sisters let us move on otherwise it might decide to separate us again."


    With that, the other two agreed with Frozen Ocean''s suggestion and quickly left the room.


    "Did any of you come across any other cultivators?"


    Both Zywia and Frost Flames shook their head as Frost Flames replied to her with a solemn look on her face, "No I have not, though I hope we do, having to navigate through this dark and depressing place is scary."


    "Do you think others are okay?"


    Zywia pursued her lips at Frozen Ocean''s question as she spoke with a sigh, "I hope they would be, this maze has yet to show its true colours after all since unlike the other previous levels it has not tried to kill us yet."


    Frozen Ocean''s shoulder shagged a bit as she spoke, "Please I would like not to face life and death situation for a very long time, wish we could get a short vacation or something like that."


    "I kind of miss Ryuu''s lake, at least the water was cool."


    "Me too sister, me too. It was a nice change in the hot desert."


    "Hey, if we all came together then is there a chance that the next person we meet is Ryuu?"


    Frozen Ocean deadpanned at Frost Flames as she spoke, "Really now, I thought you liked my company already missing him, but I cannot fault you while Zywia is wishing for some alone time with True-Spear."


    "You all are incorrigible!", with that a blushing Zywia moved forward with incredible speed.


    "Zywia wait do not move so fast stick with the group.", as that the duo chased after Zywia.


    "Finally, you were dashing forward like some mad woman we could have gotten separated again.", Frost Flames send a mock glare at that while Frozen Ocean was planning to tease her, she finally understood why Ryuu liked to tease Zywia like that it was so easy to get under her skin, but whatever she was about to say stopped in her throat as she looked forward and finally noticed what had stopped Zywia in her tracks.


    "What are those small statues lining up the walls? They looked to be made up of gold and is the ceiling and flooring made up of mercury?"


    "Girls let us move forward and check this place since we can no longer turn back."


    Hearing Frost Flames words they quickly turned to look back at the direction they came in and groaned seeing their way in had closed again.


    "The statues are creepy, are you sure they are statues?"


    "No Zywia, I am not. They feel so alive that I fear they might jump and attack us as soon as we turn our backs on them not to mention the feeling of dread, helplessness and fear that I am getting just be looking at them."


    The trio glanced at the statues monetarily for a moment before Frost Flames spoke with barely concealed fear in her voice, "Whatever you do, do not look at them but keep your guard up.", the duo agreed as they soon began to move at breakneck speed.


    They took a turn and came face to face with pair of life-sized statues standing back to back, with weapons in their hands, a pair of male and female who had haughty look on their face as they stood on a pedestal that was made up of bones and skulls.


    For a moment the trio felt as if they were in an ancient battlefield standing by the side of a Heavenly duo, while they were surrounded by various enemies, even the sky was blotted out by their sheer number their killing intent was so suffocating and mind-numbing to the point they simply wanted to kill themselves to save them from the torture, only for the feeling to disappear.


    Facing such formidable opponents anyone would be scared but not the people whose statues were present, instead of being scared they looked not only amused but were looking down like an Emperor would look towards the dirtiest beggar that had made the offence of appearing within the Emperor''s eyesight.


    But what blew their mind was the face of the male, it was so enchanting and otherworldly handsome that it should be made illegal. They were rooted to the spot as they blushed profusely as if they had fallen in love with the statue itself.


    Zywia was suddenly snapped out of her thought as True-Spear''s voice, her face popped up in her mind, she shook her clearing up her thoughts then she froze, ''This, this is Ryuu''s face why is there a statue of Ryuu? The eyes, the hair colour everything is just like Ryuu, even the sword that was in statue''s hands was the same as Ryuu.


    "Why does this statue look like Ryuu?"


    Her words finally snapped their blushing companions out of their daydream as they were able to finally recognize the figure in front of them.


    "It is Ryuu, why is his statue here and the woman who is she do you know her?"


    Zywia shook her head negatively at her question, ''The woman simply made her feel inferior at the same time made her want to worship her.''


    "That sword is the same as Ryuu."


    Frost Flames made a casual observation before her eyes widen in alarm, "Did he turn into a statue?"


    Frozen Ocean narrowed her eyes as she spoke, "No I do not think so, I have never seen the spear in his hands nor have I seen such a look on his face, and his looks..", she trailed off at the end with a blush on her face.


    Zywia squirmed a bit at that as Frost Flames rounded up as she spoke, "What are you hiding Zywia? You know him better than us so what are you hiding."


    Under the narrowed eyes of the duo, Zywia spoke with a sigh, "Ryuu is incredibly handsome, he is better looking than any other that we are travelling, but because of his looks he draws unwanted attention as such he uses arrays and various methods to hide his true face making him look less attractive, but he is by no means as handsome as this statue."


    "There is a chance that this is his ancestor."


    But before anyone could say anything the walls began to move as such they were forced to leave the statue and its mysteries behind and move forward.


    "Damn it, this is annoying we are forced to move again.", as they moved Frost Flames cast one last glance towards the mysterious statue before it disappeared behind the walls.

 Chapter 398 - Mysteries of Mysterious Maze (part-2)

    Ryuu promptly closed his mouth as he rebuked himself, ''Damn it you idiot, did you forget every character who screamed in that film died because of it and now you screamed with your mouth open, even if it was a roar of anger and challenge, but not scream of fear I should be careful.''


    Ryuu got ready with his sword drawn as six small swords surrounded him, his Divine body working in full effect as countless talismans surrounded him protectively.


    A drop of sweat appeared over his brow as he waited for the enemy to appear but instead of any enemy a spear appeared, the very same he had seen on that statue.


    He took a step back as his hands shook, the sword in his hand seemed to be overcome with joy as did the feeling of meeting a very old friend enveloped him, he did not know what to think of it.


    When he had first received ''Requiem'', his took him from him, he understood that they were cautious but no matter what they did, no matter how much they kept it under lock and key it would eventually reappear by his side.


    No to mention how cranky he would become when ''Requiem'', would be taken from him, eventually, his teachers, as well as his older sisters, gave up as the sword could only be separated by the destruction of Ryuu''s soul and now he had a very trustworthy friend by his side, but the reappearance of ''Genesis'', gave him a newfound headache.


    Ryuu could feel the happiness emanating from ''Genesis'', he did know what to do, should he pick it up or not, Requiem wanted him to, his Divine Body wanted him to but he did not as he was confused.


    ''The things that the thrice-damned woman had spouted, was she speaking the truth? If she then what is my connection with this place.''


    He suddenly felt something warm in his left hand as he looked down he was startled to see himself holding ''Genesis.''


    ''What?!! How is this possible? Why am I holding ''Genesis'' when I was at least a few dozen meters away from it?''


    His musing was cut short when a sharp jolt of pain hit his head as he collapsed like a puppet whose strings had been cut off.


    "Zywia!", an elated voice of True-Spear came to her ears as she spun with a smile on her face.


    "I am so glad you are alright."


    The relief in his voice made her heart soar as she spoke with a blush, "Me too."


    The duo simply stood near each other basking in each other presence never breaking off their eye contact as Frost Flames finally decided to intervene by clearing her throat.


    "If you two have finished staring at each other maybe we could move on preferably sometime before the next millennia."


    "Sister Frost Flames please let them stare at each other, True-Spear was rushing to find Zywia like a mad bull and while they stare at each other let me rest keeping an eye on him was extremely tiring.", a haggard-looking Chianyu spoke while leaning against the wall.


    "So this is another large cavern?"


    "Yes, it is though I hope we do not have to enter another maze."


    Chianyu snorted upon hearing Frozen Ocean''s words as he spoke, "With our luck I doubt it."


    As the group descended into an uncomfortable silence, more and more cultivators appeared in the cavern and soon everyone except Ryuu had arrived.


    Both Frozen Ocean and Frost Flames were worried at that as Frozen Ocean spoke with a frown, "Has anyone seen Ryuu? It has been some time since we had all arrived yet he is nowhere to be seen."


    Many frowned as an uneasy murmur ran through the group as Zywia spoke in a bewildered voice, "Eh!? Brother Ryuu is not here yet?"


    Everyone who belonged to Ryuu''s group felt their brow twitch as Su-min spoke with a frustrated sigh, "Sister Zywia when you are done, please remember to pay attention to us, lowly mortals."


    Zywia blushed before she gained an enlightened look on her face as she whispered, "I think I might have solved the puzzle though I would like to speak of it in private."


    As such their group slowly moved to the side as Zywia spoke under the effect of an array that offered a bit of privacy, "Sister Flames and Ocean do you remember the statue we saw."


    Both of them nodded as Amnon spoke with a confused tone on his voice, "Will someone explains to us what this statue you speak off."


    Frozen Ocean frowned as she spoke, "Well while we three we were travelling we came across a statue that looked exactly like Ryuu like someone had made a copy of him."


    "The only difference was that the statue was incredibly handsome beyond belief and he looked at how some Heavenly Emperor looking down at lowly peasants."


    Hearing the word handsome and Ryuu in the same sentence both Frozen Ocean and Frost Flames gained a glazed look on their face, while the Zywia blushed while recalling about the statue, even Daniella and Amnon who had accidentally witnessed Ryuu''s face before, blushed as well.


    True-Spear suddenly had the urge to tear Ryuu apart seeing the blush on Zywia''s face, while managing to control the blush she continued, "I believed Ryuu has been turned into a statue and is need for us to rescue him."


    "And how are we going to reach him through this maze, it is very difficult not to mention how are we going to accomplish that?"


    Meanwhile back with Ryuu, he opened his eyes as his head pounded from knowledge being shoved into his head, ''Damn it, and who in their right mind would create such a painful method?''


    Sensing his distress the two weapons suddenly send him a feeling of comfort that made him relax as a small smile appeared on his face as his vision slowly became normal and he froze.


    ''I hope you like my gift beloved, being reunited with another of your ''partners'' in arms as you used to call your weapon must be great, well I will leave you your technique and let you reunite with them. Till we meet again bye with lots of kisses and hugs.


    ~Your Beloved Wife''


    He stared at the message as his mind descended into chaos as the words of his masters as well as his older sisters appeared in his head.


    ''No one knows who created Eden.''


    ''We will not be able to help you Ryuu as no one above Mystic Immortal Emperor can enter.''


    ''You will be on your own.''


    "How? How did she then reach me here? My teachers told me that it was impossible for anyone above Mystic Immortal Emperor can enter, yet here in front of me is the proof of someone who defied it but how?"


    "I know she is super scarily strong but this, this is ridiculous what is she?"


    As the full consequence of the situation hit him hard and his mind descended into chaos, for a brief moment he considered letting go of ''Genesis'', only to be hit with myriad feelings among which the feelings of utter despair and hopelessness being the main.


    He looked down at Genesis with a loving smile on his face, "Sorry about that, but I swear partner nothing will separate us."


    His words seemed to have renewed the spear with happiness and joy when all of a sudden with a loud groan the door opened as he took a step towards him he heard a cacophony of noise from the other side.


    ''Damn it, are there creatures outside waiting for me? Now I will have to fight an unknown horde of unknown creatures yet again.''


    "Well Genesis it is time for me to test how good the teamwork between three of us is now, those fighting style might have been deeply ingrained in my brain but it is time for me to use them and test them out."


    As Ryuu''s group decided to venture back into the maze aloud boom was heard as a part of the wall of the cavern collapsed as a giant creature feel screeching with Ryuu on top of him delivering it a final blow to end its life, as they fell on the ground a crater formed as a large dust cloud obscured their view.


    As the dust cleared the trio who saw the statue had their eyes opened wide as they saw Ryuu standing on top of his prey, with his sword embedded on the skull of the creature and his spear resting over his shoulder as he spoke with a smirk, "Yo, I hope I am not late to the party."


    The current Ryuu looked like the very statue itself that they had seen, even the same haughty smirk was present on their face, and that had not only stunned them but a mountain load of question came to their mind and they could not wait to question him as soon as possible.

 Chapter 399 - Mysteries of Mysterious Maze (part-3)

    Ryuu gave a dazzling smile to everyone present as shook they head at his antics.


    He casually stepped away from the corpse of the creature that slowly turned into a puddle of goo, while he twirled his weapons disappeared from his hands.


    He looked towards his group before he tilted his head slightly with a small barely noticeable frown on his face, ''Why are those three gawking at me like that?''


    No sooner he approached them he was dragged by his group slightly to the side as Zywia spoke with an anxious tone in her voice, "When we got separated we came across a statue."


    Hearing the word ''statue'', a warning bell rang in his head as such he quickly spoke to run damage control, "Ah so you have seen the statue.", at that the trio nodded as Ryuu continued speaking, "The craftsmanship was noteworthy to the point it looked alive, the statue was so well made that for a moment I thought you three were turned to golden statues and placed there."


    The trio was taken aback by that as Frost Flames spoke, "What nonsense are you saying? We are speaking about your statue."


    Ryuu looked shocked upon hearing that before he snickered at that as he spoke, "That was a nice joke, but seriously why are your statues present here?"


    "But Ryuu please believe us we saw your statue, it was incredibly accurate, not to mention that spear of yours I never saw it before but the statue had it and now you are carrying it as well."


    Seeing the distressed look on Frozen Oceans face Ryuu scowled as he spoke, "The spear I did not use because I never needed to, I have yet to face someone that would make me go all out to fight until then sorry but I am not going to use my full strength to crush ants."


    Zywia looked a bit annoyed as she spoke, "If you do not believe us, then we can transverse into the maze again."


    Ryuu quickly raised his hand in surrender as he spoke, "Wah, wah please come down Zywia, it is not that I do not believe you I was taken aback after seeing your statues."


    True-Spear frowned at that as he spoke, "It is disconcerting as none of us saw those statues, but I believe if we discuss our findings we might find the motive since all we did was transverse the maze, nothing more nothing less, and compared to other levels we have yet to find any danger."


    As True-Spear spoke Ryuu plopped on the ground as he glared at him, seeing such a look on his face True-Spear could not help but as out loud, "What?"


    Ryuu simply raised his finger as he pointed towards the black goo as he spoke, "You forgot about that."


    True-Spear gained a sheepish look on his face as he spoke, "Well sorry, but as we have not faced any enemy I forgot."


    Ryuu huffed at that as he stared on the ground.


    Amnon cleared his throat as he spoke, "Well I believe we can discuss the statues later on as others are getting impatient wanting to know about your encounter with those creatures."


    The array meant for their privacy went down as by then Ryuu was already lying on the floor with his eyes closed as he spoke, "If some of you are offended sorry but I am not getting up I am too tired to move, so sorry."


    Severing Saber snorted at that as he spoke, "Well youngster I am not asking you to get up but can you please tell us how you came across the creature."


    Ryuu gave him a tired smile as he spoke, "So where should I begin��.. ah yes after I was separated from Zywia, Frost Flames and Frozen Ocean, I was alone moving through the maze, it was then that I came across a door, the only door inside the maze."


    One of the cultivators whose name Ryuu had yet to remember spoke with a frown, "What are you talking about? There were so many doors in that maze."


    Ryuu sends a pointed look towards him as he spoke, "I hope you are not speaking about the walls and ceilings of the maze that was separated us.", seeing that look he gave an uneasy smile as Ryuu began to speak as he rolled his eyes, "Well what I encounter was an honest to Good door with arrays on it, well opened and step inside it."


    "What I found was an oval-shaped empty chamber and as soon as I stepped inside the door closed, and I was unable to reopen it, then all of a sudden many small doors opened as ��."


    A few hours ago, Ryuu could hear the chattering, howling and screeching of animals from the other side of the door, ''Damn I will have to fight some critter, well ''Genesis'' let us how good the teamwork are between us.'', with a savage grin came to his face as he dashed towards his enemy.


    The creature that stepped inside the room was a six-legged, bluish creature with drooling snarling visage, and a single eye on its bulbous head that, while glowing veins surrounded its body.


    It snarled and leapt towards Ryuu, ''Fast'' was the only thing that ran through his mind as he saw the creature approach him.


    ''Ferocious Buddha''s Mind'' and ''Omniscient Eyes'', were activated by him soon and normally he would have used ''Prancing Dragon Steps'', but the ''Spear Sword Tactics'', would be incompatible with it as such he decided to use a newly learned foot technique, ''Overlord''s Waltz.''


    He moved to the side as he raised his sword cutting the creature before lunging and skewering the second, be took a turn as he lowered to the ground and cut another and before he long he tripped and found himself stumbling and hitting headfirst the wall.


    Ryuu winced in pain at that, ''Damn it, I know everything there is to know about the technique and not to mention I feel as if I had used it forever yet my body does not know, damn it, I feel like a world-renown dancer who had entered the competition after drinking a good few bottles of wine. I know everything but I cannot perform to my absolute best.''


    He turned to look at the creatures as his eyes narrowed, ''Are those things snickering at me? Is my stumbling so amusing to them? These cretins will die, and I will use their death to create muscle memory.''


    Ryuu''s tyrannical aura surrounded them as he growled with anger as he spoke, "How dare make fun of me, I will kill you all."


    The next few hours went passed as Ryuu killed the creatures while slipping and stumbling, trying to keep his balance, as time pass by it was getting difficult as they had opted to run away from him, from a rampaging Ryuu.


    "How dare you run away from me you filthy cowardly cretin, come back and die", he bellowed at the top of his lungs as one of them lunged at him.


    His fighting style as the name implied was rather simple just like the name of the style as Ryuu himself stated in a rather eloquent manner, ''a rather boorish and unimaginative'', he would block with either of his weapons while the free one could deliver the hit, then he would switch, but the most beautiful part of it was it enabled him to use both sword and spear techniques seamlessly no matter how incompatible they seemed to be, just like how he blocked one of the creatures with his spear and then tore it apart using ''Joyous Rain.''


    "Laugh at me will you, laugh at me for trying to learn a new technique, how amusing it is now when I slaughter you and your brethren."


    And soon there was only one left standing and trembling as it stood supporting itself on the wall, and in a blink of eye Ryuu had pierced him, and then the wall behind the creature collapsed, he was barely able to control and turn his Divine Body off before he was noticed by others.


    As the dust began to settle a familiar shiver went down his body as the urge to throw up increased, ''Damn it, not now not in front of so many people.''


    "��.Well that how it was having to deal with them, it made me sore all over, and I hope that I will not have to face similar creatures anymore."


    "Damn, that is quite a tale."


    Ryuu gave Severing Saber a small smile at that as Severing Saber continued to speak, "So what do we do now?"


    Ryuu stifled a yawn as he spoke in a tired voice, "Well if all want to go ahead then please do so, I am too tired to move I want to sleep."


    Frozen Ocean was kneeling by his side and as he spoke her hand brushed against Ryuu as her eyes widen momentarily, ''He is burning up from fever, he is shaking and his pulse is erratic, that idiot he pushed himself again, I do not know how his family put up with a troublesome child like him.''

 Chapter 400 - Mysteries of Mysterious Maze (part-4)

    The rain fell on the ground as two armies glared at each other, the sky was overcast as one of their Leaders spoke with a gruff tone, "We both are here for rare resources we could work together as such there is no reason to fight amongst each other."


    "What about the cultivators from Manushya Realm?"


    "Well, they can take whatever we leave for them after all they are only a handful compared to us. Just think of how much further we could move and how many levels we could conquer and how much rare resources we could gather."


    The other side listened to their argument as their Leader smiled as he spoke, "Hmm, you give a compelling argument, extremely compelling."


    "So do we have an accord?", hearing the question the other side simply smiled.


    Ryuu sneezed hard as he spoke, "Damn I hate this place, who creates ~achoo~ a maze ~achoo~ within ~achoo~ another ~achoo~."


    "You should stop talking Ryuu, whatever you inhaled seems to be making you snee.. aahh ~achoo~", Zywia sneezed hard as did many others amongst them.


    They thought they had completed the maze and were resting when all of a sudden the ceiling rumbled as fine white dust seemed to fall from the top making them dash towards the only door available to them which let them to another maze and by them, they were all tired, enraged, then the competition on who could sneeze the most started.


    Ryuu seemed to have been hit the worst as he could not even close his mouth as he sneezed now and then, with his eyes red, ''Damn it is this some sort of allergic reaction that I am suffering from, it is horrible the last time I had such reactions was my previous life.''


    As he moved Ryuu grimaced a bit as he pushed down the bile that rose down his throat, ''I feel so sick, I wish I could rest a bit, I feel like throwing up.''


    As they moved Frozen Ocean who was nearby whispered to him, "Ryuu, how are you feeling? Do you need a place to rest?"


    Ryuu''s only reply was a nod and a loud, "~achoo~"


    "Everyone I think we should take a break, and heal ourselves, the dust seemed to affect us badly we should deal with it soon, Eden is not a place for some simple sneezing powder."


    Meanwhile back into the battlefield, the person closed his eyes for a moment mulling over the offer before he spoke with a smile, "Your offer is very very tempting and I would love to accept it.", hearing that the opposition leader broke into a smile as did many from his group only to morph into a frown, "However, we have a small tiny problem."


    Hearing that cultivators of Deva realm frowned as the other continued, "The higher-ups in the Preta realm have strictly ordered us to slaughter every Deva and Manushya realm idiots we come across, but you are right fighting against you would lower our chances of advancement whereas working with you would increase as such I have a counter offer.", as he spoke the jovial look on his disappeared as he spoke, "What I am about to offer you would perhaps cost not only mine but all of our fellow cultivators lives."


    The Deva realm cultivators tensed momentarily as their Leader spoke with a worried look on his face, "Brother please you do not have to cause problems with your superiors for us."


    "Thank you for your concern but I insist."


    With a sigh, the Leader of the Deva realm spoke, "If you say such words, who am I to stop you?"


    With a smile that showed his pearl white teeth, he spoke, "Swear to be our slaves for the rest of your miserable pathetic lives and we might let you live."


    A pin-drop silence fell on the battlefield and for a moment it seemed even the sound of the rain was muted as the Deva realm cultivator snarled in anger as he spoke, "How dare you insult us?"


    "Very easily though I would like to point out that you are too ugly to be my slave so please step aside."


    The callous words further enraged the leader as he bellowed out in anger, "How dare you demean us?"


    "Very Easily.", his aura increased as did the others, as the aura between two groups clashed the cloud was blown apart, while the ground cracked and spewed lava.


    "You worthless mongrels from the failure of a realm dared to think us as equal the only place you are beneath our feet like good little pets, now come and die."


    With his shouts, the area was soon filled with various lights as the two groups attacked each other with the intent to erase the other from existence.


    Ryuu sat on the ground with his back resting against the wall, he closed his eyes as tried to sleep, and many of the fellow cultivators followed his example and tried to take a nap, while many others decided to gossip or meditate before venturing further into the maze.


    A small drop of water feel on the face of a small boy of six, he opened his eyes as he was greeted by the sight of the dark moss-covered ceiling one he was accustomed to, his stomach rumbled from hunger as he sat up, ''Me food.'', and with the thought, he left his cave.


    A small snow-white figure jumped on him as he stumbled before a wide smile broke on his face, it was his best friend and companion for as long as he could remember, and they were a small family of two who had each other''s back.


    The rabbit snow white, with its eyes shining like a sapphire, squealed in what seemed to be happy as the red-haired child tilted his head as he spoke, "Eally, me want apple, me follow."


    With that the rabbit jumped and ran with the child following swiftly after, his mouth salivating for the juicy apple that his friend told him, as he passed through a stream he bends down as he drank some water from it, he looked at the water he saw a face looking back at him, the face had mismatch eye colour and red hair, a face he always saw whenever he looked down at the water.


    That was his entire world and this was all he knew, his friend and him against the entire world, even against those mean people who would sometimes see him and try to heart him, and his friend would save him.


    The thought of his friend warmed his heart as well as saddened him, his friend always saved his life helped him around for that he was grateful yet at the same time the thought that he was practically useless to help his friend in any way made him sad.


    He climbed the tree as he plucked a good few apples which he shared with his friend when all of a sudden an obnoxious came to his ears, "Oh look here, it is the cripple your brother."


    The child looked at the speaker, who was followed by five more other people, along with a haughty looking woman who sniffed in disdain as if she had stepped on a pile of dung as she spoke, "Shen you maybe my fianc�� but if you insinuate that dirty filth as my brother I would break off my engagement with you."


    "Ah sorry my Goddess for offending you, is there anything I could do to placate your anger?"


    The woman who looked almost exactly like the child albeit in her late teenage years looked at the child with a cruel smile on her face, "Well I do not understand why my foolish father did not allow us to kill him, and I, unfortunately, was made to promise not to kill him directly or indirectly but I never did promise not to harm him, so be a dear and break his legs and arms then make him crawl on the ground."


    The rabbit hissed and the child knew that it was time for him to run, as such he did he ran as fast as his tiny legs could carry, with his friend following soon after.


    "Get him.", the male shouted as rest of the companions went after him fast.


    A searing pain erupted from his legs as he fell on the ground hard, an unholy scream erupted from his throat.


    ~thunk~ ~thunk~ ~thunk~


    The sound of a sharp-edged object hitting the flesh was heard as the child wailed in pain as tears fell from his eyes, he did not know why he was being treated like this but he knew he wanted it to stop.


    "My my look at him lying on the floor, the perfect place for a waste of good air cripple like him."


    The man spoke as others laughed at the prone form of the child as he looked up he felt them looking down at him as one of them stepped forward and callously tore of the arrows embedded in his flesh.


    "Damn now I have to wash this perfectly good arrow, ugh the cripple''s blood tainted it."


    Before the person could speak any longer a snow-white creature jumped and latched onto his throat stunning everyone but it did not last long a sabre strike later the child watched his friend fall into two.


    "A mid-Houtian beast dared to raise its jaws against us peak Houtian cultivators, death is too good for him.", Shen growled in anger.


    The child looked in a daze at his friend that lay on the floor, its life liquid flowing on the ground as the archer quickly applied medicine to his injuries to stop bleeding before he glared balefully at the quite unmoving child.


    "Brother Shen let me deal with this piece of shit."


    Shen simply shrugged as he went to standby his fianc��e''s side as he spoke, "Well as long as you make it entertaining."


    The man went and picked up the child that was looking forward with his eyes glazed as he slapped him hard, "Wake up, you brain dead idiot."


    The child looked up at the smirking face of the person who sneered at him as he spoke, "What is this looking up towards your betters."


    He c.o.c.ked his hand back to hit the child, when all of a sudden an inhuman aura hit him hard, he looked fearfully at the child whose eyes seemed to have changed completely, "Xian��", was all he could stutter out as his hand was broken and punch tore his head from the shoulder as he collapsed dead.


    The child fell on the floor as it let out an inhuman roar before his vision turned black.


    It felt so nice, and warm as he opened his eyes he was greeted by the smiling face of the most beautiful creature that he had ever seen, and she was smiling down at him, her black hair cascading down like a waterfall, amongst them were red strands of hair that looked like blood being mixed, the person looked at him with relief as she spoke, "That was some wakening of your Divine Body, I have never seen something like that��.", as the woman rambled on and on the child tilted his head in confusion.


    The blushed at that as she spoke, "Ahh, where are my manners, my name is....."


    Ryuu opened his eyes with a gasp as he looked a curious face of Frost Flames looking down at him as she spoke, "Are you alright Ryuu you seemed to be having some form of nightmare."


    For instance, a look of annoyance flickered in his eyes as he spoke with a small cough, "Well I was simulating a battle in my head nothing more.", while inwardly he groaned, ''Damn it I was so close to learning that woman''s name and someone had to intervene, even if her hair was black and not the normal silver colour that I have seen, I can bet my life that it was her.''


    Ryuu stretched himself as he stood up before he spoke with a small smile, "Well since we are all done resting if I were to believe then I hope you do not mind if I took a look at the powder that caused us to sneeze so much."


    "Why?", was the question that was thrown to him from one of the cultivators as Ryuu smirked towards him as he spoke, "I simply had the urge to make every Preta realm cultivator acquainted to it."


    As many groaned upon hearing his words, Ryuu simply moved towards the source of his sneezing problem, with a large smile on his face.

 Chapter 401 - The Sixth (Part-1)

    Ryuu looked at the door that was blocked by purple colour powder, as he approached the mountain of powder he had covered his face with a cloth which he had covered with an array.


    He kneeled in front of the foot of the powder mountain as he inspected the fine dust.


    A moment later he found his eyes widen at his discovery, ''No way it is Plaesten.'', he quickly turned his head upon seeing that no one was looking he let out a villainous chuckle.


    ''My master always complained about how difficult it was to get hold of some good quality Plaesten that too refined to boot, and now I have mountain loads of it, maybe I should take a good few scoops of it before I inform others.''


    Ryuu once again looked back and seeing no one behind him he took out a few dozen space bags filling them with enough powder to fill at least a few football stadia seeing his successful work done he gave him a pat on his bag, ''Eden so far has been extremely profitable for me with a few thousand spirit beast nucleus and now Plaesten I am rich, incredibly so.''


    He somehow managed to control his grin as a certain duck came to his mind, a duck that used swim on his vault full of gold, his glazed for a moment as he mused, ''I believe I can now fulfil my childhood dream swimming in a vault full of gold coins, gold coins that I earned with my own two hands.''


    Clearing of the throat brought him out of his daydream as he turned he saw Frost Flames and Frozen Ocean looking at him with curiosity plastered on their face as Frost Flames spoke, "You were gone for some time as such I decided to check on you and Sister Frozen Ocean decided to accompany me so did you find anything useful."


    Ryuu had a grin that seemed to split his face as he spoke, "Useful? My dear lady, it depends on what you deem as useful, this stuff is very precious you can fill up as much as you can before I inform others, as they will clamour for it."


    "Well, then we will try to fill up as much as we can so why don''t you inform others many are getting restless, and after they all arrive here you can tell them about your find."


    Ryuu nodded in acceptance and a few minutes later he arrived with the rest of the group, as they arrived they saw the two female cultivators standing near the pile of purple colour dust.


    Ryuu then cleared his throat as he began to speak, "Welcome everyone, I called you for one and one reason that is for all of us to profit from something.", he took a deep breath before he swung his hand pointed towards the powder as he spoke, "What you see here is known as ''Plaesten''."


    Zywia upon hearing that had her eyes wide open, as she let out a gasp as she spoke, "What quality is it?"


    Ryuu smirked as he spoke, "The highest possible quality."


    Zywia dashed towards the powder as she started putting as much as possible inside her space ring, as did a good few amongst them.


    True-Spear frowned as he spoke, "Is there something that I am missing that is stopping me from dashing and gathering that purple powder like some madman."


    His confusion seemed to be mirrored by many others as Ryuu began to speak, "This powder is very important for those who deal with blacksmithing, this is an important component that acts as a stabilizer as well increases the conductivity of KI in weapon and armour, it might not be much for you now but it is highly sought after by all cultivators who are above the Celestial realm."


    He paused for a bit as he saw many of them hanging on his words as he continued, "Well this thing is so precious that the unrefined ore costs at least a few Deva Crystal per Kilo but when refined it only gives around a hundred grams of this powder at best with the present quality it would be much much higher."


    They were stunned for a moment before they made a mad dash towards the powder as Ryuu jumped to the side to prevent himself from getting trampled on by them.


    A few minutes later looked at what was supposed to be a mountain of powder, but now even the floors had been completely cleaned, shaking his head in exasperation he whispered with a tired sigh, "Such greed is unbecoming of cultivators.", while conveniently forgetting that he had stashed much more than many of them combined would have been able to put in.


    Zywia who was nearby blushed upon hearing Ryuu''s words, as she replied to him in a heated tone, "What about you? You are acting as if you did not take any of it."


    Ryuu snorted at that as he spoke, "I did not take any for myself, whatever I took I would gift it to my teacher and big sister, I do not need something that I cannot use nor do I have any need of materialistic things."


    ''Well as long as I can get my pool full of gold coins I do not need anything.'', was his thoughts as he looked up to see the empty ceiling, an action many had followed as Chianyu spoke with a frown, "Hey is that another door up there."


    "Yes, there is one I think we should go and check."


    A suggestion by one of the cultivators that were appreciated by others as they all quickly took to the skies.


    Elmer was bleeding from his head to toe as he ran, he could feel his heart pounding hard, as he shivered from fear he had to get away from them, he had tried to move back a level only find the door back was embargoed already, his brother had tried to talk and reason with the Leader of the cultivators of Preta realm, he had cautioned his brother against it, yet his brother still went forward with it and now he was dead, cut down in front of his very eyes.


    In spite their best efforts they were all routed, ''I never thought we would be betrayed, people who we thought we knew, who we thought were our brother-in-arms were traitors, traitor the lots of them. I swear I will have revenge.''


    "Find that sc.u.m be is hiding somewhere near here.", a voice came to his ears as his heart hammered with fear, as bravado had all but left his body all he could do was anxiety and fear when all of a sudden a hand clamped over his mouth as a voice whispered in his ears, "Shut up and follow me if you wish to live."


    As Elmer followed the unknown stranger away he looked back as he looked at the spoils of war, many of his brethren were either dead or were chained down like animals and were treated as spoils of war.


    "Stop dawdling if you wish to live then move, you can think of revenge only when you are out of danger and alive."


    Elmer grimaced at that he knew very well the extent of his injuries, he doubted in his current condition he would put up a fight against a toddler let alone a full-fledged group of cultivators, as he took the last look at the battlefield he swore inwardly, ''Brother I swear I will avenge you and pay back them for this humiliation and treachery a thousand folds.''


    The cultivators from Manushya realm stood in front of a giant arch, as many of them looked at it nervously, if they stepped through it they would face the cultivators from the other two realms and many did not wish to do so, the prospect of facing so many cultivators was a big discouragement for them.


    "So if we step through this we will meet them."


    "Yes."


    Even Ryuu had a solemn look in his face as he looked at the archway, ''If I step forward I might die, if I stay here I will die, it seems I have no choice not to mention I so do not wish to go back on my words I told them I would conquer the 15th level and I will not falter.''


    "Ryuu are you ready?", an anxious voice of Frost Flames came to his ears.


    Ryuu flashed her a smile as he spoke in a reassuring tone, "I am ready."


    He then turned towards the crowd as he spoke, "My fellow brothers and sisters we have come together and achieved many wonderful things, but before we venture forth I would like to request all of us to observe a moment of silence and wish for a healthy rebirth of our departed fellow cultivators who were taken from us too soon.", as he spoke he closed his eyes for a moment an action many found novel and followed suit.


    As everyone finished observing a moment of silence True-Spear looked at the archway as he spoke with a tired voice, "I just wish that we could have faced them on equal terms."


    Ryuu flashed him a small smile as many of them nodded in agreement with his words, as he began to speak, "A wise man once said ''If you meet your enemy in a battlefield with equal strength then you have done something wrong.''", he wanted for a moment for his words to sink in before he began to speak again, "I will avoid any confrontations with them, until and unless I am forced to, even then my enemy will fight when I want, where I want, and how I want."


    Amnon looked at him with a frown, "That is some bold words brother Ryuu, surely you are not arrogant enough to think that you could plan and plot so far ahead that your enemies will dance to your tunes."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No I am not, I know my limits, as well as the fact that no plan survives the first contact with the enemy and that, is why we are all here, so what if the first plan does not survive, what about the second, the third, the hundredth plan surely with all of us putting our brain together we could surely plan and plot our way through."


    "The best-case scenario will be that both the realms would fight each other and annihilate each other, but our luck is not too good and worst would be that they join hands or Deva is annihilated."


    "How about we stay here, we are safe in this place there is no need for us to venture forth."


    "''No risk no gain'', words you should remember whenever you venture into Eden if you wish please feel free to stay behind."


    Frost Flames frowned at that as she pondered on his words, ''Why does he wants to move onto the next level so much what am I missing? What is he hiding?''


    Frozen Ocean and Zywia for a moment gained a look of understanding on their face as to why he was trying to move forward, it was simple he wanted to live.


    "Well, then I believe I have said everything that was meant to be said as such I will take my leave to feel free to follow.", with his words being said Ryuu dashed through the archway and both Frozen Ocean and Frost Flames followed after him without hesitation.


    The others looked at each other for a moment as more and more walked through the archway that leads them to the sixth floor.

 Chapter 402 - Clash(Part-1)

    "Would you stop humming the tune, Devil Emperor Jerthrar it is annoying."


    "Aww come on fellow brother, it is nice and catchy."


    "It was nice when I heard it for the first time, but not when you are going on and on for a million times it is really annoying and as for being catching I cannot even meditate as it is haunting me."


    The bloodshot eyes of his fellow cultivator made his eyes shine with mirth as he turned around he saw every one of his fellow cultivators looking at him with anger in their eyes and as such with a heavy sigh he spoke, "Okay you all win.", his words were met with cheers as he gave a small pout.


    "My Lord", a voice came to his ears as the cheering stop, he turned to see a cultivator leaning near him.


    "Speak.", his words were like a Heavenly Decree that sends a shiver down the messenger''s spine.


    "My Lord, we have captured over ten thousand Deva realm cultivators although I am ashamed to say that a couple might have slipped through our grasp."


    "Irrelevant, I have no time or patience to deal with them, tell every that we are moving onto the sixth level, oh and tell Kemec to gather a thousand of his strong men and be ready, I will send him to test those weaklings from Manushya realm, now if you have nothing to say you are dismissed."


    The kneeling cultivator upon receiving his commands simply bowed as he left swiftly and gracefully.


    "Really what is there to test, those are weaklings."


    "So what if I do not get toys to play with I would get bored."


    "We have over ten thousand prisoners with us."


    Jethro pouted again as he spoke like a petulant child, "There are so many of us and not enough toys."


    The surrounding cultivators deadpanned at him as one of them spoke, "Devil Emperor Jerthrar, since when do we share things with others, those slaves belong to us, and as such you are plotting something."


    Jethro smiled at them as he spoke, "Of course I am plotting something, our higher-ups ordered us to slaughter most of them and bring the rest back to our realm, and catching them with our superior number is boring, the thought of making them feel elated and confident that they would win and then suddenly reeling them in and capturing them would be orgasmic."


    "Ah, I see now why you are sending that idiotic oaf."


    "Yes, brother Azorgar, the oaf as you eloquently put him too is strong but at the same time a complete idiot and if they cannot even survive him then what are trash, really what kind of cultivators are they when less than nine hundred managed to reach up to this level, it only shows what kind of trash their realm is."


    Meanwhile back at the archway that had to lead them to the next level, Zywia looked horrified upon seeing the large stone stele they had just stepped into the Sixth Level and was greeted by the large stone slab and contents of it made not only her but many of her fellow cultivator''s blood run cold.


    "How is this possible? I hope the worst-case scenario is not in front of us."


    "So what are we going to do?"


    "I hope we survive."


    Ryuu himself stared with stone stele but unlike others ever since he had gotten ''Genesis'', he had the sudden urge to dominate others, to prove himself the strongest and stand above others, and the thought of facing unknown danger made his blood boil with anticipation.


    "Ryuu are you alright?"


    "Why yes, I am?"


    Frozen Ocean narrowed her eyes as she spoke, "I do not know why but you had an excited look on your face."


    Ryuu simply waved off at her as she spoke, "Must be the light, I was concerned and worried you know, who knows who won if only it were a bit more clear on this matter."


    Frozen Ocean nodded at that as she agreed to him, who knows what had happened but it was clear that a war took place and one side lost heavily, as she looked at the stone stele as a shiver went down her spine.


    Group I: 55,545


    Group II: 10,523


    Group III: 867


    ''So the larger group wiped out the smaller one with extreme prejudice, they only lost less than ten thousand but one the other hand the other side is only larger than ten thousand.''


    ''Big sisters always told me with extreme distaste once how the Deva realm was filled with highly egoistic pompous idiots and the Preta was filled with ruthless bastards who would do anything and everything to achieve their goal and I hope the Deva won.''


    He cleared his throat drawing everyone''s attention as he spoke, "Everyone we will not actively engage them, we will try to find out who they are and keep a distance from them if they are Deva they might not attack us actively but Preta is different, we will try to create inner turmoil amongst them and if I am not wrong they are highly paranoid and if they kill each other then it is better, secondly we would use guerilla tactics and deal with them, it would be easier and efficient."


    "Oh one more thing, I vote we move from here as fast as possible."


    True-Spear frowned for a moment before he spoke with a nod, "Yes you are right we��.", as he spoke the archway began to glow again as his eyes widen.


    "Damn it, everyone run, run as we did in the second level if you wish to live.", Ryuu bellowed out as every cultivator ran as if the Nine Netherworld Ba?mu has returned to prey on them."


    Jethro stepped inside the sixth level as he surveyed the area, they were inside a caldera, before his eyes fell on the ground as he grinned viciously, he before he bellowed out loud, "Get me Kemec now!"


    Meanwhile, Ryuu''s group flew as fast as they could, their heart pounding with fear, anxiety and uncertainty, as they moved Ryuu had his left hand covering his left eye with a talisman a few seconds later he let out a curse.


    Frost Flames who was nearby spoke with a frown on her face, "Ryuu what happened? Why are you cursing?"


    Ryuu would not say it out loud but he was impressed at Frost Flames as she managed to keep up with his speed, even though he was not going all out, unlike others who looked a bit strained, he let out a sigh as he spoke, "It seems that the Deva lost, and Preta have won."


    His words send a chill down on most of the cultivator''s spine, as their worst fear took place, Ryuu meanwhile let out a loose laugh startling many as he destroyed the talisman.


    "Is everything alright?"


    Ryuu sends Frost Flames a grin as he spoke, "Yes everything is alright, I had left an array to spy on the newcomers and it seemed that my array was detected by one of their cultivators, I look forward to clashing with him, and on another note, he seems to be sending out a hunting party."


    Amnon frowned at that as he spoke, "Hunting Party?"


    Ryuu nodded as he continued, "Just like we are aware of them, they must also be aware of our plight and as such I believe they are sending someone to deal with us, so it is high time we go into hiding.", a notion that every one of them shared.

 Chapter 403 - Clash(Part-2)

    The wind howled as they moved fast at an incredible speed, as they moved Zywia who was listening to the conversation between Frost Flames and Frozen Ocean spoke with concern in her voice, "Ryuu there is something that I wished to ask you."


    Ryuu turned his head towards her as he spoke, "What do you wish to ask me about, Zywia?"


    "The Preta Realm cultivators do you know them?"


    Daniella frowned as she spoke, "Why would brother Ryuu know about those sc.u.m? I know he is in the army but unless he had fought against them I do not think he would know them."


    "When a cultivator has gained enough notoriety a bounty is placed on their heads, a practice that both realms follow, as such I wanted to know if Ryuu knew any of them."


    Ryuu hesitated for a moment as he spoke, "I was able to recognize a few of them."


    Frost Flames raised one of her elegant brows as she asked him, "Really can you tell us about them."


    Ryuu nodded as he began to speak, "Cultivators who have a bounty on their heads are exceptional, as they are very dangerous, most cultivators who receive their first bounty are mostly Celestials, but sometimes certain individuals are extremely powerful and as such earn bounty even before they have managed to reach the Celestial Realm.", he paused for a bit before he continued, "These cultivators are so powerful and dangerous that even Celestials have died in their hands."


    A gasp of shock, as well as the cry of fear, passed through their group as they descended into shouting match only for Ryuu to stop them by flaring a bit of his aura and killing intent as he bellowed at them, "Silence and focus on running."


    Zywia herself was pale as she was shaken at what she had heard, she knew that a few cultivators had a bounty on their name but she was not unaware of the finer details about bounty.


    The group once again focused on escaping as Ryuu continued to speak, "I do not know how many of them are there that have a bounty on their heads but I saw at least three that I recognize."


    "Devil Empress Ithrura aka ''The Serpent Queen'', the bounty of Five Low Grade Deva Crystal Dead or Alive, Devil Emperor Zikris, the bounty of five Low Grade Deva Crystal Dead or Alive, and finally Devil Emperor Jerthrar aka ''The Corpse General'' with a bounty of twenty Low Grade Deva Crystals, each of them are exceptionally talented as well as dangerous enemies you should be wary off and never engage alone, in fact never engage under any situation."


    Everyone sucked their breath upon hearing that, many amongst them would have been tempted but the thought of facing such strong cultivators who were backed up by such a large army made them not only nervous but a filled them with worry about their uncertain future.


    "Daoist brother Ryuu if I may ask can you please elaborate how strong they are."


    Hearing that Ryuu let out a sigh as he replied to Devaraj, "Jerthrar is known to successfully assassinate a Level 2 Celestial, destroying a large part of the army under the Celestial''s command as well as escaping from a Mid level Celestial."


    "He is dangerous."


    Upon hearing Devaraj''s words Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "He is extremely dangerous as you can deduce from his title, he employs corpse puppets so be careful."


    Devaraj simply rubbed his forehead in exasperation as he spoke with a frown, "I hate puppeteers who use corpse."


    Ryuu nodded wholeheartedly at that supporting Devaraj''s words as he spoke, "Me too brother me too."


    "But now we should find a place to hide from them and no matter what do not get caught."


    "Why is that Ryuu?"


    Ryuu frowned as he replied to Frozen Ocean, "When those wretched cultivators stepped inside this level they were not alone."


    Frost Flames eyes widen as she spoke, "Not alone, do you mean that the Deva realm had joined with them?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No, I saw them in chains being dragged in crawling on the ground, they..��", Ryuu bit his lips as he spoke with a tired look on his face, "Whatever you do, do not get caught dying would be better than such humiliation."


    The more he spoke the more the morale of the group plummeted and many began to regret stepping into the sixth Level.


    Ryuu gritted his teeth at that, ''Damn it I need some way to increase the morale of my group, that Jerthrar was sending someone by the name of Kemec after us and from the looks of it, that person is an idiot, if we play our cards right we can defeat Kemec''s group and that might increase the morale, otherwise, they will quit.''


    ''That means we have to make sure to ambush that person, but it is harder than it sounds how and where would we do so, think Ryuu think.''


    Meanwhile, on the outside of Eden, the higher-ups of the Immortal Phoenix Army had gathered to gather for a very high-level meeting, a meeting where Sylvana was present as an advisory.


    Bakhtyar looked at the others who were present as he began to speak, "A new situation had arisen, almost over a year ago a tragedy took place where a large number of talented cultivators have perished inside Eden in a single day and many of you have heard of it."


    At his words others nodded as he continued speaking, "Today we learned from our spies in Deva Realm that a similar situation took place, their group had comprised of above Forty Thousand strong had been reduced to near about ten thousand, and the incident took place in the fifth floor, as such we believe a clash between Deva and Preta realm had occurred unfortunately we have no news from that realm and as such we fear that they might have been decimated by the Preta Realm."


    At his words many of the people began to stir, it is true that cultivators of Ryuu''s level are insignificant and might not create a great impact but at the end of the day they were like precious saplings the future of their realm and seeing them trampled in such a way was too much for them.


    Khygnos who was listening to the report frowned hard, ''This is not good, if the cultivator of the Deva realm had fallen and had successfully defeated the Preta it is well and good but if what Bakhtyar is fearing is true then it is very terrifying, the Preta realm is too strong and those that are still shown as alive must be leading a life worse than death.'', her eyes then fell on Sylvana as they widen momentarily.


    "Sylvana dear.", her words had halted most of the discussion in the room as everyone paid undivided attention to the talk between the very first and second leader of the army, even if they have retired their words were absolute in many cases.


    "If I were to remember correctly Ryuu has entered Eden, so do you know how he is?"


    Sylvana frowned momentarily as she began to speak, "From what we know he is doing well though he had run into trouble in the second level."


    Khygnos nodded at that as she spoke with a sigh, "I hope he is not foolish enough to venture forth."


    Sylvana gave an uneasy smile as she spoke, "Well about that before I came here I learned that they have already stepped inside the sixth floor."


    Khygnos frowned at that as she spoke, "Ryuu is not the type to make such reckless mistake so why is he acting as such."


    Sylvana simply shrugged at that as she spoke, "No idea."


    Khygnos looked at her for a moment but she did not comment, she knew Sylvana is hiding something and she chose not to pursue the matter any further.


    Kemec grinned as he spotted the group hiding inside what seemed to be a gorge, ''Idiots, they do not know how to hide even a blind and deaf could spot them, too easy.''


    COMMENT 1 comment VOTE 1 left SEND GIFT Load failed, please RETRY Privileged


    More Privileged Chapters


    Download the app and become a privileged reader today! Come take a sneak peek at our author''s stockpiled chapters! Download Gifts--GiftReceivedSend Gifts 1 Table of Contents Display Options


    Background default yellow dark


    Font Nunito Sans Merriweather


    Size


    Paragraph comments Chapter comments Write thought liked newest Author:


    ? 0){ %>Chapter :


    Author: Machine Translation


    Editor:

 Chapter 404 - Clash(Part-3)

    Kemec was bored he was told to hunt some trash from the Manushya Realm, even if they were such trash that they died en masse somewhere in the lower level and it was hilarious but now he felt pity for the Manushya realm seeing such worthless cultivators in front of him, ''Are they bunnies, do they believe closing their eyes would make them invisible.''


    "tch, they are not worth capturing I do not want to catch their stupidity, attack them and wipe them out, I never thought I would do once day end up helping the Manushya realm by cleaning up the trash.", with his commands the thousand-strong army of his descended into the gorge intend on killing as Kemec had put them so eloquently as trash, but then all of a sudden their vision turned black as an indescribable excruciating pain erupted.


    Ryuu let out a yawn, it was too easy for them to deal with them, his sisters always had claimed that most if not all of the Preta realm cultivators were idiots and Kemec or whatever his name was proved it to be true, ''Which idiot waltz into the area where his enemies are staying, what an idiot, I feel for the future of their realm as well as feel sorry for his followers.''


    As he looked at his enemy with pity as his mind reeled back to the planning they had done hastily a few minutes ago.


    "Daoist Ryuu, I can spot our enemies at the horizon."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "We will have to set up an ambush then."


    True-Spear frowned as he spoke, "Do you have any idea?"


    Ryuu nodded as he pointed out towards what seemed to be a small gorge as he spoke, "We will place the trap near that area but remember we will not have much time to work with them, so we have to work fast."


    The gorge is not that much big only a little over ten kilometres after we trap them, we would have a few seconds but I believe it would be enough for us to deal with them, oh I would like one of them preferably alive for interrogation."


    "Break into teams, those who are good at manipulating soil, you are to manipulate and close the top of the gorge covering it as such no one would be able to spot it even if they stood on top of it, others get ready for some array and alchemist get ready for some action and one of you keep an eye on them."


    They did not have to wait any longer as the enemy cultivators descended into the gorge like a moth to a flame, then all of a sudden multiple arrays glowed as they stopped mid-flight, the array had not only frozen them in their places in such a way that it felt as if they were tied by some shackles but most importantly they were robbed of their ability to smell, see, hear or feel.


    It was only for a few seconds but it was enough as Ryuu roared out to his fellow cultivators, "ATTACK!!!!"


    None of the cultivators hesitated as they all cut down the aggressors leaving Kemec alone, alive and taken as prisoner by Ryuu, as Ryuu gave a nod a few dozen cultivators quickly covered the opening of the gorge by manipulating the soil at the side and soon the entire group was hidden underneath the surface.


    To be fair Ryuu was a bit disappointed at the result, ''How much of an idiot are these cultivators, I never thought that I would succeed so easily, there was only a ten per cent chance of success yet they fell so easily, it really us disappointing.''


    Kemec''s eyes open as he let out a groan full of pain as he spoke with a string of curses only to be slapped hard enough for his jaw to crack as a few of his teeth fell off from his mouth.


    "Damn did no one teach you to be polite?"


    Kemec opened his eyes as he looked at the smiling visage of Ryuu, for a moment it looked like some demonic entity was looking down at him sending chills down his spine before his eyes widen as he spoke with slight fear in his voice, "Rain Sword Ryuu!?"


    Ryuu''s smile widens as he spoke, "Huh is that those imbeciles of your realm calling me, tell you what I will free you if you answer my questions."


    Kemec snarled as he tried to spit on Ryuu''s face only for him to move before he slapped his captive again as he spoke, "Well it seems I will need to have a little one on one chat with you."


    He looked at his fellow cultivators as he spoke, "Well it seems that I need to work with him, so please feel free to set up a camp and wait a bit while I have my chat with him."


    As Ryuu picked up Kemec and left Frost Flames turned towards Zywia as she spoke with curiosity in her voice, " ''Rain Sword Ryuu'', is that his moniker?"


    Zywia shrugged as she spoke, "Maybe I have no idea."


    Frost Flames nodded before she spoke, "Well at least his moniker is cool."


    If there was anything she was about to say it was interrupted as ghastly screams came to their ears followed by an insane bout of laughter that sends a shiver down everyone''s spine.


    Zywia gained a sickly green look on her face as she shouted, "Ryuu I do not want to hear the enemy scream, use some array to block it."


    A silence descended before a shout came from Ryuu, "Sorry, I forgot to block the sound."


    Frozen Ocean looked at Zywia who was rubbing her forward-looking a bit sick as she spoke, "Are you alright Zywia?"


    Zywia shook her head as she spoke, "No I feel a bit sick, the scream of pain reminded me about one of his cousin and his aunt, his aunt is often called as the Goddess of Sadism behind her back as well as well said to have invented the idea of sadism, and Ryuu seems to have taken to follow her from the way he seems to be interrogating his enemy."


    True-Spear frowned as he spoke, "Torturing someone for answers is a bit tricky if you are not careful that person might clamp up and you will not be able to gather any information."


    "Shhh, look at me Kemec, look at me, am I not looking for your welfare, did I not say that I would free you, work with me, my friend."


    Kemec whimpered in pain as Ryuu had increased the sensitivity of his nerves to the extreme to the point even touch was as painful as breaking of bones, and then Ryuu had created small strings out of the water like substance that he was using to burrow into his body through the underneath of his fingernails, it was slow incredibly so as well as painful, then he had proceeded to stop for a moment as he used a drug that produced a sense of euphoria and slowly and surely Kemec was worn down.


    A few minutes later Ryuu arrived back as he wiped his bloodied hand with a torn cloth as he neared other cultivators, Chianyu spoke with a frown, "Brother Ryuu did you get anything useful."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "The Preta realm had sent them with instruction to kill most of us and capture the rest to bring them back."


    "So those captives you mentioned about?"


    Ryuu nodded at Shivering Sabre''s question as he spoke, "Yes they would be taken back to Preta Realm."


    Zywia shook slightly in fear as she spoke, "I would rather die than go there."


    Ryuu nodded in agreement at that as he spoke, "Me too, sis me too who knows what those twisted beings would do to us."


    "So what should we do now?"


    A question that came out of Frozen Ocean''s mouth seemed to have been reverberating in everyone''s soul, what they should do next.


    COMMENT 1 comment VOTE 1 left SEND GIFT Load failed, please RETRY Privileged


    More Privileged Chapters


    Download the app and become a privileged reader today! Come take a sneak peek at our author''s stockpiled chapters! Download Gifts--GiftReceivedSend Gifts 1 Table of Contents Display Options


    Background default yellow dark


    Font Nunito Sans Merriweather


    Size


    Paragraph comments Chapter comments Write thought liked newest Author:


    ? 0){ %>Chapter :


    Author: Machine Translation


    Editor:

 Chapter 405 - Clash(Part-4)

    "There is something that I wish to convey to you all."


    "What is it, brother Ryuu?"


    "While I was interrogating Kemec there were a few things that I learned from him and I believe I should tell you all before it slips off my mind."


    Ryuu paused for a moment as he watched his fellow cultivators hanging on to his words as he continued, "According to Kemec, there are some survivors that they failed to catch."


    Chianyu frowned as he spoke, "Are we going to team up with them and how many are they?"


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "I believe if we come across them we can speak with them and try to find some common ground and maybe work together and as for how many of them are left, well they are around two hundred strong."


    "So there are not many who could help us."


    At Amnon''s words, Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "There is nothing we can do about it, every little help is welcome, though the next part of the news is horrible."


    True-Spear looked at him with his brows raised as he spoke with a smile on his face, "What can be worst than anything we are suffering now?"


    "How about learning the cause of the Deva realm''s defeat?"


    With his words every cultivator sat up straight looking directly at him, ''Heaven give me strength why do they always have to look at me directly like that, it makes me nervous.''


    He somehow managed to control his inner turmoil as he began to speak, "Deva realm got torn from inside."


    At his words, the hearts of every cultivator who were listening sped up as many looked aghast as Frozen Ocean spoke in a fearful tone, "You mean their people backstabbed them?"


    "No they were spies who had infiltrated their group, they were the reason their group fell apart."


    Zywia looked at Ryuu with a worried look on her face as she spoke, "Ryuu do you think there are spies amongst us."


    Her words looked as if someone has poked the beehive as everyone started shouted, arguing and cursing, making Ryuu''s brow to twitch for a moment as a scowl slowly formed on his face until he could no longer contain himself anymore as he roared out in anger, "WILL YOU LOT SHUT UP AND SIT DOWN!!!!!"


    It was as if a dam broke and the water that it held back came slamming down on them hard, forcing them to bend to his will as they all sat down ram rod paying complete attention while they gained a bewildered expression on their face, ''Why did we obey him?''


    "You all should control yourself the way you are acting was like asking the Preta Realm cultivators to locate us."


    "How did you make us obey you?"


    Ryuu looked at True-Spear with a confused look on his face before it dawned to him, ''Drat I exposed part of my Divine body, now time to use my superior acting skills and save myself.''


    "What do you mean by obeying?"


    True-Spear narrowed his eyes as he spoke with a slight tinge of hostility, "You order us to shut up and sit down, and we obeyed you without question, how?"


    Ryuu tilted his head as he spoke with confusion, "What are you talking about, ''order'', ''obey'', I did no such thing all I did was shout at you all and activated an array that made the gravity increase a bit nothing more and nothing less, so please stop speculating something that did not happen."


    "Impossible we all felt no were compelled to listen to your order."


    A shout came from one of the cultivators as Ryuu rubbed the bridge of his nose in exasperation as he spoke, "Can you lot not shout a bit louder, those poor Preta realm cultivators are still having difficulty in finding us."


    That stopped the cacophony from rising as Ryuu glared at them as he spoke, "I do not know why you all have such a high opinion of me, and I thank you for believing on the fact that I might have powers to make others obey but unfortunately I do not have so and for that, I applaud your imagination and feel disappointed at myself for not having such wonderful powers, now anything else other than my imaginary powers."


    An uncomfortable silence descended amongst them as Zywia spoke with a small cough, "Well since we have finished shouting and accusing, Ryuu can you proceed with what you were telling about the spies and whatnot."


    "Yes brother Ryuu you were saying about spies and whatnot, so do you think there is a chance that spies might have been present amongst us?"


    Ryuu flashed both Zywia and Frost Flames a small as he spoke, "I would not be surprised if we had spies amongst us when we had entered Eden, but since then we have lost so many and now we have formed a tight-knit group of friends who are working together like a well-oiled machine as such I believe if that the chances of one of us turning into spies is slim to none."


    Although he said there was no chance, inwardly it was a different matter, ''Like hell there no chances of spies, the only one I can think of as not a spy is Zywia and as for others no not a chance, maybe Frozen Ocean, well Frost Flames as well but others I do not know, True-Spear, Su-Min, Amnon and Daniella have small chances but��.argh, it is so confusing.''


    As others nodded at that though Ryuu could spot uneasiness as well as distrust in them, ''At least a few of them are vigilant, even if I say that there is no spy amongst us others should not let their guard down, these cultivators had infiltrated them years ago, I will have to create a list and keep an eye on them for possible signs of betrayal.''


    Ryuu then turned towards his fellow cultivators as he spoke, "So what should we do now?"


    Chianyu spoke with a frown, "Well first of all we should stick together and whittle down our opponents using guerrilla tactics just as you have suggested Daoist Brother Ryuu."


    Devaraj nodded at that as he added to Chainyu''s words, "Also if possible we should try and establish a relation with Deva realm."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Even if they are around two hundred, even a little boost is better than nothing not to mention they have experienced fighting against the Preta realm."


    "Are sure about them? They could be hiding and would want to do nothing to do with Eden anymore and waiting for Eden to let them leave."


    Ryuu frowned at the question thrown towards him by one of the fellow cultivators but before he could speak Frost Flames spoke on his behalf, "Revenge, Justice and Honor."


    Frost Flames blushed as everyone''s eyes fell on her and as her eyes fell on Ryuu, he gave a small nod of encouragement a beautiful smile blossomed on her face as she continued, "Revenge for the betrayal, Justice for those who those who fell and most importantly trying to regain their Honor by freeing their captured brethren, or that is what I would have tried to do if I were in their shoes."


    Ryuu send a look full of admiration towards her as he spoke, "So true I might not be able to say as eloquently as sister Frost Flames we might have not known each other for a long time, we might not have the same views but as long as we are a team, I would have moved Heaven itself to rescue you."


    Many gained a small smile on their face at his proclamation as Frozen Ocean gave him a small bow to Ryuu who simply send her a small smile in return.


    Jerthrar frowned as he looked towards the horizon before he shook his head with a sigh only to turn as a voice came to his ears, "Is there any problem ''Corpse General''?"


    Jerthrar glanced at the speaker as he spoke, "Well Kemec is dead."


    The speaker simply shrugged as she spoke, "So what he was useless anyway."


    "Must you be so rude about the deceased, Serpent Queen?"


    Serpent Queen snorted at his words as she spoke, "Like you are one to talk about respecting the dead, using them for your battles."


    Jerthrar looked affronted at that as he spoke, "Please if there is anyone who knows to honour the dead it is me, as such they are still moving."


    "So have you managed to make contact with our plant within their group?"


    Serpent Queen shook her head as she spoke, "No though it would be difficult since their low number would be difficult for whoever it is to establish contact without someone noticing."


    "So true, whoever it feels for him or her for having to spend time amongst that filthy trash."


    Meanwhile, in another part of the sixth level a small group of cultivators stepped into the level, they cautiously stepped inside as they looked around trying to spot anything dangerous anything that would cause their defeat, death and in the worst-case imprisonment, and finding none present that would cause any form of harm they let out a sigh of relief.


    Elmer looked around as he nodded to his fellow cultivator who then pointed towards a stone stele as he spoke, "We all laughed at them but now they are larger than us, do you think that they will enter the sixth level."


    Elmer shrugged as he spoke, "No idea, but if they do I hope we can form some sort of alliance."


    The other person simply chuckled at that as he spoke, "As they would, why would they when we have nothing but death and danger to offer them to."


    "Whatever we can find in Eden we would offer them that, and I hope they would help us."


    The person''s chuckling did not cease as he spoke, "Elmer you are na?ve, our people abandoned us, look at us we are over two hundred strong but, how many of them are with us only fifty, only fifty of them are with us, did you forget about Arel?"


    Elmer growled at him as he spoke, "Of course how could I forget that bastard, his wife has been kidnapped and he is busy crying and blaming everyone but, he is such a coward that he decided to stay back in the fifth level and continue his pity party."


    "It cannot be helped but we have to find a way to secure an alliance with them, no matter how much we try our paltry numbers would not make any difference."


    Elmer balled his fist as he spoke, "I know, but for now, let us make a camp and keep our heads low and search for the cultivators for Manushya realm."


    "And what if they refused to ally with us, then?"


    Elmer looked at his fellow cultivator directly into his eyes as he spoke, "Then nothing, we will proceed with our plan, we neither falter nor can we step back, you all know what is at stake."


    The grim look on their faces was the answer to Elmer''s question as they slowly left the archway that brought them here.


    COMMENT 1 comment VOTE 1 left SEND GIFT Load failed, please RETRY Privileged


    More Privileged Chapters


    Download the app and become a privileged reader today! Come take a sneak peek at our author''s stockpiled chapters! Download Gifts--GiftReceivedSend Gifts 1 Table of Contents Display Options


    Background default yellow dark


    Font Nunito Sans Merriweather


    Size


    Paragraph comments Chapter comments Write thought liked newest Author:


    ? 0){ %>Chapter :


    Author: Machine Translation


    Editor:

 Chapter 406 - Meet the Devas (Part-1)

    ''"Ugh, I hate it! I so did not wish to volunteer for the scouting mission."


    "Everyone has to pull their weight Chasing Winds."


    "I have no problem with pulling my weight Sister Estelle but you should know how dangerous those demonic cultivators are to others especially females."


    Frost Flames growled at that as she spoke with irritation in her voice, "I believe you are too quiet you should keep on shouting and bickering louder and you just draw their attention, how did you even manage to become such high-level cultivator with your cowardice I will never understand."


    Chasing Winds growled in anger as Ryuu spoke with a sigh, "Ladies please calm down, the faster we finish our scouting the faster we could all go back home."


    Chianyu glared at them as he spoke, "If I am found out and die I swear on my name and honour I will haunt you like a vengeful ghost."


    Chasing Winds glared right back at him as she spoke, "I will exorcise you."


    Now it was time for Ryuu to glare, as he spoke with a hint of killing intent in his voice, "Chasing winds stop your whining it is annoying."


    That sobered up her quickly as Ryuu continued to speak, "We are doing some extremely important reconnaissance there is no time for your tantrum, if you are so lazy and useless you should not have come with us into this realm."


    Chasing Winds cowered in front of Ryuu''s glare for a moment she felt her hair raise as if she was in front of a dangerous beast, "I am sorry for such an unsightly behaviour.", she quickly stammered out.


    Ryuu let out a sigh as he spoke, "I understand you are afraid and a bit skittish as such you are lashing out like that, but there is no need to worry we are all here and we would survive as such you have nothing to worry just believe in each other and we would return home safe and sound."


    "So true.", Frost Flames melodious voice came to Ryuu''s ears who looked back at her with a smile on his face, ''I like the smile on her face.''


    "You two get a room.", a retort from Chianyu brought them out of from their daydream as they both blushed furiously.


    Estelle looked at the duo as she spoke with mirth in her voice, "When I first met Frost Flames she was calm, cold and stoic, I never thought I would one day see her blushing like a teenager, truly there are many things in this world that I have yet to see."


    "W-what-what are you saying?"


    As Frost Flames stuttered further with embarrassment Ryuu gave a small cough as he spoke while trying to contain her embarrassment, "Well I believe there are other important things to do so why don''t we move along and finish our mission."


    Although Elmer and his group after much searching had managed to find shelter for the night, it was a long sleepless night for them, just as it had been since then, they were restless and afraid of getting attacked by Preta realm and their restlessness proved to have been right on the mark as they were attacked the following day, a small scout of Preta realm cultivators had found them and even though they were evenly matched they could not afford to lose even a single one of them.


    And that was the scene that Ryuu and his group had stumbled upon, a scene that made Ryuu gain a small smile on his face, "Well it seems we have some cultivators from Deva realm to rescue."


    Elmer parried the attack of the enemy with the help of his scimitar only for him to fall backwards when he was hit on the leg courtesy of a mace, his eyes widen as he watched with dread the same scimitar only a few inches from his face, ''Am I going to die, just like this.'', but his fear was for nought as a sword stopped the scimitar from harming him before it cut the scimitar welding cultivator down.


    "Are you alright?", a voice came to his ears as he looked up he was greeted by the sight of a red-haired person with mismatch eyes standing in front of him with a spear in his left hand, while his right hand extended towards him.


    ''Wait! a spear, I thought it was a sword.'' his musings were cut short when he heard the gurgle voice of someone choking in his blood.


    He quickly scrambled up as the sword still dripping with blood came back to his rescuer''s hands as he heard him speaking again, "Focus."


    Meanwhile in another part of the small battle, Chasing winds had cornered a cultivator from Preta realm, who was eyeing her like a piece of meat making her shiver with disgust, ''ugh so disgusting my body belongs to only one.''


    "Stop it I have a business to attend with your leader."


    "Ho, what does a lowly wench wants ��.", the person choked as Chasing Winds held an amulet in front of his face as she spoke, "Now can we talk like some civilized person?"


    The man sobered up quickly as he nodded, Chasing Winds continued to speak, "Carry this message, and only your leader should see, also I do not wish for others to suspect me as such wound me a bit then run for your life, if you get caught I will make you beg for your death."


    "We can��", whatever the person was about to say was stopped from glare from Chasing Winds who spoke hurriedly, "Damn it, do what I have ordered your companions are dead already they just do not know it, this message is important than your pathetic life, now do it."


    ~slinck~


    A sound was the only thing that Chasing Winds heard before she was on her knees, gasping for breath as she swore at the retreating figure, ''Damn him I told him to injure me a bit not take out my legs off completely, not to mention it was not even done correctly, incompetent the lots of them. Ugh, the things I do for my owner.''


    As she quickly tore parts of her dress, while applying a few more cuts over her body before she moved towards others, and by the time she reached them the Preta realm cultivators have been routed completely although not without any the Deva realm cultivator taking some injuries.


    Ryuu stood in front of Elmer as he gave a slight bow as he spoke, "Greetings fellow Daoist from Deva Realm, my name is Ryuu, Lieutenant 2nd Class of 139th Battalion, Immortal Phoenix Army may I know your name?"


    Elmer''s eyes widen slightly before he spoke while returning the bow, "Thank you fellow Daoist brother my name is Elmer, thank you for saving our lives."


    But before anyone could say anything Chasing Winds appeared with a distressed look on her face, "Brother Ryuu, sorry I failed one of them injured me and escaped."


    Ryuu growled at that before he turned towards Elmer as he spoke with an urgent look on his face, "We should move, the last thing we would want is a horde of those creatures swarming us.", Elmer nodded in consent as the group left as fast as they could while carrying on their injured members.


    Meanwhile, Serpent Queen skipped over towards Jerthrar with a smile on her face, seeing her elated look on her face Jerthrar could not help but ask out, "What made you so happy?"


    "Here look at this.", with that she handed him a scroll with a message written on top of it as he went through the message a savage grin formed on his face.


    " ''Rain Sword Ryuu'' is here, so will you go out to take revenge on him, after all, he killed your brother."


    Jerthrar''s face scrunched up in deep thought as he spoke, "Nah, I will not pursue him until and unless he stumbles upon in front of me, after all since that idiot of big brother is dead, I will be getting his share of the inheritance and as for letting him live, well we grant the wish of our dear hard-working sleeper agent who is present amongst them working so hard for us, it would be great that after everything they have secured and worked hard to achieve snatched in front of their eyes, truly that person has such a sense of humour."


    Serpent Queen nodded before she spoke with a frown, "You know that oaf is not going to listen."


    Jerthrar scoffed at that as he spoke, "Of course he is not going to listen, he is a brainless slab of meat that only knows to punch nothing more, such an uncouth and uncivilized person, just standing by his side makes me want to hurl, did he ever takes a bath? I doubt it always working on his body and sweating like a pig, ugh."


    Suddenly a cruel smile appeared on Ithrura aka Serpent Queen''s face as she spoke, "We swore not to fight against each other so as not to cause a problem within our factions but we never sore not to lead another to their death, so why not send the Zikris after him, if I remember correctly his younger brother was killed in the same skirmish that caused your brother''s death."


    Jerthrar jumped up from his seat as he spoke with a smile on his face, "Splendid we will get rid of either of them and if the agent has some issues well the meathead did not listen to us, now we only have to make sure he seeks him out with a bare minimum number of cultivators as there is no need to waste some good minions by sending them with such trash."


    Ithrura smirked back at him as she spoke, "We''ll leave that for me, he is an idiot just a nudge and he would go roaring at them like a good little puppy."


    "That is why I love you, and you know that the offer is still open."


    Ithrura giggled at that as he spoke, "Sorry dear but I love living, and I so do not wish to be dead for you to sleep with me."


    Jerthrar pouted at that as he spoke, "Hey I am not bad."


    "That female cultivator from Deva realm begs to differ."


    "Aww come on, I simply enhanced her beauty."


    "You killed that woman."


    "Of course not I simply managed to enhance her beauty and make her more appealing."


    "I rest my case."


    Suddenly Jerthrar gained a dangerous look on his eyes as he spoke, "You know one of these days you are going to be warming my bed."


    Serpent Queen hissed as greenish vapour seeped out of her body as she spoke, "Try to kill me Jerthrar and I will melt you and your army with my poison."


    COMMENT 1 comment VOTE 1 left SEND GIFT Load failed, please RETRY Privileged


    More Privileged Chapters


    Download the app and become a privileged reader today! Come take a sneak peek at our author''s stockpiled chapters! Download Gifts--GiftReceivedSend Gifts 1 Table of Contents Display Options


    Background default yellow dark


    Font Nunito Sans Merriweather


    Size


    Paragraph comments Chapter comments Write thought liked newest Author:


    ? 0){ %>Chapter :


    Author: Machine Translation


    Editor:

 Chapter 407 - Meet the Devas (Part-2)

    "This way please.", Chianyu guided the group towards an open vast field with nothing in sight for miles on end except a good few scars marring the surface.


    As he landed on top of the ground he kneeled and touched the ground, and it soon split apart as the entire group of cultivators went inside, the opening closed itself.


    Everyone inside the cavern looked up as it opened and saw the scouting party returning along with other unknown cultivators, with some of the new cultivators looking injured.


    Zywia frowned upon seeing the new arrivals as she whispered to True-Spear, "So these are Deva realm cultivators they looked worn out and in bad shape."


    True-Spear nodded in agreement as he spoke, "Some of them look like dead, and I hope brother Ryuu knows what is doing by inviting them here."


    Zywia raised one of her delicate eyebrows as she spoke in confusion, "What do you mean?"


    True-Spear sighed as he ran his hand through his hair as he spoke with a tired sigh, "Just look at them, some of them are looking as if they are already dead, and in such a condition they might prove to be more of a burden, though if I were to wager this is the only help we will get from Deva realm."


    Zywia''s eyes widen slightly as she spoke with a worried tone, "By only help you mean that the other members of their realm have given up."


    True-Spear has nodded as he gripped his spear hard as he spoke, "That is the only explanation that comes to my mind, otherwise if it was only an envoy they would not have sent around fifty cultivators when their strength has been reduced to mere two hundred."


    Elmer let out a small whistle as he spoke, "Impressive it never cross my mind to create hideout in such a manner."


    Chianyu gave a small smile as he spoke, "You are welcome brother Elmer."


    As the group descended inside the artificially created cavern Ryuu took charge, "Please bring the wounded this way so that they may heal."


    The more he saw the more he became impressed, the place if nothing else was homely and inviting, and it felt nice.


    "My friends you have put up a very nice and cosy base it feels soothing here."


    Ryuu gave him a small smile as he spoke, "Thank you for your kind words brother Elmer, is it possible to have our talk now or do you wish to rest."


    Elmer frowned a little before he spoke with a sigh, "I prefer to finish our talks before resting."


    Ryuu''s smile widen as he spoke, "Excellent, well then please let me gather others as well and then we can proceed with our talks as the cultivators of my realm would love to make your acquaintance."


    Elmer gave a small nod and soon the other cultivators had arrived as they took their seat with the Deva realm cultivators who were not injured took the middle area.


    As everyone settled down one of the cultivators cleared his throat drawing attention before he spoke, "Greetings guest from another realm my name is True-Spear, and if I may not be rude can you please elaborate what and how did you lose to them."


    At his question, the Deva realm cultivators gained a broken look on their face as True-Spear hurriedly spoke, "I know it might be very painful to recall the events so if you do not wish to say anything then it is fine for us."


    Elmer began with a hollow chuckle, "It is painful that is true, but I believe it would be prudent if I come clear to all of you."


    With that he took a deep and stayed silent for a moment, a silence that most found to be highly irritating as more and more questions were birthing in their mind wanting them to start firing at the Deva realm cultivators but with great difficulty, they managed to hold their tongue.


    After what seemed to be an eternity Elmer began to speak, "My elder brother Eilauver was elected as the leader of our expedition into Eden, and under popular demand, it was decided that we would form a truce with the Preta Realm cultivators, as we wanted to avoid further battles and unwanted carnage."


    Upon hearing his words Ryuu wanted to scoff at that, ''What kind of idiots are they? You can only negotiate a truce when you know you have an upper hand in case something goes south.''


    "I along with few others protested vehemently at that but we were a minority as such we lost the argument, we managed to make contact with them and they decided to meet with us."


    "I still remember the day, it was raining as if the Heaven''s itself was crying for our demise, at first they were cordial and we thought that a truce would be formed but then they insulted us and fun of us and threw our proposal of peace at our face, and then the fight broke out."


    "We were holding them good, when all of a sudden it happened.", tears appeared not only in his eyes but also rest of their group as he continued to speak with a hollow look in his eyes, "Our comrades turned against us all of a sudden, I thought we knew them, I knew them, I was friends with one of them for near about a century and he turned against us like that, and it was disastrous all of a sudden we were fighting on two fronts with one of them our friend and brother in arms a moment ago turned traitor we were unsure who to trust anymore."


    He choked a sob as he spoke, "My brother, my elder brother was murdered by his fianc��e who stabbed him from the back, I killed that bi**h., who knows how long they have infiltrated us, who knows how long they have been planning this."


    His words send a chill down Ryuu''s spine, ''This is worse than I thought, how long has their sleeper agents have infiltrated the Deva realm, but most importantly how long have their agents infiltrated our realm.''


    "Ryuu, Ryuu!", a scream startled him as he was jolted awake and found himself staring at Frost Flames face which was filled with worry, "Are you alright Ryuu? We have been calling you for some time now."


    Ryuu gave her a sheepish smile as he spoke, "I am alright I was just thinking about something."


    Frost Flames looked at him with a frown for a moment before she turned her head towards Elmer who spoke with a frown of his own, "Daoist Brother Ryuu, you said you are an officer in the Immortal Phoenix Army?"


    Ryuu nodded in conformation as suddenly one of the cultivators from his side spoke loudly, "What is this Immortal Phoenix Army?"


    Hearing this question Ryuu suddenly wanted to just die of embarrassment as one of the Deva realm cultivators sneered back at the person who asked the question as he spoke, "Are you not a Manushya Realm resident, then why do you not know the name of the army of your realm."


    At his words many of the cultivators blushed as Ryuu groaned and seeing the suspicion in the eyes of Deva realm cultivator he simply placed his left hand over the bicep of his right hand as a holographic tattoo appeared in front of them, that seemed to have been lit by fire, seeing the tattoo Elmer relaxed a bit.


    As the tattoo disappeared Elmer spoke with a sigh, "For the last few years there have been numerous incident where Preta Realm cultivators have tried invaded into our realm and did the similar incident take place in your realm as well."


    But before Ryuu could speak one of his fellow cultivators spoke with confusion in his voice, "How do they attack our realm do they simply pop up and start invading us?"


    Zywia shook her head as she spoke, "Nothing like that there are places which are known as nexus, the nexus connects our realms and through the nexus they can reach our realm as such they are kept close watch by cultivators to prevent unauthorized entry."


    Seeing everyone listening to her with rapt attention Ryuu did not bother to correct her as the army has decided not to let others know that Preta Realm or has his teacher refer to as Preta Lok has found means to create temporary nexus to invade our territory.


    Ryuu gave a small appreciative nod towards her as he spoke, "As Zywia said there are times that they would try to invade and I have faced them in battle, and beyond that, I am sorry I cannot say anything, as it is a military secret."


    Upon hearing that many nodded in acceptance though Ryuu could spot the disappointed look on their face, ''If only they knew.''


    Meanwhile, in another part of Level, a goblet full of wine lay on the ground as a tall man of easily over fifteen feet towered over Ithrura as he thundered, "WHAT!? Are you telling me that bastard is here?"


    Ithrura growled at him as she spoke, "I am not dead Zikris so stop shouting at me."


    "Bah, I care not but are you sure."


    Ithrura sighed at that as she spoke, "Yes I am sure that ''Rain Sword'' is here.", she then tilted her head as she spoke in a curious tone, "Why are asking me the same question over again and again.", before she let out a small gasp of shock as she spoke, "Do not tell me that Devil Emperor Zikris is afraid."


    Ithrura had to jump from her position as she dodged a powerful swing of Zikris''s arm as she spoke with a snarl, "Watch out where you are swinging your arm."


    But Zikris did not pay any heed to her as he shouted out, "Gather all of our men we are going to tear this place to find him and then I will kill him."


    Ithrura nodded as she spoke with a mocking voice, "Yes we will use all of our men to exhaust him and when he is near death, the invincible and powerful Zikris is going to kill him and claim him as the strongest and invincible once again."


    "How dare you speak to me like that?"


    Ithrura simply send a mocking look to him as he spoke, "I will speak to you in any way I would want to, at least I am not a coward who is hiding and using others to do his dirty deeds and then trying to steal their glory, disgusting and you call yourself the strongest amongst us."


    Zikris growled as his body became black as charcoal as his eyes became white as blackish flames began to surround him making Ithrura step back as he bellowed to her, "Shut up you wench I will show you why I am the strongest I do not need any weaklings.", with that he took the sky while created shockwave strong enough to make Ithrura fall on her back.


    As she stood up with a glare a burst of familiar laughter came to her ears as she turned she was greeted by Jerthrar who was laughing at her plight as her glare intensified.


    "Sorry I cannot help it, seeing you stumble back because of his forceful jump."


    Jerthrar somehow managed to reign in his laughter as he spoke, "I thought you said he would take a few men with him."


    Ithrura simply glared as she replied to him, "I did say so but that bloke''s head got so angry that he left just like that."


    Jerthrar simply shook his head in exasperation before he spoke in a pleading tone, "At least you told him where to go."


    Ithrura gasped at that as she spoke with a voice filled with guilt, "Oh I was thinking that I was forgetting something, I forgot to tell him where to go but come to think of it the agent did not give us location either."


    Jerthrar shrugged as he spoke, "meh not your fault then.", before they both broke into laughter.


    "So did you remember to place the array on him?"


    Ithrura snorted at that as she spoke, "Who do you think I am Corpse General of course I remember, and I hope he finds that ''Rain Sword'', I want to see why he has such a high bounty on his head."


    COMMENT 1 comment VOTE 1 left SEND GIFT Load failed, please RETRY Privileged


    More Privileged Chapters


    Download the app and become a privileged reader today! Come take a sneak peek at our author''s stockpiled chapters! Download Gifts--GiftReceivedSend Gifts 1 Table of Contents Display Options


    Background default yellow dark


    Font Nunito Sans Merriweather


    Size


    Paragraph comments Chapter comments Write thought liked newest Author:


    ? 0){ %>Chapter :


    Author: Machine Translation


    Editor:

 Chapter 408 - Devil Emperor Zikris (Part-1)

    "Teacher is there no other way."


    Celestia looked at the tired and pain-filled face of Ryuu as she spoke, "Yes there are various alternative means but all of them are not as great as this one, not only some of them are extremely slow but the result is equally unimpressive and inefficient, so grit your teeth and complete another cycle of that technique for me."


    Ryuu looked alarmed at that as immediately spoke with a horrified look on his face, "But��."


    Celestia gave a stern gaze to him as she spoke, "No buts dear you have still a hundred cycles to complete and I will make you complete it by today, and if you are feeling shy doing it on your own then please tell me I will lend my hand."


    That made Ryuu quickly start working on the technique with renews vigour, it hurt him when he practised the technique badly but getting her involved would make him hurt even more as such he chose the alternative.


    As he recalled the memory he smiled a bit, he seriously missed them and sometimes wished he had not stepped inside Eden and the painful throb of his left hand seemed to agree with him.


    ''I think I should cultivate my soul a bit, it had been some time since I did it.''


    He then closed his eyes as he found himself standing in front of a bright yellowish orb shining brightly as golden-coloured flames surrounded it burning with intensity, he braced himself before with great strength he mashed the orb apart to pieces as its contents flowed out of it, like the contents of an egg that has been broken, and he did not wait further as he quickly began to knead it together to form yet another orb.


    The entire process looked painful, every time he touched the orb even though he was unable to touch him physically he felt as if thousands upon thousands of ants biting at him drilling through his body but he would not falter, he continued doing it again and again and soon he fell in a trance as he became slowly numbed to the pain.


    Ryuu was jolted awake from the trance when he found himself flung from his initial position near his soul, as he looked at it his eyes widen, ''Wow so beautiful.''


    What mesmerized him was the large white orb that sparkled like a diamond and with white-hot flames surrounding it, it was breathtakingly beautiful, then he realized something that made him panic slightly, ''Wait a minute should I not move from Yellow to Yellowish-white not jump directly to Pure White stage how long have I been staying here and cultivating.''


    Frost Flames took a seat beside as she let out a sigh, it had been a month since Ryuu suddenly went into deep meditation, and then the reaction of many made her want to laugh aloud, after all as long as they have known Ryuu he always slept while claiming to be meditating and then all of a sudden one day they found him in deep meditation.


    Many including Zywia had at first thought he was once again faking it, but then when some of them dared to approach him they found themselves forcibly flung away from Ryuu because of various arrays that he had placed around it.


    ''Some array it is, some of them even claimed that Celestial would have difficulty in dealing with them, and then it happened.''


    She looked at the wall of dirt that separated them from Ryuu a wall of dirt that had been placed there hastily erected upon the frantic urging of Zywia, she still remembered the day that happened a month ago as if it too place momentarily.


    Zywia looked at the meditating form of Ryuu with her jaw wide open as Frost Flames spoke with a teasing tone to her, "Zywia, it is unbecoming of a lady to open her mouth wide enough for an entire cavern might fit in."


    Zywia closed her mouth with a click as she spoke annoyance in her voice, "Hey it is not my fault that he sudden��..", whatever she was going say she stopped as her face morphed with a look of horror in them as she let out a string of curses.


    Many were taken aback by her behaviour normally Zywia acted a bit brash sometimes but never had she seen her curse in such a way and look afraid, she then turned to look towards Ryuu as she frowned upon seeing his face rippling a bit as it slowly became more and more handsome.


    A pulse of power brought her out of her glazed state as a distressed Zywia was shouting out orders to them, "Put up a wall to block him from our view NOW!"


    Daniella looked taken aback as did many others as she spoke, "Zywia why are you acting as such?"


    "There is no time if you do not block him from our view, you all fall completely entranced by his looks and you will end up like lovesick puppies with a sick obsession about him, do you WANT THAT? If not hurry up fast."


    Zywia did not have to say anything as Frozen Ocean, moved her hand as water curtain of water rose to obscure the view, while Frost Flames froze it, they looked at each other with their face flushed and heart beating an incredibly fast.


    Frozen Ocean looked towards the now wall of ice that separated Ryuu as she spoke trying to regain her calm, "When that blithering idiot awakes from his meditation I am going to have some stern talking about what and what one should not do while meditating surely he has some sense not to lose control of his powers like that."


    As she turned towards others she saw many of the cultivators especially female looking with slight blushes on their face as one of them spoke, "He is not bad looking I do not see the need to cover him from our view."


    Zywia snarled as she spoke, "Sister that was him when he was solely losing control of his looks, Ryuu is so devastatingly handsome that he uses skills to tone down his looks otherwise you would get completely entranced with him, I have heard once when he was younger he had wandered into a village with covering his real face, and the villagers saw him, it was a disaster they killed each other off to reduce competition, fathers turned on their daughters, mothers turned on their sons and the whole ended up in a war zone within minutes, so please do not I repeat do not try to see his real face if you do not wish to be completely enamoured and obsessed with him like those villagers."


    Frost Flames knew that many were interested and would like to take a peak, including herself but she held herself back she had seen firsthand a glimpse of it from the statue back in the maze, and just the thought made her blush like a teenager but most importantly the felt insignificant in front of Ryuu, ''No that cannot be, I like him, and I would like to explore my feelings, and I do not want him to think I am after him just because of his looks.''


    A loud crack brought her out of her musing as she stood up and looked towards the Ice wall that was about to fall off, ''Did Ryuu wake up from his meditation? Wait what if he has forgotten reign in his looks, I do not want some competition.''


    "Brother Ryuu stop, please cover your face or use the technique you used to hide your real face, we were forced to erect the ice wall to protect us from getting enchanted by your looks."


    Ryuu stopped as he listens Frost Flames speaking from the other side of the already crumbling wall of ice, ''Damn it my control seemed to have slipped while I was cultivating my soul, what kind of an idiot I am I should have worn the mask.'', he closed his eyes briefly as he quickly engaged his technique as his face returned to the one that he generally showed outside his family.


    As the ice wall collapsed he was greeted by the smiling face of Frost Flames who gave him a slight back as she spoke, "Welcome back."


    Her words warmed his heart as he replied, "It is nice to be back, and so how long was I meditating?"


    "You were meditating a little over a month."


    Ryuu rubbed his chin at that before he spoke with a sigh, "Did anything interesting happen during this time?"


    Frost Flames nodded as she spoke, "Why don''t I escort you to others while I update you with the recent news."


    Ryuu nodded in acceptance as he began to walk beside her, while Frost Flames had decided to speak with a sigh, "The Preta Lok seemed to have come across a large city made up of stone, which was occupied by the indigenous species who were attacked and dealt off by them and now they are busy tearing the city apart stone by stone for any secrets that were hidden, bother True-Spear has found another place for us to move on to, with the majority favouring it we are ready to migrate there, we were just waiting for you to wake up from your meditation."


    Ryuu gave a small smile as he spoke, "Sorry for making you all wait for me."


    Frost Flames shook her head as she spoke, "No it is fine Ryuu, we are cultivators and we understand the need of cultivating sometimes, but pardon my rude behaviour but what were you cultivating you are already on the peak of Mystic Immortal Emperor, you know if you try moving to Celestial Level you would die in Eden."


    ''Pfft, me a ''Peak Mystic Immortal Emperor'', if only they knew that I am nowhere near the Peak, but I appreciate her concern.''


    "I was cultivating my soul."


    "Really brother Ryuu so were you successful?"


    Ryuu turned towards Zywia as he spoke with a small nod, "Of course I was successful and also I wish to apologize for forgetting about wearing my mask and losing control."


    Zywia simply nodded when all of a sudden a cultivator spoke with distress, "What do you mean you were cultivating your soul? Cultivating one''s soul is evil."


    Both Zywia and Ryuu looked at the speaker as if he had grown a second head while many amongst them were distressed a bit about hearing that and seeing their looks both Zywia and Ryuu wanted to scoff at their ignorance.


    Ryuu looked towards Zywia who simply shrugged as he began with a sigh, "Who told you that cultivating soul is evil?"


    "Every cultivator who follows the demonic path have to cultivate their soul."


    Ryuu looked at him with narrowed as he spoke, "Just like they follow KI refining and Body refining path, so that means that those paths are also evil?"


    The man scoffed at that as he spoke, "Of course not their path of cultivation always require sacrificing someone to advance themselves, and when they cultivate their souls they follow a similar pattern as such they are considered evil, I did not sacrifice someone so how is it evil."


    Zywia seeing the uncertainty in the person''s eyes decided to deliver the final blow, "I understand that you are sceptical about it but remember the soul is a vital part of our body and like how you have to refine ourselves to shed our mortal bindings to become cultivators without cultivating your soul you would not advance much further."


    "What do you mean?", a question came from their side as by then a small crowd formed listening to them intently.


    As Zywia continued her speech, "Well if you do not cultivate your soul it would get so difficult to advance beyond a Level 1 Celestial that it would seem impossible, and you should simply forget getting beyond Celestial, because you will never be able to, just like our body our soul is also needed to be shed off from the mortal bindings."


    "So if we start cultivating our soul now we can move faster through the Celestial realm and even move beyond it."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "Cultivating your soul is not easy it takes time, a great amount of time you have to do it slowly and carefully and given that you have not started cultivating it would take a lot of time and id it mentions it is very painful."


    At the word ''pain'', both Zywia and Ryuu visibly shuddered as they recalled their experience with cultivating their soul, but before anyone could say anything they were interrupted by a shout as a cultivator stumbled into their cavern with clear distress in his voice.


    "Daoist Brother Ryuu you have to help us, someone by the name of Devil Emperor Zikris has caught a few of us and are keeping them, hostage, he is asking for you, and he also threatens that for every half an hour deal he is going to kill them one by one."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen as he spoke with a snarl, "Show me where that mongrel is."


    The injured cultivator nodded as many decided to follow him as True-Spear spoke, "Brother Ryuu since he is after you try to distract him, while we rescue the hostages."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Sound idea, let us move fast they are in danger."


    COMMENT 0 comment VOTE 1 left SEND GIFT Load failed, please RETRY


    �� New chapter is coming soon ��Write a review Privileged


    More Privileged Chapters


    Download the app and become a privileged reader today! Come take a sneak peek at our author''s stockpiled chapters! Download Gifts--GiftReceivedSend Gifts Weekly Power Status See Who Voted -- Power Ranking -- Power Stone Vote Table of Contents Display Options


    Background default yellow dark


    Font Nunito Sans Merriweather


    Size


    Paragraph comments Chapter comments Write thought liked newest Author:


    ? 0){ %>Chapter :


    Author: Machine Translation


    Editor:

 Chapter 409 - Clash(Part-4)

    Ryuu followed the cultivator as did others slightly behind him, as his guide quickly whispered to him, "He is beyond that hill."


    Ryuu nodded as he turned towards others as he sent a nod, the group parted into two as one went towards a slightly different direction while Ryuu himself continued down the same direction.


    Zikris was getting impatient by the minute as well as enraged, a groan came from underneath his feet making gain a sadistic smile as he increased the pressure on the person as the sound of bone breaking came to his ears.


    "So you are Zikris?", a voice came to his ears as he looked up Zikris''s grin widened, only to turn into a snarl filled with anger, "Dog bark now, and tell me who gave you the permission to bask in my presence let alone demand it."


    True-Spear''s jaw dropped at that as he looked towards Zywia as he could not help but ask her out loud, "Is he touched in the head? Who antagonizes the enemy like that especially when that enemy has hostages?"


    Zywia shook her head as she whispered back heatedly, "Lower your voice, and how would I know, I knew he had an ego, most of us do but this narcissistic behaviour I do not know what is going on in his head."


    "No it is alright, he is simply psyching up the enemy.", the duo looked towards Frost Flames who was looking at Ryuu with interest in her eyes.


    Zikris growled as he spoke, "You dare I will��."


    Ryuu snorted at his threat as he spoke, "You what like those spineless weak brethren of yours you will now claim to rescue them I will have to cripple myself so that you being bad big brave cultivator would try to claim my head, and when you lose you will be at my knees licking and cry all over my shoes for mercy, I have done that dance many times to know about your kind."


    Stunned silence was heard as almost everyone gawked at Ryuu while the two hostages lying near Zikris feet had already given up their chances of staying alive, they had already steeled their heart for the inevitable while cursing Ryuu for getting them killed when all of a sudden the felt a powerful kick near their torso as they were flung away from him with great force.


    Zikris looked stunned for a moment as he watched his hostages that he had kicked away were snatched away before they would hit the ground as multiple cultivators surrounded him, his jaw dropped as he cursed out loudly before his body turned completely black as smoke bellowed surrounding as an unearthly roar came from his throat that seemed to push back others while Ryuu gave him a bored look, though inwardly he frowned, ''I hope I am not pushed to use my Divine Body in front of everyone.''


    "Hahaha very funny, very funny indeed ''Rain Sword'', you murderer, you caused my brother''s death, I will kill you then drink wine from your skull and then cash your head, after all, who wouldn''t want Twenty Five Low-grade Deva Crystals."


    A sharp intake of breath was heard from other cultivators, even for the Deva realm cultivators who looked Ryuu at new light, a Deva crystal could be used to purchase an entire planet, the planet may not be particularly rich in resources but still a planet is a planet and here stood a person who was worth twenty-five such planets.


    Ryuu grinned at him while inwardly he was furious, ''Damn him, now I have to double my security to prevent someone backstabbing me.''


    True-Spear turned towards Zywia as he spoke, "How did he get such a high bounty?"


    Zywia had a worried look on her face as she spoke, "I do not know.", while inwardly she was as worried as Ryuu, ''Damn that demonic bastard why did he have to announce Ryuu''s bounty like that, not to mention he dragged Ryuu here to fight him, that''s it we will overwhelm and deal with him then Ryuu will not have to go full power and get hurt.''


    Su-Min whistled lowly at that as she spoke, "Damn Zywia your friend is something else, first when I met he had an assassination attempt on him and now such a large bounty, just what is he?"


    Zywia did not say anything as she cast a worried look towards Ryuu only for her attention to be drawn towards Frozen Ocean who simply gave a small nod as she got ready along with her to help Ryuu.


    Ryuu studied Zikris a bit as he stood there ready to pounce on him, ''If only he were green and slightly shorter and smashed things around I would have asked for an autograph, I was such a big fan.''


    Ryuu simply send a mocking grin towards him as he spoke, "I killed your brother? Sorry but I tend not to remember every bug I crush."


    "HehehaHAHA, you are right I also don''t just like I will not remember you after I crush YOU!!!!!", with that he lunged at Ryuu with incredible speed.


    "Fast!", a wide-eyed Zywia exclaimed as Zikris reached Ryuu in the blink of an eye.


    Ryuu moved to the side as he dodged the extended hand of Zikris before he raised his legs in a circular motion then bringing it hard over Zikris''s shoulder, hard enough that Zikris flew like an arrow shot from the bow and hit the ground hard.


    ''Nice, since my soul has evolved sufficiently I can use soul-based attacks now, I just wished I had time to learn some techniques to attack properly all I have defensive and supporting technique, maybe I should check the technique that 3rd Mistress had given me and start learning it, all I can do now is to use it by mixing my soul energy with my other attacks.''


    A tremor ran through Zikris''s body as he stood up shakily, he was angry beyond belief as he growled out in anger, "You bastard! I will kill you.", only to be awarded by the mocking smile of Ryuu.


    ''How dare he gave me that look I will tear him from limb by limb make him beg for death.'', as Zikris planned various ways of killing Ryuu, Ryuu had vanished from his original position.


    "You are slow.", was all he heard before Zikris hunched over in pain as he felt the air leave his lungs while another haymaker sends him flying, Ryuu did not stop there as he followed closely after him taking a turn he backhanded him hard as Zikris bounced on the ground couple of times before he hit the side of the hill.


    Elmer whistled lowly as he spoke, "Damn he is fast."


    Meanwhile, Ryuu looked back at the back of his hand as he frowned, ''I got burned, that is impossible, I should not get burned unless it is some special kind of flame, then I have to be more careful.''


    A roar drew his attention only for him to feel a strong grip over his head, as he was dragged through the ground drawing trenches through it, a loud ''boom'' was heard as Zikris was flung off Ryuu a few distances away from him.


    Ryuu stood up his face rippling as he let out a growl as he watched the large mountain of pitch-black muscles was now lit aflame by a black flame that towered above his already massive height making him look much bigger as well as menacing especially all that was visible was his glowing white eyes.


    ''Ho he is quick to anger and what I know from the bounty information he is not that bright but he is dangerous nonetheless, I might have to show a bit of my real power and since a few of them were already looking at me like a prime piece of steak, I will have to remind them how dangerous I am.''


    Both Zywia and Frost Flames tried to move to help him only to stop as Ryuu shouted out loud to them, "Stay out of this."


    As if hearing his words Zikris bellowed as his tyrannical aura hit the surrounding area, it was as if a large explosion had occurred surrounding him which threw various debris high in the air, that slowly fell to the ground.


    Ryuu simply laughed at the display as he spoke, "You mentioned my bounty but you forgot the warning alongside, ''Anyone beneath Mid-level Celestial should not approach.''", with his speech being said Ryuu placed his mask over his face before he let lose his aura that seemed to push back Zikris if Zikris''s gave the feeling of destruction and cruelty, Ryuu''s felt more controlled, refined, regal and royal, but more importantly, it was much greater than Zikris, many times over.


    "I will teach you, trash why that warning was giving for me."

 Chapter 410 - Clash(Part-5)

    Zywia looked at Ryuu with her eyes wide, ''So this what mother and father said about standing by Pangu''s side you feel invincible, is it the same in Ryuu''s case but why do I not see the rumoured silhouette? Do not tell me this is his strength without the use of his Divine Body.''


    What Zywia did not know was that Ryuu was indeed using his Divine Body, but he had over the years managed to control it as much as possible, when he was younger he would rely on it too often for his current self''s liking as such he had worked hard to not become addictive to it and had managed to do so, but even after all the Divine Body his body as such how he could completely disregard it or turn it off, and it was only because of his mask that his companions were not able to see the torn pupil that he now sported.


    Ryuu knew that by quality and quantity he far surpassed his opponent after all his opponent was still a 9th rank Mystic Immortal Cultivator, whereas he was a step above, well he would have been two steps above him if only he could break the barrier that separated him from reaching the 11th rank, but he also knew that as his teacher always said that given a chance even a toddler can kill an Immortal.


    Zikris growled before he charged forward only for him to jump up as an army of swords charged at him with intent to skewer him, but he was not safe as he had to with great difficulty dodge the hail of spears, but he was unsuccessful as he received a few gnash on his body making him growl in pain and anger but he was not allowed to rest as Ryuu was already on top of him as more and more wounds appeared on his body.


    Jethrar sat beside Ithrura as he viewed the entire fight from a distance as he spoke, "That scrying ball of yours is amazing."


    Ithrura narrowed her eyes as she spoke, "He is good, but nothing exceptional so why is his bounty so high?"


    Jethrar drank from his goblet as he spoke, "Well he killed some very important people with an important background so I have been told but looks can be deceiving, not to mention I have never heard that he uses a spear."


    Ithrura bit her lips as she spoke, "Many cultivators would be jealous of him, those attacks look like Dao based."


    Jethrar nodded at that as he spoke, "They do not look like Dao based, they are Dao based, and to have such talent well he will make a fine addition to my collection."


    Ithrura nodded at that as she spoke, "Do you think you can win against him?"


    Jethrar snorted at that as he spoke looking towards Ithrura, "With my hands tied behind my back."


    Ithrura simply stared at him before she spoke with a shake of her head, "You do not use your hands but those corps��..", she looked at the orb with her eyes wide and seeing her stunning look Jethrar looked towards the orb as he widens as well.


    The reason for their stunned expression was no one else but Ryuu, who was looking not only directed towards them but waving as well, before he blew a flying kiss rather brazenly as bow appeared in his hand and the last thing they saw was him aiming towards them followed by a bright flash as the orb cracked.


    Jethrar blinked owlishly as he spoke, "What happened?"


    "He detected us, how did he detect us?", then the orb they were using fell apart, as Ithrura held her head as she screamed in anger, "Damn it, it was a loaned to me by my elder Martial sister what will I tell her now.", while Jethrar simply laughed at her misfortune.


    A few minutes ago Elmer tilted his head as he looked at Ryuu confused as he spoke with a frown on his face, "Huh, why did he stop?"


    Their confusion deepened even more as they watched Ryuu turn his back towards his enemy as Zywia shouted out in alarm, "What is he doing? Why is turning his back towards his enemy? Did the enemy use illusion or something like that?"


    Her words made many of the cultivators to feel a sense of dread as Frost Flames spoke with a snarl, "Enough is enough I am going to help him.", seeing him waving and sending a flying kiss towards the empty sky was more than enough but before she or any other could ask anything Ryuu fired a hail of arrows towards a certain spot in the air overlooking the battlefield, the arrows seemed to have struck a pane of glass which shattered and disappeared soon after.


    True-Spear frowned at that as he spoke, "What was that it looked like some form of glass?"


    "It is no glass True-Spear.", Shivering Saber spoke with distaste in his voice, "That was someone spying on us."


    "Damn them, that means this is a tra��..", whatever he was going to say was stopped as it seemed a storm had descended in the area, "RUN!!!!", a shout came from someone as every cultivator as they hastily moved away from the centre of the storm, a storm of fire, sword, spear, ice and poison.


    Ryuu had just finished dealing with the spying tool when Zikris attacked him from behind, he blocked using the body of the spear, before he began his assault, he knew that the current him cannot keep up for a long time as such he would have to make it big and fast, extremely fast.


    To Ryuu it felt as if he was fighting a mindless beast, he enjoyed a bit of banter during a fight but fighting against someone who only roared and screamed ''die'', well he did not like it, ''Now to block the view.''


    Zikris was always proud of his body he had worked hard to make it impenetrable, and he had managed to make it to the point that he had managed to survive a single blow from peak level Celestial, his blood was so acidic that according to him it would melt anything and everything that comes in contact with his blood.


    His vision was engulfed in searing heat, but his black flames made it bearable for him, he was covered in ice and again the flames melted them, but then he was electrocuted and it made his muscles spasm, his nerve to be frayed, but he did not stop he was like an unstoppable killing machine.


    Ryuu knew that by using all the elemental Dao he would be able to obstruct the view as such even if he was forced to use his Divine body they would not be able to see him, as such he rained barrages upon barrages of weapon strike on Zikris''s body, while evading any attempts on Zikris''s behalf to even touch, but at the same time he was not making any significant damage, even the smallest of cuts had yet to appear.


    ''I have to finish it fast, I have to hit him harder, with more POWER!!!'', Ryuu yelled inside his head as he pushed himself to the limit, his muscles burned and protested but he did not stop he would have to kill the enemy in front of him and he did not wish to employ his Divine Body to do so.


    "MOVE!!!!!", a shout came as large swords appeared from the storm of elements cutting deep gorges on the land.


    "What is he thinking?, an irritated yet fearful shout came from Devaraj as he dodged the large sword attacks, attacks that were pure Sword Force, the pressure generated itself seemed to cut the air in half as an unstoppable gargantuan being seemed to cleave the land using sword making every cultivators'' heartbeat increase in fear and anticipation.


    A loud explosion followed, as a burning body shot out as it bounced on the ground and finally stopping, it then tried to make the futile attempt to but it proved to be difficult without its legs and hand, and then all of a sudden a smaller figure appeared directly on top of it, as the figure landed on top of the still-burning figure a sickening crunch was heard while the fire was snuffed out.


    As everyone got a good look at the figures a few of them had the eyes widen slightly as the Deva realm cultivators gawked in disbelief, as they saw the squirming figure of what used to Zikris inside a small crater which had formed after Ryuu landed on top him breaking his back, and then a swift swing of his sword separated Zikris''s head from his body killing him.


    As Ryuu turned around to leave the fire had been snuffed out roared back once again as it started to consume Ryuu''s prey, while he removed his mask a small smile blossomed on his face as he spoke, "Well since there is nothing left for us to do, let us move on to our new base where I would wish to take a nap, after all meditating for so long made my back feel a bit stiff."


    Elmer could not stay calm any longer as he spoke, "How? How did manage to kill him, I remember distinctly how he shrugged off any attacks that was dealt on him, I remember him crushing my brethren with his bare hands, and yet here are you not only burned the person who was surrounded by fire but also seemed to cut off his arms."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Well we can do twenty questions later, as there is a chance that others might come here searching for him and I do not think you all would want to pick a fight with more of their soldiers."


    They send one last look towards the deceased body that was almost ash by then and another look at the still burning and freezing crater, which had electrical anomaly appearing at random, truly a scene depicted from some form cataclysmic event, not to mention the gouges all around before they all left towards their new home without a word.

 Chapter 411 - Sneaking Past (Part-1)

    Ithrura looked at what was the last known location of Zikris as she sighed, "This place does not look like as if a cataclysm had taken place, I can still taste the Rain Sword''s KI, and even though he is not here I am feeling goosebumps all over my body."


    Jethrar looked a bit troubled as he looked at the result of the battle, the place looked as if a cataclysm had taken place, the ground was melted, frozen in places, then looked as if lightning had struck the area and from what Ithrura had said there were faint traces of poison used as well, he looked at the deep trenches on the soil, ''Must be from his sword-based attacks, I saw him pull out a spear then a bow, but unfortunately how he did he fare against Zikris, whether he fought him single-handedly just as he had said he would or used others help is unknown and I hate unknown, but most importantly where is the body of Zikris, I can have some use for him after I repair him and add him to my collection.''


    "We found Lord Zikris''s ashes.", his musings were cut short when one of his subordinates informed him of their recent findings.


    The duo quickly moved towards the resting place of Zikris and they were greeted with the signs of still-smouldering ashes and from the initial inspection it turned out to be that of Zikris.


    Ithrura cast a glance towards Jethrar as she spoke, "After the orb broke it took us five minutes to reach this place and in that amount of time, Rain sword not only dealt with Zikris but he left with others as well, we do not know how the fight went nor do we know anything about his fighting styles, his weaknesses so do you still think you can defeat him easily."


    Jethrar waved his hand dismissing her concern as he spoke, "A minor setback, after all, what can he do against such large numbers, it was minor setback nothing more nothing less, and no matter how strong and skilled he is, we will overwhelm him with our superior numbers easily."


    Ithrura frowned at his words as she spoke, ???He is tricky, you should not underestimate him, and he did not get some high bounty just like that."


    Jerthrar narrowed his eyes as he spoke, "What got you so spooked about him?"


    Ithrura narrowed her eyes as she looked at Zikris as she spoke with a frown on her face, "Zikris had the blood of Fiendgod in his veins, he controlling fire was as easy as breathing for him, not to mention his immunity towards the fire, yet he was turned to ash, his body could take a beating so how did he die? What caused his death? There are so many questions but we do not have any answers to it."


    Jerthrar quietly listened to her as he nodded in agreement as he spoke, "Did you find out how he managed to detect that we were spying on him."


    Ithrura snarled as she spoke with anger in her voice, "I have no idea and I do not like it."


    Jerthrar bit his lips as he spoke with a frown, "For once I am in agreement I do not like it."


    Meanwhile, Ryuu was sitting with his back against the wall, while others had surrounded him, he simply wanted to lie down and rest, his body was suffering from bouts of pain yet he had to put up a smile and speak with others."


    "Brother Ryuu, I have a question?"


    A sentence that made Ryuu groan inwardly, ''I have been answering ''a question'' after question, I am getting annoyed is this some kind of torture technique!'', he somehow managed to ask with a smile on his face, "What is it, fellow Daoist brother?"


    "Zikris had a bounty right?", Ryuu nodded at that wondering where he was going to as the questioner continued to speak, "So how do you collect it?"


    "Well the best way is to bring proof of their death and the best proof is to bring their dead body or parts of their body like head."


    Many of his listeners were listening attentively when one of them spoke with a frown, "But you did not take his head or his body, he was worth Five Deva Crystals."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes I know but I am not too fond of carrying dead bodies in my space ring and also it is Five ''Low'' Grade Deva Crystals."


    The same person who gawked at him in disbelief as Ryuu with a sigh, "Did you all not bag lots of Plaesten already? You have enough to get a good few Deva crystals."


    Devaraj frowned as he spoke, "Ryuu how much do they pay you in the army?"


    Ryuu looked at him with a smile on his face as he spoke, "Why do you wish to join the army?"


    Devaraj shrugged as he spoke, "Well maybe but before joining I have to know what I am getting into."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Well enough, the army recruits from various level of cultivators from simple mortals to immortals like us, the army takes the responsibility of your cultivation, that means you will be provided with the resources.", at his words Ryuu found many of the cultivators were interested, ''Who wouldn''t be if they can get resources easily, unlike Zywia and me most of them had to fight tooth and nail for even the smallest piece of resource to further their cultivation.''


    "By resource I mean, pills, techniques and all those things, but there is also a merit system in place, yes you will receive resource but it will never be enough as such your have to perform various tasks according to your cultivation level which might range from working in the kitchen, in logistics, or in the creation of pills, weapon and armour making amongst many things the more dangerous work you accomplish the better the reward."


    One of them nodded as he spoke, "Oh it is just like the sect, they give you just the basic but if you want the real sweet stuff you have to work for it."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Exactly it is as such."


    Zywia clapped her hand drawing everyone''s attention towards her as she spoke, "Well today was extremely exciting especially for Ryuu so why don''t we all rest a bit, and then you can all ask him your questions."


    Many nodded in agreement as Ryuu send Zywia a small grateful nod at that.


    As the others wandered a bit away from Ryuu, Zywia spoke with a small smile, "That was a nice fight."


    Ryuu simply gave her a small nod before he closed his eyes as he fell asleep while posing as if he was in deep meditation.


    Both Zywia and Frozen Ocean shared a discreet glance with each other, they might not have managed to help Ryuu shake off the various questions that were thrown towards him at the beginning and rest, but they have managed to do so for the time being.


    Deciding to give him some space the duo moved away from him as did the others who were of their group as they were a good few distances away from Ryuu, True-Spear spoke with a frown, "Hey Zywia, if I remember correctly your brother is in the army correct."


    Before Zywia could speak Su-Min spoke with a smirk on her face, "Why brother True-Spear, do you wish to impress her brother by joining the army."


    AS True-Spear spluttered at that Zywia spoke with a mock glare, "Sister Su-Min stop embarrassing him."


    She then turned her attention towards True-Spear as she spoke with a smile, a smile that made True-Spear feel a bit giddy, "So what do you wish to ask of me."


    "Well I wanted to join the army, so can you please tell us how to do it."


    Before True-Spear''s embarrassment would have increased even further by the hands of Su-Min, Frost Flames who had been quiet for some time now she spoke with a small smile, "Brother you should forget it, you know how our teacher coddles us, he would never agree to it."


    True-Spear huffed at that as he spoke, "So what I will simply run away to join the army."


    Zywia giggled a bit drawing attention towards her as others looked at her in confusion she controlled herself as she spoke, "Sorry I was reminded of a Ryuu, his family did not wish for him to join the army as such he ran away from home and enlisted in the army."


    Upon hearing that many of them had a small smile on their face as Amnon spoke with a nod, "That is so Ryuu like, I do not think he is the type to listen to anyone."


    Zywia nodded at that with a small smile on her face as she spoke, "So true."

 Chapter 412 - Sneaking Past (Part-2)

    "With the help of Daoist Brother Iolranth of Deva realm, Sister VanishingShadow and Brother BlackThorne by risking their life and soul have managed to gather information about the location of Preta Realm cultivators'' camps."


    "Of all the camps this camp on the east side of the gate to the seventh level is not only the lowest in number but at the same time it is the nearest, according to their information there are seven cultivators from the Deva realm kept as hostage amongst them."


    "The entire group of cultivators from Preta Realm can be divided into three factions, they are each led by Devil Emperor Jethrar, Devil Empress Ithrura, Devil Emperor Zikris and since Brother Ryuu has already killed Devil Emperor Zikris, his group is now being divided and assimilated into the other two groups, as such their group is in a state of chaos and as such I believe it would be a good idea to attack that small group now.".


    As Chianyu finished his presentation, Ryuu smiled inwardly at that, ''Chianyu needs a projector and laser pointer and then he would have been perfect.''


    "Brother Chianyu", Frost Flames spoke while drawing attention towards her as she continued in her usual cold manner, "What is the strength of this group?"


    Chianyu acknowledged her with a nod as he spoke, "From what our esteemed fellow cultivators have managed to gather, the camp is around thirteen hundred in strength."


    As he spoke the numbers the group broke into furious discussions, as Chianyu spoke trying to calm them down, "Please be silent.", as silence descended in the cavern, Chianyu spoke again, "I know many of you have many questions so for the time being please calm down and let Brother Elmer inform you all about the plan."


    Elmer gave a small bow towards Chianyu as he spoke, "Thank you Brothers Chianyu for the wonderful summarization of the situation, now what we are about to do is��."


    As he droned on about the plan Ryuu turned him off, ''I hate such meetings they are so boring.''


    As he lost his attention at the meeting his mind wandered back to his latest dream that he had, since he had received ''Genesis'' these dreams have been more and more frequent, sometimes he had the same dream but sometimes it was different like the dream he had when he was sleeping ''ahem'' meditating after the fight.


    It felt so nice, and warm as the small child opened his eyes he was greeted by the smiling face of the most beautiful creature that he had ever seen, and she was smiling down at him, her black hair cascading down like a waterfall, amongst them were red strands of hair that looked like blood being mixed, the person looked at him with relief as she spoke, "That was some wakening of your Divine Body, I have never seen something like that��.", as the woman rambled on and on the child tilted his head in confusion.


    The woman blushed at that as she spoke, "Ahh, where are my manners, my name is....."


    Ryuu never heard the name as every time he was forced to wake up and left wondering but then the latest dream was a bit different.


    The child hid behind the woman as they were surrounded by angry people, bigger than those ''meanie'' as the child was calling his attackers and they were dangerous and angrier than the bear who was always covered in fire, and it scared him.


    "Surrender yourself and that demon behind you woman, if you know what is good for you."


    The woman in question simply laughed at the man, a sound that the child found to be extremely pleasant for some reason.


    "Really and if I don''t what will you do suck on your thumb and throw a tantrum, get lost you are scaring my disciple."


    The child watched in wonder as the big ''meanie''s'' face turned purple as he bellowed in anger, "How dare you wrench speak to me like that, I am��.."


    "A nobody in some backwater and unimportant region of the universe that no one would care, now stop whining and SCRAM!!"


    Later on, the child would learn some very important things like what is a ''teacher'' and what does the word ''disciple'', but most importantly for the first someone, he would receive his name.


    The woman who called herself as his teacher kneeled in front of him as she gave a small pat on his head as she spoke, "Every child deserves a name as such I would call you��.."


    Just the thought that at the end he had failed to learn his name as he woke up, made him feel extremely annoyed.


    ''If only I can learn my name then maybe I can find out about the rest. I have so many questions yet I have yet to find any answers.''


    "....and with this we would succeed. So are there any questions?"


    As Elmer finished his speech or as Ryuu classified it in his head as ''Elmer''s battle plan 101'', Ryuu had many questions in his mind with the most important being, ''Can you please repeat the entire thing? I kind of lost focus and as such I have missed the entire thing.'', but unfortunately he cannot say that out loud just decided to listen to others and maybe get an idea or two.


    "Daoist Brother Ryuu, what do you think about the plan?"


    Ryuu looked towards True-Spear he had the urge to bash True-Spear''s head for drawing attention towards him, as he spoke with a faux smile on his face, "It sounds great Brother True-Spear."


    As such a couple of hours later the group was slowly creeping towards their prey, a solitary group that was a tad bit away from the rest, although they had all agreed to attack, Ryuu was not excited about it, he wanted to wait and learn a bit more about them, and not to poke a hornet''s nest like they were about to do.


    ''Hmm, maybe if I plan some form of diversion, it might cause their attention to be drawn towards it.''


    "Ryuu you have been quiet for some time now, are you alright?", Frost Flames words brought him from his musings.


    He turned to face her as he spoke with a reassuring smile, "I am fine, just a bit worried about the plan, so many things could happen.", the last part he whispered so low that only frost flames were able to hear him.


    Upon hearing that Frost Flames could not help but ask out, "Why is that Ryuu?"


    Ryuu looked at the eager looking Elmer as he spoke, "Look at Elmer, he is already walking on cloud nine, I hope you may understand why."


    Frost Flames frowned for a moment before she spoke with a gasp, "I understand where you are going, you are afraid we are about to poke a hornet''s nest and from the looks of it Elmer is too eager to poke it."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke with a small smile, "You took the words out of my mouth, it was what I was thinking about we are about to kick a hornet''s nest, and as for Elmer I understand and sympathize but at the same time I cannot condone his actions, actions that would see us dead."


    "Why did you not voice your concern before we all ventured forth into this mission, Ryuu?"


    Ryuu simply blushed as he tried to hide the fact that he could not have voiced any concern as he had not paid any attention to it and it was now coming to bite him back with vengeance.


    "Well, it recently occurred to me the foolishness of our actions.", Ryuu somewhat managed to stammer out an excuse as Frost Flames giggled at his words.


    "Please Ryuu you do not have to make any excuse, I was by your side the entire time and I noticed you instead of paying attention to the meeting were daydreaming."


    Ryuu ducked his head trying to hide his embarrassment, ''Damn it, how many of my fellow cultivators noticed it''.


    He was brought out of his embarrassment and self-pity as Frost Flames spoke with a serious tone in her voice, "So what are we going to do."


    Ryuu frowned as he looked towards Elmer before he spoke with a sigh, "There is nothing for us to do now, but keep up our guard and act accordingly and improvising as the situation develops."

 Chapter 413 - Sneaking Past (Part-3)

    Xughez, sighed as he looked at his men, it had been some time since the news about the death of their Lord Zikris had reached his ears, and since then he was anxious as well as afraid, Zikris may have been a bit hot-headed but at the end of the day he was a lot better than the other two, at the very least he cared about his men not use them like some disposable chess piece, and now he is dead and he was told to wait before his unit would be divided between the two.


    Since the time he had heard about Zikris''s death, he had suspected something afoul at work but he could not prove anything not to mention he was sure that the moment he speaks about this suspicion, he would be dead, after all, many would love to take his place and his share of the loot as such he was forced to swallow his anger and keep his mouth shut.


    As he contemplated on what to do and in what direction his life would lead, a sudden shout came from his men as he quickly stepped out of his tent, he was greeted with purplish mist that made him feel dizzy and he collapsed shortly.


    A few minutes ago, Ryuu and his group of fellow cultivators had made their way towards the base of their enemies, the base which was situated on completely flat land as such no matter the direction of the approach they would have been noticed a long time ago, but due to the ingenious use of various array they were able to approach them with relative ease, though their approach was not a walk the park either as they had to disarm various kinds of traps along the way.


    A distance away from the base Elmer gave a small nod as one of his fellow cultivators of Deva realm threw small balls towards the base, it detonated upon impact as a purple colour mist covered most of the base, upon seeing that he gave a satisfied nod as he spoke with a smile on his face, "Good now let us charge!!"


    With a roar from the cultivators charged against the camp, but the Manushya realm was a bit half-hearted in their attempt compared to the Deva realm, at first they were eager for a fight as seeing Ryuu''s battle a few days ago which had lit their blood aflame but that had changed to a bit of annoyance mixed with exasperation as Elmer a person who was not even from their realm had begun to command them and they refused to follow him anymore.


    Ryuu''s group descended as soon as their initial bombardment of poisonous bombs took place, whoever inhaled them were paralyzed as they fell on the ground, sound tactics as it had managed to reduce the enemy forces drastically, but it was not without a flaw, the air was blowing away from them was the only reason they have not succ.u.mbed to the poison, and even if the enemy cultivators were poisoned that did not mean that they could not attack amongst them were many KI practitioners who did not need to move physically to attack and they held their ground well, but the most dangerous flaw was that they even got their hostages paralyzed.


    Ryuu clicked his tongue in annoyance as he waved his hands as half a dozen short swords flew and tore open his opponents before they return forming a circle behind him, as another six similar swords joined them.


    Pierce, slash, cut, the kick was all that Ryuu did as he was joined by Frost Flames, who stood back to back with him, complimenting his fighting style with a smirk on her face, they fought like a well-oiled machine to the point it amazed Ryuu.


    ''I do not know whether she might be able to keep up with me if I was to go all out, but I am enjoying fighting side by side with her.''


    Ryuu stabbed a person with his spear, as Frost Flames took off the head of the enemy who was behind him before they turned back to back cutting down another set of enemies.


    "We are taking too much time.", Frost Flames growled out in anger, her voice was full of worry as Ryuu could not help but out in the agreement.


    "We have to pick space, otherwise the sound of our battle would draw the other groups and it would be the death of us.", Ryuu spoke with complete agreement, before he spoke with a groan, "That idiot is busy killing Preta realm cultivators, he should focus on rescuing his brethren first otherwise��..", Ryuu gave a deadpanned look on his face as he stared at the scene in front of him.


    Frost Flames growled as she spoke, "I have half a mind to beat some sense on his head, now because of the idiot we have a hostage situation, and we are wasting time not to mention others might notice."


    Ryuu snorted at that as he spoke, "That is a given, but I failed to understand how did others notably True-Spear and Chianyu agreed to his idiotic plan."


    Frost Flames narrowed her eyes as she looked towards her Martial brother as she spoke, "That idiot claimed that they were going to get some form of super-secret concoction that would make the enemy useless, those two should have thoroughly probed and prodded them before agreeing."


    Ryuu growled as he looked at the horizon towards where the other camps of their enemies were present, he could spot a large amount of black dots coming from that direction, which made him swear as he looked towards the Preta realm cultivator who held one of the Deva realm cultivators in front of hostage and from the looks of it Elmer and his group was hesitating to attack, ''Damn it those idiots are goings to get us all killed.''


    Ryuu quickly went and kneeled on the ground, with the sun behind him, a considerable shadow formed as he sent his short swords through his shadow, the Preta realm cultivator did not get time to blink as he was skewered by the swords tearing him apart before they flew back to him.


    "What the hell are you doing? Is this how you are going to rescue the rest of your people.", Ryuu showed at Elmer his face showing barely restraint anger but before he could say anything Ryuu simply waved him off as he spoke, "Forget it, you all are going to carry your injured companions and we are leaving NOW!!!"


    With his peace said Ryuu took the sky as Frozen Ocean joined his side but not before she shouted out, "What are you all waiting, look at the horizon we have already poked the hornet''s nest if you wish to do, then stay back and do so but without dragging others."


    The Manushya did not to be said twice as they followed after them without asking, the Deva realm stood there gawking with a few enraged at their disrespect but they soon followed after him carrying their newly rescued but injured fellow cultivators.


    "Ryuu do you have a plan?", Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Tell others to follow it to the letter."


    A few minutes ago Unanresh lay on her bed as she looked at the ceiling of her tent, her leader Jethrar had ventured out with a small group of his men and as did Ithrura leaving her in charge, ''Charge, yeah right, it is clearly some nefarious plot of their, when they return they would find something amiss and cause trouble for me, I hate them if only I had access to resources as they were I would have become a Celestial by now, I hate them and now I am bored.''


    "Lady Unanresh there has been an emergency."


    Those words made her jump up from her bed as she spoke hurriedly, "What happened?"


    "There has been an attack on cam��.", as she heard the news her eyes widen as a gleam of excitement appeared in her eyes as she ordered the messenger, "Arouse everyone we are going to hunt down those wretched cultivators."


    The messenger gawked at her as he spoke "But we we��.", only to choke as if someone had their hands wrapped around not only his head but was effectively squeezing his vital organs while Unaresh looked at him with unbridled fury as she spoke, "Go and arouse everyone, I will not tolerate my brethren dying because someone requested it because of some sick humour."


    As such a few minutes later she found herself standing with almost all of the Preta realm cultivators behind her back as she glared at the invisible shield that stopped them from venturing forth and chasing after the attackers as she bellowed out loud, "Destroy that shield now! We will move to the next level, capture them and teach them the folly of messing with us."


    Her words were greeted with loud cheers as they eagerly began their attack to clear their path to the next level and catch Ryuu and his group.

 Chapter 414 - Sneaking Past (Part-4)

    Suran yawned as he looked at the queue in front of him, Lady Unanresh had ordered them to deploy and they had done so, he was the lowest of the low only a 7th rank Mystic Immortal Emperor, as such he who was nowhere near the power totem pole had only one thing in his mind, that was to survive by hook or crook, he was a grunt to the major power holders who were present here and he knew that he might one day lose his life because a certain big shot woke up on the wrong side of the bed.


    ''Why did I decide to venture into this wretched place when I am such a low-level cultivator compared to them, me and my rotten luck, I doubt there would be anyone as foolish as I am.''


    That was his last thought before he felt a sharp pain, and his vision went blank, meanwhile, a certain someone whose name was Zywia sneezed out loud drawing a glare from everyone present.


    Unanresh cursed at her luck, at first there was a barrier that prevented them stepping into the seventh level and when they did manage to step into the seventh they were again stopped by another barrier which they had to break to step forward and she knew that she had lost valuable time while doing so, and time was what her prey needed now the entire reason she had ordered the camp to break was meaningless.


    ''I will not accept defeat so easily, I am going to find them and kill them.'', and with that thought in mind, she pushed forward.


    Ryuu looked at the scene in front of him with a smile, as he gave himself a mental pat on his back for successfully pulling the wool over their enemies'' eyes."


    With his victim''s body was safely stored inside his space ring as he sank into the shadows before he moved to the next one.


    A few minutes before the arrival of Unanresh, Ryuu led his companions directly towards the portal but instead of following Elmer''s plans, he turned and quickly spoke towards his fellow companions.


    "Deploy the illusion array make it look like we are crossing over to the other side."


    The cultivators who were given the responsibility of operating the array simply gave him a nod as they began working on their magic, while he haphazardly threw a couple of talisman around while a few of them went passed the portal.


    Elmer looked at him furiously as he spoke, "What are you doing?"


    Ryuu simply sent him an unimpressed look as he spoke, "Saving the life of my companions, if you wish to carry on with your plan please fill free to do so, my companions and I would prefer a different path."


    Elmer looked stunned at that before he noticed that the Deva realm cultivators were following Ryuu''s instructions without complaining as such he held his tongue and decided to follow Ryuu''s instructions as well.


    "We are done with that Brother Ryuu, to onlookers, it would look like we all ran to the seventh floor, now what."


    Ryuu looked at his fellow cultivators as he spoke, "Well now follow me closely but remember not to drop the array no matter what."


    He then lead the groups towards the direction of their approach before stopping a good few distances away before he let loose dozens of talismans which was swirling around them before he slammed his hand on the ground, the talisman glowed as a blue-coloured barrier surrounded them, upon seeing it Ryuu let out a satisfied smirk as he spoke, "Well with this barrier in place, they will never be able to detect us and now we move to the next phase."


    With that, he went towards the side as he snapped his finger and partition wall appeared obscuring their view, as a few seconds later Ryuu stepped out dressed as a normal Preta realm cultivator''s armour not to mention he had a matching mask to go along with it.


    "I hope that some of you are already carrying the armours that we have received by killing them, so what are you all waiting to wear them."


    At his words a few of them enthusiastically went to change wear the armour of the Preta realm cultivators, it was as if Heaven was looking after them, each cultivator whether they be from Deva or Manushya wore armour that they prefer, but the Preta realm was different they had generalized armour design, as a result, most of them except a few wore similar armour and some of them even had a mask covering their face, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise for them, as it would help them to blend in properly.


    Ryuu meanwhile looked at a few who had a look of embarrassment on their faces, chief among them was Zywia.


    ''I should have known, she had thrown away the armour, also there was no reason for her to keep them until and unless they prefer to take some kind of trophy.''


    "You do not have any armour?"


    Zywia simply gave a small nod as Ryuu spoke with a sigh, "Well since none of us had any idea that we might need their armour I can understand so how many of you require them."


    "Brother Ryuu, I think there are seventy of us who require the armour, as for the Deva realm I do not know."


    As Zywia spoke one of the Deva realm cultivators raised his hand to draw attention towards him as he spoke, "Well I do not need any armour I have a couple that I can use.", he looked over others from his group before he spoke with a tired sigh, "Well from the looks of it you need to bring at least Fifty-six sets."


    Ryuu inwardly grimaced at that as he left the safety of the barrier, then he proceeded towards the nearest unit of Preta realm cultivators while suppressing his KI to a much lower level and acting as discreet as possible, he found his first prey a cultivator who was little away from the group and without even a hint of vigilance.


    As soon as the person died, a small smile appeared on his lips, ''Well one down over a hundred to go.''


    A few minutes later Ryuu was in a quandary, ''Damn it, it is taking too long and if I do not make a move fast they would crossover to the other side I have managed to take out the stragglers but the rest are in groups as such I have to be careful and fast, not to mention searching for perfect target and running from one end to another is proving to be a chore, I will get a couple of more armours and the rest can use illusion to hide, but then many would think I was unable to plan properly, damn it screw it all.''


    Upon finishing the rant in his head Ryuu simply stepped towards the nearest shadow as he stepped into it, he was quickly swallowed as he disappeared through it.


    Frost Flames had an anxious look on her face, it had been some time since Ryuu had left and he has yet to return, they saw him take down a couple of cultivators before he seemed to have disappeared in the crowd.


    "Zywia there is something that I wish to the task of you.", those simple words spoken out of Su-Min''s mouth turned to be the exact distraction that she needed.


    As she gave her undivided attention to the duo but a scowl formed soon after as she saw the similar form of attention given by others, ''Can they not stop eavesdropping on others.''


    Unlike her, Zywia did not pay any heed to her surrounding as she spoke with a smile, "What is it Su-Min?"


    "Well during the skirmish I happen to see Ryuu, sending his swords through his shadow and they reappeared skewering the Preta realm cultivator, do you know what it was I have never seen such a thing."


    Zywia gave a small nod as she began to speak, "Ah, I know it is a special technique one of his Older Sisters had developed and is used by ''Woj��''"


    "Zywia, hold your tongue least I silence you for blabbing out my family''s secret out in the open."


    A voice thundered as it came with an insane burst of Killing intent, as Zywia went chalk white then she looked a bit sick, as True-Spear appeared in front of Zywia standing guard as he spoke, "Ryuu if you touch a hair of her head I will tear you apart."


    The tension was so thick that it could be cut with a knife, Zywia looked distressed at that as Ryuu simply snorted at his threat as he spoke with a mocking edge in his voice, "How cute."


    "Brother Ryuu I apologize and thank you for stopping me from creating such an error of colossal stature, I can convey how ashamed I am for acting as such.", an embarrassed Zywia bowed deeply as she apologized to Ryuu.


    True-Spear looked distressed at that as he went by her side to support her while sending a glare towards Ryuu who sighed as he began to speak in a grave tone, "Sister Zywia you are older than me as such you should know about blurting out extremely important and sensitive information about your allies so easily."


    Zywia nodded with a sombre look on her face as Ryuu produced the freshly killed corpses of the Preta realm cultivator as he spoke, "Well what are you waiting for change into those armours quickly we do not have much time left."


    As the rest changed their armours, Ryuu''s eyes narrowed as he looked at Zywia briefly, ''What is wrong with her, no matter how careless and unreliable she may look like there is no way she would blurt out such information like that, I smell something foul, I have to speak with her as soon as possible.''

 Chapter 415 - Icy Grave(Part-1)

    Ryuu shivered not out of fright but cold it was so cold that he was sure that even his blood, the blood of a near peak Mystic Immortal Emperor seemed to be freezing from the insane cold.


    ''Brrrr�� I should not have tried to move to the next level, it is so cold it is even colder than the ''Ice Abyss'' back home.''


    ''Ice Abyss'' was a part of Ayindril that Ryuu had been taken to by his master, he had stayed there for an entire day, and he swore never to return, though at the same time he met several familiar faces there, maids who were serving sentences for not being able to protect him during his hunt all those years.


    Ryuu looked at those people living in such a cold and dreadful place as he could not help but ask out, "Teacher why are they here?"


    Celestia looked at him with a kind smile on her face, a smile that made his hair rise at the back of his neck as she spoke, "Well you remember you got eaten by an Imoogi that was not even an Immortal, an ant compared to those idiots over there, well they failed to protect you as such they are serving some punishment which would be over sometime within the next decade I believe."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen as he spoke with alarm, "Are they here since then?"


    Celestia nodded as Ryuu began to speak, "But that is not right, they..", he gulped upon seeing Celestia looking at him with one of her brows raised, gathering his courage he quickly spoke, "They are here because you all know what is right, how silly of me to question such a correct decision.", he finished with a nervous laugh.


    Celestia simply smiled at him as she patted his head as she spoke, "Well since you understand let us move to the next destination since we volunteered to help our 1st mistress some precious herbs and we cannot waste time as they are needed urgently.


    Ryuu nodded as he spared one last look at the maids that were being punished, as his teacher''s voice came to his ears, "Ryuu you are not strong enough to fully withstand the cold without me partially shielding it from you so try to keep up with me."


    Upon hearing a certain word Ryuu could not help but ask out loud, "'' Partial''? Do you mean to say you can fully protect me from the cold?"


    Celestia smirked at him as she spoke, "Of course who do you think I am."


    Ryuu''s jaw hung open as he spluttered at that, "B-but why?"


    "No pain no gain dear, now move fast."


    "S-so da-da-damn co-cold, w-we have t-to fi-find �Csh-shelter, or we would d-d-die.", a severely shaking Zywia somehow manage to stutter which finally broke Ryuu from his reminiscing.


    Ryuu looked at her as he winced upon seeing her face as Zywia''s face was showing signs of hypothermia, ''Damn it we have to find shelter soon, the night is approaching without shelter and proper warmth we would all die.''


    His eyes then fell on the clear white snow below, as he let out a tired sigh, ''I am already feeling numb on my face, and the snow is so hard none of us can dig in to create some form of an igloo, not to mention most of our KI is spent trying to keep us warm and safe for the time being.''


    "Cave, Ca-Cave, over the-there.", a shout came as one of the cultivators spotted a cave as many broke into excited chatter before they pulled out there weapons, it would not do them any good if they suddenly stumbled upon a lair of some dangerous beast and dying.


    Ryuu nodded at that he was in no condition to even speak as he simply nodded his head as the group dashed towards the cave.


    As they entered the cave the smell of blood and decay hit their nose, as they became instantly alert dreading the confrontation ahead.


    Ryuu grimaced as he saw the cave mouth was only big enough to let a group of four enter at a time side by side, and the height was not that much, to begin with.


    ''What kind of creature could be found here, in this place?''


    His answers came in the form of small cute growl, the growl that made the group tensed before their eyes fell on what looked like to be the most adorable, cuddliest and cutest of soft toy a child would love to have, brought to life in front of them.


    Everyone tensed as they saw the beast, a beast that they knew too well, a ''Cryo cougar'', it suddenly opened its mouth wide as it glowed with white light only for multiple arrows to pierce through it, completely turning his head too small bits and pieces.


    As Ryuu and Devaraj lowered their bows, as Devaraj spoke with mocking tone in his voice, "So much for a Mid Level Mystic Immortal trash."


    Ryuu snorted at that as he spoke, "Well we have to keep an eye for any more, the cave is deep let us check it out, I hope it would be the shelter we desperately need."


    Devaraj nodded as he along with two others followed after Ryuu as he went deeper into the bowels of the cave.


    The group went inside the cave when all of a sudden the cave had a sudden incline, while the temperature dropped even further.


    Devaraj looked at the dark bowels of the cavern spoke after he somehow managed to control his shivering, "We are going inside a cave, and a cave that is going down so why is it so cold, should the temperature not rise."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Well it would if it were not for the fact that there might be some form of treasure down there or some extremely dangerous creature that is the cause of this we have to be careful, though if anyone of you wishes to substitute with someone who has a better tolerance to cold fell free to do so."


    As Ryuu peered down, the two cultivators that had decided to follow him backed out as one of them spoke, "Well I will go and find someone to take our place."


    Ryuu simply nodded at them as the two left towards the entrance of the cave to get someone else to take their place.


    As the two reached the entrance the others looked at them with expectant eyes making them wince a bit as one of them cleared his throat as he began to speak, "Well we found a ''Cryo cougar'', it was killed by Daoist Ryuu and Devaraj, they decided to venture a bit into the cave, which by the way is large enough to shelter us all, but as we ventured forth it went deeper into the earth and it became cold, too cold for us to bear, as such we returned to substitute with someone who would like to venture forth with them."


    True-Spear frowned at that as he spoke, "So there can be another creature or a treasure."


    The duo nodded as the speaker continued, "Yes that was what Daoist Ryuu said and asked for backup, I do not know what is down there but without dealing with it, the shelter is useless."


    Frost Flames frowned at that as she spoke, "Well I will deal with it, Estelle would like to follow me."


    Estelle simply nodded as the duo ventured forth, as they reached they found the two men standing near each other with Ryuu having produced a bonfire in his hand waiting eagerly for the arrival of the reinforcement, seeing her appear in front of him a small smile appeared unknowingly on his face as he spoke, "Shall we venture for my Lady."


    Frost Flames simply nodded at that with a slight blush on her face as she ventured into the unknown depths along with Ryuu.


    They had been travelling for a few minutes, but with each step, the cold became more and more unbearable it was only because they had an understanding of the Dao governing Ice and fire were they able to venture forth, but it was not enough, first it was Devaraj who gave up, the cold had become too unbearable, then it was Estelle''s turn, but that did not stop the duo as they stepped forward.


    Ryuu spared a glance at frozen solid ice that was covering the walls and floors of the cave, ''Damn if it were my old world I doubt anyone would have survived with the temperature being so low that air itself has frozen solid.''


    As they took a turn the duo stopped as they looked at the sight in front of them with their eyes open wide as Frost Flames spoke with disbelief, "No way...."

 Chapter 416 - Icy Grave(Part-2)

    "The increase in temperature along with the increase of KI, I was right but never in my million years would I find something so amazing."


    Ryuu nodded at that, he knew that in front of him was something that was even difficult for his family to find, something without a great amount of luck, and yet he had stumbled upon something like that.


    "We have to inform others about this though I do not believe if I leave I will be able to return."


    Ryuu once again nodded as he began to speak, "So true we reached here with great difficulty, not to mention that any source of heat will be snuffed out like it is trying to do with us, I will send a message while we try and start cultivating, it is with great luck that we have encountered such a large chunk of ''Primal Ice''."


    The ''Primal Ice'' was a large chunk of black-coloured ice about the size of a horse was glowing with a purple hue, they could feel the power humming and waiting to be unleashed.


    Ryuu took out a talisman as he quickly inscribed an array and a few words on it before he released it with a pulse of KI, it morphed and took the shape of a butterfly before it flapped its wings away.


    Ryuu then turned towards Frost Flames as he spoke, "I hope you know how to deal with it."


    Frost Flames nodded as she spoke, "Never touch it, without being accustomed to its influence or you will freeze to death."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "I would have loved to wait for others, but the cold is becoming unbearable, I will try to acclimatize to it as fast as possible."


    Frost Flames nodded in agreement, as an unknown to her an array appeared underneath Ryuu''s feet which glowed briefly signifying its activation, she looked curious as Ryuu took a mat and sat on it assuming a meditative stance.


    Estelle shivered to wait for her teammates each moment passed was painful for her when all of a sudden a butterfly made of paper flew towards her, as she raised her hand it landed on it, before changing back to its original shape.


    Estelle looked at the message contained within it with wide eyes, ''Primal Ice found, as big as a horse.''


    She did not waste any time as she dashed to the surface, on her way she gathered Devaraj who looked like a frozen sculpture as she reached the surface she found others working on setting up a camp as well setting up defensive and camouflaging measures near the mouth of the cave, it was not only nearing evening but dark clouds were spotted near the horizon and they did not wish to get caught in a blizzard on top of being in an extremely cold area.


    Seeing the appearance of the duo with one of them looking extremely twitch many of them feared the worst, but it was quickly dispelled by what Estelle spoke next, "Everyone I have some very good news."


    "During their exploration trip, Daoist Sister Frost Flames and Daoist Brother Ryuu has stumbled upon ''Primal Ice''."


    There was silence before excited chatter started amongst a few cultivators, Estelle cleared her throat as she began to speak again, "However��However��.", seeing that no one was paying attention she let lose a bit of her KI, once again gaining their attention as she spoke, "However it is extremely cold there as such please be cautious when venturing towards the ''Primal Ice''."


    Sometime later a shivering Frozen Ocean stepped into the room where ''Primal Ice'' was housed as her eyes fell on both Frost Flames and Ryuu she winced slightly, they looked like completely frozen and if it were not for the slight pulse of life that she was feeling from them she would have ruled them as dead.


    She took a seat a few distances from Ryuu with a smile on her face, ''Only those with high enough experience with the Dao of Ice can approach the Primal Ice, the lower the enlightenment and understanding of the Dao the further the person will be, but it was also disheartening that only three of us would benefit the most out of it.


    Meanwhile, Ryuu looked at the wisps of energy from the ''Primal Ice'' enter his body at a steady pace, through the spirit wells, it then made it way towards Dantian, before mixing with the pool of KI at his core.


    ''Nice everything is working as they are supposed to be, and now the only thing left is for me to help my soul a little bit.''


    He looked at the bright yellowish orb that was his soul as he redirected a part of the energy towards his soul where he began to mix it with his soul energy.


    ''Now every time I attack someone with the energy of my soul it would harm them as if they were being exposed to extreme cold.''


    As time passed by the ''Primal Ice'' began to slowly shrink in size as more and more of its energy siphoned off, as did the cold and then it suddenly disappeared completely as the temperature slowly started to become normal.


    Ryuu slowly opened his eyes with a disappointed look in his eyes which he schooled quickly enough so that no one could spot them.


    ''I failed yet again, I used an array so that the bulk of the energy would transfer towards me in a steady pace, irrespective of how many were tapping into it, I thought I would not only increase my understanding but even refine my KI and soul adding the freezing property of ice in it, I thought after everything I would be able to move to Eleventh rank.''


    A frustrated sigh escaped from his lips because of the result of the situation, ''No matter what I did, I felt it was like driving the fastest car then colliding with an invisible wall at the middle of the road that had appeared out of nowhere.''


    As he looked around he deadpanned, the small room had been expanded and made into a large cave and it seemed as if every cultivator from his group were present there.


    ''I do not know how much others were able to siphon off their core at least I believe I will not have to care about the temperature in extremely hot and cold situations anymore.''


    As Ryuu stood up the mat disappeared inside his space ring, he stifled a small yawn as he checked around and upon locating Zywia who was happily chatting with True-Spear he decided to join them only to stop as he shook his head slightly, ''Nope not going to commit the same mistake, and I refuse to be a third wheel.''


    "When did you wake up from your meditation Ryuu?"


    Ryuu turned towards Frost Flames as a smile made on to his lips as he spoke, "Just a few seconds ago, so did the harvest went well."


    As Frost Flames nodded with a smile on her face Ryuu felt a stab of guilt, only for the teachings of his teachers to come into full effect as he pushed down the guilt.


    ''It is not my fault that their underhanded tactics did not work as well as mine.'' Ryuu was not na?ve enough to believe that no one except him used something that would not help in gathering the energy more efficiently.


    Jethrar smiled in a benevolent as he looked at the shivering form of Unanresh who was cowering in front of him, in the snow, she had been stripped n.a.k.e.d, her body broken as she looked up at Jethrar with fear in her eyes, while she was forced into kneeling position in front of him by his corpse puppet.


    "Senior Unanresh, I remember when I used to look at you as an invincible Immortal someone I would one-day able o reach and now low behold, I surpassed you and now beneath all the bravado look at you now cowering in front of me."


    Jethrar frowned as he spoke, "Such a thing from the one I idolized is unbecoming and tarnishing the memory I have of you but do not worry I will fix it.", he finished with an overly enthusiastic manner that sent chills down Unanresh''s spine.


    As she tried to speak again Jethrar held her jaws hard as he spoke, "You know we stumbled upon a pile of corpses a good few distances away from the portal, the corpses of the cultivators from our realm, their armours and items were stolen, that means you smuggled our enemies into this level, that means you are all to be blamed and punish."


    Jethrar caressed her n.a.k.e.d body as Unanesh whimpered as he spoke, "Ithrura wanted you to become a plaything for our minions and thus pay for your sins, but I stopped her oh Elder Martial Sister mine but you are to be punished, do not worry I promise to keep you by my side forever."


    He then gently laid a kiss on her forehead as his face gained a demonic visage as he spoke, "Now let me show you what happens when a corpse puppet by using the living as the ingredient."


    Ithrura let out a jaw ripping yawn as a horrific scream came to her ears making her cast a glance towards the direction where Jethrar had hauled Unanresh off to as she mused with a bored look on her face, ''So boring here I thought I would get to have some form of entertainment but now ''I am going to practice my secret arts as such you cannot watch, what a boring thing.''''

 Chapter 417 - The Icy Ghost Flower(Part-1)

    Ryuu let out a yawn as he watched Frozen Ocean approach him making him look up towards her.


    "I heard you were spying on the other camp."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Yes I am when I killed and captured those cultivators I made sure to tag their allies with arrays that helped me to eavesdrop on them."


    "So did you learn anything new?"


    Ryuu nodded as he began to speak, "Yup learned plenty.", as Frozen Ocean paid undivided attention towards him Ryuu continued, "Well it seems that their leader Jethrar and Ithrura were absent when we decided to mess with them, they had left their command in another person''s hands, her name is Unanresh."


    "She was the one who was duped by my plan and led them to this frozen wasteland, and now she paid the price for it."


    Frozen Ocean tilted her head as she spoke in a confused tone, "So she was killed?"


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "Well in a way yes she was killed but, no in the manner you are thinking, Jethrar had turned her into a corpse puppet, and heard that he did it while she was not dead, it was so painful that she lost her voice completely from screaming because of the pain."


    Frozen Ocean let out a soft gasp as her face morphed into a mixture of horror and fear as she spoke barely above a whisper, "That is so cruel, how could they do that?"


    Ryuu ran his fingers through his hairs as he spoke, "When I was younger I was once told about the various crimes and atrocities committed by them, as such I asked the same questions to my teacher, ''How could they do that?'', Do you know what my teacher said to me."


    As Frozen Ocean shook her head Ryuu continued, "Do you know anything about raising poisonous insects?"


    Frozen Ocean shook her head as Ryuu gained a smirk on his face, "There are many ways to do so, but the mortals have devised a simple yet one of the most potent methods to do so, first they gather and store various kinds of poisonous insects in a pot, then close the lid tightly so that none shall escape and then forget about it for a few days, then when they will open the pot, only one of them would still be alive, but by then the insect would have become the cruellest, and venomous of the lot."


    He took a small breath as he let his words sink into Frozen Ocean''s mind, "The Preta realm is similar, it is killed or be killed out there and those that survive long enough are like that lone insect ruthless, and dangerous beyond measures."


    Frozen Ocean frowned at that as she spoke with a sigh, "You have given me things to think about.", with that she left leaving behind a rather bored Ryuu.


    As she left Ryuu''s boredom vanished as a look of uncertainty appeared in his face, ''Why were they told not to bother with us? Unanresh got killed because of violating that order, but why give such orders? I doubt they are looking down at us and after fighting Zikris, I thought more would come to collect the bounty on my head, but why are they forbidding their minions from attacking us with the pain of death, why this doesn''t make any sense unless they have something kind of nefarious plan on foot.''


    "Ryuu are you alright?"


    Ryuu was jolted off of his musings as he looked at the concerned face of Zywia as a brief look of alarm passed over his face, ''How did she come so close to me? Did my array malfunction?''


    Having schooled his features he let a small smile grace his face as he spoke, "Please take a seat sister Zywia."


    Zywia sat near him as silence descended amongst them, Ryuu took out a pair of saucer before pouring wine in it and then offering one to her.


    Faint rosy pink steam could be seen rising from it, the smell itself was intoxicating but that failed to covey its taste and as Zywia sipped into it a myriad of taste hit her senses overloading them and sending it into euphoric bliss.


    "Five Element Plum Wine, I love it!", Zyiwa took another sip as she began to speak again, "From what I have seen you seem to prefer spicy wine."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "A few decades ago I would have wrinkled my nose and looked at wine with disgust, but now I am sitting here and drinking and cherishing some rather fine wine."


    Zywia gained a small smirk on her face as she spoke, "Well I distinctly remember about someone who got intoxicated and peed on their teacher''s garden."


    Ryuu did a spit take at as he looked at Zywia with a look mixed with horror and anger as he spoke, "I was barely eight and stop remembering about things like that."


    Zywia simply let out a small giggle before her face gained a sombre look as she spoke with a sigh, "Ryuu I am sorry a few days ago I blurted out your family secret I do not know what came of me, so please forgive me and please do not tell your family about my transgressions."


    Ryuu''s jaws hardened as he twirled the liquid in his saucer as he began to speak with a sigh, "I acknowledge your apology, though there is something you should now."


    Seeing Zywia trying to protest Ryuu raised his hand stopping her from speaking as he continued, "Please hear me out first."


    Zywia''s shoulder sagged as she gave a small nod as Ryuu continued, "The Zywia I know is serious and reliable.", even though he did not say it out loud inwardly he added a few more like ''annoying'', ''reckless'', ''pampered and spoiled'', to the list before he continued again, "I know that you would not blurt out something like that, not to mention the look of alarm on your face when I pointed out to you, to me it looked as if you had realized what you were doing, as such the only thing that I can concur is there was some outside that influence."


    Zywia gained a shocked look on her face before the look of disbelief and fear covered it as she spoke, "What should I do Ryuu? If I am once again made to act as such, what if I am made to blurt out secrets then what?"


    Ryuu narrowed his eyes but before he could speak he saw the arrival of True-Spear, Frost Flames and others as such he hastily schooled his features as he spoke, "Zywia we will continue our talks later on, but for now make sure others do not know of this."


    True-Spear sniffed the air as he spoke, "Damn that is something delicious you are having."


    Ryuu smiled at him as he spoke, "Why don''t you take a seat and I will pour you some."


    True-Spear smiled at him as he spoke, "If it is not much trouble for you, I would love some."


    Frost Flames took a sip as she instantly fell in love with it, as she spoke, "What wine is this? This is so wonderful to taste."


    Zywia gained a smile on her face as she spoke, "This particular wine is known as ''Five Element Plum Wine'', a wine that takes over ten thousand years to prepare."


    At her words, the others gained a slightly impressed look on their face which Ryuu was certain back in his old world it would have caused jaw-dropping disbelief.


    "So what should we do now?"


    Ryuu looked at True-Spear who asked the question, which he was fairly certain was asked to him, making him frown with thought as he began to speak, "Well you, for now, nothing, we will wait and see for now."


    Frost Flames frowned at that as she spoke, "The Deva realm will have problem with that."


    Ryuu snorted at that as he spoke, "A blind man can see, they are getting restless, and that is understandable as you can see they are simply worried for their captured brethren."


    Amnon and Daniella who had also tagged along the duo frowned at what they had just heard as Amnon spoke, "This place is extremely cold and I fear that they might let their prisoners die."


    Ryuu sighed as he ran his hand through his hair as he spoke, "I understand and feel their sorrows but we should not forget our plight, if we had that thirty thousand strong strength I would have tried something but current us it would be suicide, we cannot go toe to toe with them and hope to win."


    Amnon gained a pained look on his face as he turned to look at the Deva realm cultivator as he spoke, "So there is nothing we can do for them."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes for the time being there is nothing we can do without harming ourselves but that does not mean we should stop looking for an opportunity to help them."


    "At the very beginning, I said that we would adopt guerilla style of warfare and one of the main aspects of that style is being unsuspecting and being patient, but most importantly what do you gain from helping them risking your lives and being selfless."


    "The answer is nothing, there is a chance that next one might not go as well as the last time some might die, and after rescuing them what guarantee is that they would not turn against us, there are many factors in my play here brother Amnon as such no matter how much your heartaches please refrain yourself from charging into what might be a slaughter."

 Chapter 418 - The Icy Ghost Flower(Part-2)

    Inside the cavern, the temperature had risen exponentially not from heat but anger.


    Elmer was completely angry with the lack of progress he wanted to go out and rescue more of his people but Ryuu put his foot down on the matter completely.


    The reason it was simple, unlike the previous area the Preta realm cultivators were not scattered but they were together forming a large group and Ryan refused to charge into their camp which was made akin to a fortress.


    "For the last time, Elmer neither do we have the men, not the resource to siege a fort that holds men many times our number, so no we are not mounting an assault on their camp."


    "My men are dying because of your actions."


    "So you telling me to sacrifice everyone present here for the futile attempt to free your brethren."


    By now they were both murderously glaring at each other their spits were flying on each other''s face as they shouted towards each other.


    Ryuu''s temper was flaring up at an alarmingly making both Zywia and Frozen Ocean to gain worried look on their respective faces.


    ''Damn Ryuu is getting enraged and if this continues Ryuu might end up exposing his secrets that he fought so hard to hide.''


    Zywia cast a worried glance at Ryuu before her ears caught Elmer''s next words, "You are a bloody coward that is what you are, a disgrace to��"


    Elmer did not get to finish his sentence when Zywia punched him hard breaking his nose and bruising her hand the process.


    "Shut up, did you think we would let you insult us let alone my brother, if you want to go and commit suicide for your revenge then stop bothering us and go kill yourself, ''Oh brave one''"


    As she spoke her zither was already by her side as she glared at Elmer, although internally she sweating from fear, ''Oh Heaven''s I do not believe I acted so rashly now he would attack me, a lowly cultivator of only 6th rank and I would die.''


    "Careful Elmer, such a glare could get you killed.", True-Spear spoke as he stood by her side taking his usual stance with his spear over his shoulder.


    Ryuu simply sends a grateful look towards Zywia, he was on the verge of using his full strength to bring Elmer to his knees, thus exposing most of his trump cards to everyone.


    Severing Saber self-proclaimed oldest man amongst them intervened as he spoke, "Young Ryuu, there is no need to argue with a man so immersed in the notion of revenge that he can no longer think anymore."


    Frost Flames appeared by Ryuu''s side as did Frozen Ocean who spoke with a huff, "Brother Ryuu if I remember correctly we had a schedule to keep upright? So let us leave and if he so wants to make some futile attempt and throw his life then there is nothing we can do for him except give him our best wishes."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke in a resolute voice, "Brother Elmer what you wish to do with your life is none of our concern does as you please everyone has the right to lead their life as they chose to and as such if any of the cultivators of our realm wishes to join and attack their stronghold they are free to do so, but I refuse to through my life away."


    He turned as he began to walk towards the exit only to stop for a moment as he began to speak, "Oh a piece of friendly advice next time before insulting me remember that I will not hold back and neither will I miss."


    Elmer looked at Ryuu with as his anger bleed into confusion, before he felt a sharp pain near his neck and a warm liquid flowing through as he shakily raised his hand a touched it he found himself bleeding.


    Zywia simply snorted at that as she whispered low enough for True-Spear to be able to hear, "What a show-off."


    Elmer gawked at Ryuu''s audacity before he quickly spoke, "You are violating the treaty between our realms if I were to complain��"


    Ryuu simply snickered at that as he began to speak in a mocking edge in his voice, "Really you are going to pull the ''Heaven Nebula Concordant'' on me."


    Elmer was taken aback at his words as he simply nodded as Ryuu pressed forward, "Do you even know what it even says?"


    Elmer harrumphed at that as he spoke with the sneer, "Yes, one that clearly states that when we are threatened by the Preta realm we are to work together to deal with the threat, or face the consequence which might include you being hunted down by the Senior cultivator of your realm to expunge their honour."


    Ryuu simply smiled towards him as he spoke, "So is that all that was written there, or did you conveniently forget the conditions that were imposed under Section 9397, subsection Z57, where it specifically states that under no circ.u.mstances either of the realms can commander, waste or misuse of the resources mentioned under Section 3 Subsection A, B and C, which might cause a problem for the realm to whom the above mention resources belonged to."


    Ryuu paused for a moment before he continued while glowering at Elmer, "And if you are still wondering why I am stating this then let me remind you that under Section 3 Subsection A, Cultivators are considered as resources for their realms, so your entire point is moot."


    Elmer turned purple in anger as he spoke, "This is absurd why I��.."


    Ryuu raised his hand to stop him as he began to speak, "I do not care about your personal opinion if you have a problem go and petition your Seniors to have them change the treaty, but for now I believe that you are at least Honorable enough not to cause your seniors to lose their face with your tantrum."


    With his piece being said Ryuu left with a huff as Zywia looked directly into Elmer''s eyes as she spoke, "Please do not try and test his patience the Ryuu I know crippled a Low-Level Immortal when he was mid-level Void Immortal and do you know the best part.", she paused for a dramatic effect before she continued again, "Ryuu did that in front of that bastard''s teacher who was a Dao Father, so please do not threaten him and insult him or else you might suffer something worse than death."


    Zywia then turned towards True-Spear as she spoke with a sigh, "Let us leave or else that idiot will leave us behind.", as she spoke her brows furrowed into a frown as she spoke, "Where is Sister Frost Flames?"


    True-Spear gained a small smile on his face as he spoke, "Where do you think she is? She left soon after Ryuu."


    As Ryuu took to the skies he was quickly accompanied by Frost Flames while they patiently waited for their companions.


    "That Elmer is going to get himself killed and in doing so he will also drag us down."


    Ryuu simply pinched the bridge of his nose as he spoke with a sigh, "The only thing left for him is revenge and grief and he is letting himself get consumed by it, his actions are defined and fueled as such."


    Frost Flames simply nodded at that as she spoke, "He is so gone in his thoughts of vengeance and grief that I doubt he cares for freeing his brethren."


    Ryuu nodded at that as Frost Flames spoke in a worried tone, "There is a saying never tickle a sleeping dragon, so when he does that what should we do."


    Ryuu bit his lips as he spoke, "Well I have asked a few of our fellow cultivators and if he or his brethren gets captured because of his stupidity, we will cut our loses move far away from here and hide, always remember no matter what we cannot face them in open warfare."

 Chapter 419 - The Icy Ghost Flower(Part-3)

    "Brrrr�� Are we there yet? I am freezing here."


    A shivering Zywia complained as Su-Min chimed in, "Me too."


    "Me three now pick up your pace, the faster we move faster we would reach there."


    Zywia sighed at Ryuu''s words as she spoke, "Yes yes, let us move faster with the hope the future me is not as much frozen as the current me."''


    Frost Flames rolled her eyes at that as she spoke, "Well as long as you are in this level I doubt you would be entirely free from freezing, but at least if you hurry up we might return to the warmer caves faster."


    Zywia pouted before she increased her speed she spoke in a mocking voice towards True-Spear, "keep up or I will leave you behind."


    True-Spear''s eyes narrowed at that as he chased after her, but as Zywia neared Ryuu she whispered to him with seriousness in her voice, "Ryuu pick up your speed, I have something that I wish to discuss with you."


    Ryuu raised one of his brows curiously as he increased his speed and within a few minutes the duo had created a great distance between them and the others.


    "So what do you wish to say sister Zywia?"


    Zywia bit her lips before she spoke with a frown, "Brother Ryuu as you can see that True-Spear and I wish to further explore our relation."


    Ryuu shrugged at that as he spoke, "Well congratulations on that, though why are you telling me with such a serious look on your face?"


    Zywia sighed as she spoke, "Our families are old, extremely so, as such we are both expected to uphold moral obligations, status and honour that come along with it, and I do not think that my family would agree with forming any sort of relationship with him."


    Ryuu frowned at that as he spoke, "I would like to correct you on a few things though, my teachers'' family and your family are ancient, not mine, even though my teachers'' have raised me since I was a child, my only family is dead."


    Zywia nodded at that as she spoke, "True, it might be so but blood does not make you a family and you know it well, you might say you are not a family but you treat them as such, you love them as such and you would die for them as such am I wrong."


    Ryuu simply shook his head with a smile on his face, "No you are right, the only thing that I do not share with them is my blood."


    "On top of that you are their legacy, their life works being taught to you, so even after you deny everyone will view you as their child."


    Ryuu nodded in acceptance as he spoke, "So what do you want me to do?", his eyes widen as he spoke with disbelief, "Do not tell me that you want my help to elope, well I have never helped someone run from their home, I believe seeking my sisters'' help would be prudent, they have experience on that matter."


    Zywia scowled at that as she punched him playfully on his shoulder as she spoke, "No you will help me convince them about True-Spear''s character and that he is a good and loyal choice."


    Ryuu frowned at that as he spoke, "Why do you think that your family might not approve of your relationship?"


    Zywia sighed at that as her face gained a melancholic look on her face as she spoke, "Ryuu, compare my family with him and tell me does he have any chance to court me."


    "No Zywia, he will not have any chance your brother would be a big hindrance, not to mention I do not know how your family would treat him, someone who does not believe has as much backing of powers as us."


    "My parents would not care about someone''s status as long as he has something unique, and True-Spear does not have something unique except he loves me, he does not have a Divine body nor does he have anything extraordinary, except he is a strong cultivator but there are others that are superior to him in every respect."


    "Even compared to us his spirit veins are trash, I doubt my parents would spare a glance at someone having only 63 spirit veins, while I was born with 72 and after certain someone operated I now have all 81 of them."


    Ryuu scratched his chin a bit that as he was reminded about a similar operation he had undergone when he was a child, his 108 was changed to 169, and he still remembered how painful the whole process was.


    "Maybe he is trash compared to us but at least he is hardworking, you have to give him that, Zywia"


    "True, but as climb up higher even a single Spirit Veins would make a difference between moving up a rank and not."


    Ryuu could only not solemnly at that, it was simply mathematics in reality, the more the taps the faster it would fill the bucket, and he was blessed with having a rather large number of them.


    "His future would not look so bright if you look from your parent''s position no matter how much he might claim to love you and you return the claim, no parent is going to let their only daughter marry someone whose future does not look great."


    Zywia nodded at that as she spoke with a small humourless chuckle, "Let alone accept him they would accuse him of trying to be a gold digger, using my family''s resources and reputation for his gain."


    Ryan looked up towards the sky as he could not help but ask out a question that had been in his mind out loud, "Zywia I might sound annoying asking the same question over and over again but are you sure he is the right person for you? Are you sure that he is not using you?"


    Zywia gave him a dazzling smile as she spoke, "I am sure Ryuu, I am more than sure that True-Spear loves me as Zywia and not because who my parents are."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Well fair enough though please do not take some rash decision in your relationship at least while you are still in this place."


    Zywia nodded at that as she spoke with a frown, "So what about you and Frost, you seemed to be willing to explore a relationship with her yet you are hesitant."


    Ryuu closed his eyes for a moment before he spoke with a sigh, "I do not know Zywia, a part of me wants to pursue any relationship that might be possible with her, but at the same time I am afraid as well as I feel a bit disgusted at the idea."


    Zywia tilted her head as she spoke with confusion in her voice, "Disgusted? I can understand the feeling of fear but disgust sorry but can you elaborate please."


    Ryuu ran his hand through his hair as he began to speak, "Well I do not know, but I was married in my last life you know, I was married to the most awesome and fearless woman, I have so many memories with her in my head, it just feels so wrong to be with someone who is not her."


    Zywia placed a comforting squeeze on his shoulder as she spoke, "Well this is a new life, not your old one, those people you knew are all dead, you have a different family, different values everything is different because this is a new life, so you should start anew instead of chasing after dreams that might never happen again."


    Ryuu sighed at that as he spoke, "I know, I know even my teachers said so, there is nothing to gain grieving over the past, you should march forward to the new tomorrow was what they said to me."


    "But, it is hard you know it is hard."


    "I do not know what you feel as such I fail to understand your pain, Ryuu, but think about in this way, what are you doing justice to those memories by mixing with your current life."


    Ryuu simply sighed as he nodded as Zywia continued with a teasing smirk on her face, "Now what were you saying about feeling afraid, if you were to ask her I doubt she would say no to you."


    "It is not that simple, now there is that age gap��"


    "That we cultivators pay no heed to most of the times because of our long-life Span.'', was the quick intervention of Zywia.


    Ryuu rolled his eyes at that as he spoke, "Well then I do not have the best track record with stuff like that, the only experience I had was during my previous life and they were not stellar."


    A curious Zywia could not help but ask out loud, "How so?"


    "Well the first woman, well she was using me, the second was murdered whereas I survived, and third I married but then I died even before I could see my children''s face and thus leaving her with a lot of heartbreak."


    "Murdered and yet you survived what happened?"


    "I along with her had cured a disease that had been plaguing our world for decades, many died because of it, when we cured it we became an instant celebrity, and my egg and s.p.e.r.m donor wanted to make it as such that only they could capitalize and earn money by monopolizing the cure and I refuse."


    Ryuu looked up towards the sky with sad eyes as he spoke, "That caused them to get angry with us and they tried to kill us and I was simply lucky that I survived."


    Zywia gained a soft smile on her face as she spoke, "You know you should try again who knows you might have a wonderful relationship, you are a cultivator who has so many aeons in front of him as such I ask you to please give her a chance you might be pleasantly surprised."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "I will try."


    "Though I would have thought you would have also struck a relation with Frozen Ocean as well, she knows so much about you, yet she had not divulged any secret to anyone."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes she is an extremely great friend, someone I am honoured to know, but unfortunately her sect does not tolerate such relation and as such we can only ever be friends."


    Zywia sighed as she spoke with a frown, "Such a shame, she was such a nice person, but please give Frost Flames a chance."


    Ryuu simply nodded at that as he spoke, "Of course I would now let us slow down a bit I do not like being in such a great distance from others like this."


    Zywia nodded as they slowed enough for others to catch up to them as Su-Min spoke with anger in her voice, "What was that making us run so fast, you made my muscles sore because of it."


    Zywia gained a sheepish expression on her face as she spoke, "Well I simply wanted to get this over with fast so.."


    Su-Min simply huffed at that as she spoke, "Well whatever, though it seems we have reached our destination."


    Ryuu looked up to gaze at the mountain as Frozen Ocean spoke, "Yes we have beyond those mountain peaks is that treasured flower, that sister Frost flames and I found, now we just have to deal with the beast and then it would be ours."


    True-Spear gained a frown on his face as he spoke, "Well I would not be so sure if I were you, look over there."


    His words drew attention towards a particular direction as Ryuu spoke with disgust in his voice, "Preta lok sc.u.m."

 Chapter 420 - The hidden treasure (part-1)

    "Preta Lok sc.u.m", those words filled with disgust and distaste seemed to be mirrored by everyone even if they did not say it as vocally as Ryuu.


    Frost Flames meanwhile frowned upon seeing them as she spoke, "They are going to steal our spoil."


    True-Spear grinned at that as he spoke, "Not if we have anything to say about it, so shall we do the old way brother Ryuu."


    Seeing the grin on True-Spear''s face he could not help but let out a grin of his as he spoke with a nod, "Yes, let us try the old means."


    With that said the group quickly but quietly made their way towards the group of Preta Lok cultivators, Su-Min''s idea of wearing all white made wonders as they were easily able to move without being spotted by the other group, because of the vast and unending snowy landscapes.


    As they neared Ryuu could not help but wanted to bang his head because of the mistake, although he could not blame himself entirely as the idiot Elmer had decided to command every one of them to go to battle and with him being the one nearest to him ended up in a verbal duel, and as such he had forgotten to ask what they were facing.


    As such Ryuu coughed as he drew others'' attention towards him as he spoke with clear embarrassment in his voice, "Excuse well how should I say this.", as he stopped trying to gather his thoughts everyone gained a worried look on their faces as Ryuu continued, "What kind of creature are we going face again?"


    A look of disbelief passed through everyone''s face as Frost Flames could not help but ask out loud, "You do not know."


    An even more embarrassed Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No I was busy shouting against that idiot Elmer so I missed most of our discussion."


    Frozen Ocean simply shook her head as she spoke, "We are about to face some wraiths."


    Su-Min frowned as she spoke, "Not mere wraiths but Gold Bonded Wraiths."


    Ryuu narrowed his eyes as he spoke, "Are you sure they are Gold Bonded Wraiths?"


    As Su-Min nodded at that as she spoke, "I am, I have seen one before and they are nasty, but this place has over a dozen of them."


    Frozen Ocean snorted at that as she spoke, "I doubt a mere flower would have such monsters guarding it, you have mistaken it for some mere wraiths."


    Su-Min in anger as True-Spear intervened as he spoke, "Ladies please there is no need to argue and draw the attention of our esteemed neighbours, we will see when we reach there."


    Su-Min huffed at that while Ryuu gained a curious look on his face, as he stared forward towards the direction of their destination.


    "So how do we tackle this situation?"


    Ryuu looked towards Frost Flames as he replied to her, "We let the Preta Lok have a go at it, I am sure whether it be a simple wraith or a Gold Bonded Wraith, and I believe they should be able to deal with them but not without being tired and suffering casualties, we can then swoop in for the kill."


    The others nodded at that as they continued their journey while Ryuu was frowning at the thought of meeting a Gold Bound Wraith, he had learned about them in the library, created by sacrificing toddlers in a rather cruel and horrifying manner and then tying their soul in a certain place, subjected them inhumane torture and slowly and surely fusing them to create Gold Bonded Wraith.


    The wraith''s main job was simple protected something mostly treasures from intruders, though they might seem to be extremely effective they require a tremendous amount of resources and time to raise a proper one not to mention the process is considered demonic as such only Demonic cultivators would follow it.


    The wraiths are bound in a such a way that they cannot leave and go much further from the treasure, not to mention they are born carrying grudge and resentment as such as long as their creator is strong enough to make them obey, they would grudgingly obey him but if they end up becoming even a bit more powerful than their creator they would turn on them without a heartbeat.


    Ryuu''s mind was racing at light speed, ''Why would someone place a dozen of Gold Bound Wraiths here for some measly Icy Ghost Flower?'', his eyes momentarily glanced towards his companions as he sighed at that, ''Maybe not measly for someone whose names is not Zywia and Ryuu, but still dozens of them is it not excess.''


    A frown formed on his face at that, ''Maybe Su-Min is wrong but to form so many it would not only take huge resources and time but the person must be extremely powerful but most importantly how did that person manage to do so, those creatures do not permit another to get anywhere near the treasure they are protecting and by another, it also includes its fellow wraiths so how did their creator manage to create so many and make them cooperate.''


    With bated breath, the group slowly moved up the mountain, as they neared they could hear the sound of humans speaking, but the voices were too low for them to discern its contents.


    As they took a peek down what seemed to be a valley, they saw a group of fifty Preta Lok cultivators looking down and discussing amongst themselves.


    Further down into the valley lay what could be said as a garden fit for paradise, filled with bushes with aqua blue rose-like flowers blooming on them, with the white snowy background it was a breathtaking scene.


    "So beautiful.", Frozen Ocean could not help but wonder out aloud, a sentiment that others shared as well before their eyes feel on something.


    A black shroud seemed to be lazily floating around the garden their movements were rather erratic in a manner that to Ryuu it seemed as if they were glitching.


    ''No way, but that means those flowers might not be the real deal but something else, that they are trying to protect but what and where.''


    Su-Min had a smug smile on her face as she spoke, "Now do you believe me?"


    Frozen Ocean simply rolled her eyes as she whispered in a serious tone, "Focus Su-Min and keep in mind that they can hear us as well."


    Su-Min showed her maturity by sticking out her tongue towards Frozen Ocean, as Ryuu paid undivided attention towards the group in front of him.


    The Preta Lok cultivators spread around in a circle, then the raised their right hand, each holding a talisman which they then pointed towards the group of wraiths and activated them.


    The wraiths cried out which sounded eerily similar to the cry of a baby, as they all went up in flames when all of a sudden the dashed towards the cultivators and descended upon them like an avalanche.


    The cultivators did not give up as they meet them head-on, as they fought under the watchful eyes of Ryuu and his group, the screaming of the wraith was getting on his nerves as it seemed that whatever the Preta Realm cultivator had used was causing them immense trouble.


    The best-case scenario for them would be if both the groups killed each other but alas such was not possible without any help as such Ryuu looked at his group as he spoke, "We will sneak attack and lower the numbers of the Preta realm cultivators."


    The group nodded as Zywia, Su-Min, Frost Flames and Ryuu decided to help the group by using long-range attacks.


    Their plan was simple with Zywia sending the first salvo with the help of her Zither, there was no physical attack of any type but it had an edge in the form of illusionary attacks, there no complex illusion just slight confusion of senses of the combatants which led to the immediate defeat of theirs as they would miss but wraiths would not.


    And hidden under the cover of her illusion arrows and flying swords were doing the rest as they killed off any Preta realm cultivators, it was much easier since the group of Preta Lok had distinct disadvantage namely a miasma that was being released by the burning wraiths and thus blocking their view from the invisible foe.


    Ryuu did not wish to take any chances as such he had used two types, one was normal, but the other was a bit tricky as when it would near its victim it would detonate silently releasing the colourless and odourless poison which made his victims slower and sluggish before finally stopping their heart and melting their nervous system.


    Soon there were only three tired and injured Preta realm cultivators and a single wraith was left, it was then the group sprung into action as the rained hell on the already tired and injured group.


    Ryuu quickly placed a couple of talismans on the ground as the part above the garden simmered for a moment before a semi-transparent barrier formed hiding them.


    "The barrier will prevent anyone from finding us, more importantly before the skirmish began I used another to disrupt, although temporary, anything that might signal others about their life signs."


    As everyone paid attention towards him, Ryuu continued to speak, "Now the main question is why there were so many wraiths, a meagre Icy Ghost Flower is not something that should have so many Gold Bound Wraiths guarding it."


    Zywia nodded in acknowledgement as True-Spear gawked at him as he spoke, "Meager, you call this flower meagre."


    Ryuu realizing his mistake hastily corrected himself as he spoke, "Yes I know what you mean but I stand firm by my words, it is true that the flower is precious but don''t you agree the security was overboard, I hope you understand that if the Preta Lok did not take the initiative we would have the toughest fight in our life by now."


    True-Spear scratched his chin as he spoke, "Well I would not say the toughest but yes I get what you say, compared to the security the treasure was paltry."


    Ryuu nodded with a smile as he spoke, "Exactly as such there must be something else hidden here as well we have to simply search for it."


    The group nodded as Su-Min spoke with a smirk, "But first I believe we need to pick all these flowers."


    Ryuu sighed at that as he ran his fingers through his hair, as he spoke, "Well then pair up.


    The Icy Ghost Flower may look like a rose at first glance, an aqua blue rose, but its comparison with the flower ended them and there, in reality, it was slightly different.


    The most important part was the nectar pearl that is stored inside it and to reach it, you will have to peel off the petals together four at a time.


    As such, they formed a group of two, with Zywia and True-Spear in one, Ryuu and Frost Flames in another and the third being Frozen Ocean and Su-Min.


    Ryuu and Frost stood across each other with one of the flowers in the middle, a flower that was as big as Ryuu''s head.


    They caught each other''s hands to synchronize their KI, no sooner did Ryuu placed his hand on Frost Flames''s he felt jolt travel down his spine as his cheeks coloured.


    ''Damn it why am I acting like a hormonal teenager, no, not even teenagers acted as such when they held hands nowadays.''


    "Le-let us hurry up and we have wo-work to do.", Ryuu managed to stammer out as Frost Flames simply nodded.


    "Zywia we would like it preferably before our time in Eden comes to an end."


    Su-Min''s teasing voice brought an embarrassed Zywia and True-Spear out of their daydream as they began to work on their share fast

 Chapter 421 - The Hidden Treasure (Part-2)

    Although they had a bountiful harvest a good amount of the pearls were lost as there had been a split second delay which caused the plant to rot away immediately.


    Su-Min stared forlornly at her harvest, they tried really hard but still, half of what was given out for her to deal with was lost, and now they others pooled from their share to make it even for them and she did not like it at all.


    Ryuu looked at the surrounding as he spoke, "Well since we have already dealt with the flowers, I believe a quick search is in order."


    "So how do we search for that something when we do not know its location, but most importantly we do not know what we are searching for?"


    Ryuu looked at his surroundings for a moment before he spoke with a frown, "The wraiths would not leave it alone and move away from it as such I believe it has to be nearby, if I were to guess their movement pattern it should be somewhere in the middle of the garden, that is for sure."


    Frost Flames bit her lips as she spoke, "Seeing the amount of snow in the area there is a chance that it might be buried under tonnes of ice."


    True-Spear let out a groan as he spoke, "It would take ages to dig this amount of snow."


    Only to receive a glare filled with disapproval courtesy of Frost Flames as she spoke, "Brother we are not mere mortals so quit your whining."


    A few minutes later the snow from the entire valley had been removed, what greeted them was a large round iron door.


    Ryuu reached the door as he studied it for a moment before he touched it as various array seemed to be formed over it.


    ''Hmm, these arrays are wrong why did they not explode upon activation, it should not be possible, but how?''


    Su-Min looked at Ryuu who was floating above the door his face scrunched up with utmost concentration, but unfortunately for him, her patience was running fast as such she decided to approach him only to be stopped by both Frost Flames and Frozen Ocean.


    Frozen Ocean simply shook her head as she spoke, "Ryuu is concentrating do not disturb him, he might make some form of mistake and injure himself badly."


    Su-Min let out a tired sigh before she spoke with a frown, "But, it is taking so long."


    Frost Flames shrugged at that as she spoke, "The door seemed to be booby-trapped and he is trying to disarm the trap so give him some s��."


    Her words were cut short as Ryuu let out a shout of elation drawing everyone''s attention towards himself.


    "Ryuu are you alright?", as a concerned Frost Flames voice came to his ears, Ryuu towards her with a big smile on his face.


    "This trap is so brilliant, this tiny bit of matrix added to the array had completely changed it, it scrambles the rest of the array making it discern the true purpose by those not the creator, I have seen an example of this but this is the first time I have seen a practical application."


    He would have gone on and on about the array but was stopped by Zywia, "Ryuu can you get it off."


    Ryuu simply pouted at that as he spoke, "Do I have to it��.Okay okay, I am removing it."


    He sweated under Zywia''s glare, a glare so ferocious that it seemed it could turn anyone into ash.


    Ryuu used his special pain to inscribe a few small arrays which soon dismantled the larger array that was inscribed on the door, he then swung the large iron door open as he spoke with a smirk, "Well everyone shall we venture forth."


    A small smile blossomed on everyone''s face as they eagerly followed after Ryuu.


    The door opened into what seemed to be a few hundred meters drop, which was nothing for the group of cultivators, except that lower group went the gravity increase exponentially not to mention at the end were sharp spike, which Ryuu could bet was coated with venom, extremely potent venom.


    Su-Min gritted her teeth as she spits out in anger, "Damn it the lower we go the pull is getting stronger and stronger."


    "Whatever you do not get even a single scratch from those spikes, I bet they will be poisoned."


    "There is nothing to bet about it Brother Ryuu, spikes like them are always coated with poison, it is a rather classic form of trap."


    "So true, Brother True-Spear, so true, though I hope that there are n��.STOP!!"


    At his shout, the group came to a halt as Ryuu went and inspected a part of the wall as he smirked, "Clever clever, the array here would have scrambled our KI if we went beyond this point, and having a disruption in our KI in this situation with a gravitational pull that is increasing dramatically it is dangerous."


    Another talisman later the array was gone, while Ryuu scowled inwardly, ''How many talismans do I have to use, I am getting tired of hiding my skills with an array, if only they were not with me.''


    All of a sudden an idea formed in his head, ''Wait a minute, I am waving around the talisman and activating it, if I were to fold it properly when I use it, they might be able to see that something is written but not what is written and as such I can use it again and again as much as I want to, Ryuu you are a genius.'', with a slight imaginary pat on his back he pressed forward.


    At the end of the drop was a long dark corridor that stretched to the unknown, suddenly the group had a small flashback about the maze, the maze that had robbed them of their concept of time, that made spend an uncounted amount of time running around through empty and long corridors with shifting walls trapping them now and then.


    "I hope we do not get trapped like the maze."


    Su-Min gained a constipated look on her face as she spoke, "Please do not remind me of that place Zywia, it was so horrible, at least you all had each other, I was separated along with a womanizing idiot that continued to hit on me, and I was this close to snapping and gutting him."


    Zywia simply giggled at that but did not say anything more.


    The group slowly moved through a couple of corridors and Ryuu was continuously working hard to remove any all traces of arrays that had been used as a means place various traps that could easily cause grievous harm even death.


    "It is just like the maze but this time we have something to do instead of following never-ending corridors."


    "Brother Ryuu, you are the only one who has something to do but not us."


    ~Khuwaaq~


    A sound came to their ears making them tense as it was followed by more and more similar sounds.


    "Enemy up ahead!", Was all that True-Spear was able to shout out when a large column of fire came towards them.


    Ryuu and Frost Flames stepped forward as they raised their hands, the fire slammed on to them before extinguishing it completely.


    Closely following the flames was a group of undead that looked as if they had been completely mummified, True-Spear engaged them with his spear as others soon joined them.


    "They are Jiangshi, do not get scratched or bitten they are poisonous, make sure not to breathe anything they might exhale,", Ryuu managed to bark out as he crouched to let the sword strike pass over his head before he bisected it into two.


    The Jiangshis that had attacked them were bizarre, it looked as if their various body parts from various creatures, including some weapons had been used to create the body, it made them not only look intimidating but revolting as well.


    It did not take much time for them to deal with them, the Jiangshis might be extremely strong but at the same time incredibly slow but most importantly lacked any means of tactics or skills, all they knew was to swing, scratch, and bite and nothing more.


    Unlike the corpses of the Preta realm cultivators which were currently buried under the tonnes of snow, the Jiangshis had nothing that they could offer, even their weapon and armour were rusted to the point that the group had to keep an eye out from any broken weapon shrapnel every time they clashed.


    "Let us move on forward who knows what we might find next", after the relatively easy battle they decided to heed Frozen Ocean''s words as they moved forward.


    At next turn something unexpected happens, the ceiling to the front and back collapsed taking the shape of a ramp, when all of sudden the cry of an infant filled the place, they were so loud that it was deafening.


    The group stood back to back when all of a sudden the enemy attacked, with a loud wail they pounced towards Ryuu and his group.


    A couple of talismans flew towards the wraiths stopping them as if they had run into an invisible wall, Ryuu made a slashing motion with his hand, and it seemed as if the invisible wall suddenly wrapped around the wraiths, herding and trapping the wraiths together into narrow space, another slashing motion later the wailing was no longer heard, the, raised his right hand as the wraiths were consumed by scorching hot bluish flame.


    "The wraiths have been dealt with let us move."


    True-Spear looked sceptical at that as he spoke, "Are you sure about that, I can see them, they are still moving."


    Ryuu waved off his concern as he spoke, "Of course they are dead they just do not know it yet, now let us move we have the rest of this place left to explore."


    The group merely gawked at Ryuu as he slowly began to move, with a smirking Zywia following after him.


    Su-Min could not wrap her head at what she saw, the Preta realm cultivators had difficulty in dealing with them, it was also true that they had poked their nose and supported the wraiths against them as such they had failed, but even then their performance was nothing spectacular, and now they saw Ryuu easily deal with them, it was not only a learning experience for her but also mind-boggling as well.


    "Move fast we have to return as well, and the last thing I want is for some idiots to muck everything up for us."


    They knew whom Ryuu was referring to and they did not make any attempt to correct him, as they felt the same way about him so they quietly followed after him without asking or speaking anything.


    After some gruelling hours of hard work, lots of traps, and enemies later they found themselves standing in front of what seemed to be a large door, so large that even an a.d.u.l.t dragon can easily pass through it.


    Once again Ryuu began to work his magic on the door, as multiple arrays appeared which were soon disassembled and broken.


    Ryuu pushed the door but it did not budge, he pushed it with all his might, if he were not covered with warm clothes everyone could his seen the veins of his arms pulsing, and his face had taken an interesting shade of red.


    But alas the door was too heavy and as such, every one of them decided to help Ryuu by pushing the door to open it, and with great difficulty, they managed to make it budge and it opened enough for a couple to squeeze through side by side.


    As they entered the room their eyes were open wide as Frozen Ocean could not help but speak out loud, "What is this.....?"

 Chapter 422 - The Hidden Treasure (Part-3)

    Rows upon rows of coffins were stacked on top of one another, in the rather large circular room.


    Ryuu narrowed his eyes as he spoke, "There are about a hundred of those coffins placed in rows, and I have a bad feeling about this."


    True-Spear gripped his spear hard as he spoke, "Me too brother, I think we should retreat."


    Ryuu simply nodded but before they could reach the ceiling on the other side of the room collapsed sealing them inside the large circular chamber.


    The cover of the coffins fell one by one as its occupants woke up one by one.


    "To the centre", Ryuu bellowed to his companions as they neared the centre, Ryuu quickly kneeled as he spoke, "Keep them off of me, while I work."


    With those words the group stood protectively making a circle around Ryuu, who quickly began to work, the first of the undead creature neared them only for it to collide with a pale green barrier, a barrier that not only stopped it but lit it up in green colour flame and soon the creature toppled over and fell on its back.


    Ryuu smirked at that as he spoke, "The array can immobilize and it would cause them to burn for some time, so feel free to take a pound their flesh as much as you would like."


    A small smile appeared on his face as he saw them dealing with the undead from the safety of the barrier.


    "Ryuu what are you doing now?"


    Ryuu spared a glance at Frozen Ocean, but before he could speak True-Spear beat him to it as he spoke, "He is preparing for the next phase, I doubt this is the only trap that we might have to face here."


    And true to his words, the undead creatures that had been permanently stopped by re-killing them suddenly became bloated, it did not matter if it was reduced to only a finger it bloated and then it exploded as a putrid green gas began to spread around.


    The cylindrical barrier turned into a spherical shape, with a slight golden sheen on it, Zywia was familiar with the barrier as she had seen it before, and it was the same one that Ryuu had created to save them during the massacre of the second level.


    "Sorry but please stop attacking anyone from inside the barrier, it will break it."


    At his words the group stopped their assault as they watched the barrier gained a red glow if the previous barrier only paralyzed the creatures upon coming into contact, this one not only reflected their attacks set them aflame but most importantly made them paralyzed and flung them afar.


    "Hmm, the fire will destroy as I have imbued it with the Dao now I think we should safely take to the sky and I hope to find a way out of this place."


    At his suggestion the group moved up and so did the barrier, as they looked down they could see the gaseous cloud now hovering underneath them completely hiding the ground.


    It was a simple drop at first, and then it began to rain like crazy, for a moment it looked as if a cloud burst had taken place.


    But unlike water what rained down was a blackish liquid, which upon hitting the barrier turned into black fumes while letting out a sizzling sound.


    Frozen Ocean narrowed her eyes as she spoke, "Poison?"


    Ryuu nodded at that as he closed his eyes for a moment before he replied to her, "Yes it is poison, though a c.o.c.ktail of poison would be more appropriate though."


    His eyes narrowed for a moment before he spoke with a smirk, "Interesting one of the poisons would flare up and agitate the others upon coming into contact with KI."


    Zywia frowned at that as she spoke, "That is dangerous, and it is because of our KI that we can suppress the effects of various poison momentarily, but if what you tell is true then this rain is incredibly dangerous."


    Ryuu smirked at her as he continued, "There is another poison that works in reverse, the more KI is used the more it becomes inert but as KI is removed it would become more and more powerful. But the beauty of this poison lies in another part."


    Su-Min could help but deadpan at him as she spoke, "Really ''beauty'' you find poison beautiful."


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "Hey I cannot help but praise when a person can make two opposite things work without any problem, one increase the potency when more KI is applied and the other increase when is the potency when the application of KI is lowered, how can I not appreciate it."


    True-Spear whistled lowly at that before he spoke with a sigh, "Well I can understand where you are coming from but I think it is high time for us to get out of this trap."


    "I am working on it.", Ryuu grunted out as he closed his eyes again.


    When they were standing on the ground, Ryuu had not only created a barrier but also created placed another array whose job was to map the entire room and find possible exist, and it had been running for some time now.


    Ryuu''s eyes snapped opened as he spoke, "I got it, the entrance I found it."


    Frost Flames glanced at him as she spoke, "Where is it Ryuu?"


    Ryuu pointed towards one of the coffins at the middle of the topmost row as he spoke, "That coffin is hiding the exit, and we just have to break it to enter the next room."


    Everyone raised their eyebrows as they looked at Ryuu curiously but no one said anything as they flew towards a particular coffin.


    Ryuu sends a talisman towards it, which stuck to the coffin which was now glowing blue for a moment before the back of coffin slid down opening a door, while the talisman returned to Ryuu.


    The barrier touched the coffin enveloping it allowing the group to leave through the hidden door before completely wrapped the coffin and preventing anyone from entering.


    The passage was narrow and dark, they all decided to follow in a single line with Ryuu taking the front and True-Spear the rear.


    "So is this how Ryuu helped you all to escape the second level."


    Zywia nodded at True-Spear''s question as she spoke, "Yes, it was so scary you know, I thought we would be dead for sure, it was truly a miracle that we were able to escape."


    True-Spear gained a mournful look on his face as he spoke, "Such a waste that was so many talented cultivators died that day."


    Su-Min who was just ahead of them spoke with a huff, "Those creatures were not the only one who caused the death, there were many worthless backstabbers who caused many of us to die as well, blocking the portal, sabotaging others when they are attempting to flee. Ugh, just the thought of it makes me sick."


    Zywia simply nodded in agreement as an angry scowl marred her face as she spoke, "Sc.u.m the lots of them, if only they had died it would have been great."


    As the group ventured further they had to face myriad of temperatures, one moment it was hot and the next moment it was bone shivering cold making it extremely uncomfortable for them.


    "Brother Ryuu there is something that I wish to ask you?"


    As True-Spear''s voice came to his ears Ryuu could not help but turn his head slightly as he spoke, "What is it brother?"


    "Well, I was kind of wondering why, why did you two enter together like this, surely you should have other friends who would have entered with you."


    Ryuu scratched his chin as he replied to him, "Most of the people whom I am friendly with are either too strong or not strong enough, but who said I entered here with her I was surprised that Zywia had entered here as well, not to mention she ran away from home to enter Eden."


    Zywia simply sends a glare towards Ryuu before a small smile appeared on her face as she spoke, "That may be so but I do not regret it even for a moment."


    She sent a small glance towards True-Spear as she blushed a bit only to blanch as the next words came to her ears.


    "Good for you then Zywia, I hope you can keep it in your mind when you meet your parents after stepping out of here."


    Su-Min gained a teasing look on her face as she glanced back towards Zywia while speaking, "Brother Ryuu can I have a front seat when the drama unfolds."


    Ryuu stopped for a moment as he looked at Zywia who was rapidly shaking his head as he spoke with a teasing grin, "Sure why not, while they are at it I hope she manages to introduce her ''boyfriend'' to her family."


    As Ryuu let out a roar of laughter both Zywia and True-Spear turned red from embarrassment as rest of their companions joined in giggling at the embarrassment of the duo.


    The narrow passage led to another large room, a room that was large enough to hold a small army within it, the members of the group was incredibly tensed waiting for another trap to activate.


    And activate it did, when all of a sudden the ground shook as bones began to appear and join to take the form of a dragon, a hundred-foot tall dragon towered above them before it let loose a roar that seemed to rattle their bones.


    Ryuu''s blood sung in happiness for a moment upon seeing the beast before a sense of deep disappointment welled up inside him, ''Aww if only it were alive it would be great, the current dragon has nothing in it not even a single drop of blood, it is practically useless.''


    Genesis and Requiem both looked ready to dismantle the creature in front of him.


    "So how do we deal with it? I have never dealt with such a creature before."


    Ryuu simply sent a glance towards Frost Flames as he spoke with a small smile on his face, "We''ll find the thing that makes it stay alive and deal with, the creature would die soon after, but most importantly until you have dealt with that particular part it would regenerate again and again."


    Another roar came to their ear as they glanced up to see a skeleton Imoogi descending from the ceiling.


    "An Imoogi, huh."


    Seeing his lackadaisical reaction Frost Flames could not help but ask out loud, "Is there any problem Ryuu?"


    Ryuu was brought of his daydream as he smiled towards Frost Flames as he spoke, "Nothing I just remembered how I was once gobbled up by an Imoogi when I was ten."


    "That was quite an experience you have, I hope you will have no problem dealing with it then."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No problem Frozen Ocean, they only thing I hated from the incident was that it took days for me to get rid of the horrible smell, but since it is the skeleton I doubt I would have to be wary about the smell."


    Frozen Ocean looked at him as she spoke with a smirk, "Then how about a small competition."


    Ryuu tilted his head as he spoke curiously, "Competition? What are��"


    He was forced to dodge an incoming breath of bluish silver-coloured beam as Frozen Ocean shouted out, "Who kills them fastest."


    Ryuu grinned back at her as he spoke, "Bring it on."


    Since that day when he tricked Chasing Winds, Frozen Ocean had begun to show a new side of her to Ryuu, the mischievous side, something that Ryuu preferred a lot over her normal stoic and cold side.


    Ryuu moved towards his target, the skeleton Imoogi, he might not have faced one before but from what he had learned about them, the skeleton creatures have what is dubbed as the core, a marvellous use of array that tied the soul of the creature making its skeleton move, as such, there are two not one ways to destroy the dragon.


    First just as he had said, to find the particular array and disrupt or destroy it or simply hit it with your soul energy and Ryuu was planning to do both.


    The Imoogi moved at an incredible speed towards, and when it was only a few inches from Ryuu, he dodged to the left as he swung his sword, which cut through the bones of the creature like it was made of tofu.


    It was then followed by a thrust by the spear which destroyed the bones at the neck, the Imoogi wobbled as it had lost the majority of its face and soon his head had fallen off as well, it would regenerate albeit extremely slow but even then it would not full regenerate, and upon repetition of the same process over and over again they can easily deal with a skeleton.


    ''The array I have found it, it was too easy.'', with another swipe of his sword the bones of the skeleton fell on the ground.


    "You lose Ryuu.", Frozen Ocean''s voice came to his ears as he looked at the smirking woman stood after already slaying her prey.


    Ryuu wanted to know how, but before he could ask another few roars came and now a new group of four appeared in front of them, as Ryuu simply grumbled at that, ''Just like I thought it was too easy.''

 Chapter 423 - The Hidden Treasure (Part-4)

    Ryuu leaned on his spear breathing hard, Zywia was already on the floor as was Su-Min completely tired, True-Spear was in a similar position to him leaning and standing with the help of his spear.


    His eyes then travelled towards Frost Flames, who was leaning against the wall, her face was glistening with sweat, as her body could be seen well pronounced from the water-soaked clot��..


    Ryuu hastily turned his head closed his eyes as he chanted in his head, ''See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.'', as he hastily tried to remove the vision from his head.


    ''I am glad that I was comatose during most of my puberty and even my young a.d.u.l.t stages, but most importantly how would I have managed to keep myself away from any form of s.e.x.u.a.l needs until I reach the Celestial realm, now... control yourself control yourself.''


    Ryuu would have tried to use every chant and sutras that he had learned to focus his mind and ward himself from such desires but unfortunately no matter how much he tried he could not remember anything at the moment.


    ''I need a distraction, I need a distraction, how do I distract myself, ahh I forgot I am dying and I only have a couple of years to live.''


    As soon as he remembered that his less than noble thoughts vanished as reality crashed on to him making him sad and depressed.


    True-Spear blushed as he looked at the prone form of Zywia as they stared at each other completely forgetting their surrounding only a feeling of gloom, despair and sadness hit him, making him look towards Ryuu with confusion.


    ''I have not made any progress with my condition, I wasted so much time I doubt I would if I am further distracted I would be able to deal with it.''


    "Ryuu, Ryuu!!"


    The shout from True-Spear brought him out of his daydream, as he looked towards him as he spoke, "Yes brother True-Spear is something the matter?"


    True-Spear had a worrying look on his face as he spoke, "Brother Ryuu, you look depressed a bit."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen for a moment before he spoke with an embarrassed look on his face, "Well I was mainly upset with the lack of any treasures even after we have ventured forth so much in this place we have received nothing."


    Frozen Ocean raised one of her delicate eyebrows as she spoke with disbelief, "And this let to your depression?"


    The embarrassment increased thousandfold as he spoke barely above a whisper, "One thing led to another and I suffered from an existential crisis."


    A stunned silence descended amongst them before Su-Min fell in a fit of laughter as True-Spear simply went to help Zywia stand up before they left towards the door as did the others completely ignoring a stunned Ryuu.


    "Oi! Where are you all going? Oi! Why are you leaving me behind?", with that he gave chase after them.


    "Not another large room."


    Su-Min could help but cry out in frustration at that, a notion they all seemed to share, every time they entered a new room they were forced to fight under frustrating conditions, and every time they prevailed over them because of arrays.


    "Everyone get ready.", a tired Ryuu spoke with a sigh as the rest simply let out a groan.


    Normally they would have much more enthusiasm but the lack of any treasures had already siphoned off their will to continue.


    Well everyone except Su-Min who wholeheartedly believed on the fact that at the end there must be some kind of super treasure as she went towards her tale of how once she went into a tomb and ��.. Ryuu promptly tuned her out he was feeling bored and was in no mood for any gossip.


    Ryuu might have been bored but that did not mean that he was not vigilant, his senses were strained to the maximum without the use of any techniques as he waited for whatever trap that was present in the room to activate.


    A sizzling sound and a small glow of array was all the warning Frost Flames received before she found herself shoved hard, so hard that air was ejected forcibly from her lungs.


    She turned around quickly to see with horror in her eyes that in her place Ryuu was trapped in what seemed to be a birdcage.


    "Damn it I got caught."


    Frost Flames heart leapt to her throat at the sight as Ryuu spoke, "Keep your eyes open there might be other surprises."


    Others especially Frost Flames and Frozen Ocean had a look of distress on their faces as Frost Flames spoke with a slight quiver in her voice, "But you��."


    "But nothing I will find a way for sure okay there is nothing to worry about."


    Even after being reassured by Ryuu, their concern for him was not abated.


    Ryuu looked closely at his cage as he sighed, ''Of all the things that I could have stumbled into a cage made up of array strings, wish I could dangle an array on air like my teachers now I have to find a way to break free from it.''


    ''hmm now if I turn the array sequence in this manner, and remove��..''


    His musings were cut short when all of a sudden he heard Zywia''s shout


    "Ryuu watch out!"


    Ryuu looked up to see a pale blue liquid dropping on him, he turned to look towards Zywia with a deadpanned look on his face.


    '' Thanks for shouting out though but how will I move when the cage has just enough space for me to only stand.''


    Others looked at the horror as Ryuu was drenched in a strange pale blue coloured liquid, a liquid that hit the floor before letting out a sizzling noise.


    "No!", with a cry full of pain and anguish Frost Flames tried to dash towards him only to be stopped by True-Spear who held her tightly stopping her from moving towards Ryuu.


    "Let me go.", Frost Flames shouted out in anger as True-Spear winced as he was hit by a bone-chilling cold and scorching heat.


    "Sister, please calm down if you move willy-nilly you will not only harm yourself but him as well, being hot-headed in this situation will not work."


    "But��"


    Frost Flames looked ready to protest as Frozen Ocean tried to move forward but was stopped by a serious-looking Zywia who spoke as she shook her head negatively, "Don''t sister that is no mere liquid, more like Frost Venom Naga''s poison, a very dangerous substance if you come in contact it would spread fast through your body, freezing and destroy your cells so fast that within seconds you will be ice sculpture."


    Hearing that everyone''s widen as they looked at the place where Ryuu was held as a prisoner, by then the entire cage coated with gallons of poison looked like a large ice pillar.


    Frost Flames renewed her struggle to free herself from True-Spear''s hold only to stop as a gargantuan aura surrounded them briefly before it disappeared, the pillar cracked before it collapsed as Ryuu stepped out of it looking a bit scalded.


    "Damn it, the poison itches so much."


    As Ryuu spoke True-Spear let go of Frost Flames who dashed towards Ryuu who seeing her approaching him quickly raised his hand as took a couple of steps back as he spoke, "Stop stop, do not come any closer I am covered with enough poison to kill you so please maintain some distance."


    Frost Flames stopped a few distances away from him as she spoke, "You are still covered in poison so how will you remove them."


    Ryuu simply shrugged as he spoke, "Well most of the time just washing them off works winders though I would love to do so as fast as possible", seeing their confused look he decided to elaborate a bit, "I have rather sensitive skin, and it is itching a lot."


    Zywia snorted at that as she spoke, "You are complaining about itching, even Mid-level Celestials might die from exposure to it and you shrugged it off like it was nothing."


    Meanwhile, Ryuu was in a good mood, the poison at first glance looked like that of Frost Venom Naga but in reality, it was different, it was something more dangerous, but he managed to acclimatize to it, maybe not wholly but enough for him not to suffer any trouble because of it, for the time being, a couple of day of meditation and his body would have gained even more powerful antibodies further slowing the effect of the already deadly poison sealed in his hands.


    All in all, Ryuu was in a good mood if only he could take a nice bath and get rid of the itching it did be great but unfortunately even if he had the means he was not going to parade his flying vessel in front of everyone.


    Su-Min pouted as she spoke with a sigh, "You people from large families sure have it right."


    Ryuu simply smiled at her while inwardly he wanted to scream and curse, the process of acclimatizing with poison was not that easy it is extremely painful, he was glad that this poison was just tad bit stronger than his current immunity, but it was enough to increase his life span a little and at the same time not painful enough to make him fall on the ground and curl up like last time.


    True-Spear looked at Su-Min curiously as he spoke, "What do you mean by that?"


    Ryuu did not know whether Zywia had told her much about herself as such he decided to speak with a sigh, "Bother has Zywia told anything about her family?"


    Zywia looked affronted at that as she spoke, "Brother Ryuu that is something that I believe I should speak with him in private."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Definitely but before you engage further into your relationship there are a few things he should know don''t you think, maybe not much but still a few hints so that he does not get flat-footed and prevent some heartache later on."


    Most of them namely True-Spear and Frost Flames were confused as True-Spear spoke with a frown, "I do not know what you are playing but I love her and no matter what I will stand by her."


    Ryuu simply smiled at that as he spoke towards Zywia, "You know you made the right choice sister Zywia, he is a nice person."


    Zywia simply beamed at him as she spoke, "I know", before it changed to a frown as she spoke, "But what were you about to say to him brother Ryuu but please do so."


    Ryuu tilted his head slightly as he spoke, "Are you sure?"


    As Zywia nodded Ryuu looked towards True-Spear as he spoke, "So brother what has Zywia told you about her family."


    True-Spear simply cast a glance towards Zywia as he spoke, "Well I know that her brother is in the army and your superior and her parents are super strong cultivators."


    Ryuu simply glanced at Zywia who was currently bust looking at the floor, before he gave his undivided attention to True-Spear as he spoke, "I do not know how far you relation would go, I do not know what you will do after hearing this but I will be blunt, comparing you to her family is like comparing a peasant to an Emperor, and Zywia is that Emperor''s only daughter.???


    Both True-Spear''s and Frost Flame''s eyes widen at that, while Frozen Ocean simply sighed at that as Ryuu continued, "When you met her parents, and I know you will try to impress them as much as possible because if you fail no matter how much you say you love each other you will never see her again."


    True-Spear bit his lips but before he could say Ryuu raised his hand as he spoke, "Brother there is no need for you to say anything at the moment, I just want you to know what you are getting into, remember if you manage to impress them they might give you their blessings to court her, otherwise simply forget her and in the rare happenstance you managed to anger them, well it was good knowing you while it lasted because no one in this universe will be able to save you."


    True-Spear simply shrugged as he spoke, "Well what is there to think, I love her and I will do anything to impress her parents."


    Ryuu smiled at that as he spoke, "Excellent."


    Frozen-Ocean looked at him as she tilted her head as she spoke, "So will you help them?"


    Ryuu ran his hand through his hair as he spoke, "Well I might put a good word about him but more than that sorry but I do not believe I even have that right."


    "Now, what are we waiting for let us move on we have places to be, and faster I can get a bath the faster will I get to rid of the terrible itching."


    The group moved towards the next area, which was just a narrow corridor, leading to a rickety bridge that swaying because of the intense wind, but what made it even more dangerous was the fog that hung around the bridge obscuring it from view.


    "We will move one by one, make sure no to stand but crouch as we move, if possible do not touch the bridge but make sure you do not fly over the bridge just hover a few inches above the bridge, we will need to remain close, so if does anyone have anything that we can use a rope."


    At Ryuu''s words, Frost Flames quickly brought out a large rope which she handed to him, who quickly had it tied to his waist an idea that everyone seemed to follow without asking any question.


    Ryuu was the first one to step on to the bridge as he spoke, "Keep your eyes peeled and no matter what do not step out of the bridge and into the fog."


    Frozen Ocean followed closely after Ryuu as she stepped over the bridge she felt a chill down her spine, she felt something looking at her from the fog.


    A quick tug of the rope from the front brought her attention towards Ryuu who spoke with a scowl, "Stay vigilant but no matter what do not look elsewhere too much and hold your breath if possible the fig is unnatural with the amount of wind blowing her, it should have been blown away as well."


    As they moved forward the fog became thicker and thicker, with each passing second to the point they were even unable to see even their hands, but occasional sounds of screeching and flapping of wings could be heard by them.


    Ryuu moved with his bow drawn in his hands, his eyes focused completely with various techniques of his working at full force, he was ready to intercept and attack any creature that might attack him at moment''s notice.


    He felt a movement from the front, as he quickly used his sword to parry the incoming attack, he felt his sword hitting metal as he successfully made parried the attack before his eyes widen slightly, ''An arrow!?''


    "Everyone careful, someone or something is firing arrows towards us, and I am creating an array that will protect us."


    No sooner did he say those words a green-coloured barrier surrounded the group as Ryuu spoke, "This array can be strengthened by supplying it with our KI, make sure to touch it by your hand and keep strengthening it from time to time."


    "Okay, Ryuu."


    Frozen Ocean''s voice came to his ears as he raised his hand to touch the barrier, and his decision turned out to be a correct as soon volley upon volley of arrow rained on them.


    ~ding~


    ~ding~


    ~ding~


    ~ding~


    ~ding~


    Was the only sound they heard as arrows pelted upon them, and each arrow was different as a few of them exploded upon contact.


    "The last one was poisonous one, how is the barrier Ryuu, and thanks for it, at least I am now able to at least see inside the barrier."


    Ryuu stared straight ahead as he replied to Frozen Ocean, "The barrier is fine though how are you all holding, I hope you are all good inside the barrier, if you have any problem do not hesitate to speak out loud."


    "We are fine brother Ryuu do not worry, but please try not to put too much strain on yourself."


    True-Spear''s voice came to his ears as a small smile appears on his face before he winced as another arrow exploded on impact as a ripple passed over the barrier.


    ~ding~


    ~ding~


    ~ding~


    ~ding~


    ~ding~


    The familiar tell-a-tale sound came to his ears but this time they were not from the front of the side but from underneath them.


    ''I am glad that I extended the barrier to cover us from under, otherwise, it would have been hazardous.''


    ~screesch~


    A sound akin to nails being drawn came to his ears as he looked up only to catch a glimpse of pendulum axe grazing through the top of his barrier creating sparks.


    "Ryuu those attacks from the axes are putting a dent on your barrier."


    Frost Flames voice came to his ears as he spoke, "Just put some of your KI and the barrier would repair."


    After what seemed to be an hour the group finally managed to reach the other side of the bridge, but Ryuu did not dare to drop his barrier.


    "We will move out of this place and only then will I drop the barrier, does anyone have a problem with it?"


    "No Ryuu, just continue to move, and no matter what do not drop the barrier, I did not come here to die because I got careless at the very end."


    Ryuu simply nodded at Zywia''s words and soon they were on the other side, safely and soundly.


    Ryuu finally dropped his barrier inside a large chamber, the inside of the chamber was an architectural marvel, he would have loved to look at it but his attention was drawn to the large imposing stone stele that was present in front of them.


    As he read its contents not only him but everyone''s eyes widen as Ryuu could not help but whisper out loud, "No way, is this��."

 Chapter 424 - The Hidden Treasure (Part-5)

    Ryuu blinked once, he blinked twice but the writing did not change no matter what, not only him but others as well, they were so stunned that words did not form in their lips as they kept staring with the look of disbelief on their faces.


    ''To all those brave thieves that have managed to reach this far, if you have guessed that this is my tomb then you are right, this is my tomb and the coffin containing body is here, you may now dance with joy and please give a round of applause and if I were alive I would even give a pat on your back but alas I am dead, so missed the real treasure. Now, you must be turning my entire tomb outside down trying to find my treasures so let me tell you the truth, you see the mausoleum costs a great amount of money and even then after my death the rest would have a been used to repay my debts as such there should not be even a small spirit stone left for you, as such the jokes on you and next time DO NOT TRY TO STEAL FROM A RESPECTIVE PERSON EVEN IF THEY ARE DEAD LIKE ME.''


    Ryan read it once, then twice and then thrice rubbed his eyes, blinked them but the message remained unchained, no matter what, as Ryan could not help but speak out loud, "What in Heaven''s name is this?''


    True-Spear trembled slightly as he spoke with disbelief in his voice, "Tell me Ryuu that I am not hallucinating, that we have not fought our way here to be laughed at by the dead."


    "Sorry brother but this is very much real, we came all the way here just to return empty-handed."


    True-Spear trembled even more before he shouted out at the top of his lungs, "That''s it after I am done, he would regret dying let alone make fun of me."


    As he was about to attack he was stopped by Zywia who hurriedly spoke to him, "Stop, do not attack who knows what kind of trap it might trigger."


    "Zywia is right brother so whatever you do please do not attack."


    True-Spear simply growled at that but he stayed his hand not before giving a stink eye to the coffin of the deceased, before he spoke with a huff, "So we are just going to let him go just like that."


    Ryuu shrugged at that as he spoke, "Well I can cook up something that would only activate once we are very far away."


    Frost Flames glared at the stone stele as she spoke, "You do something for this, this��.. I do not have words to describe for him."


    Frozen Ocean gave her an understanding smile as she spoke, "I have seen many things but this is something beyond everything that I know of, I have never seen any tomb like this one."


    Zywia pursed her lips as she spoke, "Hoarding treasures after death is meaningless, as such cultivators leave behind tombs with elaborate traps, traps that prevent the unworthy from gaining access, as most of the time they are tests given out for those who braved into the tomb to test and see I they are worthy of being bestowed upon by their legacy."


    "So true Zywia, so true."


    Meanwhile, Ryuu felt a bit conflicted upon hearing them true he was a bit miffed upon seeing nothing for them after going through so much trouble but on the other hand, the poison was a bit appreciated gift, ''Whoever you are I wish to apologize, and thank you for the gift of poison, but as I like to preserve my relationship with the living I would be causing some mayhem in your resting place.''


    Su-Min looked dejected as she spoke, "You know it might be some ruse, a hoax to dissuade others from finding the real treasure, maybe if we search for it then we might find something.


    Zywia looked at her with a frown as she spoke, "Well you can check if there is anything after all it might simply be hidden just as you have said."


    With a huff Su-Min left to search as Ryuu spoke with a frown, "You know she might be right, after all, it might be a ruse to make us give up, and as such maybe we should lend her a hand in searching."


    The others sighed as they decided to help Su-Min, though they were a bit half-hearted in their attempt and Ryuu could not blame them after all, seeing the empty room with a slight mound at the centre and a stone stele was not encouraging at all.


    After a couple of hours most of the group had given up which included Su-Min, all they had found was a hidden narrow door nothing more, nothing less.


    "So after searching for so long we never found anything other than the door, so maybe we should proceed through it and maybe we might find something."


    Ryuu felt bad, he felt bad for Su-Min who was grasping on to the straws, she was so hyped about treasures but now, she was hit with a dose of reality and it was not nice, he looked at the room which they had turned upside down, the stone stele was broken, the mound was dug up, and the coffin pulled up, the dead body was lying crumpled in a corner.


    Ryuu bit his lips as he spoke, "You know but I am starting to believe that he had spent his entire fortune to create this tomb for himself."


    Su-Min narrowed her eyes as she spoke, "Why do you believe that Ryuu?"


    "Well the arrays from what I have seen so far are done by different people, some of them sloppy in fact as if someone was simply copying an unknown array there were some mistakes on it, reducing its potency but what was worse was that whoever did it seemed not only not to care but was impatient, but here is the real kicker no two arrays even if they are made by following the same schematics they are always different, do you know why Su-Min?"


    Su-Min shook her head as she spoke with a confused look on her face, "How are they different? If you are using the same schematic they should work the same."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes they would be, they would work the same but the problem comes during its creation as no two people have the same handwriting, not to mention every array master tend to add a few quirks in their array that acts in the same manner as when an artist puts their signature on their painting."


    Ryuu looked at the figure as he spoke with a pitying look on his face, "You know I feel a bit sorry for him I do not know who he paid to have these arrays placed, but that person has cones him, the only array that would have given me the problem was the cage, it was marvellous a work of art and something you do not see every day", he paused before he continued, "Yet it was like being locked up in a jail cell with the keys hanging from the lock."


    True-Spear sneered at the dead body as he spoke, "Serves him right, cheapskate might have angered them."


    The others did not say anything though they shared the same sentiment, even Ryuu who was a bit sceptical about harming the person''s corpse, one who had supplied him with such a poison, he then realized a very important truth, he was not the creator of the tomb as such there is no need to feel sorry for such a cheapskate.


    Frost Flames looked towards the door as she spoke, "Since there is nothing else to do, let us leave through the door that sister Frozen had found out."


    Her idea was appreciated by all as they went through the door, with Ryuu once again leading the front.


    "How curious"


    "What is it, Ryuu?"


    "Well, see the wall here, at least the walls before had at least something covering them, even if it was bones in some cases, but this part is soil, frozen hard soil nothing spectacular."


    As Ryuu answered Frozen Ocean''s question she touched the wall with a frown on her face before she whispered so low that only Ryuu was able to hear, "I feel sorry for Su-Min."


    Ryuu gave a small nod as he spoke with a sigh, "Me too, she was so hyped up."


    The door had opened a passage for them and following it they had managed to reach a dead end and then a quick search later, Ryuu found a small notch at the side of the wall which let the wall to slide down as he stepped out of the passage.


    The group stood by the side of a snow-covered mountain as the cold air hit them Ryuu simply glanced at the dejected look on Su-Min''s face while Frost Flames simply gave her a small hug.

 Chapter 425 - The Hidden Treasure (Part-5)

    Ryuu shielded his eyes from the icy cold winds with his hands they had managed to only to cover halfway to their base when a terrifying blizzard descended upon them with great fury, and within seconds the temperature dropped to an unbearable level as the visibility itself lowered to the point that Ryuu could not even see his hands.


    It had hit them so suddenly that they could not even prepare themselves and as such, they ended up getting separated, Ryuu felt someone grabbed his hand and from the nature of the KI, he knew who was near him, as such he quickly held the person firm, as they tried to brave the storm together hand in hand.


    "We cannot keep up like this we need shelter."


    "I know, but it is difficult trying to find one in this blizzard when I cannot even see my hands."


    A roar of thunder was heard nearby as Ryuu looked towards Frost Flames as she shouted back at her, "We dig down."


    "Can we not go up?"


    "No we do not know the extent of the storm and not to mention this place might have a ceiling and coming in contact with one can be deadly as such I propose we dig down."


    Frost Flames bit her lips as she shouted back, "You are right."


    The duo landed on the frozen ground while braving the storm, then they used their command over the powers to drill a hole on the ground, it was slowly but soon they were well beneath the surface, having dug themselves sufficiently deep inside the duo hastily covered the exit, then they slowly began to work and soon a small round room took shape around them.


    Ryuu let out a huff of relief as he eyed the room before he broke into laughter making Frost Flames look at him curiously as she spoke, "Is something wrong Ryuu?"


    Ryuu wheezed between his laughter as he spoke, "Just try and see your face using a mirror."


    Frost Flames was taken aback before her mirror appeared in hand, she took a look at it as her eyes wide, gone was her beautiful face for it was replaced by one covered with snowflakes to the point that she now sported a pair of thick white eyebrows and her veil that covered her face looked like a snow-white beard.


    Ryuu''s cackling came to her ears as she looked at him as she broke into a smile of her own as just like her Ryuu'' face had taken a very similar form and upon realizing the cause of her laughter he quickly wiped his face to remove the snow off his face.


    As the duo finally managed to control their laughter and remove the snow, they gathered near each other as Frost Flames spoke with a worried look on her voice, "Ryuu are the others alright?"


    Ryuu pursed his lips as he spoke, "They are safe and from the looks of it they are together, unfortunately, it seems both of us are separated from them."


    "So spending some time with me is unfortunate."


    Ryuu blushed as he hurriedly rectified his words, "No of course not, I was simply stating we are separated from our friends."


    Frost Flames simply smiled as a chair made up of ice formed near her which she promptly occupied before she spoke with another appearing directly in front of her.


    "What are you waiting for please sit."


    Ryuu promptly occupied the chair, not before he dropped a talisman, as an array spread across the room, the talisman which he had shared previously with others, and it soon heated the room raising the temperature to a more tolerable level making it more comfortable.


    They sat silently for a moment the crackling sound of logs burning was the only sound created by the array since it had been, they did not know what to say to each other.


    "Frost Flames if I may be a bit rude may I ask something about you."


    Frost Flames tilted her head as she spoke, "What do you want to know about me?"


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "Well I know nothing about you except your name."


    Frost Flames tapped her chin before she spoke with a small smile, "Well both True-Spear and I were slum children, to begin with, never knowing our parents, trying to ends meet by stealing, pickpocketing, working as labour, it is how my earliest of childhood memories were, and it was then that we made a mistake."


    Her face scrunched up as she spoke, "Maybe calling it a mistake would be wrong since we decided to rob a very powerful cultivator, and that cultivator took pity on us and took us in, a pair of orphans that did not even have a roof over their head, hailing from a backwater town ended up becoming the disciple of a Daofather."


    She then gained a faraway look on her face as she looked down towards the array while she spoke, "Nobody can predict the flow of one''s fate, one moment we were lowly street urchins lowest of low and in the next moment we are disciples of someone as powerful as our teacher."


    Ryuu did not say something for a moment as Frost Flames spoke making him look up seeing the uncertainty in her eyes Ryuu frowned at that, as Frost Flames spoke, "My origins are not that glorious, and some may even look down upon me because of them, why would they not after all I am someone who does not even know who gave birth to me."


    Ryuu looked at her as he spoke softly, "From what I have learned in my life, to never judge a book by its cover and no matter what anyone says a diamond is found only amongst the coal, so whatever anyone says please do not pay attention to it.", he then looked directly into her eyes as he spoke with a soft smile on his face, "Does you master have any objection to your heritage."


    Frost Flames shook her head as she spoke, "No he does not."


    Ryuu''s smile widens as he spoke, "Is he not one of your important people?"


    Frost Flames nodded again as Ryuu continued, "So what others say matters in this situation they are irrelevant, only the important people in your lives others not so much."


    Ryuu looked up as he gained a nostalgic look as he spoke, "My family or rather the people I was born to do not want me, as an incident during the time of my birth darkened their opinion about me and the wanted to kill me."


    Frost Flames let out a small gasp as she looked confused before she spoke, "But, you said��"


    Ryuu let out a humourless chuckle as he spoke, "My aunt saved my life she left behind her life of safety and luxury to save mine, but alas her enemies followed after her, enemies whom she could have defeated easily but as I was with her, she was forced to shield and as such ended up becoming grievously injured."


    Various emotions swirled up behind his eyes as he continued, "My teacher was passing by she saved us, but it was too late for my mother, she passed away a few years later slowly withering away in excruciating pain, yet she never let me know until the very last moment she kept up that kind smile on her face, I...I was not born of her, she was my aunt for Heaven''s sake but she loved me more than my own parents, parents that wanted to get rid of me within a few seconds of my birth, yet her.", he let out a tired sigh as he spoke, "You know my biggest regret was, why was I not born of her."


    Frost Flames did not know what to say about it, but she could not keep her curiosity in check as she spoke out loud with a frown on her face, "So then Zywia, she said that your family is a friend with hers."


    Ryuu gave a small smile as he replied to her, "Correction, my teacher''s family has a connection with hers, I was five when my teacher came across me, and then when my mother passed away, my teacher''s family has been raising me since then like I am their own flesh and blood."


    "I see.", she spoke Frost Flames voice quivered a bit, as Ryan looked directly into her eyes as he spoke, "Just like your teacher my teachers family is extremely strong, so strong that no one dares to speak against them, and even if I was no way related to them nor do they have any obligations against me they love me as if I was one their own, and that is something others do not like, they might not be brave enough to say it in front of my teacher but I have come across many who curse me behind my back only because I got to be my teacher''s disciple while they do not."


    He once again looked towards her as he spoke, "All calling me many things like pet, charity case and whatnot, but do I care about them? Definitely not, they can curse and m.o.a.n and do whatever they want but this is the truth and reality if they have too much problem they can slit their throat and die because I do not care and neither does my teacher."


    "You know Ryuu thank you for trusting me so much."


    Ryuu simply gave a soft smile only to widen as Frost Flames moved towards him as she captured his lips as she drew him into a passionate kiss full of love, Ryuu''s eyes widen for a moment before he returned her kiss with equal fervour.

 Chapter 426 - Dying of Regret (Part-1)

    Ryuu felt his stomach do flip flop, but then a certain person''s face floated in front of his eyes, that made him grimace inwardly, ''I hope That Woman does not find out, who am I kidding she will definitely find and kill her, but should I move forward with this relation... screw it if I spend my life with what-ifs I will never get anything done.''


    Meanwhile back with Zywia and her group, they had managed to copy Ryuu as they had managed to bore deep into the ground in a similar manner, they had managed to settle down a good few kilometers away from the duo.


    Su-Min frowned at that as she spoke, "I do not understand why did you purposefully make us to leave those two alone?"


    Zywia gained a small smile as she spoke, "Well I hope those two can find love for each other by spending some time alone, I was getting frustrated upon seeing them hover around each other like that, I hope that they can find love in each other."


    Su-Min blinked at her before she stood up towering over Zywia as she pointed towards her with her hands shaking, "WHAT!!!! How could you? I know you for so long, you were supposed to help me capture Ryuu, how could you do that to me."


    Zywia snapped back at her as she spoke, "Oh shut up, if you had wanted so much to pursue relationship with him, then you should have tried a bit harder."


    Su-Min pouted as she gained a dejected look on her face as she spoke, "Aww, he was such a nice catch, not to mention I know him for so much longer than Frost Flames."


    Frozen Ocean deadpanned at her as she spoke, "You met him a few minutes before Frost Flames did, so please stop making such outlandish claims."


    "Meh semantics, but really I missed a great catch."


    Zywia snorted at that as she spoke, "You are lucky that you are saying that in front of me if it was in front of his family, even if you were joking you would not have lived to see the next day."


    True-Spear frowned as he spoke with slight hint of anxiousness in his voice, "Zywia, do you thing they would accept his relation with my sister?"


    Zywia frowned at that as she spoke, "I do not know whether they would accept their relation or not, if they do not want to then it would difficult, extremely so for them to be together."


    True-Spear grimaced at that as Zywia continued, "Our families are Ancient, our ancestors are so old that even some of the present DaoFathers were toddlers when our ancestors were height of power."


    Others looked at her with wide eyed awe and she was right in a way that her own mother and father is Ancient and are old enough that many of the present DaoFathers were mere child when they were at a rise, and Ryuu''s teachers they were even older.


    ''I hope Ryuu can have a stable relation though I fear he mind end up outstripping her as time passes and who knows if their relation might survive as the gap between them widen even more and more.''


    Frozen Ocean looked down for a moment as she spoke with a soft sigh, "I do not know Ryuu''s family''s names but I know that his older sisters are scarily strong and is referred to and treated as Empresses."


    Both True-Spear and Su-Min paid undivided attention towards Frozen Ocean as Su-Min spoke, "So he is some form of Royalty?"


    Frozen Ocean snorted at that as she spoke, "Royalty please they are The Royalty, they are the very definition of Royalty ruling over a vast part of the Universe, in fact my sect is under their protection, I might have never met them but definitely seen them from afar."


    "You are right they are Royalty with enough strength and pull that they can even make DaoFather''s disappear if they manage to anger them."


    Both Su-Min and True-Spear''s eyes widen, as Frozen Ocean nodded in agreement as she spoke, "There are many stories about them, some good, some bad and some outright cruel, like I have heard once a cultivator tried to ensnare them as his slaves, only for them to incur their wrath as a result they burned the entire planet that the cultivator resided to ash."


    As both the listeners'' face gained a look of fear, Zywia searched her memories trying to remember such incident but failed spectacularly making her shrug inwardly at that, ''Well I do not know about that, but I have seen the aftermath of their small tussle, a simply parry took out an entire planet.''


    True-Spear looked confused at that as he spoke, "But, how? How does someone be allowed to wield such powers at their beck and call, would the seniors not get angry, for someone who are so much their junior to act as such."


    Both Zywia and Frozen Ocean looked at him with disbelief for a moment before Zywia spoke with a sigh, "How strong do you think they are?"


    True-Spear frowned at that as he spoke, "Well if they are Ryuu''s big sisters then they should be around maybe a Celestial just like your brother."


    Zywia shook her head with a small smile on her face as she spoke, "No you are wrong, the age difference between them and Ryuu is ginormous, in fact they are of my parents generation, our family had alliance with his because my parents were their friends, and Ryuu he is even younger than not only me but everyone of you."


    As True-Spear gawked at her, while smile full of enlightenment formed on Su-Min as she spoke, "That means according to their relationship, in a way Ryuu''s elder sisters are like your aunt right?"


    As Zywia nodded Su-Min''s grin widened as she spoke, "Does that not make Ryuu your ''uncle''?"


    Zywia''s face went blank before she mirrored Su-Min''s smile as she spoke, "You are right Su-Min, why have I missed this oh I am going to so pester and tease him, now."


    She then turned to look at True-Spear whose face was marred by a frown, as she spoke with a sigh, "Do you remember the list of names of those, who had managed to reach and conquer the 14th floor, that Ryuu always says he would surpass."


    True-Spear nodded at that as he spoke, "Well I have not seen that but Ryuu mentioned it before once."


    Zywia continued, "Those names belong to my parents and some of their friends which included Ryuu''s sisters."


    True-Spear suddenly felt helpless upon hearing that, ''Will I be really able to court Zywia, she is not a braggart nor is she someone who would lie like that if what she is telling is true I do not have anything that might look in her parent''s eyes.''


    As he thought about it, he leaned back with his hand supporting him only for his hand to slip as he fell back, the others would have laughed at his misfortune if not for the ground beneath him to cave in as he disappeared into the darkness as Zywia screamed out his name outloud.


    The snow covered ground exploded as Ryuu followed by Frost Flames stepped out of their hiding place, "No matter what I cannot help but marvel at the scenery of this place covered under a blanket of snow."


    "So true Ryuu."


    The glanced at each other as Frost Flames spoke with a smile, "Shall we search for them."


    Before Ryuu could respond the ground once again exploded a few distance away as a group of four emerged from it, "Let us greet them."


    "And from what you have said they might have quite the adventure to tell."


    Ryuu nodded at that, during their stay inside their little hole they might be in an emotional coaster ride, but that did not mean that Ryuu did not keep an eye on others, as his array indicated that they were on the move, sometimes up, sometimes down, then sideways it looked as if they had exploring something.


    The ground exploded as the group of four emerged from beneath the snow, as True-Spear spoke with a huge grin on his face, "Guess what I found."


    Both Frost Flmaes and Ryuu looked at each other before they spoke in unison, "Treasure?"


    True-Spear''s grin widen as he spoke, "Even better, the gateway to the other level."


    Ryuu''s eyes sparkled at that as he spoke, "Really?"


    True-Spear nodded as Ryuu exclaimed with large grin on his face, "Then what are we waiting for, let us return to camp and then we can move to our new destination."


    With that decision in mind the group moved swiftly towards their base, with fire of anticipation and excitement burning brightly within their heart, Zywia glanced at the duo as a slightly smile graced her lips, ''This is wonderful now I will not be the only one who has to face music after they stepped out of this place.''


    As soon as they reached base they were approached by none other than Amnon who spoke with a stern look on his face, "We have a serious problem."


    Ryuu frowned at that as he spoke, "What is it brother?"


    "A few hours ago Elmer took some of his men and left the base, brother DarkThorne followed after them with intent to keep an eye on them, it was then the blizzard struck and according to him, they tried to rescue their brethren and got caught."


    Ryuu rubbed the bridge of his nose as he spoke, "Wonderful just wonderful, that idiot seemed to have performed rather spectacularly.", before a look of concern bled onto his face as he spoke, "Is brother DarkThorne alright?"


    Amnon nodded as he spoke with a sigh, "Well he is suffering from frostbite otherwise he is fine."


    Ryuu bit his lips as he spoke, "It seems we have to abandon the base and move as fast as possible, who knows if they have managed to pry our secrets off of them by now, pass the words along we are leaving, and leaving fast."

 Chapter 427 - Dying Regret (Part-2)

    "But... but what about them? Are we going to leave them just like that?"


    Ryuu looked directly into the eyes of the speaker as he spoke, "I understand you are concern about the fate of Elmer and the others but please tell me what are our chances against them? Please enlighten me."


    The person looked down as she bit her lips before she spoke, "None, we have no chance at all."


    "There you have it. You yourself acknowledge the fact that we do not have any chance against them not even a small chance at all, so how can we rescue them."


    "What if we prepare an ambush?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "It will not work, and they might just use your brethren as a meat shield, not to mention how will we ambush them here, look around us there are small dunes of snow nothing more if we say we could hide underneath and trigger some trap and what not then you forgot that we will have no exit they will simply pump in some poison and close the exit."


    The person looked dejected, a look of resignation came to her face as Ryuu gave a sympathetic smile to her as he spoke, "I cannot fathom to even understand the emotional turmoil you are going through, my words may seem like a false platitude, but believe me when I say that I would help to rescue your people that I swear on my honor and name, but we have to do it slow and methodical, if even half of our original numbers were present it would have been different, but unfortunately we do not have the luxury."


    "I understand, I understand everything but its hurt so much they.."


    As sobs came from her throat, Ryuu embraced the crying girl as he began to gently pat her trying to ease her pain, ''Such a cruel world we live in, those poor people they are suffering so much yet I can not��. No, I chose not to do something I might call Elmer an idiot but I am no better if I had someone who was near to be captured like that, I would have moved heaven and earth to save them, I am such a hypocrite.''


    His eyes hardened as he swore inwardly, ''I might not be able to save them today, but I will I swear on my honor and name, I will rescue them.''


    The thought of the captured cultivators made him wince, ''I doubt even after I have saved them, they would be alright who knows what those sc.u.m are doing with the, just the thought��'', with a deep sigh Ryuu reigned in his thoughts before letting go of the somewhat composed girl.


    Severing Saber gave a small nod as did Chianyu which Ryuu returned promptly before he began to speak, "Some time ago our good friend Elmer had been caught and we fear that by now they would have pried our location from their minds, as such we are moving to another location."


    "Direct confrontation is still not possible and the outside is still as dreadfully cold as ever, not to mention the occasional blizzards so I advise caution, and please be fast, we will be moving at extremely fast pace as it has been sometimes since the capture of brother Elmer, by now I am confident that they have already found about our base, and I do not want brother DarkThorne''s hard work to be wasted, he had put his life on the line for us after all."


    The group simply nodded as they soon followed after True-Spear who was leading them towards their new place of residence, which was unknown to but a handful was not a place of refuge but the gateway to the other level, Ryuu simply wanted a breathing room without breathing down hard on their neck.


    As they moved well few distance away from the previous base Ryuu looked back towards its direction as his fingers twitched a bit and a smirk appeared on his lips before he resumed his journey.


    Frost Flames looked at the odd smile on his lips as she spoke, "Why are smiling Ryuu?"


    Ryuu looked at Frost Flames who was now his girlfriend as he spoke with a smile, "Nothing just left a rather nasty surprise for them."


    Frost Flames brow furrowed as she spoke, "Surprise?"


    Ryuu ran his hand through his hair as he spoke, "Well since they have hostages and without a doubt, they would use them to test any traps as such nothing lethal but something that could occupy them for some time."


    "I see, are you going to do the same near the gateway, Ryuu?"


    "Of course Frost why wouldn''t I, the longer I can keep them occupied, the better it is for us."


    Frost Flames bit her lips as she spoke, "But, you said that you would help to free all of them on your honor and name."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "That I did but I never swore that I would rescue all of them as it is basically impossible."


    Frost Flames nodded at that as she spoke, "Yes you are right, it is impossible after all who knows how many of them have perished by their hands by now."


    Ryuu gained a sad look on his face as Frost Flames held his arms as she spoke gently, "There is no need to feel sad our hands are tied there is nothing we could do for now, but later I believe that you would plan something great."


    Ryuu gave a small smile as he squeezed her hand, meanwhile Frozen Ocean looked at the couple for a moment with a small smile on her face, though for a moment there was a twinge of jealousy which was squashed the moment it reared its head, ''They look so nice together, Frozen Ocean calm yourself and remember your oath.''


    An hour later a large army of the Preta realm cultivator had swarmed the area around cave as Jethrar looked towards the place with his eyes narrowed, "So that is where they are holding up?"


    "Yes according to what we have managed to gather from them, they are."


    Jethrar looked towards a still fuming and angry Ithrura, apparently, the group had not only infiltrated and interrupted her private time, he felt a bit of pity for them seeing them tortured in such inhumane way by Ithrura though, on the other hand, seeing the look on Ithrura''s face as she tortured them simply made his day, ''Now if only I could get my hand on her corpse.''


    "That tornado looks odd."


    Jethrar deadpanned at her words as he spoke, "Really! I thought that an upside-down tornado is natural."


    Ithrura glared at him as she spoke, "Do not be sarcastic, I am in an extremely bad mood, so do not tempt me."


    Jethrar raised his hands in mock surrender as he spoke, "Sorry sorry please forgive me, your Highness."


    Ithrura simply huffed at that as she spoke, "Send some rats and make them check out its defenses, I do not want to storm into unknown places."


    "It is too big to send a couple we need more."


    "Then send more what are you waiting for, Jethrar the sooner we finish this the sooner I can go back to do my job."


    Jethrar sighed as he spoke, "Yes of course, but you remember our deal."


    "Yes, yes if ''Rain Sword'' is captured alive he will be taken as a very important commodity to be gifted to our seniors and if he is dead then you get your hands on him."


    "We are leaving!"


    A cry of dismay came from the Deva realm cultivators as they looked at the gateway, "What is the meaning of this? You promised��"


    "Shut up and be silent."


    As Ryuu thundered from the incoming headache, a hush silence descended upon the group as he glared at them.


    "What part of strategic retreat and waiting for the perfect moment do you not understand.", he raised his arms wide before he spoke, "Just look at us, how did we move into this level, simply by sneaking, by now they have already swarmed our previous base, and you yourself acknowledge that the current us not able to fight back, the current us is not able to ambush them do you know why we are here."


    "The reason is simple, we entered this place hiding and stowing with the Preta realm sc.u.m, imitating them, we did not even have a proper chance at ambushing them or anything, I had placed a monitoring array and it triggered shortly after we left, they had already arrived at our base''s location but this time it would be different not only we would be ahead of them but we could plan and act so that we could set up proper ambush so as to rescue more of your family, your friends but for that the strategic retreat was essential."


    He took a breather as he spoke, "Now does any of you have any question.", he waited for a moment and seeing none, he continued with a sigh, "Well, since no one has any question please proceed."


    He watched as the cultivators slowly made their way through the gateway with him being last, Frost Flames looked at him one last time as he flashed her small smile, before he stepped inside the gateway but not before he touched the walls of the cave system one last time as a rather intricate array appeared which cause the collapse of the cave burying the gateway under the rubble, while on top a dense fog appeared completely hiding the site of the collapse.

 Chapter 428 - Dying of Regret (Part-3)

    The desolate sky of level 8 greeted them as the mournful and stale wind seemed to gently caress them.


    ''Ugh, what is this depressing place? I hate already it.''


    "I do not like this place."


    Ryuu looked towards Frost Flames as he spoke, "Me too, the atmosphere feels kind of depressing and creepy."


    Frozen Ocean frowned as she spoke, "The Yin KI is greatly abundant in this area, and I fear we have to move away from this place fast or some unsavoury creatures might pop up."


    Ryuu nodded as the group began to move, the distant howling could be heard that send a shiver down their spine, but what made them feel even more unease was the ground below, it was covered in white powder and upon closer inspection, it turned out to be bone dust, it would have been a bit more tolerable if corpses were not strewn on the ground, it looked as if a huge battle had taken place and billions and trillions of dead were left on the ground.


    "You know normally I would not have bothered seeing so many dead but they make me feel unease, it feels as if they are alive playing opossum while keeping an eye on us waiting for a moment to pounce."


    Ryuu looked towards True-Spear as he spoke, "So I am not the only one who was getting the feeling, I would love to move away from this place but I do not see any exit all that is in front of us is this graveyard for as far as the eye could see."


    "It reminds me of your teacher''s library, Ryuu."


    Ryuu simply looked at Zywia as he spoke with a scowl, "My teacher''s library is not a graveyard."


    Zywia simply deadpanned at him as she spoke, "Really what about the statues decorating the building."


    Ryuu visibly shivered as he spoke, "I see I get your point the statues really act as if they are living, following your every move with their eyes."


    Frost Flames spoke with a slight frown on her face, "Can we not discuss scary things."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Of course I would love not to discuss them at all if possible."


    Elidyr could feel every bit of his eight millions of age, he felt incredibly old and tired not to mention cold, the last few months he had to spend contemplating his death, he envied his friends that died that day and wished he was the lucky ones, the things he witnessed made a proud cultivator curl up and cry like a child.


    The thought of those poor women made him want to hurl, the fate they suffered yet there was nothing that he could do, those damnable beasts had placed arrays on him and now he was nothing but a willing slave to them, ''I heard that a couple of us had managed to escape, like that would be the truth, but now I am about to receive my freedom with my death.''


    He eyed at the giant reverse super-tornado that had been set up as a barrier as he closed his eyes as surrendered him to the inevitable, for a moment nothing happened than all of a sudden the constant agony of the pain caused by the array vanished as he heard laughter from his side, "We are free."


    He turned towards his right as he watched his fellow cultivator, laughing like mad with tears streaming down his eyes, "We are free.", was all he repeated again and again.


    Elidyr eyes widen momentarily as an understanding look came upon his face as he spoke, "Yes we are free."


    ''I thought death would be painful and scary, but it was a sweet relief though I would think it would be more than snowy ground surrounded by a white mist.''


    "At least we can now meet our fallen brethren once again."


    The other person looked at him with an unreadable expression as he spoke, "What are you talking about? We are alive you fool we are alive and free we can escape now."


    Elidyr was stunned for a moment before he spoke while crying, "You are joking, right? You are joking."


    The person simply shook his head as he spoke, "No I do not see he.", with that he turned to show him his neck which lacked any arrays that had been placed on them."


    "We are free, FREE! FREE! FREE! The Heaven''s have not forsaken us we will go home."


    Elidyr hugged his fellow cultivator as they both cried out with happiness, when all of a sudden Elidyra gained a look of horror on his face, "What if they enter this place and capture us?"


    "We have to run."


    "But where should we go? The entire place is surrounded by those demonic trashes, and if we step out we would get caught and enslaved again."


    Before they could speak another few entered the place, a place where they were freed by their burden, as they cried and let out a joyous roar on the outside it was different.


    Jethrar looked at the giant reverse tornado with a frown, he had sent at least ten of the slaves and yet all of he had seen was a flash of red going up and nothing more, "This is getting us nowhere."


    Ithrura mumbled under her breath as she spoke, "Why are you not sending one of your corpses, to check it out they are sturdier than even some of the slaves we are sending."


    "But they are my precious."


    A scathing glare was the reward for his whining as Ithrura spoke, "You try to make a corpse puppet out of anything and everything you can get your hands on, just pick one and use it."


    Jethrar sighed as he spoke, "Okay okay I am doing it."


    He huffed as a crocodile-like creature appeared by his side, he raised his hands in a manner befitting a king as the creature moved at an incredible speed towards the white wall of the inverse tornado, it entered as Jethrar felt his connection getting lost."


    Elidyr eyes widen in horror as he looked at a corpse puppet barreling his way into the barrier, before turning into dust.


    "We have to live now."


    The others need not be told but the question that resounded in everyone''s mind was, ''where would we go?''


    "Hey, over there it looks like a red cloth maybe that is where they are hiding their base."


    "Then what are we waiting for let us move, maybe they might be able to help."


    The group dashed towards what seemed to be the entrance of the cave, as they neared it they were hit with a sense of disappointment.


    "It looks abandoned."


    "Maybe they are deep inside."


    "Hey look over there it looks like some form of a message."


    Elidyr, who was the nearest to it, read it out loud for others to hear.


    "To those of the Deva Lok, I would like to offer my sincere apologizes as I do not have means to free you all, but I hope that this trap has managed to destroy the slave array and you are free.


    This cave used to be our hiding place, I know you all might need a place to hide till the leave, this place has enough arrays to prevent it, but currently, they are inactive.


    To activate them move as deep inside the cave as possible, and then send a pulse of KI using the red cloth, it would work wonders for you all.


    If you are hungry or thirsty at the deepest pit of the cave there is enough food and water for a hundred for a week, feel free to.


    I hope one day we would meet again as free men.


    With regards,


    ''Rain Sword'' Ryuu"


    "What do we do brother Elidyr"?


    Before he could say a loud boom was heard as the surrounding shook he looked at his fellow cultivators as he spoke, "Brother let us move towards the shelter he spoke of maybe just maybe we would survive."


    "Are you sure Elidyr?"


    Elidyr gave him a pained smile as he spoke, "What choice do we have?"


    Elmer regained his consciousness as pain racked through his body, ''Oh I remember we got caught.''


    As the memories of being captured and interrogated came to his minds he could not help but remember Ryuu''s words, ''He was so right, I should have listened to him and now because of my thirst for revenge I lost not only by men but even got captured.''


    He could hear his men screaming and accusing him of causing their death through torture, tears pooled in his eyes yet he could do nothing, ''That bitch really crippled me for good my dantian is gone, my arms and legs have been cut off, and now I am truly a worm crawling on the floor.''


    His dreams, his wishes, every triumph, every sorrow passed in front of his eyes, his brothers, his parents everyone''s face past in front of his eyes, ''What I would not give to hold them again in my arms again, Ryuu was right I let vengeance cloud my vision, this pain is unbearable if only.'', his eyes widen momentarily as a smile graced his face, ''Ah, yes I remember all those painful torture techniques prevented me from focusing and activating it, but now I can and I will.''


    He stared up to look at the sky with great difficulty, and the sky itself was cloudy and small flakes fell on him, ''I guess this is it then, sorry big brother but it seems I would not joining you after all.''


    "Oh look who decided to grace us with his presence, His Majesty the Worm King himself, everyone please be on your best behaviours.", a seductive voice purred near his ears making him wince.


    Ithrura looked at the Elmer who suddenly laughed out loud as he spoke, "Hey Ithrura can you do me a favour."


    Ithrura tilted her head in confusion she had thought many different scenarios where Elmer would have shouted in anger, cursed the, begged them but not a laugh out loud and speak like an old friend as such she could not help but as him curiously, "What do you want, Worm?"


    "Tell Ryuu he was right and I was wrong, also goodbye bitch."


    The look of vindication was the only warning she got as she moved away from him as fast as possible as did Jethrar before a titanic explosion engulfed them destroying a good chunk of the area surrounding it.

 Chapter 429 - The ghostly wails of the eight(Part-1)

    "Did something happened Ryuu, you look a bit relieved as well as a bit happy?"


    Ryuu nodded at Frost Flames question as he spoke, "Yes I am, and do you remember when I said that I was placing some surprise for them?"


    Frost Flames nodded as Ryuu continued with a smile, "Well it worked, twelve Deva realm cultivator had managed to get free."


    Everyone especially the Deva realm cultivators who were within his earshot let out whoop filled with joy even if a paltry few escaped it was still terrifyingly good news.


    "Can we return and escort them here?"


    As one of them asked Ryan shook his head as he spoke with an apologetic look on their face, "Sorry but no, I have managed to help them escape as well as guide them to a place where they could hide but nothing more at the moment, they need rest to recuperate and smuggling them outright under the nose of the Preta Lok army is not feasible at the moment."


    The same speaker bit his lips as he spoke, "Can you at least tell us how they are doing?"


    Ryuu closed his eyes for a moment before he spoke, "All I can say that they are safe at the moment, I left some arrays that would keep our cave warm along with enough food and drinks to last them for a long time, if I were in their boots I would wait there for as long as possible before slipping back to lower level floors, and I hope they would do so as well."


    The person who asked him the question simply nodded as he spoke with a sigh, "Well as long as they are alright and safe that is all that matters."


    Meanwhile back at the seventh floor, a large badly burned ball like creature split open as both Ithrura and Jethrar stepped out of it as Ithrura spoke, "Thank you for protecting me and with this, I believe we are even right?"


    Jethrar simply gave a small nod as Ithrura spoke, "That was some explosion, how did he do such a thing, I crippled him thoroughly, his Dantian was gone, I dissolved his spirit veins and branches with my poison and yet how did he kill himself."


    Jethrar sighed as he spoke, "He blew his soul using some form of Taboo technique."


    Ithrura gawked at him as she spoke, "But that is impossible, I had any semblance of him using KI destroyed."


    Jethrar shook his head as he spoke, "That does not matter, yes we cultivators cannot do anything without our KI but there are certain exceptions like in the case of Taboo arts which are fuelled by sacrificing one''s souls or life energy in some cases."


    Ithrura looked at the crater as she spoke, "That was a large one, but I thought blowing up one''s soul would have been a much bigger explosion."


    Jethrara nodded as he spoke, "If he had his KI or had cultivated his soul, then it would have been much bigger and more devastating enough that we might all be dead, but thankfully for us, it was not the case moreover your torture and everything took its toll on him, though it might have been small it did its purpose, at least a couple of hundred of our people are dead, it was a good idea that we left a few to guard the slaves and��."


    His eyes widen as a horrible realization stuck him, "Quick we have to return what if we are being duped and the others are freeing them, we have left behind less than a thousand of our men to guard rest of our slaves what if they are freed by the Manushya realm while we are wasting our time with what might be a distraction."


    Ithrura bit her lips as she spoke, "Then let us keep half of our men and bring the rest with us."


    Jethrar nodded in agreement as they left bringing half of their soldiers along with them whereas the rest simply stood guard around the still functioning reverse tornado.


    Back with True-Spear and the group who had ventured into the eighth floor lazily moved around trying to find a place for their base, all they had managed to find was unending graveyard as far as the ice could see, with the almost flat ground with not even a small hill.


    "There are no caves for us to hide maybe we can burrow down and hide underneath?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No way True-Spear, I am not touching the ground, it looks like it has been covered by powdered bone and I so do not want to touch it or go anywhere near those creepy dead bodies."


    True-Spear sighed as he spoke, "Me too brother Ryuu but are we going to float around this place for who knows how long, given that we are strong enough to float for days but even we have limits."


    Ryan ran his hand through his hair as he spoke, "I know but can you ��."


    Whatever he was going to say was stopped as the ground shook and a humongous worm-like creature appeared from underneath the ground, it was the largest creature Ryuu had ever seen in his life.


    The group of cultivators watched with wide eyes, the head of the worm consisting of rows of razor-sharp serrated teeth, with its head at least a hundred meters in diameter but its body was of different matter, it seemed to be unending, the group watched as the huge creature simply passed over their head and it was no joke they were at least ten kilometres above ground yet the worm was able to jump above their head not to mention they could not still see its end.


    "A thousand kilometres that creature is at least A THOUSAND KILOMETERS!!!!!"


    Su-Min could not help but shriek out in fear as many cultivators gulped as they looked down to see the creature disappear under the surface as if it was simply diving underwater, Ryuu meanwhile simply went through all his memories trying to anything remotely similar to the creature that was in front of him but failed spectacularly, as such he could not help but whisper out loud, "What is that creature?"


    Zywia shook her head as she spoke, "No idea, I have no idea what manner of that creature that thing is."


    "Whatever that creature is I believe we have to as far away from it as possible."


    Ryuu looked at Estelle whose voice quivered from fear as such he could not help but ask out, "Did you recognize the creature?"


    Estelle shook her head as she spoke, "No I do not but surely you should have felt it right? The feel of our KI wanted to burst from us and reach the creature as if it was trying to suck it out from our body."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke while looking towards True-Spear, "I do not think that staying underground is feasible anymore."


    True-Spear let out a sigh as he spoke, "No it is not so what should we do?"


    Ryuu looked at the horizon as he spoke, "We move fast and try to find something, there ought to be somewhere we could find shelter."


    Frost Flames frowned at that as she spoke, "I do not like this place."


    Frozen Ocean nodded at that before she spoke with a frown, "We have to find our way to the next level as soon as possible, the Preta realm cultivators have an obsession with the corpses do you think that they might be able to utilize them."


    Ryuu bit his lips as he spoke, "Maybe I am not sure, they do have the ability to control the dead so maybe they will be to do so, and Jethrar may not be the only corpse puppeteer so we might be in danger in this place."


    "Is that a floating island near the horizon?"


    As the shout drew their attention as the group spotted a floating island at the horizon, True-Spear looked at others as he spoke, "Let us check it out there must be something that we might find useful especially a place where we can use for shelter."


    It took them over an hour for them to reach the island, but as they neared the scene in front of them completely changed, gone were the endless desert of powdered bones and corpses, all that was left in front of them were massive chunks of debris that they had mistaken for a floating island, but was in fact debris from a broken planet, the core gave an iridescent blue glow as similar colour fire seemed to be trying to reach the space.


    Ryuu whistled at that as he spoke, "That is some sight?"


    Frost Flames nodded in acknowledgement as she spoke, "It is though I would like to caution that flame seems unnatural."


    Ryuu frowned at that as he spoke, "Yes it is, I do not know why but those flames gives me chills.", he looked up as he frowned, "Hey are those buildings over there."


    Everyone looked up as Shivering Saber spoke with his eyes narrowed, "yes they are young Ryuu."


    ~giggle~ ~giggle~


    A sound of childish giggle came to his ears as Ryuu frantically looked to spot the source of the sound but found none.


    "Ryuu are you alright?"


    His attention was drawn towards a frowning Frost Flames as he spoke with a concerned look on his voice, "I heard someone giggling, it sounded like a child."


    Frost Flames tilted her head as she spoke, "Sorry Ryuu I heard nothing."


    Ryuu frowned at that as he spoke, "It was so distinct."


    Frost Flames simply held his hand as she spoke, "It must be the tension is getting you all Ryuu, do not worry everything will be fine, you will be able to rescue those hostages."


    Ryuu gave send her a small smile of gratitude before he spoke with a sigh, "You are right the tension might be getting to me."


    "You cannot catch me ~giggle~."


    Once again the sound came as Ryuu frowned even more as he discreetly looked around he was surprised to see no one able to hear or react to the sound as he was as a strange conclusion came up in his mind, ''I do not know what is causing it and I so do not intend to find out, I have seen enough movies to know that the person who hears first and tries to investigate alone either dies or finds themselves in a mental asylum, just ignore it.''

 Chapter 430 - The ghostly wails of the eighth(Part-2)

    The broken part of the planet that floated around it like some kind of Island had a secret, the secret being that it had buildings on top of the of it, more importantly, the buildings seemed to be part of a much larger complex.


    The group landed on the nearest Island with a group of decrepit and destroyed huts on top of it, the piece of the island was large enough for the group to fit in albeit barely.


    "This place is really odd, there are no stars in the sky yet the place is lit fairly, the temperature I normal though it does not have any atmosphere and the planet is broken yet a creature is roaming freely, just what is this place."


    Ryuu looked at Devaraj with a shrug as he spoke, "How will I know, sometimes it is better to accept and move on."


    "That is a rather callous way of thinking Brother Ryuu."


    Ryuu simply shrugged at Devaraj''s words as he spoke, "For the time being we do not know enough about this place not to mention the seniors always speculate that these so-called Trials of Eden are simply simulations nothing is real as such I believe it is a waste of time trying to speculate without further inquiring into the matter, and as I said this is a simulation it can be anything even some mundane thing like the creator got lazy, who knows, for now, it is best if we wait."


    Chianyu in the meantime was poking around the huts as he spoke with a sigh, "These huts remind of sects where the newly entered students of some sect stayed."


    "So is this the ruins of some sect?"


    Chianyu shrugged at Shivering Saber''s question as he spoke, "Who knows it might be, I have yet to find something more conclusive."


    "Sect means there must be some sort of hidden vault full of interesting techniques and skills."


    Hearing that another drawled in a bored manner, "This kind of accommodation was generally for sects that cater to low-level baby cultivators how are about to start their journey, most sects who deal with them are low leveled as such nothing worth mentioning."


    Ryuu wanted to argue but held off his tongue he has no idea on how sects are run as such he decided not to participate in the debate taking place.


    "Let them debate on what is in front of them, let us check for ourselves and see what we can find, even if get something for low-level cultivators who know maybe in the future we can gift it to someone in need."


    Ryan simply nodded at Frost Flames suggestion as he spoke, "Yes let us see what we can find in this ruins though I have do not think there will be much seeing the condition of the ruins."


    "They must be really bored with having such a childish argument."


    Ryan looked at Frozen Ocean as he could not help but ask out loud, "Why do you think so?"


    Frozen Ocean simply looked at Ryan for a moment before she spoke with a sigh, "Most of us are from some sect or another and this kind of huts are provided to servants and newly admitted disciples who have not received any apprenticeship."


    Ryuu frowned at that as he spoke, "Why make them stay in a hut and what do you mean their residence is different if they are an apprentice, and servants live in a hut?"


    Frozen Ocean nodded at that as she spoke, "Yes, in case of apprentices it is the master''s duty to provide them with a place of residency which can be anything from simple hut to manors, and as for servants most of the servants in my sects were the poor unfortunate woman who had no place to go are given shelter by my sect in return they perform chores, most of the woman were for some reason or another unable to venture into the world of cultivation."


    "I see."


    "But, remember Ryuu what I just said might not be same for other sects, they might have a different system all together."


    Daniella frowned at that as she spoke, "Are you not affiliated with any sects?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No I am not."


    Su-Min quickly went by his side as she spoke, "Then Ryuu as the Vice Head of my sect I want to invite you to join my sect."


    Ryuu looked at her with his eyes wide as he spoke in disbelief, "You are a Vice Head of your Sect?"


    Su-Min gained a smug smile as she spoke, "Of course I am."


    Zywia let out a gasp as she spoke, "No way how is the sect still standing with you in charge."


    Su-Min turned red as she spoke with anger in her voice, "Why you��.", with that she pounced at Zywia as other simply laughed at their antics, except for Frozen Ocean who gave a weak chuckle.


    As they finally settled down Ryuu spoke with regret in his voice, "I am extremely sorry Su-min but I cannot join your sect, or any sect for the matter, no matter how enticing the offer may seem to be."


    Su-Min shrugged as she spoke, "Nah, I am fine with that I knew it would have been difficult for you to join just like Zywia who had rejected my offer."


    "My family''s business is such that we have friendly ties with many sects and schools as such if I suddenly join or endorse a particular sect it would cause problems so I am very sorry."


    Ryuu noticed from the corner of his eyes that Frozen Ocean gained a relieved look on her face and he understood why, after all, Frozen Ocean''s sect was one that had ties with Shangri-La and the ''Prince of Shangri-la'' joining one of them could spell problems for others.


    Amnon who was quiet for some time listening to others spoke out loud, "What business does your family engage in?"


    Ryuu looked at him as he spoke with a smile, "Well this and that supplies and whatnot never paid much attention to it."


    Daniella looked bewildered as did her husband as she spoke out loud, "Why would you not?"


    "Because there are others much better qualified than me to deal with them."


    Zywia snorted at that as she spoke, "Your older sisters tell a different tale, like the last time your oldest sister asked your help they had to pry you off the door."


    "Help?! She practically kidnaps me and forces me to do paperwork as tall as a mountain never-ending and boring as hell who would want to do it, not me."


    Frost Flames giggled at his antics as Ryuu grumbled a bit before he spoke again, "Let us see what we can find in this ruins there ought to be something useful."


    Ryuu took a few steps as once again the echo of voices came to his ears making him tense, "Is something wrong Ryuu?"


    Ryuu looked at Frost Flames as he offered her a fake smile as he spoke, "I am fine, there is nothing wrong."


    Frost Flames looked a bit skeptical at that as she spoke, "If you say so."


    A few hours later the group stumbled upon something, something that made their mind spin something that made them look at it with equal measures of awe and disbelief and, the reason for such was a map, the map of the entire planet along with the ruined sect itself and if it were to be believed then the sect complex was a huge one, large enough that the space enclosed within its wall would have easily occupied at least a quarter of the planet, a feat in itself seemed mind boggling to them.


    "A sect this big I do not know if I know of one this big, big enough to claim a quarter of the planet is nothing to laugh at, a quarter of the planet was included inside its walls."


    Ryuu looked at the map with a curious look on his face as he spoke, "If this map is correct then I doubt that the walls were as far as its influence went, I am willing to bet the entire planet might be under its influence."


    Zywia snorted at that as she spoke, "That is suckers bet as such a gigantic sect should have its influence not limited to this planet but at least an entire star system easily."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "So true though that means that the sect was destroyed by someone or something and whoever did that is scary, I so do not want to think about such a thing."


    "There are cultivators that could one shot a planet easily, so this nothing spectacular."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes there are, but a sect this size and influence should have strong cultivators not to mention various things that could prevent it from getting destroyed, but even then if you are not amazed and frighten need I remind you that the very same attack could easily kill us."


    Zywia gave a sheepishly as she spoke, "You are right Ryuu, someone who could destroy a planet is not someone we should get angry with us."

 Chapter 431 - The ghostly wails of the eight(Part-3)

    It had been a few days since Ryuu and his group had settled in the ruins, they had decided to check the ruins but because of the sheer size of the ruins the process was painfully slow, they were searching through the entire place leaving no stones unturned.


    Initially, they had the fear of the Preta Realm crossing over to the level fast and attacking them but Ryuu had assured them that he had placed arrays that were monitoring the gate as such they would be notified, but that did not mean they would relax, they were as vigilant as ever working as fast as they could.


    Along with searching for some hidden treasures they kept their eyes and ears open for the location of the next gateway so that when the need arises they can skedaddle, a few amongst them had wanted to place traps but the idea of using lethal traps was quickly scrapped as the Preta were using their captives to search for any traps and there was a high chance for them to die as such it was decided to use traps that were limited to only misdirection and stalling.


    But, what they had so far found was incredibly noteworthy, apparently the Sect, or the Super Sect that cultivators have been calling it had its influence on the entire galaxy, they had stumbled upon a couple of scrolls with most of its contents had been a day to day life of a newly ascended Immortal, but unfortunately it did not provide much information to them not even the name of the sect.


    The yield had been a bit low it was true that they found various pills and manuals but they were all meant for low level cultivators, yet the steady increase in both quality and quantity of everything ignited a flame of hope that they would find something useful, but once again the sheer size not to mention the dangers surrounding it made it difficult for them to search easily.


    Ryuu had formed a team with his friends as they scoured through the ruins in hopes of finding treasures hidden in the area, when all of a sudden they came across a deadly trap.


    "It is amazing that even in such conditions the traps are still working."


    "There is nothing to be amazed about this True-Spear there are traps that were present even before we were even thought of and they still work."


    Ryuu looked towards Amnon as he replied on behalf of True-Spear, "No it is really amazing Amnon, arrays decays with time it may take millions of years but it would decay, but to prevent it a stable source of KI is required so that it could repair and heal itself, a stable source that this place lacks as such it is really amazing seeing the ruins still having arrays that are active."


    Amnon frowned as he spoke, "So we could simply try to break a tomb next time whenever we try to enter it."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No it is extremely dangerous to do so, it is theoretically true that if you damage the tomb the arrays might stop working, but that is only possible for very low level cultivators, for doing so will definitely destabilize the arrays thereby causing a catastrophe to occur, and the end result will be not limited to the loss of treasure inside it but the life as well."


    Seeing them deflate slightly at his words he decided to further press on to drive the point so that they might not make such mistake.


    "A few million years ago a tomb of an extremely ancient cultivator was found, and it drew cultivators from various places, it even managed to attract Daofathers, and it so happened that while trying to pry open the tomb one of the cultivators used brute force which opened the tomb but it not only opened up the tomb it also bungled up a few very vital arrays destabilizing the entire group arrays, the result was the release of a very dangerous poison that killed everything on that planet within hours, and even after tens of millennia had passed the planet remain uninhabited to a blade of grass would grow on it."


    He took a deep breath before continuing again, "As such as I recommended never use brute force where arrays are involved, it can lead to unpleasant results."


    As Ryuu recounted the tale, Zywia frowned which increased with each passing second before she spoke with a gasp, "Wait a minute, are you talking about the ''Expedition of Serya?''"


    As Ryuu nodded in agreement Zywia spoke with a wince, "I remember about it vividly, it happened long before you were born and I was just a Xiantian, many cultivators died that day not to mention the residents of the planet itself it was a sad day indeed, my brother had coerced dad to take him to see the tomb being reopened but a last minute accident had delayed his departure and thus saving his life."


    Ryuu looked at her for a moment before he gave his undivided attention to the array in front of him, he slowly began to work on the array, ''Now if I ��.''


    ~giggle~


    ~giggle~


    A familiar sound of giggling came to his ears followed by the hollow echo of voices, and before long the array let out a sizzling sound.


    ~bang~


    "RYUUU!!!!"


    Frost Flames quickly went by his side holding his injured burned and bleeding hand, while Zywia took out some healing ointment in order to treat his injuries.


    "I am fine there is no need for you to worry."


    "You are not fine, you a bleeding and got injured."


    Ryuu gave a sheepish smile as he spoke, "Sorry it was such a wonderful array that I got distracted I hope none of you are injured."


    True-Spear did not bat his eyelids as he gave undivided attention to Ryuu before he spoke with a fake smile, "Ryuu we are all fine why don''t you take a rest and wait here for us.", he then looked at Frost Flames before as he spoke, "Sister why don''t you take care of him we will take a look inside the room, you have already unlocked it."


    Ryuu looked ready to protest as Amnon spoke in agreement, "An excellent idea brother True-Spear, brother Ryuu has been working nonstop for us as such he should rest a bit."


    The others nodded in agreement forcing Ryuu to acquiesce to their demand though the ladies seemed a bit skeptical at that while Su-Min went and swung open the door and froze, for what lay in front of her was an open destroyed room with nothing in it.


    "Another bust let us move on to the next one."


    The other could only look dejected at the sight in front of them as True-Spear spoke, "Ryuu please stay here with Frost while we will simply scout ahead okay."


    With that group left behind the duo and as they were a out of their earshot Zywia rounded up True-Spear as she spoke, "What was that? Why did you all of sudden suggest Ryuu to stay behind."


    "Were you paying attention to him while he was working on his array?"


    Zywia was taken aback at his question but before she could speak Amnon began with a frown, "He was distracted, the Ryuu I know is not distracted when he is working on an array, not to mention he looks so worn our and tired."


    True-Spear nodded at that as he spoke, "Yes that was the reason I told him to sit back and rest, the Ryuu that I know would not agree to that suggestion without a fight yet he��"


    Frozen Ocean narrowed her eyes as she spoke, "Is that why you made your Martial Sister to stay back."


    True-Spear nodded at her question as he spoke, "Yes with the hope that she would be able to discover what is eating him up, being distracted will prove fatal too him."


    Daniella bit her lips as she spoke, "This place is the cause of it, ever since we approached the ruins he is acting strange but why?"


    Su-Min frowned as she spoke, "I hope Sister Flames would find it out."


    True-Spear sighed before he spoke, "I hope too, but for now let us move forward."


    It had been a few minutes since they had entered a new ruined building that looked promising when all of sudden a scream from Su-Min drew everyone''s attention and what followed made speechless.


    Meanwhile back with the duo, they simply sat quietly basking in each other''s presence though Frost Flames preferred it this way but for the last few days it seemed that Ryuu had been distracted his usual cheerfulness was missing and that alarmed her greatly and as such she could not help but ask out loud, "Ryuu are you alright? Since the day we have arrived here you have been acting a bit strange."


    Ryuu gave a weak smile towards Frost Flames as he spoke, "I am fine."


    Only to receive a glare in return as Frost Flames spoke, "You are far from fine, always distracted, irritated not to mention you look incredible tired, that means something is wrong with you please tell me what it is Ryuu?"


    Seeing the look that was mixed with concern and sadness tore his heart but how would he say that since the moment he had stepped on the broken pieces of the planet he was hearing noises from giggling of children, to someone giving lecture, he was hearing voices, voices that he was unable to recognize, yet those voices felt incredibly familiar, voices which only he could hear and that was driving him insane.


    Before he could speak True-Spear approached them with his posture reflecting utmost urgency as such Frost Flames could not help but ask out loud, "Brother is something the matter."


    True-Spear decided not to speak with Frost Flames as he immediately spoke, "Both of you come with me now and make sure to be discreet."


    Frost Flames and Ryuu both looked at each other as Ryuu spoke, "Is there��"


    "I do not have time to waste speaking we have to move fast before others find about it, now come quick."


    Frost Flames looked towards Ryuu who simply shrugged, the duo were led towards one of the floating island that seemed to be a bit not only isolated but even more hazardous to approach it, the du never had felt so grateful about the fact that they could fly.


    As they neared the floating island Ryuu spotted what seemed to be a statue of a peac.o.c.k that seemed to be broken near its tail, it might have been extremely pretty on its hay day but now it looked extremely worn out.


    "Ryuu! Stop gawking at the rubble this way quick."


    His attention was drawn away from the peac.o.c.k by True-Spear''s shout as he tore his eyes off the peac.o.c.k quickly as he followed after True-Spear with a slight grimace on his face.


    True-Spear led them to a completely destroyed room as they entered they were greeted by the rest of the group consisting of Zywia, Frozen Ocean, Amnon, Daniella and Su-Min, they all sat there with serious look on their faces.


    Ryuu flashed them a small smile while Frost Flames gave them a small bow as she spoke, "Is something wrong you all seemed a bit tensed."


    Zywia narrowed her eyes as she spoke, "Something happened and we decided to involve you two."


    "What is it sister Zywia? From the looks on all of your faces the situation feels grim."


    "It is better if we show you, especially you Ryuu."


    Ryuu looked towards Frost Flames who had stood up from her sitting position, and as did others following her example before she indicated Ryuu towards a certain direction and as he looked at the object in question he could not help but feel his heart stop for a moment.

 Chapter 432 - The ghostly wails of the eight(Part-4)

    "What is the meaning of this tasteless joke?", Ryuu could not help but thunder out loud.


    Hearing the heat in his voice a couple of them took a step back unconsciously even Frost Flames was taken aback at the hostility from his voice and would have been fearful of him like others if it were not for the tiredness that hid behind his now blazing eyes.


    Zywia mustered her courage as she stammered out, "W-we do not know, we found it and as such decided to inform you about i-it."


    Ryuu narrowed his eyes as he turned to look back at the reason for his anger, a painting, a rather beautifully done painting that looked rather alive although part of it was destroyed and from what he could presume there were four people on the painting but the damage to it was so great that two of those were no longer visible while the third had person had her face partly damaged and it was her and the fourth that caused his temper to flare.


    Staring back at him was his own face from the painting and by his side was partially damaged face of the ''Empress'', they looked happy as they smile from the picture and behind them were other two who had placed their hands on the duo''s shoulders, from the picture they looked incredibly happy.


    ''Why do I have to go through this once again, first the statue and now the picture why? Why is Eden doing this to me? Is this part of my trail, something unique that I had managed to trigger, then why is she always with me don''t tell me this place read my memories and conjured something so bizarre.''


    "That I have seen her before."


    Ryuu''s attention was drawn towards a frowning visage of Frozen Ocean who looked directly in his eyes as she spoke, "In the maze, there was a statue of you along with that woman, now again you have a picture with her, why Ryuu? What connection do you have with this place? And what about this woman do you know her?"


    Ryuu was silent for a moment before he spoke, "I have no connection to this place that I am aware of, I do not know why there was a statue of mine here, nor do I know why a picture of mine is here as for the woman I have met someone similar albeit with different hair colour, she is a psycho stalker of mine, is there anything else you need to know."


    As he spoke his voice slowly increased further and further before he began to shout, seeing him getting enraged Frozen Ocean raised her hand as she spoke, "I am sorry about asking you in such manner, everything happened so fast we were simply taken aback by all this, once again I am sorry."


    Ryuu took a deep breath to calm him down before he left without saying another word leaving the others behind.


    Su-Min looked at the picture before she spoke with a frown, "This person must be his ancestor, because their resemblance is too uncanny to ignore, or it all might be some rather poor prank."


    Frozen Ocean shook her head as she spoke, "I doubt it when we had asked him about his statue he had said that he had seen ours as well but no one other than him had said it and the way he said while he was enraged further confirms my suspicion that he had lied about our statues."


    Frost Flames gave a disapproving look towards her as she spoke, "Were your words earlier meant nothing."


    Frozen Ocean once again raised her hand in mock surrender as she spoke, "Please do not misunderstand me, I perfectly believe that Ryuu is telling the truth maybe he is hiding a few things but he is telling the absolute truth, but that does not mean he might not be anyway related to this place, once is a coincidence but twice not so much but maybe what Su-Min said holds that this picture might be Ryuu''s ancestor."


    Zywia frowned at that as she spoke, "That is highly unlikely no one knows who or why Eden was built but it has been there like forever, so even if his ancestors were involved I do not think that after so long a complete copy of that ancestor is born."


    Frost Flames sighed tiredly before she spoke, "I will go and see if I can calm him down, and please try not to do something rash for some time now by reminding him of this."


    The others simply nodded as Frost Flames left with a huff while an uncomfortable silence descended amongst them for a moment.


    Su-Min bit her lips for a moment before she spoke, "You know for a moment I was really scared when he suddenly became so angry."


    True-Spear shrugged as he spoke, "What do you expect from someone who has so high bounty on his head, there is a reason the other side had placed such a high bounty."


    Zywia nodded before she looked at the painting of the woman with her eyes narrowed, ''This must be the woman who caused all those troubles for Ryuu, should I warn Frost Flames about her, Nah it will be fine maybe sometime in the future if she asks about her I will inform her but till then I will stay quite least I strain my relation with True-Spear, not to mention Ryuu should be the one to tell her not me.''


    Frost Flames as she watched Ryuu punched a building hard, hard enough that the array that was still protecting it snaps with a bang as the entire building crumble.


    ''Damn it he is so angry that he has forgotten the warning that he gave Amnon and now he is using brute force on an array without care for his own safety.''


    "Ryuu stop, please stop it."


    Frost Flames moved and stopped him by hugging him from behind as she spoke, "Ryuu please stop you are hurting yourself, I might not know what is going on but please tell me I will try to help as much as I can, you promised me we will be in this together, please do not tell me you are breaking your promise to me."


    The anger and rage in Ryuu vanished as he calmed down considerably at her words as he spoke barely above a whisper, "I am so sorry for acting in such a manner."


    As he turned to look at her Frost Flames gave him a small smile as he spoke, "Thank you for helping me to calm down."


    "There is no need to thanks did I not say from that day we will work together watching each other''s back."


    Ryuu nodded as Frost flames spoke in a tone barely above a whisper, "Then why are you hiding your pain from me."


    Ryuu winced as he drew him into his arms as he spoke, "I am sorry, I am so sorry for not telling you before."


    "Then will you tell me now?"


    Ryuu gave a small nod as he spoke, "Yes.", he gathered his thoughts for a moment before he continued, "Since the time I have stepped into this place, I am hearing things, voices of people old or young do not matter, I can hear them like some distant echo, it feels as if they are surrounding me speaking to me, this place feels familiar yet unknown wrapped up in joy as well as deep sorrow I do not know what to do anymore."


    Frost Flames simply basked in his presence as he continued to speak, "I do not know why and how this is happening, and I want it to simply stop."


    Frost Flames was at a loss she did not know how to comfort Ryuu, but she knew that this place had some form of connection to him but how and why she did not know, ''This is too much to be a simple prank, I have to find out what is going on behind the scenes, how he is related to all this.''


    "Ryuu if you have to get over this you have to find the source, will you help me find."


    Ryuu tensed slightly for a moment before he spoke with a nod, "I would love to."


    A small smile graced Frost Flames face as she gave a quick peck on his cheeks before she spoke with a stern look, "Now let us return to our friends, they are quite worried and I hope with their help it would be faster to find the source of our problem."


    Ryuu nodded as he was led by Frost Flames who held his hand with a firm grasp, as they moved towards the direction of Zywia and her group.

 Chapter 433 - Nuggets of Truth(Part-1)

    True-Spear frowned as he leaned back on his seat as he looked up towards the ceiling with a scowl on his face, he had just learned many things from Ryuu and with each thing the mystery only deepened but one thing was certain Ryuu was related to the entire thing for some unknown reason, reason that they all decided to help him find out but they knew not how, and as such it was the source of their current headache.


    ''How do we proceed with something that we do not know where to begin.''


    He then looked around the room and saw that similar to him everyone had a deep frown on their face trying to discern Ryuu''s words, when all of a sudden Ryuu spoke with a sigh, "We will gain nothing unless we find more clues, and I think we should simply focus on searching and trying to find treasures."


    Frost Flames looked at him with a sad look on her face while Ryuu squeezed her hands with a soft smile of his own, before she spoke with a nod, "I agree with him we should act as natural as possible so that others might not stumble upon this accidentally."


    Frozen Ocean gave a curt nod as she spoke, "That also means we have to work fast gather as many clues as necessary without them falling into the hands of the others and making them ask too many questions."


    Amnon nodded in agreement and so did his wife Daniella, who spoke with a sigh, "Then I think destroying the painting is the correct way to go, shame it was such a nice one too."


    Ryuu looked at painting with narrowed eyes as he spoke, "I think I should try to remove it and keep it with me, if by some chance I failed to find out here at least maybe I can inquire outside of Eden, it may take ages but maybe one day I can find some answers."


    Everyone simply shrugged at that as Zywia spoke, "If you think that it is the best course of action feel free to though please do not clamp up and keep secret we are all in this together and we would work together to return home safe and victorious."


    Everyone smiled at her suggestion while True-Spear looked oddly proud, everyone except Ryuu who was oddly silent before he spoke with a sigh, "I think there is also something that I should inform you all."


    Everyone gave undivided attention to him as Ryuu spoke slowly, "This is a very important secret, a secret that I did not wish to divulge to anyone and keep it within me, and it would have been if Zywia and Frost Flames had not to stumble upon it accidentally.


    True-Spear looked directly into his eyes as he spoke, "I do not know about others but I will safely say that I will keep your secret and will not divulge anything that you say if you wish I can even take an Oath with Heaven''s as my witness not to divulge anything."


    Ryuu quickly raised his hand as he spoke, "Please brother True-Spear you do not need to take any oath just your conviction and your word is enough for me."


    True-Spear simply gave a respectful nod as Zywia spoke with a worried tone, "Ryuu is taking a big risk by telling us this so please I ask of you all to not reveal it."


    Amon gave a small to her as he spoke, "He is our very good friend so rest assured no matter what our lips are sealed."


    Ryuu took a deep breath as he tried for proper words to begin, while Frost Flames looked more and more worried with passing second when Ryuu finally began to speak, "You all remember the events of the second floor especially with the poisonous creature right?"


    As everyone except Frozen Ocean and Zywia nodded Su-Min suddenly became deathly pale as she spoke with fear in his voice, "Please Ryuu do not tell me you are having a problem with the poison."


    Ryuu grimaced at that as he replied with a nod, "Yes it is about the poison��"


    Whatever he was going to say was stopped by Su-Min who bowed lowly as she began to speak, "I am so sorry because of me you got poisoned that day, I was supposed to die but you saved my life and you are��"


    "Su-Min Stop! Just stop it there is no need for you to apologize for something in the past."


    "But��"


    "But nothing Sister Su-Min please let me hear what Ryuu was about to say.", Frost Flames all but pleaded to Su-Min to stop speaking making the guilt in Ryuu to choke him.


    Ryuu winced at the broken look on Frost Flames face making him hesitate for a moment before he spoke, "That day I told you all that I had managed to completely seal up the poison.", he paused for a moment as he received weak nods from a few before he dropped the truth, "I lied."


    Ryuu was startled as he hugged hard by a sobbing Frost Flames as stunned silence descended in the room as True-Spear felt his throat to dry up, Frost Flames was the closest thing to a family, a sister to him and hearing that the person whom she had taken interest on, a person that would keep her happy in such a situation made him feel numb as such he could not help but ask out loud trying to desperately hold onto the straws, "Please explain what has happened."


    Zywia gained a saddened look on her face as she spoke, "What is there to explain, despite his best efforts he had managed to stall the effect of the poison not seal it up completely."


    "It is as Zywia had said even with the best of my knowledge I was only able to stall it not completely seal it as such most of my powers goes to suppress it, though sometimes I have to suffer occasional attacks because of it."


    Amnon frowned as he spoke, "Is that why sometimes you go missing for a period of times."


    Ryuu nodded at his question as he spoke, "Yes brother Amnon that is the reason I go missing from time to time, it was during the first battle in the third level when I had an attack and it was when Sister Zywia and Frozen Ocean found me."


    "Sister Zywia and I decided to keep quiet about the matter, as we were unsure whom to trust especially so when we learn about the absurd bounty on his head."


    True-Spear narrowed his eyes his mind swirling with deep thoughts as he spoke, "Is there a specific timing or trigger of the attacks?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No there is none, it can happen anytime though every time I am forced to fight harder the attacks happen immediately."


    True-Spear looked startled at that as he spoke, "There have been many fights you have to go all out, do not tell me it happened every time after that."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No you are mistaken I have never gone all out as it was never required of me, but yes it soon followed after as such if you try to remember after most of my fights I tend to vanish."


    True-Spear pursed his lips before he spoke, "How long? How long do you have to live?"


    Ryuu winced as he spoke, "Dear please lose you grip a bit you are hurting me."


    A small mumbling of ''No'' came to everyone''s ears as it seemed to lighten the mood seeing especially the desperate look Ryuu portrayed on his face while trying to pry Frost Flames off of him.


    A futile attempt later Ryuu began to speak again, "It is a bit complicated, more like a tug of war kind the more I can push it back the more I get to live, at first I had only four years but slowly I managed to increase and at present, I have another four years more to live, that means two years short of getting help."


    "But you manage to gain control right, so there is nothing to fear right?"


    Seeing the hopeful look on Frost Flames face was like having his heart pierced by an arrow as such he swallowed hard before he spoke, "It is not that simple, I do not know if I will be able to push back again next time, it is really on luck it may or may not happen or it simply might deteriorate I do not know, it might be that one the day I will die I will be able to push back or it might just happen tomorrow I do not know, it might also flare up instead of getting subdued as such I do not know what might happen."


    An uncomfortable silence descended amongst them for a moment before Ryuu spoke with a small smile, "Frost there is no need for you to feel sad, and even if things may sound bad I am working on it, and as long as I can leave this place I know that my teacher can save me.", he paused for a moment before he spoke with a big smile on his face, "Now enough of this sad and depressing things, why don''t we meet up with others and see if we can find something."


    Seeing Frost Flames still in a depressed state he lifted her head as he gave her a chaste kiss as he spoke, "I have never broken any promise and my word is absolute, there is no need for you to fear dear we all will safely return home."


    Zywia gave a small smile at his words as she spoke, "That is true if anyone who can cure him that his teacher, and I know Ryuu he is too stubborn to die from silly little poison he will surely survive now let us follow his suggestion and meet up with others, who knows what they are doing."


    True-Spear nodded as he stood up and one by one they moved towards the entrance except the duo, Ryuu placed his chin on top of Frost Flames head as he spoke, "Love there is no need to fear we will survive and return victorious, now wipe your tears we have to return to others as well I will have to remove the painting of the most handsome person.", Frost Flames looked up with red eyes and a small smile on her face as she slapped his shoulder playfully before letting him go.


    A few minutes later an annoyed Ryuu stood in front of the painting that had started the entire fiasco, the painting was stuck to the wall using such complicated array that he could make no head or tail about it, even his group was getting bored having to wait for such a long time when suddenly Ryuu gave an exclamation of joy, "I got it, such an easy solution.", he then turned towards them as he spoke with an embarrassed smile on his face, "Well I have already worked it out though you might have some unwanted reaction if you look at it while I work safety precautions and what not so I have to ask you all to either turn back and leave the room, please preferably leave the room."


    Su-Min scowled as she spoke, "I am not leaving you with something dangerous no matter what you say they best you are getting is me turning my back while you do your work.", and seeing the rest in agreement with her Ryuu could only grumble.


    The next few minutes were spent with sounds of sizzling and banging making everyone tense, they had all promised him that they would not look back and it was getting difficult to keep it, because of their curious nature and then all of a sudden the sound stopped as happy voice of Ryuu came to their ears, "I have stored the picture in my space ring we can leave now."


    The others turned and were greeted with a happy and satisfied smile on Ryuu, which they wholeheartedly returned for a brief moment before it froze and they deadpanned as Zywia spoke as he brow twitched in annoyance, "Are you kidding me? You removed the entire wall with the picture this was your solution."


    Ryuu only pouted as he spoke, "Hey it blame the person who placed the array on the picture it was annoying to get rid of."

 Chapter 434 - Nuggets of Truth(Part-2)

    "Arrggghh.."


    "Shut up Chianyu no one wants you to hear you scream, you sound like a braying donkey."


    "You shut up Devaraj I am frustrated infinitely so, since we have stepped into this thrice damned place we have earned nothing gained nothing, we were all told that by stepping into Eden we are guaranteed that we would step into Celestial level by using the resource we will find but till now what have we found, do not tell me you are no depressed as well."


    Severing Saber simply laughed as he spoke, "You need patience Chainyu, it is true we have not received anything except the blue dust in the fifth floor, but at least we can earn something by selling them, and as for our elders stating that we will easily become Celestial well it is bit untrue."


    Chainyu gawked at him as Severing Saber went on speaking, "Yes it is true that there are many resources that you gather can help you to easily reach the Celestial realm but that is it, it can only help you and if you are really not ready you cannot pass the Tribulation."


    Chainyu looked confused at that as he spoke, "Then why do seniors tell us as such."


    "Because, there are other resources that are available here easily than on the outside, we are here to simply gather them sell them and in exchange gain a few favor or means to purchase some ingredients that might help during Tribulation."


    Chianyu slouched a bit as Severing Saber gained a large smile on his face as he spoke, "What Daoist Brother Ryuu said is absolutely correct, and let me tell you it is an extremely good business."


    As most including Ryuu looked at him curiously Severing Saber relished at the confused look as he spoke with a booming laughter, "This is my third attempt in Eden, I have been here three more times but this was the first time I have ventured so deep into the Eden, what my business entails is that I gather resource and sell them, and I believe I am not the only one."


    With his words couple of them broke into laughter as one by one they spoke out loud.


    "This is my third."


    "Second for me."


    "As you can see young Chianyu this is our business and for the first time we ventured out this far as such I can safely say yes it is also true the yield is very low.", the people who were in the similar trade like him simply nodded as Severing Saber continued to speak, "Even after travelling so far I have barely managed to make enough profit compare to the last time and I had stayed in the second and third floors the entire time never even taking a glimpse at the fourth."


    One of the person who was in the same trade as Severing Saber spoke in a somber tone, "I believe it will be the last time I enter this place, it is too dangerous for my health I believe I will try to move on to the next level if possible."


    Severing Saber nodded as he spoke, "Me too."


    Chianyu slouched even further as he spoke, "Even if it is true we still have to work hard to survive with such low yield, I seriously regret coming here now."


    Many hummed in agreement with tired look on their faces Devaraj ran his hand through his hair as he spoke with a tired sigh, "So true brother Chianyu, so true I am regretting ever steeping into this place, I doubt even the most idiotic person would want to enter this wretched place without the promise of resources dangling in front of them."


    Many nodded while a few looked towards Ryuu as they cracked a smile making him confused as he could not ask out loud, "What?"


    His question made every look towards him as slowly most of them broke into laughter as a confused and annoyed Ryuu could not help but ask out again, "Why are you all laughing?"


    Zywia with great difficulty controlled herself as she spoke, "Well they are reminded of a certain someone who simply entered this place just to break a certain old record."


    Ryuu''s face went blank before a scowl form on his face as he spoke, "Yeah yeah laugh all you want, especially you Zywia who ran from home to enter Eden, after all certain doom awaits you after you leave Eden,"


    A horrified look overlapped her face as Su-Min gave her a teasing grin as she spoke, "Hey Ryuu I hope you will get me the front row seat."


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke with a sigh, "I will try but seeing someone laughing at my expense the chances are incredibly low."


    Now it was time for Su-Min to get a horrified look on her face as she spoke, "What that is totally unfair Ryu, so unfair."


    Only for Ryuu to reply with a huff as he spoke, "Then stop laughing at me."


    His gaze then went towards others as he spoke with serious tone in his voice, "Did anyone found anything yet?"


    Chianyu nodded towards him as he spoke, "Yes, we have found lots of things and it would take some time for me to inform everything so please take a seat."


    As everyone took sat around him he began with a frown, "This sect is named as Seventh Heaven Sect, it is actually made up of seven sects, like First Heaven, Second Heaven, Third and so on and so forth up to the Seventh Heaven, they are a dominant power in this Galaxy with the Seventh Heaven being the leader of the group of Seven, I have yet to find the cause of this disaster, but for a sect that rules over such vast area to suffer such tragedy is something of concern and thankfully we do not have to face it I hope."


    He took a breather for a moment as he continued, "Now here where it becomes more and more complicated and dangerous, the planet is an artificially created one with the true vault at the center, and if I am not wrong so is the gateway to the other side."


    Ryuu stifled a headache as he spoke, "This is going to be so troublesome, so very troublesome those flames are unnatural, it would extremely difficult to deal with the flames, in order to move to the next level, not to mention the kind of traps in a vault like that."


    "Can we not simply charge like that not to mention the Preta Realm if we do not hurry we might get caught, but then again what if we use this place to act as an ambush point then it would be great."


    Ryuu nodded at the Deva realm speaker as he spoke, "True it would be, but we have to discreet they are crafty people who are using you brethren to check on for any traps a such the traps should have been such that it would not only allow them to bypass but at the same time make sure that the array that they are using it as a means to keep them under their control is disabled, when I rescued those poor Deva realm cultivators in the last realm I made it as such that their leaders thought those they had send to check on the barrier for traps had died, we have to do something similar, you people at the moment are weak because of their hospitality as such we have to make sure not to involve them in some kind of tense situation no matter what."


    The person who spoke earlier simply nodded as he spoke, "I understand, so you want to say that we have to be cautious and discreet so that those sc.u.m may not realize that we are behind the ambush yet at the same time we have to make sure that our people are safe and sound from within the grasp of people who have no qualms on using them as meat shield, am I correct."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke with a sad smile, "You are right, absolutely if only we had higher numbers things would have been much easier."


    "Actually Daoist Brother Ryuu I have a question."


    Ryuu looked towards Darkthorne who had a frown on his face as he spoke, "There are so many dead bodies will that be possible that Jethrar will be able to control them, if so it would be extremely dangerous."


    Before Ryuu could answer one of the Deva realm cultivator spoke with a scoff, "Control them, of course he could control easily when he fought against us he was using easily at least a hundred of those corpse puppets of his."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "That is unknown if he would be able to or not as those dead bodies as you all can agree is creepy who knows what they are, but as our Deva Realm Daoist Brother had said he can use a hundred corpses well I am sorry to inform you the bad news but he had been noted to do near about five hundred."


    A sharp intake of breath was heard all around him as he continued, "Though not all of them were of equal strength but controlling such large numbers can only mean one thing he has some form of Divine body, because puppet master does not have strength to command so many at our level no matter how talented he or she may be, and him having controlling at least five times that of normal one can only signify as such, and thus we have to be extra careful about him, he is very dangerous."


    Everyone nodded as Ryuu continued, "However he might not be the only puppet master amongst them, those corpse puppeteers can be nasty, extremely so��."


    Ryuu stopped speaking as his eyes glazed over for a moment making everyone frown as Frost Flames to frown as she quickly held his hand as she called out loud, "Ryuu, are you alright? Ry.."


    A small smile blossomed on Ryuu''s face as he spoke, "Everyone I have a good as well as a bad news, which one do you want to hear first?"


    "Good News, please, we are having such bad luck a bit of Good News would energize us."


    Ryuu looked at the speaker as he spoke with a nod, "As you wish, well it seems that they had managed to trigger my second trap as such at least a hundred of Deva realm cultivators are free though I hope they well be able run away to safety."


    A cheer rose amongst them which Ryuu let them express for a moment before he began to speak, "However, however", but the nose did not cease as an annoyed twitch developed on his brow before he let lose a bit of his power making others silent as he spoke, "Sorry for being the bearer of bad News, but them triggering my second trap means it is only a matter of time before they step here so move, we do not have time to rest.", as he bellowed out loud every cultivator sprung to action.

 Chapter 435 - Of Rain and Tears (Part-1)

    "EVERYONE READY!"


    As Ryuu shouted out he received a plethora of shouts of agreement and a few nods came to Ryuu''s ears and eyes as he activated multiple arrays, the array''s function was simple it would scan the area and find out a possible route through the wall of flames.


    He had once again asked his fellow companions of creating parts of seals on each island, it had taken almost half a day and by then they had managed to cover quite a bit of the island but unknown to all Ryuu had been busy, while others were busy copying the arrays that Ryuu had been busy placing the arrays with a touch on as many Island as possible and their fruits of labour were ripe and ready to be plucked.


    Ryuu once again used the Array Weaving method as he activated the entire array cl.u.s.ter as which suddenly shone in a bright turquoise light, for a moment before everyone felt as if continuous drafts of cold air began to pass through them.


    Ryuu''s brow furrowed as he paid undivided attention towards his array, ''Damn so far there is no way through the wall of flames, and the flames look extremely dangerous, I fear that those Preta Lok cultivators might end up killing a good few of them while trying to find the correct way, I hope this is only a maze made up of flames and not some kind of door that can only be opened from inside the giant worm-like creature.''


    He waited and waited as more and more frown began to form on his face, ''We are wasting too much time, too much if we wait the Preta Lok would be here as such I have to hurry.''


    "Found a way, it is difficult but I believe we can navigate through it easily to reach our goal.", Ryuu then looked towards Chianyu as he spoke, "Did you remember to destroy the clue that would lead them to the next level."


    Chianyu nodded as he spoke, "Yes Daoist brother Severing Saber did the honour."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Good, it would buy us some time."


    "Are you going to engage similar traps like that you used in the previous level to separate the hostages from their captors?"


    Ryan shook his head as he spoke, "No it would definitely fail not to mention the dangers in front of us, so I will have to improvise even then I am afraid to use something those mongrels have a penchant for using their hostages to scout out problems as such I fear that they might use them to test the traps and seeing such a dangerous flame in front of us, I am kind of hesitant."


    Chianyu sighed as he spoke, "I understand."


    Ryuu gave him a weak smile as he turned towards others as he spoke, "Everyone this route is difficult to transverse as we will have to move one by one, please keep your eyes opened if you do not wish to suffer death, I urge you all to move forward no matter what happens, and do not stop just keep moving."


    True-Spear frowned at that as he spoke, "Are you sure it is safe?"


    Ryuu gave him the most innocent smile as he could manage as he spoke, "Nope."


    A stunned silence descended upon the group before the cry of dismay rose all around the place while Ryuu looked with a hint of amus.e.m.e.nt in his eyes before it became full of annoyance.


    "Are you all done? Can we move forward?"


    "But��"


    As a few protested Ryan let out a snarl as he spoke, "Can anyone tell me which part of Eden is safe?"


    As everyone calmed down at his question Ryuu could not help but speak with a snort, "Thought so."


    ''I am dealing with children, why do I have to push them on every turn, maybe I should not after all only I am in urgent need to move forward�� Nah, I am more important but mostly we are already at the forefront with the blasted Preta charging behind us.''


    "I am leading stay close."


    Frost Flames quickly followed after him as did the rest of his group moving one by one disappearing into the mystifying fiery maze, while others simply looked at each other before joining them one by one.


    "Remember not to touch anything the flames are dangerous."


    Zywia bit her lips as she spoke, "I know, just that the narrow tunnel of fire is surrounding us making it so dangerous, a single misstep and we might die, it is scary."


    True-Spear put a comforting hand on her shoulder as he spoke, "Do not worry I am here and as long as I draw breath nothing would harm you.", Zywia simply gazed into his eyes losing herself in them.


    "Ahem, Ahem"


    A loud fake coughing sound brought them back to reality as a person spoke with a drawl, "You would two grace us with your presence in reality and please move forward you are jamming the line.", the embarrassed duo quickly moved as fast as the ones in front of them moved.


    Ryuu meanwhile looked around a bit he could see that beyond the wall of flames few items, ranging from weapons to scrolls, stone tablets, precious pills and herbs floating without being harmed by the flames, seeing them his heart shook for a moment.


    ''Such precious items maybe I can take, of course, I can who else should have such items it not but for me.''


    He raised his left hand towards the wall only for a sharp pain to erupt from his hand as he looked at his sword impaling his hand, he blinked for a moment as he felt a fog lift of his eyes as he whispered, "Thank you requiem."


    "Ryuu are you alright?"


    Frost Flames concerned and panicked filled voice came to his ears as he quickly swallowed a blood replenishing pill before replied, "I am fine though do not look into the flame it would seduce you to touch it with the promise of treasures, I somehow managed to control myself, please pass this message to others fast."


    Frost Flames did not hesitate as she passed his message to Frozen Ocean who then went on and passed it Su-Min and thus like chain reaction everyone got the message, ''Do not look at the flame as it might entice you to touch it with the promise of treasures if someone is getting entranced others try to snap them out of it.''


    Ryuu looked down as he frowned upon seeing the blood drops that fell on the floor seemed to be absorbed by the flames, ''What it should vaporize but not get absorbed by the fire this place is strange and dangerous I have to leave.''


    "Ryuu."


    Ryuu simply glanced back with the same reassuring smile on his face that Frost Flames had taken to adore as he spoke with confidence in his voice, "I know, let us move.", and she followed after him with equal confidence.


    "Snap out of it idiot."


    "Did you just try to skewer me? We are going to have some serious words about letting you touch pointy things."


    "WOULD YOU TWO JUST SHUT AND MOVE YOU ARE HOLDING THE LINE MAKING IT DANGEROUS FOR REST OF US!"


    Ryuu meanwhile had the sudden urge to bang his head hard, ''I am dealing with juvenile idiots at best, and is it a crime for them not to act a bit mature.''


    Sensing his distress Frost Flames simply rubbed his shoulder as she spoke, "Leave them be, it is their way of coping with everything."


    It took them a few hours but they had finally managed to reach their destination just a few more steps and they would be in a new level, when all of sudden Ryuu stopped as his eyes glazed for a moment before he shouted out, "They are here, the Preta sc.u.m are here, we have to move fast."


    With that, he took a couple of steps and then,


    ''Grrrrr��.''


    A deep growling sound like the rumbling of thunder came to his ears as he looked up he saw a giant silhouette of a creature staring at him and growling, and before he could say or act it pounced on him, as he lost his vision a distant voice came to his ears, "RYUUUU!!!!!!"

 Chapter 436 - Of Rain and Tears (Part-2)

    Heavy rain pelted on the ground hard making it difficult to see, while a lone figure made his way braving through the rain towards a mountain, the skies rumbled above him before showing their displeasure by hurtling bolts towards him which the figure dodged easily.


    A loud crack was heard as he watched a large landslide take place but it was not something that he would pay too much attention to as he knew he was high above the ground for it to make any problem for him at all.


    He soon found himself entering into a cave, the inside of the cave was a small maze and following various twists and turned he finally reached his destination a large cavern with various small caves dug out of the like a beehive and in the middle of the cavern was a giant tree, he could spot various people inside the beehive-shaped rooms, some of them soon noticed him as they send him a greeting which he returned with a smile but he did not stop there his destination lay elsewhere, he went towards a particular cave as he entered a figure sitting on the ground opened her eyes as a smile blossomed on her lips, a smile that made butterflies flutter in his belly.


    "Welcome back Ryuu, did you find anything interesting?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "Nothing though it felt great to spend some time in the rain."


    Frost Flames simply snorted at that as she spoke, "You really love rain."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Yes I love the rain for some reason, after all, why would I not because under the rain was able to create my sword technique.", Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "But, still I would like some sun to shine every now and then, this place if too dreadful otherwise."


    Frost Flames could not help but nod before she stood up from her place before giving a quick kiss on his lips, before her eyes then travelled to Ryuu''s mismatched ones as she checked them before speaking again, "Your eyes are almost back to normal."


    "Really?"


    Frost Flames nodded at that as she continued, "Yes only if someone looks closely will they notice something different about your pupils, otherwise it is not noticeable."


    As she spoke Frozen Ocean stepped inside the room and upon seeing Ryuu a small smile blossomed on her face as she spoke, "Ryuu when did you arrive?"


    Ryuu turned to face her as he replied with a smile of his own, "Just now, how are you?"


    "I am fine."


    "Sister Frozen Ocean, I was just saying to Ryuu that his eyes have almost returned to normal, so can please check them for me."


    Frozen Ocean narrowed her eyes as she stepped close to Ryuu before she spoke with a nod, "You are right until and unless someone does not look too closely you would not notice them."


    Her expression relaxed as she spoke, "It was so scary for the first few days when it happened."


    Frost Flames nodded at her words as she spoke, "You are right sister it was so scary seeing him collapse like that."


    As Frost Flames spoke Frozen Ocean??s mind went back to two years ago when they were trying to move out of the eighth level, it was a frightening experience for them.


    ~Flashback~


    Frozen Ocean saw Ryuu take a few steps towards the gateway when she heard a loud roar, a roar that simply rattled her bones, a flash of red light followed by screaming of Frost Flames, who was holding Ryuu who looked like as if a puppet whose string had been cut.


    Frozen Ocean looked over Frost Flames shoulder who was trying to bring him back to the consciousness but failed spectacularly, she was not the only one who was worried, as his entire group of friends felt their heart stop seeing him collapse like that.


    "Sister Frost move carry him over we can help him better, move him out fast.", as True-Spear bellowed out as Frost Flames quickly moved into action as she carried Ryuu into the Ninth Level.


    None of the cultivators knew what had happened but a loud roar followed by a flash of red light had sent Ryuu comatose, as such they had all agreed that it was some form of trap that he had triggered which made him comatose and sick.


    Ryuu had been running high temperature during the entire time as such the others quickly placed him in the most secure place they could think off, Ryuu had not only been the driving force but he was also the solver of various problems, not to mention he was strong an extremely strong cultivator but now all of a sudden he was comatose and no one knows when or if he would ever awaken.


    Frost Flames sat by his side with a sad expression on her face, the others took turns to keep an eye on the duo and it just happened to be Zywia''s turn.


    Zywia sat beside Frost Flames as she gave her a hug, as she spoke, "How are holding up?"


    "I do not know what to do, last night he had an attack from the poison, Frozen was here to help me but then I realized something dreadful."


    A pit began to form in Zywia''s stomach at that haunted look on Frost Flames face as she could not help but ask out, "What is it, sister?"


    "Do we know how he is keeping the poison in check?", as Zywia shook her head Frost Flames continued with a dejected look on her face, "Then he might not last long enough to get help, I do not know what I should do."


    Zywia''s face turned deathly pale as the reality of the situation hit her, ''How is he going to survive when he is not even conscious without knowing the proper procedure we might not be able to help him.''


    "Then what should we do?"


    A teary-eyed Frost Flames looked up as she spoke in a broken voice, "I do not know what to do."


    After a lot of tension, tears and frustration a month later Ryuu opened his eyes with a burst of his KI flooding the entire area, KI that seemed to be much stronger than before, forcing those that were near him to fall on their knees, but that was not the only surprise they had gone were the normal eyes were Ryuu in its place was the cold and uncaring eyes of a predator making many of them feel uneasy about it.


    Back in the present Ryuu simply gave Frost Flames a comforting hug as he whispered in her ears, "I am so sorry I made you worry so much."


    Frost Flames simply smiled at that as she spoke, "You do not have to apologize to me any more love, you have already apologized so many times already."


    "Even then I feel it is not enough."


    "Leave it Ryuu, it was a bad episode and it is long past us, though it was surprising to know you had a beast inheritance."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "To be fair the blood is so thin that I doubt anyone would have thought I would have activated."


    Frost Flames simply smiled at that as she spoke, "Hmm whatever I believe your family would be jealous if they learned about it."


    Ryuu shrugged at that as he spoke, "Who knows after all there are some who detest such abilities."


    "Just forget about them."


    "Ahem"


    A loud cough drew their attention to a smirking Frozen Ocean who spoke with a smirk on her face, "Please there return back to reality oh lovebirds."


    The duo blushed at that as Frozen Ocean gained a serious look on her face, "There is a small problem Ryuu."


    Ryuu instantly gave her undivided attention as Froze Ocean continued, "Chasing Winds is causing trouble again."


    A look of distaste went past Ryuu as he spoke, "Again, I thought that lesson would stick to her for some time but sadly it seems I was mistaken."


    "Are you going to prank her again?"


    Ryuu looked up in deep thought before he spoke with a sigh, "Last time what Sister Frozen Ocean and I did was a warning and I had hoped she would keep her head down but it seems I was mistaken as such this time instead of a simple prank she might end up having some accident."


    Frozen Ocean nodded as she spoke, "I can easily arrange that, though it seems we have to do it soon."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "Why is that?"


    "True-Spear spotted her using the gate to move to a lower level."


    Ryuu froze upon hearing that as he spoke with barely concealed anger, "There is a chance that she might be consorting with the enemy."


    "Or she might have found some treasure that she is hiding from others and is slowly trying to get hold of it."


    Ryan calmed his anger as he spoke, "That might be true, but still��"


    Frost Flames huffed as she spoke, "You are being paranoid."


    "But healthy paranoia keeps the enemy away."


    "True Frozen Ocean but how about this we spy on her and the first chance she slips we dispose of her."


    Seeing the conflicted look on the duo''s face Frost Flames spoke with a sigh, "We all have been through so much and now one of us might be betraying us, I know that it might sound foolish but we lost so many as such I wish to give even one of them the benefit of doubt."


    Ryan slouched a bit as he closed his eyes in deep thought before he spoke with a sigh, "We will do as you say then love, but if she turns out to be a spy��"


    "Frost Flames completed the sentence with a small smile on her face, "We will deal with the traitor with extreme prejudice."

 Chapter 437 - Of rain and tears (Part-3)

    Ryuu looked at the gate with a frown on his face, ''How is she moving back and forth without me knowing about it? The arrays that I have placed should inform me about any movement through the gates the one in the lower levels that I had placed is still working so how is bypassing my arrays, as far as I know, neither is she skilled nor is she knowledgable enough, but it could also be a ruse to lower my guard, I have to treat her threat a tad bit more seriously, maybe I should dispose of her.''


    "Is there any problem Ryuu?"


    Ryuu looked towards True-Spear as he spoke with a sigh, "Yes there is a huge problem, every time we pass through a gate I place arrays on it that enables me to know when someone is passing through it, I checked those arrays and rechecked them for the fifth time since we came here, they are working perfectly yet for some reason Chasing Winds was able to bypass them, and I do not know how."


    True-Spear frowned at the implication as he spoke, "That is dangerous, if she has such means then it is disastrous for us the last two levels have proved to be a very bad time for those Preta sc.u.m and I do not doubt that they would seek revenge on us and if that wench is colluding with the enemy we would be done for."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "You are absolutely correct we have to deal with her fast though she had managed to make a few friends and casually killing her would only cause problems amongst ourselves which I want to avoid."


    True-Spear tilted his head as he spoke with an innocent look on his face, "So an accident."


    Ryuu let out a tired sigh as he spoke with a mournful look on his face, "Such a tragedy that took her from us, she had so much to live and accomplish.", True-Spear could not help but let out a burst of booming laughter at that.


    Sylvana raised her cup to her lips as she took a drink from it, Khygnos sat beside her but she seemed to be meditating without paying attention to her surrounding, as time went by more and more people entered the room, some followed Khygnos''s example while as a few decided to simply chatter amongst themselves.


    A few minutes later Bhakhtyar entered the room looking a bit tensed he turned towards Khygnos and Sylvana sending only them a small bow as a voice called out to him, "Why have you called this meeting Bakhtyar, you are calling meeting too much and some of us are extremely busy."


    Bakhtyar looked towards the speaker as he spoke with a small smile, "There has been a situation, a few days ago we caught a spy amongst us, a spy from the Preta Realm."


    At his words, many paid their undivided attention towards him including Khygnos who had opened her eyes as she peered down at him as he continued, "An Empyrean level cultivator was caught who was masquerading as a Celestial, working in the administrative department, we have managed to extract various information and the situation looks dire."


    Sylvana frowned at his words as she questioned, "How so?"


    Bakhtyar grimaced as he replied, "Their agents have not only infiltrated but have managed to seduce many of our juniors to their side corrupting them, and he was one of their handlers, and from what we have gathered there are another three like him, and following the intelligence we were able to take three more into custody, but that is where the good news ends and the bad one begins."


    "They cultivators we had managed to capture were those who had been seduced by the real infiltrators but unfortunately they are out of our reach now."


    "Why is that Supreme General Bakhtyar?"


    Bakhytar looked at Megara as he replied, "He alone had at least at least a hundred working for him, and they along with the rest of infiltrators under the other two handlers are currently in Eden, their plan is simple, gather and learn about us and then help the cultivators from the Preta to kidnap ours."


    Sylvana gripped her cup hard but she did not let her facial expression change as she listened to the reports intently.


    "We have reached out to the Deva Lok and from what we have learned the situation is dire for them, they had initially started with a 40,000 strong cultivators but now only about 10,000 remains of the original number, most of them fell at the fifth level from what we know we can easily conclude that there is a chance that they were defeated by the Preta Lok cultivators."


    Khygnos felt a colossal headache forming about the entire situation, since the creation of the separate realms, there have been tensions between them maybe not at first the entire reason the army was created was to prevent the rise of another creature that devastated them, but it soon became the army for their Manushya lok, as slowly the other two became completely separate.


    It had been gradual but slowly it seems that the Preta Lok was overcoming the other two, their numbers were increasing, their quality of cultivators was not bad either, not to mention they were more organized.


    Khygnos knew someone was working behind the scenes but who she did not know even her spies have gone silent over the years and the last time she had heard from any of them was at least half a millennia ago, she was unsure whether they had been captured and killed or simply defected though she was betting on the latter, just the thought of it made her blood boil with anger.


    ''If I remember correctly Ryuu is inside Eden now, I hope he is alright.'' her eyes once again wandered off towards Sylvana for a moment, ''I will have to speak with her I doubt brother Maheswara would not have something monitoring his disciple.''


    "Bakhtyar how did this happen and why did we not notice it."


    Bakhtyar once again grimaced as he spoke, "From what we have learned they had arrived young and had managed to worm their way into the folds of various powers of our realm from then on they had gone on to recruit others who in turn hold very high positions as subordinates of some very powerful people.", seeing a frown appear on Sylvana''s face he spoke hastily, "We have already detained those people whom they had used for shelter and to further increase their agenda and as of this moment we are interrogating them."


    "They might not like it and it is bound to cause problems later on."


    Bakhtyar looked at the speaker as he spoke with a shrug, "It cannot be helped by prime concern is making sure that the Preta sc.u.m stays cowered hiding inside their realm not try to raise their hands against us and if I have to step on some toes then so be it, after all, it is their problem for not noticing their disciples were going astray."


    The person grumbled as a voice came to Bakhtyar''s mind, ''Clear your schedule I want to speak with you alone.''


    ''As you wish my Lady.''


    The meeting went for some time before it ended and soon Bakhtyar found himself alone with Sylvana, Khygnos and surprisingly Megara herself as such Khygnos could not help but ask out, "What are you doing here Megara?"


    Megara shrugged as she spoke, "My home is being threatened, the future generations are being kidnapped or led astray so yes it is important for me to know and help."


    Khygnos shrugged as she spoke, "Fair enough.", she turned to speak with Bakhtyar only to be interrupted by the arrival of Saidhal.


    "Sorry, I had some pressing concerns as such I had to step out of the room for a minute."


    Megara smiled at him as she spoke, "Please Brother Saidhal you went to simply greet your son so there is no need to offer any excuse."


    Sylvana gave a curt nod which was returned by Saidhal as Khygnos spoke as she sent an intense glare, "What about Project Bloom?"


    Bakhytar gulped as he replied, "It has gone unresponsive."


    "How long has it become unresponsive?"


    "Since the last five years."


    An intense burst of KI and killing intent followed as Bakhtyar fell on his knees, the pressure and killing intent disappeared as Khygnos spoke with a snort, "Work hard and increase your strength child a small burst of my power and you are already on your knees is rather insulting for the Supreme General of Our realm."


    As she spoke her glare increased as she spoke with anger in her voice, "I am disappointed more so, on the fact that you failed to inform me about its failure five years ago."


    A bead of sweat dripped his forehead as he felt Sylvana''s glare on him as well as she spoke with a drawl, "So what happened are they even alive or not."


    "Most of them are not though some of them are still alive and.."


    Sylvana sighed as she looked towards Khygnos whose face was marred by a scowl as she spoke, "So a failure then?"


    With a heavy sigh, Khygnos replied to her, "Yes it seems.", her eyes then fell on Bakhtyar as she spoke, "Leave Bakhtyar and the next time remember to inform either me or Sylvana when something similar happens."


    As Bakhtyar quickly left Megara could not help but ask Khygnos out loud, "what was that about?"


    A small smile blossomed on her face as she spoke, "There is no need to worry about such small matters Megara.", she then turned to look towards Saidhal as she spoke, "So how is your daughter doing, Saidhal?"


    "Well, as far as I know, she is fine though I hope she had not entered that place until and unless she was at least a Peak Mystic Immortal Emperor, though I am happy that at least Ryuu must with her."


    Khygnos nodded at that while Megara looked at Sylvana as she spoke, "I hope that the disciple of your parents is doing well."


    Sylvana sighed at her question, ''Should I lie or should I tell them the truth.''

 Chapter 438 - Of rain and tears (Part-4)

    Sylvana sighed as she looked up from her saucer as she spoke, "He is not doing well."


    At her words, Saidhal sat up straight as he asked earnestly, "What do you mean sister, Ryuu is strong what do you mean he is not doing well?"


    Even Megara, who normally loved to taunt Ryuu was giving her undivided attention to Sylvana, as Khygnos began with a frown, "Ryuu is strong so do you have any clue on what is causing him the problem."


    Sylvana shook her head as she spoke, "I have no idea what is causing him that problem none of us does, but what I know is that the incident in the Second level is the cause of it, mother had a ''Thousand Life Petal'' attached to Ryuu, after the incident in the Second Floor for a moment it felt as if he would die the plant decayed so fast then it stabilized a few of its petals grew back but it was not enough, he only had four years to live, since then it was a constant struggle sometimes it would decrease sometimes it would increase like just now he has at least six more years to live."


    Khygnos frowned as she spoke, "I never heard that particular plant to be wrong, even jade slips may be unreliable sometimes but that plant I not so something major might have happened to him for the plant to behave so erratically."


    As Sylvana nodded as she noticed Saidhal grip his saucer hard, ''Probably thinking about his daughter.''


    "This is troubling to think he is facing such problems and now the problem with the Preta Lok, it is really troubling, do you think he can fight using his full power?"


    Sylvana looked at Megara as she shook her head as she replied with a sigh, "No I do not know for certainty but whatever is happening to him I doubt it will allow him to go all out."


    Megara''s face darkened for a moment as Khygnos spoke with a smirk on her face, "What is this Megara last I heard you did not like Ryuu at all in fact you hate him, so what changed."


    Megara looked at Khygnos for a moment as she sat silently and when the rest thought she was not going to say anything Megara began to speak with a sigh, "Hate would be a strong word to describe my feelings regarding him, it is true that I might not like him that much as I used to believe that Ryuu does not deserve to bear that sacred gift but after speaking with him back in Ayindril, well maybe I still do not believe that he deserves that gift but still it is better than some others, but now I hope he would not be captured, it would disastrous if it happens."


    As the mood plummeted Khygnos turned towards Saidhal as she spoke with a smirk, "So Saidhal if I remember correctly you and your wife Zarian met and fell in love while adventuring in Eden."


    Saidhal simply gave a nod of confirmation as he took a sip from his saucer as Khygnos spoke with a mischievous smirk on her face, "Even if your son was a disappointment in that regard, but I have high hopes for your daughter."


    Saidhal frowned as he spoke, "Sorry aunty but I am unable to follow what you mean."


    Khygnos grin widens as she spoke with barely concealed mirth in her eyes, "Why continuing the tradition of finding their love in Eden."


    ~fwooch~


    ~cough~ ~cough~


    Megara send a disgusted look towards Saidhal as small KI barrier prevented her from being drenched from head to toe from the alcoholic beverage that Saidhal sprayed from his mouth before choking.


    "That is disgusting Siadhal, eww, please try to control yourself."


    Saidhal did not pay any heed to her as he was already standing trying to look menacing while towering over Khygnos who found the entire thing too amusing along with Sylvana as he spoke, "Aunty Khygnos please do not make such tasteless joke, and my baby girl is not falling in love with some bastard."


    As he spoke a certain spear-wielding cultivator felt a shiver run down his spine, as if he was about to die soon, he shrugged off the feeling thinking he might have been feeling cold from all the rain.


    Sylvana simply smiled as she spoke, "Please brother there is no need to feel alarmed, Zywia is a grown woman and it is bound to happen sooner or later."


    Siadhal''s nostrils flared as he spoke, "It is not going to happen at all for at least a few million years, my baby girl is only a million years old.", he then looked at Sylvana as she spoke while jabbing his finger towards her as he spoke, "What about you Sylvana what would you do if you were in my place, is your baby brother not in a similar situation, what if he brings back some girl what will you do."


    Megara snorted drawing attention to her as she spoke with a drawl, "Please that girl would be extremely unlucky to have fallen for him."


    Sylvana glared at Megara, as she spat out in a venomous tone, "And what is wrong with my brother that the girl would be unlucky to have fallen for him."


    Megara simply smiled as she replied, "Oh you misunderstand I never meant in such a way but between you three do you think that girl would serve but most importantly what about Ryuu''s self-proclaimed wife, do you think she would allow it, she would simply slaughter that poor girl and all you could do will be to watch it helplessly."


    Sylvana growled at that as Megara spoke with a hint of seriousness in her voice, "You should know I am speaking the truth dear, as long as that woman exists there is no way Ryuu will be allowed to pursue any relationship not to mention the punishment she might dole out to him."


    As Saidhal sat back he replied with a frown, "You have met that woman?"


    Megara snorted at that as she spoke, "Met her, you know I was injured a few years back right?", as both Saidhal and Khygnos nodded she continued, "I was taken to Ayindril to recuperate where I made Ryuu and was having a pleasant chat when she waltzes into the infirmary like she owned the place, Ryuu managed to make her angry and she tried to punish him only to be saved by Shamiran who hid Ryuu in her shadow world.", she then looked towards Sylvana with a smile as she spoke, "Why don''t you continue?"


    With a sigh Sylvana began to speak, "Not only parents but even Megara''s were present my older sister was present as well, that woman did not take Shamiran''s action too kindly, she was so fast that we could not even follow her before we could react she had moved across the infirmary, then she forcefully tore off Shamiran''s still-beating heart and crushed it, not only that she managed to even seal off her Dantian, according to my mother it was a near miracle that they managed to save Shamiran."


    Megara smiled at the gawking listeners as she spoke, "As you can see for as long as that woman breaths Ryuu should forget dating or falling in love with someone other than her."


    The talks moved into more mundane topics to uplift the sombre mood but before long Sylvana spoke with a sigh, "I think it is high time I return home, so if you all will excuse me."


    Khygnos simply gave a small nod as she sent a telepathic message to Sylvana, ''I will visit Ayindril tomorrow if you have no problem we have much to discuss.''


    ''No problem aunty, you may visit anytime you want to.''


    With that Sylvana quickly went back to Ayindril, upon her return she stumbled upon her eldest and youngest sister who were occupying their favourite spot near the pond while feeding various multicolour fishes.


    Antariskh looked up as she spoke with a small smile on her face, "Welcome back dear sister, and how was the meeting?"


    A frown formed on her beautiful face as she spoke in a tensed tone, "Is everyone here?"


    Shamiran tensed seeing her frown as she spoke, "Is mothers and father are here, is something wrong?"


    Sylvana nodded as she spoke, "Yes terribly so, please tell them to gather in the throne room I bring dire news."


    A few minutes later her parents and her sisters were patiently waiting for a distressed Sylvana to begin.


    With a deep breath, Sylvana began to speak, "A new situation has arisen in Eden."


    As soon as the words escaped her mouth Antariskh groaned as she spoke, "Again, I severely regret allowing Ryuu to venture in that place, his luck is really bad."


    "Silence Antariksh"


    Maheswara spoke with a glare towards Antariksh before his eyes went towards his daughter as he nodded with his head to continue.


    "We have found that spies had infiltrated our realm for who knows how long in our realm, not only that their goal was to sabotage and help to kidnap our younger generations who have ventured into Eden."


    A sharp intake of breath was heard as Sylvana continued to speak, "Similar situation had occurred with the Deva Lok and their army of cultivators seemed to be decimated badly we fear that they have already been captured."


    Nuwa covered her face with her hand trying to keep herself from breaking apart as Sylvana continued to speak, "Our spies in the Preta Lok have gone dark, though from what we know, except a few most are healthy and alive so the consensus is that they might have defected."


    Veena spoke with a frown on her face, "This is an extremely dire news daughter, what are we to do now?"


    Sylvana bit her lips as she spoke, "Aunty Khygnos is coming to visit by tomorrow to discuss regarding this matter I hope she will have good news."


    Ryuu glared at the still smoking carcass in front of him, as the rain poured down, he then dashed towards the still badly injured and bleeding form of Frost Flames as cradled her in his arms as tears flowed from his eyes, ''No no how could this happen, no not again, I refuse to lose someone I love once again.''

 Chapter 439 - Of rain and tears (Part-5)

    Ryuu stood while stretching his legs and he grumbling, True-Spear looked at him as he shook his head in amus.e.m.e.nt, ''Ryuu severely lacks patience, how did he become such a good cultivator, I do not know such an impatient person would have enough patience to meditate for months or years on end.''


    "Brother Ryuu there is no need to be impatient like that."


    Ryuu ran his hand through his hair as he spoke, "There is a reason for that brother, we do not know what they are planning, what they want, they are too quiet and if Chasing winds are in contact with them then those people whom I have freed till now might be caught again, but worse of all I have no way of knowing it and it is driving me insane."


    True-Spear sighed as he spoke, "I understand what you are saying but we have to be patient otherwise we might end up making some severe mistakes."


    Ryuu slouched forward as he spoke with a tired sigh, "I understand but I cannot help it."


    A small smile graced True-Spear''s face as he spoke, "The way you are acting makes me wonder how you managed to cultivate till now, and we spend months no years while meditating, if you are so impatient I cannot imagine you seating Hours after hours in deep mediation."


    Ryuu could simply manage a weak chuckle at True-Spear''s words, ''How will I tell him that unlike him, I had gone to sleep and voila I was a near-peak level Mystic Immortal Emperor one day though I slept for decades but still.''


    "Well still��."


    Ryuu stopped for a moment as his eyes widen as he hurriedly spoke to True-Spear, "Something has happened back at our base, Frost used a special Talisman that would inform me of some form of emergency we have to move fast."


    True-Spear jumped up from his seating position as he tried to follow Ryuu who was moving further and further away from him at an incredible speed making him frown hard, ''Damn that Ryuu, he is fast so fast I might not be able to follow him at this rate even if I go a full speed, I just hope he will make it back in time, I wish I were a bit faster.''


    Using his superior movement skill ''Prancing Dragon'', he moved as fast as possible, he knew that True-Spear would eventually arrive but he does not have time for him, as he moved gargantuan creature suddenly appeared in front of him as he snarled in anger, "I do not have time for this."


    The creature did not stand a chance as it was simply cut to pieces by Ryuu in a blink of an eye who then pressed forward, ''Frost is please hold on, please hold on, I will be there within the next minute, I should not have left.''


    A quarter of an hour ago, Frost Flames was sitting by Frozen Ocean''s side meditating in peace, whereas others were busy with their work when all of a sudden a panicked cultivator dashed into their room as he shouted out, "The Preta Realm, the Preta Realm army is attacking us."


    A stunned silence before shouts of chaos and fear erupted amongst them but before they could react a barrier suddenly formed trapping them inside.


    Fear gripped Frozen Ocean''s heart as she gave Frost Flames an intense stare as she spoke, "Where is Ryuu?"


    It jolts her from her stunned state as she quickly used her talisman to call Ryuu but before that, she let out a sigh of relief seeing the Jade slip showed her that Ryuu was safe.


    "Sister what should we do?"


    Zywia''s fearful voice came to Frost Flame''s ear whom she quickly embraced to as she spoke in a soothing tone, "There is nothing to worry we would be alright, those two idiots are alright, I do not know how they arrived here but those two will be also here soon so we will have to hold on in the meantime, so stay close to us and support us while trying not to die."


    Zywia simply nodded as Frost Flame''s eyes harden as she spoke, "Do not be afraid, do not falter, we did not arrive this far to be defeated by those sc.u.m we will hold and we would survive."


    No sooner did she speak a loud boom was heard as the cavern they were in to collapse, as they dug themselves out from tons of soils, they were greeted by the sight of the large army of at least three thousand surrounding them, looking down at them from the sky as if they were an ant.


    A clap was heard as they looked up to see Chasing Winds clapping with a mocking smile on her face, "My my what a rousing speech for a pair of losers, now be good children and lay down your weapons."


    "Shut up bitch, I should have killed you back there."


    Chasing Winds smiled as she spoke, "Ah Frozen Ocean how have you been, those horrible days courtesy of you and Ryan how could I forgot but do not worry I am not cruel there are few men that need��."


    "Are done with your gloating Winds I am busy after we have secured them we have to return back."


    Chasing Winds gave a nervous laugh as she spoke with a short bow, "Of course I am done my Lady they are yours to command."


    The person let out a huff as she looked down at the cultivators that were beneath them as she spoke in a tired voice, "I am Unduz, second in command to Lady Ithrura''s army and with that authority, I order you lots to surrender."


    "We refuse."


    A voice came from one of the Manushya realm cultivators as Unduz spoke with a yawn, "What are you waiting to capture them."


    Upon hearing her words the Preta realm cultivators descended upon them with a roar that shook the Heavens itself, while Unduz stayed back looking down with a bored look on her face, she then turned towards Chasing Winds as she spoke with a curious tone in her voice, "What are you doing here?"


    Chasing Winds looked confused as she spoke, "Wha? What do you mean by that?"


    Unduz for the first time showed anger as she spoke, "I am asking what you are doing here, did I not tell everyone to attack, then why are you here? Are you an idiot that cannot follow simple orders?"


    Chasing Winds was dumbfounded before she spoke in anger while shaking his outstretched finger towards Unduz, "Now see here, I..."


    That was all she could say before Unduz suddenly appeared in front of her holding her by her throat as she spoke with a snarl, "Listen you good for nothing waste of space either you go down and fight or you die."


    A look of fear passed through her face as she stuttered out, "B-but Ithrura��"


    That was all she managed to say before she slapped hard as Unduz glowered at her before she spoke with barely concealed anger, "That is Lady Ithrura for you peon, you are neither stronger than her nor did she allow you to so never call her casually and as far as I remember I was asked to escort you here safely until you show us the location, now be a dear and show me why should my lady allow someone from the puny Manushya realm to join ours."


    She then shoved Chasing Winds back who simply stumbled back before joining the fray below, as Unduz snorted with disgust and disdain towards her, ''A filthy snitch going over her station trying to usurp the authority of her introducer, a mere retainer albeit ambitious but foolish, even if you survive today no one is gone to garner you any favour we do not like backstabbers after all, but where is ''Rain Sword''?''


    Unduz became invisible as they battle raged on a battle that the Ryuu''s group was losing being outnumbered three to one, it was incredibly difficult for them to survive the onslaught let alone win, but still, they persisted their pride and will to live to make them lash out against their would-be captors hard.


    Frost Flames had doused the entire area near her with flames, flames which when under her command was either burning her enemies or miraculously freezing them to their death, Frozen Ocean as her name suggested could control ice and water, with ice she was slowing her enemies, slow enough to at least allow her to draw their blood once and once drawn they were at her mercy as water constitutes a major part of most living organisms body, whereas Zywia was their support the sound of her Zither removed the fatigue, bolstered them with courage while doing the opposite for her enemies but it was not enough, their side was slowly being overwhelmed most were being taken as prisoners though a few were dead.


    ''We will not make it, Ryuu had placed so many defensive arrays but the collapse of the mountain destroyed them and now we are about to lose.''


    "Zywia watch out!"


    A shout drew her attention as she watched Chasing Winds inching closer to her with a bloodthirsty smirk on her face she was too close for her to d anything a warm splash of blood hit her face as she watched with eyes full of fear Frost Flames slowly collapsed on the floor being cut down by Chasing Winds who simply smirked upon seeing that.


    "Now, here lies the idio��"


    "Frost!!!", a voice so louder than the roll of thunder reverberated in the entire area which was soon followed by an inhuman amount of killing intent, it was like drowning in rivers of blood, the barrier shattered like glass as Ryuu dropped near a fallen Frost Flames, upon seeing the Ryuu''s draconic eyes filled with anger Chasing winds shivered with fright, ''I am going to die.''


    Her prediction turned to be incredibly accurate as in the very next moment Ryuu swung his sword, cleaving not only her in half, but as it contained copious amount of Daos and Soul energy it not only cut her body in half it damaged her soul greatly before setting the body parts aflame.


    Ryuu glared at the still smoking carcass in front of him, as the rain poured down, he then dashed towards the still badly injured and bleeding form of Frost Flames as cradled her in his arms as tears flowed from his eyes, ''No no how could this happen, no not again.''


    Ryuu gently picked up Frost Flames as he quickly fed her pills to heal her before he looked towards Zywia as he spoke in a soft voice, "Zywia please look after her, I have given enough medicine to stabilize her after I deal with this mongrels I will heal her."


    Zywia nodded at her, the soft but soothing voice of Ryuu send chills down her spine that made her feel fearful about Ryuu for some reasons, even Frozen Ocean felt uneasy being near Ryuu the killing intent with a small pinch of madness mad her wary of him.


    "Rain Sword, what a pathetic figure you cut never did I understood why you have such a high bounty, Lord Jethrar and Lady Ithrura''s presence are more terrifying than you, who did you service to get such a high bounty for a meagre snot-nose brat who cries for a mere wench."


    His words made his comrades hurl out jeers and insult Ryuu who did not respond to their taunts and insult but simply looked at them with bored expression before he spoke with a drawl, "Are you done? I always thought that you people were simply cruel and sadistic but now you people are even illiterate the seniors of your realm must be so ashamed of you."


    The group taunting him were stunned to silence they could not find any semblance to what he was saying, while on Ryuu''s side the cultivators did not look the gift horse in the mouth as they quickly made their way and stood by Ryuu''s side dragging the injured with them.


    A mocking smile blossomed on Ryuu''s face as he spoke, "You all love to remind of my bounty but you all forget something equally important."


    The person gave an arrogant smirk as he spoke, "Oh and what is it oh so literate brat."


    The mocking smile change to cruel one as Ryuu continued, "Never approach him without at least a mid-level Celestial by your side.", his words made others especially his side to have their eyes widen as Ryuu continued while his killing intent and KI reached new heights, "And now, Prostate before me!", and with that the world changed.

 Chapter 440 - Of rain and tears (Part-6)

    Frozen Ocean had seen many things in her life, some good, some bad, she knew the world was vast and even after living such a long life there were many things that she might not have seen or heard but, the current Ryuu was bordering on absurd at first she had thought she had found his limits this.


    ''What in Heavens'' name is this KI and killing intent, they are abnormal especially his KI, is he really peak Mystic Sword Immortal? What is he?''


    While Frozen Ocean tried to dissect the mystery known as Ryuu, the Preta realm cultivators were in a different situation altogether, they heard those arrogant order out of Ryuu''s mouth and now they were on their knees their head touching the soil in deep bow waiting for their judgment, and it scared them greatly.


    Both ''Requiem'' and ''Genesis'', were in his hand as Sword Force seemed to coalesce all over his sword before he swung it hard, Ryuu might not have reached the God Tier in the Grand Dao of Sword but he was infinitesimally close enough to claim that he had already reached a ''Pseudo God Tier'' state.


    The rain itself seemed to no longer affect him but slowly join together to form multiple swords, that easily outnumbered the number of cultivators as he spoke again, "I am not cruel enough to let you die while prostrating before a superior being as such I will allow you to move, so raise your head and look at me as you die."


    As if the immense weight that pressed them down in the mud was lifted as they came face to face with a large wall of flying swords made up of water, each humming with a deadly amount of Sword Force that made them gulp fear but before anyone could react Ryuu swung his sword and following his swing the thousands of blades descended upon them as if they were let out by arrows.


    It was incredibly fast, so fast that many could not react and amongst those that did some tried to dodge, while some tried to use various defensive measures they had, the cultivators that were cut by the sword no matter how small it was, were immediately caught fire, some were poisoned, whereas a few were turned to ice sculptures that shattered, a few of them managed to erect barriers and were a bit successful but those who thought that they could be protected by merely raising a bit of soil or their shield forgot about a very important detail, water always finds a way through the nooks and crannies and the swords were essentially made up of water mixed with sword force.


    Ryuu''s one attack had dwindled the once strong and proud force of over three thousand to a paltry five hundred, and from the looks of it they were scared and frightened some tried to run only for a barrier to halt them as Ryuu spoke in a mocking tone, "Aww is the big bad baddy wants to run from the little brat."


    The group was scared out of their wits a single attack decimated them and now they were trapped with the one that had killed so many of their brethren, they were afraid, very afraid of Ryuu, but it was opposite of Ryuu''s group as they were suddenly received a boost in their morale.


    Chianyu was drenched in blood his look of despair had been washed by Rains of Sword and now bolstered with newfound joy as he shouted at the top of his lungs, "Brother Ryuu saved us once again, are we so weak and pathetic that he will have to work on saving us again and again."


    His shouts were answered by a chorus of ''Nos'', as he shouted out again, "Then what are you all waiting for paying them back a thousand folds."


    With a shout that shook seemed to shake the Heaven itself the group jumped on the remaining Preta realm cultivators as Ryuu quickly went by Frost Flames side as he quickly began to feed him pills to nullify the poison as well as hill her wounds, by the time he had managed to heal her their group had successfully managed to deal with their enemies, the barrier surrounding them lowered as True-Spear entered.


    He looked around the devastation as he let out a small huff, "Damn it is over, I ran as fast as I could."


    Chianyu who was nearby gave him a weak smile as he spoke, "You have to thank Daoist Ryuu if it were not for him we might have died."


    True-Spear looked down towards Ryuu and instantly his face paled upon seeing the lying form of Frost Flames covered in fear when all of a sudden Ryuu aimed towards their direction as he fired a torrent of arrows from a beautifully crafted bow, it was fast incredibly so and it went past him in a blink of an eye which was followed by a scream of pain.


    Unduz looked down at the Ryuu with her eyes wide, ''Damn so that is Rain Sword, I can now understand why Lady Ithrura cautioned me against him we need our entire army to bring him down he is too dangerous we have to deal with him soon, hope our spy amongst them will help us to take him fr��'', her musings were cut short as she found one of her arms and legs torn apart by a hail of arrows, he looked down to see Ryuu looking towards her direction with a bow in his hand.


    ''Damn it I got caught.'' she turned into a mist of blood as she ran as fast as she could practically disappearing from that location.


    Ryuu gritted his teeth as his enemy ran away from the site, ''Damn it seeing Frost Flames like this made me lose my cool and even with my skills ''Ferocious Buddha''s mind'' and ''Omniscient Eyes'', I missed her how careless of me I need more discipline otherwise it might prove to be dangerous in the future.''


    He looked back towards Frost Flames as his eyes soften for a moment before he looked up to Zywia and Frozen Ocean as he spoke with a sigh, "For now we have managed to survive the disaster but it would not last long we have to prepare to move, as soon as Frost wakes up we will be moving in the meantime I am going to go after a spy."


    With that before anyone could say anything Ryuu moved towards True-Spear as he spoke, "Bother you are still fresh while others get ready to relocate let us go and hunt that spy and learn how they reach this place when we were keeping a close eye on the gate.", True-Spear nodded as the duo left fast to chase after their escapee.


    The arrows shot by Ryuu was not only a means to hurt the person but also it was a means to out a group of arrays on her that it helps him to not only locate but cause remote detonation effectively killing her but now he had other problem, the incident at the eighth level had helped him to finally confine the poison, but because of today''s action, the wound was ripped open as such Ryuu after some time began to slow down as he wobbled before throwing up a copious amount of blood.


    "Brother Ryuu!!!", a distressed True-Spear quickly went by to support him preventing him from tumbling down from the sky.


    "Brother Ryuu what happened did you get injured during the fight."


    Ryuu vomited blood again as he somehow manages to maintain his balance amidst the high pain and fever that was wrecking his body as he spoke while grunting up with pain, "I ugh I went all out seeing Frost like that, ah and now I am paying the price."


    "Damn it, do not worry, we will descend here and we ��"


    "No no please we have to move forward even if we do not manage to capture her we have to know where their camp is we have to plan accordingly otherwise all is lost please brother."


    True-Spear snarled as he spoke, "Okay do you know where that woman is heading."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Yes I managed to tag him with an array as such I will always know her location."


    "Good then please point me and leave all the flying to me, I will carry you and if something is wrong we will bolt and you will not protest is that clear."


    Ryuu managed to give him a quick nod as the duo began to move as True-Spear carried Ryuu with him.

 Chapter 441 - Putting a lid on a jar(Part-1)

    "Are you hanging there Ryuu?"


    Ryuu could only give a weak nod before he began still for a moment before he spoke in a whisper, "Something changed."


    As True-Spear looked down towards him as Ryuu continued to speak, "It feels as if our escapee fled through a gate but that is impossible, the gate is in a completely different direction."


    "But then how did she manage to travel through one, it doesn''t make sense."


    True-Spear''s brow furrowed in deep thought as he spoke, "Something is not right? Are you sure that it is not some kind of hallucination that your brain might have conjured?"


    Ryuu bit his lips as he spoke, "I am absolutely positive that I am not hallucinating, and if I am not wrong we would learn the reason soon enough."


    True-Spear bit his lips as he spoke, "Is there a possibility that there is a second gate."


    "'' Expect the unexpected'', that was what I had been told about this place so there might be a chance there can be multiple gates."


    "That is scary."


    "Incredibly so in the previous level at least we were able to figure out when they were about to pop in but now if it turns to be true it would spell disaster for us as such please hurry."


    As Ryuu spoke he raised one of his fingers which glowed briefly before he let out a relaxed sigh making True-Spear a bit confused as he spoke, "What did you do?"


    A slight cough Ryuu began to speak in a hoarse voice, "I just sealed the gate to prevent them from entering this level."


    His trusted flask appeared in his hand as he took a sip soothing his throat as a bewildered True-Spear spoke with a touch of amazement in his voice, "How did you manage to do that? I have never heard of anyone manipulating the gates before."


    Ryuu snorted at that as he spoke with a grin, "Who said that I manipulated the Gates, it is simply beyond my ability to do so."


    True-Spear was now utterly confused as he spoke, "But then you said that you sealed it."


    Ryuu let out a chuckle as he spoke, "Brother what I did was to put a tight lid over the gate that would prevent them from passing through it for some time at the least, time that we desperately need after today''s incident since we lost a few good cultivators today."


    "So true.", with that silence descended amongst the duo as they moved towards their destination.


    Meanwhile back with others, Frost Flames had woken up soon after Ryuu had left along with True-Spear as she tried to sit Zywia helped, "Easy there sister you were injured grievously, please do not strain yourself."


    As she groggily opened her eyes as she was greeted with the sight of others Frozen Ocean looking at her with a smile on her face, "Welcome back you gave us quite the scare."


    The memories of her battle and subsequent getting injured hit her as she quickly spoke, "What happened did we lose and are we now captive? I thought I felt Ryuu''s presence."


    Frozen Ocean simply smiled at her as she spoke, "There is no need to worry we are safe, we have won."


    Hearing that Frost Flames was dumbstruck as she spoke, "We won how our situation was not that good, how did we manage to win?"


    "It was all thanks to your beloved sister frost, seeing you like that enraged him so much that he wiped the majority of them out single-handedly."


    Frost Flames turned her head to look at Zywia as she spoke, "I felt for a moment as if Ryuu was holding me, so I was not wrong."


    Zywia nodded at that as she spoke with a small smile, "Yes he was holding and then he got immensely angry with them and killed the majority of them with a single attack."


    At her answer, Frost Flames head swivelled trying to locate her as Frozen Ocean spoke to him with a sigh, "You will not find him, there was a hidden enemy who was observing us as such he along with your brother True-Spear left to catch her."


    Zywia snorted at that as she spoke, "Like they would be able to catch her she was using the ''Blood mist escape technique'', chasing after her would be pointless."


    Frozen Ocean nodded in agreement before she gained a serious look on her face as she spoke, "But still his aura and killing intent caught me off guard and when I thought I had figured him out, he pulls something outrageous like that, was his KI that potent and massive."


    Zywia nodded at that as she spoke, "Yes his was always potent."


    As she replied Zywia looked towards others as she grimaced inwardly, ''I understand now father why you always said that Divine bodies especially those of the higher tiers were unfair, every Level they had to face extra ranks than normal cultivators and to many, it seems like a chore but as they grow stronger because of that simple extra ranks that they had to climb their KI becomes more potent and vast.''


    "But there was one lie he told us."


    Zywia frowned as she looked at Frozen Ocean as she spoke with confusion in her voice, "What lie did he tell us?"


    "Do you remember a few years back we were arguing and he shouted at us to shut up and we all were forced to stop talking?"


    At Frozen Ocean''s words, Zywia reminded about the incident as Frozen Ocean continued, "Similarly today once again he managed to do a similar thing to his enemies he forced them to kneel, I have never seen something like that how did he manage to do it."


    Zywia simply shrugged at that as even Frost Flames looked at her with curiosity burning in her eyes as she spoke, "Really something like that happened."


    Frozen Ocean looked at her as she spoke with barely concealed amazement in her voice, "It was amazing, one moment they were taunting him and in the next moment Ryuu commanded them as if he was an emperor and they were lowly peasant, but the best part was when he said that he would allow them to die while looking at his face and then commanded them to raise their heads it was something else and then his sword attack I believe he would step in God Tier realm in the Grand Dao of Sword any day now."


    Frost Flames sucked in a deep breath as she spoke with disbelief, "You are speaking the truth right?"


    Frozen Ocean scowled aback at her question as she replied, "Of course I am, and you can also ask Zywia for confirmation."


    Zywia nodded confirming Frozen Ocean''s words before she spoke with a worried look on her face, "I know you are amazed but did you forget what Ryuu said if he were to go all out."


    Frozen Ocean tilted her head in confusion before realization dawned in on her as she gained a look of horror on her face as she spoke, "You don''t mean that Ryuu left with True-Spear so that��."


    Zywia finished her sentence with a grimace on her face as she spoke with a small nod, "You are right he left with him so that others may not notice about his situation."


    Frost Flames covered her face with her hand as she spoke with barely above a whisper, "If only I was stronger I would have prevented such a thing, I feel so helpless now, sitting her while he is suffering who knows how much."


    Zywia placed a calming hand on her as she replied with a smile on her face, "Sister, please do not worry your brother True-Spear is with him, he will make sure Ryuu is alright."


    "It seems our fears were not unfounded, there really is another gate here, how troublesome."


    Ryuu gave him a wary smile as he went still for a moment before he spoke with a serious look on his face, "We have to hurry I might have managed to anger them."


    True-Spear gained a confused look on his face as he watched throw out multiple talismans which floated around him for a moment before dashing towards the gate making a circle around it then they glowed as multiple glowing ethereal chains appeared around it, completely encompassing it before they disappeared with a flash of light.


    "Hah!", as shout came out of Ryuu''s mouth as he slapped the earth hard, with a groan the ground parted as the gate fell into an extremely deep crevice, which was soon closed trapping the gate inside completely.


    Ryuu let out a huff as he looked towards True-Spear as he spoke, "Well since I have finished dealing with them, let us go and bury the other gate as well."


    True-Spear gained an amused look on his face as he spoke, "You know it will only delay the temporarily."


    Ryuu nodded towards him as he spoke, "I know even a small delay is essential for us, we need to recover and relocate."


    With a small sigh True-Spear nodded in agreement before he spoke with a frown, "Ryuu if you feel uncomfortable please tell me, okay, I do not want my sister running apart me with intent to maim me for failing to take care of you properly."


    Ryuu let out a small chuckle at his words as he spoke, "There is no need to worry brother I will definitely inform you if I feel unwell."


    True-Spear nodded before his eyes widen slightly as he spoke, "How did you manage to anger them?"


    Ryuu gained a mischievous look on his face as he replied to him, "Well it just happened that...."

 Chapter 442 - Putting a lid on a jar(Part-2)

    Unduz did not wait any longer no sooner did Ryuu not only spot her but in fact, took off her limbs she knew that she had to run, she used the ''Blood Mist Technique'' to run away from there she had felt Ryuu arrive and she knew with her speed Ryuu would catch her immediately and kill her, she had been ordered to spy while being invisible and return safe and sound, yet she had managed to violate Ithrura''s words and as such she felt deeply ashamed of her, as such she decided to use that technique to run away and carry such a piece of valuable information on Ryuu back.


    ''What a monster to force everyone to obey his command, he is extremely dangerous, I have to return and inform my lady about it.'', with that thought in mind Unduz bit her tongue drawing blood which she used to activate her technique, a technique that was fuelled by her natal blood, or the blood directly from a very special organ that was known as Dantain, but the technique itself was a forbidden bordering Taboo as it cause the loss of ranks, the more one uses more that person loses their rank, but there was nothing he could do about it as such with a heavy heart she pressed forward.


    No sooner did she activated the technique her vision changed black veins appeared over her eyeballs as her vision ended up becoming tunnelled as she shot forward, ''Is that why we are told to face towards the direction we wish to escape towards, my entire body hurts I doubt I will be able to turn easily not to mention I can barely see what is in front of me, but at least I will be able to escape his clutches.''


    She somehow managed to enter the gate as she stumbled out of it, her entire body was aching badly as she bit back a curse, ''I lost two whole ranks, I am now a 7th rank Mystic immortal cultivator, this is insane.'', she took a deep breath as she flew towards Ithrura''s direction.


    Ithrura was meditating inside her tent waiting for Unduz to report her back, Chasing Winds had been acting as a courier between the spy within Rain Sword''s group and them, she had let out much valuable information, information that saved them from losing any more slaves since the Tenth level, even though out of the ten thousand original they had lost about a couple of thousands due to Rain sword''s tactics, they had tried to recapture them but they all were either hiding or have fled to level lower than the fifth as such safe from their influence.


    Interacting with Chasing Winds was an interesting experience, an ambitious woman who would do anything to raise her status and power, and when she at first propose the plan Ithrura and Jethrar learned the true extent of her nature, a perfect parasite who would leech on the person to increase her status but the moment some better opportunity arises they would tag along with others living their previous victim high and dry, people they do not like at the slightest, but still decided to humour her the reason Jethrar wanted to test Rain Swords prowess.


    As such accordingly they had hatched a plan, they would send cannon fodders to deal with the Manushya lok, they did not have high hopes of them winning but at least hoped they would be able to deal a devastating blow on their enemies morale as well as maybe even injure Rain sword, sending Unduz one of her most trusted associates was not only to keep a check on Chasing Winds and to make sure she suffered an accident but also for her to access the threat that was Rain Sword learn more of his abilities if possible and her being one of the stealthiest subordinates on top of being the most loyal one was the cherry on top of the cake.


    "Lady Ithrura, Lady Unduz has returned and she is heavily injured."


    She jumped up from her seat as she dashed towards Unduz who was kneeling despite having her legs as well as her arms cut off, seeing her Ithrura grimaced inwardly, ''Damn someone not only cut her limbs off but seared it shut intense heat, now where would I get someone as loyal as her.''


    "What has happened Unduz I told you not to engage anyone?"


    Unduz somehow managed to prostrate on the ground as she spoke, "A thousand apologies my Lady, but even with my stealth technique Rain sword was able to detect me and cut off my limbs using arrows."


    Ithrura tilted her head at that as she mused inwardly, ''Bow? How interesting so he can use sword, spear and now bow.''


    Before Unduz could speak Jethrar arrived as he spoke, "What happened Ithrura, what is this commotion about?", as he spoke he saw Unduz''s condition a look of understanding passed through his face as he spoke, "Oh it seems that not only your subordinate was injured but those waste of spaces are all gone, so what happened."


    Ithrura glared at Jethrar as she spoke, "She is my subordinate and it is my right to question her, not yours."


    Only for Jethrar to raise his hand in mock surrender with a smile on his face, Ithrura then looked towards Unduz as she spoke with a sigh, "Please continue."


    "My Lady, Rain Sword...."


    Unduz''s voice suddenly choked as multiple arrays flashed over her body making many especially Jethrar and Ithrura tense before Jethrar shouted out at the top of his lungs, "Get away from he��"


    That was the only thing he could say before a titanic explosion rocked the place as intense heat swallowed everyone who was near her within a few miles.


    Meanwhile back with Ryuu and True-Spear, True-Spear nodded before his eyes widen slightly as he spoke, "How did you manage to anger them?"


    Ryuu gained a mischievous look on his face as he replied to him, "Well it just happened that I hid a group of a particular array within the arrow that I fired, one of them helped me to track her, one helped me to eavesdrop and the last was to explode her."


    True-Spear''s eyes widen as he spoke, "You are kidding right?", as Ryuu shook his head with a smile on his face making True-Spear let out a tired sigh as he spoke, "You are devious person remind me not to anger you, using someone as living bomb I do not know what to say."


    Ryuu could not help but let out a bark of laughter as he spoke, "Well let us hurry, I do not wish to waste time dealing with them.", True-Spear simply nodded at that as the duo made their way towards the second gate.


    Back with Jethrar and Ithrura, a large blob of flesh deflated as Jethrar and Ithrura crawled out of it, Ithrura gagged seeing the slime-like substance that seemed to cover her from head to toe.


    "That bastard.", Jethrar growled as he looked at the destruction in front of him, a large crater had formed with the surface being turned to glass from the intense heat, he could spot a couple of skeletons and nearly molten armour or weapon lying around them.


    Ithrura managed to control herself only for Jethrar to round her up as he spoke, "That bastard booby-trapped your subordinate to kill us, what kind of people are you employing around you but more importantly how could you not detect such trap worthless woman."


    Ithrura snarled at him his killing intent at full blast as she spoke, "How dare you? If you are so careful why did you not detect oh great careful and cautious being, I arrived only a few seconds before you so you are as much as fault as I am."


    Jethrar took a deep breath to control his anger before he spoke, "Fighting amongst us will get us nowhere so let us access the damage first and then we can plan, but the glaring question is how did he turn one of our own into a living bomb, especially one whom you seem to trust so much."


    Ithrura bit her lips as she spoke while looking at the crater, "Who do you think could cause this?"


    Jethrar huffed at her question as he replied, "I do not know why but my guts tell me it was Rain Sword, though it can also be someone else entirely."


    Ithrura rubbed her temples as she turned around only to freeze as she let out a scream full of anger startling Jethrar as he looked at her cautiously while he spoke, "Is something wrong Ithrura?"


    Ithrura snarled at him as she spoke, "Wrong? You want to know what is wrong, that damned blast destroyed the pot which carried my favourite wine, I am going to slaughter their entire group."


    Jethrar gulped as he spoke, "Hey sister Ithrura what about our deal with our spy."


    "Screw our spy, he or she can go die in a ditch, not because of her games we have lost not only our slaves, and subordinates but my wine as well, I no longer care what a mere soy wants it is high time to deal with those bastards."


    Jethrar nodded at that as he spoke, "Fair enough as soon as we have access the damage done we are going to arouse our army and launch an all-out attack, you are right the spy is trying our patience either the Manushya realm surrender or it is wiped out."

 Chapter 443 - Putting a lid on a jar(Part-3)

    "Ryuu!", a familiar cry came to his ears that soothed his heart, with a wide grin he spread his hands as Frost Flames entered his embrace, her sweet scent entered his nose as he lost himself forgetting every kind of worries that were plaguing him.


    The sound of clearing of the throat brought them out of their daydream as smirking Su-Min spoke, "If you two are done please notice us, lowly mortals, as well.", her smirk then turned to a sad frown as she spoke, "We lost twelve of ours in the confrontation, and nearly all of us are injured with ten in critical we do not know If we can move with them in tow."


    Ryuu frowned at her words as he spoke, "That will not do, we have to leave this place, our base is gone and we do not know when we might get attacked again.", he thought for a moment before he spoke again, "Take me to them and let me see what I can do for them."


    Su-Min nodded as she quickly led Ryuu towards the injured people, he inspected them for a moment before giving each of them some pills that would enable them to treat various poisons running through their veins before he could even start to heal them.


    ''This won''t do, we have to move from here but they need their rest but what to do.'', suddenly he wanted to bash his head on a rock, ''Of course I have the means to carry them.''


    He then turned towards the nearest cultivator as he spoke quickly, "Brother please inform those who have a knack for creating things to quickly create something on like a bed with a canopy to protect the person sleeping on it from rain, it did not need to be a state of the art item, but a few pieces of wood stuck together would suffice as well, and oh tell them to work fast."


    The person gave simply nodded as he left and a few minutes later small bed-like structure enough for three people to sleep in one of them easily appeared as Ryuu quickly helped them to carry the injured inside it, a couple of talisman''s slapped on it followed by a pulse of KI the wooden structures were airborne.


    "We are going to tow them with us towards the location of our next base."


    Su-Min''s eyes widen slightly as she spoke, "Ah I remember you used a similar method to get away from the gate after we escaped the second level."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke with a small smile, "You are right, it was something similar that I had used, now let us move we have some distance to cover and I do not believe our injured brother and sisters would appreciate being wet."


    As the group moved Ryuu could not help but ask out in hushed tone, "Sister Frozen do you remember her subordinates what happened to them?"


    Frozen Ocean send a small smirk towards him as she spoke, "I might have slipped that they are his subordinates, they were interrogated and killed off."


    Ryuu nodded at her answer as he spoke, "Such a waste if only they had not associated with a traitor."


    Frozen Ocean nodded in agreement before she continued to speak again though her tone dropped suddenly so low that even Ryuu had difficulty to hear, "Though during the interrogation one of them mentioned that the traitor was receiving instructions from someone from our group, someone whose identity is not known to them, Chianyu and Devaraj decided to keep the result amongst us, especially the part where she had someone giving out orders to her, it might cause a problem for our group."


    Zywia, who was floating nearby spoke with a scowl on her face, "We burned the body of those traitors along with our enemies, though they were rather adamant that they knew nothing about Chasing winds plans.", she lowered her voice just like Frozen Ocean as she continued to speak, "From the looks of it I believe that Winds double-crossed whoever her master was if what those cultivators said is true."


    Ryuu rubbed his chin his minds swimming in deep thought only to be brought out of it as Frost Flames nudged him, "Ryuu is everything alright, I was calling you for some time now."


    Ryuu simply smiled at her as he spoke in a reassuring tone, "There is nothing to worry Frost I was simply trying to think how they would retaliate."


    Frost Flames eyes widen briefly but before she could speak Severing Saber intervened, "Ah, Young Daoist Brother Ryuu may I have a word."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Of course senior brother how may I help you?"


    Severing Saber replied with a soft sigh and a frown on his face, "If I remember you and brother True-Spear both of you left to keep an eye on the gate so how did they go pass both of you."


    With a wary smile, Ryuu was about to reply only for True-Spear to speak on his behalf, "There are at least two gates."


    At his words the entire convoy came to a halt as everyone looked at the duo with disbelief written on their face as one of them shouted out, "That is preposterous!"


    Ryuu snorted at his words as he spoke with an awry smile, "Brother, this is one of the reasons our seniors told us this place is not only unpredictable as such we should always be wary of this place, we know we found two gates and there can be a three, four or even a dozen that we have not stumbled upon."


    Many paled at his words as Ryuu spoke in an assuring tone, "I do not know if there are other gates but I assure you the two that we know off, is practically inaccessible for some time as such we are safe for the time being."


    As they let out a sigh of relief Ryuu continued to speak, "Though they will break eventually and we will be ready."


    Many of them nodded in agreement when of the Deva realm cultivator spoke with a pain-filled voice, "Brother Ryuu you had worked so hard to rescue our brethren, but because of that traitorous bitch your efforts might be in vain."


    Ryuu balled his hand into a fist so hard that his nails drew blood while thunderous look appeared on his face making the person who spoke to gulp in fear, as Ryuu spoke with his voice filled with barely concealed anger, "You are right brother, you are absolutely right, I do not know how many managed to escape before Chasing Winds managed to warn them, I hope a good few of them though the rest I fear they might have failed, as they would have not only upped the security around them those who had escaped before were recaptured again."


    The cultivator looked tired and about to give up as he spoke in a depressed tone, "So what now what should we do?"


    Ryuu went towards him as he gave his shoulder a comforting squeeze as he began to speak, "We start anew, we will work harder this time and free even more while making sure that they can escape unharmed."


    The cultivator gave him a small smile as he spoke, "I know if anyone can, it is you brother, as such I want to thank you, I do not know how we can ever repay our debt."


    Ryuu waved him off with a small on his lips as he spoke, "Please brother your gratitude is enough, what kind of cultivator would I be if I failed to help my neighbour in need."


    True-Spear grunted as he spoke urgently, "If we are done can we move, we have lots of things to do and if it comforts you, brother Ryuu, send them a good reply."


    As everyone focused on him Ryuu spoke with a sigh, "I can move while speaking so can we talk while we move towards our new base, which senior Brother Severing Saber had found and had recommended to us."


    At his words, everyone began to move in complete silence for a moment before Ryuu began to speak, "When I fired my arrow at our mysterious audience, I did not fire any simple arrow, but an arrow that had a few talismans on it, one of them enable me to locate her, while the others enable me to listen to her and lastly one that used the KI to cause an explosion, I located the second gate by following her and when I learned that she had managed to reach their base I detonated her."


    A stunned silence descended for a moment before a few broke into laughter, he could hear shouts of serves her right and whatnot, only for Severing Saber to speak with a frown, "But that would make them attack us with full force."


    Once again tense silence descended amongst them as Ryuu spoke with a small chuckle, "What do you think that attack we suffered was for?"


    "They were testing us."


    With a hint of pride in his eyes, Ryuu sent a nod of approval towards Frost Flames as he spoke, "Yes they were, if not why would one of them was simply observing us while staying invisible, they were testing us and would plan and prepare accordingly but me being the nice guy decided to send them an invite without going all cloak and dagger style."


    "But that invitation would cause them to be extremely furious and attack us post haste."


    Ryuu smiled towards Su-Min as he spoke, "Of course they would but unfortunately I placed a special lid on the gates as such they are busy with it at the moment."


    A wave of confusion hit the group, except for True-Spear who spoke with barely contained mirth in his eyes, "Yes a special lid indeed."


    Meanwhile, Jethrar just finished cursing Ryuu''s forefathers up to the last fifty generations the cause of it was plain and simple frustration, something was preventing them from passing through the gate and stepping into the next level, and then one of his subordinates had used a very strong attack only for the attack to rebound and kill the attacker and as such he was furious with the problem that they had no solution in sight.

 Chapter 444 - Putting a lid on a jar(Part-4)

    "You take that over that place and work on that array while I work on yours."


    "The heavy rain is making it difficult, Daoist Ryuu."


    "Excuses all I am hearing excuses, now go help them."


    The person left with a scowl on his face which was mirrored by Ryuu as he began to work on the part of the array that was originally partly given to another to work on but his caught on to various mistakes which was the source of his current displeasure, he knew that what that person said was true as the rain in the level messed with their KI but still it was no excuse to draw sloppily as well as make mistakes.


    ''ugh I feel homesick, enough is enough I cannot wait for our time in Eden to end, Zywia was right the quality of teachings between my teachers and others are a world apart as such I am much better than others in a way it is nice but at the same time it is a bit disheartening, the only good thing I can think about my time is I got some very good friends and met someone special.''


    As Ryan finished creating the array his face gained a scowl before he grimaced, ''Right I should not compare and evaluate them according to my level of knowledge, but still they should be a lot faster, maybe I should drop by and speed things up a bit.''


    Frozen Ocean looked over from the top of the fort they had erected, the fort was constructed using different materials and in the midst of it was a room that held the gateway to the other level, the fort would be stretching it a bit further as it was more like a large earthen mound which at first glance did not in any way resemble any stereotypical fort but she begged to disagree seeing the number of traps that were placed in it, some hilarious and frustrating to downright lethal and dangerous, every inch of the fort was being covered by some form of trap.


    Zywia appeared by her side as she spoke softly, "It looks as if Ryuu is planning some sort of the last stand."


    Frost Flames nodded at her words as she spoke, "It seems to be as such, but I doubt this would be his last stand but one of the many confrontations we would sure to have."


    Zywia nodded before her eyes fell on another group, that was working tirelessly on various medicinal pills and poisons, some for their consumption others for use on the enemy.


    "He is a good commander since the day he began to take command and to lead us, always eager to help and defend us."


    Zywia simply agreed at Frost Flame''s words before she spoke with a sigh, "This is going to be very bloody."


    Frozen Ocean nodded at that with a smile as she spoke, "I know and if we detect it is too much to handle we can skedaddle, you know the gate that is now at the heart of the fort, it would be very easy for us to fall back to the next level if the things go south."


    Zywia looked up as she scowled, "I am really starting to hate this rain."


    Frost Flames smiled back at her as she spoke with mirth shining in her voice, "Please do not say that to Ryuu he would be so heartbroken."


    Zywia snorted at her words before she spoke with a grimace while looking towards Ryuu, "ugh, look at him over there berating the cultivator, I had once warned him to ease on them but no he is too good to listen to plain old me."


    Frost Flames looked towards Ryuu''s direction, and from what she could see it was clear to her that Ryuu was severely berating another cultivator while jabbing towards a particular direction, ''It seems someone is not happy with the array work.''


    "Ryuu''s teachers are perfectionist of the highest order, and it seems to me that Ryuu had picked up their habit, such a hassle."


    As Zywia shook her head tiredly Frost Flames spoke with a frown, "What is wrong with being a perfectionist? Is it not better to chase after perfection especially for those who are array masters?"


    Instead of replying to her, Zywia shouted out at the top of her lungs, "Brother Ryuu can you please come here for a minute."


    Ryan looked up to see Zywia who beckoned to him, but unfortunately, he was tied up at the moment as such he shouted back to her, "I will be there within a minute."


    With that, he then went to work on the array as Zywia turned to look towards Frost Flames as she spoke with a smirk, "Now watch and see how fast he completed the entire array before he comes here and then I would show you something that would blow your mind."


    It would be a couple of minutes later that Ryuu found himself standing by their side as an annoyed Zywia spoke with a huff, "Ryuu I told you a long time ago, to not compare yourself with them they are beyond your level, so please stop being harsh."


    Ryuu let out a frustrated sigh at her words as he replied, "Even if you say so there is a minimum threshold that I could tolerate these people are going beyond that, I need them perfect for the future confrontation, not to mention the time I lost with them, as I have to take a peek at what our alchemists are cooking."


    Zywia rolled her eyes at his words before she spoke with a huff, "Give me a pill that your teacher would accept as barely passable at your level."


    Ryuu looked at her confused as Zywia sighed as she spoke again, "Among all of your pills the one that has the lowest purity and is also considered barely acceptable by your teacher, oh also please makes sure no one can eavesdrop on us."


    With a confused look on his face, Ryuu quickly placed various arrays to prevent any eavesdropper to listen onto their conversation before he placed a pill on Zywia''s outstretched hands, which she then presented to a curious Frost Flames.


    Frost Flames took the pill that was as big as a baby''s thumb, the pill was like nothing she had ever witnessed before, it looked like a pale sapphire coloured transparent crystal, the smell of it calmed her mind as suddenly her soul seemed to dance up with joy, she could feel the energy swirling inside it, ''What a pure pill, I have never seen something like this, is this even a pill? It looks like some type of precious stone unbelievable.''


    "So what do you have anything to say about it?"


    Frost Flames looked up to see the smug smile on Zywia''s face as she could not help but speak out aloud, "Is this really a pill?"


    Zywia snorted at the bewildered look that she had on her face while she replied with a smug look on her face, "Of course it is, Ryuu will you tell us about the pill."


    Ryuu simply rolled his eyes at her antics, ''I made the pill yet she acts as if it was her who made it.'', with that thought in mind he looked up towards Frost Flames as he began to speak, "This pill is known as Soul tempering pill, it helps in strengthening the soul when you are cultivating it, the pill that is in your hand is slightly over eighty-two per cent pure."


    Upon hearing Ryuu''s words Frost Flame''s hand shook making her almost drop the pill, while she stumbled back making Ryuu to quickly move to her side to support her, as she could not help but speak out loud, "What in Heaven''s name is this? If you call this barely acceptable then what does your master classify as good?"


    "Above ninety per cent easily though no matter what I am unable to close the nineties barrier, I am just a hair breath away."


    Frost Flames blinked owlishly as Zywia took the pill from her shaking hands before she spoke, "So what is the purity of your best pill that you can make."


    Ryuu let go Frost Flames as he spoke with his brow scrunched up in deep thought, "If I were to pick my best pill then it would be the KI replenishing pill, but unfortunately no matter how much I try it is only 89.9% pure."


    Zywia nodded at his words as she continued, "And up to what cultivation that pill of ours could be useful."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "Why are you interrogating me with twenty questions, Zywia."


    "Just humour me Ryuu."


    With a huff, Ryuu replied, "Up to mid-Celestial."


    Zywia then looked at Frost Flames as she spoke, "Did you understand what I am saying, sister now please tell me about the highest quality of those pills you have seen."


    Frost Flames looked at Ryuu with clear looks of disbelief plastered on her face, ''This is incredible, my teacher''s friend who is an otherwise known as ''Pill God'', can make pills of eighty-five per cent purity with great difficulty and here I have someone who has not only surpassed him but speaking about such high quality of pill in such a casual manner, just what is going on.''


    A quick snapping of Zywia''s fingers brought her out of her internal crisis as Zywia spoke, "Well what do you wish to say, sister."


    Frost Flames shook her head as she spoke, "I need some rest all this revelation is too much for me to handle." before she looked towards Zywia as she spoke on a tired voice, "I have seen a battle occur when a group of peak Mystic Immortal realm cultivator had found a peak Mystic Immortal Level pill of seventy per cent purity, this is like a dream to me, a pill over eight per cent.", she shook her head and left promptly.


    As she excused herself Zywia rounded up Ryuu as she spoke, "Now do you understand why I am telling you to tone down."


    Ryuu shook his head before he spoke with a tired huff, "I know but I cannot help it, my teachers taught me to well, as such I have picked up quite a few of their habits."


    Zywia nodded as she spoke, "I understand Ryuu, but there are time and place for that, I know you are stressed but please try to keep yourself in check otherwise you might gain an enemy out of jealousy.


    Ryuu ran his hand through his hair as he looked at the retreating figure of Frost Flames as she disappeared into the bowels of the fort, he let out a disappointed sigh as he spoke, "I know but I cannot help it sometimes, though I will be more cautious."


    Zywia herself had a look of disappointment as she stared at the retreating back of Frozen Flames, ''If something this minuscule bothers you then how will you stand in front of Ryuu''s sisters or his teachers and proclaim you love him, they would eat you up alive.'', a flicker of grimace passed through her face as her thoughts went towards True-Spear, ''Like mine is any better, even after everything True-Spear has so little chance to convince my parents to give us their blessings.''

 Chapter 445 - Of Rains and Duels (Part-1)

    "I hate that smug bastard."


    "Who are you talking about Daoist TriStar?"


    "Who else but Ryuu have seen how he is berating and looking down on us, he is giving us such complicated arrays and then he is making us do something we have not done before under such extreme conditions, how can we achieve perfection."


    "So true and did you see when he began poking his nose, what right does he have telling the poison I made is not good, I am one of the most renowned poison makers of my generation."


    "So true."


    "You are absolutely right, how dare he demean us."


    "Is there anything wrong?"


    The disgruntled cultivators looked at the speaker as one of them spoke with anger in his tone, "That cultivator of your realm Ryuu is his name, is always finding fault at our work and trying to correct us, we are not some newborn babies that need to be checked up, we know our craft better than most and yet he is acting high and mighty always causing problems for us, I am one of the best alchemists even celestials admire my work, so who is he to say otherwise."


    Severing Saber tilted his head for a moment before he spoke with a smirk, "Then why don''t you shut him.", as the Deva realm cultivators paid undivided attention towards him Severing Saber continued, "Since you are disgruntled by him why don''t you challenge him to a pill duel and defeat him."


    The group was dumbstruck for a moment before one of them gained a large grin, "You are right fellow Daoist instead of complaining and cursing him we should challenge him and put him in his place."


    Ryuu was sitting on an alcove with Frozen Ocean sitting just opposite to him, the alcove provided an excellent view to the outside and with rain falling continuously bathing the world outside, it was so peaceful that Ryuu could spend hours sitting there just staring outside.


    "It is so relaxing."


    Ryuu looked towards Frost Flames who was looking at outside with a saucer of wine in her hands, as Frozen Ocean gave a nod of agreement before she spoke with a smile on her face, "It is, though Ryuu the wine is exceptional as always.", upon hearing the compliment Ryuu simply raised his saucer as Frozen Ocean continued, "Do you have wine for every occasion? Every time you bring out wine it is not only different but perfectly matching with the atmosphere."


    Ryuu only sent her a smile as Zywia spoke, "To thin you have changed so much, I still remember the teenager who abhorred wine, always giving anyone who drank it a stink eye, but now it is like someone else had taken your place."


    "Well, with age I gained wisdom, and learned to appreciate finer things of life like wine."


    "Daoist Ryuu we challenge you to a ''Pill Duel'', get over here you smug bastard face us like a cultivator."


    A look of annoyance flashed through Ryuu''s face as Zywia spoke with a smirk, "Told you, you should not have been harsh on them too much, now you will have to face their attempt to heal their bruised ego and pride, are you going to annihilate them?"


    Ryuu gained a look of innocence on his face as he spoke, "Annihilate them? Why would I do such a barbaric thing, I will simply give them a reality check."


    As he stood he stretched himself feeling his joints pop he let out a satisfied groan before he spoke, "I better get going and see what these idiots want, I hope it is entertaining and challenging."


    Ryuu made his way towards the rather impatient group who since the time they had thrown the gauntlet had called Ryuu, had already cursed him and called him various names they could think off, and by the time Ryuu reached them he was hair breath from snapping and slaughtering them.


    "Are you done?"


    The calm voice of Ryuu was like the calm before the onset of a rather furious thunderstorm, his power behind the glowing eyes made some of them take a step back.


    "Have you finished cursing me, or do I have to give you all a few more hours to finish cursing me before I slaughter every last one of you?"


    His back with killing intent had suddenly dipped the morale of those challenging plummet enough that it was lost in the abyss, they were suddenly reminded of the incident with the Preta realm cultivators as they cursed their own stupidity for acting in such a manner, which resulted on having an enraged Ryuu after them.


    "Well, I am waiting."


    Severing Saber decided to take pity on them as he spoke, "Well they wanted to show you that they are superior alchemists than you as such they decided to challenge you to a pill duel."


    Ryuu looked at them as if they were dirt beneath his shoes as he spoke with a drawl, "Ho, is that so, Ah I understand now Senior Daoist brother there is a saying, ''the weakest dog barks the loudest.''"


    "Of course young Ryuu, though will you accept their challenge."


    Ryuu looked at him for a moment before he spoke with a predatory smirk, "Of course, though I hope they will be able to provide a good challenge, and not wilt under pressure."


    Ryuu''s eyes then moved over the challengers as he spoke, "So how should we do it?"


    One of the braver challengers stepped forward as he spoke, "Simple you give us a pill and we give you one and then compare who has managed to create the best."


    "Boring!!!!", Ryuu spoke with a yawn, "That is so boring, I will give you that the method is a classic but boring method why don''t we spice it up a bit."


    Severing Saber spoke with "Spice it up Young Ryuu how so?"


    With a smirk, Ryuu continued, "Simple instead of us giving each other a challenge, we will take a piece of paper, write the name and function of a pill as well as write down all the ingredients required for the pill, then enclose along with a few samples of the pill."


    He looked around to see everyone paying undivided attention towards him as he continued, "Now we will appoint neutral judges who will pick up a particular package that has pills written on it, they will give us small shaving off the pill, we will detect the type and write down the ingredients needed for the judges to check later, and then create the pills, a ten per cent deviation is allowed in case a person thinks that they can improve the given pill greatly."


    Ryuu watched carefully as the cultivators had broken off into small groups as they discussed the merits of the method that Ryuu had proposed for them and after a few minutes one of them stepped forward as he spoke, "We accept Daoist Ryuu."


    Ryuu flashed them a smile as he spoke, "Excellent, so why not bring a box where we will put our respective pills accompanied with a lovely letter containing the recipe."


    "I have a question."


    One of the cultivators spoke while drawing Ryuu''s attention towards him, "What if we do not have the ingredient then?"


    "Ask the judges and they will make those whose recipe has been chosen to share some of the ingredients, though I think we should raise the bar a little."


    "How do we raise the bar and why do we raise it Daoist Ryuu?"


    Ryuu''s smile sent a chill down everyone''s spine as he spoke, "We will only use ingredients enough to make a set of ten pills of each type, not an iota more, that means if you make a mistake you will not have another batch to rectify it."


    Silence descended as many of them stunned into disbelief, even others who were simply there to witness a pill duel, between one of theirs and the Deva realm''s bastards as they were being called behind their backs.


    The Manushya realm cultivators at first were a bit sceptical when they had first met Ryuu but over time he had managed to win them over, and after seeing his work their respect for him rose, even more, they knew there are times when one can be arrogant and there are one where one can be humble, and by being humble around him they had managed to pick a few things here and there by watching and studying his work.


    Then they met the Deva realm cultivators and now they finally learn why Ryuu called them ''annoying bastards with holier than thou attitude'', when Ryuu pointed out their error, they would ask for the reason as well as a solution to the problem and Ryuu would provide them with enough to completely satisfy them, but the Deva realm cultivators refused to see their error, refused to listen to anyone but most importantly refused to learn from their mistake, instead they love to whine a lot while throwing tantrums.


    Severing Saber clapped his hand once drawing everyone''s attention towards him as he spoke, "Excellent, now how many of you will be participating in this challenge."


    At least ten cultivators stepped forward as Severing Saber spoke with much enthusiasm in his voice, "Wonderful, so please start writing your recipes on this pieces of paper before enclosing pill or pills along with it, you are only needed to write one."


    As he handed them each piece of paper, Ryuu spoke out aloud, "Just because the challenge is tough please do not hold back, I will be giving one of the toughest pills that I know."


    As they finished writing and enclosing the pills in a folded piece of papers, Severing Saber collected them inside a box, which he then covered with a lid having a small hole enough for someone''s hand to pass through, then he proceeded to shake the box before going over towards the audience.


    "I need three volunteers."


    He called out aloud as Ryuu watched him with a small smile on his face, ''He is enjoying himself too much, don''t tell me he is behind the entire ''Pill Duel'', given the chance I will have to ask him.''


    Three cultivators from amongst the audience stepped forward as Severing Saber spoke with a large smile on his face, "Since we already have three volunteers competitors please take their respective places and make sure to have ample distance among yourselves."


    With each of them occupying their positions, one of the volunteers stepped forward, as he pulled out a paper enclosed pill, he opened it showed everyone, other than the contestants, the contents of the paper as well as the pill contained within it, well everyone who was not the contestant.


    "Before the second volunteer picks up the next item please divide the pills into eleven equal parts and show it to others, let them look at it for twenty breaths of time and no touching, then please destroy the pill."


    Severing Saber then looked towards Ryuu as he spoke, "Is it challenge right for you?"


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke with a shrug, "I am fine, the more difficult the challenge the better it is though I want to draw your attention to something."


    Severing Saber tilted his head as he continued, "What is it, brother Ryuu?"


    "Since they challenged me to a ''Pill Duel'' while calling me such uncivilized names acting unlike a proper respectable cultivator of good breeding would, as such I want a rather heartfelt apology from them after I crush them."


    "And we want the same from you, you smug bastard, you look down on us, we have worked our way to this level and we would not be looked down by likes up."


    Ryuu sneered as he spoke with disgust, "There you are going in such a bad dastardly horrid manner, it is only my good upbringing that is preventing me from tearing your intestine out with me bare hands and then use it to tie your neck and choke you to death, then burn corpse to ash, then urinating on it, so that you might atone for having such lack of manners, and if you continue then��."


    He left the threat hanging as he flashed his killing intent making the person severe in fright as he sweated heavily.


    Severing Saber simply smiled at that as he spoke, "Well since we have discussed and agreed on terms shall we begin."

 Chapter 446 - Of Rains and Duels (Part-2)

    Upon being asked by the volunteer ten others joined him, their work was simple they would help him carry the piece of the pill on paper and wait for twenty breath in front of the competitors before destroying them.


    As the person was busy dividing the pills Ryuu had closed his eyes as he went into a trance for a second before he reopened them, he could fell the Grand Dao of Alchemy signing in him caressing him, his eyes fell on to the box containing the various pills wrapped along within the paper, he could feel them singing to him, some of them horribly off-key while some extremely soothing especially one of them.


    ''Ah, it must be mine, the one I had submitted, as it seems to have the highest purity than others.''


    When he was younger his teacher always told him to listen to the sound of ingredients at first he could not understand what she meant it sound so mysterious, in fact, once he held an ingredient near his ears for an entire day just to get a whisper of the sound and was greatly dejected when he had failed to do so, although his teachers gained new reasons to tease him.


    But now, it was different, he was able to hear it clearly he was able to hear them and with great difficulty, he tore his gaze from the box as he looked at the piece of the sample that was being brought to him.


    ''What a course sound it makes? Now let us see what are you made up of.''


    Ryuu peered into the pill in front of him as he soon dissected it, separating its components in a rather easy manner.


    ''Huh, a ''Yin Body Replenishing Pill'', a rather interesting pill, normally everyone is born with their Yin and Yang in perfect balanced but in some cases, they might have a slight disharmony and one of them is when someone lacks the Yin in their body, though through cultivation we may change our constitution a bit being born with one is different.''


    ''Hmm, I can substitute it with ''Frozen Moonflower Nectar'', instead of Nightshade Bamboo essence, it would work better with the rest of the ingredients, an interesting pill, strong enough to change a person''s constitution from extreme Yang to a more balanced Yin-Yang type, yet difficult enough because of its hundreds of ingredients, which means only someone of my rank can accomplish it, it would be fun to create it, but now comes the second one.''


    "Are you ready for the second one Daoist Ryuu?"


    Ryuu looked up towards the person as he gave a small nod eagerly waiting for the next pill.


    Frozen Ocean watched all the competitors like a hawk she knew Ryuu was a proud and honourable person and she would be damned before she let someone cheat, something the others happily lend a hand too, after all, they would not let their realm lose.


    "Ryuu looks so serious and focused it is like he is a completely different person."


    Zywia nodded at Frost Flames words as she spoke, "True though if you look closely you can feel the Dao stirring in the air, especially around him."


    Frost Flames smiled upon hearing that as she spoke, "He is really talented."


    Zywia nodded as Amnon spoke with his eyes narrowed, "First a ''Yin Body Creation'' pill something I have not heard off, then the second is ''Realm Ascendance Pill'', and the third is the ''Stone Heart Pill'', that is something I have not heard of as well, two pills that are not known to me."


    Zywia looked towards Amnon as she spoke, "'' Yin Body Creation Pill'' is known by another name to us, it is called ''Yin Body Replenishing Pill'', used to cure people who are born with extreme Yang type bodies to the point they do not even have an iota of Yin amongst them and it is bad for health when they had yet to venture forth into cultivation."


    She then looked forward as she continued to speak, "Now the ''Stone Heat Pill'' is an extremely difficult pill to craft, during tribulation one has to suffer tribulation for the heart, it is an essential pill when one wants to ascend to the Celestial Realm, but even if it is essential, not only is it extremely complex and difficult to create but it is extremely rare, of the other two is a simple walk in the park compared to it."


    Her words made her friends be shocked to their core, as ''Tribulation of Heart'', was one of the most difficult parts of the Tribulation, some even say it surpasses the Lightning Tribulation and yet here is a pill that could help them was something unthinkable for them, no matter how small it was truly astonishing for them to learn about it.


    True-Spear looked at Zywia for a moment before he looked back towards the competitor as he spoke, "Damn who could create such a thing?"


    "Ryuu"


    His head swivelled towards Frost Flames as he spoke, "Ryuu? Are you sure it is him? After all, it can very well be one of the cultivators, who have gotten their hands on the pill from their senior and is trying to show off."


    Frost Flames simply shook her head as she replied to back to him, "No I am positive it is Ryuu, did you not smell the aroma of the pill or see the light pink translucent colour emitting blue sparkles from the inside now and then, it is definitely Ryuu."


    Frozen Ocean looks directly into Frost Flame''s eyes as she spoke, "How do you know that?"


    With a smug smile, Frost Flames replied, "I have seen one of his pills before that is why I know about it, and normally when he uses pills he makes sure to do so discreetly as such many of them had not even noticed the quality of his pills."


    Su-Min looked towards Ryuu as she spoke with awe, "I am glad we have those anti-eavesdropping arrays up."


    Both Daniella and her husband Amnon nodded in agreement before Su-Min turned towards Frost Flames as she spoke faux anger in her voice, "Damn you sister for making the only perfect man in the Universe fall for you."


    Frost Flames giggled as she gave her an exaggerated bow towards her as True-Spear spoke with a huff, "What am I a chopped liver? Zywia, tell them I am perfect."


    Zywia simply smiled at her as she gave a small pat on his head as she spoke, "Of course you are perfect, perfectly perfect for me."


    Su-Min huffed at their display of affection as she spoke, "Get a room you two." before her tone became a bit serious as she spoke, "It looks like Ryuu is starting."


    Frozen Ocean looked forward with eagerness reflecting in her eyes as she spoke, "How do you think he will proceed?"


    Zywia looked towards Ryuu giving her undivided attention before she spoke with a smile on her face, "I have an idea though I will have to sit on it for now, as I do not wish to spoil the surprise."


    Ryuu looked at the three pills that were given to him to craft, his lips twitched as he fought off the urge to grin as he thought, ''I do not think I will have an easier challenge.''


    Severing Saber looked around for a moment as his eyes met Ryuu''s for a moment, ''So he has finished writing, so I do not believe there is any need to waste if they are slow then it is not Ryuu''s fault.''


    "Daoist Ryuu have you finished writing the ingredients?"


    Ryuu nodded in confirmation as another smile broke into Severing Saber''s face, "Do you have all the ingredients or do you need something."


    "I have everything that I need Senior Daoist Brother."


    Severing Saber spoke again with a small smile on his face, "Excellent then you may begin."


    Ryuu simply acknowledged with a nod and then with great dismay of others he closed his eyes and began to meditate.


    The entire area suddenly plunged into silence even his friends were astounded at his strange behaviour, they at first thought he was simply concentrating but then seconds turned to minutes but yet Ryuu had not begun his attempt at making pills, whereas the other contestants were slowly beginning their attempts on pill creation.


    "What is he doing? He would lag behind them by quite a margin and even if he finishes it would be last, and the contestant who has already finished his creation can call for closure, and then he would be given half an hour at most to wrap something up, so why is he sitting there and meditating."


    Zywia sent a confused look towards Frozen Ocean as she spoke, "I have no idea, as I am not that much adept at either duels or pill creation as he is, as such I do not know why but maybe he has some strategy up his sleeve, the others have already started."


    "Look he has opened his eyes he is about to start."


    Everyone''s attention fell on Ryuu who let out a yawn as he stretched himself before he spoke with a sheepish look on his face, "Oh has everyone started creating, sorry I fell asleep ~ahem~ I mean I received a sudden bout of enlightenment upon seeing my talented fellow competitors work as such I was meditating."


    A stunned silence descended amongst the audience even a few of the contestants gawked at him, as one of them shouted with a snarl, "How dare he, how dare he look down on us!!!!"


    Ryuu paid him as much attention to him as he was paying to him before and that was none as he was busy looking towards his group of friends as he shouted out, "Sorry Zywia I cannot hear you, though you should stop acting in such an unladylike manner, what would your boyfriend think.", as he spoke he shook his head dejectedly as if he had given up on her, and if the anti-eavesdropper array was deactivated he would have been greeted by an anguished scream full of anger.

 Chapter 447 - Of Rains and Duels (Part-3)

    "Yes stop such unladylike behaviour Zywia."


    Su-Min watched with a smirk on her face as Zywia''s finger came close to her throat to strangle her only to be stopped by the timely intervention of True-Spear who held her back.


    Frost Flames shook her head with a sigh, "You are so easy to tease sister but do not worry I will have words with that clown of mine, and please sit down from the looks of it he is about to start."


    As the group finally once again took their seats they saw Ryuu suddenly take out his cauldron, it was larger than others by quite a margin, with patterns of various creatures engraved on it, unlike the others which in some cases looked bit plain, or gaudy and even vain, he was the one that inspired awe.


    Ryuu gently caressed his cauldron while Zywia sucked a deep breath upon seeing it, as such True-Spear could not help but ask her, "Is there something wrong Zywia?"


    Zywia looked at her boyfriend as she spoke with a look of excitement in her voice, "Wrong? No there is nothing wrong, the cauldron is said to be the mark of an alchemist, what do you think when you look at the cauldrons of the cultivators participating in this duel."


    True-Spear looked at the cauldron with his eyes narrowed as he spoke, "Some of them look a bit gaudy, some vain, and that one looks plain, and as for Ryuu his looks like, like.."


    "Majestic", Frost Flames helped her Martial Brother to find the correct word as Zywia spoke with a nod as she continued, "Yes it simply looks majestic."


    "But, it is not because of its looks but function as well, the cauldron he is using and if I am not wrong is called the ''Thousand Pill Cauldron'', a cauldron that can be used to create a thousand different pills at the same time, those engraved drawings are not drawings but a means to control the ingredients, mix them and mould them into desired pills, it is simply marvellous."


    Amnon frowned as he spoke, "I understand that the cauldron is amazing, but I failed to understand the significance of the matter, from what we know that he had a very high understanding of the Dao related to Alchemy so why are you so excited."


    Zywia shook her head as she spoke, "Having a very high level of understanding in the Grand Dao of Alchemy has nothing to do with using of a cauldron, in fact, the understanding of the Grand Dao only deals with the identification, reactions, and how to use, but cauldron is different, if you do not know how to use one, no matter how much enlightenment you have on the Dao, you would fail especially when a cauldron as advanced and complex as the one Ryuu is using."


    Daniella gave a sheepish grin as she spoke, "Can you please explain it in a much mundane fashion."


    With a huff, Zywia continued, "Think of it as a horse race, a race where you are competing against several professional horse rider, now you know the route by heart, you know which part of it is difficult and then on the day of the race for the first time in your life you are riding a horse that you are seeing for the first time so what are your chances of winning the race."


    Daniella nodded at her words as she spoke, "I see I understand what you mean, and that cauldron is more complex."


    Zywia nodded at her words as she spoke, "Yes it is, the engravings are like controlling mechanism on the cauldron a single misstep and it would blow up or worse, now watch closely how Ryuu works his magic."


    A flame roared into existence under his cauldron, he then quickly took one ingredient after another as he began to put the ingredients in an orderly manner in various portions inside the cauldron.


    Some of the ingredients like Spirit Grass, he only to the essence whereas some like the ''Frozen Moonflower Nectar'', he only took the nectar before tossing the rapidly rotting flower awake which then burst into flame before it even hit the ground.


    He systematically began to add them before putting the lid on top of the cauldron, he placed his hands on various parts of the engraved pictures which to onlookers looked as if it had started to move, more like dancing in a circle, every figure of man or animals were moving fast and as did Ryuu''s hands.


    The flames surrounding the cauldron morphed mysteriously as it began to assume different colours around the cauldron, some places it was red, whereas others yellow and then in someplace it was blue, but that was also not the only change as it slowly began to take a transparent look, with only letting out a hue of different colours before flaring high enough to engulf even Ryuu.


    Ryuu did not pay any attention to the surrounding, his hand was a blur trying to control every aspect of the cauldron, micromanaging every reaction, every mixing, along with the temperature of every part of the cauldron, in some, it was high and in another place extremely low.


    ''I have started all the reactions and they are progressing smoothly now I have to use ''Sunny Dandelion'' seeds into the mixture and it would be golden.''


    While he was getting ready for the next stage of the operations one of the cultivators'' cauldron shook and before he could react it exploded drenching not only him but a couple around him as well with the hot contents not to mention the red hot cauldron shrapnel that accompanied along with it.


    "Argghh", a scream of pain was heard as the cultivator got injured, as another shouted out in pain, "You damn bastard."


    Severing Saber along with a few quickly went to the person''s side as they helped him, he consumed a couple of pills quickly before producing another cauldron only to be stopped by a smirking Severing Saber who held his hand tightly.


    "What are you doing?"


    "What else stopping you?"


    The cultivator turned purple as he spoke, "How dare you try to prevent me from competing, I knew you were conspiring��arghhhh."


    He let out a scream of pain as Severing Saber''s smile turned feral, "Never thought Deva Realm cultivators are such a scoundrel, in the beginning, you all agreed that you will only have enough to make a set of ten pills not an iota more, you used an entire set for a particular pill and destroyed your cauldron along with the ingredients for not only the one you were cooking but others as well so should be allowed another chance, you violated the terms of the competition what a thick-skinned fellow are you."


    The cultivator turned red with embarrassment for a moment before he left with a huff, while Severing Saber snorted in amus.e.m.e.nt, ''What an egoistic fellow, even after being caught breaking the rules yet he left like he is the King of the World, it really is astounding.''


    Frost Flames placed her hand over her bosom as she let out a sigh of relief as she spoke, "For a moment I was afraid he is working with such concentration and when the cauldron exploded he was very close to it, I was afraid he would have been injured."


    Zywia simply smiled at her as she spoke, "Fear not brother Ryuu is cautious but I think I know why the cauldron exploded just try to feel the KI carefully and you would understand."


    At her words everyone closed their eyes as they tried to feel the KI around the place as Amnon spoke with a smirk as he opened his eyes, "Damn that crafty fox, that was why he had a late start but being at the centre is helping him greatly, damn the lost the battle even before it began."


    Ryuu meanwhile was having the time of his life, ''The pills are in perfect balance, the ''Yin Body Replenishing Pill'' during its creation would release a large amount of Yang KI, which I will make the ''Stone Heat Pill'' absorb, while I will do the opposite in case of the ''Yin Body Replenishing Pill'', the ''Realm Ascension Pill'' will just have the spillover, and if siphon off the amount of KI from the ingredients that others are using, I will be able to create even better one.''


    What he was using was one of the classical methods of fighting during a ''Pill Duel'', after all, how could it be a proper duel without engaging the opponent at every step, how can it be a duel if the participants did not try to outdo each other while trying to lead the other into compromising situation by springing a trap.


    As such Ryuu planned it from the beginning since the moment he had known the pills that he will have to make the planned it all step by step as such he started late, allowing others to begin before slowly springing the trap, and it also helped him because he had made those pills many times as such he could plan such tricks, though he was not the only one as others tried to as well it was nothing compared to the sheer gargantuan size that he was engaging.


    The heat surrounding him was so immense that even a tiny droplet of sweat was vaporized as soon as it appeared, a small smile blossomed on his face as he removed the lid, the fire surrounding him and the cauldron disappeared, and then a small rumble was heard and in front of everyone''s eyes a small pitch-black cloud suddenly began to form completely covering the top of the cauldron


    Zywia closed her eyes as she spoke with a nod and a satisfied smile on her face, "As expected of Ryuu he performed well, really well to trigger a pill tribulation."


    "Zywia I have a question for you."


    "What is it Su-Min?"


    "It was Ryuu who created the pill using the knowledge that he had gained throughout his life, the knowledge that he had gained from his teacher right?", as Zywia nodded in agreement with a confused look on her face, Su-Min spoke with a mixture of innocence and curiosity, "So why are you being so smug about?"


    Zywia''s face turned black but before anyone could say anything Frozen Ocean stopped her with a stern glare of her own as she spoke with anxiety and irritation bleeding in her voice, "Will you two keep quiet, even with my almost nonexistent knowledge on pill creation I know it is the most vital part even if the pill is created the best possible way the tribulation can destroy it and he would lose the challenge."


    Her words sobered everyone as they paid undivided attention towards Ryuu and his cauldron and then the felt their heart stop as the first flash of thunder.

 Chapter 448 - Of Rains and Duels (Part-4)

    ''Take a deep breath and calm down, and then let your KI synchronous with the pills, then get ready for it.''


    The first lightning fell as Ryuu''s brow twitched, ''It was barely a spark, don''t tell me I am going to face the one exponential one again!''


    ''What is it with my luck to face tribulations in such a manner, why have I done to always have this kind of tribulations?''


    The reason for Ryuu''s frustration was the type of tribulation that he has to face every time he had managed to trigger a pill tribulation, amongst the different types of tribulations he had the luck to trigger the rarest one almost always, and normally people would be jealous of his luck to get the rarest one type with the least chances of occurring until the fact that was shoved on their face was that it was also the most dangerous one.


    ''Each of my pills will have to suffer minor tribulations, as long as they pass I will win but I will have to push them through.''


    Frost Flames looked at the tribulation with her eyes narrowed as she spoke, "Is it me, or that lighting looked kind of weak, like extremely weak."


    Zywia nodded at that as she spoke, "Yes let us wait and see about the rest."


    Then another came which was almost as weak as the one and the others appeared each as weak as the one before.


    True-Spear''s face paled as he whispered lowly, "No no what kind of worst like does he have to trigger that tribulation."


    Each thunderstruck was like a nail on their hearts it was as their heartbeat had stopped when all of a sudden a loud whistling sound followed as a projectile went towards Ryuu before it impacted and exploded loudly after hitting an invisible barrier which suddenly became visible for a moment with ripples appearing all over it.


    Frost Flames jumped up from her seat as she shouted out in an uncontrollable rage, "WHO DARES?"


    She was not the only one who reacted as such as every Manushya realm cultivator turned hostile towards the Deva realm, the anti-eavesdropping array was promptly taken down as Frost Flames shouted out, "Which dishonourable dog had the audacity to cheat, you worthless sc.u.m if you do not have talent then get lost bastards."


    "You right absolutely sister, and since the waste of spaces have tried to sabotage ours let us see how your cultivators take us sabotaging them."


    Only for that Severing Saber to thunder out aloud, "No one is sabotaging nobody, sorry I missed that but if anyone of you wants to sabotage an alchemist you have to go over my cold dead body."


    His words had an immediate effect as everyone suddenly became silent, but he did not stop there as he continued to speak, "They may be honorless bastards but you do not turn to bark at a dog that barks at you now do you."


    His words followed by a loud sound of thunder, louder than any cannon drawing everyone''s attention towards Ryuu who simply smiled back with his head being supported by his hand which he had placed over the lid of the cauldron.


    "Aww, was that pathetic attempt failed, and here I was so full of confidence that there would have been dozens of attack by now to sabotage me with the unrequited dream of making me lose, shame I overestimated you, and your rather pathetic and disappointing attempt failed so spectacularly."


    The person who had attacked him suddenly shrunk back finding himself under Ryuu''s crosshair, as well as others.


    "Daoist Ryuu did you finish concocting your pills."


    Ryuu nodded in confirmation as he replied back, "Of course Senior brother Severing Saber, I have finished concocting the three pills."


    Severing Saber nodded as he asked again, "Do you wish for closure?"


    Ryuu looked towards other cultivators for a moment as he frowned, ''They have yet to ask for ''Sunny Dandelion seeds'' so either they have the rare ingredient and are working with it or they failed to detect it and are trying to make it work.''


    "No Senior Brother let them work, I am curious about their results."


    As Severing Saber nodded in acceptance Ryuu spoke with an innocent smile on his face, "Since it was a rather enlightening experience I seemed to have managed to gain some enlightenment please wake me up when the challenge is over."


    Severing Saber did not say anything except a small nod as Ryuu closed his over and soon he fell asleep.


    Su-Min stifled a laugh as she spoke, "Just look at him he looks so cute while sleeping."


    Both Frozen Ocean and Frost Flames unconsciously gave a small nod at her words, as Su-Min continued, "Meditating ~pfft~ more like sleeping."


    It would be a couple of hours later and a few more cauldron explosion when Severing Saber finally spoke out loud, "Well it seems here we have to end the competition, as many innocent cauldrons and ingredients allocated had been mercilessly butchered and murdered, so Young Ryuu wake up!"


    Severing Saber''s voice was loud enough to jolt Ryuu awake, as he looked around groggily before speaking in a slight incoherent manner, "Wha..What happened? Is breakfast ready?"


    Many stifled their laughter as Severing Saber spoke, "Sorry to disturb you rather enlightening nap but no young Ryuu we are still stuck in Eden and please wipe that drool off, we are about to see the end result of the competition."


    Ryuu was instantly awake as he wiped off the drool on his cheek before glaring balefully at any who dared to laugh at him, while Chianyu shouted out, "Brother Ryuu, was the nap I mean meditation enlightening and full of food."


    His words send another bout of laughter with the group that was present only for Ryu to show shake his fist in mock anger.


    "Well enough of that, we will begin with the one who had finished last and then we will work up to the one who had finished his challenge a couple of hour before any of you."


    One by one the cultivators presented their concoctions, the Realm Ascension pill was the easiest of the lot with everyone being able to successfully concoct it with one even reaching as far as the seventy-five per cent mark.


    Then was the ''Yin Body Replenishing Pill'', only five were able to make and even then the highest they reached was, according to Ryuu, a measly fifty-five per cent.


    ''These alchemists are hopeless, yet their ego is bigger than planets, if only my teacher was present here she would have eaten them alive.''


    But the ''Stone Heat'' pill was another matter the best attempt was a slag at best till before Ryuu was called to present his concoction.


    "At last our own Daoist Brother Ryuu, an enigma from the most favoured realm amongst the audience the Manushya realm, let us see what he had managed to create even after they attempt to sabotage took place."


    For a moment Ryuu had a strange feeling of dressing Severing Saber in a pinstriped suit and then making him stand in front of a wheel of luck.


    Ryuu gave him a small smile before he opened his cauldron, throughout the competition the audience were subjected to different types of smell some good some bad, but never as enticing as that of Ryuu, even the announcer and the mastermind behind the competition Severing Saber gulped.


    "We..I.. ~ahem~ please bring out the set of ''Realm Ascension pill'' and place it here."


    Ryuu nodded as he placed a group of ten pills in an orderly manner on top of a table, as the pill moved to inspect them.


    An array sprung up to prevent them from touching Severing Saber spoke, "Please remember not to touch, they are hard work of each cultivator and as such it is their decision what to do with them."


    Sounds of gasps and denial came from all around as they peered to look at the translucent pills looking up towards them trying to entice them.


    "So, the verdict."


    Severing Saber waiting for a moment before he spoke again, "What is the verdict?"


    "Over eighty-nine per cent pure", one of the cultivators stuttered out as more and more pulled over.


    Flaring his aura Severing Saber once again shouted out, "If you all have finished looking at it, then can we proceed with the next, we have wasted too much time with the duel as it is."


    As the people stepped back Ryuu produced his ''Yin Body Replenishing pill'', while removing his previous creation.


    A distinct chill appeared on the air, as the table itself seemed to freeze over from the effect of the pill, and once again to the amazement and awe of the crowd it was announced to be over eighty-nine per cent.


    Su-Min by then was jumping up and down with excitement as she spoke, "Ryuu won, he won even if does not present the third one he has one the competition fair and square."


    Zywia placed her hand over her overexcited friend as she spoke while barely managing to contain her, "Calm down sister, calm down."


    If the first one was full of enticement, the second gave them chills the third one gave them a feeling of joy and happiness, a feeling of innocence blossomed in their heart.


    The feeling was indescribable and everyone wanted to bask on it for a long time only to be brought back to reality, "I do not wish to be the bad man here but something urgent is about to happen so can we wrap up."

 Chapter 449 - Of Rains and Duels (Part-5)

    "The Preta realm had mounted an all-out assault to enter this level so if the farce of a boring competition is over, can you declare the results Brother Severing Saber, so that we can finish up with the arrays and wrap up everything and get ready to welcome our guests."


    Severing Saber spoke with a grin, a grin that sent shivers down their spine, "Young Ryuu do you even have to ask, not only did you complete the challenge yet you have managed to complete them in such a manner that you blew apart your competition, who else but you can win.", his eyes then roamed over others especially those who participated and it lingered for a moment on the would-be saboteur, before he spoke, "However there is still the matter of honouring the ''bet''."


    The group that lost shuffled on their feet, as the one who tried to sabotaged opened his mouth to speak, "Now wait for a ��mmpphh.", he was promptly shut up by one of the cultivators from his realm.


    The said cultivator glared at him making the saboteur squirm and gain a healthy look of fear as the person spoke in anger, "Shut up, just shut up, you have already damaged our reputation enough, you have already tried to sabotage a competition where the pride of our realm was at stake and if you speak another word or try to act I.WILL.END.YOU"


    The person then looked towards Ryuu as he bowed deeply as he spoke, "Please forgive us Lord Ryuu, some of my brethren have managed to not only insult you but also brought the honour and pride of our realm to mud because of their action."


    "Daoist Brother, please raise your head a few people do not represent your realm, not to mention you were more honourable than them, it is fine with me if someone wants to have a healthy competition, but I severely dislike cheaters, and there is nothing wrong in losing I have lost to my older sisters thousands of times and have yet to win once but do I give up no, I will not for as long as my heart beats I will keep on challenging them and one day I will win."


    He watched as others swallowed his words before he continued, "If someone says that you are doing something wrong then please listen to them do not disregard them based on their appearance, I know a senior who is so powerful that even Daofathers bow to him yet the way he dresses and acts you would think he is some poor street-side vendor, it might sound I am trying to lecture you all but please try not to think ill of me but you all should not judge a book by its cover."


    He took a deep breath as he continued, "The cl.u.s.ter of arrays I gave was something that I knew like the back of my hand as such you should have trusted when I say that some parts of it were wrong, even those who have are not array masters even they would know how dangerous a wrong created array is if you are dissatisfied then fine give an alternative to the array I wanted you to draw I would have not allowed you to even draw them if I had the means to construct everything fast and vast."


    He once again sighed as he spoke, "In case of alchemy do you need any further clarification.", he waited for a moment before he spoke, "Since we have finished with everything can we wrap up, push the hard feelings behind and then work towards a common goal of dealing with our enemy while rescuing your abused brethren."


    He waited for a moment as one by one the competitors bowed their head as they all offered their apology, Ryuu did not say anything anymore except accepting their apologies with a small nod of his head.


    *******************


    "Everyone ready!", a shout came from Jethrar which was followed by a loud chorus of cheers, since their many failed attempts to enter the next level the group had become extremely agitated and as such Jethrar and Ithrura had pooled their resources to create a special KI cannon strong enough to even destabilize a small-sized planet eventually leading to its destruction.


    "Will it work? What if the gate breaks then what?"


    Jethrar bit his lips as he spoke, "It is strong enough to destroy small planets, and even medium-sized one can be taken down with continuous hits from this thing and with enough KI we can easily clear away any obstacles, and as for the Gate breaking it has been theorized that even Dao Father would not be able to break it."


    He was quiet for a moment before he spoke, "Have you thought of a plan to deal with him, he could be quite a handful."


    Ithrura gained a sadistic grin on her face as she spoke, "I have heard that he has some high poison tolerance, I would love to see how high it is.", her face morphed into a scowl as she spoke, "But what if after stepping into the other realm we have to face a similar situation."


    Jethrar became silent for a moment before he spoke, "The schematic of the cannon cost me a lot and because of him, I have to share with many others, and we have already drained our captives of their KI if we damage their spirit veins too much we will have to suffer the wrath of our seniors, but enough of that let us begin."


    As such he bellowed at the top of his voice, "FIRE!!!!!!"


    The cannon created by using various precious metals, with layers upon layers of arrays on it, not to mention the KI that we drained from thousand of their captives, many of them who were recaptured, it glowed an ominous blue colour before with an ear-shattering roar it erupted, vaporizing everything in its path.


    As it touched the gate, it was stopped for a moment as others held their breath, then a sound like bursting of a balloon only thousands of times stronger was heard, and the array created by Ryuu collapsed.


    A roar of approval and cheers were heard as the army began to move, while Jethrar stood with his head held high, as if he had just one a heroic victory, only to be brought back to reality by Ithrura, "Jethrar is it wise to let those fools to waltz in through those gates just like that, it can dangerous who knows what that conniving fox is planning."


    Jethrar shook his hand as he spoke with a smirk on his face, "And that is why I am allowing them to move a few fodders will not mean much, normally I would have ordered them to use the slaves but we have drained them to the point that even breathing is difficult let alone their ability to move, not to mention what is the worst could happen.", no sooner did he say those words that his world turned black.


    ******************


    "Haha, brother Oirzu that was so funny."


    Orizu simply smiled at his companion as he spoke, "So was I wrong dragging you out of your cave it is good to cultivate but you should enjoy your life a little bit."


    "You are right brother, it was fun beating the Emperor cutting off his limbs and then making the entire kingdom watch as we reduced the Empress to a willing s.l.u.t, and then drowning the entire empire into their blood it was hilarious hearing them cry and beg."


    Orizu simply smiled at him as his hands explored the body of a m.o.a.ning woman sitting on his lap as he spoke, "At least you are no longer brooding anymore."


    The person laughed only to stop as servant arrives into the room panting, "My lord a great tragedy has taken place."


    Orizu sighed as he spoke in a bored, "Can''t you see that I am busy so spit it out what is it, and then get lost."


    The person gulped as he spoke, "A situation occurred with the team in Eden."


    Orizu raised one of his brows as he spoke, "And what happened with them."


    AS Orizu listened to the report veins popped on his forehead, as the woman on her lap began to please and beg for mercy only to be torn asunder into pieces, as he jumped up from his seat as he bellowed out loud, "That group of lowly trash how dare they lose half of their army."


    *****************


    Ryuu looked up as he watched the cloud cover sky, with rainwater falling on his face, ''Huh I was standing straight why did I fall over'', as the thought passed through his mind, he suddenly gained a look of enlightenment on his face as he spoke out loud, "Ah, I have been working so hard as such I am so tired that my body laid down on the ground by itself, hmm maybe I should take a nap or two."


    He closed his eyes, without carrying for the rain that was falling on him as well the fact that a person of his status does not fill tired even if they work continuously for a long time, with a jaw ripping yawn he slowly drifted into sleep, only to jump up and move away as Zywia''s feet missed him by a few inches.


    "What are you doing Zywia I was about to meditate?"


    Zywia shook with anger as she shouted out, "Shut up I heard you were about to take a nap, but before you do so, tell me what is going on over there."


    Ryuu looked towards the direction where Zywia was jabbing her finger as a look of disbelief came over his face as Zywia spoke with a hiss, "That thing is reminiscent of a huge explosion, explosion strong enough that it even parted the cloud."


    "Wow, such a beautiful explosion."


    "Yes brother Ryuu, you correct it looks so beautiful."


    True-Spear promptly agreed only to wince with pain as Zywia slammed her foot as Ryuu spoke with a sigh, "Sister Zywia if you do not control your temper, it would lead to lots of stress, and that stress would make you look like a wrinkled old hag, so chill and appreciate the view."


    Frost Flames cleared her throat as she spoke, "If I remember was the gate not in that direction."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Yes it was near that direction."


    Frost Flames eyes narrowed as she spoke, "So don''t you think that it might be because your barrier collapsed."


    Ryuu nodded at her words as he replied, "Of course it collapsed, I felt it break and then a couple of minutes later I was lying on my back."


    Ryuu winced at the murderous glare from Frost Flames, he was acquainted greatly with the glare, and he had received it multiple times in his past life whenever he had managed to anger her, as such with great bravery he shouted out, "Everyone battle stations, battle stations, brother True-Spear with me.", with that he ran.


    True-Spear himself did not hesitate Ryuu had provided him with an excellent escape route, Zywia''s glare scared him greatly as such following Ryuu''s example he ran after him, "Of course brother Ryuu, to battle stations."


    Frost Flames shook her head in exasperations as she spoke, "Idiots both of them idiots."


    Zywia simply smiled at her as she spoke, "Then what are we waiting for let us go after them before they cause more blunder."


    When Ryuu reached the location of others, he was greeted by disorder and chaos, as many wanted to simply flee from the area, while others had gained a defeated look on their faces.


    "Brother Ryuu that explosion did you see that."


    Ryuu gave a small nod with a dazzling smile on his face as he spoke, "It was wonderful right, just look at it; it looks like a giant oval vase with a mushroom on top such a wonderful thing, even the sky has cleared up a bit about it, so wonderful."


    The stunned silence descended as one of person shouted out, "Brother Ryuu, are you alright? Did you receive a concussion because of the shockwave? The explosion was clearly from the location of the gate, it means that it has been breached and judging from the explosion��", the person simply trailed off, as other nodded solemnly.


    Ryuu simply smiled before he spoke out loud, "My fellow Sisters and Brothers you do not need to fret, this is all according to my plan."


    A look of confusion dawned on their faces, as Ryuu continued, "It is true that the breached the trap, but then they stumbled upon my trap which triggered the explosion, so please there is no need to worry about it, if you do not believe me, you can ask Brother True-Spear, he was there with me when I placed those traps."


    Ryuu looked towards True-Spear who simply spoke with a gruff nod, "Yes, just after they attacked us, brother Ryuu and I went to the gates and placed various traps there."


    Ryuu then raised his hands as he pointed towards the location of the explosion as he spoke, "And that is the result, as such do not fear, the traps that were created in such a way that only when the Preta sc.u.m was nearby it would trigger, worked splendidly, as such do not fear the casualties on their side was a good-sized, they would be scared and frustrated and we would prey on their weakness as such rejoice for we would be victorious."


    A roar of approval was heard as Ryuu spoke again in a serious tone, "But that does not mean we will stop, we have to prepare for our guests let us give them a ''banquet'', that they would remember even after they reincarnate."


    A few minutes later as the crowd dispersed as True-Spear spoke with a frown, "You lied."


    Ryuu looked at him as he spoke with a smile, "Really? Why do you think so?"


    With the same frown, True-Spear continued, "When you went there with me, you never mentioned such a trap not to mention you were shocked upon seeing it, so I concluded that you lied."


    Ryuu simply stifled his laughter before he spoke, "Brother you are right, the explosion, I have no idea what caused it so lied, but tell me what I should do, did you see the hopelessness in the eyes of those people, the desperation, we have to bring the fight to them, we cannot be as passive as we were in the past, the other floors, the more we climb the more difficult it would become, we are already in the twelfth floor, and Heaven''s bless us that we did not have to fight too much."


    He took a deep breath as he spoke, "We cannot afford to run, and we cannot afford to hide, sooner or later we will have to fight them, I do not know if I can help the Deva realm people but at least we will have to fend for four more years, and we would be home."


    True-Spear gripped his spear hard as he spoke, "So we stand here and fight against such a large force."


    Ryuu gained a sadistic smile on his face as he spoke, "A wise man once made an army of tens of thousands strong bend their knees with less than a hundred peasants through clever tricks, not all battles are fought face to face, and we certainly are not going to, just wait and watch."


    ''What a scary fellow is your beloved sister, I hope at the end of all this we will be able to be with our beloveds, a world without my Zywia, I am not sure I can live in that world.''

 Chapter 450 - Turning Everything Upside Down(Part-1)

    Jethrar opened his eyes with great difficulty his entire body was aching badly, it felt as if he someone had crushed every bone of his body, ''Ugh what happened.''


    ~sizzle~ ~sizzle~


    A painful sizzling sensation jolted him fully awake, ''Ah remember the explosion��''


    He trailed off as he looked at the completely different sky, gone were the blue sky it was now covered by blood-red cloud, black lightning rained down from it, and the rain was highly acidic to the point that it even managed to harm them.


    He quickly tired to stand up but he failed rather spectacularly, ''Huh why can I not stand, in fact, why can I not feel my legs.''


    He somehow with great difficulty managed to sit, and then he was greeted with even more grisly sight, parts of his body below his waist were missing.


    "Ahhhhh!!!!", he could not help but scream out in fear and pain.


    "Lord Jethrar, are alright?"


    A voice came from one his retainers and he could not help but lash out towards the person, "Shut up trash! Can you not see how injured I am, hurry up and help."


    The person fearfully nodded while he himself was not wholly uninjured but his current priority was his Lord''s health.


    He quickly fed Jethrar some pills before looking at the lower part of his body before grimacing, ''Lord Jethrar''s legs from just below his waist has been cut off, and then it looks like that someone had used fire to seal the wounds, it looks so bad.''


    "Hurry up trash, carry me away from here."


    "Yes my Lord.", as he was about to leave with Jethrar on his back he suddenly stopped upon seeing a familiar figure lying half-buried on the ground he hesitated.


    "What are you doing? Move you, idiot."


    "But my Lord, Lady Ithrura is .."


    "I do not care about that wench, you are my retainer and you will look after my interest, now move trash."


    "Yes My Lord."


    With that person left hurriedly but not before discreetly sending a medicinal pill towards Ithrura''s mouth, as he left.


    A roar of came to his ears, a roar that made his heart tremble with fear a roar that made Jethrar completely restless, and as such, they sped off leaving behind the rest of the dead and injured behind.


    An hour ago, Ryuu staring into the horizon looking especially towards the gate where the explosion took place, his face morphed into a confused one, ''The arrays at the second gate are working perfectly fine, and according to them, there has been no intrusion, but even after the explosion sometime has passed yet their army has yet to appear, how long will I have to wait, it has been ages since that explosion took place, damn it the suspicion is killing me I simply have to scout them then.''


    With that plan in mind, he turned towards True-Spear as she spoke with seriousness in his voice, "Brother True-Spear, catch this."


    With that, he threw a talisman towards True-Spear, which he promptly caught, as Ryuu kept on shouting, "I have a bad feeling about this, it has been ages, yet they have yet to arrive I am going to scout and see if I can find something, do not follow me though I will definitely contact if something happens."


    With his piece being said he left promptly before anyone could say anything to stop him, and with his speed, he was soon out of sight of most.


    True-Spear growled as he spoke, "Damn that idiot, it has only been half an hour at best and he ran off like that."


    Even Shivering Saber who was nearby scowled as he glared towards the direction Ryuu had run off, "That impatient idiot, it is only half an hour does not know the importance of patience, how did he cultivate to such a level is beyond my understanding."


    Ryuu moved fast, as fast as he could towards the gate, when he arrived at the location of destruction he stopped to admire it for a moment.


    ''Damn that was a nice explosion the ground is has melted off completely, what did those people use in the first place, the air is ripe with KI, though it is a chaotic mess after it settles down in a few years it would be the great material spot to harvest, but sadly it is not possible for us, we do not have that time.''


    ''I should do a quick check before proceeding further, and maybe I would be able to discern what might have caused the explosion and I could plan accordingly.''


    A quick check of the vicinity later, Ryuu stood floating in the air with his brow scrunched in deep thought, ''They used brute method to break the array, my array had held on well till it was overcharged and had collapsed making the entire area unstable then something had entered this place that destabilized the region and triggered the explosion, but why and what did they use.''


    Ryuu shook his head as he looked towards the gate that was tilted somewhat emerged partly into the pool of molten surface.


    ???Well no gain without any risk, but first let me become invisible.''


    Ryuu stepped through the gate and gawked at the scene in front of him, ''What is this?''


    Gone were the luscious green meadows, the entire region as far as the eyes could see was a scene he would like to describe as hell.


    ''Is this what hell looks like? Well, it certainly does according to the Bible from my previous life.''


    The ground looks completely scorched and in some places it was molten, and the sky was red as blood with black lightning raining striking the ground now and then, not to mention the acidic rain.''


    His eyes then fell on a half meted gigantic cannon like structure lay broken a few distances away, his eyes searched the surrounding as he soon found the dead and almost dead bodies of the Preta Realm cultivators, making his breath hitch.


    ''What did they do that caused such a thing, and how, maybe I should check that destroyed cannon part but before��'', a sadistic smile blossomed on his face as he looked at the deplorable state of the Preta realm cultivators an idea formed in his head, ''I should poke around for a moment before calling reinforcement, we should wipe them out as fast as possible.''


    Meanwhile back at their fort True-Spear cowered under Frost Flames glare, "Brother you disappoint me, you let RYUU GO ALONE."


    True-Spear mustered as much dignity as he could he spoke out hurriedly, "But, he said not to follow him and he is so fast."


    "That is no excuse."


    With that shout Mount Frost Flames erupted but before the lava could drown him the talisman vibrated which True-Spear quickly activated and Ryuu''s voice came loud and clear for everyone to hear.


    "Gather your weapons, and descend to the Eleventh Level, today we are wiping out those sc.u.m, I repeat every cultivator gather your weapons, and descend to the Eleventh Level we are wiping out those sc.u.m."


    Those words stunned those people, as an argument broke amongst them only to stop as Frozen Ocean shouted out in anger, "Shut up! Shut up! When has he led us into a trap, when has he failed to fulfil his promise, never so why are you all doubting him, especially you the Deva realm did you forget your companions that are currently held as slaves, do you wish to rescue them or not."


    "Well said Sister Frozen Ocean, well said.", Frost Flames patted her on her back before she roared out, "What are we waiting for this is our chance no more hiding, no more cowering, this is our chance to avenge our fallen, this is our chance to permanently remove their stain from Eden, let us all travel forth and vanquish them."


    With a roar of victory the group descended into the lower level, the Eleventh level, led by True-Spear who was glad that he was able to escape from the evil glare of his sister and his lover, ''I have to thank brother Ryuu, twice has he saved me from those evil glares, he is like the true brother that one can dream off, like a ��''


    His inner monologue came to a halt as he neared the gate, he let out whistle full of appreciation as he looked at the area near the gate.


    "That is some destruction."


    True-Spear nodded agreeing to Devaraj''s words as he spoke, "So true Brother, now let us see what surprise Brother Ryuu has prepared for us."


    Devaraj nodded as True-Spear stepped into the lower realm via the gate, only to be stunned speechless at the sight in front of him.


    "What is this? What happened to this place?"


    True-Spear looked towards Zywia as he replied to Zywia with a shake of his head, "I have no idea, and I hope brother Ryuu is nearby to help."


    "What are you all waiting for, most of them are down, look over there.", everyone''s eyes travelled towards the speaker who was pointing towards a certain direction, as they followed his direction, they were greeted by the Ryuu who was pointing towards a certain direction.


    Frozen Ocean could not help but let out a gasp as she spoke, "So many cultivators are either dead or are dying."


    Frost Flames narrowed her eyes for a moment before she turned towards Ryuu as she spoke, "I have so many questions for you, but we do not have any time for now let us give the mercy of death those."


    Ryuu looked at her for a moment before he gave a nod but her next words made him sickly pale, "Upon saying that I have not forgiven you for your latest stunt, after everything is over we will have a one to one talk."


    Ryuu quickly pulled out his sword and pointed towards the sky as he shouted out, "Charge!!!!!"


    With a roar of victory, the group descended like an avalanche on top of the Preta realm cultivators, with the intent of slaughtering them.


    Ithrura slowly opened her eyes, ''This unimaginable pain, why do I taste iron in my mouth and something sweet as well.''


    "That one is alive kill her."


    The loud shout caused her to open her eyes wide and was greeted with the sight of a person with spear drawn charging towards her with murder in his eyes.


    ''What! How did this happen...''


    Her internal thoughts came to a halt as her body was soon wracked with pain, ''I am so greatly injured, I cannot even move properly.''


    Her eyes gained a blazing look of fury as tried to move again but she failed, ''Damn it, I am too injured to even move an inch.'', her eyes fell on the spear-wielding cultivator as anger rose in her heart, ''How dare he try to kill me that no name trash, UNFORGIVABLE!!!!!!"


    As such the KI in her dantian spurned with full force as her aura slammed on the cultivator stopping him in his tracks as Ithrura bellowed out in anger, "Die trash."


    A purple colour mist exploded from her body, trying to devour everyone and everything in its path.


    "Get out of the way, you idiot.", a shout came to the person''s ear as he was forcefully flung away from his position.


    Ithrura grinned as she felt her poison spread through, ''Soon they would all perish from my poison.''


    Her grin was soon replaced by a frown as confusion marred her face, ''Huh, why is my poison behaving as such? Why is it concentrating on a single region?''


    Her questions were soon answered as he the purple disappeared, more importantly, sucked in by someone, Ithrura looked at the person as her heart sped up uncontrollably her face was completely flushed while her head felt dizzy.


    He watched the person lap up every bit of her poison, tasting them, as his tongue licked over his lips, Ithrura felt a jolt of sensual pleasure pass through her body, ''Who is he? So handsome and the way he licked his lips it was so sensual I want him, no I need him.''


    "That was so tasty, I never tasted a poison as tasty outside my family, you have my thanks for feeding me some, and I will remember this unique pleasant taste."


    ''Such a dazzling smile, who is he and he said that he liked my poison!!!''


    If Ithrura could she would blush a teenage girl and hid her red embarrassed face after being complimented by their crush, but she was a high-level cultivator who was over a million years old, as such with great difficulty she pushed back her thoughts as she stuttered out, "Wh-who are you?"


    Ryuu could not help but deadpan at her words, ''She is halfway to her grave and she blushing and acting like a shy maiden, ugh sometimes I really hate my face.''


    Ryuu with a sigh spoke, "Sorry about that Ithrura, but it seems my true face was too much for you.", with that he simply gently moved his hand over his face as his face suddenly was not as devastatingly handsome anymore, while he continued to speak, "My name is Ryuu, yes ''Rain Sword Ryuu'', and you are about to die."


    The action jolted her awaked from her fantasy, she did not waste any time as her ''Blood Escape'' technique activated as she disappeared just in time for the entire area to be torn asunder by sword force.


    Ryuu looked at the small red blob at the horizon that was fast disappearing from his sight as he spoke, "Tsk, Ithrura escaped."


    "Ahem"


    The sound of clearing throat sends a shiver down his spine as he slowly turned he was greeted by a glaring Frost Flames who spoke with anger in her throat, "Are you done flirting with the enemy so can we finish our job?"


    Ryuu could only hang his head as he spoke meekly, "I was not flirting I was trying to deal with her poison."


    "Oh, and that would include making your enemy blush, and look at you with l.u.s.t-filled eyes, and speak while stuttering like a teenage girl.", Ryuu could only hang his head as Frost Flames glare deepened.


    Meanwhile, in an unknown location, Orizu let out a roar of anger as he read the stone stele in front of him, just outside of Eden.


    Number of Cultivators alive: 4,000.

 Chapter 451 - Turning Everything Upside Down(Part-2)

    Nuwa hummed a song as she cleaned her personal storeroom, a room that only her spouses knew and would enter, a room that not even her children knew of the room''s existence, a room that only her spouses and she were allowed to enter.


    Now many would be curious about contains the storeroom, a storeroom that belonged to a cultivator of Nuwa''s stature, but unfortunately, it did not contain any Heaven Defying Treasures or something of that nature, what it contains though was more valuable in front of her or her spouse''s eyes, it was various memorabilia that they especially she had collected over the long years of their life, kept well preserved using various methods.


    From time to time she would enter this room to clean the already spotlessly clean room, look over through which according to her was priceless treasures, pictures of the time when they were still young when she was just started her journey, the only picture of her birth family.


    Her hand gently caressed through the picture of her parents as a small smile appeared on her face, ''It has been so long, we hope that your current reincarnations are doing well, we wish you could see me, father mother, then you would understand why we chose to run away from home leaving behind my life as a Princess, you may resent me for not marrying the son of your friend but our life has been great.''


    She placed the picture down as her eyes roamed over various other ''treasures'' of her she still remembered the day, dressed like a bride waiting for her nuptials to begin only for her sister wives and her husband to break into the palace and help her escape just minutes before her marriage, since then they had been on the run before eloping and then rest was history.


    ''The King is no longer there, not the once-proud Kingdom, a Kingdom whose name itself seemed to have erased by the ravages of time, even the blood of my kin has vanished with only us being still alive, standing tall and proud, one of the strongest cultivators of our world.''


    She felt a pang of sadness at the thought of her parents, who loved her unconditionally, yet she defied their wishes and ran away with the one she loved even more, never did she regret her action, even when they had to face hardsh.i.p.s they had each other for company and it was worth it.


    ''What a fairy tale it was, the youngest, most beloved and only daughter of the King of one the most powerful Kingdoms of her planet eloping with a no-name orphan blacksmith.''


    Her musing was cut short when her eyes fell on a stack of papers placed on the table, she picked up the bundle as a small smile blossomed on her face on seeing its contains.


    Celestia was bored there was nothing to stave off her boredom, ''Hmm, maybe I should go and hunt down Maheswara, at least it would be fun for few hours'', her planning came to an abrupt halt as her eyes fell on a content looking Nuwa who seemed to be reading something while sitting under a tree with her favourite pot of tea by her side.


    Celestia quickly went towards Nuwa, hugging her from behind while placing a small kiss on her cheeks before she spoke, "You look content and happy, what are you reading?"


    Nuwa smiled at her sister wife as she leaned into her embrace before she spoke, "I was looking into my storeroom and I stumbled upon this stacks of papers."


    Celestia peered over Nuwa''s shoulders as she looked at papers as a small nostalgic smile appeared on her face, "Ah those are from the time when they were still small children right?"


    Nuwa nodded as she spoke, "So much had changed since then right, look at Sylvana''s handwriting it used to be so atrocious then."


    "Yes, it looked like someone had dipped an insect on an inkpot and then let them loose on a piece of paper, compare to him others are much better, and this is Ryuu''s right?"


    Nuwa nodded as she spoke, "Yes his first one, we remember quite well it was something you gave him to do, he did it so diligently even tried to draw pictures, see how cute."


    Celestia simply touched the paper as she spoke with a nostalgic smile on her face, "To think the small child looking with a wonder would grow up to be such a nice cultivator, though I would have loved him to be a small child, even my daughters, I wish they would have never grown."


    Nuwa nodded as she spoke, "Us too, it was so nice when they were mere children we loved to spoil them, but now if we treat them as such they would ask if I am right in my head."


    Celestia giggled before nuzzling at Nuwa''s neck they stayed silent for a moment before Celestia spoke, "That day I had a chat with Sylvana, it seemed that sister Khygnos was teasing Saidhal about her daughter falling in love with someone inside Eden, and I had laughed at the situation but then I realized that there is a chance that Ryuu might fall for someone as well, after all, it is not uncommon for someone to be affectionate with others when they are adventuring with them for decades."


    Nuwa bit her lips as a frown marred her face before she spoke, "If it happens, then it will happen we will not interfere."


    Celestia stood straight releasing Nuwa her face marred with a frown, "Have you seen Ryuu, do you think any run of the mill cultivator would be suitable for him, not to mention the rate of his progress, to compensate with his lover he would deliberately slow himself down, not to mention seeing the wealth supporting him the woman can become greedy using him as a resource to cultivate."


    Nuwa simply gave her a sly smile before she spoke, "We understand where you are going but did you forget what happened when he lost his first friend, his sisters simply did not wish for him to fraternize with common rabble and orchestrated their demise but you do remember what happened, you do remember the curse that he still carries to this day, because of their blunder."


    Celestia rubbed her head as she spoke with a sigh, "I do, it was so foolish of them to act as such, these things could have been dealt with much more finesse but they bungled it up with their insane idea of trying to make him a bit ruthless, but upon saying that do you still wish to do nothing, that woman can become a leech on Ryan for the rest of his life."


    Nuwa wave off her concern as she spoke, "Think of the bigger picture, Ryuu is not as na?ve as before, the village was not only remote but so dirt poor that even beggars would not venture there let alone bandits that know to cultivate, yet they had arrived there, the younger Ryuu would not have thought something strange about it but the current one is different if he even sniffs something amiss it might spell disaster."


    Celestia gained a defeated look on her face as she spoke, "Not to mention a person in love tends to lose their sense of reason so what are we are going to stand in the sideline and watch Ryuu being destroyed by some unworthy whore."


    Nuwa picked up her cup taking a sip before speaking, "How do you know maybe the child will be a good one for Ryan."


    Celestia could only snort on her words as she spoke, "Yeah right, the level and skill of cultivators have fallen a lot, and comparing him with others will be greatly unfair to him."


    Nuwa sighed before she spoke, "Sister, please stop worrying the situation, first of all, nothing might happen and secondly it might resolve by itself."


    "And how so? How will it resolve by itself?"


    Nuwa suddenly gained a rather dangerous look on her normal regal face, gone was the kindly visage as a rather fierce one took its face making Celestia to be taken aback, ''How long has it been since I saw that face of hers, the one when we went to battle together, the one when she would tear apart out enemies and mount their head for all to see.''


    Nuwa without paying any heed to the inner turmoil of Celestia continued, "Sister you seem to have forgotten a very important person in this matter."


    Celestia spoke with confusion in her voice, "Forgot who?"


    With a tilt of her head, Nuwa continued, "Why the self-proclaimed wife of Ryan, did you forget her? Do you think she would tolerate any woman trying to capture Ryan''s heart, what do you think would happen, dear Celestia."


    Celestia''s eyes widen momentarily before she spoke, "You are absolutely right Sister Nuwa, that woman will not tolerate such nonsense."


    Nuwa nodded before she took another sip of her tea before as Celestia spoke with a frown, "But, at the same time she is mentally unstable so she might also harm Ryuu out of anger."


    Nuwa''s grip on her cup increased as she spoke with barely concealed anger, "As long as we draw breath we will not allow another of our child to die, even if she is stronger than us by a large margin, we will find a way to prevent her from harming Ryuu."


    Celestia nodded as she gained a similar grin on her face, "That is a wonderful idea how could I forget about her existence."


    "Maybe you are age is affecting you."


    Celestia narrowed her eyes before she brought Nuwa into a toe-curling kiss which lasted for a moment, as she let her go Nuwa developed a glazed look making Celestia smirk at her as she spoke, "This lady has enough to make you fall head over hills for her.", with that she grabbed Nuwa before disappearing from that place.


    Meanwhile, back in Eden under Ryuu''s leadership, the cultivators of the Deva realm had been freed and what left of the Preta Realm had gone into hiding to save their lives.


    While Ryuu was being lauded and praised by many for his work, inwardly Ryuu was in a quandary, ''Damn it, I did nothing at all, it was just a chance and coincidence and now because of them I will gain more infamy my bounty would not only rise but I might even end up getting attention from some incredibly nasty people, so nasty that even going to the bathroom would require one of my sisters to be an escort, ugh what a bad luck.''


    "Brother Ryuu, are you alright?"


    Ryuu looked towards Frozen Ocean before he spoke with a tired sigh, "No I am not, currently I am trying to stifle a headache, what happened was pure luck and coincidence and now they are praising me for something that I had no hand in it."


    Frozen Ocean with a smile replied to him, "The array was yours right?"


    "Yes, they were but the incident was their doing."


    "So true it was but at the end of the day the array was yours so indirectly you led our enemies to their death if this had failed and if either Frost or I were to be captured then, what do you think would have happened to us?"


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke with a tired sigh, "I know and understand but now my bounty would rise and I will get the attention of beings that I am nowhere confident of even scratching let alone defeating them as such I am unsure about what to do."


    "Then walk forward and go stronger."


    Ryan looked up towards the speaker, who was none other than Frost Flames who spoke with a smile on her face, "I believe in you Ryuu and so does your family, we will always be by your side so walk forward and grow stronger, sitting and drowning in self-pity and moping is so unlike you, I know you will survive anything."


    Ryuu smiled touched by his concern while inwardly he grimaced, ''No matter how good that sounds out to be, they are mere words and we are not a low level that in a blink I could cross realms to become a higher-level cultivator.''

 Chapter 452 - Turning Everything Upside Down(Part-3)

    Ryuu opened his eyes as he felt one of his fellow cultivators approach him, he looked towards the person who greeted him with a slight bow which he returned with a nod of his head.


    "Is there anything that I can be of help brother?"


    "Yes, we the Deva realm cultivators would like to seek an audience with you."


    Ryuu frowned at his words as he replied back to him, "Brother please we are cultivators of similar realm and status there is no need to be extra polite, of course, any one of you can always approach me, there is no need to ask for permissions."


    With his piece said Ryuu stood up from his seat as he followed after the cultivator, a few days ago they had finally managed a decisive blow and rescue the cultivators from the Deva realm, but their struggle was not over yet, they had to be treated and kept under strict watch so that they could slowly overcome and rise above their ordeal and it would take some time and Ryuu hoped over the years they would heal somewhat.


    Ryuu looked outside to see the rain hammering down the ground hard, they would have moved on to the next level but most of the area was covered by red hot lava as such with popular vote it was decided that the group would rest inside the fort for the time being.


    As Ryuu reached his destination one of the cultivators approached him as she spoke with a smile," Brother Ryuu, welcome and thank you for keeping your promise to me."


    Ryuu faintly recall the cultivator who had broken down and cried on his shoulder asking for his help, and he had promised her that he would help her, and he had fulfilled his promise may be in a crude way, but the end result is the same.


    Ryuu simply smiled before he spoke with a pained look on his face, "That may be Sister but I wish we could have dealt with them much faster."


    The cultivator simply smiled as she spoke, "What you have done is more than anyone would have, you have broken them, their vast armies are gone, and then you not only avenged us but also saved us we have no way to repay you."


    Ryuu simply waved her off as he spoke, "There is no need to repay me, and this is something any cultivator would do."


    "So, what will you do now, Daoist Ryuu?"


    "I entered this place with a goal, the goal to conquer the fifteenth level, and I would like to pursue it."


    "The fifteenth Level, you mean the still unconquered level!!"


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Yes that is my goal, we are already at the twelfth a bit more push and maybe I can conquer the fifteenth."


    One of the cultivators approached him as he spoke with a frown on his face, "The fifteenth floor, I have heard about it, a few have managed to reach the fourteenth and even fewer have managed to capture it but the fifteenth none has managed to take it down, it would be quite the challenge."


    Ryuu nodded as the person continued to speak in a regretful tone, "Upon saying that, I am ashamed to say that our cultivators are not in their pristine conditions as such I am afraid we might not be able to lend you any help to..."


    Ryuu quickly raised his hand to stop him from speaking as he hurriedly spoke in a scandalized tone, "Please brother, there is nothing to apologize, after such horrendous ordeal I cannot in good conscious ask you all to help me, now is the time to heal and recuperate for you all, it would be criminally immoral to force you to do anything otherwise."


    The person simply cupped his hand and bowed as he spoke, "Thank you for understanding brother, though by the time you make your attempt for the fifteenth level if some of us have managed to be in good health we will join you."


    Ryuu simply gave a small pat on his shoulder as he spoke, "Thank you in advance and please remember brother not to push yourself too much, if you feel unease then there is no need to force yourself."


    A few more minutes later Ryuu had left the group of Deva realm cultivators as he made his way towards his own group.


    Frost Fames opened her eyes with a smile on her face, "Ryuu, why did they want to speak with you?"


    Ryuu let out a tired sigh as he sat beside Frost Flames before he began to speak, "Simple they wanted to thank me as well as convey me that how very sorry they feel for not being able to help us at all."


    Frost Flames frowned as she began to speak with a nod, "I understand that many of them had suffered such horrendous ordeal for them not to help us presently is understandable but there were a few who have been with us from the beginning they should have at least lend us their strength."


    Ryuu bit his lips as he replied back, "In a way, it is both good and bad."


    Frost Flames looked curiously at him as she could not help but ask out loud, "How so?"


    "Bad, in a sense that we will lack a bit of the manpower, but at the same time it is good that we do not have them with us, just think about an eight thousand something army suddenly against you, we would be over run."


    "You are strong enough to take thousands down easily."


    Ryuu nodded as he replied to Frost Flames with a sigh as he ran his hand through his hair, "I am but unlike last time they would be surrounding us, and if I used that technique of mine, I will end up slaughtering even our allies."


    Frost Flames leaned over his shoulder while she hugging his hand, they were silent for a moment basking in each other presence before Frost Flames spoke again, "Are you not being paranoid now? Do you really think that they would turn against us?"


    Ryuu looked down towards his hands as he began to speak, "When I met with them, there were many who are grateful but I caught a few glaring distrustful eyes, they might feel greedy and attack us and at the end of the day their brethren would side with them, not to mention they might be suffering from ''Stockholm Syndrome''."


    Frost Flames frowned as she spoke, "What is this ''stock home'' thing you are talking about?"


    Ryuu was taken aback at his question as he spoke with a smile, "'' Stockholm'' not ''stock home'', is a name of a place and as for the syndrome, well it is a psychological one, a group of hostages after some time began to sympathize with criminals who held them as hostages and began working against the local law enforcers."


    Frost Flames gawked at him before she spoke with disbelief, "You are joking right?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No I am not, that is a real incident that happened and is named after the city where the incident took place."


    "To think something like that exists, so do you think that it might be possible for them to suffer in such a way."


    "Yes I think so, there is a chance that they might suddenly sympathize with their captors and lash out to us, and when the other members of their realm see us attacking their members even if it is in self defence they might think otherwise and attack us."


    Frost Flames rubbed her forehead in exasperation as she spoke, "You are giving me a headache now Ryuu.", with that she glared at Ryuu, only for Ryuu to laugh before kissing her on her cheeks before her glare melted away as a playful smile graced her lips as she spoke with a huff, "You lucky that you too cute and I love you."


    As Ryuu was busy flirting with Frost Flames in another part of Eden, a certain figure looked at the ground where she had drawn a figure on the dirt, a figure that stood that was wielding a spear and a sword, she left out a soft sigh as a deep blush formed on her face as she gently caressed the dirt.


    ''Ryuu, my beloved Ryuu, when will I meet you again and when will I have you in my arms.''


    "Ithrura."


    As she heard her name being called a surge of anger passed through her but she managed to control it with a twitch of her finger the figure vanished from the ground, before she spoke in a bored tone, "What do you want Jethrar."


    "You know planning and preparing for revenge."


    "Ho, and how are we going to do so, I warned you and look at you now cripple��ugh!"


    Ithrura let out a grunt of pain as something hit her hard, she spat out blood as she snarled in anger, "What has gotten into you��."


    Her eyes widen as he saw her figure, more like a grotesque being that was created by lumping various creatures together from waist down.


    "What is this grotesque being that you have��arrghh."


    Ithrura screamed in pain as she was lifted by what seemed to be a giant pincer as Jethrar spoke with a growl, "Ithrura, Ithrura you have gone weaker, a puny 7th rank Mystic Immortal should not raise their voice against a tenth-ranked one, use that tone and I will kill you, I am now the strongest out there and I will not suffer your impudent tantrum, make a squeak and I will make you regret your birth.", with his piece being said he flung her further away from him.


    Ithrura hacked and coughed out blood as she glared at him, ''It is too much eternal shame that I lost my cultivation while trying to escape, and now you are bullying me when I am not even fully heal, but your time will come soon Jethrar if not me, my beloved the most handsome and strongest cultivator in all realm, ''Rain Sword Ryuu'' will deal with you.''

 Chapter 453 - Prey Preying on Predator (Part-1)

    The thirteenth floor, or as Ryuu remember from his previous life was dubbed as an unlucky number, though he never believed in such things it was fun watching others fret over a number nonetheless.


    ''Numbers run the Universe, sometimes that saying was so true, in my previous life if I remember correctly some scientist did manage to prove that the world around us nothing but numbers, and he was right, maybe someday someone can read those numbers and manage to play with them, it sure would be nice.''


    Ryuu thoughts came to an abrupt halt as a large smile blossomed on his lips before he let out a mad cackle making a few to scoot away from him.


    "Ahem."


    The sound of throat-clearing brought him out of his daydream as Frost Flames spoke, "Are you alright Ryan? You suddenly began to cackle out loudly."


    Ryuu blushed red in embarrassment as he began to speak, "Well I was suddenly struck by a sudden bout of inspiration and came up with this wonderful idea that I wish to experiment on as soon as we leave this place."


    "Just remember to be near your teachers when you do something stupid."


    Ryuu spoke with mock anger on his face, "Hey sister Zywia since when do I do something stupid?"


    Zywia simply rolled her eyes at his antics but did not reply to him, as Su-Min spoke with a tired sigh while leaning over Zywia, "Aw, I am going to melt because of this heat."


    Zywia simply shoved Su-Min off of her as she spoke with anger, "Stop it, you do not need to make me infect with heat, now move away shoo."


    Su-Min faked her tears as she lunged towards Frost Flames who squawked upon at having her privacy being invaded as Zywia spoke with a content sigh, "No here is someone cools just let me stay like this for a second."


    Frost Flames sent a pleading look towards Ryuu who simply smiled before dragging Su-Min away from her by holding the nape of her neck just like a cat carrying her kitten before slapping a talisman on her forehead.


    "I hope you are cool enough now so stop clinging to others and do not remove the talisman if you do not wish to feel hot."


    Su-Min simply pouted her face hidden behind the talisman as she spoke, "Can you deal everything with a talisman but more importantly, why stuck it on my forehead?"


    Ryuu simply shrugged as he spoke, "Calm mind can work wonders after all as such I stuck it where it was needed most, and I hope it is working."


    Su-Min pouted at his words only for Amnon to interrupt their chat, "Everyone please focus, our prey is here and we have yet to complete our hunt."


    A scream was heard as a hulking behemoth broken open the cover of lava screaming out loudly announcing its arrival to the world, the creature was followed by a figure that looked like a red lobster.


    "Brother True-Spear, are you alright? You look a cooked lobster."


    True-Spear glared towards a smirking Ryuu as he spoke, "That''s it, next time I will send you down in the lava to lure out a prey."


    Ryuu simply smiled at him before charging towards the raging and thrashing creature, Ryuu decided to use Genesis to combat the Lava Wyvern, which unfurled its wings spraying lava all-around before taking to the sky.


    "Ho trying to run away, futile."


    With that Ryuu vanished from his position before reappearing on top of the wyvern thrusting his spear hard making the beast collapse on the ground with great agony.


    The wyvern collapsed on the ground as it roared out loud, others may not be able to hear it clearly but Ryuu was able to.


    "Your insolent whelps, how dare you to do this to me, I will get killed by her now, how dare you expose my position oh Heavens she will be here now."


    His words managed to stop Ryuu on his tracks as he stared at the frightened creature, ''Huh, we are attacking it but the Wyvern is not afraid of us but something else entirely, it is so scared and desperate to escape, I could taste his fear from here, something is not right.''


    Ryuu decided to intervene only to stop as the Wyvern suddenly curled up in a ball as if it had given up and all Ryuu could understand was muttering of she is here over and over again.


    ''The Wyvern might be only a be eighth-ranked Mystic Immortal but still, it is dragonkin, even if its blood is polluted and thin, to throw away its pride and give up its life, but not because of us, something is seriously wrong.''


    "Everyone, get away as far as possible, something is wrong a Wyvern if the blood has thinned out and is polluted, it is still a kin of Dragons and Dragons are proud and vain yet he has given up and waiting for death something is wrong very wrong."


    His words made the group freeze and upon recalling the actions of the Wyvern, which immediately submitted to its death, in fact since it was dragged out from the Lava pool, it looked like it was waiting for it.


    "Why did you stop attacking me? Did you not come here to kill me? kill me please kill before��oh no no she is here, she is here."


    The wyvern suddenly looked frantic and even more agitated all of a sudden as Zywia shouted out, "That bastard might be faking it, let us deal with it."


    Ryuu would have stopped them but a feeling of dread filled him up, he felt his adrenaline rush up, suddenly he felt as if he was in front of a predator.


    A hauntingly mournful sound came to his ears, at the same time his hands shook with, only for the Genesis to warm up as Requiem appeared in his right hand, a small smile appeared on his face as he whispered, "Thank you, partners, you are a lifesaver."


    "Everyone move!!!!"


    His shout once again made them disengage just in time for a large creature to swoop in before tearing the wyvern into pieces and devouring in a blink of an eye.


    Ryuu''s eyes widen in shock upon seeing the creature in front of him, ''Never thought I will encounter one here, my luck is rotten if I escape Eden I will not step foot outside of Ayindril for a century no a millennia at least.''


    Zywia looked at the creature as before her eyes went towards Ryuu, whom she found to be shaking, ''Damn his luck is really rotten to encounter one of them here.''


    The creature was a bird, not just any bird but a ''Nether-realm Bennu'', a very dangerous creature, especially for Ryuu, as the bird was widely regarded as a ''Dragon Bane''.


    Ryuu took a deep breath as his mind went over all the information that he could remember about the creature, every possible weakness he could exploit as well every attack that he should be wary of and try to avoid.


    The creature meanwhile turned to look at its surroundings unfurling its wings it was about to take to the sky only to stop as its head swivelled towards Ryuu''s direction, to Ryuu it seemed as if the bird was incredibly happy, he could practically feel the bird salivating.


    "Delicious food I want it."


    Ryuu shivered as he heard the bird cooing towards him, ''Is that what my favourite food feels like when I am about to eat it? Damn it after today I will not be able to savour my favourite food anymore damn the thrice-damned bird ruined it for me.''


    As he prepared himself to meet his foe his mind went back to one of the lessons he had with his teachers.


    ***************


    ~Ryuu aged 8 years~


    Currently, Ryuu was having lessons with his teacher Veena on various properties of some medicinal plants, as well as pill concoction and as it was nearing its end they were approached by Celestia, who simply went and tousled Ryuu''s hair lovingly.


    "I hope the lesson is over, he looks like he is about to kneel over from the information overload."


    Veena simply smiled at her sister as she spoke, "I was about to let go of him, after all, it would do us no good if our student falls ill of overwork, though why are you here if I recall he had his lessons with you yesterday."


    Celestia frowned as her gaze fell on Ryuu making him squirm for a moment as she began to speak with a sigh, "I was watching his sparring session with our husband and I noticed that he is relying too much on his Divine body, I do not like it."


    Now it was Ryuu who frowned upon hearing that as he spoke with a curious tone, "Why is that teacher? My Divine body is part of me so should I not use it more to be accustomed to it."


    Celestia nodded at his words as she replied to him, "Yes you should but you are overly reliant on it, it should be like a trump card, only to be used in case of emergency."


    Veena nodded in agreement as she replied to him, "She is right you should use your Divine body only in certain emergencies, otherwise people might be able to find out about it, also like everything even your Divine Body has a weakness and if you only use it you enemy will simply exploit your weakness and defeat you."


    Ryuu nodded before he spoke with a frown, "What if I manage to conquer my weakness."


    Celestia simply smiled back at his words before she replied to him with a nod of approval, "That is a nice way of thinking you will go far by thinking like that, though your plan has a severe flaw do you know what it is."


    As Ryuu shook his head negatively Veena continued where Celestia left off, "Overcoming ones weakness takes time, a good amount of time like decades and centuries, and you enemy will never allow you that time, as such what Celestia wants with you is that you try and make sure that you have other options available to you in the meantime."


    Ryuu nodded as his face scrunched up in deep thought that to his teachers were adorable, before he spoke, "Teacher what is my Divine body''s weakness."


    Celestia gained a contemplative look on her face as she spoke, "A Divine body like yours for example at the base is simply Draconic in nature, by that it means that you can be considered as a miniature dragon yourself, can you tell me about the typical behaviour of a dragon."


    Ryuu was silent for a moment before he spoke, "I know about Dragons only from stories."


    Veena with an encouraging smile spoke, "No problem Ryuu tell us what you think about a Dragon just from stories."


    "Well they like shiny objects like gold, they are super strong, awe-inspiring, scary, and in some cases friendly, oh and they have a large amount of pride."


    Celestia nodded as she spoke with a smile, "So true in some cases, Dragons are prideful beings maybe more than any other cultivators, arrogant but they have the power to be arrogant, and about hoarding gold, it is true in some cases, they like treasures just like any other person but may b more zealous in hoarding them, and they make everyone feel like an ant compared to them, that is what a Dragon is like generally."


    "Now tell me compared to a dragon is your behaviour any different?"


    Ryuu with a frown replied, "Of course I am different than a Dragon I am not vain, arrogant, and prideful not to mention make anyone feel like an ant in front of me."


    Both Celestia and Veena giggled at his words before Veena simply patted a pouting Ryuu''s head as she spoke, "This is why overcoming one''s weakness is difficult, most of the time we overlook our weakness until it is too late, and now let us compare your behaviour with a dragon, firstly about overwhelming others with your presence do I need to remind you what happens whenever you release your full power in front of an enemy."


    Ryuu gained a sheepish look on his face as he spoke with a smile full of embarrassment, "Sorry I forgot."


    Both Veena and Celestia snorted as Celestia spoke this time, "Now as for being prideful, tell me Ryuu what if someone other than us or your mother wants you to bow to them, what will you do, Ryuu?"


    With a huff, Ryuu replied, "I would refuse to bow to anyone who is not my teacher or my mother."


    "No matter what happens?"


    Ryuu looked towards Veena as he spoke with a nod, "Of course I did rather die."


    The duo inwardly frowned at the casual way he said he would prefer death as Veena replied to him, "This is your pride talking here, your pride would not allow you to lower your head in front of others to the point you would prefer death, now about you being vain I hope that our little student remembers his tantrum when the food is not good."


    Ryuu face resembled a tomato as he suddenly found the ground very enticing only for Veena to pinch his cheeks as she spoke, "There is nothing to ashamed off, it is quite cute when you throw your tantrums."


    Her face gained a serious look as she spoke, "Now tell me are you any different than a dragon."


    Ryuu swallowed hard as he slowly shook his head in agreement as Celestia spoke with a serious look on her face, "The reason is so that at the end of the day your Divine body is based on Draconic creature as such even if you look, act like a human you are a Dragon that has taken human shape nothing more as such you gain their strength their weaknesses and even their enemies."


    Ryuu nodded before his eyes open in shock as he could not help but exclaim out, "Enemies, you mean people who kill Dragon to gain fame and glory, them?"


    Celestia shook her head as she spoke in a scary tone, "No I am talking about the only creature in existence that prey on a Dragon, a creature that is the natural enemy of Dragon, for its miasma can weaken one."


    Ryuu could only gulp hard with a scared look on her face as he heard Celestia regale about a creature that once almost managed to kill even Pangu.


    **********


    Back at the present time, Ryuu took a deep breath as his body tensed, before he shouted out, "Everyone formation we are��"


    Whatever he was about to say was stopped in his throat as a titanic pressure fell on him, ''A 3rd ranked Celestial, damn it.'' before anyone could react the creature was already upon him, hitting him hard with its beak the force of the attack was hard enough to fling him a few hundred meters.


    Ryuu''s eyes morphed as he stared at the creature with an insane amount of anger and bloodl.u.s.t as he swore inwardly with anger, ''You beast today this delicious food is going to eat you.''

 Chapter 454 - Prey Preying on Predator (Part-2)

    Chianyu looked towards a certain direction as he felt the ground shaking, while the air itself smelt like bloodl.u.s.t, and then a huge boom was heard as they felt their bone rattled.


    "Oi oi what is going on there?"


    Chianyu simply deadpanned at that as he replied back, "Really now I can bet my entire fortune it is Ryuu again."


    The person simply snorted as he spoke, "That is sucker''s bet of course he is, if there is any problem you will find him standing at his centre, he is like a trouble magnet."


    "Do you think we should help him?"


    Chianyu shook his head as he spoke, "You people seemed to have dulled your senses tell me the strength of the other combatant and tell me is it possible for us to deal with it."


    A few of the squinted before their eyes widen in fear as one of them whispered in fear, "A celestial."


    Chianyu nodded as he spoke, "Yes and for us who could not even handle a few fellow Mystic Immortals that is not possible not to mention we will only cause a problem for him, but I believe in him and I know he would win."


    Ryuu dodged another strike as he struck with his sword which let out sparks and a loud screech as it hit the body of the creature.


    ''What hard feathers, harder than most metals, hard enough to even prevent me from chopping it off.''


    His sword vibrated in his hand with dissatisfaction as Ryuu whispered back to it, "You are right partner, it is really annoying but we will deal with it."


    His eyes then fell on his fellow companions as he frowned, ''It is not even acknowledging them, wholly focusing on me, while treating them as best as a minor inconvenience.''


    He moved out of the way as True-Spear sent a spear attack that it casually batted it withstood as if it is nothing.


    When all of sudden it soar high up in the sky, with a screech it let loose a hail of feathers, which rained upon them like arrows.


    "Everyone dodged."


    Hearing Amnon''s shout most moved or tried to dodge only for the feathers to change direction towards Ryuu surrounding him completely before pelting him like heavy rain and then exploding with large booms, the explosion was so loud that even if they were a few distances away from them the shockwave seemed to push them away, and then after a few seconds, that explosion finally stopped.


    "Ryuu!", Frost Flames could not help but cry out in fear, as did every one of them, while the bird looked smug as it puffed up with pride, but before the creature could react a figure suddenly appeared on top of it as it let loose his attack.


    As multiple ethereal swords pelted upon the creature making it cry out in pain, as Ryuu drew blood for the first time.


    Everyone gawked at him as he stood there with a scratch on him even after escaping the series of terrible explosions.


    A horrible cry resounded in the area as the bird released a reddish miasma from its body making Ryuu''s eyes widen as he shouted out, "Everyone please be wary the creature is going all out."


    His words made the group stumble as Su-Min spoke with disbelief, "That thing will go all out now! It was not taking us seriously! What kind of thing is it?"


    Zywia bit her lips as she spoke, "Whatever it is we have to be extremely careful, even a single mistake would be fatal."


    Group nodded as they got ready only to be stopped by Ryuu who shouted back, "I appreciate your will to help, but if you cannot follow us then please do not try to help you will get caught and second please keep my true strength a secret."


    He winked at his fellow cultivators with a smile on his face, ''Damn them I will have to use my true strength breaking one of the instructions my teacher gave me if only I could .'', his inner monologue was cut off for a moment as he had a serious urge to bash his head, ''What kind of idiot am I? I could use various things to hide my strength without revealing much, no matter how close they have become the words of my teachers is absolute.''


    He let go of his sword as he touched his thighs as multiple arrays appeared underneath his clothes, ''This will prevent my true level to be noticed, as well as an illusion would prevent others from noticing my Divine body as well, and for precaution.'', he put on his mask hiding his true face beneath it.


    The arrays had another purpose, which was even important than simply hiding his aura, it was to prevent it from being infected by the miasma that the creature had released, the reason it was called a ''Dragon Bane'', was mainly because of the miasma, the miasma upon entering the Dragon''s body wrought havoc inside its body thus causing it to not only loss of strength but even loss of consciousness in certain cases thus making the creature dangerous to it.


    A loud screech was heard followed by a roar from Ryuu before both of them vanished from their spot, as multiple booms were heard around them.


    "Too fast they are too fast, I can barely follow them."


    Frost Flames looked towards Frozen Ocean from her kneeling position, apparently they pressure generated from the duo had forced the group on their knees, as she spoke with a worried look on her face, "You are right I wish I were strong enough to be by his side and help him fight."


    Zywia bit her lips as she spoke, "Ryuu is on another level even compare to any of our compatriots, children of our family received the best of educations, the best of food, pills everything which makes us better than others by quite a lot, but even amongst us he is quite the monster."


    A tensed silence descended amongst them when all of a sudden the bird was dragged through the lava while Ryuu held his head with his hand.


    True-Spear raised his hand to block the spray of white-hot lava before he spoke with a grunt, "Let us move a bit further away from the two fighting titans, we are too close and because of our presence we might prove a hindrance to him."


    The bird shook him off before sending her feather arrows towards Ryuu, jumped and dodge only for them to home towards him, chasing after him, as it neared him it once again exploded but this time it was even more dangerous than before.


    The explosion was not the only thing that Ryuu had to look out for as with a cry the bird followed soon after, a loud ding was heard as a rather disoriented bird steeped out the cloud trying to catch its bearing.


    Ryuu followed shortly after it, but he was too late as the bird had regained its bearing and seeing the gleaming sword it fired off its feathers again.


    Ryuu sucked a deep breath as he cursed in his heart, ''How many? How many of those thrice-damned feathers does it have, and I have enough of this.''


    The bird looked at Ryuu closely, once Ryuu might have used a bait and dodged, twice he used something to once again used to protect himself but the third time it swore to herself that she would find out the trick her food was using, and then it happened.


    Meanwhile, over to the audience, Daniella bit her lips as she spoke with distress in her voice, "Just how many feathers does this creature has, too much it has too much and too many of them."


    The bird looked intently as one of his feathers was about to hit Ryuu directly on his forehead his eyes narrowed only for them to open wide as the feather suddenly seemed to pass through him as if he was a mirage and then suddenly Ryuu vanished making it let out a squawk of surprise.


    Ryuu had managed to make the feather phase out though him as he with great skill managed to directly appear behind his opponents back, the Nether Realm Bennu''s feathers are very difficult to cut off, it requires skill and strength and Ryuu was slightly short of them to bring that idea into fruition.


    But, that did not mean there was no other way one of them was the rear of the bird, being extremely soft and times like this was the only time it would be exposed as such he managed to aim for it and succeeded.


    Though how much he wanted he knew his sword and spear would rebel if he were to bring them to any creatures rear as such replaced them with his bow, he pulled the ethereal string as hard as he could, he made sure for the Dao of Archery to completely coalesce with his KI before he let loose the arrow.


    The bird suddenly felt the rising KI behind her but it was too late the arrow pierced through it rectum, gauging out its innards before exiting through its forehead delivering lethal damage to it.


    Even with all the damage the creature still moved still tried to fight Ryuu, but ultimately failed as with a strike of his spear Ryuu pierced the exposed beating heart while his sword found the dantian of the bird thus killing it.


    Ryuu glared at his prey as he watched it fall towards the ground only to be scooped by True-Spear.


    "Ryuu are you alright?"


    Hearing the worried tone in Frost Flame''s voice made Ryuu wilt on the inside a bit but before he could reply he felt his bile rise and before long vomited a copious amount of blood, ''Damn it since the fight with those three thousand sc.u.m it seems that I might have aggravated my condition by a lot.''


    He felt himself sway but was soon found himself in arms of Frost Flames, whose teary eyes made him wince, as he looked at her eyes he did something that stunned her, with a smile on his face spoke out loud, "Frost Flames after we leave this place would you be my Dao companion."

 Chapter 455 - Prey Preying on Predator (Part-3)

    "Huh! What the hell? You proposed to her like this, you are the most unromantic person I have ever seen."


    Ryuu looked towards Su-Min as he spoke, "What are talking about? I was planning to for proposing her sometime now and I did it what is wrong with it."


    Su-Min looked as if she was physically struck as she shouted out, "What is wrong? Everything is wrong, for proposing you need a place, the mood, the ambience not like this after having such a battle with you covered in blood it is not nice."


    Ryuu narrowed his eyes as he spoke, "Frost has yet to voice her complains Su-Min, if she wants I would propose to her in any way she would want to."


    All eyes fell on blushing Frost Flames who spoke rather shyly, "There is nothing wrong in his way, I like it, and I would love to be your Dao companion."


    Ryuu smiled at Frost Flames before shooting a triumphant grin towards Su-Min, who simply grumbled about people without proper aesthetics, but the duo paid no mind to it as they basked in each other''s embrace, while Amnon, Daniella and Frozen Ocean simply smiled at them offering their congratulations.


    But, amongst the group were two who were having a rather tense situation, the two were namely Zywia and True-Spear, since entering the Eden they were the first two to fall for each other, and in fact, Zywia helped Frost Flames a lot to pursue Ryuu, yet even after so much time has passed True-Spear has yet to propose her like Ryuu, as such he was on the receiving end of the death glare.


    True-Spear in the meantime wanted to curl up in the corner and cry, ''Why brother Ryuu, why I thought you were an understanding brother then why did you suddenly propose my sister before I did Zywia, now she is giving me a death glare, oh wait a minute if I also propose her now.''


    With that wonderful idea in mind he turned towards Zywia and as he tried to propose by kneeling in front of her, her death glare increased a thousand folds, he could practically hear her teeth grinding but before he could open her mouth Zywia hissed loudly, "Shut up and don''t steal my brother and your sister''s moment from them."


    Thoroughly chastised True-Spear could only lower his head only for Su-Min to speak out loud, "Oh my, is brother True-Spear is also going to propose Zywia."


    Only for Zywia to reply with a giggle, "No way, he simply got emotional on seeing his sister getting proposed not to mention I would like him to propose me in a different manner as copying is bad."


    Ryuu nodded in acknowledgement as he spoke, "You right sister Zywia, copying is bad so brother please do not copy my superior style you have to make do with something subpar."


    Zywia simply smiled at his words, but the smile send a chill down Ryuu''s back and all of a sudden he felt pity for True-Spear as he hurriedly spoke, "Though if you want an advice, do so when you feel the moment is right and your heart agrees with you."


    Daniella simply smiled as she replied back, "Now if that is not romantic than I do not know what is romantic at all."


    Frozen Ocean smiled warmly at the situation though she felt her heart squeeze a bit but she controlled herself while watching the situation with warm eyes.


    Meanwhile, Su-Min huffed as she spoke. "So then what should we do with the Wyvern and that bird?"


    True-Spear appreciated the change in the topic as he quickly spoke, "The bird was killed by Ryuu so it is for him to decide what to do with it, as for the wyvern we can split it equally."


    Many nodded in agreement as Ryuu spoke, "Well I do not know about others but for the nucleus or the essence of the wyvern I remove my claim and vote for either of them to be given to brother True-Spear he was the one to dive, search and force it out of the lava pool."


    Amnon nodded at that as he spoke, "I agree with brother Ryuu, but now the most important matter how are we going to celebrate the momentous occasion."


    Daniella nodded with a large grin on her face, "Of course this calls for celebrations, let us ��"


    Only for Frozen Ocean to intervene her speaking further with a serious expression on her face, "Stop, stop.", as her tone managed to draw attention to her she quickly spoke, "Since this is celebrating Ryuu proposing Frost and her accepting his proposal, is it not weird for them to be here helping us to prepare for the celebration."


    Su-Min quickly nodded as she added her two cents, "You are absolutely correct sister why are you two here now shoo, and we will call you after everything is prepared."


    Both Frost Flames and Ryuu looked ready to protest only to be prevented by Zywia, "They are absolutely correct so please stay far away from the camp for at least a few hours."


    Frost Flames looked helplessly towards Ryuu who simply shrugged as he replied back, "Let them be, we are outnumbered."


    The duo soon left as the others quickly left to recruit a few more to help them to prepare the celebration of the moment.


    ******


    Meanwhile, back in Ayindril Nuwa was an extremely busy woman, she had been going in and out to procure ingredients for the celebratory dinner for Ryuu, although she was being helped by others namely her children she was one picky woman, even after bringing the highest quality of ingredients the chance of her selecting from them was none, and even a small spot on the ingredient would cause her to reject it.


    Veena looked at the number of ingredients her daughters had procured and upon seeing the pile of rejected items made her brow twitch as she spoke, "Sister are you not doing too much, this are exotic and rare ingredients not to mention the rejected pile that is rising up, please control yourself."


    Nuwa shook her head as she spoke, "That we cannot do, there is a little over a year for Ryuu to appear out of Eden if we do not start preparing it would be too late."


    "The second Mother is right, we have to prepare for Ryuu''s heroic return."


    Veena raised one of her delicate eyebrows as she spoke, "So what are you doing here Antariskh, I do not think that you would need to be here."


    "Nonsense mother, my job is the most important one after all I am the official tester what if something goes wrong."


    Veena deadpanned towards Antariskh as she spoke, "I would have clearly sympathized with your motives if it were not for the drool leaking from your chin, wipe it out it is unbecoming of a lady."


    Veena sighed as she replied, "You know that brother .."


    Nuwa raised her hand as she spoke, "Maybe so but home-cooked food is different."


    Veena gave a defeated sigh as she spoke, "Fine I give up, though if you need anything please feel free to ask."


    She turned to leave only to be greeted by her remaining children as she spoke with a stoic visage, "What are you two doing here?"


    Shamiran blushed as she spoke, "Well I was going to be the official taster to help the second mother."


    Sylvana cleared her throat as she spoke, "Well actually we all are going to be the official tester."


    "I see", with that Veena turned towards Nuwa as she spoke, "Sister do you need all three tasters just now."


    Nuwa shook her head as she spoke, "Of course not, we need none but they forcefully volunteered, not to mention we have yet to start preparing anything."


    Veena closed her eyes momentarily as she spoke, "I see, now come along you three no slacking.", with that she dragged all of her children off as they shouted out in protested, while Nuwa smiled at their antics.


    "Children, they never learn.", Nuwa''s smile disappeared as her husband''s voice came to her ears, she turned to face him as Maheswara spoke while puffing up his chest, "Do not worry I will be here as your official taster."


    Nuwa simply sighed as she shook her head as she spoke, "We have yet to start preparing, not to mention only a few things would need near about a year to cook perfectly."


    Maheswara shrugged as he spoke, "But you will be preparing those right now, right?"


    As Nuwa nodded a large smile broke into Maheswara''s face as he spoke, "Splendid that is more than enough for me, I could watch you work your magic sitting in a corner day after day."


    Nuwa blushed as she spoke shyly, "Is that why the first sister dragged our daughters from here?"


    Maheswara gave a coy smile as he spoke, "Maybe."


    "Then please sit in a corner and do not disturb."


    Maheswara raised his hand in mock surrender as he spoke with a wide eye, "Of course not, how could I commit such blasphemy.", with his piece said he took a seat at the corner as he watched Nuwa finishing her preparations with a smile on her face.


    ''Thank you, Ryuu, for returning the smile on my Nuwa, no on my family''s faces I do not know how I could repay you, maybe after you return from that place I will take you to somewhere nice, hmm so many ideas.''

 Chapter 456 - Celebration to remember (part-1)

    "To Sister Frost Flames and Brother Ryuu, may there relation be just as us Immortal."


    Severing Saber shouted out with his saucer high up in the air, an action that others followed with a large smile on their faces, while the duo simply blushed as Ryuu raised his in welcoming gesture towards them.


    "Never would have thought that in a couple of hours they would have arranged such a gallant celebration."


    "So true Ryuu, so true, they really worked hard for us, I am glad to meet them."


    "Me too, my lady, I am really glad to have met them."


    Ryuu''s eyes went over to the arrangement that his fellow cultivators have put up, the duo was at the centre sitting on a raised platform, with various food items arranged on a cloth-covered table and on either side were the other cultivators, each having a cup or saucer containing wine.


    "The party is not lively enough, some of our most talented members I thought you would care enough to make this place a bit more alive."


    "So true brother you just took the words from my mouth, would our esteemed fellow cultivators be kind enough."


    Zywia felt quite a bit of her fellow cultivators eyeing her not to mention the not so subtle jab made her sigh as she spoke out loud, "Fine fine, I will begin but please do remember that others should join as well or it would not be fair."


    "Of course sister, we will follow your lead."


    With that, she quickly pulled out her Zither as she plucked the strings a wonderful melody soon filled the air.


    Ryuu felt Frost Flame''s hand over his as their fingers intertwined as a small blush formed on their faces before they were all lost in the melody.


    Ryuu closed his eyes as his heart was soon filled with joy, ''What a wonderful tune Zywia is playing it fills me with so much happiness, it made me content, at peace.''


    As he opened his eyes his breath hitched, gone were the blackened soil, the soot-covered rumbling and thundering sky, the scorching heat, in its place was a green meadow, the grass swayed under the gentle breeze, as he could hear the gentle chime of the stream nearby, he could not help but praise Zywia''s skills with a whisper, "Amazing sister is amazing Zither player."


    His whisper was rewarded with a reply from Frost Ocean who spoke with a smile, "So true, I never felt so peaceful before."


    As they enjoyed her performance while basking with each other''s presence as Ryuu listened to Zywia''s performance his mind went back to his previous life, his beloved fianc��e who died before her time, and then his wife, he shook his head off to suppress those memories, ''Why am I recalling them? This is a new life why try to remember something which is long gone.''


    His eyes then fell on a slightly smiling Frost Flames which made his heart sore, ''That smile I am going to protect it no matter the cost, in my last life I failed them badly but this life I would never subject her to such misery.''


    "Is something wrong?", Frost Flame''s whisper brought him out of his daydream as Frost flames spoke with a frown, "Is there something wrong love? You were staring at my face for some time now."


    Ryuu simply smiled back to her as he spoke, "Once a very wise man asked me, where is Heavens located? I could not answer him but today I know where it is, do you know where it is?"


    As Frost flames shook her face Ryuu''s smile disappeared as he spoke with a serious tone in his voice, "I found Heavens by my side in the form of a very beautiful lady with a mesmerizing smile."


    Frost Flame''s face was so red from Ryuu''s teasing that it might have been the reddest object in all of creation.


    As Zywia''s performance finished a thunder of applause, as well as praises, were heard from all around, which Zywia simply replied by a small bow before her eyes fell on Ryuu and Frost Flames, she found Ryuu applauding softly with a bright smile on her face while Frost Flames was trying to hide her red embarrassed face, making Zywia stifle a giggle at the sight.


    ''Those two are so badly in love with each other.''


    "That ends a wonderful performance by Sister Zywia, now any of our fellow brethren would be kind enough."


    At the shout of the cultivator, one of the cultivators stood up as he spoke, "Fair enough, since Sister Zywia had already given such a flawless performance I will try to overthrow her."


    He sent a challenging smirk towards Zywia who returned a similar smirk as a flute appeared in his hands, he placed his lips on top of it as a rather soothing tune flowed from his flute, the tune reminded him of spring, the season of renewal, and all of sudden he found himself under a cherry blossom with a sake cup in his hand, ''It feels as if I had just had a taken a dip in hot springs, it feels so great that I wish to dance.''


    As the thought passed through his mind Ryuu deadpanned before he held Frost Flame''s hard while pulsing his KI a bit only enough for Frost flames to notice, before whispering to her, "He is using an illusion that wants us to dance."


    Frost Flame''s eyes widen slightly as the sudden urge to dance disappear as she narrowed her eyes only for Ryuu to give her hand a small squeeze, "Let it go, he is trying to one-up Zywia, but he plays well and there is no rules against cheating."


    Frost Flames sighed as she spoke in a resigned voice, "Fair enough, though I feel sorry for sister Zywia."


    Ryuu looked towards Zywia as he stifled a grin before he spoke, "Though it seems she is currently having her hands full."


    As Frost Flames looked towards her, with great difficulty she squashed her need to laugh at the poor True-Spear who was receiving a scathing glare courtesy of Zywia, making her snort as she spoke, "Poor brother was never good against illusion and it seems sister Zywia is enraged by his antics again."


    Ryuu simply shook his head as he spoke, "It may be so but it is fun watching them bicker, though he should wise up to know not to argue with a woman, especially your lover, after all, you will never win."


    Frost Flames narrowed her eyes as she spoke with a heated glare, "Ho and why is that?"


    Ryuu flashed Frost Flames a dazzling smile as he replied to her, "Why else after all woman are called the better half which means you all are better than us, thus arguing against a better and righter person is moot."


    Frost Flame''s face once again gained a healthy blush before sending a playful shove before turning towards Ryuu who simply smile, while inwardly it was a different matter, ''Thank you, teacher, your advice is otherworldly watching you interact with your wives was educational for me, hmm when I return I will have to do something nice for him.''


    A few minutes later Ryuu''s brow twitched as he whispered back, "Damn they are like children, pushing each other while the other is too shy to even standup, are they, not million-year-old cultivators, if it goes on for another minute I will simply lose all the gratitude I felt for them for arranging it in the first place."


    "So true looks like Su-Min is about to erupt."


    Ryuu let out a sigh as he spoke, "It seems I will have to intervene otherwise the celebration would go down in the drain."


    "So true, but how? Are you going to sing?"


    Ryuu chuckled as he spoke, "My dear if I started to sing using my wonderful voice, the celebration would turn into a funeral as people would simply kill themselves to get away from the terrible chaotic noise."


    Frost Flames giggled at his words as she spoke, "You are joking."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke while puffing up his chest with pride, "No my fair lady, my mother tried to teach me how to sing or play musical instruments but I turned out to be a natural tone-deaf."


    Frost Flames simply shook her head before she spoke with a frown, "So what will you do now Ryuu?"


    Ryuu narrowed his eyes as he spoke, "Since they are all feeling shy on going up the stage by themselves why not make them go up in a group."


    Frost Flames tilted her head as she watched curiously as Ryuu spoke out loud, "I have an idea."


    His voice drew everyone''s attention as he spoke, "You see when I was out adventuring I once stumble upon a village, a rather normal village but it had a rather unique flair to it that I liked a lot.", he took a breath as he watched everyone play undivided attention towards him as he continued to speak, "Whenever any of them would have any problem with anyone they would have a duel, which they called the ''Battle of Poets''."


    "Battle of poets?"


    As one of his fellow cultivators intoned back Ryuu spoke with a smile on his face, "Yes, ''Battle of Poets'', was how they duelled each other, unlike normal duels they used to duel with songs, dance, tunes that they created, it was fun as well as enjoyable."


    A murmur passed through the crowd as others discussed amongst them Ryuu''s idea, the celebration had started well though somewhere down the enthusiasm dwindled down to the point it became boring making some like Su-Min enraged at the mere thought of it, and Ryuu''s idea felt like a welcoming rain after a long drought.


    Frozen Ocean sighed as she whispered to Su-Min low enough for only her to hear, "This is ridiculous as well as embarrassing we were the one to arrange for the celebration and yet the guest of honour themselves have to step in to save it such an embarrassment."


    Su-Min frowned hard as she spoke, "So true at least sister Zywia had managed to keep her face, I wish I could stand up and sing or do something at least it would not develop into a boring and awkward situation."


    Frozen Ocean nodded as she replied back with a nod, "So true but let us see what kind of idea Ryuu has in store for us."


    Severing Saber took the initiative as he spoke out loud, "Young brother can you please tell us more about it."


    "Certainly older brother.", with that he flashed his ever reassuring smile as he began, "The name may be ''Battle of Poets'', but you can duel against each other with songs, dance, or playing some instruments, mostly this is done in between two people or two groups, one of them would begin creating something on spot, and after the person or the group has finished his opponents reply in kind and it would continue until another side admits defeat."


    One of them scratched their cheeks as he spoke, "So what kind of songs, or music we should use in this duel Ryuu?"


    Ryuu shrugged as he replied back to him, "How will I know? It is entirely up to you, from what I had seen it was a method to settle differences without drawing blood so how you sing is entirely up to you."


    He looked at the confused look on many faces as he began with a smile, "Look I will give you an example say Mister A has a problem with Mister B''s snoring so he can begin like this, ''When you hear the rumble of the thundering skies, you do not have to look no further cause I can..'', well there you have it me trying to make some lines just like that, you have to be a fast thing of a proper response and reply back to your opponent whether through songs or music or dance."


    A few gained a contemplative look on their faces as Zywia spoke out loud, "I think I get it but Ryuu please do not try to sing again, you are completely off-key and your lines are horrible."


    Ryuu simply pouted as one of the cultivators spoke out loud, "Brother, you said something about group how to do the group function and how many are there in the group."


    Ryuu scratched his chin as he spoke, "Well how many people are there in a group will depend on how many people are participating but please try to keep numbers in low as there will be many groups competing against each other, and as for how a group works it can work in various ways."


    He stopped for a breath before continuing again, "The situation in this battle is ever-changing you do not know how it can change or what might happen so it can be that only one amongst you can step up to reply in a particular instance while his fellow group members will support him from sidelines, and then again in the next instance the entire group might be working together say in a group of three one of them will sing, the other dance, while the third play some music to accompany them."


    Severing Saber spoke with a nod, "Then let us do this, though we have to rearrange the tables to do this."


    Many nodded as Ryuu once again spoke in a serious tone, "Oh I forgot the most rule, you may start answering back while the others are performing, you may wish to dance beat by beat to defeat them but in no way you can use any abilities or skills to prevent them from performing the moment you do so, you lose."


    True-Spear nodded as he spoke out loud, "That is a nice rule it would prevent cheaters from acting.", as he spoke he send a stink eye towards the flute player who did not pay any heed to him.


    Estelle who was watching the discussion in silence as she spoke for the first time, "I have a question."


    Her words drew everyone''s attention towards her as she began, "Is there a time limit within which we will have to quickly reply back."


    Ryuu nodded as he flashed Estelle a smile as he spoke, "Of course there is Sister Estelle, I forgot to mention that, of course, there is a time limit within which you will have to reply or else you will lose, the village had a rule of ten breaths, but I will let you all decide on it."

 Chapter 457 - Celebration to remember (part-2) [R-18]

    Ryuu was giddy as his suggestion bore fruit, as he saw many eager to participate in the new craze that he introduced.


    ''We Immortals are by very definition like Gods and Goddess in the eyes of common people, especially people from my previous world but at the same time we do not have time to look and learn from the so-called ants'' life, what I introduced was not a way of life in a village but a popular culture in my previous life, substituting wars with song duels, yup life would have been more pleasantly peaceful.''


    Ryuu suddenly gained a frown as he whispered, "No this won''t do, and as only a handful is participating it would be better if more did."


    His eyes then fell on Severing Saber as he spoke in a whisper, "Psst, big brother Severing Saber here."


    Severing Saber looked towards Ryuu who beckoned him, and as such with a confused look on his face he approached him.


    Meanwhile, Zywia frowned seeing the identical smirk that Ryuu was sharing with Severing Saber as she whispered to True-Spear, "Ryuu is plotting something see that smirk on his face."


    True-Spear looked at the direction as he spoke, "You are absolutely right that damnable smirk and look on their faces they really are planning something, but what?"


    Their speculations came to an end as Severing Saber shouted out at the top of his voice, "Welcome every participant, welcome and to remind you this is the last call for participants after this no one will be allowed to participate no matter what they want to."


    He looked around seeing only three groups of six each forming as such with a smirk he unleashed his trump card.


    "No more than ten may form a group and to make it even spicier, I had a chat with young Ryuu and have managed to wrestle an agreement from him, the winning team will receive pills personally made by him, I hope you all do remember the ''Stone Heart Pill'' don''t you?"


    A stunned silence followed as one of them shouted out, "What are you saying this is the last shout? This uncle has yet to show his skills."


    "Screw you all I will eat you for breakfast."


    "Ai ai, so much enthusiasm really it brings joy and energize this old bones, but remember no more than ten."


    No sooner did her say at least sixteen teams of each containing ten formed as Severing Saber''s smile increased even further as he looked at the audience, "Now now no need to look so glum just because you cannot play an instrument or sing or dance that does not mean that you cannot participate in it, you can always bet on it, if you land the winning bet, you get to share fifty-one per cent of the total betting items, for second place twenty-five per cent, and for the third place you get the twelve per cent."


    Ryuu let out a small laugh before his smile vanished as he heard a growl from his side making him seat ramrod before he heard the sound of grinding teeth.


    "I hope this is not your idea of fun, Ryuu it was a simple celebration and you devolved it into a gambling event."


    Ryuu quickly gathered his courage as he faced Frost Flames, "Actually it was Severing Saber''s idea, and he said it would make it even more enjoyable so I agreed."


    Frost Flame''s eyes narrowed as she spoke, "I hope you are not participating in this disgusting gambling habit."


    Ryuu quickly shook his head as he spoke, "of course not love, I will not unless you want me to bet on Sister Zywia."


    Frost Flame''s eyes fell on smiling Zywia which made her smile as well before she spoke, "I believe Sister Zywia would appreciate it if you would simply cheer her up without betting on her."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke with a smile, "You are right though I really hope she wins."


    Frost Flames nodded as she replied back, "Me too."


    While inwardly Ryuu let out a sigh of relief, ''It is good that he did not pay any heed to our discussion, I think she would have been enraged if she knew that brother was splitting the profit in half with me.''


    Ryuu quickly spotted a food as h willed it near him, tearing a piece of bread he dipped into it before eating it as an explosion of flavours took place inside his mouth he m.o.a.ned inwardly.


    ''Damn it was good maybe nowhere near my teacher''s cooking but damn it is good, the bread is made like a pita bread of my last world and the dip is like hummus but infinitely tastier.''


    "Love please try this bread with this dipping, it is delicious."


    Frost Flames tried to food offered by Ryuu, her eyes sparkled as she spoke, "Delicious, this is really remarkable, what are they made off."


    "The bread I believe is ''Thousand Thunder Wheat'' and the dipping is from ''Carnivorous Cowpeas'', they are delicious, are they not?"


    Frost Flames nodded her head as she spoke, "Yes they are.", her eyes then suddenly fell on Ryuu as he deadpanned seeing him eating another piece of food with an elated look on his face.


    "Ryuu others are staring, please do not eat too much."


    "Well others are eating as well and it would be an insult to everyone who worked so hard to prepare the feast for us, as such I have decided to eat every type of food and drink everything drinkable that they had prepared, it is the least we could do for their sincere hard work."


    The words said by Ryuu would have to affect greatly if she did not find him feasting on some bird meat with gusto.


    "Do you love eating, Ryuu?"


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "I am Gourmet Connoisseur, I love eating food after all who doesn''t like eating good food."


    Frost Flames giggled before she spoke with a soft sigh, "Then I will have to disappoint you my love but I am not good at cooking, in fact, I cannot cook to save my life."


    Ryuu simply waved her off as he spoke, "There is no need to worry I also am the same, I might like to eat but I am not good at cooking, here try this if I am not wrong it is ''Six-legged Fire lamb'' meat, it is an adequately spiced up and tasty."


    Frost Flames bit into the juicy piece of meat as the explosive taste of the meat hit her full force, as the spices were not too mild neither scorching hot really did justice to the meat.


    "Wow just wow, I never knew there were so many talented chefs amongst us, I never knew."


    "So am I wrong, in trying to taste every one of them?"


    Frost Flames shook her head before she spoke with a sad look on her face, "But, so much food I do not think we can eat everything even if we take small bites out of everything."


    "Meh, the event will consume sometime so it will be alright if we take slow."


    Frost Flames shook her head as she spoke, "I do not think so, no matter how much time passes it would not be possible."


    They were silent for a moment as the first two groups faced each other, comparing with the memories of his previous life it was kind of bland but he was sure that as time would pass the competitors would learn from their mistakes and would become better.


    "If you are a connoisseur then you might have eaten in lots of good places, any place worth mentioning."


    A nostalgic smile appeared on Ryuu''s face as he spoke, "Yes, there have been a few places that I had really enjoyed but till now the best I have tasted is in the ''Ten Thousand Year banquet'', it was heavenly though you will have to wait Ten thousand years for the next one to happen."


    A curious look passed through her as Frost Flames spoke, "Ten Thousand years banquet I have heard of it, my master had visited it last time."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Yes it is a sight to see many strong cultivators each greater than the next, in that place cultivators like Dao fathers are dime a dozen, a rather humbling experience."


    "I see"


    Ryuu was silent for a moment before he spoke again, "The second place or rather a person whose food I love the most is my teacher''s wife''s cooking, how many times I ended in the hospital due to overeating that I lost count of it."


    Frost Flames giggled at his words before she spoke, "I have told you before but I will tell you again, I so wish to meet your teacher and his family now, they are so nice, the more I hear the more I am intrigued to meet them."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke with a nostalgic smile as he spoke, "Of course they are."


    A couple of hours later the party came to an end as some of them were elated while some disgruntled about their loss, while the couple for whom the celebration was looked content especially Frost Flames who had enjoyed the performances to her heart''s contents, Ryuu was not far behind for him even though the performances were magical it lacked something but it was soon overshadowed by the profit he had received from Severing Saber.


    ''Damn that old man is super nice, he has all the makings of a conman but damn does he know how to make a profit.''


    Even though it might not be even worth mentioning when placed against the various resources he usually has access to back in Ayindril, but still, he loved when managed to earn something with his own two hands, even if the means are slightly twisted.


    "Where are we going Frost Flames?"


    Frost Flames simply smiled as she dragged Ryuu by his hands towards a certain location, the location was a cave a good few distances away from the camp.


    Frost Flames approached the entrance as she raised her hand a ripple appeared and then the dimly lit inside of the cave changed into a cosier light, not to mention it was rather modestly decorated.


    As Frost Flames dragged Ryuu inside the cosy cave his heart was hammering he was not born yesterday and with the looks, she was giving him he knew he was getting lucky tonight.


    Frost Flames dragged him inside the cave before pushing him down on the soft ground, before laying on him.


    ''I see so that is where she disappeared in between the feast for a few minutes.''


    Meanwhile, both True-Spear and Zywia gawked towards Su-Min who had just finished bragging about Frost Flames'' plan and her part in it.


    True-Spear did the only thing he could think of as he jumped up with anger as shouted with righteous anger, "That little shit trying to defile ��"


    ~bang~


    That was the only thing he could say before Zywia''s Zither came down hard on his head, as she stood up gracefully as she spoke in a serious tone, "Su-Min take us to them now, if you don''t all will be lost, that idiot has forgotten something vital and if they sleep today then chances of them getting together will become zero, his family would kill her."


    The listeners which included others from Ryuu''s group gulped as Su-Min quickly escorted them towards the cave.


    ''Ryuu you idiot rushing things so fast, that is not good, my idiot has yet to propose me, has yet to get permission for courting me and you are already going to sleep with her, unforgivable if I cannot become intimate with my lover then you will not as well.''


    *******


    [Warning: The next few lines contain mature articles readers discretion is required, as such you may skip the next few lines.]


    *******


    Back with the two lovers, Ryuu trailed a kiss down Frost Flames'' neck as she let out a small m.o.a.n from her lips, but Ryuu was not done one of his hands gently caressed her back sending shivers down her spine, while his other hand cupped her b.r.e.a.s.t massaging it a bit roughly.


    He could spell the arousal off of her which turned him even more, the n.i.p.p.l.es under his hand were erect, and then he bit her shoulder drawing a whimper of pleasure, while he felt her hand trailing down to his genitals.


    ********


    [Safe part from here on]


    ********


    An angered filled face suddenly appeared in his mind as the l.u.s.t vaporized as he quickly let go of Frost Flames who groaned as she spoke in a seductive tone, "Please do not tease me Ryuu."


    Ryuu sat up straight as Frost Flames fell on his side, while he covered his face with his hands as he spoke in a muffled tone, "Sorry sorry I am so sorry."


    Gone was the feeling of l.u.s.t and love from her eyes as it was soon filled with equal parts of concern, anger and frustration as she spoke out, "Ryuu what happened?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "I am sorry but I cannot do it, I am not ready for it."


    A scowl slowly formed on Frost Flames face as she heard Ryuu''s words, ''What is wrong with him? Where did the confident Ryuu disappear?''


    "Is something wrong with me?"


    "No there is nothing wrong with you, it is me."


    A pit formed on Frost Flames'' stomach as she spoke in a quivering tone, "Do you�� do you have someone else you love?"


    "No no."


    "Then fianc��e."


    "No love it is not because of them, but I gave myself into l.u.s.t and forgot something very vital."


    As Ryuu fidgeted before speaking, "Well you see the sutra that I use for cultivating.", as Frost Flames gave a nod of encouragement he pressed forward, "Well according to it, having s.e.x.u.a.l relation before I reach the Celestial Realm is bad, very bad for me, I would suffer from some severe side effects that might make me wish I were dead so I am a sorry."


    Ryuu then did something that he never thought he would do Ryuu lowered his head in front of Frost Flames.


    A tense silence descended between them before Frost Flames spoke in a serious one, "Ryuu please raise your head."


    As he did so Frost Flames cupped his face before placing a quick chaste kiss on his lips as she spoke, "There is no need to fret about it, I should be the one to blame for hurrying everything, and as for having s.e.x.u.a.l relation with me, again there is no need for you to worry, I forced your hands without thinking about the consequences, so cheer up there is no need for you to feel so gloom, it is a matter of time that we can break into the next realm."


    Ryuu only gave a small nod but before he could speak a large shout came from outside, "Brother Ryuu stop it, the think about your family what would they think."


    Ryuu''s brow twitched as Frost Flames spoke with a sigh, "Let us tidy ourselves up before we face them."


    True-Spear looked at the cave entrance as he spoke with a frown, "Damn it they are not stepping outside.", he then opened his mouth wide as he bellowed out loud, "Sister what would master th��", whatever he was about to say was stopped courtesy of Frost Flames'' shoes that found its way directly into his mouth.


    As an enraged Frost Flames step outside she glared towards True-Spear before speaking with a huff, "I love you brother but sometimes you are such an idiot, I was spending some time alone not only did you barge in like a bull on a china shop, now you are preventing my cuddle time with my Ryuu go die in a ditch."


    Ryuu looked towards True-Spear as with a look akin to pity as he thought, ''Good brother, you are such a good brother, I know that Frost Flames was annoyed at me but you provided the perfect outlet for her anger and frustrations, I promise after everything is over I will do something nice for your sacrifice.''

 Chapter 458 - A stepway from being a legend (part-1)

    It had been a few days since the incident and the group had scoured the area clean, the thirteenth floor had been a treasure trove for them, it was true that the creatures were dangerous, it was true that the place was very hot but it did not manage to dampen the mood of the people especially Ryuu who had managed to successfully propose Frost Flames.


    Another thing that had changed was how the cultivators were acting since the introduction of the ''Battle of Poets'', there have been no less than five disputes that had broken out and they were all settled using the ''Battle of Poets''.


    At the thought of it Ryuu shook his head as he laughed inwardly, ''These immortals are too bored picking fight with each other using ridiculous excuses and then challenging each other in the ''Battle of Poets'', it is really hilarious to watch, though, with time they are getting better and better, it is like a person who has never flown a plane, learned to fly it within ten minutes and now is ready to even give the ace fighter pilots the run for their money, truly we immortals are scary.''


    "Another one? Just how many did we have to witness again."


    Ryuu scratched his cheeks as he replied back to Su-Min, "If I am not wrong this is the sixth one."


    Su-Min let out a tired sigh before levelling a heated glare towards Ryuu as she spoke, "I blame you for this mess."


    Ryuu raised his hand in surrender as he spoke, "Wah, stop blaming me, what did I do?"


    "You gave such a stupid idea as such it is your fault."


    Ryuu acted as if the words had struck him physically as such he placed his right hand over his heart while he held his other hand over his forehead before he spoke in a faux tone, "Woe me, woe me, such a venomous lady with sharp tongue what will I do against her assault I might die from it."


    Su-Min''s brow twitched before she shouted out in anger, "Enough I am so going to kill you for introducing this stupid battle."


    She was about to rain blows with her fist only to be stopped by the timely arrival of another cultivator, "Halt fair lady, Daoist brother Ryuu did nothing wrong he showed us something so wonderful as such I cannot allow you to besmirch his honour as such I hereby challenge you to a ''Battle of Poets''."


    "Damn that is the seventh one."


    Su-Min''s head slowly turned towards Zywia before she screamed towards heaven and then she chased after a laughing Zywia who ran away from her.


    Ryuu could only laugh at their antics as he was joined by Frost Flames who shook her head before she spoke in exasperation, "Those two jokers, as long as they are together they can lit up the whole place with their antics."


    "So true love, so true they really can bring laughter in everyone''s face."


    Ryuu was silent for a moment before he spoke with a small smile on his face, "You know before arriving in this place, I was told how treacherous and dangerous this place is, yet at the same time I was always told even after that this place was worth the visit and now I can understand why."


    Frost Flames smiled at him as she spoke, "You have told me this before already."


    "I know but everything feels like a dream, a dream that I would not wish to wake up from if possible."


    Frost Flames simply placed her head on his shoulder as Ryuu embraced her as she spoke, "Me too if it is a dream I do not wish to wake up."


    ~ahem~


    The sound of a throat being cleared drew their attention, though even a few days ago they would have embarrassed now a look of annoyance flashed through their face upon being interrupted with their quality time.


    The look of annoyance simply vanished as they were greeted by the sight of Frozen Ocean who simply smiled as she spoke, "I am sorry to interrupt your quality time but I believe it is time for us to depart."


    Ryuu''s eyes fell on his fellow comrades who had gathered up looking expectantly towards Ryuu who flashed them a smile before he spoke in a loud voice, loud enough for every one of them to hear clearly.


    "My fellow cultivators, we have fought together, suffered together, even when our number was reduced to less than a thousand we persevered and manage to accomplish something that many could not, we manage to reach the thirteenth level."


    With a small breathe he began again, "No matter what challenge was thrown we came up at the top, we were worried that we received too little resources but this last couple of levels, had filled our space bags and rings to the brim, but now what lies in front of us is an even greater challenge, in the entire history of our realm, the best those talented seniors could accomplish was to conquer the fourteenth level and we are going to step in soon."


    He looked each of them in their eye as he spoke with a smile, "We are going to achieve what those mythical figures have achieved and conquer it for ourselves and hopefully we will go even way past them and conquer the unconquered and mythical level the fifteenth level, and engrave our name for the bosom of time itself to be the source of envy, for being the source of inspiration to the future generations to come."


    A shout of joy was heard from every one of them, as it had been quite the journey for them, with only a year left the chance to create a history to engrave their names and become legends themselves was so close in their reach that their faces flushed with excitement, many of them had never thought that they would ever reach so far and they knew who was to be blamed for it.


    They knew that the treasures that they had collected would be enough for them to live like Kings for millennia to come, even if they do not manage to advance anymore they would still be able to live without regret and they knew why, as such many of them not only gave a bow but also chanted Ryuu''s name.


    Ryuu simply smiled towards them as he replied their bow with a nod before her eyes fell on Frost Flames who gave an encouraging squeeze on his hand, they shared a brief moment before he shouted out loud, "Then let us move forward to the Fourteenth Floor, our last step before the doorway to being a legend."


    With that, he along with his future Dao Companion stepped through the doorway that led them to the next level.


    A servant dashed through a familiar corridor, since the day Ryuu had stepped into Eden it had been a job for one of the servants, who drew the short straw, to inform of any changes within it, as time passed and only a year was left the servant who had thought he had escaped from his fate of being messenger only for him to accidentally step into work because of a wager.


    Many would consider working for such great people was a matter of great honour, but he knew the reality of the situation, no matter what anyone would say a messenger usually had the worst luck, especially when the person they were reporting to you was so strong that if they let lose even the tiniest portion of their KI they vaporize by coming within a hundred meters of them.


    ''Poor Mei, she was such a good looking, I was planning to woo her but alas she brought a bad news and Her Majesty lost control of her KI, the poor messenger was turned to ash, but I am lucky even if I had to substitute because of the wager Heaven''s have yet to forsake me.''


    A quick knock followed by a muffled enter the man went inside before kneeling in front of Antariskh who was busy with her paperwork.


    Each passing second was like an eternity for him before Antariskh spoke with a drawl, "So, who are you? And what do you want?"


    Without raising his head he spoke, "Your Highness, I am a simple messenger, the one who was supposed to work for you suddenly fell ill as such I am substituting for her, and I brought you the latest report from Eden."


    His words brought undivided attention of Antariskh as she spoke in a commanding tone, "Speak what message you bring for us."


    The man gulped as he spoke, "Your Majesty, the cultivators of our realm have managed to reach the fourteenth level of Eden, though they have yet to conquer it."


    A silence followed by a deep laughter Antariskh spoke with a smile, "You have done us a splendid job by bringing us the good news, and here have this as a reward for your hard work, and you may take your leave."


    A pill appeared in front of him before he felt a gust of wind when he looked up he found himself outside the Antariskh''s room as a green coloured pillbox fell in front of him.


    He let out his breath that he himself did not realize that he was holding before a large smile appeared on his face, ''haha, I feel sorry for you Sayla, you asked me to substitute your place as a favour but now I am so lucky such a nice pill I can smell it from here.'', he inhaled the smell before storing the box within his space ring and then leaving with a skip on his step.

 Chapter 459 - A stepway from being a legend (part-2)

    Chianyu stood on top of the cliff, the gentle breeze caused his hair to sway lazily as he looked down at the river flowing underneath the cliff, the sound of water flowing was extremely soothing as such he closed his eyes to listen to the sound.


    "Ah there you are brother, what are you doing here?"


    Chianyu glanced back towards the speaker as he spoke with a smile, "Just standing here and appreciating the calm and peaceful nature."


    They stood there quietly for a moment before Chianyu spoke, "The last few days were so hectic, just like that second floor the entrance disappeared it was so scary."


    His companion nodded with as he spoke with a sigh, "It truly was, not to mention those annoying banshees."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/heavenly-dao-child_11448539305377005/a-stepway-from-being-a-legend-(part-2)_50954648139398205 for visiting.


    Chianyu nodded as he spoke with a sigh, "This wonderful place, housed such pitiful creatures, it was really sad to see."


    "Who in the right mind would create banshees?"


    "An extremely sick bastard that is who would create it."


    "So true brother Chianyu so true, capturing, torturing and perverting a soul to such a heinous creature that only knows to feed on the living, and is forced to alleviate the pain, huh, you are whoever creates them are an extremely sick bastard."


    "So, when are we going to enter the tomb that we found?"


    "At least three days from now at the very least."


    Chianyu nodded as he spoke, "Good, but how is brother Ryuu doing?"


    The man ran his fingers through his hands as he spoke, "So so, we are waiting for a couple of days as he himself stated that he would recuperate."


    Chianyu frowned as he spoke, "And you took his words like that, he can once again act high and mighty while hiding his problem."


    The person nodded as he spoke, "So true, Severing Saber voiced the same concern."


    Chianyu looked at him as he spoke, "So what did he say?"


    The person sighed as he spoke with a sad look on his face, "He said that unless and until he is able to get out of this place he cannot be healed."


    Chianyu sighed as he rubbed his forehead in exasperation as the other person kept on speaking, "Not to mention do you know when he got hurt."


    Chianyu shook his head negatively as the other person spoke with a sigh, "It was during the second-floor fiasco he was injured and even as we are speaking he is battling with the poison."


    Chianyu gawked at him as he spoke with disbelief, "He is fighting against something for almost a decade that killed others within a second, just what is he?"


    With a wry smile, the person continued, "Since learning that Su-Min has been inconsolable."


    Chianyu let out a heavy sigh as he spoke, "Of course she would be after all Ryuu traded his life for hers if he had not protected her she would be dead."


    "That also explained one thing."


    Chianyu looked at the person with a curious look on his face as he spoke, "What is it, brother?"


    "Whenever we had a tiring battle Ryuu would disappear from some time, and then he would reappear again looking a bit worn out and tired, I always thought he was worn out because of the battle but now I know, he would have had an episode and was hiding it from all of us."


    Chianyu balled his fist hard as he spoke with anger in his voice, "But, why? Why would he hide it from us?"


    Once again the other person ran his hand through his hair as he spoke, "That was something that also crossed my mind, not to mention I was angry at him for that, but Severing Saber deduced it for us."


    "Ho and what did that old man deduce."


    With a sigh, the man spoke, "At first it was because we were strangers, then the Deva realm stragglers joined us, but most importantly because of our morals."


    "Our morals??"


    With a nod, the man replied back to his question, "Yes our morals, have you seen how he had gone up to become one of the most trusted and respected cultivator presents amongst us, how he is our leader in a sense, now think of it what would happen if we saw him collapse."


    A look of horror crept up on Chianyu''s face as he spoke, "We would have crumbled under pressure, some of the battles we were only able to win was because Ryuu stood tall and lead us, inspiring us."


    Chainyu sighed as he spoke, "So true without him even the thought that our group could make this far is nothing but fantasy."


    Meanwhile, Ryuu simply grumbled as he sent a stink eye towards True-Spear, he had half a mind to chuck his shoes at him.


    True-Spear somehow managed to prevent the large grin that threatened to form on his face as he spoke with a concerned laced tone, "Please brother Ryuu, it is for your own good, that you should be confined to the bed."


    "Shut up."


    True-Spear simply shook his head as he spoke while mockingly chiding him, "Please do not be so angry we are only thinking for your own benefit."


    ~Grrrr~


    As Ryuu visibly growled as Zywia slightly punched True-Spear on his shoulder as he spoke with a glare, "Stop aggravating him, here Ryuu I brought you some porridge."


    Ryuu was visibly shaking from anger only for his anger to drop as Frost Flames appeared and seeing the duo a scowl formed on her face as she spoke, "Stop bothering Ryuu, and scram from here, if he says he is fine then he is fine so stop pestering him."


    Seeing the enraged look on her face the duo simply left while giggling as Frost Flames covered her face as she spoke with a tired sigh, "He may physically over a million years old, but mentally he is stuck at five-year-old age, I wonder if he will ever mature and now he found someone similar."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "They are like peas in a pod."


    Frost Flames nodded before she sat beside Ryuu holding his hand as she spoke with concern laced in her voice, "Are you alright Ryuu? This one was even worse than before."


    Ryuu gave her hand a small squeeze as he spoke, "I am fine love, I am perfectly fine, it is true that attack was much severe than before but I am fine."


    She then placed her head on his shoulder as she spoke, "Are you still planning to attempt the fifteenth floor."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "I do not want to have some regrets later on, as such I would attempt because this will be the last time I will be stepping inside Eden, and after all, once I become Celestial I will be debarred from entering this place."


    Frost Flames nodded as she spoke, "This place really is unique, no matter what anyone says this place I do not know what to think of this place."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke while gently embracing her, "You right love, and you are not the only one, since the day it was first discovered the questions and motives for its origins have plagued countless seniors but none have managed to answer it."


    "Do you think there are more floors after the fifteenth one?"


    Ryuu was silent for a moment before he spoke, "It would be disappointing to note that there is no level after the fifteenth."


    "And if there is one will you attempt it?"


    Ryuu was silent for a moment before he spoke, "No idea if there is time I might try though."


    They stayed silent for a moment as Ryuu''s mind was working overwork at her words, ''She is right there might be another level, but will I be able to attempt it or will be in a position to attempt it, even dragging everyone this far is a chore, the allure of treasures could only work so much.''


    His mind then wandered off to another issue, ''Then the thing about my age, that I have yet to discuss with them, cultivators do tend to overlook age gap, because to them it is meaningless in the long run but my case is different I have yet to live the hundredth year of my birth compared to their millions.''


    "What are you thinking?"


    Frost Flames'' words brought him out of his musings as he spoke with a small smile on his face, "Nothing I was just thinking about the immediate Tomb exploration and the subsequent exploration into the fifteenth floor."


    Frost Flames frowned as she spoke, "If this place would throw random scenarios every time, then at least we would have had an idea what we will be facing."


    "Hmm, maybe so but I like it like this, after all, it increases that charm and allure of this place."


    "So true my love, so true."


    Ryuu hummed in deep thought before he spoke, "The group that had managed to conquer the fourteenth floor went on to become a legend by themselves, they were a team of twelve, since then a handful had managed to copy their legend with the help of much larger group but none has managed to surpass them."


    He took a deep breath as continued again, "I grew up learning about them, idolizing them, wishing to be like them, and now on the eve of surpassing them I do not know what to feel."


    Frost Flames gently kissed Ryuu on his lips as she spoke, "Love, I do not know about others, I do not know about those legends but I believe no I know that you will surpass them because you are Ryuu, the man I love more than anything in this world."


    Ryuu simply smiled as he gave her a chaste kiss before speaking with love shining in his eyes, "Thank you, my love, I am glad I met you."

 Chapter 460 - Tomb of the thousand armed asura (Part-1)

    Ryuu looked at the assembled group of people in front of him, his eyes roamed over all the cultivators who were present gearing up to storm into the tomb.


    "I hope it would be better than the last one."


    Ryuu looked back towards Su-Min before he winced remembering the downtrodden look on her face, she was so excited to explore the tomb, but then it turned out to be very frustrating and nearly fatal joke courtesy of the owner of the tomb.


    "I hope so to Su-Min."


    Upon hearing Ryuu''s words Su-Min looked up at him with her eyes wide, before her eyes suddenly turn towards the ground making Ryuu sigh in exasperation, ''Great, since learning about my condition the most boisterous person has become an introvert, especially around me.''


    "Su-Min, look at me."


    As Su-Min stood there unresponsive Ryuu forced her to face him by holding on to her shoulder, even then when she refused to look towards him but was busy staring at the ground, Ryuu forced her to look up by holding her chin before he spoke with a frown, "That was not your fault, see I am still fine and alive, so stop blaming yourself."


    Su-Min''s eyes gained tears on it before she spoke, "How could I not? Because of my carelessness, you got injured, how am I not to blame?"


    "Did you order me to save you? No, then stop blaming yourself."


    "Back then when you told you were injured and assured us that you had it under control, I did not think you were in such a bad shape, but that day��"


    As she trailed off Ryuu spoke with a smile, "Believe me, when I am fine I really mean I am fine and as for being not in control, then please relax it was an isolated incident something of that nature would not occur again."


    Su-Min simply sniffed as tears fell from her eyes before she spoke, "You are too cruel Ryuu too cruel, I do not know how I will ever be able to repay my debt to you, you not only saved my life but are now suffering because of it."


    "Please Su-Min you have already repaid the debt to me by bringing joy and happiness to our life, you are like the blossom of joy and happiness so please cheer up, and that incident took place a long time ago, and I promise that within a year I will be cured of it so please I request you to cheer up."


    "As I said and stand by my words, you are too cruel, but I will not disobey you, and follow your words for now."


    "That is more than anything I could ask of you, just look at others how dejected they look like seeing the most boisterous and joyous member looking so full of gloom and dejected."


    "Ryuu is right sister, without your smile the world looks bleak and colourless to us."


    Su-Min looked Frost Flames who approached her and gave her a small hug before she spoke, "My master always says, the greatest teacher is our past, remember it and learn from it, but make sure to surpass it, so please stop feeling sad and try to overcome your sorrows, we are here and Ryuu hears, not to mention did he not promise you that he would be cured within a year, and I know he is not the type to break his words, so please cheer up."


    "Yes sister, please stop crying, after all, if you are sad how would we celebrate the idiot getting cured", Ryuu could not help but protest Zywia''s words with a loud ''Oi'', but Zywia did not pay any heed to it as she continued, "Not to mention how will we stop him from harping about conquering the fifteenth floor seeing you like this will make him depressed and make it harder for him to focus on his goals."


    Su-Min wiped out her tears before she spoke with a weak smile, "See, I am fine there is nothing to worry about me."


    With a bright smile, Zywia spoke, "See this is how you make miss crybaby from shedding her waterworks."


    In an instant Su-Min''s weak smile vanished as with a roar of righteous anger she chased after an already fleeing Zywia, "Who are you calling ''miss crybaby'', you witch come back here and take your punishment like a woman."


    Ryuu could not help but let out a belly full of laughter as did the rest of his group, Amnon wiped out the tears that had formed on his eyes from laughing as he spoke, "Those two are a riot, never did they not manage to uplift our mood with their antics."


    Ryuu snickered as he spoke, "So true, the first time I meet her, Zywia was like a cold aloof person, I thought her to be a very serious person who never even have heard the word ''laugh'', but now I am mistaken about my initial impression of her from back then."


    "That is what I love about her."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/heavenly-dao-child_11448539305377005/tomb-of-the-thousand-armed-asura-(part-1)_51000665492734078 for visiting.


    As others turned towards True-Spear he spoke with a small smile on his face, "That is what drew me near to her, her carefree and happy nature, and that is something I cherish about her and want to protect even with my life."


    "And that is something you should not say brother, no matter how much heartfelt those words were, I do not see her happy without you by her side."


    Frost Flames nodded as she spoke, "I agree with Ryuu, brother search words and actions please try to avoid, I do not wish to see her sad."


    True-Spear grumbled as he spoke, "Fine, fine I understand.", with that, he looked toward a fleeing Zywia with a look full of love and happiness.


    "Brother Ryuu", hearing his name being called Ryuu''s head turned towards the speaker and was greeted with the sight of Devaraj approaching him, but before he could speak or greet, Devaraj spoke with concern in his voice, "Brother Ryuu are you alright? You had given us quite the scare, as such if you feel unwell even a little then please I request of you to take some rest."


    Ryuu''s brow twitched violently as he somehow managed to suppress the sudden urge to murder Devaraj, ''These idiots, I am reaching my limit with them, since the last hour no more than a hundred have asked me the same question along with the same advice, even if I am now standing a good few distances away from the group, they are still approaching me and asking me the same question one by one, so annoying.''


    Even after being annoyed greatly he somehow managed to control himself as he spoke with a fake smile on his face, "I am fine, brother and thank you for asking me, and as for the tomb raiding, it is a fine day and it would be criminal not to take advantage and raid a tomb today."


    Devaraj nodded back at him before he spoke, "Well if you are fine then that is great, see you later.", with that he left.


    As he did so Ryuu''s face reverted to a scowl, as True-Spear spoke with a serious look on his face, "Brother Ryuu there is something that I will have to ask you."


    Ryuu seeing the serious look on True-Spear''s face spoke out earnestly, "What is it, brother?"


    Amnon quickly entered their conversation as he spoke, "In fact, I also wish to ask you something brother Ryuu."


    Now Ryuu was visibly tensed as he spoke, "Please brothers feel free to ask me anything."


    Then with a rare serious tone, True-Spear spoke, "Brother Ryuu, are you alright?"


    As he finished asking him Amnon quickly chimed in with a concerned look on his face, "You know you gave us quite the scare, as such if you feel unwell even a little then please I request of you to take some rest."


    As they finished the sentence, Ryuu stared at them with a dumbfounded look on his face, as the duo tried to keep the look of concern while not dissolving into to fits of laughter but alas it was too much for True-Spear who could not help but let out a snicker.


    Ryuu shook visible awhile balling his fists hard before his killing intent slammed on to the duo, then he roared out, "DIE!!!!!!!", the duo had already anticipated his reactions as they had already turned tail and ran as fast as they could, because before long Ryuu was hot on their heels with his weapons poised to strike at them.


    Both Frost Flames and Daniella could not help but let out a sigh of exasperation while shaking their head in disbelief, before they felt a comforting hand on their shoulder courtesy of Frozen Ocean who spoke with a sympathetic look on her face, "You two are brave, and I admire the patience you two need to possess to deal with these juvenile idiots."


    "Everyone please gather around, it is time to enter the tomb, please gather around, the array masters please begin your work, start tearing down the protective arrays and traps at the entrance."


    A loud shout drew their attention as the entire group regrouped with Ryuu shortly leaving to join the rest of the array masters to begin their assault at the protective arrays glowing threateningly to harm any who dared to trespass.

 Chapter 461 - Tomb of the thousand armed asura (Part-2)

    "Okay, you maintain this sequence whereas I will change the other part and try to resonant it with this part of the array so that it would dismantle the entire trap."


    The cultivator nodded as Ryuu slowly began to work with the array, and soon with a loud hum, the entire part of the giant array dismantled itself, setting off a chain reaction as slowly every piece of the array was undone.


    Ryan wiped the bead of sweats of his forehead before he spoke with a huff, "Finally we manage to tear down the array, now we can enter the tomb."


    As he looked at his fellow array masters who were sporting various signs of tiredness yet they had smile full of relief on their faces.


    "Three days three whole days it took for you to break it down."


    As Severing Saber''s voice came to his ears Ryuu let out a sigh as he spoke, "Hey, do not blame us, the creator of the array was a nuisance, he created a cascading type of array, if we removed one of them, the others would retaliate and would have slaughtered us, not to mention during the process it would repair itself completely, making it futile and fatal to even try and break the array."


    True-Spear frowned as he spoke, "So, what did you do?"


    Ryuu smirked as he spoke, "Remember brother no matter how perfect a puzzle is there is always a solution, this is just like a giant puzzle and the solution was simply making it feel threaten, but at the same time the resonance I created would reverse the healing effect to dismantling it, and you just witnessed the result."


    One of the cultivators sighed as he spoke, "It was great that you had identified the array, or else we might have died."


    Ryuu simply smiled back at him as the person continued, "But, solving that jumble of array was absolutely brilliant, it was like separating a string from a bundle which would have exploded upon the slightest bit of touch, it was brilliant simply brilliant."


    "Why thank you, but I vote we take a short rest before moving forward, if the outside is such a mess, I fear what we might find in the inside, as such please exercise caution."


    Severing Saber nodded as he spoke, "I support him, as our array masters all look a bit drained."


    Ryuu nodded towards him before making his way towards his group, who were waiting for the array masters to finish their work, but the time taken to do so had taken their toll on them and they group looked extremely bored.


    As Ryuu sat beside Frost Flames, Zywia could not help but ask him out, "What kind of traps were there?"


    "Well the usual kind, that would rip you apart, shred you apart, poison you, drain you of your KI and leave you a cripple, but amongst the best type that I had found was the one on top of the entrance, a special concoction that would have melted even your bones."


    Zywia visibly winced at that before he spoke, "It means it would be even more hectic than the last tomb."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke with a grimace, "Yes, it would be." before his eyes fell on Frozen Ocean before he spoke with a frown, "Sister please be careful, if the outside is so dangerous, the inside could be even more dangerous, and please stay close."


    Frozen Ocean scowled as she spoke, "I know."


    "Please sister, I am not specifically targeting you, I am reminding everyone including myself, how dangerous it could be, if Zywia would have not reacted fast then you would have died, this is same for all of us, especially with this one just the entrance took us such a long time, as such we will have to be extra vigilant or else we will die."


    "Here, Ryuu I made some tea for you."


    Ryuu gave Daniella a small smile as he took a cup of herbal tea, the aromatic smell of the fresh herbs brought a refreshing change in Ryuu, as he sipped it he instantly felt energized as the mental fatigue he had suffered washed away with the liquor.


    "Wonderful, simply wonderful, Sister Daniella, you make a killer tea."


    Zywia grinned as she spoke, "That means a lot sister, Ryuu is a tea critic, and if you had failed to impress him you would have faced legendary tantrum."


    "Oi, I am not that bad."


    Zywia deadpanned at him as she spoke, "Really, I do happen to hear from your sister that, a certain eight years old destroy a tea shop because the tea was not up to his liking."


    "Hey it is not my problem, what they were serving was an abomination that was taunting me to destroy it, so it is not the problem rather the tea and the tea maker''s problem for brewing a ghastly gut-wrenchingly hideous concoction and passing it around as tea and thereby insulting all the heavenly marvellous thing known as tea."


    Zywia shook her head as she spoke, "I stand by my statement."


    Daniella simply giggled as she spoke, "Then I am glad that I managed to make something that he liked, I am not sure I would want to face brother Ryuu''s tantrum."


    Ryuu simply pouted as True-Spear spoke with a loud laugh, "Then I have to say you have extremely bad luck brother."


    As everyone looked at True-Spear curiously he elaborated further while sending a teasing smirk towards Frost Flames, "My martial sister cannot cook to save her life."


    Frost Flames'' eyes narrowed as she spoke with barely concealed anger, "Are looking for a thrashing brother?"


    True-Spear raised his hand in mock surrender before he spoke, "Wah, stop you know it is true or did you forget our master a DaoFather almost died upon testing it once or the fact that the other disciples of the sect consider your cooking as the ultimate weapon against enemies."


    As he spoke Frost Flames'' visibly shook in anger, as her aura became visible, as her killing intent began to surround them, only to return to her normal state as Ryuu quickly held her hand.


    She huffed in anger before turning her head away from True-Spear''s direction as Ryuu spoke with a sigh, "Love there is no need to feel sad about it, so what you may not be able to cook that does not make you less in my eyes, why in fact I know someone who is a terrifyingly strong cultivator, but she is a lethal cook."


    Frost Flames looked down as she nodded while True-Spear received a harsh glare from Ryuu, who immediately apologized, "Sorry sister, I went too far so please forgive me, I should not have teased you in such an unsightly manner."


    Frost Flames was silent for a moment before she spoke with a sigh, "It is fine for now brother but I will get even with you, after leaving Eden I am going to force-feed you my cooking."


    True-Spear opened his mouth wide to protest only to receive the blunt force of combined killing intent of Zywia, Frozen Ocean as well as Ryuu, the message was clear, ''Do what she wants or else��''Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/heavenly-dao-child_11448539305377005/tomb-of-the-thousand-armed-asura-(part-2)_51047391498917567 for visiting.


    As such he swallowed hard before he choked out with a defeated look on his face, "As you wish sister, if that is what required for me to be forgiven, then that is how I will repent."


    Amnon could not help as he choked on his tea, courtesy of the drama unfolding before his eyes, and according to him, it was the best decision that he had made to accompany the group.


    As Ryuu finished his tea he spoke with a sigh, "I think we have rested enough as such it is high time to move."


    The others nodded as Ryuu stood up before approaching Severing Saber as he spoke, "I think it is time for us to move."


    Severing Saber gave a nod before he shouted out, "Everyone, stand up. We are storming the tomb."


    With lots of cheer and a few groan, the group gathered only to be stopped by Chianyu who quickly approached them with a concerned look on his face.


    "Brother seeing the trap outside, it got me thinking what if the door has many traps behind it and the moment we open it we might trigger it."


    Ryuu frowned before he spoke with a serious look on his face, "Excellent thinking brother, do you have a solution for it."


    Chianyu nodded as he spoke, "I have, yesterday while patrolling I had stumbled upon a group of Iron bamboo trees, I cut them down, we could have the KI refining cultivators to use them to remotely force the door open from a distance."


    "Amazing idea brother Chianyu, amazing idea.", upon saying that Severing Saber shouted out once again, "KI refiners it is time to shine for us, we are going to open the door from a distance."


    With that the KI refiners each picked up a large piece of the bamboo which was soon floating by their side before Severing Saber spoke while looking towards Ryuu, "Brother how much further should we retreat."


    Ryuu frowned hard at the question before Frost Flames replied on his behalf, "At least a couple of dozen kilometres as if worse comes to pass, then we could run away from here."


    With that suggestion, the group soon stood over twenty kilometres away from the gate as the KI refiners used the Iron Bamboo pieces to slowly force the door open.


    A loud sizzling sound was heard before a turquoise smoke was released from the tomb, it was so fast that in a blink of an eye it covered a few kilometres easily before it begins to dissipate.


    Seeing the anything that came in touch being corroded and left as a molten sludge including the ground made everyone gulp in fear, a certain memory began to resurface back in everyone''s mind only to be forced back.


    Ryuu narrowed his eyes as he looked at the tomb, before he spoke in an impressed tone, "Amazing the ground, the vegetation everything melted upon coming in contact with the gas, even the bamboo pieces are no more but the tomb itself is unscathed."


    He took a deep breath before he spoke, "I hope this is the last time we will have to face it, it could be extremely dangerous.", before his eyes fell on Chianyu as he spoke with a smile, "Brother thank you for your quick thinking and warning."


    Chianyu simply gave him a nod as he spoke, "I agree with you brother I hope this was n isolated incident, I so do not want to face it in a closed place."


    As the gas dissipated completed completely Severing Saber once again shouted out, "Everyone, move forward and be cautious, we have come so far and there is only a year left do not lose your life foolishly."

 Chapter 462 - Tomb of the thousand armed asura (Part-3)

    The group slowly and cautiously entered the tomb, their senses ever vigilant to spot the next trap that was waiting to spring on them.


    "A rather large hallway.", one of the cultivators remarked though Ryuu did not pay any attention to him rather he was busy looking around trying to figure the next trap.


    "Part of the ceiling near the entrance seems to have fallen off, do you think that was the trap."


    Ryuu''s eyes fell on speaker as Severing Saber spoke with a frown, "I think so to that gas was definitely stored behind the part of the ceiling and once it fell off the gas was released, though I would not recommend touching the walls, ceilings or the floors."


    Hearing his warning Ryuu could not help but speak out loud, "Residual poison."


    Severing Saber nodded with a grim expression on his face as he spoke, "Yes residual poison."


    The hallway was larger for the entire group to enter easily, but as soon as the last of their member entered the room with a bang the door closed behind them, startling everyone.


    "Damn it we are trapped."


    One of them cried out in fear, which soon turned into a cacophony only to be silence by Ryuu with a good helping of his aura and killing intent.


    "Silence.", as the sound subsided abruptly Ryuu continued to speak, "Now array masters, with me we have work ��."


    Whatever he was about to say came to an abrupt halt as a holographic image formed and a voice came to their ears, "Greetings, robbers and thieves, greetings I hope you have had a nice journey to my tomb, to those idiots who do not know me my name is Daoist Thousand Arms, also known as Thousand Arms Asura, how I died and when I died are irrelevant but what I know is that I had failed to accomplish one thing, a great thing, that is living behind my legacy, I forgot to take a student."


    The figure paused for a second before it began to speak again with a smile, "As such I left behind a soul imprint that would oversee the trials, passing which you would have access to my techniques and skills that made me famous, which are kept somewhere in this tomb, and with the hope that you succeed I advise you to pay attention to the instructions and try not to die."


    With his words being said the figure vanished from their sight as once again a murmur began to spread amongst the group only for a deep booming voice to be heard, "During the trial KI cannot be used."


    No sooner did they hear those words they suddenly felt as if their KI was being chained down to the point that they had become mortals and a side effect of which caused them to temporarily lose their ability to fly.


    As a result, the cultivators all fell to the ground on a heap, with a few crying out in pain, Ryuu gathered his bearings as he quickly shifted through his fall carrying Frost Flames in a bridal style something that True-Spear quickly copied as he carried Zywia, while Amnon, on the other hand, ended up to be a living cushion for Daniella.


    "Are you alright my love?"


    Frost Flames nodded as Ryuu let her go as he turned around he stifled a laugh seeing Amnon sprawled on the floor with his Dao Companion sitting on top of his back without a care of the world.


    He turned his head as he watched Frozen Ocean had helped Su-Min to land, he sent her a nod which she returned, as his eyes then fell on others he frowned, ''Some of them failed to land properly though we are stronger than a normal mortal still a couple managed to even sprain their legs, pathetic that is what my master would call them seeing their such poor performance, it is true if someone receives a blow in a particular manner they would be hurt to the point their bones would break but for cultivators who share my level to get injured by only falling a hundred meters is really pathetic.''


    "Is everyone alright?"


    As Ryuu shouted out his concern one of the people winced as he spoke out loud, "Ugh, damn it, I bungled up my landing and sprained my leg, but I am unable to access my space ring I hope one of you will help me out a bit."


    A stunned silence once again descended as many tried to open their space bag or space ring and failed miserably only for Devaraj to speak with a snort, "You people can sometimes act like a fool, that person already told us no KI is allowed here and it is already suppressed to the point that we are mortals, so do you think a ''mortal'' like us has enough strength to operate them."


    Severing Saber nodded with a grin on his face as he spoke, "So true now buckle up and sorry but you will have to wait to heal it naturally."


    His words were replied by a groan as Severing Saber continued to speak, "I hope you all understand how dire our situation is, no extra weapons, no talismans, no healing pills nothing all we could do is move forwards on our two legs and clear any obstacle with our two hands without the blessings of our KI a slight mistake would not only end our lives but at worse make us cripple."


    Ryuu nodded before he looked down at his hands, especially certain bangles that he was wearing, ''Hmm, it seems I am still able to use both my partners though it is a shame I will not be able to use my bow not only it is sealed it requires KI to use it.''


    He then looked towards Frost Flames as he whispered to her, "Stay close to me, I do not know how we are going to fair my abilities have been greatly hampered."


    With a serious look on her face, Frost Flames nodded as Froze Ocean approached the duo as she spoke with a concerned look on her face, "Brother the seal on the poison."


    Ryuu smiled at her as he spoke, "Do not worry I have precautions for that, which will work effectively for the next two years as such you do not have to worry about it too much."


    Frozen Ocean simply nodded as suddenly the sound of a stone door opening was heard and as they were greeted by the way to a new area.


    With great caution, the group moved as they came in front of a flight of stairs, rather odd shape stairs which were not even wide enough for a person to stand properly but was higher than even the tallest amongst them by quite a bit.


    True-Spear looked at as he let out a whistle, "Damn that is quite the climb, I suddenly I do not have the urge to move forward."


    Zywia chuckled as she spoke, "You took words right from my mouth."


    Suddenly the sound of stone door closing came to their ears as Ryuu spoke with a sigh, "Well either stay here trapped or move forward, Brother True-Spear with me."


    True-Spear looked curiously at Ryuu but followed after him and upon reaching the centre of the first step Ryuu spoke to him, "Brother lift me and let me see if there is kind of trap on top of it."


    True-Spear simply nodded before hoisting him up as Ryuu''s eyes wondered over the step and upon seeing no trap he spoke with a sigh, "There are no traps on this step, so it is safe and I think we have to use the buddy system for it."


    "What system now?"


    Ryuu looked down as he spoke, "Well we have to one will help them to reach the higher steps, and upon reaching the step the other will pull the one up to that level."


    True-Spear grimaced as he spoke, "It would be tiring."


    Ryuu snorted as he spoke, "Understatement of the year."


    With that Ryuu climbed the first step before bending down and offering his hand to True-Spear who took it before pulling himself up with a huff.


    Seeing their method others began to emulate and soon every one of them began to help each other to climb up, in the manner Ryuu had suggested.


    It had been a few hours and all of them were dead tired from the climbing the stairs that seemed to be never-ending.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click /book/heavenly-dao-child_11448539305377005/tomb-of-the-thousand-armed-asura-(part-3)_51117939306316100 for visiting.


    "Thirty thousand stairs, thirty thousand stairs, damn how difficult it is for normal mortals when I leave this place I swear I will never look down on mortals, this is beyond ridiculous, I have...aiii."


    The cultivator who had begun his tirade had forgotten how narrow the steps were and had slipped but before he could fall Devaraj caught him as he spoke in a harsh tone, "Do not fool around without our KI that fall would kill you."


    The cultivator wiped out his sweat off his brow before he spoke with his voice full of gratitude, "Thank you, brother."


    And after another couple of hours of climbing the tired group finally managed to reach the very top, and in front of them was a large mountain.


    As Ryuu looked at it his eyes widen in shock as he mused, ''Oi oi that mountain is at least twice the height of Everest the highest peak in my last world, do we have to climb it not to mention the side is almost vertical.'', before a smile formed on his lips, ''Though I would like to get my hands on the array schematic of the tomb, to put a mountain so large inside the not so large tomb this array work is impressive.''


    "Oh no, you have to be kidding me."


    A shout from one of the cultivators drew their attention as they all looked to what seemed to be another set of instructions.


    ''Climb climb my little challengers lest the ground falls and with you to your death.''


    "What does it mean?"


    Zywia''s innocent question was answered as with a rumble the stairs began to collapse and along with it, the cracks began to form on the ground.

 Chapter 463 - Tomb of the thousand armed asura (Part-3)

    Ryuu gritted his teeth as he looked at the large mountainside before looking back towards the collapsing ground, a familiar feeling arose in his heart upon seeing the mountainside, as a large smile formed on his face.


    ''I missed it so much, I loved freehand climbing, and it was so much fun, but even after my memories returned I never tried my hobby again.''


    ''I miss it the thrill, the rush of adrenaline, and now I will have it all and what better way to accomplish it either do or die situation, just the way it should be for a cultivator and I like it.''


    "Ryuu you are smiling, why?"


    Only after hearing Frost Flames'' voice, as he brought out of his musings as he replied, "Nothing it brought an old memory of mine,", with that he looked back to the mountainside as he spoke, "So we will have to climb upright, well it would be interesting."


    He then looked towards the other members of his groups as he spoke, "Will you be able to climb or do you need any help."


    True-Spear frowned as he spoke, "I think we will need all the help we can get, I doubt any of us have ever climbed a mountain like this."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "So true why do need to give undue pain to our hand and feet when can fly."


    Frozen Ocean meanwhile frowned for a moment before she cut gave a generous cut to her long skirt while quickly tying it in a manner to protect her modesty as other looked at her she rolled her eyes as she spoke, "I doubt this long skirts will be extremely helpful while climbing so please quickly fix your dresses so that it might not cause a problem for you."


    As the other ladies in the immediate vicinity nodded quickly followed her example Ryuu meanwhile turned towards Frost Flames as he spoke with a frown, "Love do you need me to carry you."


    Only for Frost Flames to give him a small smile as she spoke, "Thank you for asking but no, I do not want any preferential treatment in comparison to others I still have my pride as a cultivator to protect."


    Ryuu simply gave her a small nod as he spoke, "Then please stay as close to me as possible."


    Frost Flames nodded as Ryuu took of his the top of his robes exposing his torso before tying it at his waist and then he turned towards True-Spear as he spoke, "Brother True-Spear I will be the lead, follow me strictly from what I can see the climb will be difficult not only that we do not have ropes to secure ourselves so be careful, remember you will be the last to climb if someone falls to try to catch him or her but no heroics.", his fell on others as he continued, "And remember to follow my path as exactly as possible and be fast."


    With his piece being said Ryuu looked up as he let out his breath his mind soon became empty as the sound surrounding him disappeared, he stood there momentarily as his group watched but unknown to them he was not only focusing but he was charting out a path in his mind.


    Ryuu then lowered his head as others had already moved away from his path watching him closely, then they watched him begin with a running start as the others of his group followed after him, with a small leap he stepped on a part jutting out, and then using it as the jumping platform he moved even higher to catch hold to another part that was jutting, as he pulled himself with its help.


    True-Spear looked at Ryuu who was moving incredibly fast as he jumping grabbing and latching to the rock pulling him fast as a look of awe dawned on many of the cultivator''s faces as True-Spear could not help but remark out loud, "Is he a spider or what?"


    Meanwhile, Ryuu was a good few distances up when Severing Saber shouted out, "Start climbing you lazy bones we do not have all day."


    His shout jolted everyone awake as they slowly began to climb up trying to copy Ryuu''s climbing but it was difficult for them, not only were they inexperienced but they had no access to their KI making it extremely difficult for them but they push forward.


    Amongst them those who were body cultivators they had a little less difficulty especially those whose cultivating techniques granted them a healthy dose of agility.


    Frost Flames grunted as pulled herself up by holding on to a crack as Frozen Ocean spoke with a huff, "Are you now feeling foolish for not accepting Ryuu''s offer."


    "Very.", she then let out a deep breath as she spoke, "How is he moving like that? It seemed that he had prior experience with this, not to mention that smile on his face as if this was meant for him and he really enjoyed it greatly."


    "So you noticed it too, he was greatly excited upon receiving the challenge and now I can understand why.", when all of a sudden Frozen Ocean''s eyes widen as she shouted out in concern, "What is he doing?!!"


    Ryuu meanwhile had put some good distance away from them, he had reached a portion from were moving straight up would be difficult, as the part of him had jutted out quite a bit as of such he will have to cross it like a kid in a monkey bar, but before he would attempt that he deiced to rest as such finding the crack big enough he had inserted knees and was hanging from it.


    ''Ah, I should check what the others are doing.''


    With that he looked down only to see many gawking at him, then his eyes fell on Su-Mon who was looking down staring at the crumbling ground that had started to gnaw at the base of the mountain.


    "Su-Min"


    Hearing her name being roared outdrew his attention as she looked up he was greeted by the sight of Ryuu completely arching back with his feet touching his back while his knees were inserted into a crack large enough to support him.


    "Eyes up, never look down while climbing it can be disastrous, and all of you pick your pace up."


    Amnon gritted his teeth as he spoke, "Easier said than done, it is quite difficult to do so."


    Ryuu waited for others to reach near him as a grimace flashed past his face, ''Ugh this position is so uncomfortable.''


    As Frost Flames reached his position Ryuu spoke with a smile, "Good work reaching up to this place, though I have to warn you against something."


    Frost Flames grimaced as she spoke, "Oh, and what are you going to warn me about."


    "This part is very difficult so pay extra attention, and also do you feel something different."


    "Like what?"


    "I do not know but I feel the gravity is increasing as we go up."


    Frost Flames grimaced as she spoke, "I do not know but my hands are hurting and I feel extremely tired so maybe it is because even without KI we are strong, also I wanted to ask of you is that is you offer still available."


    Upon hearing that Ryuu could not help but speak with a sad chuckle, "Sorry but the offer has expired, the current place and position would be fatal to do so sorry.", he then sighed as he spoke, "Okay then I am moving forward watch carefully and tell others to do the same a mistake and you die."


    With that once again he began to move, he caught on to the cracks as he began to move horizontally while his feet hang in the air, a few gulped upon seeing the scene, normally cultivators had a strong body and because of the KI even reentering a planet''s atmosphere from space is a piece of cake for them, but in the current condition it was too much for them.


    Without their KI they were suffering greatly but their life was at stake as such they moved on, trying to claw their way to the top.


    Zywia felt her hand sting as it got bruised while holding onto a crack making her wince, as True-Spear how was just behind her spoke in a concerned filled tone, "If you are having problems then let me carry you."


    Zywia shook her head as she spoke, "No please let me do this by my own to hands, not only would be unfair to others but it would be dangerous to do so."


    Ryuu pulled himself up to a very small ledge as he stared at the long chimney-like structure that went for a good few distances.


    As he looked up he felt tears appearing in his eyes as he gained a melancholic look on his face, ''I missed this, but most importantly I missed her, camping with her, climbing with her, what would I not give to return to those moments her laugh.''


    He then slapped himself hard before wiping his tears as he mumbled out lowly, "What the hell are you thinking, that is gone and would never return not to mention you are a different person all together you are not Keitaro, but Ryuu and you have Frost you cannot do such injustice to her by reminiscing and living in your past life, pull yourself up."


    His attention then went to a small sound of panting as he turned back he found Frost Flames hands at the edge of the edge as such he extended his hand and greeted her with a smile and as she caught his hand with a smile he pulled her up.

 Chapter 464 - Tomb of the thousand armed asura (Part-4)

    Ryuu watched the group as they climbed, after reaching the chimney area, Ryuu had stopped on the short ledge as he was showing others how to climb the part, but another part worried him, a quarter of the mountain from the base was gone and they were near about halfway through, as such he could not help but mumble out loud, "Ugh, we have to move faster."


    "Is there something wrong Daoist Brother Ryuu?"


    Ryuu grimaced as he spoke, "We have to pick up speed the mountain is already a quarter gone, so move fast."


    A grimace formed on the person''s face as he moved up following Ryuu''s instruction as he looked at the long line that was rising he sighed, ''At least most have already passed this point, I think it is my time to move up.''


    He moved to the ledge as one of the cultivators who saw him shouted out, "Where are you going Ryuu?"


    "I am moving up."


    With that, he jumped from the ledge holding onto a crack before pulling himself up as a couple of cultivators looked at him with awe, as one of them spoke with a shake of his head, "Monkey, that is some kind of monkey that has cultivated enough to gain human form, there is no other explanation."


    "Brother can you move a little there are so many beauties you are preventing me from peaking."


    The cultivator who was just admiring Ryuu smirked as he spoke, "Sorry brother for hogging all the sight let me move a bit then we can both enjoy��", as he spoke he looked up only for a rock to drop on his head hard making his grip loosen as he slipped down a bit.


    "What the hell are you doing? I would have died."


    The person who threw the rock was a woman, who looked at them akin to the look that one gives to a bug as she spoke with a scowl, "That was my idea you wretched perverts, I wanted you to die, the mountain is disappearing and you are too slow to move if you wish to die then jump off and kill yourselves there is no need to cause others to needlessly die."


    The duo of perverts grumbled before they began to move as did the others behind them.


    Frost Flames arms ached badly as she bit her lips in frustration, ''Ryuu was right the gravity is increasing as we move up, at the same time the air is getting thinner and thinner to the point of nonexistence, it is taxing on our bodies without any KI.''


    A hand suddenly appeared in front of her startling her only to relax as Ryuu appeared with a slightly laboured breathing as he spoke, "How are you holding up."


    Frost Flames gave a tired smile, "So so.", and then a frown appeared as she spoke, "How are you here? You stayed behind back on that ledge."


    "There are many routes to the top, but of all the routes available the one you all are taking is the easiest one."


    Frost Flames simply smiled tiredly as she spoke, "I will stop talking your words are giving me a headache."


    "Then I suggest to pick up the pace the mountain is collapsing incredibly fast."


    A look of alarm passed through her face as she gritted her teeth while forcing her muscles to work harder.


    Ryuu grabbed on to the ledge as he pulled himself up he immediately laid on to the ground as he began his breathing exercise to control his laboured breathing as well as his heartbeat, an exercise his teacher taught him to employ after such laborious work, to better control his blood flow and his breathing in case he has no access to KI.


    Half a minute later Ryuu opened his eyes as he sat up, he then put his hand behind his back to reach his ever-trusty flask with a smile on his face.


    He then proceeded to take a sip from it as he let out a gasp of pleasure as he spoke, "I might not be able to choose from the contents because of the lack of KI, but I am glad that I have access to ''Jade Moonflower Tea'' for the time being.


    His eyes then fell on the next part of their objective they have to cross a large lake and beyond it was a doorway, ''The air is too thin not to mention the gravity of this place is enormous for people that are without KI, even a Body Refiner would have trouble keeping up let alone a KI refiner.''


    As he mused a certain smell caught his nose as he went near the lake to inspect it closely, and a few seconds later his eyes widen slightly before he let out a loose chuckle as he whispered to himself, "And people call me a sadist."


    He sat in meditative position near the edge with his trustee flask in hand as one by one the cultivators all reached the topmost of them were completely drained as they collapsed soon after.


    "Good work all of you, you climbed over sixteen thousand meters to reach the top, amid the increase of gravity, lack of air, not to mention our lack of KI and the sharp jagged rocks but unfortunately it is not over."


    Lots of tired groans and curses came to his ears, as he spoke with a chuckle, "But fear, not the end is at sight, for look over yonder the door to escape this place is just at the other side of the lake."


    True-Spear stood up as he spoke, "Well then what are we waiting for lets march forward."


    With his many groaned as they stood shakily up as Ryuu looked them with a frown, ''My teachers usually made me practice while sealing my KI yet the current me is still feeling some difficulty something is wrong.''


    As the cultivators moved towards the lake Ryuu spoke with a smile, "About that I would like to warn you about the lake."


    Once again he was greeted by groans, as Zywia spoke in a tired voice, "What is wrong with the lake?"


    Ryuu''s smile widens as it gained a sinister look on his face as he spoke, "Whoever this master of the tomb is, well he is a sadist, the lake over there is salt water mixed with a healthy dose of chilli on it."


    A stunned silence descended amongst the group as Ryuu looked at the lake with a hint of approval as he spoke, "Damn I now really wish I would have met him when he was alive.", he then continued with a shrug, "Well there is no point crying over spilt milk."


    With his piece being said he moved towards Frost Flames who was sitting on the ground, he offered her his hand which she took with a smile and as she stood up Ryuu studied her palm as she spoke, "You have lots of cuts and bruises on your palms are you still going to do it on your own."


    Frost Flames smiled at him as she spoke with a nod, "Yes, my love you are helping us a lot and I being your future Dao-Companion cannot slack now can I?"


    Ryuu simply smiled as he spoke, "As you wish my love.", he then looked towards others as he spoke while raising his voice a bit, "Everyone please hurry the collapse would reach the lake soon and I doubt any of you would like to test your luck against the millions of gallons of water stored in it."


    He then let go of her hand but not before giving her a gentle kiss on her cuts making her blush a deep shade of red, he then began to walk towards the lake and as he was knee-deep in the water he looked back as spoke with a smirk, "Well then see you on the other side."


    As Ryuu swam towards the other side many thoughts flashed passed his mind the most prominent being, ''Why did her blood taste a bit funny, hmm maybe it was because of the mineral that is mixing with the blood, ugh I should not have who knows what is in that mineral it could be poisonous as such I will have to tell them to wash their hands but more importantly, I should wash my mouth.''


    The group somehow managed to swim to the other side despite their injuries and as they were recuperating they watched the other side of the lake collapse as the water emptied itself.


    "Look over there at the bottom of the lake, there is plant at the bottom."


    As the shout drew everyone''s attention one of them shouted out in disbelief, "No way that is ''Dragon Blossom Rose'' lucky!"


    As he jumped towards it a handheld his shoulder forcing him back making him snarl in anger, "What the hell are you doing?"


    Only to receive a harsh glare courtesy of Devaraj who spoke with anger in his voice, "You idiot did you not see the surface, it is like a polished bowl, how will you climb up without your KI, you would simply get stuck in there."


    Ryuu frowned as he looked at the plant as he spoke, "Something is off about it."


    His words drew the attention of others as he picked up a small pebble from the shore and then taking aim he threw it towards it, the pebble sailed towards it and then much to the disbelief of others it sailed through it as Ryuu spoke with a sigh, "As I thought an illusion, just the thing that was missing.", he then looked towards the door as he spoke, "Well there is nothing we can do about it, everyone it is time for us to move to the next area."

 Chapter 465 - Tomb of the thousand armed asura (Part-5)

    Antariskh twirled the wine in her glass, as the date of Ryuu''s return drew near, their excitement, as well as the impatience, increased considerably, they knew that Ryuu was injured but the question remained how badly, they knew that Eden changes one considerably as such they wanted to see if their beloved Ryuu will still be there or not.


    "Antariskh is the wine not to your liking?"


    Antariskh was brought out of her musings as she spoke, "Ah what did you say something father?"


    Maheswara smiled as he spoke, "Nothing I was just asking you if the wine is not to your liking you are twirling the glass full of wine for some time now."


    Antariskh gave him a small smile as she spoke, "I would not know if the wine is good or not, after all, I have yet to take a sip of it even though it smells heavenly."


    Veena frowned as she spoke, "What is distracting you so much Antariskh?"


    Antairsikh frowned before she slouched on her seat while rubbing her forehead in exasperation, "I am tired, mother, too tired, handling the business and everything is so tiring, I had high hopes for dropping everything on Ryan''s lap and retiring but he is like a free bird who would suffocate from it, not to mention too young to shoulder such burden yet holding the seat for him is becoming too much for me."


    A sombre look appeared on everyone''s face as her parents'' heart stuck on their throats seeing the tired look on her face as Antariskh continued, "You know sometimes I envy the mortals."


    Celestia frowned as she looked at Antariksh as she could not help but ask out loud, "Why would that be?"


    With a melancholic sigh, she continued, "They do not have to live such a long cursed existence."


    No sooner did her word leave her mouth the combined KI of her family fell on her before she found herself in the tight embrace of Veena making her drop her glass.


    "Please child please whatever you do, please do not think about such, if you are having trouble then please tell we will solve it for you, but please do not say such things, please I do not want to experience the death of another of my child."


    Her words were the trigger that was needed as the other members of her family quickly surrounded her trying to dissuade her, trying to take her mind off of her thoughts making her sigh inwardly at that.


    ''How long has it been since I had been embraced by parents like this, I miss those days when my family was whole, I miss those days but I am too tired and I simply wish to die, but I cannot be selfish, the brother left me the duty to protect my family I will do so no matter what, but I am too tired I do not know how to continue anymore.''


    Meanwhile, her sisters had different thought running through their minds, ''How could we not notice her breaking down, we are sisters, we swore to protect each other, yet we frolicked around dumping all the workload on her shoulder and now our beloved sister is falling apart like this.''


    Sylvana quickly opened a telepathic link with her younger sister as she spoke, ''Shamiran what should we do.''


    ''I know we should lighten her responsibilities, she had been acting like the pillar on which we all are relying on, whether it is our parents or us we all put all our burden on the pillar without thinking and now it is cracking and falling apart.''


    ''I know, damn it, damn it, after brother died she was the one who stood tall to shelter us, then we joined her we promised to each other that as sisters we would watch each other''s back, but now, never have I felt so ashamed.''


    ''True Sis so true, but how are we going to deal with.''


    With a frown on her face, Shamiran replied to her, ''We have to be subtle, our big sister is extremely stubborn, and if she detects even the smallest hint of what we are planning she would be extremely angry.''


    ''Then we have to be extremely cautious.''


    ''Exactly Sylvana, we have to be not cautious to mention we have to recruit Ryuu as well.''


    ''Ryuu, but why? He has shown a lack of interest in this matter and I do not think it would change in the long term.''


    ''I know but if we explain it to him then he will understand and help us, but immense subtlety is required.''


    ''I see where you are going with this Sis, Ryuu can pretend to be somewhat interested after being a bit matured from his ordeal at Eden, but we will have to be careful.''


    ''Do not worry I trust in Ryuu''s abilities.''


    "I am fine mother there is nothing to worry."


    As Antariskh''s voice came to her ears Veena''s grip tighten on her making her gasp, ''Damn it, is she going to crush me to death.''


    Seeing her distress Nuwa placed her hand on her sister wives shoulder as she spoke, "First Sister please loosen your grip a little, you are crushing Antariskh."


    Her voice made Veena release her daughter who spoke with a smile on her face, "See mother I am fine there is nothing for you to worry about."


    But before anyone could say anything Antariskh went ramrod still before her eyes glazed slightly for a brief moment making the others concern for her skyrocket.


    As she came back to senses she found herself held firmly by her father who spoke with a concerned look on his face, "My baby star are you alright."


    Antariskh''s brow twitched before she punched her father hard on his chin as she shouted out in anger, "I am not a baby!"


    As she huffed in anger Nuwa held her hand as she spoke, "Forget that old fool, but daughter please tell us what happened we are all here for you."


    Antariskh smiled at her as she spoke, "Nothing mother I just learned that a year from today I will have my tribulation."


    Hearing her words everyone''s eyes widen when suddenly Antariskh felt herself scooped up in a big hug by Maheswara as he spoke with tears in his eyes, "Aww my baby star grew up and now she is going to at the same level as her daddy."


    Antariskh''s face gained a new shade of red courtesy of Maheswara''s antics as she repeatedly hit her father as she shouted out, "Don''t call me ''baby star''."


    While Maheswara''s wives simply laughed at the antics of the father-daughter duo with a warm smile on their faces, the same could not be said by the two sisters.


    ''Hey Sis, do you think she might purposefully fail the tribulation so that she might die.''


    ''Shamiran! Don''t speak such nonsense.''


    ''But��''


    Sylvana frowned as she replied to her, ''Even if it costs my life I will not let her commit suicide.''


    ''Me too big sister me too.''


    ********


    Meanwhile, back with Ryuu and his group things were not going well for them, not only were their KI completely sealed but various problems began to show up, mainly hunger and thirst not to mention extreme fatigue.


    Since the time at the top of the mountain, neither the density of air has increased nor has the gravity itself returned to normal making it worse for them.


    ''This is unbearable we have been here for months and we have to endure one challenge after another and now the greatest of all is hunger and thirst, locked in this place with no way of escape hunger is tearing us apart and then the thirst, there is nothing for us to drink and the wine would make us more thirsty, damn it, we are already at our limits.''


    He looked at the dizzy Frost Flames that he was supporting along with Frozen Ocean, with Su-Min already on his back unconscious, and same was the case of Zywia who was on True-Spear''s back.


    "We won''t last long inside this trap, it is getting ridiculous."


    "So true brother True-Spear, so true but there is nothing we could do here except move forward, how long has it been since we have been trapped here."


    A faint voice of Frost Flames came to his ears, "Six months we have been trapped here for six months now."


    Hearing her voice made him wince as Ryan could not help but ask out loud, "Brother how many of ours are still there with us."


    True-Spear sighed before he turned to look back before he spoke with a shake of his head, "Less than a hundred, less than a hundred remain."


    Ryuu bit his lips as he drew blood before he began to speak again, "That mysterious technique of brother Severing Saber is truly otherworldly, even without KI they were at least able to hibernate."


    "But, what good will it be?", The weak voice of Frozen Ocean came to his ears, who continued in a hoarse voice, "Until we clear this level we are stuck."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "I know sis as such despite all odds we are pushing forward."


    "You have got to be kidding me."


    A shout filled with hopelessness came to his ears as he looked forward Ryuu as well his companions felt their heart drop.

 Chapter 466 - Tomb of the thousand armed asura (Part-6)

    Ryuu let out a soft sigh as he looked at the group of contraptions in front of him, contraptions that were not limited to simple blades, or guillotine or pendulum blades but arrows, fire, wind not to mention the walls themselves were moving.


    Ryan watched them for a minute before he shook visibly with his head down making the others worried for him as Frost Flames spoke to him with concern laced in her tone, "Ryuu are you alright? You are shaking."


    Ryuu raised his head as a big smile appeared on his face as he spoke with a burst of deranged laughter, "Finally finally I get to be a real-life Persian Prince, and finally, I can fulfil my long-cherished wish, muahahaha."


    True-Spear took a step back as he spoke with a slight shake of his voice, "Sisters please slowly take a step away from him as I think he has finally cracked."


    His words brought immediate retort courtesy of Ryuu, "Who has finally cracked, I am alright."


    Frozen Ocean raised one of her elegant brows as she spoke, "Is that so? But you insane laughter and spouting about some Prince says otherwise after all, in essence, you are already a prince."


    Ryuu blushed a healthy shade of red from Frozen Ocean''s words as he spoke with a cough, "Well it was a story that I had heard a long time ago my childhood favourite and I always wanted to experience it, and seeing the trap ahead of us just reminded me of it."


    True-Spear rolled his eyes as he spoke, "So will do the honours then."


    Ryan sighed as he spoke, "Seems like it.", he then let go of both Frozen Ocean and Frost Flames who immediately sat down leaning on the wall, while Su-Min was laid by their side with the help of True-Spear.


    Ryuu then looked at the others who had decided to follow their example, while he could easily spot the looks of tiredness and hopelessness in some of their faces making him sigh inwardly, ''This is mentally and physically draining us to the maximum, the pangs of hunger and the scorching thirst are becoming unbearable and with no sign of retreat we have to push forward, even if one of us manages to conquer this level we would be safe.''


    With that thought in mind, Ryuu began to do some stretches to make his muscle more limber as everyone watched him, some with interest while others with a bored look on their faces.


    A few minutes later Ryuu stood tall as he spoke with a smirk, "Well then I am off."


    Frost Flames frowned as she spoke, "Please take care and try not to overdo."


    Ryuu simply flashed Frost Flames a smile before he took a deep breath to calm himself down and focusing on the task ahead.


    He watched as a few footholds appeared then returned to the wall he watched it intently to get the rhythm and once he was sure he began with a running start.


    The first foothold was almost inside the wall when Ryuu had reached it, his left feet touched it barely but it was enough to propel him forward and soon he reached the eight and the last foothold which was about to reach its maximum length, but he could not stop there just barely enough to plot a path so as not to lose the momentum be began to move.


    Jumping on to a nearby wall just a few inches of a serious of saw-tooth blades waiting to cut him up, he managed to run up on the wall for a few distances before jumping towards another ledge on the opposite direction then diving and swinging using the beam as a pendulum blade missed his head by a couple of centimetres.


    Meanwhile, True-Spear could not help let out a whistle of appreciation as he spoke with a look of complete resolution on his face, "I was right he evolved to human from some monkey species."


    Only to be greeted by a small rock hitting his head as Zywia spoke, "Shut up, he is human through and through, though now I am curious about what kind of training his teachers had made him do to make him so agile not to mention his movements is it some kind of technique or skill."


    "Actually, no I do not believe it is some kind of technique or skill per se."


    Zywia looked towards Frozen Ocean as she spoke in a curious tone, "Why is not?"


    "It does not use any KI."


    Frost Flames shook her head as she spoke, "Just because it does not use any KI, calling it not a skill or technique is wrong to think about Senior Brother Severing Saber''s miraculous technique of Hibernation, it does not require KI, not to mention I confirmed from Ryuu that this is indeed a movement skill, though again in a way you are right there are many cultivators who believe that a skill that does not require KI should not be called a skill."


    They watched Ryuu dodged a hail of arrows by twisting and turning in the air before he disappeared from their sight because of a bend.


    Frost Flames looked at his disappearing figure she spoke with a melancholic look on her face, "I hope he will be safe."


    Zywia offered her a weak smile as she spoke, "Do not worry he will be safe, I have complete belief in his abilities."


    Meanwhile, Ryuu ducked as a stream of fire went over his head before jumped as a large spiked mace went passed under him.


    ''Don''t look down, don''t look down.'', he chanted in his head and the reason for that was simple if he fails he would have to take a straight dive into the dark depths and if he was not wrong he spotted a pair of eyes looking at him from the abyss and he was in no hurry to meet the owner of the said eyes.


    He jumped from a beam he had recently landed only to have a mouthful of some poisonous substance that made him sneeze, causing him to falter momentarily but he managed to land safely only for the stair that he had landed to fall, as such he jumped to next as stair which copied the earlier stair.


    If the owner of the tomb were present he would have had a heart attack seeing Ryuu move through the poisonous cloud as if it was nothing after all the poison was a potent one, strong enough that if it were anyone else other than him they would have succ.u.mbed and true to his words the owner did not wish to have some weak people inherit his skills but even then he would not have thought someone would have such high poison resistance that they would bypass it with a sneeze.


    Though the case would have been different with Ryuu who had just entered Eden, if he had come in contact with the poison he would have suffered extreme stomach ache and severe diarrhoea, when others would have died, the high poison resistance he had gained from his various encounter had rescued him from such a fate.


    As Ryuu ran he could feel his muscles scream in agony as his lungs burned whereas his throat screamed for some water.


    ''What kind of insane sadistic maniac would put such conditions, even my teachers were not so brutal I am so hungry, yosh I have decided not to leave my house for a few decades so that I can feat on my teachers delicious cooking.''


    An unholy fire lit up in his eyes as screamed out loud, "My Second Mistress''s food here I come.", with that battle cry he doubled his speed gritting his teeth as he moved forward.


    Meanwhile, back with Frost Flames and others, the sudden shout jolted them from their respective sitting position as many looked towards Ryuu''s direction with a look of alarm on their face only for their attention to be drawn towards Zywia who had broken down in a fit of laughter.


    True-Spear''s brow furrowed as he spoke, "Is something wrong Zywia?"


    "Wrong nothing is wrong it is just the glutton king has awakened inside Ryuu again."


    "Glutton king?"


    Zywia looked towards the cultivator who had spoken in a questioning tone as she replied, "He loves eating too much, as such I was referring him as glutton king."


    Frost Flames snorted at her words as she spoke, "Please calling him King of Glutton is doing him an injustice, during that part held in our honour I could hardly identify only a couple of dozen food item but he on the other hand not only could identify them, he even knew their ingredients."


    True-Spear simply sent a teasing smirk towards his sister as he spoke, "Please sis, anyone can be better than you who cannot tell the difference between sugar and salt."


    Frost Flames growled as she spoke with anger bleeding into her voice, "You are lucky that I do not have enough energy to even move otherwise I would have turned you into a paste."

 Chapter 467 - Making pact with Spirit Beast (Part-1)

    Ryuu stood in front of a small waterfall with an intense look in his eyes, ''Water finally water my parched throat will finally receive the sweet relief of water.


    He raised his hand only to stop as he looked at the liquid with his eyes narrowed, he took a few sniffs before he spoke with a groan, "This is acid, so not cool, I will have to warn others about it."


    Ryuu held his breath before passing through the curtain of acid with his eyes closed, he felt a slight tingle on his skin but he did not pay any heed to it and upon reaching the other side he came face to face with a lever.


    ''I hope this lever will clear the path.'', with the thought in mind Ryuu tried to pull it but just like any previous levers that they had encountered this one was hard to move maybe even harder because he had to single-handedly operate it while withstanding the pangs of hunger and thirst.


    With a groan, the lever finally budged when all of a sudden a door opened while the path that he had taken morphed to a staircase devoid of all traps.


    He sat by the lever as he waited for sometime before he could finally hear the footsteps of others and soon he caught sight of others.


    As Frost Flames and Frozen Ocean came near him he spoke with an apologetic look on his face, "I am so sorry I was too tired to move."


    Frozen Ocean spoke with a huff, "There is nothing to apologize, brother Ryuu, after all, you did all the hard work while we just had to walk a few distances."


    His eyes then fell on Zywia who looked a bit groggy but he could see the tiredness and hopelessness in her eyes, he winced seeing her shrunken cheek due to lack of proper food and water.


    The group arrived first though many were way back and were slowly moving towards Ryuu''s position, True-Spear was carrying Su-Min on his back, not to mention the fact that Su-Min looked incredibly pitiful and as he reached them his stomach let out a growl.


    None of them paid any mind to the ever depressing sound and as they were not only accustomed by now but were every so often hauntingly reminded of it now and then.


    Ryuu stood up holding on to the wall as he spoke, "Let us move."


    "We could take some rest."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No love I believe doing so would be dangerous for people of our condition once we take rest I doubt we would be even able to stand up again, so please try to move a bit."


    Frost Flames nodded weakly before they began to move again but this time the both of them had Ryuu''s support while Su-Min was once again on Ryuu''s back while Zywia on True-Spears.


    As they stepped through the door suddenly a familiar refreshing feeling rose from amongst them, a feeling that they were depressingly missing and like a thirst dehydrated person Frozen Ocean collapsed on her knees at the sight of the Oasis or as in their case the familiar feeling of KI swirling through them.


    "KI we can use KI.", as a teary-eyed Frost Flames spoke those magic words both True-Spear and Zywia had tears of joy in their eyes.


    With a large smile on their face, Ryuu spoke, "Finally finally we are out of their predicament.", his face gained a serious look as he spoke, "First let us recuperate and then we will rescue our brethren who are hibernating no need to keep them in such a condition anymore."


    The members of the group nodded as Zywia climbed down True-Spear''s back before she collapsed on the floor before she began to meditate.


    Ryuu noticed his companions looks slowly becoming better with the time which made a sense of relief to pass through him, ''I now fully understand what some cripple feels like, how did my mother withstand such a horrid feeling without being able to use her KI she persevered for my sake for so long, I wonder what she would say if she saw me like this.'', his eyes then fell on Frost Flames as he mused, ''Will she approve of my choice.''


    "This feeling I miss it so much."


    At the sound of Su-Min''s voice, everyone looked at her as Ryuu spoke with a teasing smirk, "So did you have a nice beauty sleep?"


    Su-Min growled as she spoke, "If I were in a much better shape I would have punched you hard enough to break your teeth."


    Ryuu simply chuckled at that but before he could retort a familiar voice chimed in with loud applause, "Bravo, bravo to all of you who have made it this far, now only the final test is left, a test where you will have to fight a special creature, so Good luck and have fun."


    Blood drained from everyone''s face at the proclamation as True-Spirit spoke with disbelief in his voice, "Is that insane sadistic cultivator kidding? At our current condition attempting another fight would be suicide."


    As soon as the person finished speaking the wall to the right suddenly began to move as a peculiar creature stepped out from behind the newly opened door.


    Ryuu frowned as he looked at the creature that did not have any distinct shape except it was elongated and looked as if made up our pure mercury.


    Ryuu shook again making others look at him curiously as once again with a large smile on his face he spoke, "Heaven''s seems to love me finally I will have a spirit beast companion, muahahaha."


    True-Spear once again took a step back as he spoke in a whisper, "Oi, it seems brother Ryuu has snapped again."


    With his joke being said True-Spear waited for others to laugh as his eyes fell on Zywia only to be taken aback at the look of horror on her face frightening him as such he could not help but ask out loud, "Zywia are you okay? Do you know what kind of creature that is?"


    "Everyone we have to retreat.", her words drew the rest of her group''s attention as she continued to speak, "That is a void eater, it is a dangerous beast at our current condition it would kill us all."


    At her words, both Frost Flames and Frozen Ocean paled as Su-Min spoke with a frown on her face, "That name I remember from somewhere can anyone remind me what kind of creature is that?"


    Her words drew a scathing glare from Zywia who spoke with a huff, "That creature is also known as Cultivator''s bane, they absorb KI as a sponge does to water, thus KI based attacks are useless, if you touch it you will lose your KI, not to mention it does not have any shape so it will morph into any form."


    True-Spear gulped as he spoke, "So we move back slowly towards the entrance."


    Frost Flames nodded as she spoke, "Yes we move back slowly towards the entrance and make no sudden movement."


    Frozen Ocean bit her lips as she spoke, "Don''t it would be more dangerous, what if the moment we step out through the door our KI gets resealed not to mention there is a chance that some might not happen with it and then we are screwed."


    True-Spear bit his lips as he spoke, "So we should kill it."


    Ryuu growled as he spoke, "No one is going to kill my spirit beast."


    The others deadpanned at him as Frost Flames spoke, "Ryuu it will be yours only when you have managed to reach an agreement with it, or otherwise managed to tame it."


    Ryuu nodded with great enthusiasm as he spoke, "I know but do not worry I plan to reach an agreement with it."


    Zywia narrowed her eyes as she spoke, "And how would you accomplish that?"


    Ryuu''s smile seemed to tear off his face as he spoke, "Why according to my sisters the easiest way to do so is to either befriend the spirit beast from a young age since its birth which is not possible so the next best option will beat it until it agrees."


    Both Zywia and Frost Flames let out a pained groan, while Su-Min and Frozen Ocean looked at them with pity, on the other hand, True-Spear nodded as he spoke, "That is some very wise words."


    A guttural roar came from the creature as Ryuu flared his KI and his killing intent as he spoke, "Zywia missed one vitally important thing when she said about the Void Eater."


    Frozen Ocean took her stance as she spoke, "Oh and what is it?"


    "Well more the KI it has consumed from a person the more chances are of it mimicking the said person''s style and skills and if it manages to feast on it the creature can completely fight like its food, so be careful."


    Both Zywia and Su-Min gulped as Ryuu spoke with a bloodthirsty smirk on his face, "Well seems like it is not patient."


    With his piece being said Ryan brought out his weapons while he was suddenly surrounded by thousands of Talisman as True-Spear spoke with a whistle, "And, here he was always complaining about lack of Talismans."


    Ryuu did not say anything as he bellowed out loud, "Be my spirit beast.", with that he began his battle of dominance against the Void Eater.

 Chapter 468 - Making pact with Spirit Beast (Part-2)

    With the warcry, Ryuu appeared directly in front of the Void Eater as he unleashed one of his strongest techniques against it, but he did not directly attack it, instead, he chose to attack the ground causing it to explode as the creature gave another of its guttural roar, but this time it was akin to great pain.


    ''If you cannot touch it then, turn surroundings against it, it might not work as good as directly attacking but for a void eater it is enough.''


    Suddenly the creature''s hand morphed into a whip-like weapon as it tried to catch Ryuu using it but he nimbly dodged them without much problem.


    Ryuu pulled out his flask as the creature was bathed in a healthy dose of alcoholic beverage and as it got near to him Ryuu breath out a small ball of fire that hit the creature and lit the alcohol on it aflame.


    ''Nether Fire Wine'', as its name suggests is a wine with not only very high alcohol but the various spices and herbs added to it makes it extremely spicy to the point that even if it is extremely savoury it can literally peel the skin, a particular brand that was loved by people with not only high tolerance for alcohol but also high poison tolerance.


    The ''Nether Fire Wine'', true to its name and effect, upon coming into contact turned the part of the creature red and upon being lit with fire the creature had the same experience as a badly burned person would do if they were covered with the hottest chilli sauce.


    The creature thrashed and screamed not to mention it ran around rolled on the ground trying to douse the flames but whenever it neared any surface whether it be ground or ceiling Ryuu would attack and cause the surface to explode injuring it.


    As Ryuu was busy fighting the Void Eater, others were busy trying to put distance between them and the fighters as Ryuu''s way of fighting was proving to be causing too much collateral damage.


    Su-Min frowned as she complained out loud, "What kind of fighting style is this!"


    "Apparently the one that works, and till now he is doing fine."


    As Zywia replied to Su-Min, True-Spear could not help but ask out loud, "How dangerous is a Void Eater?"


    "Well, a few decades back a platoon of Dao Father attacked a Void eater of the same level as them and although they had won they did not come completely unscathed."


    Hearing Zywia''s answer True-Spear could not help but gulp as watched Ryuu thrashing the beast easily, while Frozen Ocean could not help but exclaim out loud, "Even if we are of the same level, in reality, we are a world apart."


    Ryuu meanwhile dodged and weaved through numerous attacks that the creature was sending towards his direction as he slowly lured it towards the centre of the room, and as soon as they were at the centre Ryuu snapped his finger as multiple arrays suddenly shown which were drawn courtesy of the many talismans he had used to create them.


    A rather intense gravitational field erupted around the creature pressing it down on the floor, with enough strength to not only immobilize it but it managed to create a crater around it.


    Frost Flames gave an appreciative nod as she spoke, "That is really nice strategy using the ceiling as a base for the Array and then making the creature immobilize to the point it would not be able to move at all."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=11448539305377005)/making-pact-with-spirit-beast-(part-2)_%!d(string=51510985990655343) for visiting.


    Frozen Ocean nodded in agreement as she spoke, "Yes it is not to mention because the creature is being pressed down on the ground there is little to no chance for it to disrupt the arrays."


    Ryuu meanwhile did not waste any time he knew that he will have to win the fight and then show his dominance he had no illusion of suddenly having as cordial of relation as his aunt had with his mother, but he knew that over time he might and till then he would have to show the Void Eater that he was the boss.


    It may be that KI based attacks may not be as useful but nothing was said about soul-based attacks as such he attacked the soul of the creature while discreetly bombarding him with the presence of his ever-present and ever helpful divine body.


    And less than a minute later the beast had completely submitted to Ryuu, seeing that True-Spear was about to speak only to be stopped a loud gasp drawing their attention.


    "Is that void eater?"


    True-Spear gave a nod as he replied to Severing Saber, "Yes older brother it is."


    Severing Saber shook his head as he spoke with a sigh, "This younger brother is amazing to single-handedly take down the beast it is amazing but should he not try to kill him."


    True-Spear replied with a grunt, "He is trying to make the beast his spirit beast."


    "I see."


    Zywia watched as Ryuu cut his palm as blood flowed through, he then rose his hand over what seemed to be the Void Eater''s mouth with the intent to drop a few drops of blood for it to ingest before completing the pact, in this case, a master-slave pact with Ryuu being the master, when all of sudden Zywia suddenly shouted out, "Brother Ryuu stop!!!!!!"


    Her sudden shout seemed to startle others while she watched helplessly the drops of blood fell on the creature''s mouth before it began to convulse badly even with the intense gravity locking it down its body was shaking like grass under a terrible storm, and then a certain sound came to everyone''s ears.


    ~pbrrrt~


    With that, the creature seemed to deflate completely as it melted making Ryuu take a few steps back as he watched it with wide eyes as Zywia shouted from the side, "You idiot! Did you forget how poisonous your blood is? From the numerous attempts at trying to increase your poison resistance, and not to mention the fact that poison from the second floor is still lingering in your blood did you think that the creature could survive."


    Ryuu was taken aback at that in the excitement of getting a spirit beast companion he had forgotten the fact how dangerous his blood was since young he had always wanted a spirit beast companion his first chance came from the Hydra when he was only seven but because of his teammates it was thwarted and now because of his own blood it was thwarted, and then the reality seemed to settle, he will never be able to form a pact until and unless he would find some beast that can withstand the poison in his blood, and he doubted it would be easy as with time it would be toxic enough that there may be none.


    A very devastated Ryuu collapsed on his knees as Frost flames made her way towards his side before hugging him from behind.


    Ryuu looked at the corpse as he spoke with disbelief, "I failed."


    Frost Flames hugged him tighter as she spoke, "There there, it is alright, I know you would one day succeed."


    "Frost Flames is right brother Ryuu, do not worry you will surely find Spirit Beast to form companionship."


    It took them some time but within the next couple of hours the rest of the cultivators of the Manushya Realm had gathered in the room all of them finally free of their hibernated state were relishing in the KI that was now free from the binding.


    Devaraj entered the room with the help of some of his fellow cultivators who laid him on the ground, as during one of the previous challenges he was injured as such he was put into hibernation to prevent him from experiencing the pain, but now since they all were in an area where their KI could be finally unleashed, as such, they woke him up.


    A couple of pills directly from his space ring quickly did its job as he looked healthy as before, Devaraj looked around as he watched his comrades laughing and chatting with a smile on their faces, his eyes then fell on a certain figure who was sitting on the ground with a dejected look on his face, as such Devaraj could not help but ask out loud, "Why is Ryuu moping in a corner like that?"


    One of his fellow companions snorted as he spoke, "Oh him, apparently, this room had a beast that they had to defeat, Ryuu wanted it as his Spirit Beast companion but he messed up and the beast died and now he is brooding and moping."


    Devaraj snorted as he spoke, "I do not know if I should feel pity or I should laugh at his antics."


    "Meh, I laughed at aloud at him.", was the immediate reply of the speaker causing Devaraj to shake his head as a small smile appeared on his lips.


    Frost Flames brow twitched as she watched Ryuu moping in a corner the first few minutes she felt his sorrow and was very understanding and supportive of him but as time passed by her understanding and supporting nature devolved into that of annoyance.


    ''I understand that he failed, I sympathize with his feeling of sadness but this is ridiculous treating it as if it was the end of creation itself.''


    Her feelings were shared by the rest as Zywia could no longer tolerate it any longer as such she kneeled in front of him as she spoke, "Ryuu if I remember you were harping about the fact that you would conquer the fifteenth floor, so stop moping and stand up there is less than half a year left and there is no time for you to mope, or do you wish to stay in their shadows forever."


    That seemed to jolt Ryuu awake as he stood up and spoke, "You are right, we do not have much time, we have to move."


    He tried to move to the next room only to be stopped by Severing Saber who placed a hand on his shoulder as he spoke, "Yes yes, we will after we eat something."


    A few hours later the group properly fed without any pangs of hunger and thirst moved to the new area, as they stepped inside they were hit by a large mass of chaotic aura not to mention the sight in front of them made them stop on their tracks as they watched the scene with wide eyes.

 Chapter 469 - The Last Day in Eden (Part-1)

    A large stone obelisk loomed over them, and the obelisk would have not mattered much to them if it were not exuding such immense amount of aura from it.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=11448539305377005)/the-last-day-in-eden-(part-1)_%!d(string=51533523814768479) for visiting.


    Ryuu closed his eyes as he felt the aura for a moment before he spoke with slight awe, "Incredible he even managed to not only inscribe his martial art but also his understanding of Daos, anyone who can decipher it can easily gain a lot from it."


    Severing Saber looked at the Obelisk with a frown on his face as he spoke, "That may be so Daoist brother Ryuu, but it would be incredibly difficult to do so, the Dao and the aura of the martial arts are intertwined in such a manner that it would difficult, incredibly so to decipher the martial arts from the Dao."


    Ryuu cleared his throat drawing attention towards him as he spoke, "Well from what I understood there are two Daos here the Dao of Fists and Dao of Asura."


    Zywia groaned as she spoke, "That means that after all this hard work I will receive nothing."


    Ryuu gave a small smile as he spoke, "Zywia I know you know hand to hand combat so you should at least try."


    Zywia snorted as she spoke, "Not interested, too much of hand to hand combat would have an effect on my fingers preventing me from playing my zither so sorry I will abstain from it."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Shame, it seems that like you many would abstain, so I hope you all will try and search for some treasures I doubt the owner of this tomb would not have some."


    Zywia nodded as she left along with a good chunk of their comrades in search of some treasures while Ryuu focused his attention towards the obelisk.


    "Imprint of the fist on the obelisk, and then the imprint of footsteps on the floor, and now we only have to discern the beginning and the end of it."


    Ryuu nodded in agreement as he replied to True-Spear, "Yes so true brother but at the same time the other Daos are so intertwined that it might cause a problem when we try to gain enlightenment there is a chance that they might interfere not to mention, someone might end up getting enlightenment in the Dao of Asura."


    Many of them winced as True-Spear spoke with a sigh, "that would be troublesome."


    Ryuu let out a rather uneasy chuckle as he spoke, "It would be Dao of Asura even if it is not a Grand Dao or Supreme Dao it is extremely dangerous and difficult to withstand."


    As he spoke Frozen Ocean discreetly glanced towards Ryuu with a slight hint of fear, as she had firsthand experience of him going berserk under the influence of the said Dao.


    Ryuu bit his lips as he looked at the Obelisk as he mused inwardly, ''The skill seems to be at least a Low Tier Nine, it would be cool to deal with it but the Dao is making me nervous.''


    He sighed as he closed his eyes in deep thought for a moment, ''No pain no gain, and from what I have been taught fearing the Dao would be crippling as such I will have to step up and deal with it.''


    He mentally prepared himself before occupying the furthest corner of the room a talisman suddenly appeared as multiple arrays appeared forming a circle where from sat in a meditative pose.


    "Brother Ryuu, what is that array circle?"


    As one of the cultivators asked him Ryuu spoke with an uneasy smile, "Well you see I have quite a bit of enlightenment with the Dao of Asura so this is a containment array."


    Some of them sucked a deep breath as quite a few such as True-Spear gawked at him, while Frost Flames spoke with a frown, "You never told me."


    With a small smile, Ryuu replied to her, "I remember that we would learn about each other slowly."


    Frost Flames blushed as she spoke, "Yes, I do remember that as well."


    Ryuu smiled at her before he gained a serious look on his face as he spoke, "Is there anyone who needs to use containment array as well?"


    As others shook their head the array under him started to work as a small prayer mat appeared beneath, ''I forgot about my mat.'', he then closed his eyes while concentrating on the Obelisk in front of him.


    Others quickly followed his lead as they began to occupy rest of the space away from Ryuu''s position, they were grateful of the fact that at least Ryuu had occupied one of the farthest corner of the room leaving them ample space.


    As the others settled down Ryuu was keeping an eye on them, he was slightly disappointed seeing everyone especially Frost Flames seating so far away from him but he decided to push those thoughts away in the furthest recess of his mind as he focused on the task at hand.


    ''What a foolish idea just because you are close does not mean you would be able to decipher it.''


    A few seconds later the darkness in his mind seemed to slowly vanish as he found small faint green light flashing through it, but for some reason, he was unable to perceive even more no matter how much he tried.


    ''What am I missing? I can touch it but for some reason, it is running away from me at the same time, so close yet so far.''


    Besides the faint green light, there was another that was another couple that he was able to perceive a yellow coloured one and another blue coloured one.


    ''What do those lights represent? The green is the technique but then the other two must be the Asura and the fist, but then again which is which so confusing.''


    He then went to catch the blue light when all of a sudden his vision was being completely overwhelmed by the blue light blinding him as well as the urge to destroy everything and bathe in the blood of his opponents increased.


    He quickly withdrew himself away from it as fast as he could and soon found his vision being tainted by the yellow colour light, but he knew he was safer in its embrace.


    ''So the blue was the Dao of Asura and the yellow was the Dao of Fists, troublesome.''


    His eyes then fell on a particular corner as he suddenly caught a jolt of green light, ''Did the green light''s intensity increase, but how?''


    Contemplating a few minutes later decided to once again try to access the blue light domain a bit and he watched in wonder as the green light increase again.


    ''I see so that is the way it has to be done, I have to keep a balance between them to perceive the technique.''


    He scowled inwardly at the thought, ''How will I learn the technique when I am being pulled apart by two different Daos, I had to keep my entire attention to just stop myself from being pulled apart from them, how will I focus on trying to learn the technique, it is impossible.''


    Ryuu felt as if he was standing between two boats with each of the legs in each of the boats, which were moving in two different directions, thinking hard the only situation he came to was to tie or at least weld the boats together.


    ''But how will I do so.'', was the biggest question that was in his mind but he had no answer when suddenly an idea came to his mind.


    ''If I use my soul force then would it work?''


    He then began to involve his soul force and soon after trial and error he was finally able to perceive the technique, he was able to see a person, a person contrary to his name looked quite feeble while practising in front of the Obelisk, his feet, his hands slowly began to curve on to the floor and the Obelisk, while he watched the entire thing with undivided attention on his part.


    After watching the person practice for a few cycles Ryuu frowned, ''Something is not right why do I feel as if the entire thing is a juts mess, too many unnecessary and repetitive steps that are not required in any form or matter, as such with a sigh he began to slowly began to discard the repetitive steps as the technique became more and more refined.


    ''Damn what a sly fox, he performed the technique successively at least a thousand times on top of each other, that is a trap, making people comprehend his technique erroneously, but even after that something is missing.''


    And soon Ryuu found himself standing on the grass field with the person standing in front of him looking directly at him when all of a sudden the killing intent of the person rose as he was surrounded by strange humanoid beings.


    The person took his stance as the first creature attacked him he sidestepped before he hit the creature with a jab with his left hand while his right caught send a palm strike at the other that tried to attack him from the blind spot, both the creatures disintegrated from contact.


    Ryuu watched as the enemies of the person became stronger and bigger and so did he as his punches slowly became dangerous even from a great distance, his punches became so strong that it began to shake the earth and tearing the sky asunder, while he moved through the mountain of corpses.


    ''What a powerful technique, it is at the very least a High Tier Nine, the very first technique of mine that is of such a high level, though disguising his soul force with each strike and movement is so clever, though I understand why he is called a thousand arm Asura, each of his punches seemed to act as if he had punched a hundred times, while he moved in such a way that it looked as if he had a thousand hand with which he could protect himself from any side.''


    ************


    Severing Saber opened his eyes as he looked around to see most if not all of his fellow cultivators chatting amicably amongst themselves they were in an extremely joyous mood as such he could not help but ask out loud, "Hey, did something you all seem to be extremely happy?"


    "One of his fellow cultivators smirked as he replied to him, "Why would we not after all we are leaving Eden within a day."


    Severing Saber gawked at the cultivator as he spoke, "Surely you are joking."


    The cultivator shook his head as he spoke, "Of course not, why would I do so, check it by yourself as less than a day is left for us to leave this place."


    Severing Saber sighed as he spoke, "Ah, I cannot believe that tie passed away so fast while trying to decipher the technique."


    His fellow cultivator nodded as he spoke, "So, did manage to gain the technique?"


    Severing Saber frowned as he spoke, "I do not know, I learned a Tier Three fighting technique, but after going through all the traps inside the tomb I do not think it should be just a Tier three, at least it should be seven or eight seeing how he as boasting about it."


    Devaraj who was nearby, spoke with a grunt, "You are right, a few of us have managed to get at least to Tier Three, the rest either tier two or one, but the majority received nothing, in fact, the Dao of Asura caused the majority of the problems."


    Severing Saber sighed before suddenly he went ramrod as he spoke, "Excuse me, what about Ryan? Did he conquer the fifteenth floor?"


    Devaraj snorted as he spoke, "Look over there, he has yet to wake up, do you think he could conquer within such a small period of time."


    Severing Saber shook his head with regret as he spoke, "Such a pity he was trying so hard and was spouting so much about conquering the fifteenth floor and now here he is tied up trying to decipher the skill, such a pity."


    His sentiments were shared by many when all of a sudden Ryuu''s concealment barrier fell as he stood up with a smile, "Yosh, I have finished dealing with the Dao of Ausra."


    A small cough drew his attention as he found himself staring at the ever beautiful eyes of his would-be Dao companion who spoke with a sad smile on her face, "I am sorry Ryuu but there is less than a day left for us in Eden.", with that Ryuu once again felt his world collapse all around him.

 Chapter 470 - The Last Day in Eden (Part-2)

    "Prepare it properly I will not forgive anyone who makes any mistake, I want to give a warm welcome to my brother, and I will not tolerate any mistakes."


    As Antariskh''s voice thundered the servants accompanying them who were working tirelessly increased their pace, the Flying vessel that Antariksh had brought with her was as big as a country, and it had over a thousand strong people composing of both soldiers and maids who had accompanied on their journey.


    "Sister I have finished on my side."


    Antariskh gave a small nod as he spoke, "Good, but where is Sylvana?"


    "It seems brother Saidhal has arrived along with his family, and she has gone to greet them."


    Antariskh smiled at Shamiran''s words as she spoke, "I see, they must be anxious about their daughter."


    "Absolutely Sister Zarina was such a mess since that day, I fear for poor Zywia''s ears."


    Antariskh giggled at that as she spoke, "So true, but it would serve her right, she should know her weight."


    Shamiran nodded in agreement as she spoke, "You are right, though will you go and greet them."


    Antariskh smiled as she spoke, "Of course I would love to."


    Meanwhile, Saidhal and his family found themselves standing in front of Maheswara and his wives along with his second daughter Sylvana.


    "Greetings nephew it is good to see you again, especially our grandnephew Cezary, it has been ages since we last saw him."


    Cezary simply cupped his hand as he bowed deeply as he spoke, "Greetings honourable ancestors."


    Maheswara simply waved his hand as he spoke, "Please we are amongst family there is no need for you to be so formal, child."


    "Sister Zarina and Brother Saidhal, how have you been?"


    Antariskh words drew attention towards her and her youngest sister as the greeted each other with a smile, and soon they settled down on their respective seats to enjoy small talks amongst their friends.


    Cezary was anxious and worried about his baby sister but now he was bored greatly so, and the reason was that he was sitting amongst the older generations who were reminiscing about the days gone past and since he was just sitting in the sidelines with nothing to do, as such he was greatly bored.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=11448539305377005)/the-last-day-in-eden-(part-2)_%!d(string=51556220032580195) for visiting.


    "So Grandnephew, how is your work going?"


    Cezary was taken aback at the sudden question as he spoke with a sheepish smile, "Sorry Grandma Veena, my thoughts were elsewhere as such I did not hear your question."


    Veena simply smiled at him as she spoke, "I was asking about your work."


    Cezary shook his head as he spoke with a slouch, "Not good three days ago I was suspended indefinitely."


    A silence descended as Sylvana spoke with a frown, "Why is it Cezary? I know you are an honest hardworking person so why were you suspended?"


    Cezary frowned as he spoke, "My adjutant turned out to be a spy who was leaking intelligence to the enemy as such my entire division is under strict scrutiny."


    "Do you need any help?"


    Cezary shook his head as he spoke, "No aunt Sylvana, I have nothing to hide from the investigation, though I am annoyed at the fact that my trust was misplaced so much."


    Zarina simply patted on her son''s back trying to console him, while Celestia spoke with a frown, "Sylvana what is this? What is the army''s current situation?"


    Sylvana sighed as she replied to her mother, "Not good mother, the situation is chaotic, there are so many spies in the army that it is being difficult to judge who is loyal and who is not."


    Cezary nodded as he spoke, "So true auntie and there is also something I would try to inform you that Ryuu might have to face some problem after he steps out of Eden."


    At his words, many amongst them gained a cold look on their faces as Antariksh spoke no commanded, "Explain?"


    With a sigh, Cezary continued, "During his years of service Ryuu had managed to many accolades in such a short time not to mention a very nice reputation as such he had managed to gain a lot of friends, as well as admirers in the Army, even many of our higher-ups, have started to take notice of him in a good way, but that also has led many to be jealous of him."


    "Since he was under me, he is also under extreme scrutiny, even if he was not present because of his sabbatical and journey into Eden, many are trying to disgrace him at the very least."


    Sylvana''s jaws tighten as she spoke, "How reliable is this information?"


    "Very auntie Sylvana, the information is extremely reliable I have seen a few criticizing and snooping around asking about Ryuu too much, not to mention there are few who have fought alongside him and count him as their friends, they have warned me a few times on the matter, but seeing my current position I do not know how much I can shield Ryuu from the problem."


    Shamiran sighed as she spoke, "Jealousy is a very dangerous disease, as it clouds once judgment from right to wrong."


    "Or it could also be an attempt to sow disharmony after all if I recall Ryuu has a pretty hefty bounty on his head."


    Cezary nodded in agreement as he spoke, "You are right father, as I also have the same thought as such I want him to be a bit more careful."


    "He will be, child, as we will make sure he understands."


    Cezary simply sent a small grateful nod towards Nuwa while Maheswara spoke with a smirk, "Though it would be sometime before he returns to active service after all he has some needed rest time left after venturing into that place."


    Cezary nodded as he spoke, "So true Grandfather so true."


    Antariksh looked towards Zarina as she spoke, "So have you done any preparation to greet your daughter after her adventure."


    Saidhal scowled while replying on his wife''s behalf, "The only thing greeting her would be a good ear pull and grounding till the next millennia."


    Now it was Cezary turn to scowl as he spoke, "Father, please she made a mistake and I am sure she has already learned a great deal about it so please forgive her."


    Saidhal huffed as he spoke, "Not in this life, I have pampered her too long as such I believe it is high time that I taught her a lesson."


    Zarina sighed as she spoke, "I do not know what my husband and son are going to do, but I wanted to give her a stern scolding, but now I do not know I am just happy that within a few hours she will be back home."


    Maheswara''s wives smiled warmly at her while Shamiran spoke with an innocent look on her face, "I understand how you feel though what are you going to do if she brings home a boyfriend."


    Saidhal stood up his face flushed while shaking with intense anger, "No one is going to touch my baby girl."


    Meanwhile, Cezary jumped up from his seat as he shouted out in anger, "What do you mean by ''boyfriend''? She is too young."


    Saidhal gave a nod as he spoke, "That was some random garbage spewed by an old wench, who��"


    His net words came to a halt as Nuwa increased her killing intent as well as her KI as she spoke, "Saidhal behave such words do not befit someone of your station."


    Saidhal''s eyes fell on Nuwa as he spoke, "Aunty you have to agree with me, what if Ryuu brings some strange girl home with him then what?"


    With her ever-present calm smile, Nuwa replied to him, "Simple if that girl does not have any ill intention and loves Ryuu we would give our blessings."


    Her words were supported by happy nods from her spouses, while her daughters imitated a gaping fish as Shamiran could not help but speak out loud, "Mother you cannot be serious."


    Nuwa simply looked at her as she replied to her, "Of course we are serious", and her eyes then narrowed as she spoke, "And we expect you three not to interfere in any way or form."


    Her words were supported by her husband and Veena who gave a nod of acknowledgement while Celestia spoke, "We will be watching you closely to make sure you do not repeat that action a few years ago.", her face then took an ominous tint as she spoke, "And remember the consequences would be extremely dire."


    Saidhal coughed drawing everyone''s attention towards him as he spoke, "I am sorry to say but we will not be following your example as such son get ready we are skinning the boy alive, now follow me."


    Cezary nodded enthusiastically as he spoke, "Yes father.", with that he tried to follow him only for the father-son duo to end up at the receiving end of Zarina''s ire who hit them hard on their head as she spoke with a scowl, "There is still near about twenty-three hours left before they leave Eden and I will not have my husband and my son act like a pair of fools, now sit."


    With a grumble, the pair of father and son duo took their respective seat once again as Shamiran tried to stifle her laugh.


    Zarina then looked towards Shamiran as she spoke with a frown, "Sister that was not funny, since the first day he had heard those words from Lady Khygnos he has become completely impatient and spending countless sleepless nights pacing around the house like a madman."


    Shamiran sobered up quickly as she spoke with disbelief, "Really you are no joking right?"


    As Zarina shook her head negatively, the trio of sisters could not help themselves as they broke down into fits of giggles getting a sour look on behalf of Zarina, but before she could speak again a maid came in as she bowed in front of the group.


    Maheswara glanced at her before he commanded her, "Speak."


    "Your Holiness, Lady Neacht and Lady Milena have arrived and are asking for permission to board."


    Antariskh stood up with a bright smile on her face as she spoke, "Father I am taking my leave to welcome them."


    *********


    Meanwhile, back in Eden, Antariskh looked at Ryuu as she spoke with a small smile on her face, "I am sorry Ryuu, I am sorry for bearing such bad news."


    Ryuu sighed as he drew him to hug as he spoke, "There is no need for you to apologize the fault lies in that stupid cultivator and his stupid technique."


    Chianyu cleared his throat drawing Ryuu''s attention towards him as he spoke with a smile, "Brother how about this, why don''t you go and take a peek at least you can see that you have stepped into the thirteenth floor."


    Ryuu frowned as many of them let out a murmur of agreement as Ryuu spoke, "I see so who else would want to accompany me in this scouting mission."


    At his words, a heated discussion began and soon a small team of ten formed as a majority of them refused to take any risk with just a few hours left for their departure.

 Chapter 471 - The ???? ??????? (Part-1)

    The vaunted fifteenth floor, the floor that had never been conquered lay in front of Ryuu just beyond the gate, his sisters'' group had been forced to retreat back, a floor that he screamed that he would conquer and now he stood in front of the gate as he gazed the impossible task that lay in front of him.


    ''I am so close and yet so far, I hate it.''


    A small buzzing bee returned back to Severing Saber who spoke with a smirk, "It seems that gate in not one way so shall we move."


    Ryuu simply nodded as he stepped through the gate, and along with him were Frost Flames, Chianyu, Devaraj, Severing Saber and at least a dozen other cultivators.


    As they stepped inside they were greeted by a desolate and gloomy place with the light waning as if it was already pre-dusk.


    "What a depressing place."


    Chainyu nodded at Devaraj''s words before he spoke, "So shall we go and try to look around the place."


    Devaraj nodded as Severing Saber spoke with a frown, "Ryuu there is no need to feel sad, there is still some time left and all you have to do is your very best who knows you might end up making history."


    Ryuu gave him a small smile as he spoke, "So true elder brother so true all we have to do is our best."


    Severing Saber gained a small on his face as he spoke, "That is the right attitude, and now everyone move forward, and let us see what secrets we can uncover."


    With that the group moved forward, but as they went deeper into the floor the air became fouler as well as the feeling of emptiness.


    Seeing the scenery in front of them one of the cultivators could not help but murmur out aloud, "What kind of desolate place is this? I doubt there is anything alive in this place."


    Severing Saber smirked as he spoke, "Do not underestimate life, it is the most tenacious thing no matter how harsh the condition it might be life always finds a way."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "So true elder brother so true, life can never be blocked."


    A few more hours later Chianyu stopped with a frown on his face as he spoke, "Everyone do you hear that?"


    Ryuu frowned as he heard a distant chirping sound as he spoke, "You are right brother I am hearing it, like chirping of thousands of birds."


    With that he turned to look back only for his eyes to widen as he looked at the horizon where a large cloud had formed, a cloud that was advancing at a rapid pace towards them, a cloud that was composed of bird like creatures that let out a cacophony of chirping sound.


    As such Ryuu could not help but exclaim out loud, "What are those creatures? Do any of you know about them?"


    His words made everyone to look at rapidly advancing cloud of bird like creature with equal amount of shock and awe, Ryuu knew that the there were many strange creatures out there that can be found in Eden, but this was the first time Ryuu met a creature that he could not understand its speech and that shocked him.


    ''What kind of creature is this, for my Divine body to not even work?''


    His thoughts came to an abrupt halt as the creatures became even more distinct, the sight of which made him grimace, ''What kind of bird is this? It looks like a six winged creature that had been created by stitching together various avian creature parts, parts that seemed to have decayed for quite some time.''


    Chianyu bit his lips as he spoke, "I do not know about you all, but I do not like the look of those creatures they are eyeing us like a starving man does to food."


    Devaraj gulped as he spoke, "You are right, we are its prey.", with that his eyes fell on Ryuu as he spoke, "Brother Ryuu."


    Ryuu flashed them a smile as he spoke, "Do not worry brothers I will deal with the creatures.", with his piece being said Ryuu took out a dozen of talisman and then his smile froze.


    Severing Saber looked at him as he spoke urgently, "What are you doing brother Ryuu they are coming to us at a very fast pace, activate your array."


    A pale faced Ryuu looked at them as he stammered out with disbelief, "I-I ca-cannot.."


    Frost Flames frowned as she spoke, "Ryuu what happened? What can you not do?"


    With a fearful look on his face Ryuu continued, "I cannot recall any of my techniques my mind has gone blank."


    A sharp intake of breath was heard as another of the cultivator screamed out in fear, "It is the same for me I cannot seem to recall any of my techniques."


    His words broke the camel''s back as the others tried and they all failed spectacularly as for some reason they cannot seem to recall any of their techniques, in fact they can no longer distinguish between the pills the talisman, in fact they could no longer read or write anything.


    Devaraj''s voice shook as he spoke with disbelief, "No way, it is as if our knowledge has suddenly disappeared."


    Severing Saber growled out loud as he shouted out, "Everyone calm yourself we have to return back to the lower level post haste if we have to survive this, and the gate is at the other side we have to break through the group."


    Chianyu glared at him as he spoke, "Are you insane we do not even remember our techniques including our skills for movement."


    Severing saber snapped back at him as he spoke, "So what, do you have any better plan?"


    Chainyu gritted his teeth as one of the cultivators shouted out, "Screw it we are breaking through.", with that the cultivator charged forward.


    Ryuu gritted his teeth as he spoke, "Screw it, I cannot even think anything straight let us follow his lead."


    With that the group followed the cultivators lead as they moved forward to greet the creature head on, and when they were near the group Severing Saber suddenly spoke, "The ground seems to be hollow we can move through it."


    Chinayu growled as he spoke, "And, how would that help us?"


    Severing Saber growled as he spoke, "Use your common sense we can use it as shelter as we move through no follow me."


    With that they soon followed after Severing Saber, and as soon as the group managed to enter through the embrace of the hollow ground, the creatures all crashed behind them trying to enter though the narrow crevices and cracks on the ground, but their body was too big for the cracks to enter not matter how much they tried.


    One of the cultivators got a wide smirk on his face as he shouted out with barely hidden glee, "Chance.", with that he stabbed the nearest creature, a neon blue colored blood sprouted out from the wound as the creature died with a ear rending cry, but the cultivator himself was not unharmed as the blood upon coming into contact with his skin scalded him badly.


    Ryuu bit his lips as he shouted out, "The blood is poisonous try not to get into contact."


    All of a sudden the creatures suddenly moved away making them sigh with relief but it did not last long as similar creatures but bit smaller began to dive bomb through the cracks landing near them.


    Devaraj shouted out in fear, "They can enter through the cracks, they can enter..."


    Frost Flames growled as she spoke, "Shut up, and keep moving, we can see for ourselves."


    But before they could move a part in front of them collapsed thereby separating the group, with Chainyu, Frost Flames and Ryuu on one side and the rest on the other.


    Severing Saber growled once again as he shouted out, "Everyone we will meet at the other side, and if you die then this old man will not forgive you."


    Ryuu simply smirked towards his direction before he moved forward while grabbing Frost Flames'' hand as he spoke with a smile, "Do not fear it would be alright we will return back home safe and sound."


    Frost Flames nodded as the trio moved forward through the cavern which was now filled with smaller creatures that were chasing after them.


    Chainyu who was leading them cried out in dismay as he spoke, "We are screwed, we are going out in the open space now be ready."


    Ryuu''s grip on Frost Flames hand tighten as they charged forward, when all of a sudden they heard a scream and as they looked to their right they were greeted with the gruesome sight of the other group being torn apart by the creatures.


    "Ryuu."


    Frost Flames cry full of fear made Ryuu''s heart clench as he held Frost Flames in embrace as he spoke, "Love do not worry we will survive."


    His words drew a snarl from Frost Flames who spoke with anger, "Trash, how dare you touch me!"


    Her words shocked Ryuu only for an intense pain to erupt from his belly, a pain that was beyond his imagine as a foul taste filled his stomach, while an empty filling filled his heart.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=11448539305377005)/the-(part-1)_%!d(string=51557630946109633) for visiting.


    ''My dantian, my dantian is damaged I am crippled!''


    As the thought passed his mind, Frost Flames pushed him back while slashing his throat, as he lay on the ground with a look of disbelief on his face he watched Frost Flames being kissed intently by Chainyu while the creatures descended upon him bloating his vision.

 Chapter 472 - The Grand betrayal (part-2)

    "That was a wise decision to use that idiot as bait.", Chainyu discreetly glanced back towards the place where the creatures were congregating, with a smirk on his face.


    A barking laughter erupted from Frost Flames as she spoke, "Heavens favored us so it was easy to dispose of Ryuu, and the creatures'' presence did wonders we did not even had to lift our finger yet the other obstacles are dead."


    Chainyu shook his head as he spoke, "Never in a million years would I have thought that it would be so easy to deal with someone so strong, but Frost you really are a cruel woman crippling him and leaving him at the mercy of such carnivorous creatures."


    "Hmp, sever him right, always showing off but at least he was useful moderately by taking of the pressure off of us."


    "Jethrar would be angry."


    A flash of murderous anger passed through her face as she spoke with a snarl, "So what that trash messed up badly at least I was able to kill him unlike those idiots."


    Chianyu snorted as he spoke, "Please unlike them, in your case he was acting like a puppy trying to please you."


    Frost Flames grimaced as he spoke, "Can we not speak about that loser, I got him to have s.e.x with me but he chickened out at the last moment, what an unreliable man, in fact calling him man would be outright cruel to others."


    Chianyu wiggled his brows as he spoke, "Men like me."


    Frost Flames growled as she spoke, "Careful otherwise next time I would not invite you."


    Chianyu raised his hand in mock surrender as he spoke, "I give up, I give up.", his face then gained a serious look as he spoke, "Though I miss that subordinate of yours if only she would not have tried to usurp you."


    "Hmm, she should have thought twice before acting that idiot, but there is no loss cultivators like are dime a dozen and next time I would get a much better looking one."


    "Then I would hold you on to that."


    Frost Flames sent a small smile towards Chainyu as she spoke, "Of course dear husband of mine."


    Whatever Chainyu was about to say stuck in his throat as a loud scream echoed in that place sending shivers down their spine.


    A fearful Frost Flames could not help but ask out loud, "What was that?"


    Chainyu wrinkled his nose as he spoke with a drawl, "Nothing my dear just the cry of a pathetic trash.", his eyes then fell on Frost Flames as he drew her into a heated kiss before he spoke with a smirk, "no the second part of the plan."


    Frost Flames slouched as she spoke, "Yes now I have to play the part of the grieving widow, whose fianc�� sacrificed him to save her life, so that we can lower others'' guard."


    "Oh cheer up my beloved wife, after this we can break that Frozen bitch, I wonder what her face would be when she loses her v.i.r.g.i.nity, after all her cultivation method needed her to be a maiden."


    Frost Flames giggled before she spoke, "That is something I would love to see.", her face then gained a serious look as she spoke, "Though I hope Jethrar did not bungle up this as well."


    Chainyu grunted as he spoke, "Yes that is why we have to hurry.", he then turned to look back towards Ryuu''s direction as he spoke, "It is shame we cannot cash his bounty, oh well the creatures are almost upon us let us step out of this realm", with that the duo left using the gate while the flock of bird like creatures simply passed by their position.


    Meanwhile, back in the flying vessel, chaos reigned inside it, as Nuwa had already fainted from shock seeing the ''Thousand Leaves Plant'' that was linked to Ryuu, someone she loved and raised as her son, completely wilt and die was too much for her.


    Veena sat their stunned, it looked as if her soul had left her while Celestia was in denial and Maheswara openly wept for the loss of another of her child.


    While the trio of sisters sat frozen unsure of what to do, it looked like a bad dream to them, a night mare, while their friends tried to console them grieving family.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=11448539305377005)/the-grand-betrayal-(part-2)_%!d(string=51580830732057433) for visiting.


    *****************


    Inside the fifteenth floor, a crippled Ryuu was in shock having being betrayed as such, the woman he gave her heart to had crippled him and let him die being torn apart by creatures, creatures that did not show him mercy as they had already tore apart his arms, his legs even his innards were being ripped apart as he slowly died an agonizing death.


    ''She betrayed me, I am dying��'', as the thought passed his mind multiple images of his teachers, his sisters passed through his mind, even the Empress''s dace appeared in front of his eyes, but most importantly the face of his mother, the same mother because of whom he was alive till then.


    ''I failed, I failed to keep my promise to my mother.''


    The memories of his previous life appeared hammering him, reminding him about how he failed his wife, his children as an agonizing pain and anger rose in his heart.


    ''I will die here, I refuse to die, I refuse to FAIL MY MOTHER, MY TEACHERS, MY FAMILY ANYMORE!!!!!!'', he screamed in his heart before a ghastly scream tore through his throat before he bit the nearest creature with his mouth killing tearing the creature apart.


    If the duo of betrayers were present a bit longer than they would have witnessed the birth of something new, something dangerous, yet something majestic as the essence that Sylvana had gifted erupted with full force making the creatures stop for a moment as suddenly Ryuu was bathed in golden flames, but the aura was so huge and dangerous that they immediately tried to flee but failed as numerous ropes made of blood caught them dragging them towards Ryuu before they were turned to blood and chunks of flesh, which then joining into a revolving spherical structure that slowly began to grow as more and more creatures were torn apart.


    As within a couple of breaths of time passed, every creature that were present had ceased to exist as an enormous blood red spherical blob stood in its place, pulsing with energy, and with each pulse the gloomy and dark atmosphere of the floor began to disappear, while the blob began to take the shape of a blood red lotus.


    **********************


    Back with Ryuu''s teachers, they watched with awe as the plant suddenly caught fire as it became anew, in fact it looked better than new with its completely fresh looks.


    Neacht could not help but speak out summing everyone''s thoughts as she spoke, "What happened? Does this mean Ryuu is alive and well?"


    Her question was answered by a small chuckle which evolved into a full blown laughter as Sylvana stood up with a jump as she shouted out, "He is alive my brother is alive, he is alive because of my decision, hahahaha."


    Her family took a moment to realize as soon she found herself swept up in a bone cracking hug courtesy of her father who spoke with a booming laughter, "My daughter is a genius."


    Their joy came to a halt as a maid quickly appeared bowing low as she spoke, "Your Holiness I bring great tidings, the stone stele outside has changed ��.", her words came to an abrupt halt as Antariskh rushed out with Shamiran hot on her heels bowling her and breaking the maids bones.


    The two sisters appeared with others shortly after, as they looked to a particular stone stele with tears appearing some of their eyes as they watched Ryuu''s name standing proudly with the word 15th floor engraved by his side.


    The group did not pay any heed to the chaos that had erupted seeing the strange reaction while Nuwa spoke with a small teary smile, "He did it, our Ryuu did it, he has managed surpass his siblings."


    Their emotions came to an abrupt stop as Neacht shouted out in disbelief, "Ryuu conquered the fifteenth floor by himself.", her shout stopped everyone as many looked at the curiously while some had their jaw wide open as someone for the first time since the discovery of Eden had managed to reach the and conquered the Fifteenth floor and that to solo.


    *********


    Meanwhile, inside Eden the cultivators of Manushya realm had been delivered a crippling blow, it began with Frost Flames who arrived crying and blubbering that Ryuu had died, it had come as a shock to them and then it happened.


    True-Spear who had tried to help her was struck in the dantian hard crippling him, by none other than Frost Flames, but before they could react the Preta Realm cultivators struck and they collapsed like house of cards.


    Frost Flames stood with her head held high as True-Spear lay near her feat as she spoke, "Brother, brother so na?ve and useless, now watch as your beloved is being enjoyed by someone who is not you."


    As she spoke, Zywia''s clothes were being torn as a couple of Preta realm cultivators had pushed her down to r.a.p.e her in front of her dying lover.

 Chapter 473 - The Grand betrayal (part-3)

    ''It feels so warm, I feel so protected.'', was the thought that passed through a certain red-haired cultivators mind, as he laid inside the cocoon that looked like blood-red lotus but its colour was rapidly fading.


    Ryuu felt at peace, he felt content and safe as he lay inside the cocoon, ''I do not wish to live this place.''


    As he laid there his head was slowly filled with various sword forms and styles and with passing second he gained a better and better understanding of each style as he felt countless faceless people practising sword, some exceptional, some good whereas others were so horrible that it made want to puke with disgust, and then all of a sudden he felt as if a burden had lifted off of his shoulder making him speak with disbelief, ''I broke through, I have managed to reach the God Tier in Grand Dao of Swords.''


    Ryuu could not help but chuckle inwardly, "My misfortune turned into blessings but how?"


    He shook his head as his eyes harden as he growled with anger, "I do not know how long I have been stuck here, but there are others who I hope are still my friends, I need to save them from that wench and every second count."


    With that he grabbed hold of the cocoon wall with the intent to tear his way out, the cocoon wall had taken a dazzling shade of gold, but as soon as Ryuu touched it, the wall of the cocoon began to collapse, turning into pure dazzling golden KI that entered into Ryuu''s body.


    If anyone were on the outside they would have seen the Golden colour lotus shed its petals one by one, as Ryuu stepped out of it and soon the entire pile of petals turned into Golden energy which then disappeared into Ryuu.


    Ryuu then looked around to see the previous desolate area had become sunny and refreshing as that of a Spring morning, he then looked down to inspect himself only to frown hard.


    "I am completely n.a.k.e.d.", as the thought passed his mind he closed his eyes as he felt his space ring, his bracelets nearby which quickly flew to his hands as he did not waste any time to don a particular set of armour, the same set he had worn in the second floor when he had second handily slaughtered a giant octopus that had made him go berserk, but instead of the helmet, he wore a face mask.


    Ryuu did not know what the miraculous thing was but he knew that it not only healed him completely, but it even managed to make him break through the bottleneck and ascend to the 13th level of Mystic Immortal Emperor Level, he did not harbour any doubt that this was not the only change and he might even look even more handsome as such his mask was quickly on his face.


    ''The last thing I want is some cheap distractions, and even if I can perfectly control my looks but I am too angry to bother with it.'', and with that thought in mind, he disappeared from his place.


    True-Spear was forced to watch as the love of her life had her clothes torn, never in his life had felt so much anger, hatred and helplessness, his own martial sister, the same sister who grew up by his side betrayed him, she had destroyed his dantian and then proceeded to cut off his arms and legs with his very own spear and now she was forcing him to watch Zywia suffer a fate worse than death, he wanted nothing more than to tear the smug satisfied smile on Frost Flames face but as he lay on the ground dying there was nothing that he could do.


    Beads of tears fell off Zywia''s eyes before she could react Frost Flames had betrayed them, the very same woman who she viewed as her sister, the same woman had harmed her martial brother to death, the same woman who had sealed off her cultivation, that same woman had now gifted her to the Preta Lok cultivators to satiate their l.u.s.t.


    Her clothes had been torn exposing her body for the world to see, a body that only his parents had seen n.a.k.e.d when she was but a child, but now exposed to the entire world to see, even without her KI she tried to fight back but that earned her broken wrists and a blackened eye, now with horror in her eyes she watched as her would-be rapist''s genital was about to penetrate her.


    ''Mom, dad, brother, please someone anyone, please save me.''


    Her would-be rapist''s torso disappeared from just about his chest in a shower of gore as did those who held her down, a large sheet fell on her covering her as a familiar voice came to her ears, "I am sorry for being so late."


    She turned to see an armoured person looking down at her, her attention then fell on the eyes of his saviour, familiar mismatch eyes made her eyes widen as she spoke in a hoarse voice, "Brother Ryuu, you came."


    "Who are you to stick your nose in our business? Cripple yourself and kowtow in front of us and maybe we would not destroy your soul."


    A haughty voice came to Ryuu''s ears as he looked at the person with a bored look as he drawled, "Pathetic mongrel since when have you become strong enough to speak that in front of I, now your place."


    His words were like a declaration as a titanic pressure fell on every cultivator were from or either siding with the Preta realm was on their knees with the head firmly planted on the ground.


    Ryuu looked around and his heart clenched to see his fellow cultivators tied down with the means of Arrays, but what made it worse at seeing the number almost half of them were dead as he could see their bodies piled up in a heap, and those that were captured looked badly injured.


    An Array suddenly appeared underneath his feet, which he slammed on the ground sending shockwaves, shockwaves that promptly demolished the arrays freeing them from their captive state.


    Zywia did not waste any moment as she dashed towards True-Spear cradling his head while crying out loud.


    Ryuu looked at their direction as he winced, ''His condition is bad, even if the arms and legs can be attached, but the dantian is gone for good making him a cripple, not only that the poison used had harmed him greatly and he would die any second, only his will power is keeping him alive.


    With the corner of his eye, he watched his friends gather around them, while Su-Min and Frozen Ocean tried to cover Zywia in a much better manner to protect her modesty.


    "Brother Ryuu, please help me!", the heart-rending scream of Zywia made his heart clenched as he quickly moved to their side.


    Ryuu kneeled by True-Spear''s side as he grimaced seeing his wounds, ''I was right there is nothing I can do, except making his passing painless.''


    A weak chuckle came from True-Spear''s mouth as he spoke, "Brother Ryuu, I know I would not survive long enough, there is no need for you to feel sad, this few ~cough~.", he coughed out loud vomiting blood, but yet he continued to speak with his sheer willpower, "The few years of my life has been the greatest, meeting everyone it was great."


    Tears fell off Zywia''s eyes as she spoke, "Please keep quiet, brother Ryuu is here he will heal and we would be together like we dreamed off, you promised me, you promised."


    True-Spear chuckled as he coughed blood once again as he spoke, "I am sorry my love, but it seems I would not be able to keep my promise to you, I am so sorry.", as he spoke tears flowed from his eyes.


    Zywia looked towards Ryuu with a hysterical look on her face as she spoke, "Brother Ryuu please, I beg of you, I will do anything I will even be your slave, I��"


    Zywia''s tirade came to an end as Ryuu spoke with a frustrated sigh, "Zywia, True-Spear''s dantian is completely gone, and that something that even my teachers cannot help with, without his dantian my treatment will be reduced to a hundredth, even painkillers would not work at all, I am sorry Zywia I cannot help, I am sorry.", as he spoke Ryuu felt his eyes become misty as his vision became hazy.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=11448539305377005)/the-grand-betrayal-(part-3)_%!d(string=51601915011714026) for visiting.


    ''Am I crying?'', he felt his tears flow down his mask as he wiped them, ''This is the first time I cried since my mother''s death.'', he balled his fist as he cursed inwardly, ''Damn it, I swore that I would not fail again, but I��''


    His musings were cut short as a voice came to his ears followed by insane killing intent and KI that belonged to someone of 10th level of Mystic immortal Level, "You trash how dare you to make me, Jethrar, the Corpse King to kneel, I will kill you force your corpse to serve eternally, while I shatter your soul."


    Ryuu''s anger reaches zenith as he spoke, "Brother I will go and out down some noise rabid dogs."


    With a weak smile, True-Spear spoke, "Go get them the good brother of mine."


    Ryuu returned him a smile from behind his mask as he spoke, "Do not worry, I will avenge you."


    Ryuu stood up as he looked at Jethrar who had somehow managed to raise his head, as Ryuu spoke with a growl, "Prostrate."


    As soon as those words came from his mouth the pressure on them increased by many folds as Ryuu continued to speak, "On my whim, you are still breathing and existing, but I am merciful as such trash I will allow you all to die fighting instead of being put down like a diseased rabid dog."


    As he spoke Ryuu once again stomped on the ground as a gigantic array appeared that covered an area of a dozen kilometres, he then turned to look at his fellow cultivators as he spoke, "Good brothers and sisters sorry for the delay but please bear with me a little I will clean the trash from our sights."


    With that a giant barrier appeared concealing Ryuu and his enemies, completely disappearing of others that were present.

 Chapter 474 - The Grand betrayal (part-4)

    Frozen Ocean tried to stand up but her injuries failed her, even after talking Medicinal pills she had yet to fully recover and as such when Ryuu sealed himself up together with the enemy.


    Frost Flames balled his fist as she spoke, "What is that idiot thinking, sealing himself with them, they are much more dangerous than others we have faced and did you see that Jethrar and that Bastard Chainyu, they have divine bodies of extremely high ranks which coincidently makes them exceptionally strong how will Ryuu fight against them."


    Daniella frowned as she spoke, "I do not know why but Ryuu seemed a bit different than before, stronger and more refined, like��", she paused for a moment thinking for a proper analogy before she spoke with her eyes wide, "Like a newly forged sword by Heaven''s itself."


    Meanwhile back inside the barrier, the group of Preta realm cultivator stood tall with murderous intent in their faces as Frost Flames spoke with a snarl, "How? How did you survive Ryuu? I crippled you and then I slashed your throat but here you are standing in front of me, how?"


    As Ryuu''s gaze fell on her she felt a chill travel down her spine, as if she was standing in front of a rather strong ravenous beast that mainly kept her alive to amuse itself.


    But, before she could say or think anything Jethrar spoke with a snarl, "Ryuu? That is Rain Sword Ryuu? I remember someone claiming that she had killed him then why is he standing here.", his eyes narrowed as he spoke, "Not to mention I also remember someone claiming to have crippled him, so the question is what is he doing here?"


    Frost Flames growled as she spoke, "I do not know."


    Chinayu bit his lips as he spoke, "He might be using some kind of treasure because I saw with my own eyes my wife stabbing Rain Sword''s dantian before slashing his throat."


    Meanwhile, Ryuu''s mind was running a thousand miles per second as he analyzed their speech, ''Wife? I see I was so foolish enough to hold even for a second that it was a nightmare, a nightmare that I would awaken from soon but reality sometimes is a cruel mistress.''


    "Are you all doing barking and whimpering?"


    Ryuu''s words made their anger increase manyfold but instead of paying attention towards them, Ryuu looked towards Frost Flames direction as he asked out loud, "Was it all worth it?"


    Frost Flames looked at him with a dumbfounded look on her face before she spoke with a snarl, "Of course it is, instead of trying to please a decrepit fool I can live however I like not to mention the power I get from the deal."


    Ryuu wanted to hurl seeing the look of ecstasy on Frost Flames'' face, ''This is the one I had loved, how pathetic, to think I had allowed her to touch me and kiss, ugh, even a thousand baths would not wash away the stench.''


    "Power?"


    Frost Flames snarled as she spoke, "Yes power, the unparallel power that I received since I had joined with my husband and decided to follow our master."


    Ryuu snorted as he spoke, "Not much I can feel from you though, no matter how much you dress a mouse up, a mouse will always be a mouse."


    Chainyu stepped up to her wife''s side before embracing her as he played with her body eliciting a m.o.a.n from her, as he spoke, "At least I get to taste my beloved wife but what about you, ah yes I remembered you wimped out when she got too close, unlike a real man like me."


    Ryuu smiled behind his mask as he spoke, "Wimped out, yeah right if the shameless whore like behaviour I see in front of me is any indication, I am glad I did not go down any more otherwise who knows what strange disease I would get.", his words gained him a hiss of anger but Ryuu continued nonchalantly, "But, given the circ.u.mstances, I can see why your wife sought out someone else other than you, after all, you are nothing special."


    His words elicited anger-filled snarl from Chainyu when Ryuu suddenly threw a punch towards his right as the air simmered, before a copious amount of blood and gore suddenly appeared out of thin air, and then a body collapsed on the floor becoming completely visible.


    With a nod, Ryuu spoke, "As expected of Preta Lok cultivators, the mannerless cretin who interrupts others speech, not to mention toddler-like insults, seriously you all need as much help as possible, but enough you eyesore please die."


    As Ryuu spoke many of the cultivators let lose their KI as well as killing intent, their plan was simple they would distract him with mindless insult before making one of their own to blindside him and this capturing him alive if possible, but it failed horribly as their best expert in stealth was caught and killed with a punch.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=11448539305377005)/the-grand-betrayal-(part-4)_%!d(string=51627048338256899) for visiting.


    Ryuu looked at his right hand as he mused inwardly, ''Damn the fist technique of Thousand Arm Asura is amazing, I like it, hmm may be I should practice it even more.''


    He then raised his head as he spoke, "Hmm, oh right I forgot about you lot, so are you going to attack now or should I send invitations for you.", he then tilted his head to the left as he spoke, "Of before we begin I would remind you that the array I used to create the barrier will only fall if I allow it or if I die, using brute strength is pointless."


    Jethrar snorted out loudly as he spoke, "If you think that you have us trapped then you are a fool Rain Sword, do not lump us with the rest you have slaughtered."


    With his piece being said he gave a signal as various cultivators banded together to attack him with all manner of attacks mainly range attack, Ryuu watched the attack advance towards him with a boring look when all of a sudden his Spear appeared on his left hand which he used to parry most of them, though a couple exploded on coming near him hiding him in a cloud of smoke.


    The Preta realm cultivators watched with bated breaths as the cloud of poison cleared only to be shocked to see Ryuu twirling his spear without any care of the world.


    "He should be poisoned lying on the ground how is he standing."


    "Tsk, that damn poison immunity of his, use something more lethal you idiots."


    Ryuu looked towards Chianyu as he spoke, "Please there is no need to get angry at those trashes, after all, trash will always be trash but fear not let me educate you what a poison."


    With that Ryuu disappeared from their sight only to appear in midst of them startling quite a few but what drew their attention was the abnormal bulging on his throat, which completely subsided as Ryuu breath out a purple-coloured gas.


    Ryuu may call them and regard them as trash, but that did not mean that they were weak or helpless by nature, they knew that whatever Ryuu had used was extremely deadly as such they tried to run but his poison was fast, extremely fast that most of them got caught in it.


    Both Frost Flames and Chainyu watched in horror as the cultivators turned to ash in a blink of the eye, reminding them of a certain incident back in the second floor.


    Frost Flames looked Ryuu with fear in her eyes as she could not help but stutter out, "Ho-how co-could you use that poison?"


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "Why could I not after all I have completely assimilated it."


    Jethrar could no longer withstand the sight of Ryuu anymore, the way he stood, the way he spoke all conveyed utter boredom but more importantly it also screamed that they did not even register as a threat to him, it angered him all lot but then next words of Ryuu seemed to be like pouring oil on the fire.


    "Hey, Jethrar what is that grotesque look of yours, is it some kind of fashion statement in Preta Lok, damn I want to hurl, you could kill people with that looks of yours."


    Jethrar who loved his looks more than anything, the looks of his which caused many to look at him with envy was forever marred since that incident a few floors back and now he was forced to use various body parts of creatures to make himself functional and now Ryuu''s taunt was too much.


    With an unearthly scream, his cultivation of 10th level of Mystic Immortal Emperor level broke out like water behind a dam as those nearby were pushed away, while Chainyu simply followed after him with a harrumph.


    Ryuu looked at the large group of corpse puppet that appeared behind Jethrar as he mused inwardly, ''Ho a Divine body that allows him to easily move so many puppets.'', his eyes then fell on Chianyu as he noted with a slight frown, ''His is more troublesome, the ability to control blood, it would interesting to play with him but unfortunately, time is of the essence for me.''


    Frost Flames send a look of adoration towards Chianyu before looking back at Ryuu as she spoke with a snarl, "Look at how magnificent and powerful my husband is, know and grovel at the futility of your mediocre existence."


    ''They talk too much, not to mention, why is she so happy about it? From the looks of it, she did not even receive his essence, hmm what a poor creature.''


    Ryuu''s sword appeared in his hand as he spoke, "How cute just a Unique ranked Divine Body holder growling at me, like a puppy.", with that said his KI rose, he broke from the 9th level to 10th and it then steadily made way to the 13th level before stopping.


    Seeing his cultivation level Chainyu could not help but stutter out in fear, "Yo-you, ho-how can be it be? You have such a powerful Divine Body."


    Ryuu smirked as he spoke, "Yes I do have a very powerful Divine Body, but please allow me to show you my gratitude for helping me breakthrough to Sword God Realm."


    The worlds itself seemed to go still as he uttered a single word, a single word that seemed to make his enemies suffer near heart attack, "Domain.", and with that, the world changed.

 Chapter 475 - Returning back to Ayindril (Part-1)

    Frost Flames gawked at the large barely clothed figure that suddenly appeared behind Ryuu, it looked like an enlightened person who has reached inner peace and he radiated it all around, it made them feel safe and secure, the figure upon close inspection looked like someone who had to spend aeons mediating to reach nirvana, the serene smile with half-closed eyes made them feel as if the person was someone they could rely upon, someone who would understand them and then wash away all their sadness, their worry.


    The calming sensation disappeared all of a sudden as the figure''s head suddenly turned back completely in an extremely creepy manner as another face took its place, a face whose eyes roamed over them like some hungry beast looking at its prey sending a shiver down their collective spines, then it opened its jaws as its long tongue poured out with drool dripping from it, then it titled its head in an impossible angle before letting out an ear-splitting and soul rendering scream.


    If the previous figure meant peace and tranquillity the current one made them feel unnatural and wrong, it made them feel as if the cold hand of fear was gripping their hearts, a few even took a step back unconsciously.


    Ryuu simply rolled her head before he spoke with a sigh, "What kind of cultivator are you all I just activated my domain and you all are scared out of your minds, simply pathetic, but what else could I expect from trashes like you."


    As he spoke the figures head returned to normal as the long tongue still wagged, while droll dripped from it, the eyes of the creature began to move independently roaming over each of them, as Ryuu spoke with again, "You wanted power right? Well, let me show you my definition of power."


    As he spoke Ryuu activated his Divine Body, as a large silhouette of a Dragon appeared behind the figure, but unlike before the Dragon had four of its eyes open, with the last pair being partially open, Ryuu felt a rush of power whereas his opponents felt just the opposite, they felt as if their powers were being sapped from them, they simply wanted to prostrate and beg for mercy.


    Jethrar, since he was born, had always been pampered especially when his Divine Body was known, since then he was treated like a King, his mother who used to be his father''s mistress became his main wife, he was so used to be worshipped around and touted as a genius that he used to look down on others, his puppet collection most of them were his fellow pupils, some even family whereas the rest were his enemies, because of his constitution his master always looked another side even when he killed his teacher''s son and added him to his collection after all might is right.


    And now for the first time, Jethrar felt fear, a very crippling fear that made him want to run away, the humanoid creature and the silhouette of dragon scared him, but what made him feel really afraid was the figure, who was controlling the humanoid and the Dragon, he was afraid of Ryuu.


    ''What is this? What is this unnatural feeling of fear, is this why Rain Sword Ryuu''s bounty was so large, they made a mistake it should be even higher, he is not someone I cannot fight against I have to flee if I use my puppets I can buy some time and retreat for now but one day I��..eh?''


    He let out a surprised gasp as he looked at the puppets that he was controlling, he was so busy thinking about Ryuu that he had failed to perceive that he had lost control of the majority of his puppets, his puppets numbering over a thousand was cut in half even then with each passing second it was getting difficult to maintain them.


    Similar was the case with Chainyu he had hoped to use his ability to control Ryuu''s blood and use it against him, but all of sudden he could no longer control his powers, it was as if his powers have rebelled against him, as such he could not help but shout out loud, "What did you do to me?"


    A low chuckle like a rumble of thunder came from Ryuu as he spoke in an arrogant, "I am the epitome of everything Good or Evil, I am made up of both Holy and Demonic, everything begins with me and ends with me for I am the Emperor, a Conqueror, the Beloved Child of Heavens and you have rebelled against me, made a futile attempt to touch me, to reach and tarnish my glory, a crime inconceivable as such disappear from my sight as your repentance for your crimes."


    With that Ryuu raised his right hand along with his sword and mimicking his motion so did the humanoid figure, the l.u.s.t for blood and carnage was shining in its eyes like some depraved being, when all of a sudden a giant sword, a complete replica of Ryuu''s appeared in its right hand and then flowing Ryuu''s motion it swung forward.


    Ryuu''s sword attack was something like they had never seen before, and to them, it looked as if the sword slashed had opened a portal to another realm and a dazzling large army of some Celestial Emperor, had jumped out of the portal to slaughter them.


    They watched with horror as the large army consisting of countless infantry and Cavalry charging at them blotting their view, yet they could not move from its path, they could hear their warcry their murderous aura, their indomitable spirit, they wanted to run further away from the charging army, they wanted to hide and hope that everything was a nightmare, but it was for nought as they found themselves rooted to the spot unable to move at all.


    A few of them erected defensive barriers while others used various escape means to escape to run away but it was for nought, as the army seemed to phase through the barrier as if without so much as a ripple as if the barrier was nothing but air no it was as if a vacuum.


    Those that chose to run they soon found themselves unable to leave the barrier while the attacks tracked them down and reached no matter how much they tried to dodge and in a blink of an eye the enemy were all slaughtered except one whose name was Frost Flames.


    Never in million years of her life was she filled with so much fear, even her master had felt to instil as much fear as she felt now, as the largest remaining portion of the once near about a two thousand strong armies of Demonic cultivators was a red mist that was rapidly fading.


    ''Dead, they are dead, they are all dead.'', her mind could not comprehend the sight of carnage that lay in front of her, it looked as if someone had simply erased them from existence when all of a sudden she found herself face to face with Ryuu.


    With a loud ''eep'', she fell back before she tried to scramble away from Ryuu only to find herself standing face to face with him as a deadly silence descended amongst them.


    ''I will die, I will die, Ryuu will kill me, no no I can make this work, yes he loved and if I make myself look like a victim then, yes it yes it will work and��'', Frost Flames'' eyes gained a glaze looked as she at Ryuu with unhidden l.u.s.t, and a gaze full of worship, the reason for that was because Ryuu had removed his mask.


    "Was it worth it Frost? Deceiving me, fraternizing with the enemy, killing your own brother, was it worth it?"


    ''Such a wonderful voice I want to hear it more, I want to be cherished and loved by him, I want to worship him, I wanted to be his slave for eternity.''


    As Frost Flames'' mind was clouded by her overwhelming desire to be with Ryuu she began to openly drool, making Ryuu grimace at the sight.


    A quick slap jolted her wake as Ryuu spoke, "Frost Flames, now look at me and answer this, was it worth it?"


    But all it did was make her blush even more as Frost Flames spoke with a coy smile, "My beloved Ryuu, please how could you believe I could betray you, I love you, I love you more than anything in this world, see if you say the word you can have me and I can give you eternal pleasure.", as she spoke she tore off her clothes exposing her bosom for all to see before she started to fondle herself her mind lost in the pleasure of having s.e.x with someone as otherworldly handsome as Ryuu.


    Ryuu on the other hand gagged upon seeing the sight in front of him, ''I fell in love with her, her a loose woman like her, how am I going to show my face to my teachers, I wanted to die from dishonour, and her being intimate with me, I know there are a few cultivation techniques that can steal others cultivation through s.e.x.u.a.l intercourse, and I was touched by someone like her, even if I peel off my skin to de-sanitize myself it would not be enough, Oh Heavens what kind of depraved immoral creature did I allow myself to be touched by.''


    To preserve his sanity Ryuu quickly hit Frost Flames just below her navel area, digging her hand into her body as Frost Flames let out an orgasmic cry of joy only for it to turn it horror as Ryuu pulled out her dantian before crushing it.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=11448539305377005)/returning-back-to-ayindril-(part-1)_%!d(string=51650373517106986) for visiting.


    Meanwhile, on the outside of the barrier, the remaining cultivators were restless, while the majority were itching for revenge which Ryuu denied them because of the barrier, the rest were concerned upon Ryuu''s wellbeing except for Zywia who sat like a statue with her dead lover''s head on her lap.


    When all of a sudden a loud sound of glass shattering was heard as the barrier dissolved itself exposing a masked Ryuu who was looking towards a small pile of smouldering ash that slowly drifted away and vanished with the wind.


    Ryuu then looked towards the rest of the cultivators as he spoke with a sombre tone, "It is time we went back home."


    A couple of hours later Eden rumbled and with a bright flash, the Manushya realm cultivators found themselves standing on a long hallway with the only entrance leading them to the outside of Eden.


    The group slowly walked out of the doorway as Ryuu looked back at the tall structure that was already fading from the sides as the faint echoes of laughter, the cries, the memories all flashed passed his eyes, he could see the smiling faces of many of his friends that he made, those whom he would never see again, as his eyes grew misty, he raised his hand in a grasping motion before clenching it forming a fist, before he shouted out, "We did it we survived Eden and accomplished more than our predecessors could."


    Even after going through those harsh trials, Ryuu''s words seemed to ignite their spirits as the five hundred something cultivators all shouted with joy echoing his sentiments.


    Ryuu did not stop there as he once again shouted out, "Brothers and sisters whom we left behind, whom we made friends with, with whom we shared our joys and pain, I do not know if you can hear this but I, Ryuu will one day reach the top, but I will never forget you."


    At his loud proclamation followed by the loud chorus of his fellow cultivators, many watched them with curiosity, while some looked at him with annoyance but a few looked at him with a warm smile, before they all greeted the survivors of Eden.

 Chapter 476 - Returning back to Ayindril (Part-2)

    Waving good bye to his friends was a heart wrenching affair for Ryuu, he hugged Frozen Ocean who returned one in kind, but their hug was soon joined by a teary eyed Su-Min, even Amnon and his wife Daniella were not exempted from it as they all joined eagerly in the group hug, all except Zywia who seemed to be staring into the unknown.


    Ryuu sent them a smile with tears in his eyes as he spoke, "I do not know when or how we will meet again, but I hope we would be able to see each other soon."


    Amnon nodded as emotions welled up in his throat as he spoke, "This few years have been an eye opening experience meeting you all was a blessing from heaven do not be stranger."


    Ryuu nodded as his eyes travelled towards Su-Min who was hugging a stone faced Zywia as she whispered many things to her but all she got was a blank look, seeing Zywia, who was one of the most happy and boisterous person like that made everyone''s heart clench with sadness.


    But, Ryuu did not get a chance to contemplate anything as he was soon swarmed by other cultivators who came especially to thank him and say their goodbyes it was an emotional affair for everyone present.


    "Ryuu may I have some of your time."


    A familiar voice came to his ears as he looked at the person as wide smile blossomed on his face as he exclaimed out with unhidden joy, "First big sister! How have you been?"


    "I have been fine Ryuu, but come here for a moment will you."


    Ryuu moved to her location with a confused look on her face as he spoke, "What is it big sister?"


    Antariskh simply smiled at him as she spoke, "Just follow me, I will show you something.", with that she dragged Ryuu towards a certain part of the now mostly faded Eden.


    "Look at this place and tell me what you can see."


    Ryuu looked at the portion where his name had been inscribed with the words fifteenth floor engraved in it, he reached for it and touched it gently as he spoke with a hint of awe in his voice, "I cannot believe I did it."


    Antariskh simply smiled at him as she spoke, "What we did was an unprecedented and unimaginable feat, it stood the trial of times for such a long time, yet it was broken by you single handedly, you make us so proud Ryuu, so proud that I cannot even use words to describe my feelings."


    Ryuu felt himself choking from the emotions welling up in his throat as Antariksh flashed him a proud smile as she spoke, "Well then shall we return back home."


    Ryuu nodded as Antariskh quickly escorted him to their flying vessel while glancing towards the distraught family of Zywia, who were fussing about her.


    "Ryuu, about Zywia what happened to her?"


    Ryuu looked towards the direction of Zywia''s family as he spoke, "Something happened sis, something extremely bad, and I hope I can speak with their family as soon as possible, something terrible happened to her."


    Antaiksh nodded before she entered the flying vessel where rest of his teacher''s family were waiting for him with a warm smile on their faces, but before anyone could say anything Antariskh spoke with a look of alarm, "Mother something is wrong with Ryuu, his KI is fluctuating too much not to mention he seems to be running fever."


    Her words send a jolt of alarm on their faces as Ryuu quickly found himself under Veena''s extreme scrutiny.


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "I am fine, I am perfectly fine."


    Veena scowled as she spoke, "No you are not your KI is fluctuating too much, your pulse is also unstable, not to mention your fever, that is not correct Ryuu something is wrong."


    "Something is definitely wrong, Ryuu spill up what happened with my daughter, why is she such a state, spill up now!"


    Saidhal loved his family dearly and seeing her daughter in that state nearly drove him insane, as such he raced towards the only source of answer and that was Ryuu, as soon as they had gathered their daughter Saidhal and his family made a beeline towards Ryuu without even speaking a word with others present.


    Maheswara frowned at seeing the killing intent and KI Saidhal was exuding as he spoke in a stern voice, "Saidhal control yourself."


    Ryuu winced upon seeing the stern look on Saidhal''s visage as he quickly spoke, "Teacher please there is no need to be angry at brother Saidhal, I understand why is acting as such.", he then turned towards Saidhal as he spoke with a sad look on his face, "Brother Saidhal, please sit this is going to be a long talk, and please be patient."


    Saidhal sighed before he closed his eyes for a moment reigning in his emotions before he spoke, "I am sorry, seeing her like that."


    Veena looked ready to protest only to be stopped by Ryuu who spoke in a pleading tone, "Please first mistress, please allow me to speak with them, Zywia''s mental health is much more important."


    Veena bit her lips as she spoke with a nod, "That is something I understand, but I will work on you while you speak and that is non-negotiable."


    Ryuu accepted with a nod as he spoke, "Fair enough, though I would keep my mask on my face, I am having difficulty in reigning in my charm."


    A few minutes later, everyone including Ryuu''s teacher''s family, as well as Saidhal''s family and their friends who came to visit found themselves sitting comfortably while Zywia was sleeping in a dreamless sleep on a bed which was brought hastily by the maids.


    Zarina could not take any longer as she decided to break the silence, "Ryuu, what happened? What happened to my cheerful daughter?"


    Hearing her saddened tone made Ryuu winced inwardly as he spoke with a tired sigh, "Zywia fell in love with a fellow cultivator."


    His words had instantaneous effect as Cezary jumped up from his seat with his killing intent and KI rolling in spades as he shouted, "What!!! Who is that no good bastard that made my sister like this?"


    Ryuu gritted his teeth as he replied back with equal amount of force, "Shut up! Just shut up, Daoist Brother True-Spear was a noble person who died while trying to keep Your Sister''s virtue and honor intact, he gave away his life to preserve your sisters, so just shut up."


    Cezary looked as if someone has physically slapped him as he spoke with a meek voice, "I, I am so sorry, I did not mean it like that."


    Ryuu ran his finger though his hair as he spoke, "No no, there is no need to apologize, you did not know about it, in fact I am sorry for being shouting at you."


    As Cezary took back his seat as Zarina spoke with tears in her eyes, "Were they close."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Yes they were, very very close, it was a true tragedy, what happened was a true tragedy, I wish I was there to prevent it."


    "Aww, don''t be sad my love, it is a good think that he died there after all I doubt the little girl''s family would have accepted an orphan with unknown questionable lineage and very low prospect."


    Ryuu jumped up from his seat as she looked towards the speaker while Sylvana spoke with a snarl, "You again, do you not even know the decency to not even eavesdrop or intrude upon a private matter."


    The ''Empress'', gained a predatory look on her eyes as she spoke, "Careful little girl I already made your sisters lose their heart and hand, do not make me do the same for you, when I am grateful for your help."


    Ryuu gritted his teeth as he spoke, "How dare you say something about him? And what would you know?"


    The ''Empress'' sent a loving smile towards Ryuu as she spoke, "Of course I know many things, after all I kept an eye on you all the time."


    Neacht scowled as she spoke with disbelief, "That is preposterous, stop lying no one can see what goes inside of Eden."Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=11448539305377005)/returning-back-to-ayindril-(part-2)_%!d(string=51673606605817955) for visiting.


    The ''Empress'', simply scoffed at her words as she spoke, "Please do not lump me with the rest of untalented trashes like you."


    Ryuu frowned but before he could speak, he found himself under the Empress''s glare as she continued to speak, "And, what did I tell you about not opening another pair of eyes, I clearly remember warning you about how dangerous it would be at your current level, yet you disobeyed me."


    Nuwa frowned as she spoke, "Is this the reason for his current bout of illness."


    The ''Empress'' simply tilted her head as she spoke, "Yes it is.", with that she moved so fast that others could not even perceive her and in a blink of an eye she was in front of Ryuu, and before anyone could react she brought him into a searing kiss.


    Veena who was the nearest from Ryuu, sprung into action as she shouted out, "Get away from my child."


    Again before anyone could perceive Empress was back into her original position, with a blush on her face.


    As Veena did a quick check up Nuwa spoke with barely controlled anger, "What did you do to him?"


    With a giggle the Empress spoke, "Nothing I healed him.", her words turned out to be true as Veena simply gave a small nod supporting her statement but her next words made everyone pale, "I healed him so that I can punish him for falling in love with someone."


    As she spoke an inhumane scream tore through Ryuu''s throat as he collapsed on the ground as a indescribable pain passed through his body.

 Chapter 477 - Returning back to Ayindril (Part-3)

    As Ryuu''s teacher''s family''s KI rose as they got ready to fight him, while the Empress simply wagged her finger as she spoke with a smirk, "Un Uh, careful causing your KI to rise will be harmful to Ryuu in his current situation especially when the medicine that I feed him would not work properly, and would cause problem later on."


    Her words bore fruit immediately as their KI disappeared while Veena looked at her with a look of alarm on her face as she spoke, "What medicine did you feed him?"


    "Something that will help Ryuu stabilize his rather unstable Divine body."


    Neacht who was nearby could not help but voice out her thoughts out loud, "What do you mean by stabilize? Why would he need stabilization?"Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #%!d(string=11448539305377005)/returning-back-to-ayindril-(part-3)_%!d(string=51696812582561970) for visiting.


    "That my dear is because he used a tad bit more of his Divine body that he could handle at his currently level, it has not been a day since the incident as such the symptoms were not that visible but within two months he would have died of having is dantian ruptured."


    A stunned silence descended as Ryuu sat up groggily as the Empress spoke with a sweet smile, "That pill causes intense pain as such certain pills are needed to subsidize the pain but your actions angered me as such I did not feed you as such please remember I am not that tolerant next time it will be much more harsher."


    Ryuu growled at her as Saidhal spoke with a frown, "If Ryuu fell in love with someone that it is his problem, and who are you to punish him for that, and seeing that woman not present here would certainly mean something happened to her, otherwise Ryuu would have introduced her to his teachers."


    The Empress simply smiled as she spoke, "Oh brat if you knew how much I care and how much I had sacrificed for my love, you would not say something like that, though you are right in one instance the girl he was madly in love is dead."


    A look of alarm passed through many of their face as Zarina looked at Ryuu with pity as a thought passed her mind, ''So, both him and my daughter shared the same fate.''


    Ryuu would have loved to retort but his hoarse throat and the sudden bout of weakness prevented him, as the Empress continued, "Yes the girl had her dantian as well as her spirit branches pulled off her body before being burned to ash."


    Antariskh balled her fist as she quickly joined her first and second mothers who were by Ryuu''s side trying to console him from his physical and mental pain.


    Cezary looked at Ryuu with look akin to pity as he spoke out loud, "Who could do such a horrible thing, first the love of sister and now the woman who was loved by Ryuu it is heinous."


    Shamiran nodded as she spoke with a frown, "I concur with nephew that is some heinous way to kill someone, and I believe the murderer is someone from Preta or Deva lok."


    "I killed that wench."


    A rather hoarse voice came to their ears and as they looked at the source of the said voice it was none other than Ryuu, the hatred and anger in his voice was unreal to some.


    As the Empress giggled as she spoke, "That is the only reason I lowered your punishment dear, otherwise I would have made you suffering legendary."


    Sylvana could not help but speak out loud, "Can anyone explain what happened, why Ryuu acted as such?"


    "Why else the reason is very simple betrayal, Ryuu poured his heart, soul and almost even his body, yet the she backstabbed him literally, drove a dagger through his dantian and left him to die being torn apart by hungry denizens of the fifteenth floor.", the Empress then eyed Sylvana as she spoke with a smirk, "I believe you had similar experience did you not? If I remember your wedding was a great spectacle."


    Those words send shivers down her spine as age old memory, memories that she did not wish to remember resurfaced, the memories of her greatest shame, she took a step back as if she was physically struck, only to come to a horrified realization, ''Oh no my baby brother suffered the same fate.''


    She knew how cruel it was for someone to have their heart and soul given to someone only to be used and then tossed away like trash, how painful it was and now even after all her brother suffered something so worse as her.


    ''I was way older than him, but he was so young and he suffered so much, it is so unfair, no I, no we will have to figure something out my brother will not suffer such pain, if I have to say anything.''


    Empress''s eyes then fell on Zywia as her smile vanished making her parents to stand protectively in front of her, she looked towards them as she spoke with a soft smile, "You do not have to worry about her, I understand her situation better than any of you, the pain of having her loved one torn from her, it is unbearable nothing is more painful than that, please take good care of her, she would need your love and patience more than ever, otherwise she would do some unimaginable."


    Many especially those who had interacted with her before were taken aback at that as Celestia could not help but blurt out, "You have a heart."


    This cause a scowl to form on her face as she spoke, "Please do not say that I am heartless, for I care for my beloved more than anything in this Universe, to tell you the truth I only care for him, but even then the child''s relation with her dead lover reminded me of my time with mine, nothing more nothing less."


    She took a small breath before she began to speak, "The wench that managed to charm my beloved was working with the Preta lok, she worked with those from that realm to kidnap prospective cultivators and with such a large bounty became her prime target, she managed to worm her way into her heart, betrayed not only Ryuu but even her martial brother for sake of power, the same brother who she grew up as a child, the same brother who was apparently that traumatized girl''s dead lover."


    Another sharp intake was heard as Antariskh balled her fist as she spoke, "So how many of those sc.u.m are alive."


    An amused look appeared on Empress''s face as she spoke, "Oh and what are going to do, charge into the realm and seek them out and kill them."


    But, before Antariksh could reply back at the taunt Ryuu spoke again, "None are alive, they are all dead."


    Empress shook her head as she spoke, "N o my love one still lives, Ithrura was injured not to mention because she refused to fight you, and her allies harmed her greatly as such she was not present when during your final confrontation."


    Ryuu send a question look towards her as Empress spoke with a smirk, "She caught a glimpse of your true face and is madly infatuated with you."


    Her words caused Ryuu to let out a tired groan as she spoke with a giggle, "But, on the other hand I would like to congratulate you and warn you that, your bounty would now increase to extraordinary heights after all you single handedly wiped out their army."


    Ryuu'' shoulder slumped upon hearing that everyone''s eyes widen upon hearing that before the feeling of concern awoke in them.


    Maheswara stood at the side his mind running thousand miles per second analyzing every bit of information but the latest news made him groan inwardly, ''Perfect just perfect, the number of enemies against him would increase by quite a fold, I will have to somehow convince him to retire from the army, but how, he is as stubborn as a mule.''


    Empress then sighed as she spoke, "Well it seems my time is up, I have prior engagements that require my immediate attention so I will leave for now, bye bye, my love."


    Ryuu immediately looked up as he spoke in a hurried tone, "Wait!! I have something to ask you."


    "What is it that you wish to know my love?"


    Ryan then took out a large picture from his space ring as she laid it front of him, as others looked curiously at that, the picture had four people on it, but it was so worn out that two of their faces were barely recognizable but the other two were that of Ryuu and the Empress.


    Empress gained a nostalgic look on her face as she spoke, "Ah that brings some memories, the picture it brings back so many memories."


    Ryuu gritted his teeth as he asked out loud, "Who are they? If you know them then you must know about that place, where is that, and why was it haunting me."

 Chapter 478 - Returning back to Ayindril (Part-4)

    Kangjon Su-Min stepped out of the flying vessel as a large plethora of musical instruments began to play to welcome her return with hundreds of people stood in attention as a few excited ones even began to clap with great enthusiasm.


    She spared a small glance towards them with a small smile while inwardly she was scowling, ''Vultures, all of them, even if they hid their true face with a smile, I was not born yesterday to be duped by them.''


    She swiftly made her way to the throne room where her parents sat at the highest of seats, Su-Min then kneeled in front of them as she spoke without any emotion in her voice, "Royal Father, I have returned from the expedition."


    "A rather disgraceful return, hmph, from the looks of it you did not make it very far."


    Su-Min gritted her teeth before she spoke, "How audacious of you, Lord Uncle, my Royal Father, the Emperor has yet to speak, yet here you are interrupting him, and who said that I did not make it far? Were there with me spying on me?", with a mock gasp Su-Min continued, "But, that cannot be possible after all you are a weakling of Mid-Golden Immortal Level dear Uncle."


    As Su-Min''s uncle''s face turned an unhealthy shade of purple, her father decided to intervene, "Enough both of you, act like your station demands of you."


    As his voice thundered a hush silence descended in the court while Su-Min balled her fist in anger, ''I should not have left, and from the looks of it the situation has gone critical since my absence, most of the Nobles at my father''s court are siding with my uncle and they are not bothering to hide, this is bad, very bad.''


    Kangjon Il-Seong looked towards Su-Min with his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and concern as he spoke, "News has reached my ears, about the disaster on the second floor."


    Su-Min simply gave a small nod as she spoke, "The accident in the second floor was something out of our control, we meet a very strong pair of guardians at the gate, the guardians were so strong that their breath was enough to kill us, the breath was so poisonous that within a blink of an eye it would turn a cultivator into ash."


    A stunned silence descended as Su-Min''s mother, Empress Kangjon Hee-Ra, could not help but speak out loud, "Then, how did you survive?"


    A small smile graced Su-Min''s lips as she briefly reminisced the time she spent with her friends in Eden, before she replied, "One of my teammates turned out to be an incredible array master, he deployed a shield that was able to withstand the poison long enough for us to move into the next floor."


    As she spoke the sound of chattering rose all around the court which quickly stopped, as his uncle spoke again, "So did you manage to recruit him to serve our glorious dynasty."


    Su-Min bit her lips as she spoke, "No, I do not��."


    "Really now you cannot even accomplish that, what a worthless child are you."


    Su-Min balled her fist in anger as she spoke, "Is that so uncle, and then please enlighten me on how would you be able to entice Dao Fathers to serve our Empire."


    Su-Min''s uncle harrumphed as he replied to her, "Hmp, I am talking about some Mystic Immortal, not some Dao-Father."


    "His family came to escort him and do you know what I saw.", she paused for a moment before she continued, "I saw Dao-Fathers lowering their head in greeting but his older sister did not even bat an eyelid as she left with her brother, she was like an Empress in midst of them, so tell me what do you think about his lineage, his upbringing, when his own sister did not pay attention to Dao-Fathers, then tell me why would he serve out Empire."


    Her eyes roamed over the audience before she spoke, "Tell me why would he joined when he is so far ahead of others because of his knowledge that it is not even funny.", her eyes then travelled towards her mother as she spoke, "Royal Mother, do you remember my friend Zywia?"


    Hee-Ra frowned for a brief moment before she spoke, "I recall a friend of yours who plays the zither and last time I met her she was being escorted by peak Celestial level beings who acted as her maid."


    Su-Min nodded as she spoke, "Yes, Royal Mother, the person''s name is Ryuu and even though he is a family friend of Zywia''s from the way they interacted I believe Ryuu had higher social status than Zywia."


    Her words made nearly everyone suck their breath, and to many of them a Celestia was insurmountable power, it was because of that reason they had yet to revolt against the current emperor, and Dao-Father, it was so far ahead in the totem pole that many were not even aware of their existence and to a few they were like a fairy tale.


    "A likely story.", was the retort of Su-Min''s uncle who spoke with a scoff, only to freeze as Il-Seong flared his powers.


    "Enough, this kind of bickering is beneath you all, if there is nothing else then I declare today''s court is over.


    With that, he stood up with his wife and left while rest of them simply stood with their head bowed low, and as soon as the Royal couple was out of sight Su-Min left soon after.


    A few more minutes later Su-Min found herself in the inner the chambers of the Royal Palace, with her mother hugging her so tight that she was afraid that her ribs might break.


    "Mother, I am here and I would not disappear."


    Il-Seong simply patted her head as he spoke, "Child let your mother embrace you to her heart''s content when we heard about the incident our hearts had stopped thinking something unsavoury had happened with you."


    Su-Min sighed before she spoke, "Father, this entire thing was something that I do not know how to describe, it seems so unreal, the last decade I had to spend there was filled with so much happiness, anger, frustration and sadness that I do not know what to think of it."


    Hee-Ra looked at her daughter as she spoke with a sad frown on her face, "The last few years had been too much for you."


    "Words cannot describe my experience in that place."


    Il-Seong frowned as he spoke, "You were extremely unlucky to have to suffer so much.", his frown then morphed into a smile as he continued, "But, I think I owe your friend my gratitude for saving your life in the second floor."


    A small smile graced on Su-Min''s face as she spoke, "I owe Ryuu a lot more than saving me in the second floor, if it were not for him I doubt we would have managed to accomplish anything."


    The Royal couple shared a knowing look seeing the soft smile on Su-Min''s face as Hee-Ra spoke with a grin, "So, Su-Min what can you say about him? Did you manage to go beyond friends, are we going to arrange for the wedding soon."


    Su-Min blushed as a scandalized look appeared on her face as she spoke out loud, "Mother!!!"


    **********


    Back in Ayindril, a lone figure sat on a chair with his legs gathered, and a cup of hot tea in his hand that was cooling down, but his mind lay elsewhere.


    A few days ago, back in the Flying vessel, Ryuu stood in front of the Empress who was answering his questions as much as possible, as well as any questions that others and during those discussions the direction of their discussion took an interesting turn.


    Empress looked directly into his eyes as she spoke, "Did you think that this Divine body only appeared in Pangu and your case?"


    "No of course not, in between his death and your birth I know of seven such instances when it was reborn to the world, but alas the wielders of the body did not see past their toddler stage, because of they were not born with a dantian."


    She waited for a few breaths before she continued again, "They were not lucky enough to have a loving aunt or understanding parents as such they were murdered by their own family before they could even learn to walk, and by seven I mean the only one I know, there may be many times that this body would have been reborn."


    Ryuu bit his lips as he spoke, "So those memories of me growing up in the wilds."


    "Were not false, you did grow up in the wild, in fact, the reason you were not outright killed was simple, and your father, during that life, did not spare you because of some love or sentimental value but because he loved to collect strange, and exotic pets, but unfortunately he was unable to keep you locked in a cage along with his other collections because everyone thought you to be a very bad omen and they did not wish to be anywhere near you, as such the closest thing he could do was toss you into the jungle."


    The present Ryuu could not help but run his hand through his hair as he whispered to himself with his voice choking in sadness, "Am I cursed to never have loving parents, I do not know if all that I saw was true or a hoax by that woman, but in all three of my life that I know, I never had a loving parent that cherished me but one that never wanted me, neglected me and even wanted to kill, what kind of rubbish is this."


    But, that was not the source of the headache he was feeling as the Empress had dropped another bomb and a rather devastating one at that.


    "My beloved Ryuu, I know you would defy me and seek out and fall in love with another wench, but before that let me share a tidbit of information."


    The smile on Empress''s face widened as she spoke, "During the incident at the fifteenth floor, you not only develop strong immunity but you assimilated it to the point that not only your blood but every fluid in your body is a dangerous and potent venom with a very few like me is immune to."


    Upon hearing that Ryuu''s face gained a look of horror as the Empress pressed on, "If you kiss someone you will kill her if you have coitus with someone you will kill her, even your sweat is now deadly", the Empress then blushed as she spoke the next words, "But do not worry I am here for you, I can tolerate that puny dose of poison easily so you have nothing to worry about, as I will always be there for you."


    Ryuu did not know how to react to what the Empress had divulged to them, as such all he could do was to brood when he was suddenly brought out of his thoughts as a hand rested on his shoulder making him jump from his seat.


    As he turned to look at the person that sneaked up on him, only to be greeted by second and third eldest sister as Shamiran spoke with a frown on her face, "Ryuu we need to talk."

 Chapter 479 - Returning back to Ayindril (Part-4)

    Ryuu frowned as he sat directly across the two sisters whom he offered some tea before he spoke, "Is there something wrong sisters you looked worried."


    Sylvana frowned as she whispered out loud, "Now where to begin."


    "Preferably from the beginning.", came Ryuu''s quick retort with a smile on his face.


    Sylvana snorted at that as she spoke with a small smile o her, "Ryuu do you know what Samadhi is?"


    Ryuu frowned for a moment in deep thought before he replied back in an unsure tone, "I think it is something that deals with death if a cultivator."


    Shamiran gave a small nod as she spoke, "Close enough, it is a term is used to define when a cultivator voluntarily gives up their life and reincarnate without their memories and begin a new life."


    Ryuu frowned hard as a pit formed in his stomach, ''Why is she telling me this?''


    Sylvana sighed as she began to speak again, "Ryuu, a cultivator leads a long, a very long life and over time it becomes monotonous and dreadfully boring, as such cultivators who are tired of leading such a monotonous life often opt for Samadhi since they can begin anew as a blank slate."


    As she spoke a look of fear crept up on Ryuu''s face as he spoke, "Sister who is going to do such a thing to end their life."


    Shamiran sighed as she spoke, "Antariskh."


    No sooner did she say the name Ryuu jumped up from his seat as he dashed towards the door only to be brought back to his seat by the wave of Shamiran''s hand as she spoke with a glare, "Where were you running off to?"


    Ryuu returned the glare as he replied back, "To find Antariksh."


    Shamiran simply sighed at his answer as she spoke, "And do what exactly, are you going to do exactly?"


    "I am going to somehow convince her not to."


    Sylvana simply shook her head as she spoke with a sigh, "That is awfully na?ve of you bother, do you think she is the type to be swayed by a couple of words."


    Ryuu balled his fist as he looked down on the ground for a moment before he spoke while looking up with a frown on his face, "So what do you suggest."


    Sylvana bit her lips as she spoke, "First of all we have to address the root of the problem, which is none other than too much workload, Antariksh after Pangu''s death has shouldered all responsibility standing tall for our family, and in the end, we became too reliant on her dropping our responsibilities on her and now she is tired too tired to continue."


    Ryuu felt a headache rising as he spoke, "Troublesome, so how do we proceed, we cannot simply take some responsibilities off her shoulder, she would retaliate badly if we try."


    "True brother.", Shamiran spoke drawing attention towards her as she continued, "As such we will have to be really sneaky about it, we will have to be subtle."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "True, so what can I do? I am not that strong not to mention I have no idea on what to do."


    "Actually there is a lot you can do brother."


    As Ryuu paid undivided attention towards her Sylvana continued with a frown of her own, "We will do what we can from our side, while you will be little less resistant if she asks for your help, do not outright agree to it show your unwillingness but make sure to be a bit less forceful than before, and if possible spend as much time with her as possible."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "Will it work."


    Shamiran shrugged as she spoke, "Who knows, maybe it will work, maybe not but it will remind her unconsciously that at least her family is always with her."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Wish I could do more."


    At Ryuu''s words, Sylvana spoke back with a frown, "Of course you could do many things, what we just said was merely an example, but please be discreet and try to remember that while doing so the talk that you had with us is pushed back to the furthest recess of your mind, no need to let her know about it."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "I will try my best."


    A small smile blossomed on two sisters'' face as Sylvana spoke, "That is more than enough."


    With that, the dup decided stood up from their seat as Shamiran spoke, "Ah before we leave I would like to inform you that the dinner is ready so let us leave."


    Ryuu nodded but he suddenly remembered something from the talk he had with the Empress as he spoke in an awkward manner, "Umm, big sis Sylvana there is something that I wish to say to you."


    Sylvana raised one of her elegant brows as she spoke in a curious tone, "What is it, brother?"


    Ryuu''s awkwardness and embarrassment reached a new height as he spoke, "About the essence that��"


    Sylvana smiled at him as she placed her hand over his shoulder as she spoke, "There is nothing to worry about Ryuu, you are my brother as such I do not regret it."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No big Sis what you did for me was more than anything anyone could do for others as such.", with that Ryuu gave her a deep bow as he continued to speak, "Please let me take responsibility."


    Sylvana suddenly broke into a burst of loud laughter before she pulled Ryuu into a hug as she spoke, "Thank you Ryuu for being so considerate, but there is no need for you to worry about such trivial thing."


    "But sister, the essence can only be shared between a husband and wife as such I cannot in good conscience let you be condemned by others, people will talk behind your back and��"


    "Let them.", was Sylvana''s immediate retort as she spoke with a hard edge on her voice, "Let them, I could care less about what they think or what they want, I wanted to protect you and I have succeeded as such I am happy."


    "But, even your friends��"


    Sylvana gained a scowl on her face upon being reminded about her friends, as she still remembered the expression of disgust that passed through some of their faces when the Empress had dropped her secret in front of everyone, she gave Ryuu a small smile as she spoke, "Ryuu, for my someone I cherish I can sacrifice my existence what is a mere essence, and I do not regret it, after all without it you would be dead."


    Seeing the conflicting look on Ryuu''s face Sylvana spoke with a sigh, "How about this, when one day you will be strong enough to defeat me in an all-out combat we will have this discussion, till then please forgot it."


    Ryuu slouched forward as he spoke, "If you say so.", then he gained a sombre look on his face before he spoke, "First mother and now you��"


    Whatever he was going to say came to a halt upon being swatted on his head hard by Shamiran who spoke with a scowl, "Please brother stop with this sad thoughts, you are back home so sit back and have some fun, stop acting like an old man full of regrets, you are too young to act as such."


    Ryuu would have like to point out that he was already an old man but held his tongue, he knew for cultivators of their stature a person who is in their eighties was basically a child, and he did not want to point out their age and end up at the receiving end of their ire.


    While Ryuu had his inner dialogue with himself Shamiran, on the other hand, kept on speaking, "Now since we have finished our chat can we move to the dining area, because I believe some rather delicious food cooked by Second Mother is waiting for us, and I for one do not wish to waste something she had worked so hard to prepare."


    The words ''Cooked by Second Mother had seemed to have managed to snap Ryuu out of his depressed state as he visibly drooled before he shouted out in the excited state, "Why are we waiting then, let''s go, let''s go.", with that he took off towards the dining area, while the duo of sisters broke into fits of laughter.


    "Something will never change."


    "So true, big sister, so true and I hope that it never does, I just hope he does not end up in the hospital again."


    Sylvana could not help but snort at her sister''s words as she spoke, "That is foolish hope sister, sooner or later he is going to end up in the hospital from overeating."


    A few more minutes later Maheswara''s entire family had occupied the respective seats around the dining table with Maheswara at the helm.


    Seeing the happy and cheery face of Ryuu brought warmth to his heart only to be saddened upon seeing the deep profound sadness hiding behind the fa?ade of happiness.


    ''No matter how much Ryuu tried to hide I can see the hurt that he is feeling, that woman had wounded him deeply, the betrayal had hit him rather hard, and with that, I once again failed one of my children.''


    His musing was cut short as he felt Celestia grasp his hand as she whispered to him, "Your children are getting all restless seeing you in such deep thoughts."


    Maheswara gave a small cough trying to gather his semblance before he spoke with a sheepish smile on his face, "Ah sorry I was thinking of something, so without further ado let us begin before we drown from Ryuu''s drool."


    His words brought out a round of laughter and an indignant shout from Ryuu, "I so do not drool."

 Chapter 480 - The tribulation (part-1)

    It had been a few weeks since Ryuu''s return and even after all the ordeal he had suffered he was grateful that his teacher''s family were there for him, he was grateful that they are helping him heal, as he looked up towards the sky he let out a sad sigh.


    ''Even after all this I still loved her, even now I wish everything was just a nightmare that I desperately wish to wake up from.'', As his mind wandered off to the time he spent with Frost Flames his vision became blurry.


    Unknown to him, Ryuu was very much not alone, as he was under the careful watch of his teachers, who were keeping an eye on him, no matter how much he tried to hide behind the fa?ade of laughter and smile they could detect the hint of extreme sorrow and confusion underneath his carefully crafted mask.


    Celestia snarled as she balled her fist in anger as she spoke, "I have half a mind to go and track down the wench''s soul and torture it for eternity."


    Veena gritted her teeth as she spoke, "I would too sister, but it would be futile endeavour trying to track that wretched soul down when we do not even know where it is, instead it would be fruitful if we focus on Ryuu for now."


    Celestia sighed as she spoke, "I know, I know but I cannot help it, then our daughters had the bright idea to involve him, to prevent Antariskh from performing a Samadhi."


    Veena sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose as she spoke, "One thing after another, can the children not catch a break."


    Nuwa frowned as she spoke, "We think that Sylvana involving Ryuu was an excellent idea, it could keep his mind occupied."


    Maheswara upon hearing his wife''s word sighed as he spoke, "That may be so dear, but at best it is a temporary measure to keep his mind occupied and out of those depressing thoughts, but what about when he is not busy those thoughts would spring up with greater force then."


    Celestia leaned back on to the tree under which they all stood as she spoke with a sigh, "So what should we do."


    Maheswara frowned as he spoke, "Both of them need immediate attention but Antariksh needs more, a single mistake would make us lose her forever, how about we let the two problems clash headlong."


    Nuwa frowned as she spoke, "How are you going to accomplish that?"


    Maheswara gave her a sly smirk as he spoke, "Simple I might have dropped hints around Antariskh and she would soon be confronting Ryuu.", seeing the disapproving look on his wives faces he quickly raised his hand as he spoke, "I know I know it is not the ideal solution but it would be a good way to buy us some much needed time at the very least."


    Veena sighed before she spoke, "I know Shamiran is helping out Antariskh but where is Sylvana? I haven''t seen her since morning."


    Maheswara frowned as he replied to his wife''s question, "She left in an absolute hurry, it seems something has happened with the army and she was needed immediately."


    Hearing his words his wives all gained an identical frown on their faces as he spoke with a sigh, "I do not know what has happened but I agree with Veena on this, it seems our children do not seem to catch a break.", his eyes then widen as he spoke with a smile, "Oh seems like our eldest is here."


    "Ah Ryuu, there you are."


    A familiar voice brought him out of his musing as Ryuu hastily rubbed his eyes clean, he then turned towards the speaker as he spoke with a smile, "Big Sis, what are you doing here? Please take a seat."


    Antariksh pouted as she spoke while taking a seat by Ryuu''s side, "Why can''t I come here to meet with you."


    Ryuu narrowed his eyes as he spoke, "Well you can but at this time of the day you are mostly buried under mountain load of paperwork."


    Antariskh visibly shuddered as she spoke, "Please do not remind me, and the reason I was able to be here was because of Shamiran, who had chased me out while stating something on the lines of my oncoming tribulation."


    Ryuu tilted his head as he spoke, "You all never told me what level you all are, seeing you all are so excited means that you are about to go into a never level surpassing everyone else am I right?"


    Antariskh simply smiled at him as she spoke, "Sorry brother I might not be able to tell you what level I am in but I am simply going to advance in rank nothing more."


    Ryuu''s eyes furrowed as he spoke with disbelief, "You are advancing in a rank but you are also having a tribulation."


    Antariksh nodded as she spoke, "Yes brother after a certain level even advancing a single rank would trigger a tribulation."


    Ryuu gulped at that as he spoke, "That is a scary thought, I almost died last time and now you are telling me that after a certain level I will have to suffer tribulation while advancing each rank."


    As Antariksh nodded with a smile Ryuu threw up his hand as he spoke, "I give up, this is too troublesome."


    At his reaction, Antariskh openly laughed before she spoke in a serious tone, "This is one of the reasons why after a certain level most cultivators rarely cultivate, not only advancing takes lots of time and resource, but it also becomes extremely dangerous as well."


    "I see, big sister, so how are your preparations."


    Antariskh simply made a so-so motion with her hand as she spoke, "There are few things where no matter how much you try it is not enough, and preparing for tribulation for someone of my calibre is one of them, no matter how hard I try it would never be enough as anything can happen."


    Ryuu gained a worried look on his face as he spoke, "Please, sister I believe in you as such there is no need to say something so ominous and I know you will succeed."


    Antariskh simply smiled at him as Ryuu continued to speak, "I am so excited to see your tribulation."


    Hearing his words Antariskh visibly winced at that as she spoke with an apologetic smile on her face, "I am so sorry brother, but my Tribulation will be very violent and someone of your level would die if you try to witness it up close."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "But, I will not be so close to your place."


    With a shake of her head, Antariskh spoke, "Even if you stay in the same planetary system it would be fatal for you as such I am sorry to say but you will be staying back home."


    Ryuu slouched forward as he spoke with a dejected sigh, "That is so not cool."


    Antariskh smiled at him as she spoke, "Tell you what bother, after my tribulation is over we will go out and have some fun, just like old times."


    Ryuu''s sadness evaporated as he spoke with an excited look on his face, "That would be great after all it has been so long since we left on a trip."


    Antariskh simply grinned at his excitement but before she could speak Sylvana had arrived back from her business with the army and from the scowl on her face she did not look too happy.


    Seeing the scowl on her face Antariskh''s face gained one as well as she spoke, "Sister, where have you been and you look too tensed and angry, is everything alright."


    Sylvana simply sighed as she spoke, "No something has happened and it requires a full family meeting immediately."


    Sensing the urgency in her voice Antariskh jumped into action as she hurriedly spoke, "Take Ryuu with you while I notify Shamiran."


    Sylvana with a nod placed her hand over Ryuu''s shoulder as she disappeared an action that was soon followed by her parents who were watching over the interactions between Antariksh and Ryuu from shadows.


    It did not take long for Antariksh to bring Shamiran along with her and they soon found themselves occupying sofas and chairs waiting for Sylvana to begin.


    Ryuu squirmed as he could practically feel the tension in the air, it was thick enough to be cut with a knife and as the entire family gathered Maheswara spoke with a sigh, "What is it, daughter? Is there something wrong?"


    Sylvana bit her lips thinking of ways to proceed before she spoke with a sigh while handing a stack of papers towards Ryuu, "Ryuu please sign this forms."


    Ryuu took the stack as he spoke with a frown, "What kind of form is this, big sister?"


    With a heavy sigh, Sylvana answered back to him, "Your retirement form from the army."


    A stunned silence descended as Ryuu looked dumbstruck for a moment before he spoke with a small chuckle, "That was a good joke sister."


    "I am not joking Ryuu, this is the voluntary retirement form from the army and you are needed to sign them."


    Ryuu jumped up from his seat as he spoke while throwing the stack as far away from him as possible, "What nonsense is this? Why should I retire from the army, I confess that I had been away from it because of the Eden fiasco but according to the laws it was completely legal, not to mention my period of service was nothing if not good."


    Sylvana scowled as she spoke, "I know about your term of service and I know it was nothing less than extraordinary one, and as such you are being discharged with honour, not to mention it is not a complete one either, in case they need you they will contact you but till then you will be in a semi-retired."


    "I refuse"


    Sylvana was about to argue with him but was stopped by Veena who spoke with a frown of her own, "Child instead of arguing can you please explain why you suddenly want him to sign those forms and more importantly why after all you were a great advocate for him to join the army."


    Sylvana sighed as she spoke, "I was and I would have been if it were not for the latest development, do you know his current bounty."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "I have been out of the loop so it must be sixty Deva Crystal at least since it has been some time."


    Sylvana''s scowl returned as she spoke, "Try five thousand Deva Crystal for your Dead body, and Ten Thousand in case you are caught Alive."


    Her words caused a sharp intake of breath in the room only to be followed by a whoop of joy courtesy of Maheswara and Ryuu.


    "Congratulations brat, now if the only sister was here to see she would have been so proud."


    A blushing Ryuu accepted the compliment from Maheswara who gave a proud smile as he patted Ryuu''s back, while he kept on speaking, "Never have I been so proud of you my child, that amount of a bounty on a Mystic Immortal Emperor level cultivator is unheard of."


    Ryuu simply cupped his hand as he spoke, "It was all because I had extremely wonderful teachers."


    As Maheswara continued to praise him and Ryuu continued to soak in the praise a silence descended amongst the others who looked at the duo with unblinking stares before Celestia could not take any more as she shouted out, "What is wrong with you two?"


    Both Maheswara and Ryuu looked at her in confusion as Maheswara spoke, "What is it love, why do you look so enraged?"


    Celestia snarled as she spoke, "Mahes, do you have any idea what it would entail?"


    Maheswara frowned briefly before he spoke with an enlightened look on his face, "Ah, you are right, what is wrong with me, it is time to celebrate and I am here wasting time to congratulate Ryuu, when I should be busy preparing, hmm, I see we should go and visit that place, now come on a child there is a nice place and I am sure you would love it, now follow me."


    With that Maheswara took the lead with Ryuu after him with a smile on his face, they took a step only to wince with pain as their ears were grabbed by Veena and Nuwa respectively, who then twisted it viciously.


    Veena snarled as she spoke, "I should have never let Ryuu spend too much time with this idiot, as his stupidity has seemed to have infected Ryuu."


    Nuwa nodded with anger filled look on her face as she spoke, "Too right sister, you are absolutely correct.", she then forced Ryuu to look directly into her eyes as she spoke, "Your mother would have been mortified upon hearing the news as it is not joyous but rather a grim one."


    Shamiran scowled as she spoke, "You are right mother, and to think these idiots were about to go out to celebrate."


    As they scolded the dynamic duo, who was wincing from pain, Maheswara pleaded to his wife, "Love please dear let go of my ear, it is going to tear off."


    Veena snarled as she spoke, "So what, I can attach it, but if you continue with this foolishness then I say it is better to tear off the ear to serve you as a reminder."


    A couple of minutes later they released their ears letting them collapse on the ground while rubbing their ears, while Antariskh rounded up her sister as she spoke, "Sister how did he get such a huge bounty."


    Sylvana simply looked in Ryuu''s direction as she spoke with a sigh, "Apparently his adventures in Eden had garnered him Preta realm''s undivided attention."


    Hearing her words Shamiran began to pace with a frown on her face, "This is bad the reward is so huge that his own colleagues might betray him, not to mention the powerful cultivators that would now hunt him actively, this is very bad.", she then stopped her pacing as she asked the question running inside the mind of the other, "So what should we do now."

 Chapter 481 - The tribulation (part-2)

    "I refuse, I refuse, refuse, refuse to bow down to some Preta sc.u.m, I refuse to resign."


    As Ryuu glowered back at Sylvana who was rapidly losing her patience seeing the grounding of her teeth and clenching off her fist was any indication, as she shouted out at the top of her lungs, "That''s it brat I am going to show you the folly of defying me."


    As she spoke her KI as well as killing intent was rising to an alarming rate but instead of cowering Ryuu let loose his pitiful one in comparison to hers even if he had released every bit of his divine body coupled with his newly acquired domain.


    But the anger between them to grinding halt as Maheswara flared his power as he shouted out, "Enough both of you, either control yourself or I will."


    His words seemed to have the desired effect as not only Sylvana and Ryuu but his entire family went ramrod as they hostility was immediately subdued.


    Maheswara may act as a funny person bordering idiocy but at the end of the day he was still the patriarch of the family, the one who held the true reigns, as such he easily reigned in his fighting children.


    Ryuu looked down a bit ashamed of his outburst as Maheswara spoke with a frown, "Sylvana you are way older, wiser and stronger act as your status demands you.", his eyes then fell on Ryuu as he spoke, "Last I checked that I had taught you to be calm collected and above all patient, I doubt you remember any of it since you have started jumping without tackling the situation in a calm manner."


    Antariksh sighed before she spoke, "Father arguing will get us nowhere except Ryuu having a trip to the hospital because of an enraged Sylvana.", before her eyes fell on Sylvana as she spoke while shaking her head in exasperation, "Sister you should know better, this is the same boy who refused to bend a knee in front of a Dao father when he was just seven years, or did you forget the incident when he was barely five and the immortal had to break his limbs in order to make him kneel in front of him."


    Sylvana simply took a few deep breaths to calm herself, before she spoke with a huff, "How could I forget that he is stubborn enough to court death."


    Ryuu puffed up his chest as he spoke, "I rather die with honour than..."


    Whatever Ryuu was about to say was stopped by a collective stern glare from his teacher''s wives, as Maheswara spoke, "Ryuu, tell me how do you rate yourself in terms of power, if you were forced to duel up to what level could you fight easily."


    Ryuu frowned as he replied back, "If I were to go all out maybe I can kill a normal fifth rank, stall the sixth one for some time, but rest are too much for current me."


    Maheswara nodded as he spoke, "I see so since you understand your power can you tell me what would happen with the bounty of ours."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "It would draw the attention of some very powerful cultivators who would do anything to get my bounty."


    Antariksh frowned as she spoke, "And do trust your men enough to think that they would stand by your side when you face them."


    At her question, a rather bright smile blossomed on Ryuu''s face as replied back to her, "Of course I trust them that given chance they would backstab me."


    The casual and happy way he spoke send a jolt down his listener''s spine except for Maheswara who spoke with a sigh, "Then why are you so adamant about facing the danger."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "If I withdraw today, then I will spend the rest of life running, and that is something I do not wish to do."


    Maheswara sent a proud smile towards him as he spoke, "You are right about it Ryuu if you withdraw you might spend rest of the life withdrawing when life gets tough."


    Sylvana frowned as she spoke, "But it is also foolhardy to try and court death unnecessarily, after all, what could your pride and courage do when you are dead."


    Maheswara gave a nod of agreement as he spoke, "So true daughter, so true.", his eyes then roamed over towards Ryuu as he spoke, "Remember, just because you are our disciple you have been certain privileges that others do not, tell me if it were any other cultivator from saying normal background then what would have happened to him."


    Ryuu bit his lips as he spoke, "He would have had to rejoin the army and then die soon."


    Maheswara nodded as he spoke, "You are correct, the army no matter what anyone would say is made up of people, most of whom who have not joined out of some sense of duty, loyalty or patriotism but because of the resource they receive, thus making only a very small part as the truly loyal one, given chance most of them would simply leave."


    Ryuu could not help but reply with a sigh as he spoke, "I know, I also know that I have spent some time with them working with them but at the end of the day I spent an almost equal amount of time away from them, so basically I will be a new face once again to them, a new face that can help them make a quick fortune."


    Sylvana nodded as she spoke, "That is why only a select few have a better career prospect and are also privy to many things so as not to cause a major leak, if only there was one power that controlled the entire realm the army would be more unified and better discipline.", she then turned to her father as she spoke, "So father what should we do."


    Instead of replying Maheswara simply stared at Ryuu who had suddenly gained a contemplative look on his face which made him clear his throat out loud drawing Ryuu''s attention towards him as he spoke, "I hope you are not planning on conquering the entire realm now."


    His words mad Ryuu blush as he gained a sheepish smile on his face which was rewarded with an unflinching stare except for Antariskh who simply snorted with trying to stifle her laughter as she spoke, "Him trying to conquer everything, please he who pales at the mention of paperwork trying to knowingly add a mountain load work will never think of doing something so drastic."


    Ryuu simply pouted at his words as Maheswara spoke with a sigh, "Now since Ryuu does not want to there is no need to force, although at his current strength he is at immense danger at the same time he has time as he is currently recuperating after his latest adventure, in that time he can think carefully on how to proceed and on top of that since the army pays him nothing I do not think if it would cause them any problem to wait for a reply as well."


    Sylvana sighed as she spoke, "It is only because of him being your student as well as he is basically a volunteer that the rules against him are so lax.", she then handed stored the paperback in her space ring as she spoke, "Ryuu if you change your mind you know where to find the forms."


    Ryuu sighed as he replied to her, "I doubt I would need those forms."


    Shamiran gave a bright smile as she spoke, "Well if there is nothing else I would like to leave, I have work to do."


    Antariskh sighed as she stood up, "Yes, let us leave then Shamiran."


    Only for Shamiran to raise one of her delicate eyebrows as she spoke, "Where would you be going? Did I not tell you to rest and prepare yourself for your Tribulation?"


    "But.."


    Shamiran raised her hand as she stopped Antariskh''s protection as she spoke, "No buts, you are not going, though if I need any help Sylvana and Ryuu are both welcome to help Me.", she then turned towards her parents as she spoke, "Please make sure she does not start working instead of resting."


    Veena gave a small nod as she spoke, "Do not worry, if needed we will tie her up so that she does not wander off."


    Antariksh simply pouted as Maheswara spoke in a commanding tone, "Ryuu, follow me we have much to discuss."


    Ryuu looked at him curiously but before he could reply Maheswara was by his side, with his hand over his shoulder.


    Seeing Maheswara''s action Celestia could not help but ask out loud, "Where are you going with him and why?"


    A large smile broke out on Maheswara''s face as he spoke, "Why else but to celebrate his bounty.", that he disappeared with Ryuu, leaving the rest of his family gawking at the place where the duo stood.


    The first one to erupt in anger was Nuwa, who''s KI and killing intent broke out causing Ayindril to shake as she bellowed out loud, "Get back here you man child, or else we would kill you and resurrect you and kill you again."


    As Ryuu and Maheswara stood near a planet, Ryuu felt a cold shiver to travel down his spine as he spoke, "Teacher was it not a bit rash, I mean they would be extremely angry."


    Only for Maheswara to wave off his concern as he spoke, "Nah, there is no need to worry I know them well, and a couple of days later their anger would disappear as if it never existed, besides the what is the worse that could happen."


    Upon hearing his words Ryuusimply wanted to curl up and cry, ''Why, oh Heavens why is this irresponsible man is tempting fate now, we are so screwed when we return back and I hope they allow one last meal before my untimely demise.''

 Chapter 482 - The tribulation (part-3)

    Ryuu leaned on the pillow with a sake cup in his hand, a rather beautiful dance and song was being played in front of him but his mind was elsewhere.


    A nudge from Maheswara brought him out of his senses who spoke scowl, "What is it brat? You have yet to touch your sake and your food, and that is unlike you."


    Ryuu sighed before he spoke, "Nothing I was just thinking was it wise to leave like that, when we return they would murder us."


    Maheswara simply snorted as he spoke, "When it happens, it happens there is no need to lose your pretty little head on this matter."


    Ryuu looked at him as he spoke with seriousness in his voice, "But, still why you always seem to make them angry to the point where they wish to skin you alive and then boil your innards."


    Maheswara stared at his cup for a moment before he spoke, "Truth or a joke."


    "I would love the Truth, please."


    With a nod Maheswara began to speak, "You see when I get them angry I do receive a tremendous amount of pain, but their face, when they are angry, is so otherworldly that I know anyone would give an arm and leg for it."


    Meanwhile, Ryuu simply deadpanned as he thought, ''Yeah teacher is right, there face is so otherworldly that I would give an arm and leg and hope I am not in their crosshairs, a few parsec distances between me and them would also be appreciated.'', as he thought about the time his teachers were angry with him a chill went down his spine, while he winced being reminded the number of times he was thrashed by them.


    But, Maheswara did not notice his reaction as he continued to speak, "But do you know the best part."


    Ryuu shook his head taken aback at the giddiness in Maheswara''s voice as he spoke, "No teacher."


    "The makeup s.e.x is��"


    Ryuu dropped the cup as he placed his hand over his ears, as he spoke with a disgusted look in the face, "Stop stop, please stop giving me such a disgusting mental image, eww just eww, you dirty old man, I so do not want to hear about it."


    All he received was a loud guffaw of laughter which soon vanished as Mahesawara spoke in a serious tone, "Ryuu since I have told you the truth I believe now it is your turn to tell me what is eating you up."


    Ryuu bit his lips as he began to speak, "I loved her you know, I loved her very much even after all this a part of me wishes that it was all a nightmare that I would like to wake up, a part of me is glad that I have dealt her with extreme prejudice, yet again a small part hates myself for killing her in a cruel way, it is screaming at me for not trying to find a way where she could be alive, where it might have been that she was compelled in some way."


    Maheswara frowned as he spoke, "I see, logically what should you do then."


    "Forget and put the entire incident behind me, but it is so hard, every little thing reminds me of her the time I spend with her, I do not know what to do."


    The duo sat quietly for a moment before Maheswara spoke, "I do not know how you are feeling because I have never felt such emotions, neither do I have the endure such experience, but the closest person who felt it was Sylvana, the blushing bride whose would-be husband betrayed her on the day of her wedding, she was cut down by him when they were taking the vows."


    "Just after the incident she was like a zombie, unable to even show proper emotions, it was such a mess, but he was way older than you Ryuu, compared to her you are but a child and I hate it to see you suffer through the same fate and emotions."


    "Love, love is a wonderful emotion that many do not even have the luck to experience, I am one of the lucky few who have received the love of such fine women, my son Pangu even so, but none of my children ever did, Antariskh is too vain and prideful to even consider someone her equal, Sylvana after the incident never let anyone in her heart, and as for Shamiran because of her constitution there is no man or woman who can get along without dying of poison."


    The duo sat in silence for a moment before Ryuu spoke again, "I got intimate with her."


    As Maheswara gained a curious look on his face Ryuu hurriedly explained to him, "We never had intercourse, but that one time it got very close, she tried for it and I gave into my l.u.s.t, but the only reason I stopped before it went too far was that I was suddenly reminded of how angry my teachers would be for breaking their edict and I stopped."


    He took a deep breath before he continued as tears of shame pooled in his eyes, "But, I feel so dirty and I fill so ashamed for letting her touch me, I just I just simply wish if I can replace my skin, it I��"


    Maheswara let go of his cup as he drew him into a hug, while Ryuu began to weep profusely, even if he felt his clothes getting damped, Maheswara did not let go of him as he gently began to pat him trying to console Ryuu who held him like a lifeline.


    Maheswara spoke, "You know child if there is anyone is to be blamed for it, then it is us that you should blame, after all, we are the ones that failed to prepare you properly, and we are the ones who failed to train you against seduction."


    As Ryuu looked up to protest as Maheswara was greeted by the red-eyed face of Ryuu, which made his heart clench, but he held firmly as he prevented him from it as he began to speak, "No no Ryuu, we are the one who had failed to properly instruct you, if we had then you would not have had to suffer so much, if we had then you would not have to feel so much pain."


    He gently wiped out Ryuu''s tears as he spoke, "Ryuu, you have grown up into a great cultivator but you''re a finer man as such you feel pain for your deceased lover, but you should not blame yourself for her death since you did not murder her."


    Ryuu breath hitched as he spoke with anger bleeding into his voice, "What are you saying teacher? I killed her, I squashed her dantian then pulled out her spirit branches with my bare hand before setting up her aflame, I watched as she screamed for mercy while turning to ashes."


    Maheswara shook his head as he spoke, "No my child, my son, the woman who made you felt so much love and care for and reciprocated in kind could not be the one who had betrayed you, but the thing that betrayed you was the one who wore that woman''s face, and that creature was the one who killed your love, as such son you never murdered the one you loved."


    Once again silence descended in the room which was broken occasionally by Ryuu''s hiccups from time to time while Maheswara simply held him trying to console him.


    ''At least I managed to get it out of his chest for now and with the help of my family we will heal him.''


    ******


    Later that day Maheswara laid Ryuu on his bed, the entire time was mentally and physically exhausting to him and after a few more cups of alcoholic beverage, Ryuu had fallen asleep.


    Maheswara looked at him with a melancholic smile on his face before he whispered out, "Have a nice sleep child."


    With that, he left the room only to be ambushed by Veena, "There you are how co��", whatever she was going to say was stuck in her throat as she looked at Maheswara''s face, it had been so long since she had seen that look, the look that made her unconsciously take a step back as a look of fear briefly passed through her face.


    "Ryuu is sleeping make sure that no one disturbs his sleep.", With his piece being said he disappeared from her sight without even waiting for any reply.


    A few moments passed before she caught her bearings and with a brief look towards the sleeping Ryuu, she left to find the other members of his family, whom she found rather quickly spending their time in the garden.


    Celestia looked at her as she spoke with a frown, "I thought you went to get them here by holding their ears."


    Veena sighed as she spoke, "I do not know what happened but Ryuu is sleeping and our beloved seemed to be extremely enraged, it had been a while we saw him like this, not to mention he specifically told me to make sure Ryuu is not disturbed."


    Nuwa frowned upon hearing that as she spoke, "How angry is he?"


    "Apocalyptic as such it would unwise to be near him for some time."


    Amongst the trio of sisters, Antariskh was the only one who was present there, as her other sisters were busy and upon hearing her mother''s words she hurriedly stood up from her seat as she spoke, "Then I will go and warn my sisters so that they do not go and disturb either of them."


    Veena nodded at her as she spoke, "Good, you do that though please remember no work."


    Antariskh rolled her eyes as she spoke with a frustrated huff, "I know I know", and with that, she left.


    And as soon as she was out of earshot Celestia spoke, "So shall we confront our husband."


    Veena nodded as Nuwa spoke with a sigh, "Let us wear our armour, it is going to be a long and painful talk."


    A few more minutes later the trio stood inside a pocket dimension that was connected to Ayindril, a pocket dimension that they used for their training exercises and spars, a pocket dimension where Maheswara was wreaking havoc venting his anger and frustration.


    Seeing the trio Maheswara''s anger-filled face momentarily vanished as he spoke, "What are you three doing?"


    Nuwa smiled at him as she spoke, "We thought you would need a training partner to vent your frustration on, so what made you so incensed."


    Maheswara looked old very old and tired as he spoke, "Nothing, it''s just I had the heart to chat with Ryuu, you know he broke down and cried in front of me, the last time he cried was when his mother died and after all these years he broke down and cried because of some lowly wench, you do not know how enraged I feel right now, once again I failed one of my children."


    As he spoke the trio could feel the anger and hatred rolling off in waves from Maheswara as he kept on speaking, "But the biggest thing that is eating at him is a shame, for letting that wench get close to him, he confessed how dirty he felt because he allowed her to touch him, and I could do nothing."


    Veena sighed as she spoke, "It is like Sylvana once again."


    Maheswara sighed as he spoke, "Yes, just like Sylvana, but then the fiasco with the wretched woman took place and everything went backburner, not to mention she was way older and mature compared to Ryuu and she never had to kill that bastard."


    Nuwa frowned as she spoke, "So what and how should we proceed."


    Maheswara looked down towards his hands as he spoke, "Although time heals all wounds I know in case of Sylvana she was blessed with some incredible friends but Ryuu has none that I know off, acquaintances yes there are many, but friends like those of our other children, no he does not."


    "Not to mention I fear that just like Sylvana he might swear of ever pursuing romance ever again, he is too young and how would I face sister if I allow her child not to continue his lineage."


    Celestia placed a comforting hand over his shoulder as she spoke with a kind smile on her face, "Mahes, did we not decided to take it slow and deal with him with the help of our entire family, this things take time and hurrying with it could cause permanent damage so please, please do not charge ahead alone not to mention do not force the situation."


    Maheswara shoulder slouched as he closed his eyes for a moment before he asked the most important question that was running in his mind, "I dod it so that I could get a better understanding of how deep his pain went, I wanted him to realize the issues he was facing but now the most important question is how should we proceed."

 Chapter 483 - The tribulation (part-3)

    Ryuu turned on his legs before he blocked his attacker''s attack, before pushing the attacker away and then responding in kind by sending vicious attacks, which the attacker withstood before vanishing in front of his eyes and then reappearing to his side sending a vicious kick towards him which sent him flying.


    Ryuu somehow managed to rectify his balance as he landed but before he could chargeback a loud clap was heard as a female voice came to his ears, "That was wonderful Your Highness, but time is up for today''s practice."


    Ryuu was about to protest but the speaker simply bowed deeply to him as she spoke, "I know you do not wish for the practice to be over but we are under strict orders and please remember how much Royal Highnesses dislike their command being broken."


    Ryuu sighed before he turned towards his sparring partner as he spoke, "Thank you for sparring with me."


    His sparring partner bowed to him as a distorted voice came from the figure covered from head to toe hiding Ryuu''s sparring partner''s identity, "It was my honour Your Highness, may I be excused."


    Ryuu nodded as the person faded from view, Ryuu stared at the direction for a moment as he mused, ''So he is the commander of the Wojownik Cienia that Shamiran leads, whoever that person is I could not make out whether he is a male or a female but given that I had mad are female so I guess I will assume it as such.''


    ''She is strong and her fighting style is fast and precise, sparing with her was fun, and I wish to do so again.'', and with that thought in mind, he consumed a pill that immediately began to heal him repairing any injuries he had.


    As he left the place with a maid trailing behind him while he looked up towards the sky with a worried look on his face, ''I hope big sister''s tribulation is growing well.''


    *****


    Meanwhile, in the far reaches of the universe, a large army stood surrounding an entire star system, a system that had a single bright blue star surrounded by nine planets and their moons.


    "Are you ready my daughter?"


    Antariksh looked towards Veena whose eyes were filled with various emotions as she spoke with a nod, "I am ready, mother.", that she hugged Veena tightly but before she could let her go she found herself in a group hug by the rest of her family.


    A moment later she tried to wiggle free as she spoke, "I think it is time."


    Her words made her family release her as she left after sending one last fearless smile towards them.


    Maheswara was greatly worried for her eldest daughter, as a tribulation was no joking matter even a small misstep could cause one to die and in the worst case, even that complete destruction of the soul was possible.


    As he watched with great worry on his face, he noticed Antariksh moving towards the star itself before she stood at the surface, which made Sylvana take a gasp as she spoke, "Has she gone insane? She is going to have her tribulation on the surface of the star."


    Maheswara shook his head as he spoke, "No she is not.", a sigh full of relief was released from Sylvana only to have been doused by Maheswara''s next words, "She will be at its centre."


    A ripple of shock was released as Veena started to dash towards Antariksh only to be stopped by her husband who glared at her as he spoke, "Her tribulation has already started do not disturb her."


    Veena glared at her husband as she spoke, "You knew? You knew and you did not stop her."


    Maheswara simply smiled as he replied back to her, "I did not stop her because I know she would not fail, just wait, watch and keep faith in her."


    As such they could only watch while Antariksh disappeared under the surface of the star.


    Nuwa glared at her husband as she spoke, "If even a hair of her head is harmed we will make you pay."


    Maheswara sweated under the combined glare of his wives but he held himself firmly.


    Meanwhile, Antariksh winced as she went deeper and deeper inside the blue star, ''The pressure is terrifying not to mention the heat and pressure, I cannot fail here I will survive and surpass everyone, I will not falter, I will have to for my family.''


    As those words passed through her mind various memories arose, memories of her time with her family the laughter and joy she had shared with them.


    ''I will not fail.'', that she pushed forward even when her armour had started to get damaged she did not stop and finally she managed to reach the core.


    Maheswara let out a soft sigh as he spoke, "She has managed to reach the centre now the fun begins."


    A large ominous-looking cloud suddenly appeared as it slowly began to wrap the star itself suffocating any light that was being released from it and all that remained was the black cloud while every now and then an ominous red thunder would peak through it.


    Maheswara looked towards his family as he spoke, "Since it has begun I think it is time for us to take our positions do not let even a microbe to pass."


    Celestia growled at him as she spoke, "You do not have to tell.", and with that, she left towards her position.


    Maheswara watched as his family left one by one each showing various degrees of emotions on their faces but mainly the look of anger and disappointment making him sigh as he whispered lowly, "My baby girl, you put me in such a dangerous situation, your old man might not survive this time."


    *****


    Back in Ayindril, Ryuu had tried to mediate, tried being the keyword as he had fallen asleep with drool leaking from his mouth when all of a sudden a maid appeared kneeling in front of him as she spoke, "Your Highness I bring you the news."


    With as much dignity as a sleeping person who had been awakened could muster as such he promptly stood straight as he shouted out, "I was not sleeping teacher but in deep med��", he trailed off seeing the person was a maid, who was simply kneeling in front of him.


    With a deep blush and a grave voice, Ryuu spoke, "I was in deep meditation so I failed to catch your message."


    "Your Highness, a message just arrived that Her Majesty has begun her tribulation."


    Ryuu gave a nod as he spoke, "Thank you for the message and you may leave while I return to my deep mediation.", he finished the words forcefully.


    The maid upon receiving her new orders left as fast as she could and when she was far enough that she knew that Ryuu would not be able to hear her any longer she broke into a loud laugh, "Deep meditation more like deep sleep with the amount of drool dripping from his face how could he claim he was meditating."


    Her laughter came to a halt as she came face to face with a figure who was covered from head to toe, a shiver ran down her spine while her heart hammered like a war drum, she knew what the work of the figure was and was very frightened to even move in the figure''s presence.


    The figure kept staring towards her direction and what seemed to be an eternity the figure spoke in a distorted voice, "It is not wise to laugh behind one''s employees, they suffer from severe health issues, especially when they start to gossip then they tend to disappear."


    With those words being said the figure faded from her sight as the maid collapsed on the ground while shivering uncontrollably, ''What was I thinking just because They are not here that does not mean the guards are missing, and I laughed at the Prince, I am so dead, so very dead.''


    Meanwhile back with Ryuu, he had just finished hitting his head on the ground mumbling stupid every now and then when a voice from outside the room came to his ears.


    "Your Highness may enter."


    Ryuu knew the owner of the distorted voice having heard it many times by now as such he quickly made himself presentable as he spoke, "Yes please."


    The person upon being permitted to enter the room gave a bow towards Ryuu as the person began to speak, "Your Highness a situation had arisen that requires your immediate attention."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "My attention? I thought my sisters had already dealt with everything and except a scant few paperwork there is nothing much for me to do."


    "It is as you say Your Highness but an emergency situation has arisen and we need your permission to proceed."


    Ryuu frowned before he spoke with a nod, "Then please lead the way."


    With a small bow the person began to escort Ryuu towards their destination when all of a sudden the person spoke, "Your Highness, I believe the maid that had arrived a few minutes ago might have seen something inappropriate, should I make her scarce."


    Ryuu looked at the speaker with a wide look in his eyes as he spoke, "How do you know about it?"


    "I caught her laughing loudly making fun of you shouting out how you were sleeping while claiming to be ."


    Ryuu balled his fist before he spoke, "There is no need to make her scarce, though please make sure that she forgets what she saw, also if possible have her educated on the topic ''knocking on the door to ask permission before entering."


    "As you wish, Your Highness."


    "So what is it this sensitive matter, I hope you can give me a heads up."


    The person stopped before he/she began to speak again, "I can give you a bit of head start but the situation is very sensitive so I ask permission from you to set up a telepathic link."


    "Go ahead."


    "Also if you allow me may I give you a small advice?"


    As Ryuu gave a nod of approval the person continued, "The people you are about to meet no matter their age, rank or level do not cower look them in the eye and if they give you any problem I will be by your side I will make them submit to you, but remember do not cower in front of them."


    Ryuu raised one of his brows as he spoke, "My teachers are the only person I have bowed to no matter the status of the others in front of me, they have a better chance at killing me than trying to make me cower in front of them, though I would like you to be near me and if possible advice me if necessary so keep the link up until I tell you so."


    The person in question simply bowed in acknowledgement as they moved towards their destination.


    A couple of minutes later Ryuu had entered a very secure room that had been layered with multiple arrays so that the discussion within will be kept inside without any problem.


    Ryuu took his seat at the head of the table and waited, waited for a couple of minutes as others shouted and argued constantly amongst themselves, he was extremely grateful to his guard who protected him from the KI that was being thrown around otherwise a cultivator of his stature would have turned to paste just being close to them, but that did not mean he was not feeling an extreme amount of discomfort.


    "Make them stop this ruckus, time is of the essence."


    Ryuu''s guard stepped forward as he/she clapped loud enough along with a copious amount of killing intent drawing their attention as the person spoke, "Be silent, you are in presence of His Highness."


    Ryuu''s eyes roamed over the people present before he spoke with the best imitation of his Eldest Sister, "So, what is it that requires our immediate attention?"

 Chapter 484 - An unimaginable situation (Part-1)

    One of the persons present frowned as he spoke, "Where is Her Highness?"


    "Our Royal Sisters are all very busy as such they are unavailable, so what do you all want."


    "The Prisoner planet number 84516 had a riot which let to escape of some dangerous criminals."


    Ryuu did not show any emotion upon hearing that but inwardly he frowned, ''From what the commander had told me these planets are giant prisons where dangerous cultivators are being kept imprisoned because they are too dangerous to be allowed to roam free, but at the same time killing them in any way or form will be merciful.''


    Ryuu then tapped at the telepathic link as he spoke, ''Please tell me about this Prison Planet 84516.''


    As soon as he spoke Ryuu felt as if a large amount of information was suddenly forced into his brain as the commander''s voice came to his head, ''Please do not fight against it Your Highness, the pain would be a bit less.''


    Compared to his previous experience where a large amount of information was shoved into his brain the pain was nothing and all he gave was a small twitch of his brow before he spoke with a drawl, "How did they escape? After all according to our knowledge the planet is impossible to escape from as the prisoners have their KI sealed to the point that they are normal mortals, whereas the guards have access to theirs, not to mention there are arrays which would immobilize them, so tell us how did they escape? And most importantly where is Warden."


    The person in question spoke with a slight hint of anger in his voice not to mention the slight contempt, "Why else the array failed to hold them and as such, they escaped from the prison, and as for the warden he is busy."


    Ryuu narrowed his eyes as the Commander leaked a bit of his killing intent making the speaker look uncomfortable as Ryuu spoke, "We applaud your audacity to show anger and direct it towards us but know your place.", as he spoke those words the Commander''s killing intent spiked even more before it disappeared as Ryuu continued nonchalantly, "The array had been checked a few years ago, an array of that size and created by experts cannot fail so fast, clearly there is something else in play, and what are you all doing to recapture them? But most importantly who are you."


    "I am the Vice-Warden Your, Highness, Warden is very busy at the moment he is trying to coordinate our forces and trying to find where the escapees went."


    Ryuu drummed his fingers on the table in front of him as he spoke, "You are telling me that the location arrays that were tattooed on the prisoner are not working as well, what happed Vice-Warden such massive array failure is not possible, they were not made by some nameless array master but the best of the best that is available in our realm so how did ��"


    Whatever Ryuu was about to say was stopped as he found himself coming face to face with a sword which was backed by a horrendous amount of KI, when all of a sudden dragged by the Commander into a world of shadows before he found himself standing in front of a familiar place, a place where the controlling arrays of Ayindril laid.


    A disoriented Ryuu looked around before he spoke in a confused tone, "Wha�� What happened?


    "Your Highness there is an assassination attempt on you and��"


    The commander was interrupted as a familiar face approached them, making Ryuu frown as he spoke, "Major Chen what are you doing here? This is a restricted area."


    The Major simply smiled when all of a sudden a figure appeared behind the Commander of Wojownik Cienia stabbing the Commander, who simply send a pulse of KI that was strong enough to fling Ryuu towards a large door, he hit it hard enough to make a small trickle of blood flow from his head.


    Ryuu did not waste his time as he quickly used his blood while he sent a pulse of his KI along with a bit of his soul force while he touched the door, which begun to open.


    As soon as the door was opened wide enough for him he rolled inside while the door itself began to close as soon as jumped inside through it, but the door was not fast enough as he heard a female cultivator''s hand grabbed his leg as she spoke with a smirk, "Got you brat."


    Her smirk changed to a painful scream as suddenly her outstretched hand turned into dust and from the looks of it was a rather painful process, and as the door slammed shut he received one last message from his protector, ''Your Highness whatever happens do not step out wait until the Royal family returns and do not worry we will be victorious.'' and with that, the telepathic link between them snapped.


    Ryuu looked at the door he could hear his heart hammering hard against his chest as he whispered out loud, "What just happened? Why was I attacked by Ayindril''s army?"


    His thoughts were cut short as he heard a loud boom from outside as a very horrible realization dawned, "Coup, I facing a freaking Coup d''��tat."


    He was jolted from his seating position as another large bang was heard, wasting no time he ran much deeper inside his place of refuge as fast as he could while putting as many doors between him and the attackers.


    He opened another set of doors as a feeling of relief came over him, ''This is it, I am happy that the Commander managed to bring me to this place, though it is a shame that the commander was not able to enter this place because of the various defences that only allows someone whose soul, blood and KI are keyed to it.''


    A very large explosion was heard, an explosion that shook the room hard making Ryuu gulp as he spoke out loud, "I do not have much time."


    He dashed towards what seemed to be a large globe of water floating on a dais, on his way he removed all his clothing, his space ring even his weapons, he gave one last look towards his sword and spear as he spoke with a voice full of sorrow, "I am sorry but I cannot carry you inside it, as it would cause interference so forgive me.", he felt a feeling of understanding and encouragement washed over him.


    With the assurance of his weapons, Ryuu jumped into the globe of water, and as soon as he was inside the Globe he was hit was an indescribable feeling of being submerged into lava while at the same time he felt as if he was submerged in a pool of liquid nitrogen.


    What made this room special as well as the most secured place in Ayindril was the presence of the Globe, it was no mere globe as it was the main controlling panel to control any and all arrays that were placed in Ayindril to ensure their defensive and offensive capabilities.


    For someone on the level of his teachers or his older sisters, they would not have any need to personally enter this room to use those arrays at their full capacity, but for Ryuu, it would be too much strain as such he had to directly interact with the array using the Globe while at the same time he could only hope he was able to control most of the defensive measures.


    Major Chen frowned as he looked at the door through which stood between him and Ryuu, they wanted to capture him alive so that they might have a way to hold him as a hostage as a bargaining chip but because of the Commander of the Wojownik Cienia''s interference Ryuu had escaped, not to mention he had one of his hand removed and even with ten of his people working with him, four of them were dead, three were crippled and the rest were like him with various states of injury but worst of all the Commander had escaped.


    "He is not going to like this."


    Chen glared at the speaker as he spoke, "So what are you waiting for the break that door ope��", whatever he was going to say came to a halt as he looked around before speaking in a confused tone, "What happened where did that thrice-damned brat go?"


    His companions looked confused as he shouted out to them, "Move, move and search for him, it might be something those blasted whores might have given to protect him, he might be invisible try and found him fast."


    What they did not know was that as soon as Ryuu had taken control of the array, he had activated the defensive measure around the place where he was hiding, amongst them, one of them made the place invisible, another would wipe the location of the place while another would make a subtle gesture for people to move away from the place.


    Meanwhile, Ryuu found himself standing in front of multiple large screens that showed him Ayindril from various locations and with each new location his heart sank.


    "Damn it, this is a full-on invasion we were betrayed by our own but why?"


    All of a sudden he noticed something from the corner of his eye, the Commander seemed to have managed to gather the rest of Wojownik Cienia present in Ayindril and was preparing to make a counter-attack, as such using one of the arrays he decided to establish contact with the Commander.


    "Commander, hello can you hear me."


    The Commander of Wojownik Cienia went ramrod as a voice came from his side, "Your Highness is that you?"


    "Yes, but let us skip the pleasantries, for now, the entire place is in chaos and people are being killed as such time is of the essence, I am now in control of some of the emergency attack and defensive arrays, as I am at your Command please order me as you see fir and we will drive those betraying sc.u.m out of Ayindril."


    "Are sure you want to follow my instruction?"


    "Of course compared to your experience mine is nothing as such I would gladly follow your lead but upon saying that I do not wish for my teachers or any of my older sisters to know of this yet, my eldest sister does not need any distraction and I do not wish her security to lessen."


    "As you wish Your Highness, then please start with the puppet army that is stored around Ayindril, begin by releasing them but do not overtax yourself, as if you collapse we will lose."

 Chapter 485 - An unimaginable situation (Part-2)

    Antariksh took a deep breath she had almost finished with her tribulation only the lightning tribulation remained, and now the next stage of her plan would come into fruition.


    When her sister Sylvana had given her essence to Ryuu, they had not anticipated that he would need it so soon nor they had anticipated that Ryuu would burn through all of it so fast, if Ryuu had been allowed to have the essence a bit more longer he would have managed to assimilate it perfectly but now except a bit more healing boost there is no other use for it.


    As such being the ever helpful and kind older sister she hatched a plan, the plan was simple she would create the most awe-inspiring work of her long life something none had attempted, something none had dared to because it might cause them to fail their tribulation yet Antariskh pressed forward.


    A distant rumble came to her ears as the lightning tore through the star as it reached her, a large smile blossomed on her face as a pair of hammers appeared in her hands and as soon as it neared her she struck the tribulation lightning hard, yes she was going to forge armour for Ryuu, an armour that was forged at the heart of a star with the tribulation lightning as one of the ingredients."


    This was the main reason for her peculiar behaviour and location of her tribulation a fact that is only known to and supported by Maheswara.


    As more and more lightning charged towards her the faster her hammers struck as she began to refine a part of the star using the tribulation lightning.


    Antariksh gritted her teeth as her hands began to become numb, a numbness that was slowly encroaching every part of her body but she refused to give up.


    She drew out the elements of the star as she slowly began to shape them into the desired shape and form step by step.


    ''Ten Millennia Refining method'', her favourite refining method that she had created, a refining method that requires the user to strike on a piece of metal ten thousand times in a second, a refining technique that even her father could not use properly, was one of her most favourite methods and currently she was using it but albeit with great difficulty because of the extreme pressure and density surround her but she did not falter.


    By the forty-first lightning strike she had managed to refine the materials completely, by the sixty-ninth she had almost finished with the torso and with the arrival of the last, the eighty-first she had finished the full body armour, the only thing she needed was a bit more finishing touch, decorating and polishing it, along with a healthy dose of arrays inscribed on it, but she had managed to create the basic structure as well as managed to overcome her tribulation.


    Antariksh felt her KI churning inside before it slammed onto a wall that held against the surging KI which stood against the KI with as much strength as a wall made up of paper would do against raging floodwaters.


    A large smile blossomed on Antariksh''s face as she whispered out loud, "I did it, I not only overcame my tribulation but I have also managed to create the bare skeleton of my brother''s armour a few work here and there and it would be ready to use soon."


    It was a couple of minutes since Antariksh''s tribulation had ended and she had yet to appear and each of her family members was beginning to show signs of worry, while Maheswara stood firm without a hint of emotion on his face inwardly he was panicking as with each passing second the killing intent send towards his direction by the rest of his family was increasing every second.


    ''Baby girl returned fast or else your old man''s poor heart might give out under torture.''


    Antariskh burst out of the star as if hearing his words with a large smile on her face, while the star which had yet to reach even the midway of its lifespan had started to show signs of turning into a supernova soon.


    Antariksh soon found herself swarmed by her family, as a beautiful smile blossomed on her face even if her entire body hurt not to mention she looked like someone with an extreme case of sunburn to the point the cloth she had covered herself stung rather badly, she was happy because of her success.


    But, their celebration came to a halt as an array sprung up around them which paralyzed any soldiers surround them, except those who were not 1234, while the Vice-Commander arrived and kneeled in front of them.


    Shamiran scowled as she spoke, "What is the meaning of this, why did you freeze any other soldier who is not of Wojownik Cienia."


    "I beg your pardon Your Highness but a coup d''��tat has taken place by the regular forces as such we are not sure if those who are present here are loyal to you or not."


    The Vice-Commander''s words sent a shiver down everyone''s spine as Antariskh spoke with a scowl on her face, "When did the coup take place?"


    "Your majesty it has been a day since the coup has begun and Ayindril has been under seize since then."


    A momentous amount of KI and killing intent was the answer to the Vice-Commander''s words making the Vice-Commander shake with fear as Shamiran spoke with anger in her voice, "And why have you informed us about it just now?"


    "A thousand apologies Your Highness, but Lord Prince did not wish us to disturb Her Majesty during her tribulation but to inform you as soon as your tribulation ended as we are unsure how many of the enemies have blended with us as such he ordered us to prioritize your safety."


    Antariskh clenched her teeth so hard that a cracking sound could be hard as a tense silence descended as she spoke again, "So what is the recent news from Ayindril."


    The Vice-Commander gulped as she replied to her, "Ayindril has gone dark six hours ago, and as such we are not aware of the recent condition of Ayindril."


    A low growl came from Antariskh as she felt her temper reach its zenith only to come to a grinding halt as Veena placed a comforting hand on her shoulder as she spoke, "There is no need to get angry with her child, she followed Ryuu''s orders and even if I do not approve or like what he did, but it was a great decision on his part."


    Sylvana gave a nod as she spoke, "Yes, we all told him to hold down the fort and he did so splendidly but it is time for us to lend him some helping hand."


    Antariksh nodded as she spoke with a sigh, "Let us leave then, as I do not wish to even waste a single second.", only for her to take a stumble as she tried to move.


    Maheswara quickly held her as he spoke, "Child I know you are rather impatient but at the same time you will be needing your rest as such while you rest we will deal with it so do not worry too much."


    Nuwa nodded in support of her husband as she spoke, "Yes, there is nothing for you to worry about we will deal with the issue post-haste."


    Shamiran meanwhile looked at her subordinate as she spoke, "Comb out the traitors and deal with them post-haste but do remember that the star is unstable and time is of the essence.", With that, the group left hurriedly as by opening a portal to Ayindril.


    *****


    Meanwhile, a good few hours ago Ryuu was at his wit''s end, most of the functions were inaccessible to him because of various reasons ranging from his low level to the inadequate level of his soul realm, making him incredibly frustrated not to mention he had to move through every option trying and testing to see if he could make it work and as such it took some time.


    And after searching for a long time he finally found what he was looking for, the


    Ayindril had three parts, outer, inner, and core out of the three the outer part was actually attached to a planet in the Manushya realm while the rest of Ayindril was tied up, and according to others this planet was the only way to enter Ayindril, but the owners knew a different story.


    And like most habitable planets this one was no different as it was filled with laughter and joy of its inhabitants, well it was once and now terror rained as the planet was occupied by invading forces, and through it, the forces had invaded the inner parts of Ayindril, it would have not been possible if those above forces did not belong to either Ayindril or Shangri-la.


    Now after lots of searching Ryuu came across a particular array that would close the gate as such he exclaimed out loudly with a grin on his face, "Found it, I am now going to close it."


    The Commander did not reply to him as Ryuu began to close the entrance, Ryuu knew that by closing he would throw the people to the wolves but sometimes sacrifice was needed the Inner and Core of Ayindril cannot fall even if the people of the planet would die he could let Ayindril fall as it would lead to the secrets kept secured within its bosom to be released.


    "Closing the gateway in 3��"


    "2��"


    "1��"


    Daoist Nine World stood in front of the gateway with his hand behind his back while his eyes were closed, and in front of him were two large barrel-shaped objects were placed in front of him with their top pointing towards the inner area in a way that half of it was inside the inner area while the half is lying on the outer area.


    "Brother Nine World I believe it is best if you take a step back, you know how dangerous they are."


    Nine Wolrd simply turned his head as he spoke with a sly smirk, "I know but please let me spend some time with my beloved disciples, I am so proud of them for reaching the peak Daofather realm and now they will help me realize my dreams."


    "How cruel of you Brother Nine World sacrificing your disciples like that, do you think it would work."


    A frown passed through his face as he spoke, "Of course I designed it after countless years of study as such I can guarantee you that it works without any problem."


    His attention then went towards the array giant field that was twisting and changing before he looked towards the barrels which contained his bound students he smiled towards their direction with an innocent smile as he spoke, "Now make your master proud and fulfil your destiny.


    Meanwhile back with Ryuu, he let out a sigh full of pain as he whispered to himself, "I am sorry for those who are stranded outside, I am so��"


    Whatever he was going to say was stopped as a titanic explosion rocked Ayindril, an explosion that destroyed a very large swath of land while the damaged array sent feedback in the form of a large surge of electricity, large enough that to Ryuu could not help up but scream with pain as he felt electricity coursing through every cell of his body.


    The Commander of the Wojownik Cienia found staring at the sky which had taken on a reddish hue, every part of the Commander''s body screamed with agony when the explosion took place her mask was blown which had exposed her angelic face for the world to see when a message from Ryuu came to his ears.


    "Eferiwan hite ~cough~ hite ~cough~ annihi-annihi-annihitation plotocol effect hite buncar now ~cough~ ~cough~."


    The commander went ramrod before trying to contact Ryuu, "Your Highness, are you all right, you do not sound too coherent, your Highness."


    "~cough~~cough~ I am nut vell, hite en buncar, gate fall, hite annihitation plotocol now, hite fast now pwease ~cough~."


    The Commander balled her left hand''s fist, her only remaining hand, as the pained wheezing and coughing sound of Ryuu came to her ears, before she shouted out to her allies, "Everyone, fall back fall back the gate is destroyed, move to the bunkers carry whoever you can and move fast, annihilation protocol will be in effect soon."


    Her eyes then went towards Ryuu''s general direction as a look of regret flashed through her face at the thought of Ryuu, ''Damn it, Her highness ordered me to look after Prince, whom I swore to protect with my life yet now I have no way to reach him, and from the sound of it whatever that explosion was damaged him greatly to the point he is having problem to even speak properly, damn it.''

 Chapter 486 - An unimaginable situation (Part-3)

    "Thank you Brother Rishit, thank you for helping us."


    Rishit simply waved his hand as he spoke, "There is no need to thank me, Sister Veena, you are like family to me and family always have each other''s back."


    He then turned towards Antariskh as he spoke with a scowl, "Upon saying that, what are you doing here Antariskh should you not be resting?"


    Antariskh shook her head as she spoke, "I am sorry uncle but the coup happened under my watch as such I have a duty to at least be present while they are being dealt with."


    Veena sighed as she spoke, "Nothing short of tying her up would have stopped her from coming here so we gave up after trying to dissuade her."


    Rishit snorted as he spoke, "Sister, your daughter takes a lot after her father in that regard both are stubborn."


    Sylvana flicked her sword as cleaning the blood off of it as the last of the struggling traitor fell injured while the rest had surrendered out of fear, she had tried to capture as much of them alive as possible not out of the mercy of her heart but to make an example of them later on for not only daring to bite the hand that tried to feed them but also for their audacity to harm her baby brother, a sentiment that was shared by rest of her family especially her sisters.


    Nuwa meanwhile had reached the gateway that separated the inner part of Ayindril from the outer as a frown formed on her face.


    Seeing the frown on her face Maheswara could not help but ask out loud, "Love is there any problem?"


    Nuwa looked towards her husband as she spoke with a sigh, "Nothing just the damage to the array is very extensive, the part of the array that acted as a door no longer exists, a very large explosion had occurred near the gate area, an explosion we believe is strong enough to match simultaneous detonation of Dantian of two peak level Daofathers, and the blast fractured the arrays greatly."


    Maheswara frowned as he looked in front of him as he spoke, "So a controlled explosion?"


    Nuwa nodded as she replied to her husband, "Yes, the explosion was done in a way that anyone who would be standing on this side of the gate would not be harmed but looking at how the gate was damaged it seemed like it occurred while someone was trying to close it."


    Celestia who was listening to her frowned for a moment before she spoke with a gasp, "The only person who could do was Ryuu."


    A brief look of worry appeared on Nuwa''s face before she schooled herself as she spoke, "Yes, we will have to hurry, and find him."


    "I believe that would be difficult, mother Nuwa as it seems that Ryuu had engaged the annihilation protocol."


    Nuwa narrowed her eyes as she looked at the puppet army that stood motionlessly in the distance as she spoke with a sigh, "You are right Shamiran, please start dealing with the poison while your Third mother and we deal with the puppets."


    Meanwhile, Nine World had seen better days the attack had served its purpose as it had not only destroyed the entrance and devastated the gate to the inner area of Ayindril but also made sure that any who were unfortunate enough to caught in the blast had died and it matters little to him if the person was someone from his side.


    But, the crowning achievement of his would have been the fact that he had managed to destroy the array separating the core area from the inner thus gaining access to the core of Ayindril but he had failed and then it went from bad to worse as puppets began to appear and attack them, puppets that were not only difficult to defeat but the moment they were immobilized or broken they would release a cloud of highly lethal poisonous gas and the worst part the gas was colourless.


    Nine World had tried to break into the Core but the array was strong then he found himself facing the puppet army of Ayindril, deciding to cut his loses he tried to learn but alas he had inhaled quite a bit of the poison by then and as such had succ.u.mbed to it and as he lay there dying he cursed against the residents of Ayindril, the Heaven''s for betraying him, swearing vengeance he decided to reincarnate only to come to a horrifying realization that his soul was trapped inside some odd-looking device.


    Celestia looked at the puppet with a warm look in her eyes after all they were a combined project of her spouses and hers and she was quite proud of them, and sometimes she would wonder if they had created them before the tragedy took place would Pangu be alive or not.


    Celestia then turned towards Nuwa as she spoke with a frown, "We will have lots of work to do, from repairing the array to repairing our puppets."


    Nuwa frowned as she replied with a nod, "Yes we will but for not please recall the puppet army back while we try to disengage any lethal traps as fast as possible until unless we have our young disciple in our arm we cannot help but feel anxious."


    Celestia frowned as she replied, "You are right Nuwa, you are right this place looks like a graveyard and I fear for our disciple''s health."


    The Commander of Wojownik Cienia opened her eyes as she felt a familiar presence, she did not hesitate to open the door of the bunker before she dashed towards the person and as soon as she arrived near Shmairan she immediately prostrated herself in front of her.


    Shamiran looked at the Commander of the Wojownik Cienia, the person who was her right hand, the person who normally held the highest command of Wojownik Cienia just after her, she looked at the woman who was missing her mask, her right hand and looked greatly injured, but even then Shamiran spoke without any hint of concern in her voice, "Commander, status report."


    Without even looking up the Commander began to speak, "My Lady the Prince is currently in a secret place from where he was controlling the array but an explosion occurred which harmed him and since then I was��"


    Shamiran''s eyes widen momentarily before she spoke, "My family has already left to retrieve him so continue with your report."


    "As you command my Lady.", and as such without even lifting her head the Commander began to recall the events of the entire day


    Meanwhile, Nuwa and Veena had begun to make their way towards Ryuu''s last known location and as they neared his location their anxiety was increasing greatly, especially since they knew Ryuu would have noticed their arrival but he had yet to appear or contact them and that worried them greatly.


    "We fear for him."


    Veena looked towards Nuwa with a curious look on her face as she spoke, "Why? If he is inside that place then he would be protected so why are you being afraid?"


    Nuwa spoke with a frown, "If he is in that place he should know we are here so he should have tried to greet us but then again seeing the destruction at the gate makes me fearful for his safety, an array of that size does not take its forceful destruction too well and Ryuu could only make them work when he is directly interfacing with it as such we fear for his safety."


    Veena bit her lips as she spoke, "Then it is good that I decided to follow you."


    Nuwa nodded and soon they had reached the central array control, with a wave of her hand every array that was placed to protect and hide the area was removed, the duo then opened the door and soon made their way towards the floating globe of water, except unlike before it was not stable as multiple ripples could be seen appearing on top of it now and then, but what drew their attention was the n.a.k.e.d person lying on the ground bleeding while being covered in greyish coloured fluid.


    "Ryan!", a startled scream came from the duo as they quickly went by his side, the vibrant red hair of Ryuu surrounded his head like a dull reddish halo.


    Nuwa went to check on him immediately only to be stopped by a glare from Veena, the message was clear to her, ''Do not let your emotion cloud your mind and leave it to me.''


    Veena then gently turned Ryuu who had a vacant look in his eyes, with dried blood marks covering his face in a manner that looked as if he had bled heavily from every orifice of his face, the sight of Ryuu in such a condition made her heart clench.


    As she held him she could feel the slight tremor and spasm that went through his body, but what alarmed Veena was the irregularity in his KI flow as well as his heartbeat and a brief inspection of his body informed them of his ailment.


    Nuwa looked at the serious look on her sister wife''s face as she spoke, "Is something wrong?"


    "Very much wrong, he has suffered from severe brain damage and nerve damage to the point that his normal organs are malfunctioning and currently he is in a catatonic state."


    Nuwa gasped as Veena covered Ryuu''s body with a cloth before gently lifting him as she spoke, "Sister please come with me and keep an eye on him, I will have to make a quick check in the herbarium to see if my plants are in good shape so that I can start healing him."


    Nuwa nodded as the duo quickly make their way to the infirmary while a sigh of relief passed through Veena seeing the infirmary unharmed, and after placing him gently on an empty bed.


    Maheswara meanwhile stood by his long time friend watching the corpse being dealt with, while Khygnos, who had arrived with a contingent of her own, approached them as she spoke with a frown, "What a mess it turned out to be, it reminds of some worst memories that should better be left forgotten."


    A dark look passed through Maheswara''s face as he spoke, "So true sister."


    Rishit quickly spoke to dispel the dark atmosphere that began to settle, "You must be proud of your children Maheswara between Antariskh''s success in her tribulation and Ryuu managing to deal with such strong cultivators not to mention his success in Eden."


    For a moment both Rishit and Khygnos thought that Maheswara''s chest would burst from the amount of pride he felt as he spoke with a jaw ripping smile on his face, "Of course I am between my baby girl''s and baby boy''s achievement how could I not be proud of."


    When all of a sudden Maheswara''s smile vanished and was replaced by a look of alarm as he spoke, "Sorry I would like to chat with you but I am needed in the infirmary."


    Both Khygnos and Rishit frowned as Khygnos spoke with a look of concern in her voice, "Is something wrong, brother?"


    With a heavy sigh, Maheswara replied to them, "Yes, my wives found Ryuu and he seemed to be badly injured."


    A look of alarm and a gasp was his reply as Rishit hurriedly spoke, "Would you mind if we follow you."


    Maheswara shook his head as he spoke, "Of course not please follow me.", and with that the group soon found themselves standing inside the infirmary where a greatly distressed Nuwa was keeping an eye on Ryuu who laid on the bed with his eyes staring into the unknown with a vacant look in them.

 Chapter 487 - An unimaginable situation (part-4)

    Neacht embraced Antariksh with a large smile on her face as she spoke, "Congratulations sister."


    Antariskh returned the gesture as she spoke, "Thank you, sister."


    It had been a month since her tribulation but because of the coup d''��tat the celebration was put on hold but now since everything had been settle Maheswara decided to celebrate Antariskh''s accomplishment to lighten the mood after the tragedy.


    Neacht looked around as she spoke, "Where is your baby brother, I heard he was injured is he alright now."


    Antariksh''s smile dimmed a bit at the thought of her brother she replied, "He is recovering well, for now, mother was forced to remove his entire nervous system as well as certain parts of his brain before growing them, now he is trying to acclimatize with his newer parts otherwise it is alright."


    Neacht let out a sigh of relief before she spoke with a frown, "Ryuu really has very bad luck being forced to suffer something like that one after another."


    Antariskh could not help but nod in agreement as she spoke, "You are right though you can also say it is Heaven''s way of balancing the fact that he has risen so high so fast."


    Neacht nodded before her eyes roamed around as she spoke, "So where is he?"


    Antariskh grimaced as she spoke, "Remember how I told you he was acclimatizing with his new nervous system well��"


    A few minutes before Ryuu was pleasantly chatting with Leo one of her elder sisters'' acquaintance though his mood had soured seeing how even his Aunty Khygnos had tried to persuade him to leave the army, and with each second he as getting more and more agitated but he was soon rescued by none other Leo who dragged him away in the guise of having some small talks.


    Standing a bit away from the rest Leo spoke with a small smile, "I believe amongst all my friends I had the least interaction with you."


    "So true senior brother."


    "I heard about you surpassing us in Eden, congratulations."


    Ryuu simply gave him an embarrassed smile as he replied to him, "Thank you though it was mostly because of my luck."


    "Luck is a very important part of you Ryuu, it is as much your strength as your sword techniques so please do not downplay your strength."


    Ryuu nodded as Leo continued, "Ryuu I know I might sound like I am preaching but please they are only worried about you."


    Ryuu groaned inwardly as he quickly deduced the direction their talk was heading too, ''There we go again."


    Leo raised his hand in mock surrender as he spoke, "I apologize for trying to sound like that but you know they are saying and trying to persuade you because they care for you right."


    Ryuu''s jaw hardened as Leo continued to speak, "So why are you trying so hard to stay in the army despite all odds, despite the threat to your life."


    Ryuu with a frustrated sigh was about to retort only to be stopped by Leo who raised his hand before continuing, "You know Pangu despite being praised as a golden child was not without his faults, he had an ego larger than a planetary system, in fact, I have never seen anyone as prideful as he was, are you the same are doing so because of your pride and ego, please tell though do not worry I simply wish to understand you not to order or advice you to do something that you do not wish to do."


    Ryuu was silent for a moment as he stood still before he began to speak again, "True maybe my pride and ego are involved in it but that is not the only thing that is at work here, I since I became my teachers'' disciple I have been handed everything, if I said I liked the moon then the moon was brought down to me."


    With a small breath Ryuu continued, "Everything I had achieved it was handed down to me, unlike others who had to work hard I was handed down everything, I hate it, being the army meant no matter how insignificant the accomplishment maybe but I achieved it through my own work not because it was handed to me."


    "Every place that I have been safe for some extreme cases like Eden I had guards following me, no matter how foolishly I had acted no matter how dangerous my foes were the worst I had received was a few broken bones because they always rescued me."


    "Even my increase in my level is because of an accident I had nothing to do with it as su��", whatever he was going to say was stuck in his throat as he rolled his eyes as he fell unconscious, as Leo quickly caught him with a dumbfounded look on his face.


    ''Eh, what happened? He was speaking with me just not and all of a sudden he collapsed.''


    His answer came in the form of Maheswara as he quickly came by his side as he spoke in an apologetic tone, "I am sorry Leo, Ryuu is healing from severe nerve damage and thing like this tends to happen from time to time, though it is becoming less and less as time passes by."


    Leo only frowned as Maheswara took his student from Leo''s hands as he spoke, "Thank you for catching him now please excuse me I will have to carry him to someplace where he can rest.", and with that Maheswara left with Ryuu.


    "�� he seems to be collapsing now and then which happened just before you had arrived and father along with Leo took him away to recuperate."


    Neacht frowned as she spoke, "I see, I hope he gets well soon."


    "Do not worry, he will be completely healed within the next month though have you heard about brother Saidhal and his family?"


    Neacht sighed as she spoke, "Not good, Zywia tried to kill herself a few times."


    Antariksh gasped at what she heard as she spoke, "Oh heavens that is not good, I think I will pay them a visit, maybe take my brother with me as well."


    Neacht nodded as she spoke, "That may be good for her."


    Meanwhile back with Maheswara and Leo, the duo simply watched over the sleeping form of Ryuu for a moment before Maheswara spoke, "Thank you, Leo."


    Leo simply waved off his hand as he spoke, "There is no need to thank me uncle, and this was the least I could for him, though what are you going to about what he said."


    Maheswara ran his hand through his hair as he spoke, "Of all the time he had to enter the angst-filled phase, hmm, I understand why he is feeling such a thing, but do not worry I have something planned for him as soon as he is healed."


    "That is good to hear, though have you heard about Saidhal''s daughter''s condition?"


    Maheswara frowned as he spoke, "No I have not, the last time I saw her was when she had just stepped out of Eden, more like she was unconscious and was being carried around by her family."


    "She tried to kill herself many times, and as such her family has to keep her under constant watch because of it."


    Maheswara''s eyes widen as he spoke with a swear, "Between Antariskh''s tribulation and the invasion I forgot to keep a track of them, how shameful of me, as nephew has always been so kind to us, so shameful I think I will pay them a visit as soon as possible."


    A few hours later Ryuu stirred from his untimely sleep and was greeted by the smiling visage of his teacher as Nuwa spoke with a small smile on her face, "You are wake Ryuu, though you might have missed the party but fear not we have made something especially for you."


    Ryuu sat up straight as soon as he had heard those magic words came to his ears making Nuwa stifle a giggle before handing Ryuu his food.


    She loved the way Ryuu always acted whenever something cooked by it was mentioned, it reminded her of her children''s younger and more carefree days when they acted more like Ryuu whenever she cooked.


    Her eyes then went towards Ryuu as she let out a mournful sigh inwardly while reminiscing about days that had passed a long time ago.


    ''Of all of our children only Pangu reacted in such a way whenever we made food for him unlike others who outgrew such behaviour, now Ryuu still acts in that manner and it makes us happy, so are we wrong in babying him a little? Are we wrong trying not to let him go?''


    "Seconds mistress is something wrong? You looked a bit troubled."


    As Nuwa''s attention was drawn towards Ryuu she gave him a small smile as she spoke, "Once you have finished eating we will tell."


    Ryuu nodded and soon he finished eating everything his teacher had brought him, though with great difficulty he had to once again stop overeating least he failed to listen to his teacher''s words.


    Nuwa took a deep sigh before she began to speak, "Zywia did not take the death of her lover too well, she tried to kill herself a few times, and as s such we are planning to pay her family a visit and maybe even lend our hand in these trying times."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen as he jumped up from his bed as Ryuu spoke earnestly, "When are we leaving? Zywia and her family are nice people and I do not want them to suffer so much."


    Nuwa stood up from her seat as she spoke with a smile, "Well since you are awake we can leave now though remember Ryuu take a deep breath do not get agitated."


    Ryuu calmed down as he took a few deep breaths to calm himself as he did not wish to fall unconscious like every time he was agitated.

 Chapter 488 - An unimaginable situation (part-5)

    Ryuu''s head swivelled as he took into the sight around him, Yacadus for all intent and purpose was a weird blend between vanity and nature in a rather pleasant way.


    The buildings were made up of precious materials, some of them looked as if they had been cast out of gold, yet at the same time, it had ample nature surrounding it to make it a rather pleasant place to live in.


    "Do you like this place Ryuu?"


    Ryuu looked towards Antariksh as he spoke, "Well I am not sure the nature in this place is nice but not comparable to Ayindril though, but then the houses most of them are cast out of gold, and I have never seen a house or rather houses in this case made up of gold, in fact, I do not know what to make of this place it is so confusing with conflicting ideas."


    Antariksh simply smiled towards him as she spoke, "Gold is a useless material for us cultivators since it has no use to except maybe for decorating purposes as such many cultivators who like flashy things use gold most often than not to make their stuff look flashier."


    Ryuu looked at one of the building as he squinted while he spoke, "I can understand where you are coming they truly are flashy enough to make your head turn so as not to get blinded."


    Sylvana meanwhile groaned as she spoke, "Ugh, this is too gaudy for my taste, and that is also why I do not visit Yacadus too often.", she then turned her head towards a figure who was approaching them as a small smile formed on her face as she spoke, "Ah here comes Zarina."


    Ryuu had met Zarina many times, and she almost looked like an older and regal version of Zywia but the person in front of her was far cry from the woman she knew as Zarina looked tired, distressed and every bit of her age.


    As Zarina approached them she gave a small smile as she spoke, "Welcome to Yacadus.", her eyes then travelled towards Antariskh as she spoke, "Welcome sister and congratulations on your advancement."


    Antariksh simply gave a nod as she replied back, "Thank you, sister."


    "Also sorry about not being able to help you sister we have heard about the coup in Ayindril."


    Maheswara shook his head as he spoke, "There is no need to apologize, child, though we also heard about the unfortunate time your family has stepped into and as such, we came as soon as possible, though, from the looks of it, it is even severe than we feared is everything, alright child."


    At his question, Zarina almost looked ready to break into tears but held herself off as she spoke, "No uncle nothing is alright, it seems as if something or someone has cursed my family with bad luck both my children are suffering one after another."


    As Ryuu heard her words a small frown began to form on his face as he clenched his hand hard, ''This is one of the reasons why I want to return, someone working underneath Cezary was found a traitor, someone who might have worked with since I have yet to know the identity of the said traitor, but most importantly I wish to stand and help Cezary during the period of inquiry but I am chained back home.''


    Zarina''s eyes then fell on Ryuu as she spoke with a small smile, "Ah look at me brother Ryuu has visited my home for the first time and here I am rambling on about my woes."


    Ryuu quickly waved off her concern as he spoke, "No please there is no need to be so worked up about my visit I just came to visit Zywia, I heard about her and I wanted to meet her, also if possible I wish to meet Cezary as well."


    Zarina shook her head as she spoke, "I am sorry Ryuu but Cezary has received another summon from the army as such he had left along with my husband a few minutes prior to your arrival and as for Zywia please follow me."


    The group swiftly followed after her as they soon reached Zywia''s place and Ryuu was grateful to Maheswara for helping him move so fast, as Zarina might have forgotten that in spite of everything Ryuu compared to them was only a measly cultivator of Peak Mystic Immortal Emperor realm and as such nowhere as fast the rest of the group were.


    As they approached Zywia''s room a trio of maid present simply bowed towards them as Zarina spoke in an authoritative tone, "Leave us."


    The maids simply bowed as they left swiftly, as the group entered the room Ryuu could not help but let out a gasp at the sight in front of him, Zywia was beyond recognizable gone was her beauty as all that laid on the bed was a figure akin to a corpse.


    His actions were mirrored by everyone present as Nuwa send a pitying glance towards Zywia, ''What we learned about them was a heavily watered-down version, the reality does not do them justice, if it were not for our ability to detect life force we would have thought her to be a dead person.''


    Zarina sat beside Zywia as she gently caressed her head as she spoke in a soft voice, "Child who has come to visit you, your aunties here, your grandparents even your friend Ryuu is here, see they are all worried for you."


    Zywia slowly opened her eyes as she looked towards her mother and was greeted by the worried visages of Ryuu''s as well as his teachers'' family.


    Veena looked at her for a moment before she spoke, "Zarina why don''t you let the two friends speak with each other alone for time being."


    Zarina bit her lips before acquiescing with Veena''s request as they leaving behind Ryuu alone with Zywia.


    Zywia looked at Ryuu as she tried to reach him with his hand which he quickly held as he sat by her side before he spoke with a sad smile on his face, "You look horrible."


    In a raspy voice, Zywia let out a chuckle as she spoke, "Please tell me something that I do not know already."


    "Why are you doing this to yourself Zywia?"


    "You know why."


    "I have spent ten years by his side and I know that he would not approve of your behaviour so why are doing it."


    "You would not understand."


    "Then make me, Zywia make me."


    "I�� I cannot live in a world without him."


    "Then you dying would solve anything, he could have already reincarnated by now and could be anywhere, were you planning to follow him as well."


    "Maybe."


    "That is utter foolishness you know it Zywia, as he could be reborn anywhere or be born as any being."


    Zywia glared at him as she spoke back with a bite, "What would you know?"


    Ryuu glared back at her as he spoke, "I would know about it better than you, I myself had lost someone who was very dear too me too, I know how you feel."


    "Yeah right, you are making that up Ryuu, if you have nothing else to say then leave."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "Oh I am not lying to you Zywia, I am not lying, and do you remember how I told you about my previous life."


    As Zywia stayed silent Ryuu continued, "My egg and s.p.e.r.m donor only gave birth to me because their beloved child needed a donor for his bone marrow to survive and after my job was done I was thrown away from their lives, no matter what I did it was never enough for them and eventually I gave up and drifted away from their lives."


    "A few years later I met a wonderful person, the person was at first my mentor, my lover and eventually my fianc��e, along with her I had managed to cure a disease that was plaguing my planet for decades saving millions of lives."


    "We became famous worldwide suddenly we were super heroes praised by everyone, even my s.p.e.r.m donor approached me he looked so proud and happy at my success so much that I was taken aback but then I learned the real motive behind his happiness, the cure we made was given away for free and that man wanted to exploit but he failed to pull wool over my eye and I refused and do you know what happened."


    "What happened?"


    As the hoarse and barely audible voice came to his ears Ryuu smiled inwardly as Zywia was listening to him which meant he had still some hope for her.


    "Within a week there was a murder attempt on me and unfortunately I was having a romantic date with my fianc��e, in the end, I survived because of my good luck while my fianc��e died, and the best part was that it was my own s.p.e.r.m donor who ordered the hit on me, I broke down completely after that but my fianc��e''s cousin set me straight she made realized that I still had people who cared about me, namely my grandparents who had raised me as if I was their own son."


    He then looked at Zywia directly into her eyes as he spoke, "Now Zywia answer me, what about your parents, your brother what about them? Are you just going to mercilessly and cruelly throw them away?"


    Meanwhile on the outside of the room Nuwa had erected the barrier as others began to have a very serious talk on the course of action.


    With a frown on her face Veena looked towards the door as she spoke, "So what have you planned to do next Zarina even a blind man can see that your daughter is almost a corpse."


    Shamiran frowned at the blunt way her mother spoke but she knew that there was no way they could skirt around the already hopeless situation.


    Maheswara sighed as he spoke, "Niece your daughter is hurting too much and I do not know how much we would be able to help you but please do not hesitate, Zywia is like my own grandchild and I refuse to lose her."


    A small smile graced Zarina''s face before she spoke with a soft tired sigh, "Last night I spoke with husband and we both came to the conclusion that we need to adjust her feelings and memories of that deceased child."


    A stunt silence descended for a moment while Celestia could not help but speak out loud with disbelief in her voice, "Are you insane?"

 Chapter 489 - An unimaginable situation (part-6)

    Nuwa rounded up Zarina as she spoke with anger in her voice, "Are you insane Zarina? The think you are planning is nothing sort of insane you are in fact killing your daughter and then building her anew, the old Zywia would cease to exist completely."


    Maheswara frowned as he spoke, "So true the way she is acting as such is because of her love for that child and if you do so you will have to destroy her emotions, herself completely and built anew, a small incident can be dealt with but something of this scale ten years of memories is nothing to scoff off."


    Zarina''s eyes welled up with tears as she spoke, "Then other options do I have left to do, the way she is now there is nothing else for us to do except change her using outside interference."


    Sylvana frowned as she spoke, "I can understand where you are coming from but the strong reaction from your daughter only means how strong the affection from her was, I would destroy her completely, no matter how well she is remodelled there will always be a hole in her psyche."


    "I know, I know."


    Celestia shook her head as she spoke, "No you do not know, what you are planning, Zywia fell in love, she loved that boy with her heart and soul, ripping out those memories and feelings would also affect her future accomplishments have you ever thought what will happen when she faces tribulation after all you cannot lie to Heaven."


    Zarina paled at that as she spoke barely above a whisper, "I forgot about it, then what should I do?", suddenly her eyes widen as she spoke with a slightly mad gleam in her eyes, "Yes Zywia will never move past the 8th rank of Mystic Immortal Emperor rank."


    Her listeners were shocked to silent when Antariksh cleared her throat as she spoke, "We can discuss it later though it seems Ryuu is standing waiting patiently for us to finish our talk so let us remove the barrier and listen to what he has to say."


    With a wave of Nuwa''s hand, the barrier dissipated enough for Ryuu to step in as he spoke with a smile on his face, "Sorry for disturbing you but Zywia is very hungry so if you can arrange for something."


    Zarina was stunned for a moment before she spoke with disbelief, "Hungry but she had given up on living so how is she hungry?"


    Ryuu''s smile morphed into a dangerous one as he spoke while leaking a copious amount of killing intent as he spoke, "Teacher can you reengage the barrier again."


    Nuwa raised one of her elegant eyebrows as she once again reengaged the barrier which allowed outside noise to enter but prevented the one from the inside to escape.


    As soon as Nuwa did so Zarina received the undivided attention of Ryuu as he spoke, "You should not underestimate your daughter Senior Zarina, after all the Zywia I know is a tough woman who stood by my side while facing mortal dangers, it is true she is currently going through a rather rough time but I know and believe in her that she would stand tall, so I will not forgive someone who would try to harm her in way or form."


    Zarina was taken aback at seeing Ryuu talk back to her, who was someone powerful enough to kill him just by her presence yet Ryuu challenged her an act she considered an equal measure of foolishness and courage as such she could not help but ask out loud, "Why are you standing on my way child? Are you so arrogant and cowardly that you are using your teachers as your shield, but why do you think I would ever harm my own child?"


    "I stand against you because Zywia is my friend who stood by and watched my back in Eden, we shared the same horrors, pains, triumphs and joy together, and I do not stand banking on the notion that my teachers will protect me but on the idea because it is the right thing to do and as for the reason I thought you are about to harm her well it is simple, I may not know the contents of your discussion but I know my teachers as well as my older sisters enough to know you might have said something that might have angered them greatly and the way everyone acted including you made me realize you are planning something for her."


    As Ryuu took a deep breath Zarina went past her as she spoke, "You are too brave yet foolish at the same time, Zywia gave up on living and as such her health had deteriorated to such an extent, so how did you manage to make her eat again."


    "Simple she does not need a family now but someone who could relate to her, someone who can be her friend listen to her owes, and then help her traverse through such trying times, instead of a mother she would like some helping friend if you can be that it would be helpful to her, what I managed was help her take a single step towards her path of healing the rest is up to you."


    Zarina frowned towards Ryuu as she spoke incredulously, "So I have to be a friend."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Yes sometimes it is easier for us to convey our worries if the person present in front of us is a friend, not a family."


    Maheswara smiled at Ryuu as he spoke, "So true niece, instead of being a parent approach her as a friend, I had done that so many times with my children and it worked always, especially during such dire time, and now hurry up I believe my grandniece is quite famished."


    As Zarina left Nuwa gave a small smile towards Ryuu as she spoke, "You did well Ryuu, at least you were able to manage to nudge her in the right direction, and we hope Zarina would also listen to your advice."


    A frown appeared on Ryuu''s face as he spoke, "I hope so too teacher I hope so too, the way she is now she needs all the help she can get, it would take time but I know that she would pull through this and as for her family just need to be a bit patient with her."


    Shamiran scowled as she spoke, "But even then the way she was talking it was no excuse for her to act as such."


    Veena sighed as she spoke with a shake of her head, "Please try to put yourself in her shoes and then you will understand, seeing their daughter like that made them desperate especially the fact that their daughter might be wasting away dying slowly made them grasping for straws and people like them tend to make bad decisions because of their desperation."


    Meanwhile, a month later on a certain planet far away from Yacadus, a certain aristocratic-looking person was busy gathering and packing his stuff, as he cleared his desk he smiled fondly at the small trinkets that were on his table, gifts from various friends he had made during his long tenure as Planetary Head of the Kuvosie branch of Shangri-la, but all things came to an end as he was transferred to a new place very away.


    "Senior Zhan Hu, do you really have to go?"


    "Orders are from the top Sister Yu Wu there is nothing I can do."


    "But, surely you can ask some of your seniors."


    Zhan Hu sighed as he spoke, "No can do especially not in the current situation when the coup against the Empress failed, surely you remember the fate of those who participated in that coup, it was shown all over every branch of Shangri-la."


    Yu Wu visibly shivered at the remembrance of the punishment of those that participated in the coup, even their families were not spared, over a million people of all ages were put to death in a rather gruesome manner, and even after a couple of months, it was nightmarish to her.


    "I do not understand, why did she have to be so brutal?"


    Zhan Hu looked at her before he replied back with a small smile, "Tell me, what do you think of your job, your pay, and the extra benefits you get from your position? Are you satisfied?"


    "Of course I am, I get paid rather handsomely."


    "So were they and yet they were greedy, and their greed made them revolt, a coup d''��tat that failed spectacularly, thus the punishment."


    "It is true that the punishment may seem harsh but can you tell me is it any bit different from what any Monarch would bestow upon the subjects that tried to revolt against them and kill them, no it was not though I also agree a quicker and much painless form of death would appreciate especially those who had the misfortune of being born at the wrong family."


    Yu Wu sighed as Zhan Hu continued, "Not to mention the word on the gr.a.p.evine is that they had tried to capture and take hostage one of Her Majesty''s family members, who were but a child, but it went wrong and now whoever he or she was dead and now Her Majesty is incensed about it."


    Yu Wu frowned as she spoke, "Are you sure?"


    Zhan Hu shrugged as he spoke, "Well it is one of the most credible rumours, but rumour none the less and since I am nowhere near the top of the totem pole I have no idea if it is true or just a rumour, but the thing is that with so many deaths a vacuum had been created and they are trying to fill up those spots by shuffling people around."


    Yu Wu was silent for a moment as she watched her senior and her mentor packed his luggage, she watched as her mentor meticulously pack his luggage like some mortal, before putting them in his space ring.


    "So then goodbye Yu Wu I hope our path crosses again."


    Yu Wu gave a small albeit sad smile as she spoke with a small bow, "I hope so too senior and thank you for all of your hard work."


    Zhan Hu simply let out a bark of laughter before he left swiftly towards his new destination and new life in a new office.


    Back in Ayindril, Ryuu cupped his hands as he bowed deeply in front of his teachers as he spoke with a small smile on his face, "I will be leaving then."


    His teacher simply gives him a nod of acknowledgement as Maheswara spoke, "Child if you face any problem, do not hesitate to ask for help we are after all just a teleport away and we will be there by your side before you know it."


    It had been over a month since he had been to Yacadus, and since after his chat with Zywia she had begun to heal albeit slowly though Ryuu knew that no matter what she would never be healed completely after all some wounds always leave their marks.


    Antariksh was next who spoke to him with a rare seriousness in her voice, "Brother it might not seem to be but the work I am sending you to do is no lesser important than mine because all these small parts make up Shangri-la, also remember to listen to your adviser well when he says something he is trustworthy as such I am sending him to accompany and advise you."


    "There is nothing to worry big sister I will keep a good head over my shoulder and make sure nothing goes wrong."


    Antariksh gave a faint smile as she spoke, "I know you will."


    Ryuu flashed a smile as he spoke, "Then I will take my leave.", that he climbed on to his flying vessel which carried him away towards his destination.


    As he disappeared out of their sight Sylvana spoke with a smirk, "He is going to be furious."


    Maheswara snorted as he spoke, "Please I believe that he will redefine the word furiously.", a solemn smile then appeared on his face as he spoke, "Though even though he might hate us, it is necessary."


    Veena scoffed at his words as she spoke, "One whiff of Nuwa''s cooking and he will melt like butter in a hot oven."


    Celestia giggled as she spoke, "So true, we can always bribe him with Nuwa''s cooking."

 Chapter 490 - Kuvosie (Part-1)

    Ryuu looked out from his flying vessel at the large planet in front of him, a planet that shone like a jewel in the vast emptiness of the space.


    "My Prince, this planet is really something to look at from space, is it not?"


    Ryuu nodded as he replied back to the speaker, "It sure is advisor Yamamoto, though I prefer Ayindril more, now let us not keep them waiting any longer."


    Yamamoto simply bowed as their flying vessel slowly descended through the atmosphere before making its way to the docking area of the ''Thousand Dragon City'', the biggest, largest and the most prosperous city of Kuvosie.


    Yu Wu had received news about the arrival of the new head of the branch, her new boss as such she along with a few of her co-workers had decided to welcome their new boss when he or she would arrive.


    "Sister Yu Wu, how long do you think we have to wait?"


    Yu Wu rolled her eyes as she spoke, "Brother Jin, there are still a few minutes before they would appear."


    Jin sighed as he spoke, "But still I kind of wish brother Zhan Hu did not have to leave, he was a nice boss."


    Yu Wu sighed as she spoke, "Me too brother." before her eyes narrowed at the sight of a large flying vessel with the insignia of Shangri-la proudly engraved on it.


    "Our new boss is here Brother Jin look sharp."


    Jin nodded as the flying vessel landed and out of it stepped out a group of six soldiers followed by a very handsome young man and a white-haired old man, with another group of six soldiers following after them.


    A dainty looking woman standing near Yu WU could not help but speak out loud, "Hey, Sister Yu Wu, I do not remember our previous boss having a group of guards protecting him."


    The dainty woman was taken aback as Yu Wu did not reply back to her, only for her to notice that Yu Wu was busy staring towards Ryuu''s direction with a frightened expression on her face, as such she quickly send a jab towards Yu Wu with her elbow thus breaking her out of her trance.


    As the jab brought her out of her trance she quickly turned towards the dainty looking woman as she spoke with a slight bow, "Thank you and I am sorry for worrying you, sister Huo."


    Bai Huo shook her head as she spoke, "There is nothing to apologize for, but since you acted in such a way may I hazard a guess that your Divine body caused some form of reaction to someone from amongst that group."


    Yu Wu nodded as she spoke with a worried look on her face, "The guards and the white-haired old man, I could not detect anything from them which only means that they are strong, very strong on the other hand the red-haired person is different, he feels like a mixture of sword and dragon, a very vicious and aggressive being that would not hesitate to tear me apart and devour me, he is dangerous."


    Bai Huo frowned as she spoke, "His cultivation level, were you able to discern it?"


    Yu Wu bit her lips as she gave a small nod, "He felt as if he was at the peak of Mystic Immortal Emperor realm but at the same time he felt a bit more, compare to other of his realm there is a large chasm between him and others."


    Jin went deathly pale as he heard Yu Wu speak as he could not help but speak with a gasp, "No way, I think he is some sort of executioner of Shangri-la, after that coup, I think he is sent here to search for traitors and execute them."


    Bai Huo scoffed towards Jin as she spoke, "You are imagining things."


    Yu Wu shook her head as she spoke, "No, I think Jin is right why would such a dangerous person with so many strong guards appeared he is definitely here to flush out the traitors, as such we have to be careful while dealing with him, Heavens knows what he would take offence to and try to punish us, in fact, his cultivation level might even on a much higher level and he is using some kind of technique to mask it, so please be careful around him."


    Meanwhile back with Ryuu and his companion Yamamoto, Ryuu studied the welcoming committee intently before he spoke in a curious tone, "Advisor Yamamoto, that woman is she not the holder of ''Clear Mirror Heart''."


    Yamamoto gave a small nod before he spoke with a small smile on his face, "Yes you are right my prince and seeing her reaction she might have deduced something about you that might have scared her greatly."


    "Huh, interesting I wonder what she has managed to deduce."


    Yamamoto let out a chuckle as he spoke, "Maybe something extremely diabolic enough that her fellow companions are scared as well.", when all of a sudden his eyes widen as he spoke with an amused look on his face, "My prince, they think of you as some kind of enforcer who was send here to search and execute traitors."


    Ryuu''s jaw dropped upon hearing that before a rather large mischievous blossomed on his face as he spoke, "Advisor Yamamoto, I have a plan please play along and if it works it would be fun."


    Yamamoto gained a curious look on his face as he spoke, "So my prince what is the plan?"


    A burst of large evil laughter came to Yu Wu''s ears, laughter that originated from the old man following behind the youth, laughter that sent shivers down every member of the welcoming committee''s spine as both Yu Wu and Bai Hu held each other and shook in fear.


    Jin became even paler and looked ready to faint as he chanted out loudly, "We are dead, we are dead we are so dead."


    As Ryuu approached them his guards stood by either of his sides as he spoke in a serious tone, "I see you must be the welcoming committee.", Yu Wu somehow managed to nod her head but before she could speak Ryuu continued nonchalantly, "I see but before we continue with our introduction care to tell me why you are all severing like a newborn calf, while some of them look ready to faint from extreme blood loss, don''t tell you people have something to hide and are now afraid I might find it out."


    ''This is it we are dead'', a thought passed through the welcoming committee''s head before Yu Wu quickly took control as she spoke with a nervous smile, "Ah, greetings from Kuvosie Central Branch of Shangri-La, Sir, we were just anxious about knowing our future boss."


    Ryuu''s eyes narrowed as he spoke with a drawl, "If you say so.", as he spoke Yu Wu''s pulse quickened as Ryuu suddenly continued with an extremely large smile that threatened to split his face, "But first let me introduce myself first my name is Ryuu and I despise liars and traitors personally I think they should be crippled and hung by their entrails, don''t you think so."


    An animated nod followed by the sound of one of the members collapsing was his answer as Ryuu looked at the unconscious person as he spoke, "Oh my, don''t tell me that was overexcitement on meeting me."


    Yamamoto ran his hand through his beard as he spoke, "It seems so my Prince, if others are as eager and excited I hope their co-operations would be much better and help us a lot."


    Ryuu gave a small nod as he spoke, "So true, my work would not only be much smoother but faster as well."


    Seeing the scared look on their faces, as well as a couple who were already halfway into the land of unconsciousness, a feeling of elation and happiness appeared which was prompted by an equal measure of anger and disappointment.


    ''Seeing them squirming and fainting might just make my day but at the same time seeing them get intimidated so easily makes me greatly infuriated and disgusted, a bit of intimidation and they would spill everything to the enemy, trash would appropriate for them.''


    Yu Wu quickly composed herself as she spoke as her training kicked in, "General Manager Ryuu I once again welcome you to Kuvosie Central Branch of Shangri-la, I hope your journey had been well."


    "It was."


    A smile formed on Yu Wu''s face as she continued, "That is extremely good news Sir, I believe you would like to rest as such please follow me as I would guide you to your new cottage where we have prepared some refreshments for you."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "Fellow Daoist sister, I am sorry but please guide me to my new office as well as I would like to be given a small tour of my new place of work, and I would also love to get acquainted with my fellow colleagues as such please make sure they are available but at the same time make sure only to invite those who do not have an urgent work."


    Yu Wu simply gave a small bow as she spoke, "As you wish, then please follow me.


    Yamamoto was not so easily impressed but the work ethics of the previous General Manager managed to do so, as such he could not help but exclaim out loud, "Wonderful, the previous General Manager''s work ethics were truly wonderful."


    Ryuu could not help but nod at his words as he spoke, "So true advisor Yamamoto, so true he is a good employee."


    A knock at his door drew his attention and upon being  permitted Yu Wu stepped inside as she spoke, "Excuse me, boss, the assembly of the employees has been called and as you have ordered me only those who do not have any immediate serious work has been summoned."


    Ryuu flashed Yu Wu a smile as he spoke, "Splendid then lead the way."

 Chapter 491 - Kuvosie (Part-2)

    Yamamoto let out a content sigh as he sipped from his cup before he spoke, "This is life."


    He is was immediately answered by Ryuu with a loud growl, Yamamoto looked towards his direction as he barely managed to stifle his laughter, as he spotted from beyond the tall a mountain of paper a pair of heterochromatic eyes belonging to a certain redhead glared at him balefully.


    ''Her Highness was right Royal Prince has no patience especially when dealing with paperwork, it has not been a week and he has already tried to run away from the place he deemed it as his prison with me as his warden, and in a way, it is true as I am forcing him to work.''


    "My Prince, growling will not help you finish your work, after this stack, there are even more for you to work on.", his words was followed by a scream of an equal amount of outrage and anguish which only made Yamamoto chuckle out loud.


    Ryuu sighed as he looked at the paper in front of him, he might not like doing paperwork, but that did not mean he would not try to read it in great details so as not to miss any important information.


    Kuvosie Central Branch was a unique branch, as it not only dealt with other smaller branches in the planet but was also the headquarters for every different operation of at least twenty different star systems.


    Only the largest and most prosperous city had the honour of being a host to a Shangri-la, yet its presence was felt in many places as it supported many other operations ranging from mining to the cultivation of precious plants and herbs.


    Shangri-la was structured in such a way that the top brass of a particular branch will always be near about equal in strength, if not outright stronger than the strongest person in the area, and since the nearby areas had lower strength than the General Manager of Kuvosie, they all fall under its jurisdiction.


    As such the workload generates for the General Manager is large, especially for Ryan who had decided to act as a proper manager and perform an audit, as such since the time they had arrived here Ryuu and Yamamoto had to spend two weeks visiting every place that was under the Kuvosie branch to do surprise inspection and from what they had seen so far was up to standard adding another feather on the previous General Manager''s cap.


    But, it also caused a backlog of paperwork to be finished and Ryuu was working day and night for the last three days trying to finish up his work, work which had increased especially since the Grand Kuvosie Auction was only a week away.


    A polite knock drew the attention of the duo as Ryuu spoke in a stern voice, "Come in."


    Yu Wu entered the room as she spoke with a bow, "My Lord I bring bad news."


    Ryuu looked curiously at her as he spoke, "And, what is this bad news?"


    "Boss, one of our shipments, that was scheduled to arrive for the Grand Kuvosie Auction, was stolen."


    Ryuu frowned at her words as he spoke, "What and how did it happen?"


    "The people who went to collect them are confirmed dead, as well as our seller, the new leader of the winery wants to broker a new deal as apparently, the bandits have absconded with our shipment while doing a great deal of damage to the winery."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "The bodies of our men have they been recovered."


    Yu Wu gave a nod as she spoke, "Yes boss, they have been recovered."


    "Good, then please escort me to them, I wish to pay respect to my coworkers before they are sent to their family to receive a proper burial."


    Yu Wu nodded as she spoke, "Of course boss, but what should we do next?"


    "I will decide after paying my respect to the deceased, though if I am not wrong you already have assembled a task force."


    Yu Wu once again nodded as Ryuu spoke with a small smile on his face, "Splendid, then let us leave every second we spend wasting the chances of avenging our comrades would lower."


    Ryuu was soon escorted to the morgue where the bodies were kept and Yu Wu watched Ryuu kneeling by side of each of the corpse before lowering his hand in silent prayer.


    Ryuu studied the body in front of him with great detail, the wounds have yet to be cleaned, as it was the policy of Shangri-La to return the deceased to their family without any wounds on them, and Ryuu was fortunate that he had been able to see the bodies before the deed was done.


    "From the residual KI, it seems we are dealing with a second rank Celestial."


    Yamamoto frowned as he spoke, "I see, so are you going to deal with the Celestial yourself?"


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Yes I am, sending any other group from Shangri-La after them would be foolish."


    Yu Wu who was listening to their byplay suddenly grew pale as she spoke, "But, Boss your enemy is Celestial, there is no need to face a Celestial when you are only a peak Mystic Immortal Emperor, so why don''t you simply send your guards."


    Ryuu simply shook his head as he spoke, "No can do Sister Yu Wu, those guards have been ordered to protect my life and keep me safe no matter the cost, they will listen to no one, not even me."


    Yu Wu frowned as she spoke, "But, then��", she suddenly stopped speaking as a bright smile appeared on her face as she spoke, "Ah, you will use them to pro��"


    She shivered as did many of them who felt Ryuu''s killing intent while he spoke with a devilish smile on his face, "Sister Yu Wu, you do not know me so I will let your comments slide this once, I am not an incompetent inept that needs others to fight MY battles for Me, this will be last time you will suggest something so worthlessly vile and idiotic to me, is that clear."


    A frightened Yu Wu simply nodded only for Yamamoto let lose booming laughter before he spoke with mirth shining in his eyes, "Miss Yu Wu, my Prince is right for some puny Celestial he does not need any help.", his voice then turned cold as he continued, "And about what you just implied there are many cultivators, myself, included who would take immense offence so please do not say things such as this.", with his piece being said he leisurely strolled after Ryuu when went away to make preparations of his own.


    As Ryuu went inside his room, which was empty except for some furniture, he spoke out loud, "Dwa, I have a job for you.", and as he gave out his orders a shadow in the corner of the room slight flickered.


    A set of armour appeared all over his body, the very same armour that his sister Antariksh had crafted for him during her tribulation, and as he stepped out Yamamoto gave him an appraising look as he said, "That is a fine looking armour, and who made it?"


    Ryuu beamed at him as he spoke, "That would be my big sister, advisor Yamamoto."


    Yamamoto''s eyes widen slightly before he spoke, "Her Majesty''s creation is truly a sight to behold."


    Ryuu could only nod before he spoke in a serious tone, "Advisor if I am not wrong you noticed the foul play."


    Yamamoto mirrored his serious look as he spoke, "Yes my Prince I do."


    Ryuu let out a growl before he spoke, "I will make them regret ever messing with Shangri-La, though I think I should make Yu Wu accompany me."


    Yamamoto gave a curious look on his face before he spoke, "And if I may be rude may I ask why?"


    "Simple I do not like my sister''s Shangri-la to have such weak-willed and spineless people, a battle or two would do wonders for her, not to mention her talent may find some use."


    Yamamoto simply smiled as he shook his head before he spoke, "Well then we better be off, after we return you have to finish your paperwork."


    Ryuu''s head hung low as fresh tears sprouted from his eyes as he spoke with a w.h.i.n.e, "You are sadistic bastard, let me enjoy the moment."


    Yamamoto''s response was a burst of deep booming laughter before he spoke in a serious tone, "So what punishments do you plan for our transgressors."


    Ryuu shrugged as he replied to Yamamoto, "I have yet to decide but one thing I know I would make sure that no one would be foolish enough to attack us even in their dreams for years to come, I will make them scream and beg for mercy and when their hope is dead, their soul is broken will they die."


    His loud proclamation that he had made with unholy glee, made any nearby listeners shiver in fright, even Yamamoto was taken aback by the sudden shift in mood o the otherwise calm and sometimes mischievous Ryuu.


    ''Ah, I sometimes forget he is Her Majesty''s younger brother, of course, he would be like the rest of them, I just hope his act does not cost us our employees.''


    With that thought in mind, Yamamoto quickly intervened, "My Prince, you should also think about your subordinates, it is true that any cultivator worth their salt has had to face life and death situations, some more than other and unfortunately the people of this branch may not be able to take it, you have already driven them up the wall with that prank of yours, and now if you act like this you might cause huge psychological damage to them."


    Ryuu sent an incredulous look towards Yamamoto before he spoke in disbelief, "You are joking right?"


    "Of course not Prince, I am an immortal being, not an immoral being who would make a joke like this, as such I would implore you to please do not do something nightmarish."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Okay I understand."


    As Ryuu met up with the rest of the squad who were ready to go and investigate the winery, he looked towards Yu Wu as he spoke feigning ignorance, "Sister Yu Wu, why are you not dressed for battle."


    Yu Wu was shocked at Ryuu''s words as she quickly spoke, "Boss, surely you��"


    Ryuu''s eyes widen slightly as he spoke, "Ah, I understand you do not wish to scare our supplier if we all go dressed ready to kill, excellent thinking now let us leave since you are better acquainted with them than me you would do way better to deal with them, please hurry we are short on time."


    With that he quickly left leaving behind a flabbergasted Yu Wu, whose attention was drawn by Yamamoto with a small cough as he spoke, "I hope you are not having second thoughts, and that might prove disastrous to your career as your employment contract states for you to provide fighting support to Shangri-La in case of emergency so please hurry, and if you quit I believe your mentor might be disappointed."


    A disheartened, dejected and quite frightful Yu Wu left behind Yamamoto, onlookers it looked as if she had resigned her life and was now working towards her death.


    Meanwhile, in a certain room, an old figure suddenly opened his eyes as he exclaimed out loud, "I can sense, he is near, I can now find him."

 Chapter 492 - The Vineyard Madness (part-1)

    Ryuu sat on his seat going through a file containing doc.u.ments, doc.u.ments that dealt with the contract with a certain winery, while Yamamoto sat beside him smoking his pipe providing legal advis.e.m.e.nt every now and then while Yu Wu sat on the other side fidgeting.


    "Is something wrong sister Yu Wu?"


    It seemed as if Ryuu''s words seemed to have jolted her awake from her deep thought as she spoke hurriedly, "Nothing is wrong boss, just a bit worried."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "I am not taking to fight a Celestial so why are you so worried, I will deal with whoever that person is, but I need you deal with the new head of the vineyard so that we can come to a solution that is beneficial to Shangri-la."


    "I see boss, but what about the vineyard they also suffered a great loss they might demand compensation."


    "Sister Yu Wu, if the damage had been done by our people deliberately we would have entertained the idea, however the happenstance of the situation is different upon saying that if we are able to receive replacement of our shipments intact may be something can be done for them."


    "Is that not a bit harsh?"


    A mysterious smile blossomed on Ryuu''s face, a smile that meant that he was privy to some hidden secret that only he knew as he spoke, "Please sister Yu Wu no matter what we cannot show favoritism to any particular contractor no matter the reason, in fact if I am not wrong according to the contract they had to supply us with our goods in lieu of payment which they had failed spectacularly and as such they should be black listed yet we are giving them a whole mile by going to visit them when they should be the one visiting us as a common courtesy."


    Yu Wu simply gave a nod while Ryuu once again paid his attention towards the doc.u.ment in his hands when a few minutes later one of his guards came to inform them of their arrival at their destination.


    Ryuu stood up with a sigh as he spoke in a bored tone, "Well let get this over with."


    As Ryuu stepped out of his flying vessel he was assaulted by the sight, sound and smell of the vineyard, which he stopped to appreciate for a moment before he spoke so low that only Yamamoto was able to discern what he had said.


    "So, a fierce battle between bandits led by a Celestial took place against our soldiers led by a mid level Immortal Mystic Emperor, the damage is so interesting is it not?"


    "As you say my Prince the amount of damage to the vineyard is really interesting."


    As Ryuu turned he noticed that Yu Wu was looking around with a suspicious look in her eyes, which made Ryuu smile a little.


    "Sister Yu Wu since you have been here before why don''t you lead the way."


    Yu Wu nodded as she quick escorted to the office of the owner of the vineyard, where they were promptly escorted to occupy their respective seats, but it had been almost an hour since then and Yu Wu was fidgeting on her seat again seeing Ryuu had a blank look on his face, but he was releasing a subtle amount of killing intent while his eyes shone with murderous intent.


    ''Oh Heavens he is very angry, if that new owner did not appear within a few minutes he might kill him.''


    And her thought was right on the mark as Ryuu ground his teeth his anger as his thoughts took a murderous turn.


    ''How dare he, how dare the lowly worm make me wait, I will make him pay.''


    His thoughts were cut off as Yamamoto whispered to him, "My Prince please control your anger, for now we will teach them a lesson for their insolence but for now I once again implore you to please control your anger."


    Ryuu took a deep breath as he pushed back his anger before he whispered back to Yamamoto, "Thank."


    Yamamoto simply gave a small nod while Ryuu sat there with his eyes closed meditating, and it would be another half an hour later that the owner would waltz in and without acknowledging them he would take his seat.


    Ryuu''s eyes twitched at the blatant disrespect he was receiving from the person in front of him, ''That does it I will kill him without even letting him say a few words, there is a limit to tardiness.''


    With a small smile on his face, the portly man began to speak, "I am sorry our esteemed guest this are trying times for my family and I, not only older brother but even his entire lineage has died with him."


    A sympathetic smile appeared on Ryuu''s face as he spoke, "My condolence to you and your family."


    Then man sighed as he spoke again, "Thank you, oh I am extremely sorry I forgot to introduce myself my name is Li Senhuan, the current patriarch of the Li family."


    "My name is Ryuu the current General Manager of the Kuvosie branch of Shangri-la."


    The man bowed a little bit as he spoke, "Once again I would apologize to you for making you arrive here as well as wait for me, it has been some trying times I hope you are not offended too much."


    Ryuu gave him a smile as he spoke, "Of course not Daoist brother, losing one''s family is the worst thing that can happen to anyone."


    The man gave a nod as Ryuu continued to speak, "Brother may I ask you a few questions regarding the incident?"


    "Yes, please feel free to."


    "Where did the incident take place, and how did everything happen?"


    "We do not know how it happened all of a sudden we were surrounded by those bandits sc.u.m, they were led by a Celestial, they attacked us out of nowhere, they stole all of our produce and killed all those who resisted it was horrible, I am only a Low level Golden Immortal, to face a Celestial it was so scary."


    Ryuu''s face gained an understanding look on his face before he spoke, "Ah, I can understand facing a situation that is so out of hand is nothing short of scary."


    Li Senhuan nodded as he spoke, "It really was they attacked and killed us out of blue, it was a nightmare."


    As he spoke a servant brought them a couple of pitchers of wine as well as glasses with it, Li Senhuan sighed as he offered them the drink before pouring a glass of his own.


    "So is that how they were all poisoned."


    Li Senhuan simply nodded as he spoke, "Yes��", only for him to realize what he had just said as he shouted out loud, "WHAT!!!!!!"


    ~pfffrrt~


    Ryuu turned towards the source of the sound which was none other than Yu Wu, who was looking at her glass with dread in her eyes as she threw away her glass only to be met with a disappointed look on Ryuu''s face.


    "Sister Yu Wu, such wondrously unrefined behavior is ill suited for a woman of your stature."


    Yu Wu spluttered as she shouted out with great distress in her voice, "But, we are all poisoned."


    "Hahaha", a loud sound of laughter broke out as their attention Li Senhuan spoke with a smirk, "Even if you have somehow deduced it, it is far too late for you to do anything since like idiots you have taken a sip of the wine, nothi��. Urk."


    Ryuu calmly sipped from his glass as he spoke, "Sorry to interrupt your glorious evil monologue but unfortunately I despise people who spike such delicious wine, such heathens.", Ryuu turned towards his advisor who was calming sipping onto his glass as he spoke, "Would you not agree advisor Yamamoto?"


    Yamamoto gave a curt nod as he replied to him, "I agree with you my Prince it is so criminal to tamper with such a fine wine."


    Li Senhuan grimaced as he spoke in a weak tone, "How��"


    "Simple mister poisoner, it was simply switched with yours, now don''t be afraid I will simply leave you with my Guardian Angel who has some questions for you, tell then goodbye and see you never."


    With that he stood up and started to leave only stopping for a moment as he spoke in a curious tone, "Yu Wu, do you wish to learn how to do interrogations?"


    Yu Wu was brought out of her stunned state as she quickly moved towards Ryuu''s side as she spoke with a confused look on her face, "Boss, how and when did you know?"


    Ryuu smirked at her as he spoke, "Since I inspected the bodies at the morgue.", his eyes harden as he spoke with a snarl, "Those bastards have done the same with our people, they had poisoned our men with a c.o.c.ktail of paralyzing agent and nerve flaring poison and then tortured them to death, our men did not die a clean death but a rather painful one and they will have their justice."


    As he spoke Ryuu released a tiny bit of his killing intent, while Yu Wu herself clenched her fist in anger, and while they stood outside Ryuu''s guards had already put them inside a protective circle.


    Yu Wu looked around to see all the servants working in the vineyard lying on the ground, and in between the time that they had entered the room for the meeting with the owner, Ryuu''s guards have dealt with the servant.


    They did not have to wait any longer as a jade slip suddenly appeared in his hand which he quickly placed on his forehead and upon reading its content he promptly passed it to Yamamoto who after reading the contents destroyed it.


    "Where did the jade slip come from?"


    Ryuu flashed a smile towards Yu Wu before he spoke, "Where else but my guardian angel.", before his eyes fell on his guards as he spoke, "I hope you will not stop me from speaking a fight with a Celestial."


    The lead guard simply gave a small bow as he spoke in a grave tone, "Your Highness, we are instructed to keep you unharmed but we were not instructed from keeping you from picking a fight beyond your capabilities, as such until and unless we deem it to be beyond your capabilities we will not interfere."


    Ryuu was giddy at his answer as he spoke, "Why thank you, now I can use the Celestial to relieve my stress."

 Chapter 493 - The Vineyard Madness (part-2)

    Thousand Faces lounged on a chaise lounge that was overlooking the garden as he sipped from the glass of wine.


    ''Ah, this is a fine wine indeed it is such a shame that I had to kill the makers of such a fine wine, the idiot brother was so helpful, well after my job is complete I will simply leave him to take the fall while I disappear into the winds, and as for Shangri-la the Universe is a huge one I doubt they would waste too much resources to find a 3rd rank Celestial Immortal like me when I would have some perfectly lined scapegoats to take the fall, though I hope that the idiot would not have managed to bungle...''


    His internal monologue came to a screeching halt as one of the servants of the villa came flying over towards his location, and would have collided with him if he had not cut the servant into two by using his sabre.


    "My my what a crooked person are you killing your own loyal servant."


    A voice came to his ears as he turned to look towards a grinning red-headed person with mismatched eyes, behind him stood an old man sipping from a cup of tea without a care of the world.


    Thousand Faces turned red with anger as he spoke, "Who dares to brazenly attack me in this manner?", as he spoke he let loose his killing intent as well as his KI blanketing the entire area.


    The red-headed person simply placed his hand over his heart as he spoke with a mock shock on his face, "How cruel are you about giving me that invitation through your minion''s hands you are now failing to recognize Me.", he then closed his eyes as he spoke in a chiding manner, "Tut, tut clearly someone has not given you some is in need of his lessons on etiquette."


    It took a moment for him to realize the identity of the intruder as he spoke with a smirk, "Ho so the mouse decided to play a visit at the lion''s mouth, and from the looks of it the idiot may not have failed completely."


    "Ah where are my manners.", with that Ryuu raised his hand right hand high up in the air while his left found its way behind his back before with a circular motion he moved his hand in a way so as to bring the palm on top of his heart as he tilted his head slightly before speaking, "My name is Ryuu and I am the current General Manager of the Kuvosie branch."


    "I see my name is��"


    Ryuu waved him off as he spoke, "Please, I am not your coroner so please there is no need to say me your name."


    Thousand Faces'' jaws tighten as a burst of loud laughter came to everyone''s ears as Ryuu looked towards the source of the laugh he was greeted by other men, with one of them looking bored and the other looking amused and as Ryuu studied them briefly the amused person spoke with a mocking edge in his voice, "Brother can we keep the jester to entertain us, there is no need to waste him."


    Thousand Faces snarled as he spoke, "Well we will see how he performs the task but before that capture him."


    Yu Wu was very nervous, she stood a good distance away from the place where the supposed Celestial was staying and then they learned the truth that there was no one but a group of three Celestial staying there.


    Yu Wu was very nervous as she knew that a battle might break out any moment and every second seemed like an eternity to her, she was beginning to feel faint when all of a sudden the estate in front of her exploded in showers of wood and stone.


    Before she could react she was bombarded by a mixture of killing intent and KI and for the first time, she clearly understood the reason why she felt such fear from Ryuu, even if he was below a level his KI was much denser and refined in comparison that of the Celestials by quite a margin, not to mention the tyrannical killing intent.


    ''What is he? Such blood l.u.s.t and dense KI, I never seen or heard not to mention the domineering feeling from him, just what is he?''


    Her musings were cut short as a small chuckle came from her side as she turned to look towards Yamamoto she was greeted by an amused smile on his face as he spoke, "Brilliant is he not."


    "How just what is he?


    Yamamoto simply smirked as he spoke, "There are normal cultivators, then there are so called genius''s and then there is Ryuu, he is very strong compared to those of his age and level, now watch the show."


    Ryuu tilted his head as a sabre slash missed him by a hair breadth, and as the saber passed from above his head he felt the sabre force tickling his skin but he did not stop there as he made a quick turn before sending a vicious kick toward Thousand Faces ribs which made him grunt in pain as a sickening crack was heard as his ribs were broken.


    As Thousand Faces moved away from Ryuu trying to get some distance between them, Ryuu suddenly raised his left hand towards his side a spear shot out of it and a figure was forced to retreat, Ryuu did not even turn as he knew that the person was one of Thousand Faces'' companions who had tried to flank him.


    Genesis returned to his hand as he twirled it swatting away any and all arrows from harming him before he dashed towards the archer who was none other than the person who had called him a jester.


    Ryuu weaved and dodged through any arrows with complete ease as reached his goal, and as he moved a look of panic seemed to form on the archer''s face which suddenly was replaced with a smirk as he spoke out, "Got you, Smoldering Rain."


    Yu Wu let out a strangled cry as to her it seemed as if the sky itself to be burned down by the sudden onset of smouldering fiery arrows, some of them even managed to find their way towards Yamamoto and his group only to disappear as Yamamoto let out a small grunt.


    The archer gave a pained look as he spoke out loud, "Drat, I accidently vaporized him, now our plan would fail."


    "You are a short sighted grinning fool.", a familiar voice came to his ears that chilled him to his bones.


    "Brother Lan, watch out.", that was the only warning he received he got from his friends as he quickly turns to face Ryuu.


    "Too slow.", was all heard before a tyrannical thunderous roar of a Dragon came to his ears as he watched with his eyes wide that the spear in Ryuu''s hand was now looking more like some kind of giant dragon that opened his mouth and fed on him, a huge pain erupted as he came to the realization that he was now armless and legless because of the attack.


    "You bastard.", a shout came from his side but Ryuu did not even turn to look towards him as he rammed the rear end of his spear hard on the person forcing the air out of his lungs before Ryan began his assault.


    He turned and twisted his weapon as the person ducked when all of a sudden Ryuu felt immediate danger as he turned his body into a horizontal position before sending a thrust towards Thousand Faces who had attacked him.


    Yu Wu had felt her heart give out when she had watched the devastating attack, she was sure that Ryuu had perished or might have been seriously injured from the attack only for her eyes to widen as she found him standing behind his attacker before returning the favour crippling his opponents, then her jaw dropped as she found himself single-handedly dealing with the remaining two Celestials with ease.


    ''They are two fast, so fast that I can barely make out anything but from what I can perceive he is fighting two Celestials on even term.''


    Yu Wu looked around and seeing the destruction that was wrought through the area she winced before she questioned out loud, "Senior Yamamoto, just how strong is he to match up in strength with the two Celestials."


    Yamamoto looked at Yu Wu as he spoke with a snort, "Match up to them, please he is toying with them."


    "But��"


    As Yu Wu began to protest Yamamoto spoke with a knowing look on his face, "Ah, I see I kind of forgot about the part that you can barely keep up with them, young lady you should cultivate harder and more diligently, and back to the matter at hand while Ryuu looks barely winded while the those two are injured, not to mention Ryuu looks quite bored, but do you what else is scary about him."


    As Yu Wu shook his head negatively, Yamamoto replied back with a smirk, "He is not a Mystic Immortal Emperor but a Mystic Sword Immortal Emperor."


    Hearing that Yu Wu''s eyes widen upon hearing that, ''He is not using any swords just what is he?''


    Her musings were cut short when another heart-wrenching scream came to her ears, while Yamamoto flinches at the sight, the reason for it was simply the dagger-wielding Celestial had thrown his dagger towards Ryuu, thinking it was opening that he had found but Ryuu simply returned it back using a technique he had learned from his second mistress, but alas his practice with it was quite not up to the mark and as such instead of sending it back and hitting the enemy on his shoulder he managed to hit him in his groin.


    A blood-curdling scream erupted from the Celestial''s throat as Ryuu had effectively castrated him, as he lunged with reckless abandon towards Ryuu.


    ''This is going nowhere, I am bored and these two idiots are not good enough.''


    Ryuu moved even faster as the now deranged man was now limbless in a blink of an eye while for the first time Thousand Face had a look of fear on his eyes as he spoke with fear in his voice, "I don''t want to deal with this."


    Suddenly a blood mist surrounded him and Ryuu knew even if he wanted he would not be able to catch him since he had activated the blood escape technique as he knew that by the time he would be within striking range Thousand Face would escape but he was not anxious as he snapped his finger, and soon with a startled scream a bloody Thousand Face fell on the ground like a kite that lost its wind.


    Ryuu appeared in front of his subordinate who was gawking at him, he flicked his spear removing the blood on it with a flick of his wrist before he spoke with a yawn, "Sister Yu Wu if I remember you once informed me about a nice tea house in Kuvosie?"


    As Yu Wu nodded Ryuu continued with a smile, "Excellent then let us return and then please escort me to the Tea House, I acted like a bully and bullied some weak people something I feel distasteful as such I need something to unwind, so please let us hurry."


    As the group left, the shadow surrounding the heavily injured trio of Celestial Immortals exploded before dragging them into the shadow itself disappearing them from sight.

 Chapter 494 - The Tipsy Grasshopper (Part-1)

    Li Xiu moved daintily through the busy market streets, and even if the market area was crowded to the brim she moved with enough grace that she could easily pass through the crowd.


    As she moved a scowl began to form on her face while she growled inwardly with anger, ''Those no good friends of mine getting lost in the market and now I will have to find them.''


    While she growled in anger at them though she had conveniently forgotten the fact that it was her that got distracted and as a result, she got detached from her group and as such she was lost.


    When suddenly she noticed a familiar hair colour, and from looking at the person''s back she deduced that it was none other than one of her companions as such she dashed towards with the intent to swat on his head from behind, she neared him raised her hand with the intent to hit him only for her vision to become a blur as she found herself staring up towards the sky as a brief pain shoot through her back.


    As her vision return, Li Xu was greeted by the most handsome face she had seen, a face that was matched with a pair of mismatched eyes.


    She would have gawked at the face if it were not for the fact that she was reminded of the embarrassing situation she was in.


    As such she stood up she spoke in an accusing manner, "You are not Joseph."


    The red-haired male simply raised one of his brows as he spoke, "A very astute observation from my assailant."


    Li Xiu blushed as she quickly stood up before she spoke with as much dignity a lady of her stature could muster after being flung on her back on the market streets of Kuvosie.


    "How dare you treat a lady like that?"


    Ryuu snorted as he spoke, "A lady should not try to attack someone from behind."


    Li Xu went so red from the embarrassment that she resembled a tomato while a circle small circle seemed to form around them watching their confrontation and from what little Ryuu could pick up the woman that he had just slammed on the ground seemed to be someone from a prominent family, but that was the farthest thing in his mind as he was in a desperate need of some tea.


    "Sister Li Xu", a sudden shout drew her attention as a small smile blossomed on her face as a beautiful green-haired woman soon appeared along with a small group of five.


    "Sister Xu, where did you ran off to, we were searching for you."


    Li Xu let out a sigh as she spoke, "Nothing I was just dealing with this rude ba��", she wheeled around in search of Ryuu before she shouted out in anger, "Where did that oaf run off too."


    A loud laughter came from her side drawing her attention as another beauty spoke with mirth in her eyes, "Please Sister Xu it was so hilarious too watch, you thought that red haired person to be brother Joseph and when you went to hit him from behind he simply flipped you and slammed you hard on the ground it was so hilarious to watch."


    Li Xu turned red once again as one of the ladies gained an amused smirk on her face as she spoke, "Really, she mistook some for my bother and was slammed on the ground."


    Li Xu huffed as she spoke, "Yes, laugh it up, some sisters you were we should be searching for him and teach him a lesson but my sisters are so mean that they are trying to laugh at my misfortune, I will cry from such heart break."


    The green-haired woman simply rolled her eyes as she spoke, "Enough of your drama Li Xu, let us move or else we will the ''Thunder Snow Puffer fish, they have only managed to bring it in limited quantity.", she then turned towards one of her companions as she spoke, "Let us move fast sister Jacklin, we have wasted too much time because of miss who was slammed on the ground."


    "Oi that was uncalled for."


    Jacklin rolled her eyes as she spoke, "Sister we can get revenge later on but now we need to hurry.", with that the rest followed her while Li Xu stewed in anger for a moment before she stomped towards her destination.


    Meanwhile, Ryuu followed after Yu Wu, with Yamamoto trailing after him, as she guided him through the streets of Kuvosie, he was glad that Yu Wu was by his side as he was sure that he would have been lost within the maze that was otherwise known as the market of the city.


    "Boss, the ''Tipsy Grasshopper'' restaurant is the best restaurant that Kuvosie has to offer, it is premiere institution offering spirit food for cultivators and recently I have received the news that they have acquired Thunder Snow Puffer fish."


    Yamamoto hummed in deep thought before he spoke, "That is truly a delicacy if they can prepare it properly that is."


    Ryuu gave a nod as he spoke, "So true."


    Yu Wu simply smirked at them as she spoke, "Believe me when I say this place is heavenly."


    Ryuu did not say anything while he g.r.o.a.n.e.d inwardly, ''May be she is right, maybe this place would be heavenly, but the matter is perfectly subjective, and even though I am quite fond of the puffer fish, but after eating food made by my second mistress, any other place feels a bit bland and extremely unappetizing in comparison.''


    As they approached the establish the sound of music, as well as the pleasant aroma of food and drink, hit their nostrils, Ryuu watched as people were queuing outside trying to enter the restaurant but as soon as Yu Wu approached the establishment a person in a gaudy dress approached them with a large smile on his face, "Ah, Senior Yu Wu, what a pleasant surprise, how have you been?"


    With a pleasant smile on her face, Yu Wu replied back "Owner Serik, I have been fine and you."


    "I am well because of your blessings senior, though how may I help you."


    "I need three seats preferably a bit more private."


    Serik simply gave a nod before he spoke with a bow, "Please, This way please."


    With that Serik guided them inside his restaurant while Ryuu noticed that many who had queued up to enter the restaurant sent them a look of envy, with a healthy dose of anger and frustration.


    The ambience of the restaurant in comparison to its owner was much more refined, and posh as well, and as they ventured forth Ryuu idly takes note of the people in front of him.


    ''The staffs are well trained moving with grace and like a well oiled machine.''


    Ryuu watched as the owner suddenly had an argument in a hushed tone with one of his staff, a look of annoyance passed through his face which was soon replaced by that of an apologetic smile as he spoke, "I am sorry Senior Yu Wu but it seems that private booths are all filled up already so��"


    Yu Wu waved off her hand as she spoke, "No problem even if the private booths are not available there must be some place which would be a bit discreet."


    A broad smile once again formed on the owner''s face as he spoke, "Of course there is, please follow me."


    Serik soon guided them to their seat which was situated on the second floor, the restaurant was build in such a way that the ground floor had a normal sitting arrangement, while the first was more like a balcony with a huge oval hole in the middle through which people could peer down and even further up was the second floor which was not visible, also was the one that held the private booths.


    Ryuu took a seat beside the railing from where he could look down at the people sitting on the ground floor, while Yu Wu took a seat by his side and Yamamoto sat directly across him.


    Ryuu looked down at the people laughing and chatting while Serik had just finished his chat and was about to leave Ryuu called out to him, "Owner Serik is smoking allowed here."


    Serik looked at the red-haired person, a person whom even he a male would call a rather otherworldly handsome, as he gave a stiff nod as he replied back, "Yes, you may Senior Daiost."


    As Serik left Ryuu prepared his kiseru and took a puff from it, while Yu Wu wrinkled her nose slightly at the thought of someone smoking so close to her, she would have protested but she had a healthy fear of Ryuu as such she did not say anything though as the fumes of smoke neared her instead of being irritated she felt oddly calm.


    "Boss, if I may ask what is it that you are smoking it is quite��"


    "Soothing and relaxing right, it is a special concoction that helps to keep one calm and collecting."


    Meanwhile, back with Li Xu and her group, they had reached their d.e.s.i.r.ed restaurant and had occupied their respective seats when Li Xu let out a gasp before she spoke with a growl, "That bastard is here."


    Seeing the direction she was growling in the rest of her group turned their eyes as more than a few had a prominent blush as one of them spoke with a purr, "Told you he was handsome and ��"


    Jacklin herself had a small blush as she spoke, "He is rather handsome not to mention he really looks like my brother."

 Chapter 495 - The Tipsy grasshopper (part-2)

    Yu Wu picked up a karaage and bit into it, and a large explosion of flavours occurred inside her mouth, the perfect crunch and the succulent fish inside it which melted in her mouth, it was truly wonderful.


    Her face flushed red as she spoke with a smile on her face, "This is so wonderful, maybe I should take some for my grandchildren they would like it."


    Ryuu looked at her curiously as he spoke, "You have grandchildren?"


    Yu Wu nodded as she spoke, "Yes they are wonderful just last month they had managed to reach Zifu Disciple level and they have yet to reach their fifteenth birthday, I am blessed having such talented descended."


    Ryuu simply nodded at her words while Yamamoto''s eyes for a moment travelled towards Ryuu as a brief small smile appeared on his face as he mused inwardly, ''Zifu at fifteen well if I remember I was a bit faster but compared to the one sitting in front of me all of us are trash.''


    Yu Wu let out a small gasp as she spoke while looking towards a certain direction, "Ah that group over there, if I am not that is the girl that you had slammed on the ground before we arrived here."


    Ryuu looked towards the direction that Yu Wu was looking and was greeted by the sight of a glaring Li Xiu as he mused out loud, "Is she trying to combust me my glaring at me."


    "Oh my I never noticed that Jacklin of Vance clan would be here."


    Ryuu sent a look of surprise towards Yu Wu at the slight hint of awe at her voice as he could not help but ask out loud, "Is she someone special?"


    Yu Wu gave a nod as she spoke, "Yes she is, she and her brother both are touted as number one genius of Kuvosie having ascended into the Immortal realm shortly after their hundredth day of birth.", she took a breath as she continued again, "Not only that she is the granddaughter of the current Vance clan head and the niece of the Emperor of Kuvosie."


    Hearing the name of the clan made Ryuu''s hands twitched a bit before took control of his emotions as he mused inwardly, ''Why am I getting so worked up? The universe is so vast there can be many clans with similar name, and as such it is unsightly of me to get so worked up.''


    "So, do any of you have any progeny?"


    Yamamoto took a bit from his sushi as he replied to her, "I do, I have eight sons and six daughters who have blessed me with many grandchildren, who intern have their own so yes I have a very large number of descendants."


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke while taking a sip from his cup full of hirezake, "I have none, there has never been a woman who has managed to capture my heart."


    "I see, so if I may not be to rude but did you know each other from before."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "No, I met advisor Yamamoto for the first time when I came here."


    Yamamoto stroked his beard as he spoke with a small smile on his face, "Actually I met you before a long time ago."


    Ryuu was surprised upon hearing that as he could not help but ask out loud, "When did I meet you? I do not seem to recall it."


    Yamamoto shrugged as he spoke, "It was long time ago and we have not spoken as such you might not seem to recall, and as for when it was a long time ago when you used to accompany your teacher where she used to gives lectures."


    As Ryuu was reminded of memories of a long time ago, Yamamoto continued, "I remember the seven half year old who was already a Wanxiang Adept, acting as his teacher''s assistant, I also remember how one of my colleagues made a mistake and your teacher was scolding him and all of sudden the seven year old laughed thinking the scene of a grownup getting scolded was incredibly funny but it ended up with him getting punished by his teacher for laughing at my colleague."


    Ryuu g.r.o.a.n.e.d as he hid his face behind his hand out of embarrassment as he spoke, "Ugh, please do not remind me of such embarrassing situations."


    Yamamoto simply let out a loose chuckle while Yu Wu spoke with disbelief in her voice, "You are joking right? A seven and a half year old Wanxiang adept, it is not possible."


    Yamamoto looked towards Yu Wu but before he could reply back to her a shout of alarm came to their ears and as they looked towards their source they found the table occupied by the Li Xu and others flung away while one of them had collapsed on the ground and the rest surrounded her.


    "The on the ground seems to be poisoned."


    "It seems so my Prince."


    "Then let us help them."


    A few minutes ago the group had received their platter full of ''Thunder Snow Puffer'' fish meat that had been prepared using various methods, and as Jacklin bit into it an explosion of flavour occurred in her mouth, an explosion that caused a low m.o.a.n to escape her lips as she relished the taste with her eyes closed, only for it to open wide as her throat suddenly burned with great ferocity as she vomited blood before collapsing with foam appearing from her mouth.


    Li Xiu was the one who sat closest to Jacklin''s side was the first to move as she was by her friend''s side checking her before she screamed out loud, "Poisoned she has been poisoned." She then whirled towards the green-haired beauty as she spoke, "Keya help her."


    Keya flung the table obstructing her way as she made her way to Jacklin''s side and a few seconds later she cursed out loud, "Damn those filthy chef''s I will have their heads, she has been puffer fish''s poison in her blood, and rather potent one."


    She quickly took out a pill from her space ring but before she could feed her the pill a powerful voice rang out in the area, "Stop you idiotic child you will kill her."


    A powerful voice stopped in her for a moment but she chose to ignore it but found it difficult to move even an inch, while the same voice continued in a much softer tone, "The stage is yours my prince."


    Keya watched from the corner of her eyes as the person who had had previously slammed Li Xiu on the ground make his way towards them but no one was able to even twitch their finger.


    Ryuu grabbed the pill from Keya''s hand as he threw it away while speaking in a bored manner, "The pill you are using would have worked if it was only puffer fish poison, but it is not as it is a designer poison created to mimic the effects of one at the same time it contains a copious amount of blood lotus extract in it and if you are ready to be called as an alchemist then you should what happens when ambergris is mixed with it."


    Keya''s eyes widened as she gulped hard she knew firsthand what would happen and the result would not be pretty, Jacklin would not have a swift painless death but rather a very painful and slow, not to mention even if she by some miracle was healed her life as a cultivator would be over.


    Ryuu looked towards Yu Wu as he spoke while handing her a talisman, "When I tell you place this talisman on over her heart and keep it activated by pouring your KI, though I would warn you would feel a bit drained."


    Yu Wu did not say anything as she took the talisman from Ryuu, while he quickly began to focus on his work, "Advisor Yamamoto you may let the others move though if someone interferes me please feel free to show them a lesson."


    Yamamoto simply tilted his head towards Ryuu as he replied back, "As you wish My Prince."


    As the others regained their movement Ryuu looked towards Li Xiu who had Jacklin''s head on her l.a.p as he spoke, "Hold her still and make sure she is comfortable."


    Li Xiu frowned as she quickly guarded Jacklin with her hand as she spoke, "If you think I will let��"


    "Young Lady, do you know who I am?"


    As those words came to Li Xiu''s ears she looked towards the speaker as she spoke with her eyes wide, "You are senior Yu Wu of Shan��"


    "Then since you already know me then I hope you will believe me when I say that upon my honor your friend will be alright."


    Ryuu turned to look at others as he spoke with a growl, "Both she and I need some place and according to common sense should you not try and find who tried to poison her since you are all not doing anything why don''t you all go and search for the culprit in the meantime."


    As the people moved to give him some space, Ryuu worked swiftly as with a help of a water bubble he managed to gather a greyish gunk from her which he promptly dropped on the floor far away from Jacklin.


    "Yu Wu, do it."


    With that, he moved from his position as Yu Wu quickly put the talisman over Jacklin''s heart as she activated it, and in a moment Jacklin went stiff as her breathing slowed down to the point she was barely breathing as Li Xiu sent an accusing glare towards Ryuu as she shouted out, "What did you do to her?"


    Yamamoto gave a stern glare to Li Xiu as he spoke, "He is saving her life, and that talisman placed her in a somewhat stasis like state while he is currently creating the cure."


    Yamamoto watched like a hawk as Ryuu create the antidote and as the pill tribulation arrived he could not help but exclaim out loud, "What a beauty, as expected of theirs'' student.", and Ryuu finished his work Yamamoto could not help but clap.


    Ryuu looked towards Yamamoto as he tilted his head in acknowledgement and offered him a small smile before he fed Jacklin the medicinal pill while Yu Wu moved away from her.


    With a gasp of breath Jacklin sat up as Ryuu spoke in a bored tone, "Please try to remove the toxicity in your body incurred due to consumption of large amount of medicinal pills, it would lower the effect of poison and please be vigilant."


    Ryuu then turns towards Yu Wu as he spoke, "Let us leave Sister Yu Wu, I think I have enough of excitement for the day."


    With that the group of three left leaving behind a bewildered Jacklin who was swarmed by her friends as Keya suddenly screamed out loud with disbelief, "It was pill tribulation, I saw a freaking tribulation.", as she shouted her excitement turned out to be too much as she collapsed on the ground losing her consciousness.

 Chapter 496 - The Tipsy Grasshopper (Part-3)

    Sabine drew Jacklin into a bone-crushing hug which Jacklin returned with a small smile on her face as she spoke, "Mother there is nothing to worry about, as I am safe now."


    Sabine let go of her as she spoke with tears in her eyes, "I do not know what I would do if something happened to you."


    "It is great that there was someone who was able to save her."


    Sabine looked towards her grandfather as she spoke with a nod, "It is though who was he?"


    As Sabine asked the question Li Xiu growled as she replied to her, "A barbarian, even if he had managed to save sister that man is nothing but an uncouth barbarian."


    Keya snorted at her words as she spoke, "You are saying that because he slammed you on the ground hard when you tried to hit him from behind."


    Li Xiu scowled as she spoke, "And you are supporting him because he was luckily able trigger a pill tribulation."


    Keya growled as she spoke, "Please, there is no luck involved in such delicate matters only skill involved."


    Both Fang and Sabine looked towards each other as Fang spoke with a small smile, "What do you think about him daughter."


    Jacklin''s face contorted into intense anger as she almost bellowed out loud, "He is a savage barbaric heathen that should be whipped."


    Both her parents looked at each other again as Sabine spoke with anger in her voice, "What did he do to offend my daughter?"


    "He  ...he, that lout said I have toxicity in my body, that I need to take care of it and he said that in front of everyone in the restaurant, how dare he."


    Fang winced at what he heard as he watched his wife getting greatly incensed as he sighed inwardly, ''Whoever that cultivator was he really lacks proper manner telling a lady something like that is similar to walking up to a lady and announcing for the world to hear that she stinks and she should take a bath.''


    Keya quickly intervened as she spoke, "Jacklin you were not coherent yet he might have meant that the poison might have left some residue in your body and it might have harmed you."


    Jacklin growled out loud as Fang spoke, "So do any of you know who he is?"


    The girls shook their heads as Keya spoke with a sigh, "No uncle we do not know, though Senior Yu Wu of Shangri-La was accompanying them so she might know who he is."


    Fang''s eyes narrowed as he spoke with a frown, "I see than I will have to contact Lady Yu Wu then."


    "I think that might be a problem uncle."


    Fang turned towards Li Xiu as he spoke with a hint of curiosity in his voice, "Why so Li Xiu?"


    "The large auction of Shangri-la will take place within a few days so she might be busy."


    "I see may be I will be able to meet her later then."


    "There is no need for you to meet with her, as I do not want to do anything with that loathsome man."


    Fang sighed especially seeing his wife nod in agreement with his daughter as he spoke, "Jacklin, you may not like it, but you owe your life to that person as such you should try to repay your debt to that person as soon as possible since you seem to loath him."


    Jacklin''s shoulder slouched as she with a slight grumble, "If you say so father."


    Fang smiled at her as he spoke, "Excellent."


    "Jacklin I hope you are doing well now since you are with your family."


    The heavy but kind voice drew their attention as Sabine smiled at the speaker as she spoke, "Grandpa please come in and have a seat, Jacklin said you went in search for the culprit there was no need for you to do that you could have send someone."


    Yujie smiled as he spoke, "I could but��", his smile turned into a dangerous one as he continued, "How could I let someone harm my family when I am still alive."


    "So grandpa did you catch him?"


    Yujie sighed as he spoke, "Yes, the person who had managed to poison you had been found but he was found dead, apparently he had been dead since dawn."


    Hearing his words everyone''s eyes widen as Keya spoke with a gasp, "That means sister Jacklin is still in mortal danger."


    Yujie grimaced as he spoke with a nod, "Yes, she is since the assassin is still in loose though I believe the assassin would be quite for a few days so as to lower the heat.", he then turned towards Jacklin as he spoke, "Child, can you remember anyone who would wish to kill you."


    A tired smile came on Jacklin''s face as she spoke, "The list is huge great grandpa, there are many who would love to see me dead because of various reasons."


    Yujie sighed before he spoke with a frown, "Fang where is Joseph?"


    "Joseph went on a hunt with his friends but upon hearing Jacklin''s situation both father and mother left to escort him back."


    Yujie gave a nod of approval as he spoke, "Excellent, we should not lower our guard if it happened with Jacklin then it could happen with Joseph as well.", he then turned towards Jacklin as he spoke with a smile on his face, "So child what did your rescuer look like?"


    At his words, the trio of woman blushed as Keya spoke with a dreamy look on her face, "The most handsome man I have ever seen, and interestingly enough he kind of looks like brother except he is much more handsome that him and his mismatch eyes add more to his appeal."


    Both Fang and Sabine''s heart did a flip upon hearing the description before they squashed the feeling while Yujie simply stroked his beard in deep thought before he spoke with a smile, "Seems like an interesting person."


    *************************


    Meanwhile, a certain family had gathered in their usual place when their youngest daughter arrived with a smile on her face she began to speak, "Ryuu made contact with his biological family."


    Her words made the rest of her family sit straight as Maheswara spoke with anxiousness in his voice, "So what happened?"


    "His sister was poisoned so he saved her."


    Antariksh tilted her head as she spoke in a curious manner, "Eh I got poisoned and Ryuu saved me, I do not remember.", she then turned towards Sylvana as she spoke with a frown on her face, "Sylvana did something like that with any of us."


    With an amused look on her face, Sylvana shook her head as Antariskh spoke with a confused look on her face, "See neither of us remember anything like that and I might not downplay his skills but any poison that would kill us is currently beyond Ryuu''s scope to heal us from."


    Shamiran could see the mirth in Antariskh''s eyes as she spoke with a snort, "I know you know whom I am speaking about."


    With a tired drawl, Antariskh spoke, "Sister the only sister Ryuu has is us and no one else."


    Nuwa sighed as she spoke, "So, what happened next? Did either of them figure out each other''s identity?"


    Shamiran shook her head as she spoke, "No they did not Ryuu had gone to a restaurant when an attempt on that girl''s life took place, Ryuu helped her by diagnostic the poison properly before creating and administrating the cure to her."


    Veena gave a nod of approval as she spoke, "Such a kind hearted boy helping strangers without asking in return."


    Shamiran gave a nod before she spoke with a frown, "But, apparently that girl took an offence to him when he gently reminded her to better take care of herself since she has lots of toxicity caused by pills in her body."


    Antariskh frowned as she spoke, "What an ungrateful girl, my brother saved her life and she should be grateful to him instead she took offence to the fact he is giving her good advice."


    Celestia nodded as she spoke in support of Antariksh, "Our eldest daughter is right that girl is ungrateful."


    "Apparently according to what I have learned, it is a matter of great dishonor for any woman to be mentioned as such."


    Veena had a look of understanding as she spoke, "Ah, I see so they are embarrassed when their mistakes and callousness is made public like that, as they should be but still I do not see any reason for her to be angry with Ryuu."


    Sylvana snorted as she spoke, "Ego, first mother, it is her ego that made her angry as the world around her learned how clumsy and lazy she is that girl is trying to find someone to blame for it."


    Maheswara shook his head as he spoke, "Simply disgraceful though at the same time is shudder at what would have happened to Ryuu if he were to grow up amongst such people."


    A collective shudder went down everyone''s spine as Antariksh summarized their thoughts, "Nothing except a waste of talent and life.", a sentiment that everyone seemed to share.

 Chapter 497 - The grand Auction of Kuvosie (part-1)

    Ryuu sighed for the hundredth time as he checked his attire his clothes that used very rare and precious materials like the strings were made from the whiskers of the Five Clawed Golden Dragon, it used wool from the carnivorous Heier��n sheep, not to mention the various rare and precious stones covering it.


    ''This is too expensive and gaudy for my taste, and I doubt that even with all the earnings of the auction would be put together it would barely be near about a percent of the cost of this clothes, I don''t know what to say about it.''


    Over the years Ryuu has been gifted by his teachers various incredibly expensive things like the pen his teacher had gifted him when he was seven years old, a pen that would have easily fetched a few million dollars in his previous life, a pen that is now gathering dust since he rarely uses it, and now this dress he was given so he could attend a party on some planet and spend a couple of hours looking good.


    If it were before he had received the memories of his previous life he would not felt anything because he was used to but these memories more often than nought made him compare to his knowledge as an inhabitant of Earth.


    A knock at his door brought him out of his musings and as he gave his permission Yamamoto strolled in, he studied Ryuu for a moment before he spoke with a frown, "My Prince you look dashing though could you reveal a tiny bit of you true face, your clothing is otherwise suffocating your looks."


    Ryuu closed his eyes as a ripple went past his face and he looked even more handsome than before, and upon seeing it Yamamoto gave a nod of approval as he spoke with a smile, "Now you look every bit like a Prince from some fairy tale."


    "Thank you, advisor Yamamoto though you look quite heroic yourself."


    Yamamoto simply grinned back as he spoke, "Then let us get going the guests should be arriving soon."


    With a nod, Ryuu left his room with Yamamoto trailing after him and soon he found himself nearing the Grand hall where the workers of Shangri-la Kuvosie branch were extremely busy working nonstop doing last-minute checks to ensure that the event would be successful, and Ryuu soon spotted Yu Wu who was busy giving out orders with a stern look on her face.


    "Is everything alright Sister Yu Wu?"


    Yu Wu looked towards the speaker as she was stunned into silence for a moment while Ryuu simply looked at her with one of his bro raised.


    Yu Wu quickly reigned in her wits as she spoke, "Yes, everything is fine and thank you for supplying us with wine, and also you look really handsome boss."


    Ryuu simply smiled back as he spoke, "There is no need to thank me it is the least I could do to preserve Shangri-La''s honor, also thank you for the compliment and Sister Yu Wu you look rather beautiful as well."


    Yu Wu smiled back as her eyes roamed over Ryuu''s dress for a moment, a dress that would fir royalty but then her eyes fell on the red shoulder cape that only covered his left shoulder and stopping just below his elbow, but more importantly it fell on the Coat of Arms that it bore, and seeing it a frown formed on her face.


    "Boss, I do not wish to sound rude but that Coat of Arm I have never seen before, should it not be like us."


    As she spoke she pointed at the Coat of Arms on her right, her coat of arms consisted of the symbol of Shangri-La in silver colour with the words Kuvosie and West on top and under it respectively, even the Coat of Arms on Yamamoto resembled her except his looked a bit more precious and had the words South and Central on it.


    Unlike them, Ryuu''s was golden coloured, with the creatures in the symbol being cast in a manner that they looked alive, but what separated him from others was the fact that he bore a Crown at the top with twin dragons one black the other white stood guarding the sigil of Shangri-La.


    Ryuu took a small glance at his Coat of Arms as he spoke, "This is a very rare Coat of Arms that belongs to a select few and I am blessed to don it."


    Yu Wu blinked owlishly for a moment while musing inwardly, ''I will have to consult the manuals over Coat of Arms, boss is becoming more and more mysterious, and it is going beyond my tolerance level either I find it out by myself or commit a severe faux pas.''


    "How big is the queue?"


    "Pretty big boss, even if the entire hall has been filled to the brim there is a large queue outside and I fear it might get a bit rowdy."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Of course it would as I have no doubt a few idiots would cause needless trouble for one thing or other I hope the guards would be able to cope with it."


    "Of course they would."


    "Even then if the situation deteriorates make sure to send me a message immediately, and I would deal with it personally as I refuse to allow anyone to besmirch Shangri-la''s honor."


    Ryuu watched quietly as the guests who had purchased tickets to enter and participate in the auction poured in one by one.


    He stood behind the hidden section near the stage as Yu Wu slowly filled him in with the important members of various sects that were attending but have failed to acquire the private balcony, and as such, they had taken over the balcony, while others had taken over the common sitting area.


    As Yu Wu filled him in, Ryuu committed to memory each person that he was being pointed out to, except those in the private balcony as they were shielded from his view, but that did not stop him from knowing the identities of those who have occupied those private balconies even if he had not been able to see them.


    Ryuu closed his eyes going over every array that he had added to increase the security of the area and seeing his arrays working perfectly a small smile graced his lips while half-listening to Yu Wu who was giving off her reports.


    "Splendid, Sister Yu Wu you have done rather well."


    Yu Wu beamed back as she spoke, "Thank you boss, though I will have to take my leave the auction would begin soon and I have still some work left to do."


    Ryuu gave her a nod as she left soon, while Yamamoto spoke with a small frown on his face, "So My Prince, are you ready for your speech."


    The proud prince let out a groan as he visibly wilted, making Yamamoto shake his head as he desperately tried to stifle his laugh seeing Ryuu''s antics.


    ''It seems at least in one respect he is normal.''


    "My Prince there is nothing to fear as the feeling is normal, and in fact everyone has felt similar once in their life whenever they are forced to face a large crowd."


    As Ryuu sighed Yamamoto continued with a smile, "But let me share a secret with you, you see the best way to deal with this is not to focus on the faces of the audience but in some place like a column or a wall or an empty chair but make sure to change the target of your focus every now and then."


    Ryuu gave him a nod of thanks as he spoke, "I have led armies gave them speech to rouse their morals yet this simple though of giving speech is making my knees shake."


    "That is as I said happens to best of us, now soon you will be called and just give your best and I know you will manage it well."


    As Ryuu gave a nod he was called upon the stage to give a speech as the new General Manager of the Kuvosie.


    Inside one of the private booth, a certain lady took a sip from the wine provided as a content sigh escaped her lips as she spoke out loud, "Never did I imagine I will get to taste this exquisite wine again."


    As she spoke she took another sip only to spit out the contents of her goblet as her companions squawked of indignation, but the woman did not pay any heed to her as her complete attention was on the person who stood on the stage as she spoke out in disbelief, "What is he doing here?"


    Meanwhile, inside another private booth, the occupants eyed Ryuu carefully as one of them spoke with a small smile, "It seems you were right he indeed is rather handsome."


    Jacklin blushed as she turned her head as she spoke with a huff, "But he is a rascal."


    Her parents simply smiled at her before trying to watch Ryuu while Yu Jie who had accompanied them had his eyes open as he stared towards Ryuu as he whispered out low so low that even his family members were unable to hear, "That is him, after so many years I found him, but still him being the General manager what is his level.", he closed his eyes as he tried to feel and sense Ryuu''s level.


    As Ryuu was about to finish his speech he felt a subtle probe that made his brow twitch as his rather humble smile morphed into a sickly sweet as he spoke, "Before I conclude I would like to point out that we are civilized beings as such please stop trying to probe my strength as I feel such a behavior amazingly unappealing and putrid, thank you."


    With that, he simply walked off the stage handing over the torch to the auctioneer a low murmur arose within the crowd discussing his last words while a certain old man blushed in embarrassment.

 Chapter 498 - The grand Auction of Kuvosie (part-2)

    Su-Min narrowed her eyes as she tapped her foot with great impatience showing on her face, the reason for that was simple she dashed to meet Ryuu only to be stopped by some guards, guards who were trying her patience and after a lot of arguing one of the many employees of Shangri-La had approached them and had volunteered to inform Ryuu and since then a few more minutes have passed away.


    "Oh my I cannot believe it, sister Su-Min."


    A familiar voice and face came to her ears as Su-Min''s eyes became misty and without a second thought she lunged towards Ryuu drawing him into a deep hug as she spoke with her slightly wavering voice, "I missed you brother Ryuu, I missed you a lot."


    Ryuu simply gave a small pat on her back as he spoke, "I missed you too Sister Su-Min, though I am surprised to see you here.", and as he spoke Ryuu indicated the guards to stop acting against Su-Min and return to their posts, as after all her lunging towards Ryuu had drawn the hostility of the guards and the only reason they had not attacked her was because of Ryuu.


    Su-Min released Ryuu before she spoke in an accusatory tone while blushing at the same time, "You have released a part of your true face."


    A ripple appeared as he toned down his looks as he spoke, "Now happy."


    "Very, it is very difficult to speak when how handsome you look but with your real looks being revealed I would end up becoming a gibberish drooling mess, I did rather have your enemy see your real face then me."


    Ryuu simply smiled at her as he escorted Su-Min towards his private viewing area which offered a view of the stage from behind.


    After they were comfortably seated, Su-Min spoke with a smile on her face, "So what have been doing since we left Eden, more importantly I thought you would have gone back to Eden."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Well after I stepped out of Eden I received some time to recuperate but before I could rejoin the army I received the news that I have a large bounty on my head courtesy of my involvement in Eden as such I doubt I will be ever be allowed back no matter how much I throw tantrum."


    "You threw a tantrum?"


    Ryuu looked at the unhidden glee on Su-Min''s face as he spoke with a scoff, "Yes I did, and I do not see what about it that amuses you so much, as the Su-Min I know would have done the same."


    With a nod Su-Min spoke, "So true I would act as such but what is the price of your head."


    A large smile formed on Ryuu''s face as he spoke, "Make a guess."


    Su-Min scoffed as she spoke, "Two hundred.", only for Ryuu to shake his head make her scowl harder as she spoke, "Three, five, six.", but with each number Ryuu simply shook his head.


    "So, how much? Is it a thousand five hundred?"


    "Make it two thousand."


    Su-Min''s jaw dropped as she shouted out in disbelief "Two thousand Deva Crystals!"


    Ryuu simply gave a nod with a wide grin on his face as Su-Min continued with a sigh, "I do not blame your family for trying to stop you from returning back to the army, with that much price on your head I cannot help but stand by your family on their decision."


    A small smile graced on Ryuu''s lips as he spoke, "Then you are wiser and more mature than I am."


    "Ho, so even you now recognize your folly."


    Ryuu grimaced as he spoke, "Yes, I do as previously I had let my ego and pride caused me to throw tantrum but now I know how juvenile I had been, but enough of that how is our favorite husband and wife duo?"


    "They are doing fine, though how is Zywia last time I saw her she was not in the right state of mind."


    A look of grief appeared on Ryuu''s face as she spoke, "Not so great, sister, not so great, the last time I saw her she had given up on living and I spoke with her though how much I managed to convince her I do not know."


    Tears formed in Su-Min''s eyes as she spoke, "How often have you visited her?"


    "Only once��"


    "Once, you have visited her only Once how could you! Are your family not her family''s close friend and after all she went through how could you?"


    Ryuu''s eyes changed as he let out a deep growl as he spat out, "Like she is the only one who suffered, did you forget what happened with me, with all of us."


    Su-Min choked at the killing intent slammed her like the water of a collapsed dam only to vanish as a panicked shout came to her ears, "My prince stop, you were forbidden from getting so worked up your health is not good, now take a deep breath and control your temper."


    With a couple of deep breaths, Ryuu managed to calm himself as he mumbled an apology to Su-Min while quickly wiping a thin trail of blood that was trickling down his nose at the same time before he quickly lit his kiseru as he took a deep breath through it.


    Su-Min looked at the bloodshot eyes of Ryuu as she spoke in a meek voice, "I am sorry I should not have snapped at you, though what happened to you Ryuu, is it aftereffects from Eden."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke with a sigh, "No sister it is fine, a few months ago there was an attack at my home and no one from my family except for me was present, well more like a retainer of our family betrayed us long thing short I had engaged the various arrays that was placed to protect my home to engage him and his army of traitors, he then pulled his trump card that caused a great damage to those arrays but at the end of the day he felt though we did not come out of it unscathed I myself was severely brain damaged and if it were not for my teacher I would be a drooling vegetable lying on bed."


    Yamamoto snorted as he spoke, "Please I heard you had your whole nervous systm dead and it had to be re-grown, and then you had to relearn to speak, eat and even walk."


    "At least I am no longer collapsing on the ground dead faint every now and then."


    "So true but please take care of yourself and if you fail I have the full permission to force you to obey me."


    Ryuu simply grumbled at that as Su-Min looked at him with her eyes wide as she spoke, "This is not fair it is not fair for you."


    A small smile graced Ryuu''s lips as he spoke, "I know but all I can do for now is to get over it."


    The duo sat quietly under Yamamoto''s careful watch as the auction continued on its own space.


    "So how long will you stay here?"


    "Not too long I guess."


    "Really so how is the pay in Shangri-La compared to the army."


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "Both are same though at least in the army I could get a part of the bounty."


    "I see."


    When suddenly Su-Min''s eyes widened as she spoke with her eyes narrowed and an accusing figure pointing towards Ryuu, "Wait a minute, you said the army does not pay you."


    Ryuu gave a nod as he spoke, "Yes it is the truth, though I could cash bounties of those I had killed every now and then but now I do not have such luxury."


    Su-Min deadpanned at him as she spoke, "I have never seen someone working hard on something without getting any payment in return, but why?"


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "Well I am actually a trainee who is learning about the trade nothing more and trainees most of the time do not get paid."


    Su-Min frowned as she spoke, "And why are you a ''trainee''?"


    "Why else except learning how to run an organization effectively, senior Yamamoto here is acting as my advisor and guide teaching me various ropes and knots of the business, but most importantly so that one day I can help my family."


    "I see."


    It would be almost a couple of hours later that Su-Min returned back to the private balcony and as she stepped inside the balcony one of her aunts spoke with a frown, "Are you done Su-Min, what possessed you to run off like that in such an unlady like manner."


    Su-Min simply gave a sheepish smile as she spoke, "Sorry aunty, I just met a very close friend of mine and I went to greet him."


    "Close friend?", as Su-Min''s aunt repeated her words a teasing smirk appeared on aunts and mother''s faces as another spoke, "Oh my! Who is this special person someone we should be aware of."


    Su-Min turned red from embarrassment as she spoke, "Aunty it is not like that, and he is just a friend."


    Su-Min''s mother narrowed her eyes as she spoke, "No one runs like that for just a friend so tell me who he is, and do we need to have a chat with his parents."


    A scandalized looked passed through Su-Min''s face as she shouted out, "Mother it is not like that and I have told you about him before, remember the cultivator I told you about who had saved my life back in Eden from the dangerous poison."


    Both Su-Min''s parents frowned for a brief moment before her father exclaimed out loud, "You mean that man is that Ryuu.", as Su-Min gave a nod his father gave a dazzling smile as he spoke, "Now I really have to meet the person who saved my daughter''s life and kept her safe.", words that were greeted by numerous nods and hums of agreement and a loud tired groan from Su-Min.


    But before anyone could say anything a small break was announced as many except those in the private balconies and VIP seating areas began to leave to buy some refreshments while a few of them were disgruntled upon being unable to purchase their coveted items from the auction.

 Chapter 499 - The grand Auction of Kuvosie (part-3)

    Ryuu swirled the wine in his glass as he spoke with a small smile on his face, "There was a time when I hated everything related to alcohol I found it disgusting and now I drink like a thirsty man in a desert."


    Yamamoto simply chuckled as he spoke, "My Prince I have yet to see you drink like that and wine for cultivators is different than that of mortals as it has a large number of medicinal properties compared to that of the mortal trash, and as for you drinking too much I do not think so as there are plenty others who outstrip your drinking by quite a bit."


    "Really?"


    "Of course my Prince."


    A knock at the door drew their attention as Ryuu spoke, "Enter."


    Yu Wu entered as she spoke with a small bow as she spoke, "Boss the prisoners are ready to be punished."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Please sister Yu Wu they are liars, thieves and all-round trash do not call them prisoners even calling them mongrel would be a great insult to canine kind, after all, you have already been briefed of their true nature and their list of crimes."


    Yu Wu''s face hardened as she spoke with anger in her voice, "Your right boss those sc.u.m are the very dregs of the society, the nature of their crimes are so heinous.", her anger disappeared as she spoke again but her voice was filled with concern, "But the way you have ordered their execution many would not like it and might protest."


    Ryuu gave a small snort as he replied back to her with a smirk, "Let those narrow-minded idiots through a tantrum, it is beneath me to even think about them and if they dare to cause any problem then we will crush them after all we are Shangri-la."


    Yu Wu gave an uneasy smile as she spoke, "Boss, I do not think it is wise to cause unnecessary strife and gain more enemies."


    "Normally I would also agree with you but for the time being I would agree with Prince, as he is correct in this matter that sometimes it is good to be made a spectacle so as to dissuade others from attempting the same in the near future."


    Not only that he could smell the excitement in the air, and the very same excitement that was choking him, and the reason for such was the items that were sold, items that were sensational yet nowhere near breathtaking as those that would be sold within a few minutes just after the public execution.


    ''Ugh, the stage would be ruined completely.''


    "Welcome back everyone however before we begin I would once again invite our General Manager for a small spectacle before the beginning of the auction."


    As he spoke Ryuu once again walked in with a smile on his face, and as soon as he had garnered everyone''s undivided attention he began to speak.


    "Hello and once again a big welcome to you all, I know you all are a bit anxious for the big event to resume but before we begin I would like to borrow a few of your precious time."


    "A couple of weeks ago one of our suppliers for wine was attacked along with that the envoy from Shangri-la, the end result was that both the parties were killed, when we went to investigate we found a conspiracy."


    "A conspiracy, that involved bringing higher-ups of Shangri-la to the site of the incident, and then kidnapping and brainwashing them in order to loot our wares and then to poison our guests thereby destroying our reputation."


    As he spoke a hush silence descended before quite a few showed a look of alarm at the thought of being poisoned only to calm down at Ryuu''s next words, "Unfortunately they underestimated our might and were crushed, their plans fell apart while they themselves were captured."


    Ryuu took a breath as he continued to speak, "Now, let me introduce you to the mongrels who decided to raise their hands against Shangri-la."


    Jacklin looked at the weird contraptions that were brought on to the platform as she spoke with a frown, "What is that?"


    "I do not know but from the menacing blade that is placed on the object I think it is meant for beheading someone."


    "You are right Joseph."


    Joseph looked towards Yujie as he spoke with a surprised look on his face, "You recognize it, grandfather."


    Yujie nodded as he replied back while gently stroking his beard, "Yes, I have seen it once a long time ago it is known as a guillotine and it is normally used by mortals to execute someone."


    Joseph winced as he spoke, "This is going to be a cause some problems."


    Yujie looked at him with a scrutinizing gaze as he spoke, "You are talking about the recent ideology that has popped up."


    Joseph scowled as he spoke, "Yes, great grandfather the ideology that mortals are born to serve the Immortals such a ridiculous idea, those that preach it have they forgotten that they were mortals once."


    Yujie gave a small hum as he sipped from his cup of tea as he spoke with a sigh, "You are right child, you are quite right but we Immortals at the end of the day are powerful and superior when compared to a mortal in every way which caused the birth of this ridiculous idea, but they forgot without the mortals supporting us we would not have most of these things that we see around us."


    Joseph sighed as he spoke, "True but unfortunately, not everyone is as wise and broadminded as you are."


    The next scene startled them as Yujie spat out his tea as he spoke with disbelief in his voice, "Is that idiot looking for trouble what is he thinking bringing mortals to kill an Immortal, those believers in that stupid notion would cause a riot."


    Meanwhile, the executioner stepped on the platform without a care in the world and the reason for it was the hood that Ryuu had made him wear, the hood that not only made it difficult for others to discern the person''s identity but also to make sure that the person would not be able to see the audience in front of him.


    As the guillotine chopped off the last of the trio while the host of the day read off the person''s crimes,  a voice full of disgust came from one of the private balconies, "Mortal, you used a disgusting mortal to defile a Celestial how could you, such blasphemous acts even Heaven''s would not tolerate."


    Ryuu looked towards the balcony as he spoke with a drawl, "I do not care if you condone their acts or if you hero-worship them they are criminals as such they will pay."


    A silence descended for a moment before the person shouted out again, "How dare you insinuate that, do you know who I am?"


    "No."


    "Then listen well, and learn I am the young master of Ji clan, I��"


    "You are an irrelevant side character when the entire cosmos is concerned.", was Ryuu''s quick retort once again stunning not only the speaker as well as the audience.


    With every needless sentence being spoken and time wasted Ryuu was getting annoyed as he spoke with a snarl, "You are wasting the precious time of everyone present here with your nonsense as such from here on out every ten seconds of time you waste you will have to pay an additional ten per cent on whatever you have brought, so please continue."


    "How dare��.mmph."


    Ryuu narrowed his eyes towards the balcony as another voice came to his ears, "Fellow Daoist please reconsider, the folly of the youth caused him to misspoke don''t you think the additional sum is too harsh."


    Ryuu gained a pleasant smile on his face as he spoke, "Of course fellow Daoist but it is the burden and duty of those who are their seniors to teach them and when need to even punish them as such the ten per cent fine will stand with the hope it would increase soon."


    "How dare you! My family will slaughter��"


    "JI NAAN BE SILENT."


    Ryuu gave an exasperated sigh as he spoke, "See you are still failing to muzzle and leash him even after I have levied the fine and that would be another ten for wasting everyone''s time, so thank you for your patronage."


    "Fellow Daoist brother��"


    "My branch, my law and you are seriously impugning my honour."


    Su-Min simply giggled at Ryuu''s antics as one of her aunts spoke with a frown, "That is no laughing matter Su-Min you friend just made an enemy of the Ji clan, and you should know how sneaky and cutthroat they are."


    Su-Min shook her head as she spoke with a smile, "Aunty it would not matter as Ryuu is extremely prideful and the way they spoke was already extremely rude as such they were bound to be hostile but even then Ji clan bearing a fang towards Ryuu is akin to a worm bearing its fangs at a dragon, if they act against him they would perish in an extremely agonizing manner."


    Meanwhile, back in another balcony Yujie nursed a headache while Jacklin was having a time of her life as she guffawed out loud, "Serves that idiotic pervert right, I think I might be able to tolerate General Manager Ryuu a bit more now."


    Her sentiment was shared by her brother who himself had a large grin on his face as he spoke, "Anyone who puts that arrogant snivelling idiot in place is good in my books."


    Yujie sighed before he spoke towards Fang in an accusing tone, "Your son is worse than you Fang, even when you were at his age you were so much less of a troublemaker."


    Fang gave an unconscious nod before he whipped his head towards Yujie as he spoke, "What do you mean by that grandfather."


    Yujie cursed his luck as he winced inwardly, ''Damn the wine was so good that it had loosened my tongue and my excitement caused me to speak the truth.''


    Sabine looked at her grandfather her eyes wide as she spoke with disbelief, "Grandpa is he really��"


    Yujie with a sigh gave a tired nod as Sabine tried to dash out of the room with tears in her eyes only to be stopped by Yujie himself.


    "Sabine, control yourself this is why I did not say anything before."


    Sabine growled in anger as she spoke, "Let me go, I finally found him and you are preventing me from not approaching my son, not to mention how dare you hide Ryuu''s identity from us."


    Fang stood by his wife''s side as he spoke with a scowl, "Grandfather I stand by my wife''s side, please let us go and how long have you known his identity."


    A frown formed on Yujie''s face as he spoke, "I have been aware of your youngest son''s presence for some time, and today I was able to perceive his identity, and as for why am I stopping just calm yourself down and think, you are barging in while he is busy with his work, he would be suffering from great anxiety and nervous right now because of the burden of such a task so, for now, calm down we will go and meet him a few days after the auction is over."


    Seeing Yujie all but pleading to them, mollified the husband and wife duo as Fang spoke with a sigh, "When were you planning to tell us."


    "After we had returned home, but for now implore you to please wait patiently we have all waited for so long a few more days then we will meet him, and till then let him work without causing him further distress."


    While Joseph and Jacklin''s parents returned to their seats the twins especially Jacklin focused on the location where Ryuu stood a few minutes with an unreadable expression on their faces, they did not know what to feel after so many years they will be reunited with their long lost brother soon yet they did not know what to think about it.


    ''ugh, I had taken a liking to him and I was fancying him, only for him to be my brother, ugh this is disgusting.'', was one Jacklin''s thought, as since the moment Ryuu had saved her, akin to the manner a princess is usually saved by a rather handsome and dashing prince, Jacklin had developed a small crush even if she stated otherwise but now the new revelation turned her world upside down.

 Chapter 500 - The Grand Auction of Kuvosie (part-4)

    Ryuu let out a huge yawn as he watched the auction proceed near its end, he was more bored than tired of the entire affair.


    ''I hope it ends soon enough.''


    "Your Highness, are you tired?"


    "More like bored to death and waiting for the auction to end."


    As he spoke Ryuu let out another yawn causing Yamamoto to let lose a chuckle as he spoke, "Then you should have taken Yu Wu''s advice and left with her to meet and greet the guest."


    Ryuu simply blinked at him owlishly as he spoke, "I already did that when I welcomed them from the stage and as for why I did not go to meet and greet them individually you know why, after all I do not wish to be a distraction when our hardworking host it trying to squeeze as much money as possible."


    Yamamoto simply smiled at his words as Ryuu continued to speak, "I was hoping something exciting might happen but at the end of the day it is boring nothing happened."


    Yamamoto sent an incredulous look towards Ryuu as he spoke with disbelief in his voice, "You want something to happen, anyone in your shoes would want to do the opposite after all it might harm the reputation of the institute."


    "I know but as long as the transgressors are caught without any harm to the customers we can get some positive reputation."


    Yamamoto deadpanned at him as he spoke, "you simply want to see your arrays work."


    Ryuu pouted as he spoke, "Of course I would want to see them work, I placed them and it took me so much time to painstakingly draw them."


    Yamamoto sighed as he spoke, "It took you hardly half an hour to draw the array for the entire hall, and even then it was because you were busy with other works or it would have been done much faster."


    "But still all your work would turn useless if it is not used."


    Yamamoto shook his head as he spoke, "Sometimes it is better if your work is not used at all, but I can now fathom how bored you are."


    As Ryuu simply smiled back Yamamoto spoke with a sigh, "I believe the pills created by you will now be put on auction."


    Ryuu gave a nod as he spoke with a frown, "Yes, they are though why have my creations being distributed amongst various branches."


    "Simple it is to boost the price, if items of similar types are available in large quantities then its price falls, but not only that Her Highness wants to boost your reputation a bit."


    Ryuu grunted at that as he spoke, "I see but I already have a reputation."


    "Yes you do with a large bounty on your head that many would not mind getting their hands on but showing your other talents would make many want to cultivate a relation with you and in case you are in a pinch they will help you."


    A frown formed on Ryuu''s face as he spoke, "Huh, will it work?"


    "Of course it will, as many cultivators who are not affiliated with major powers do so often, I hope it sells for sky high price."


    "I doubt it, as even a single Deva Crystal makes them lose their minds it would be difficult for my pill to manage to gather a large amount."


    "So true."


    With that a comfortable silence descended as Ryuu''s creation was soon put up for auction.


    The auctioneer that was present during the execution was swapped with a female one who with a large smile on her face introduced the next item which was none other than ''Stone Heat Pill''.


    Su-Min''s parents looked at each other after they were able to calm their own hearts that were thrown into turmoil upon hearing the quality and function of the pill they decided to buy it for their beloved daughter.


    As Su-Min''s father began to bid on the item, Su-Min could not help but voice her concern, "Father, for whom you are buying this pill for?"


    The Emperor smiled towards her daughter as he spoke, "My beloved daughter is trying so hard so I decided to lend you a hand."


    "But father��"


    "No let me but it for you and do not think about the cost."


    Su-Min sighed she was indeed greatly moved seeing her father preparing to spend a fortune for her but at the end of the day it was meaningless as such she quickly intervened, "Father thank you but I already have a couple of those pills."


    Her words made everyone head to snap at her as the Empress spoke, "How do you have those pills Su-min? I have never heard of them and according to Shangri-la it is rare."


    "Of course it is rare and I got it from the same source who is supplying them.", as the confusion and disbelief on their faces deepened Su-Min continued with a large smile on her own, "Who else but Ryuu, I got it from him while travelling in Eden."


    "You are joking."


    As those words reached Su-Min''s ears she turned to one of her aunts as she spoke, "No aunty I am not joking, during our travels in Eden Ryuu had slowly become the leader of our group, his words became our law and when we came across the people from the Deva realm we had a friction with them, they did not wish to follow his lead and they challenged him to a pill duel."


    "So he won."


    Su-Min looked towards her father as she spoke with a snort, "Won, he thoroughly thrashed them leaving them in the dust, it was a one sided massacre.", Seeing the curious look on everyone''s face Su-Min decided to elaborate a little.


    "They decided that instead of one on one it would be several of theirs against him, each of them would submit a pill with enclosed in a paper containing the name and recipes, then three pills were chosen at random and then the pills were broken and samples of it were given to the competitors for an extremely short amount of time to study and identify the ingredients."


    As she spoke, Su-Min had managed to gain the undivided attention of everyone which brought a small smile on her face as she continued without a pause.


    "The terms were simple they could only make a single set, they would have to write down the formula for the pill down and then they would have to make the pill and the one with the greatest purity would win. The Deva realm tried to shamelessly cheat in fact at one point one of them attacked Ryuu yet he made those pills and succeeded."


    "What pills were being used?"


    Su-Min turned towards the speaker as she replied back, "''Realm Ascension'', ''Yin Body Replenishing'' and finally the ''Stone Heart Pill'', of those I had never heard about the later two, while the others struggled Ryuu made the three of them together triggered a pill tribulation and fell asleep after being tired of waiting."


    "What!?"


    As a few send an incredulous look towards Su-Min she let out a small chuckle as she spoke, "Yeah that was my thought as well when I saw him fall asleep, it was later on that I realized the true reason why he was sleeping every free time he had.", as she spoke her smile disappeared as she spoke with a sombre tone, "The poison he got while trying to save me was tearing his body apart he was so sick during that time yet he pushed forward without fear he is really something else."


    Su-Min looked towards the stage as she spoke with a sigh, "He is talented to the point that anyone would be green with envy, he is someone whom the Heaven''s itself has blessed but more importantly he is someone I do not wish to stand on the opposite side during a battle."


    As Su-Min spoke his eyes suddenly widen as she spoke with a sigh, "What a fool that one is."


    Her words drew everyone''s attention towards the stage where it was covered by lots of smoke and as the smoke cleared everyone was stunned to see a pair of cultivators with one of them with his hands outstretched as he tried to grasp the prize on the stage while the other with his hand outstretched as he had flung his weapon towards the female auctioneer, but drew everyone''s attention was the fact that the duo hung on air paralyzed even the weapon flung was hovering on air without being able to move an inch.


    Su-Min sighed as she spoke, "Fools."


    Yujie looked at the cloak covered figure and judging from the looks of it they were males, he at first was alarmed before a sense of anger rose within him upon seeing his descendants had worked hard work getting destroyed by some charlatans, only for it to subside upon seeing the transgressors being stopped by some form of array making him let out a sigh of relief, only to be stunned by the scene in front of him.

 Chapter 501 - The Grand Auction of Kuvosie (part-5)

    A smiling Ryuu glided into the room with barely concealed giddiness as he spoke, "Well well what do we have here a bunch of honorless mongrels who tried to steal from us with one of them trying to murder the talented employee of Shangri-la, so let us see who are these great people hiding behind the mask and cowl."


    "You wouldn''t dare, my mask is full of poison if you touch it you would die."


    Ryuu''s smile widens as he spoke, "Are you a cultivator or not? Why would I need to touch it by my hands?"


    With that, he waved his hand as the two thieves faced the audience while their mask was removed for the world to see, as many gasps rang through the crowd.


    Ryuu tilted his head as he spoke, "I am sorry since I am new to this place can someone tell me about our esteemed pair of thieves'' identity."


    "They are Ji Lan and Han Yu, the former is the Elder who deals with the affair of Core Area Disciples of the Myriad Immortal Sects while the latter is the Elder who deals with the law and order of the same sect."


    Ryuu looked at the speaker, who was a middle-aged looking person, as Ryuu cupped his fist as he spoke, "Thank you fellow Daoist."


    He then turned towards the two thieves as he spoke with a snarl, "Disgraceful simply disgraceful, two people who are given the most honorable duty to guide young minds and teach them to be better beings are petty thieves such disgraceful."


    "Release us or else you will be making be making enemies you could not perceive to overcome."


    As one of them shouted out Ryuu could only sigh as he spoke, "Because of cultivators like you the next generations are becoming trash how could someone an educator be like you, and how could your sect hand over such important positions to thieving trash like you."


    "Shut it, you are new comer and you do not have the authority to judge us, as such release immediately."


    "Yeah release the elders of our sect, our patriarch will not tolerate such insult on our great sect."


    Ryuu narrowed his eyes as he looked at the bald speaker as he spoke, "So your patriarch sent you here."


    The person puffed his c.h.e.s.t as he spoke, "Yes he did."


    "I see so you patriarch sent you here to destroy our reputation, steal from us, and murder my employee, is that right?"


    The person was stunned as he quickly stammered back, "N-no I��"


    "Enough, I had enough with the lots of you, I invited you all like a good host, I arranged everything so that you all will be comfortable enough yet you dare to cause trouble I have enough with you, security escort that man out, I do not need people from some thieving sect to cause trouble for civilized and gentle cultivators."


    As the security began to move towards the person in the audience a familiar voice came to Ryuu''s ears.


    "Fellow Daoist please one of those thieves is a member of our clan, would you please hand him over so that he can face justice for dragging our clan''s name in the mud."


    As the person spoke Ryuu caught a small smile appear on Ji Lan''s face which disappeared as fast as it had arrived, ''I see so his clan is trying to rescue him''


    As such with a benevolent smile on his face Ryuu spoke, "Of course, I would hand him over to you after we have thoroughly grilled him for information after all such a blatant disregard of security."


    "Fellow Daoist please give us some face."


    Ryuu gave him a small smile as he spoke, "Fellow Daoist your fellow clan member has commited a heinous crime against us and the normal procedure is having him castrated and binding his dantian and then sending him to work in some remote mine where he would remain until the day he dies, but I am giving you some face by allowing you to have the filthy thief back after we grill him for information."


    A gasp of shock ran through the audience as Han Yu began to beg for mercy only for another familiar voice to interrupt him, "How dare you! You will apologize and release our uncle post haste or the JI clan will flatten your little hut and drive you o�� mppphhh", a brief struggle was heard before the person''s voice came from the booth.


    As Ryuu shook his head as he spoke out loud, "So this is how you give me face, you come to my auction house, cause trouble and now you wish me to return the thief back to you, hmmp, dream on."


    "Fellow Daoist you are making a grave mistake, crossing our family like that is not good for your health or your auction house."


    Ryuu sneered back at him as he spoke, "I can see from where your nephew gets his arrogance form, and as for Shangri-La you seem to have forgotten that Shangri-La has been long since establish even before your great great grandfather was a thought of, we are not restricted to a planet, or a star system, or a Galaxy but we have branches and business all over the Universe, we have employees who are strong enough to erase planets with a thought as such I would love to see you try."


    "That''s it you bastard, let me at him uncle I will beat him until his grandfather begs mercy."


    As Ji Naan screamed out in outrage many were projecting various states of annoyance none more than the Vance family.


    Su-Min spoke with annoyance in her face as she spoke, "What is Ryuu doing? He should drag the arrogant idiot out and slaughter him."


    "Now kneel before and know tow before this grandpa and beg for mercy."


    Ryuu blinked owlishly as he looked towards the direction of the voice, as he could not help but slammed by the feeling of disbelief before realization dawned in him, ''Ah I see, so that is the case he is suffering from some severe mental deficiency now I feel for the family.'', his thoughts then drifted to other members of the family as his pity for them increased several-fold, ''Ah so it must be genetic deficiency now I feel pity for them.''


    Ryuu shook his head as he turned to leave with the two thieves in tow who were immobilized yet floating behind him as they shouted out, "Ouch ouch don''t pull the ears so hard ouch."


    Their shouts drew a few chuckles from the onlookers as the dagger thrown towards the female auctioneer floated towards Ryuu who raised the index finger of his right hand as the dagger began to rotate while floating above it.


    "You filthy son of a used up whor��."


    That was all he said before an immense sense of dread crept up his spine and he was not the only one who felt that as many trembled in fear as Ryuu spoke his voice and the look on his face made much sweat with fear none more than JI Naan who was a hairbreadth from suffering a heart attack as he found himself facing Ryuu''s fury.


    "I thought you acting as such was a degenerative disease or a trash cultivator who barely manage to reach Primal Daoist level would speak in such a manner, then I thought it might be genetic disorder from watching your family but now I know that you all are nothing but uncivilized cretins wearing the body of humans, unfortunately Shangri-La does not cater to beings like you."


    Ryuu took a deep breath as he spoke in an authoritative tone, "I, Ryuu using my authority in Shangri-La hereby ban the members of JI clan from using any facilities or avail any services of Shangri-La with a pain of Class 3 punishment for the next Five thousand years."


    As he spoke everyone felt a slight scorching breeze pass through them as Ryuu shouted out again, "Security have those fools thrown out of my building and return everything they have spent I do not wish to hear whining about how much they had paid, also please re-circulate and re-auction anything that they have bought."


    Now it was the older one who snarled in anger, "You dare, you dare��"


    "Yes I dare, now shoo we are all busy."


    As the Ji clan members left the one who was trying to suppressing Ji Naan spoke out loud, "Today you have made a big mistake I know higher ups from your auction house a puny general manager you are biting more than you chew, if by the end of the week I do not make you beg for forgiveness on your knees I will change my name."


    Ryuu casually waved towards him as he spoke, "Yeah it was my great disp.l.e.a.s.u.r.e to meet you Daoist Ji Dog shit now get lost and do not darken my doors for next five thousand years, in fact please do so."


    With that Ryuu left the stage leaving behind an audience that was boiling with excitement about the repercussion of the events that took place.


    While Ryuu carried over the prisoners one of them spoke with a smug look on his face, "You are doomed you hear me you are��ack."


    He let out a painful cry as he felt himself being crushed to a pulp courtesy of Ryuu who did not even bother to look at him as he spoke, "Sister Yu Wu, this thieves seemed to be repentant and as such as a means of atonement would like everything that is with them to be sold, I will open the space ring shortly and you can auction of their contents and for those things that you deem is not suitable for us to even sale there are plenty of beggars that roam around in Kuvosie''s street."


    Yu Wu gave a nod as she spoke, "As you wish boss but the threat from the Ji clan��."


    "You do not need to worry about in fact I would like to see who in Shangri-La would like to side with outsiders who tried to harm our reputation, also send the janitor to clean the balcony I believe it might be unsanitary from having a pile of shit occupying it."

 Chapter 502 - The long awaited meeting (Part-1)

    Ryuu let out a yawn as he stretched his arms, the feeling of bones popping and muscles tensing and relaxing was refreshing for him, the last few days were hectic for him.


    Just because the event had ended that did not mean that he was able to relax, there were much to do, from counting their profits, to check and make note of any unfortunate mistakes that should not be repeated again, but most importantly for Ryuu, it was to make a report detailing everything and sending one copy to next person normally in the chain of command and another to his eldest sister.


    "Boss here is you tea."


    As the smell of tea entered Ryuu''s nose a small smile blossomed on his face as he spoke, "Thank you, Yu Wu."


    "Have you finished with your reports boss?"


    Ryuu gave a nod as he spoke, "Yes, and I have already sent them."


    "I see."


    "So, what have you decided to do with the bonus, store it or withdraw it now."


    "I would like to store it as I will be able to receive a Deva crystal within little over three and half years time instead of normal four years."


    Ryuu nodded at that as he spoke, "I hope the rest of our employees have decided what they wish to do with their bonus."


    Yu Wu nodded as she spoke, "Yes boss, a few of them are left to submit their forms and by tomorrow you will know how many wish to receive their bonuses now and how many wish to store them ."


    Ryuu sipped from his cup while another floated towards Yamamoto, as Ryuu spoke, "Fair enough."


    "So boss what will you do with yours?"


    Ryuu sent a confused look towards Yu Wu as he spoke, "My what?"


    "Your bonus boss, after all you should also receive bonus as well."


    Ryuu let out a brief chuckle as he spoke, "Oh about that I will receive none since I do not receive any payment as well."


    Yu Wu''s eyes widen as she spoke with disbelief, "You are working for free."


    Ryuu nodded as Yu Wu spoke again, "But why? I know you once told me that you are here to learn with Senior Yamamoto acting as your guide and advisor, but even trainees get paid for their work."


    Ryuu gained a look of disinterest as he spoke, "I see but I do not see why I need to get paid, I have no need for it."


    "But, what about resources for cultivation and since you are already at peak of your realm you would need to use Deva crystals so that you can advance easily by siphoning the energy from it, and advance faster."


    Ryuu looked at her as he spoke with a confused tone, "You would siphon energy of a Deva crystal but why?"


    Yu Wu gawked at him for a moment before her jaws tighten as she spoke, "Boss I find your joke a bit distasteful."


    As Ryuu sent a confused look towards as Yamamoto spoke with a chuckle of his own, "Junior Yu Wu there is no need to take offence about what Prince had said, and as his family is very well off as such he never had to resort to such methods nor does he need to earn to provide himself."


    "I see."


    Ryuu gave a sheepish smile as he spoke, "Sorry if I offended you, because of my upbringing I might miss something that was common sense to others."


    As he spoke Ryuu inwardly wanted to kick himself, for a brief moment he had forgotten that their ''currency'' had other purposes for cultivators instead of only being used to buy stuff, may it was because he never used one like that but he still scolded himself for his thoughtlessness.


    Yu Wu blushed slightly as she quickly waved off of Ryuu''s words as she replied back, "There is no need to apologize boss."


    With that Yu Wu left while Ryuu could not help but let out a sigh as he knew that by the end of the day even the lowliest of janitorial staff would know about the latest gossip regarding him.


    "Advisor Yamamoto, have you ever used similar tactics to advance your cultivation?"


    Yamamoto frowned as he spoke, "I do not recall using such methods to advance my cultivation, they provide a good short boost but in the long run it is a waste."


    Ryuu gave a nod as he spoke, "So true they can use that to invest on other things like medicines, weapons, talisman and many other necessary items."


    As Yamamoto nodded in acknowledgement Ryuu spoke with a frown, "Advisor, when Yu Wu pointed out about money I realized something."


    "What is it Your Highness?"


    "I have good number of ''Peak Grade Deva Crystals'' and a few ''Yin Stones'', if I want to buy something I doubt anyone would be able to give me any change here."


    "Now that you mention it I am of similar, no I am in even worst situation than you since I do not even have something as low as a Yin Stone."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "This is troubling."


    "Indeed so, but do you have any appointment with a Celestial?"


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "Not that I know of, Yu Wu would have told me about it, in fact I have a meeting with a Celestial day after tomorrow."


    As Ryuu spoke Yu Wu dashed into the room as she began to speak with a frightened look on her face, "Boss, the sector head has arrived, and he looks incredibly furious."


    Ryuu frowned as he discretely glanced towards Yamamoto who sent a telepathic message to him, ''In normal scenario he should be your boss, though I wonder why he should be angry with you.''


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "Yu Wu, please escort him here and then you may leave."


    Yu Wu did not even properly leave the room when a pained cry came to Ryuu''s eyes, a voice that he was rather familiar with as it was from none other than Yu Wu.


    Ryuu did not even have to get up from his chair as a black-haired, hook-nosed person rushed into the room with immense anger on his face.


    "You dare insult my good brother''s family, you idiotic dog shit you will come with me and know tow in front of them and beg for mercy, and then I might not cripple you."


    Ryuu raised one of his elegant eyebrows as he spoke, "Do you even know what crime they did?"


    "Shut up, you impudent mongrel, I do not care now will you obey like a good little dog that you are or will have to beat you to death."


    "You harmed my deputy."


    "Shut the f.u.c.k up that whore did not stop you from insulting them she should be lucky I did not kill her on the spot, and you how dare you insult I Chen Jian''s good brothers in front of him."


    "Apologize."


    At Ryuu''s calm yet authoritative words Chen Jian was flummoxed as he could not help but ask out loud, "What?"


    "I said apologize to my deputy and I might leave you in one piece."


    Chen Jian''s nostril flared as he spoke with righteous anger, "You filth you dare insinuate that I, Chen Jian a Third rank Celestial would lower my head to a Mystic Immortal trash, you have tried my patients, now I deem you as traitor to Shangri-la and I am now going to cripple you."


    With that, he sent a palm attack with an unholy reddish colour light towards Ryuu only for his attack to pass through Ryuu demolishing the chair that was once occupied by Ryuu.


    To Chen Jian, it looked as if Ryuu was a mirage that disappeared as soon as he approached him, only for him to be paralyzed as Ryuu''s voice came from his side.


    "Advisor Yamamoto, this esteemed Daoist''s actions don''t you think was an extremely treasonous?"


    "Yes, you are right Your Highness he is supporting someone who was banned from Shangri-La, banned because they were disruptive, the member of their family tried to steal from us, then their declaration was akin to declaring war on us, so yes I believe this filth''s action extremely treasonous, since he also attacked those under him without a care."


    "Hmm I see, I see."


    Before Chen Jian could react an intense pain erupted from his right hand, and as he turned towards his right side he found Ryuu looking at his severed hand nonchalantly which was held with his right arm in Ryuu''s hands, seeing the sight he quickly pressed his hand to stifle the bleeding as he snarled out, "How dare you attack an employee of Shangri-la?"


    "So how much did that Ji Dog shit pay you to whore yourself out to them.", Ryuu stopped for a moment before he looked towards Chen, who suddenly felt his skull go numb seeing the mismatch eyes looking at him boring into his soul, eyes that suddenly changed shape to becoming cross-shaped as a sudden realization sunk in him.


    ''I should not have provoked him.''


    He did not have time to react as Ryuu was immediately upon him, swinging his arm like a club so hard that Chen Jian fell on the ground forming a small crater on the floor as a cry of pain erupted from him, while his hand turned into a blood mist.


    "I think it is fitting for you to lose your hand for raising it against my deputy.", as Ryuu spoke his spear suddenly appeared in his hand as stabbed it in his opponent''s Dantian crippling him while he spoke in a mock chiding manner, "Anh ah anh, you should not have tried to move, now what to do with you."


    "My Prince I might have a suggestion."


    "What is it advisor Yamamoto?"


    "Simple Your Highness, if you were to take him into custody then its owner might throw tantrum about takings his property without notifying him as such you should sent their property back to them with a few upgrades."


    Ryuu titled his head as he spoke with a curious look on his face, "What ideas do you have advisor?"


    As Yamamoto and Ryuu were discussing the next course of action Chen Jian finally lost his consciousness due to shock from the pain from getting his dantian destroyed as well as losing his blood.

 Chapter 503 - The long awaited meeting (Part-2)

    The cup from Beatrice''s hand fell on the ground as it broke into many pieces, while others suddenly a frightened look on their faces.


    Yujie who was visiting them stood up as he moved towards the servant as he spoke, "Do you know where he is being held at?"


    "Huh? Wha?..", as the servant gained a confused look on his face, Fang spoke with a frown, "Grandpa, should I gather our clan members."


    "Of course, go ahead and gather we will have to rescue him.", he then looked towards Sabine as she spoke, "Get your brother to deploy the Royal guards, if even a hair is harmed of him, we will flatten the JI clan."


    "Excuse me.", as the voice of the lower-ranking member of the clan reached their ears Fang spoke in an irritated voice, "What is it?"


    "Actually the incident is already over."


    The clan member gave a pat on his back later on as he did not faint nor did he soil himself upon suddenly facing the murderous intent as Yujie ordered in a stern voice, "Explain."


    "The situation has already been resolved, since it happened within the boundaries of Shangri-La, we are not sure what has happened but we learned that a Celestial has barged in, and attacked  senior Yu Wu viciously, we do not know what happened but he was subdued, declared traitor and subsequently fired from Shangri-la."


    Yujie stroked his beard as he spoke, "I see and are the sources reliable."


    "Yes, my lord in fact we all have seen the Celestial after he has been punished severely and once again thousand apologies as my brothers and I have only managed to learn about it after rumors began to fly, and then my brother and I went to confirm it."


    With a deep breath, he continued, "We found the Celestial, he was strung from a tree in front of the Ji clan compound, the Celestial was crippled, his limbs had been cut off and then he was dressed like cheap p.r.o.s.t.i.t.u.t.e with atrocious makeup put on him, his head had been shaved clean, and then the words ''Traitor'', and ''Ji clan''s whore'', was tattooed on him."


    A stunned silence descended amongst them before Fang quickly summarized everyone''s thoughts, "You are joking."


    The clan member shook his head as he spoke, "No I am not my Lord, at first I also thought it was a baseless rumor but upon going near their clan compound I saw the Celestial hanging from a tree, in a way that looked as if he was gift wrapped for the Ji clan, also there was letter attached to him unfortunately its contains I was unable to read as the Ji clan members chased us all away but I managed to learn from others its contains."


    Sabine frowned as she spoke, "What was written on it?"


    "A gift to the most Honorable Daoist I had the misfortune to meet, I hope Daoist Ji Dog Shit would love the makeup I have given to his clan''s favorite cuddle buddy, from Ryuu, General Manger of Kuvosie Branch of Shangri-La."


    Once again a deafening silence descended as Joseph let out a bark of laughter as he exclaimed out loud while wiping out tears that have gathered in his eyes, "Damn I like his style."


    Only for Joseph''s joy to vaporize upon receiving a withering glare from his mother, while his father dismissed the news bearer.


    "Senior Yujie, what do you about this?"


    Yujie looked towards Salazar as he spoke with a frown, "It means that the older man that Jacklin is protecting him, but why what is his relation to Ryuu."


    Salazar frowned as he spoke, "But most importantly why did he suddenly appeared here as a General Manger of the branch, even when he is not that strong, the previous manager was peak of Mystic Immortal realm, but at best he could be a 1st ranked Immortal, but everything seems so fishy."


    As Yujie agreed with him with a nod Sabine could not help but protest out loud, "What do you mean by that? How could believe that Ryuu could do such a thing?"


    Fang gave a tired sigh as he spoke, "I can understand from where grandpa and father are coming from, he suddenly appeared out of blue, not to mention he is holding the same position that a Mystic Immortal Emperor used to hold, not to mention why now, why did he suddenly appear can grandpa suddenly detect him, if he was shrouded by an expert then why is he not shrouded now."


    Yujie nodded as he spoke with a sigh, "So many questions but so very few answers.", he paused for a moment before he spoke with a bright smile, "But, enough of that tomorrow we are going to meet him so let us stop giving fuel to this morbid thoughts."


    His words seemed to cheer everyone up, though in a remote corner of Yujie''s mind a thought stung him repeatedly, ''Will he really return back home?''


    The very next day, Ryuu had arrived at his office and his eyes instantly narrowed at the large pile of paper that had been deposited on his desk.


    ''Why is it increasing day by day?''


    "Because instead of working hard you are slacking off, Your Highness."


    Ryuu face turned red as he turned towards Yamamoto as he hurriedly spoke, "What do you mean I am slacking off, of course not I am working hard."


    Yamamoto looked at him with a small smile on his face as he raised his hand as he began to list Ryuu''s reasons one by one.


    "Firstly day before yesterday, you took the whole day off because you wanted to deal with the nuisance, then yesterday you took the day off because wanted to check on Yu Wu, whose hand was fractured, and I would like to once again remind you that the same hand was healed the very day within a few minutes because of wonderful pills, and the best part you spoke to her for a few minutes before you went off to sleep."


    Ryuu suddenly found the wall opposite to Yamamoto interesting as he quickly turned his back at him as he spoke, "Advisor you misunderstand, I was meditating, yes mediating not sleeping, the entire episode with the traitor was making my blood boil as such I was trying to mediate to calm myself."


    Yamamoto let out a faux gasp as he spoke, "That must be some deep meditation, so deep that I might have mistaken it for sleeping because of my old age."


    Ryuu gave an uneasy smile as he spoke with an uneasy smile on his face, "Stuff happens there is no need to mull over it."


    "Hmm, may be so but you meditation technique had even managed to fool our Honorable and wise Empress, when she came to check on you she also concurred that you were sleeping and said she would think of proper punishment for you later on."


    Ryuu blanched at his words as his head whipped towards Yamamoto''s direction as he spoke, "What do you mean? Big sister was here, when? And why did you not wake me up?"


    Yamamoto beamed at him as he spoke, "Aha, so you admit you were sleeping."


    Ryuu blushed heavily before he spoke with a cough trying to steer clear of the subject, "So why was my sister here?"


    "Oh nothing she wanted to check on, she was very incensed after hearing that you were attacked by one of her employee, as such she dropped by, and when she caught you sleeping she decided to punish you, although what will be your punishment that I do not know."


    Ryuu''s shoulder slouched as he spoke with a dejected sigh, "I see.", and with that, he sat on his chair while his mind ran a thousand scenarios on what kind of punishment he might receive.


    ''Damn it, big sis can be quite ruthless with her punishments, but I do not think she would be that cruel on me, though I think I should make contingencies instead of leaving on hope, now what to do?''


    ''Yes, I can hide behind my teachers, yes that can save��''


    His thoughts came to a halt as his face slammed hard on the desk, as he let out a low grown.


    ''I can clearly see my third mistress taking up the duty of punishing me, my teachers'' do not like slacking off, and even my adorable teary-eyed face failed to do its magic when I was younger, then what chances are that an a.d.u.l.t and older me will be able to move, but before that how will I be able to seek their protection before She gets hold of me, I am doomed.''


    As he wallowed in self-pity Yu Wu strolled into the room after knocking as she spoke, "Boss, your next appointment is here."


    Ryuu was jolted awake from his deep thought about self-preservation as he spoke,  "Eh, my next appointment?"


    "Yes boss, you next appointment at present they are sitting at the guest room, do you wish to meet them there or do you wish for me to escort them to here."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "I think here would be nice since I wish to finish as much paperwork as possible."


    Upon receiving her orders, Yu Wu left as she went to bring them to meet with Ryuu, and as she approached the guest room she could feel the tension in the room making her frown.


    ''What is going on? Why are they so tensed? They wanted to meet boss in order to thank him for saving their daughter but then why do they look so tense? Something is wrong.''


    With a bright smile, Yu Wu approached them as she spoke, "I wish to apologize but because of immense workload General Manager was unable to meet you here so he asked me to escort you to his office."


    Yujie let out a pleasant smile as he spoke, "Ah it is alright, it warms my heart hearing someone so hard at work."


    Yu Wu simply gave a nod as she led them to Ryuu''s office, while inwardly she could not help but let out a snort, over time she had managed to see and learn many things about Ryuu, with the most glaring one being he hated desk job with passion and would laze around skipping paperwork.


    She knocked on the door leading to Ryuu''s office softly as a muffled voice came to everyone''s ears, "Come in.", Yu Wu pushed the door open as she stepped by the side while others slowly filed.


    Ryuu''s office was richly decorated to the point that to onlookers it would look as if the room belonged to an Emperor, even the Emperor of the Xia dynasty lacked such vanity.


    Ryuu stood up from his seat as he greeted them by cupping his hands, "Greetings and welcome to Shangri-la, what can I do for you?"


    The males present returned the gesture while the women simply bowed their heads as Yujie spoke, "Greetings to you too."


    Ryan then invited to occupy seats that were placed near his desk where he was working while Yu Wu served them tea.


    "So what can I do for you?"


    Fang gave a small smile as he spoke, "First of all I would like to thank you for saving my daughter''s life."


    Ryuu simply smiled back as he spoke, "That was something anyone would have done, and trying to assassinating someone is a heinous crime."


    Yujie gave a nod as he spoke, "So true, so true."


    An uncomfortable silence descended amongst them, while both Sabine and Beatrice drank into the sight of Ryuu who sat in front of them.


    ''So, this is my grandson looks like up close, they were not exaggerating when they said he is very handsome, he can easily surpass his father or grandfather not to mention it looks as if someone has taken both the good parts of my son and daughter-in-law and blended them in equal measure to create him, unlike my other two grandchildren who favor heavily on one of their parents.''


    While the mother-in-law and daughter duo were taking in the sights, the male members of their group were trying to figure how to broach the subject, but Ryuu on other hand was not only getting irritated but annoyed with each passing second.


    ''What is with those two women, why are they staring at me like that, did they get ensnared by my looks, but I have already lowered it to as low as possible, do not tell me their will power is so pathetic.''


    Ryuu had a lot of work to do and he was not fond of strangers gawking at him when he is busy doing his work as such he spoke with a small smile on his face, "So how may I help you."


    His words seemed to jolt them awake as Yujie spoke with a serious look on his face, "Actually there is something that we wish to speak with you, and if possible we would need any privacy."


    Ryuu sent a small nod towards Yu Wu left quickly while closing the door behind her, as once again the uncomfortable silence reared its head.


    Ryuu let out a sigh as he spoke, "Since now we have complete privacy can you now tell me, what do you want from me?"


    While the others tried to form a sentence to approach the subject Sabine blurted out loud, "Son, we came to take you back home."


    Ryuu looked confused for a moment as he stared at Sabine before his confused look morphed into one akin to pity.


    ''Ah, I see she must have had some accident that has left her completely unhinged as such they sought me out, if the word gets out that the clan''s future matriarch is suffering from mental diseases then they might be laughed at by others, hence they want to procure our services to buy ingredients to make the said medicine, well since I am good Samaritan I would help them for a price of course.''

 Chapter 504 - The long awaited meeting (Part-3)

    Ryuu tilted his head in a moment of brief confusion as he tried to understand the reason why the people were suddenly tensed and more than one of them had suddenly sent an annoyed look at the younger of the two women.


    Before he could not help but let out a sigh inwardly as he felt pity for the woman, ''Poor woman, her mental disorder is annoying her family, I will see what I can do to help her, as a family should not treat one of their own like that and hence I will help them for a price.''


    Yujie looked towards Ryuu who wore a confused look on his face, as he hurriedly spoke, "Well you see our family did a large injustice a long time ago, we made a horrible mistake."


    Salazar suddenly looked even older than before as he spoke with a sigh, "When my grandson born we did something that haunt us to this day, we thought him to be bringer of misfortune and we wanted to kill him, my brave and wise daughter, she was different she fought against us and ran away with my grandchild."


    A silence descended in the room with the only sound of Ryuu''s pen moving furiously against the paper when Fang decided to continue, "My sister was right, she was right all along because of our, no my narrow-mindedness I would have lost my son, we later learnt of our mistake but it was too late, our enemies found them my sister and my son first."


    Salazar sighed as he continued to speak, "When we reached there we found my daughter''s best friend and spirit beast Zhu Zhu dead, as well as the attackers but my daughter and grandson were missing."


    AS they spoke Ryuu had lowered his head his eyes hiding behind the bangs of his hair, while he had stopped writing the grip on his pen tighten.


    Yujie sighed as he spoke, "I am a Celestial, and being one enabled me to sense my descendant though the senior who took them blocked me from finding him as well as Xiao Xiao.", he then took a breath as he spoke, "When you arrived here I was finally able to sense you and find you Ryuu, we want you to return home, please let us make amends to you."


    Ryuu sat completely still to the point that to everyone he was just a statue as Sabine spoke with concern in her voice, "Ryuu, are you alright?"


    Ryuu did not even look up in their direction as he began to work on the piece of paper in front of him as he spoke, "Are you all done? Then you may leave."


    Sabine quickly spoke with her eyes filled with tears, "Please give us a chance, I know what we have done was criminal but please give us a chance to make amends."


    "Why would I want to make amends with you at all? you gave me away when I was just a new born, have you ever thought I would want nothing to do with all of you."


    "Son, please I��"


    Whatever Fang was about to say was stuck in his throat as Ryuu snarled at him as he spoke, "Never refer to me with so much familiarity, mother name is Xiao Xiao and she was, is and will always be my parent, so this is the last time I warn you do not call me in such a manner."


    "I am you mother, I gave�� "


    Sabine was prepared for many things but she was not prepared for Ryuu to roar out with laughter, in fact, all of them were taken aback at his behaviour.


    Ryuu wiped the tears that appeared in his eyes from laughing too much as he spoke while trying to control his breath, "You know how to tell a joke, ''you my mother'', how laughable."


    Fang''s fist clenched as he spoke, "This is not the way you talk with your mother."


    Ryuu let out a growl as he spoke with a snarl while trying his utmost not to kill them where they sat, "My mother raised, she protected my life from the likes you, today whatever I have become is because of my mother, and her name is Xiao Xiao, I do not know in fact I do not wish to be known by the likes of you now get out."


    Ryuu''s words broke both his birth parents'' hearts but he did not care in fact he was greatly annoyed at them and their behaviour.


    ''I hate this, they must have some ulterior motives for trying to bring me back to their home but what is it? Even more is the fact that my teachers and even my sisters might know about it, I see that is why they sent me here but why? Why after all these years that I am forced to face them, especially when I had even forgotten about those filths.''


    While Ryuu was deep in thought his birth family begun to bring out all sorts of items in order to try and make amends, and as his senses returned he was taken aback at the sight of various items being placed in front him.


    In another place and another life, the items would be like heavenly treasure for someone who was about to break into the Immortal Realm, but for someone like Ryuu who had seen much better treasures, those items were akin to trash not to mention he had no need of them at his level.


    "What do you with these things?"


    Salazar looked at his grandson and as time passed by he was getting more and more curious as well as stunned the reason was fact that, Ryuu according to their common sense should be at least someone who has just become an Immortal was talking down even a Celestial in his home planet such a scene was unthinkable as well as suicidal in his mind.


    ''Just how was he raised? To act with such impudence, or is it because he is angry at us or he has someone protecting him, but why would someone protect him.''


    Meanwhile, Yamamoto simply looked at the confrontation while drinking his tea, but the moment the group had entered he had activated a special array that let Ryuu''s teachers have a perfect view of the confrontation taking place.


    Ryuu growled as he spoke, "You are trying to bribe how disgusting you lot are, out get out I have enough of you."


    Beatrice seeing her grandson quickly losing patience spoke hurriedly, "No you misunderstand we are not trying to bribe, we are just trying to give you gifts for your birthday, please do not misunderstand us."


    With that, she promptly took out another item, which turned out to be a painting, a painting that was infused with Dao, but what drew his attention to the picture was the face that was drawn on it, the beautiful face of a beauty that would make everyone''s heart skip a beat before they noticed the giant piece of metal that the woman had hoisted over her shoulder with the handle held tightly with her right hand.


    Ryuu sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose, ''All I need is for my teachers or Heavens forbid one of my sisters sees this, I will never leave through their teaching.''


    "I understand that being in presence of a Dao all of a sudden can cause a great problem, but even if you meditate from a distance it would be possible for you to gain some immeasurable benefits, this picture is a great treasure that my ancestor had stumbled upon and brought back with great risk to his life."


    As Yujie spoke a snicker from the corner of the room managed to draw their attention and for the first time, they spotted another occupant of the room, who was sitting leisurely.


    Ryuu looked at Yamamoto as he spoke with a smile on his face, "Is there a reason for your snickering advisor Yamamoto did you hear or see something funny then please share with us."


    Yamamoto quickly sat up straight as he spoke with his head bowed low, "A thousand pardon Your Highness I will not repeat such insolence, I was just shocked to see Lady Neacht, with her rather distinctive piece of  ...err I mean her rather exquisite sword."


    Ryuu let out a small chuckle as he spoke, "Between you and me I also think the same every time I see her rather large slab of metal, but always remember never to mention it in front of her as she gets rather incensed when anyone calls it anything other than a sword."


    Yamamoto gave a small nod as Ryuu turned to face Yujie and his group, while Yamamoto sighed inwardly, ''He is behaving more like the second Princess, the more calm and happy she looks like the more dangerous and sadistic she is with her punishment.''


    Yujie looked towards Yamamoto with his eyes wide, ''So this is the hidden expert who is helping Ryuu.''


    While Fang frowned as he spoke, "We asked for privacy."


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "Advisor Yamamoto''s job is to advise me, so that is why he is here, now please leave."


    Salazar who was paying rapt attention to the small talk between Ryuu and his advisor could not help but ask out, "The senior in this picture you know her."


    "Of course I know of big sister Neacht, she is a very good friend of my teacher''s daughters, I have seen her many times and even sparred with her.", Ryuu then turned towards Yujie as he spoke with a sigh, "You misunderstand the guardian of Xia Empire, I did not feel overwhelmed by the essence of the Dao that has been captured in the picture but rather that someone offering me a picture of someone I consider as my big sister and telling me to meditate in front of her, the teasing I would get if my sister hear about this."


    His words confirmed many of the questions lurking in both Salazar and Yujie''s minds, as they also understood the reason behind why Ryuu was being protected by someone of Yamamoto''s calibre, someone whom they not only failed to detect but after being able to perceive him Yamamoto''s aura felt suffocating to them.


    Ryuu narrowed his eyes as he spoke, "Though there is something I would want to know."


    Sabine gave an eager nod as she spoke, "Please ask away Ryuu, we will answer you anything you wish to know."


    Ryuu snorted as he spoke, "I wonder about that.", he took a brief pause as his roamed over the group in front of him before he spoke, "I want to why? Why did you all changed your mind from wanted nothing more to kill me, from causing my mother and her best friend to flee, to this trying to make amends bring me back to your house, I want to know why?"


    The group was silent for a moment as Ryuu spoke with a tired sigh, "If you do not wish to answer then the door is that way, I have work to do."


    Hearing those words Yujie hurriedly spoke, "Ryuu, we what we did was a blasphemy against Heavens itself, we should not have acted in such a way, even if you were born without a dantian we should not have acted as such the shock of such incident made us react rashly and we made a horrible mistake, one we have been trying to rectify, a simple case of shock and misunderstanding which led to everything after all what parent does not love their child."


    Ryuu looked at Yujie for a moment without blinking before he let out a bark of laughter as he spoke, "Liar, how can an old man like you lie to a junior like me is beyond my understanding."


    Yujie''s face turned to be an interesting shade of purple, never in his life has anyone mocked him in such a manner making his temper flare up only to come to a grinding halt as he found under undivided attention of Yamamoto.


    "There are so many inconsistencies about your statement not to mention my office is surrounded by arrays, arrays which informs me when someone is lying and whatever the truth was you skirted away from the truth, the real reason is different."


    Ryuu rubbed his forehead in exasperation as he spoke, "Enough I tire of you lot, I do not need anything from the likes of you, and if you still do not wish to take them off my desk I will have them thrown them out on the streets, I have already given you enough of my precious time now leave."


    Sabine wanted to protest but with a growl, Ryuu shouted out, "Yu Wu, they have already concluded their business so have them out of my building."


    Sabine wanted to protest but was stopped by her husband as the group stood up from their seat, Yujie gathered everything in his space ring as he spoke, "I know you are angry at us but if you want to know more about your mother then please feel free to visit us, we will show you your mother''s home."


    Ryuu did not even acknowledge his words as Beatrice spoke hurriedly, "Ryuu can you answer a simple question to me, please I beg of you."


    Ryuu briefly looked at her and after an intense debate he decided to humour her as such he gave a nod for her to continue.


    "How did my daughter die?"


    "I do not know who your daughter is."


    Salazar bit back a grown as he spoke, "We want to know how your mother Xiao Xiao died."


    Ryuu narrowed his eyes as he spoke, "How do you know that my mother is dead?"


    Salazar contemplated for a moment as he spoke, "Our family has a treasure that my ancestor had found while exploring, a large mural, whenever a new member of our family is born especially of that person is related to the current clan head, the name of that person is inscribed on it, you name is there on the wall.", he took a small pause before continuing again, "We do not know how it works but it clearly shows when someone is in grave danger and when they are dead their name has a line crossing it."


    "I see, my mother died in her sleep."


    A silence descended before Fang exploded, "That is a lie, my sister was a Golden Immortal and a Golden Immortal does not die in such a manner."


    "Believe what you want but you all asked me how not why and I unlike you all answered you as you truthfully, now leave the door is that way."


    The group quickly left with the men taking the while Yu Wu who had just arrived looked at the scene with a confused look on her face, she had not heard about much except a few words in the end, but alas she has a task given to her boss as such she quickly left to escort them out of Shangri-la.


    As Yu Wu was out of sight Ryuu spoke in a serious tone while he stood up from his seat, "Teachers I know you are listening I want to speak with you all, now."


    Meanwhile, the group back in Ayindril was stunned as Antariksh could not help but speak out loud with disbelief in her voice, "Eh, How did Ryuu figure out we were eavesdropping on his meeting? Did Yamamoto tell him?"


    Shamiran shook her head as she spoke, "I do not know think so, though how he managed to detect us, but we better hurry and speak with him to find it out."

 Chapter 505 - The long awaited meeting (Part-4)

    Ryuu sat inside his room with his eyes closed, while waiting for a certain device to connect to Ayindril, the device in question was given to him by his teachers so that he could contact them and speak with them face to face.


    And soon enough the device managed to work as Ryuu came face to face with his teachers as well as his elder sisters.


    While Ryuu was thinking of means to approach the subject, Antariksh spoke voicing out the concern of everyone present, "Ryuu before you begin can you tell me how you managed to detect us."


    Ryuu looked at them without a hint of emotion in his face as he spoke, "When second mistress permitted me to take some talismans from her stock before coming here, I took one that informs me in case someone was eavesdropping on me, and color me surprised when I learned that you were all eavesdropping on me."


    "I was stunned to see such self control in you, as I had thought you would have killed them on spot."


    Ryuu did not even acknowledge Sylvana''s words as he looked towards his teachers as he spoke, "Why? Why did you make me face them? What purpose did it serve?"


    Maheswara sighed as he spoke, "I wanted you to get a closure, even after you have gained so much karma you will still face the trial of heart during your tribulation, as such I wanted to make sure you get a closure lest you fall to the demons plaguing your heart."


    Ryuu growled as he spoke, "I am completely fine, it is true after my mother''s death I had to deal with that problem, even with medication when I got enlightened in the Dao of Asura it became worse but over the years I have managed to not only conquer it but I have no problems related to it."


    Maheswara stared back as he spoke with a drawl, "Ho, have you become so arrogant that you believe that you have completely conquered your inner demons."


    Ryuu could only growl at his words as he spoke, "At least you should have told me what you are trying to do, you thrust me in this without informing me, forced me to face those idiotic filths."


    Maheswara sighed as he spoke, "As I said that to you before why I did it, you are intelligent enough to understand."


    "I do not like it."


    "Child sometimes some things we have to do is very despicable and to our liking as well, I understand our actions have hurt you greatly and it hurts us to act in such a manner."


    As Ryuu gave his attention towards Veena, Celestia decided to chime in, "Now you understand so stop you silly tantrum and tell you what when you return sister Nuwa would make you your favorites so��", her words were stuck in her throat before she spoke with disbelief, "Did he cut the connection?"


    Sylvana could not help but let loose a small chuckle as she spoke, "What did you expect mother that way you handled the situation was not nice, Ryuu was already incensed and father and first mother''s reasoning might have simmered his anger but you managed to pour oil in flame by promising him reward if he let go off his anger, a very imm.a.t.u.r.e and thoughtless act."


    Celestia meanwhile narrowed her eyes as she spoke, "It seems I have to reintroduce the fear he had of me in his heart again."


    Nuwa sighed as she stood up, "Do so later on children tend to act rashly when they are angered, they tend to forget the right from wrong."


    "But even so.", as Maheswara began he managed to draw everyone''s attention towards him, "This might be his first tantrum that he has thrown."


    Veena g.r.o.a.n.e.d as she spoke, "That is true, but I hope he does not make it habit, I had my fill with my children.", Hearing her words her sister-wives, as well as Maheswara, chuckled while their daughters simply pouted.


    Nuwa sighed as she spoke, "Then we will take our leave."


    Maheswara frowned as he spoke, "You are going to visit Ryuu."


    Nuwa nodded as she spoke, "Yes, it is better to deal with the problem without letting it simmer for too long."


    Veena looked at her as she spoke, "Should any of us accompany with you?"


    Nuwa shook her head as she spoke, "No we will be fine, and if need arises we will ask for help."


    Meanwhile, back in Kuvosie Ryuu had curled up into a ball, only after he had cut the connection in a fit of anger did he realize what he had done, he had cut off the most dangerous of all of his teachers the person he was afraid of most, and all he could do was hold his head and pray that his third mistress was in a good and forgiving mood.


    Jack and Jacklin were very angry at the way Ryuu had dismissed their parents but upon careful thoughts, they both considered that he was rather tame, if they were in his shoes they would have attacked with reckless abandon.


    Salazar sighed as he spoke, "Considering everything that rather went well, he at least did not outright become hostile nor did he show immense hatred and attacked us."


    Fang had a small smile on his face as he spoke, "Of course no matter what, blood always rings true as such he would not do such a thing."


    His words seemed to have brought a smile on the females present there only Jack to speak with a frown, "Father, I beg to differ from you."


    His words drew everyone''s attention as Yujie indicated for him to continue, "From what I can understand someone in his place should be boiling with hatred, yet at best he seemed to be annoyed as if he is indifferent about the whole situation."


    Hearing his words Yujie spoke with a small sigh, "Young Jack is right, if I were in his place I would have been angry, I would shown immense hatred, I would have attacked the person in front of me, hell you have seen how he treated those members of the Ji clan and how that Celestial was taken care of, then why did he not do so with us?"


    A silence descended amongst them as Beatrice spoke with a frown, "May be he did not wish to pick up a fight with an entire Empire, if he attacked us he would have brought the wrath of entire Xia empire on his head."


    Yujie snorted at her reasoning as he spoke, "You have yet to learn much about him then, Ryuu is the type of person that would not cower just because someone strong is in front of him he is type who would continue to stand against that person even if it means his death, at least that is what I have able to perceive about though it might be because of the people who raised him."


    Salazar felt a colossal headache as soon as Yujie mentioned the people who had raised him, "The senior that was with him he is strong isn''t he?"


    Yujie closed his eyes as he gave a tired nod, "Very much so, during our talk when he called me a liar and laughed at me I was incredibly angry and I wanted to slap him but that senior somehow perceived my anger and I felt if I made a single move I would die, yet the senior did nothing just stared at me."


    Salazar sighed as he spoke, "Yes, he was treating Ryuu as if he was a prince, and the familiarity with which both him and Ryuu spoke about the figure in that painting it could mean that whosoever is his teacher he is beyond us, a being with unimaginable strength."


    Yujie nodded as he spoke, "Yes, and what I also noticed was the familiarity that Ryuu was using when he spoke of them, it was as if he viewed them as family."


    Salazar slumped in his seat as he spoke, "I cannot blame him, he grew up knowing Xiao Xiao as his mother, and then Xiao Xiao died when he was around ten years of age, he grew up amongst them and of course he would view them as family."


    Yujie sighed as he continued, "So true though I wonder what is worse, being hated or indifference."


    Meanwhile back in the Kuvosie Shangri-la branch, a certain person had appeared, a person that made Yamamoto bow down to his waist while he cupped his hand as he spoke, "Greetings Your Highness, it is an honor to be in your presence once again."


    Nuwa gave a brief nod as she spoke, "It is good to see you again Yamamoto, and I hope Ryuu is not giving much trouble."


    "None at all you grace, it is great working with Prince."


    "Hmm, then please show us the way to him."


    "Of course please follow me."


    But, what took the cheery on top of the cake was how Yamamoto acted in front of her, completely subservient in a manner that she had only seen vassals of Kings and Emperors act in front of them.


    ''What is the background of the senior? Today is full of mystery, first the tension between Ryuu and the Vance clan, I do not know what happened because of the privacy array but I caught the glimpse of the last words, they were asking about the lost daughter of Vance clan Xiao Xiao and apparently boss knew her, I know I should not pry much but my gossip senses are tingling and it is hard to contain my curiosity.''


    With a knock on Ryuu''s door a figure stepped into the room as Ryuu turned to snarl at the person only to froze in shock as he spoke, "Teacher what are you doing here?"

 Chapter 506 - The long awaited meeting (Part-5)

    Nuwa studied the figure of her apprentice who was more like a son to her before she narrowed her eyes for a brief moment seeing the distressed look on his face.


    ''Did the meeting with his birth family shake him that much?''


    Ryuu blinked as he quickly stood up before bowing as he spoke, "It is good to see you teacher, though why are you here?"


    Nuwa could feel the bitterness in his voice as she replied back to him, "Can we not visit our disciple?"


    "Of course teacher you can visit me anytime you want I was just surprised."


    Nuwa occupied the chair that Ryuu had placed for her while Ryuu occupied another as Nuwa spoke, "You seemed quite distressed Ryuu, we know that you know we have been watching over the entire proceeding but even then we wish to hear it from you."


    Ryuu looked towards the ground as he spoke with a sigh, "What is there to speak about, you have already seen and heard everything."


    "How did it feel when you learned about their identity?"


    "I was shocked at first then annoyed, yes annoyed and few times a bit angry at them but nothing else."


    Nuwa tilted her head as she spoke, "We saw that and we were a bit astonished that you did not show any outright hatred for them."


    Ryuu paused for a moment before he spoke, "I do not feel any hatred for them."


    His words made Nuwa frowned as Ryuu continued to speak, "All I felt was annoyance and indifference, at the end of the day I do not care about them."


    "We remember a time when a single mention of them would make you erupt like a volcano."


    Ryuu looked up towards the ceiling as he spoke, "Yes, I used to hate them even if I did not know how they looked who they are, I hated them with every fiber of my being but then I learned something valuable.", he looked at his teacher directly into her eyes as he spoke, "Hatred is a shackle that burns you from the inside, it gives you the illusion that it makes you stronger but it at the end of the day it simply burns you out and chains you down."


    "If I had given to hatred I would be a bitter and spiteful being with trash cultivation level, the hate in me was slowing me down, it was affecting my Dao heart and thereby preventing me from achieving my true goal in life."


    "I promised mother to be the strongest cultivator and if I followed the path of hatred I doubt I would be able to keep my promise to my mother, as such over the years I managed to find peace within myself and my hatred for them, and I believe I succeeded owing to the fact that after for the first time I had finally met them I did not act with immense hatred except for being annoyed with them."


    "So you will forgive them."


    Ryuu looked scandalized at the thought of it as he quickly spoke, "No I will not, though I will only get my dues and justice and not try to pursue revenge."


    Nuwa had a proud look on her face as she spoke, "You do us proud Ryuu, your mother would be so happy to see how you have grown to be such a fine cultivator, no a fine man."


    Ryuu blushed under the praise as he ducked his head as Nuwa continued to speak, "Though I am curious justice could be exacted by various means you could have banned them from doing business with you but why did you not do as such."


    Ryuu blinked owlishly at that as he spoke, "I forgot."


    Nuwa simply deadpanned upon hearing his reply as she spoke with disbelief, "Really."


    Ryuu gave a nod as he spoke with a shrug, "Even if I remembered it, it would not do any good as this is not related to Shangri-la, as such it would be abuse of power, but more importantly if I am to borrow the words of my third mistress, ''Sometimes it is better to keep your enemies alive than to give them mercy of death'', as such I will punish them slowly."


    "I see then what about those who attacked your mother, who is responsible for your aunt''s death and your mother''s condition before she died, what about them?"


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "Did you not kill them?"


    Nuwa gave a nod as she spoke, "Of course we did kill those who were present but they were not the only one who was involved, fortunately for them they were not present there."


    Ryuu''s eyes harden as he spoke, "Teacher during my mother''s death I was but a child, a rather distraught child there were many things she told me some of them I might not remember due to my grief so can you please tell me everything, everything you know about the incident that led to my mother''s death."


    Meanwhile, outside Ryuu''s room Yamamoto stood guard, he was asked specifically to prevent anyone from entering, but he soon found face to face with Yu Wu.


    "Is something the matter deputy? Is there something wrong that requires His Highness''s immediate attention like the existence of the branch being threatened?"


    Yu Wu shook her head as she spoke, "No senior, there is nothing of that sort happening."


    "Then you may leave, please come back later."


    Yu Wu looked towards Yamamoto as he spoke, "Actually senior can I ask you something."


    Yamamoto frowned as he spoke, "I will try to answer the best of my abilities though nothing confidential."


    With a brief nod, Yu Wu continued, "Actually Senior I wanted to know who was that Senior who arrived just now you went out to greet her personally."


    "Ah, you remember once I told you about Ryuu''s teacher."


    As Yu Wu nodded Yamamoto continued with a smile, "She is here to visit him."


    Yu Wu''s eyes travelled towards the door before she spoke, "Also about the business about the business with the Vance clan what happened?"


    Yamamoto sent a curious look at her as he spoke, "Ho, how much did you actually hear?"


    "Well when boss called me to escort them I managed to hear a bit but not much, they were speaking about the lost daughter of the clan."


    Yamamoto tilted his head as he spoke, "I see, well then I will be frank with you there is a saying, ''Curiosity killed the cat'' so please try not to pry too much, though you will learn eventually but for now do not pry."


    Yu Wu quickly nodded upon hearing Yamamoto''s warning as he continued to speak with a pleasant smile on his face, "Now, please return to your duties."


    Yu Wu did not hesitate to leave while Yamamoto kept eyeing her with a frown on his face as she disappear from his sight.


    Back in Ayindril, Celestia was highly anxious a few minutes since Nuwa had left she was feeling something was about to happen, something that she knew nothing except for a terrible hunch, a hunch that was making her incredibly irritated to the point even her family was keeping her at an arm''s length.


    Upon being poked at his ribs by Veena the ever powerful and courageous Maheswara gathered his courage as he spoke, "Love is something wrong."


    His words drew Celestia''s attention as he instantly became the focus of her ire, making him shrink in his seat.


    ''Control yourself control, what would your children think if they saw you acting as such.''


    Though no matter how much he wanted to show a brave face, his daughters were already present as they had witnessed the scene in front of them, a scene that they had seen countless times before that it bore them now.


    Sylvana sighed as she spoke, "Mother instead of making father cower under your glare can you tell us what is bothering you."


    Celestia sighed as she spoke with a frown, "That is what I do not know, all I have is a feeling that something bad will happen soon and it is eating me up, ugh, if only I could perceive what."


    Both Veena and Maheswara shared a look with each other, they knew why Celestia''s power was so unstable, unlike her martial sister who could perceive the future or the possible outcomes of the future Celestia could not, at best she could get an unclear glimpse and at worse just a hunch even then it was sporadic, and the cause of it could be traced back to their youth, the result of breaking rules and restrictions of secret cultivation sutras.


    Veena closed her eyes for a moment as she spoke, "The only ones who are not within the safety of Ayindril are us except for sister Nuwa and Ryuu, so maybe we should go to visit him as well."


    Celestia sighed as she spoke, "I think we should at the least do so at the very least for peace of my mind."


    The talk with Nuwa was full of sadness and anger, as he had finally learned about the true enemies the people who were directly involved in his mother''s pain and subsequent death, learned about everything that he might have missed because of the state of his mind or his mother purposefully did not wish to burden him with.


    If his teachers had not hammered the need to be always calm, collected and maintain certain level-headedness he would simply go on a rampage and slaughtered them to the last child, but he chose to wait, wait till his sister''s subordinates investigated and learned about the enemies weaknesses, and then he would strike fast and swift, he wanted his enemy to be broken to the point that they could not even beg for death, and then he would kill them.


    After all those talks when Ryuu had finally calmed down Nuwa presented him a box of hot steaming buns, which he soon began to chow down with a bright smile on his face.


    "Ryuu if you yet to tell us why you were so distress when we arrived here."


    Suddenly the warm aura disappeared as Ryuu found himself being dr.a.p.ed with a gloomy and depressing aura making Nuwa greatly concerned about him.


    With a resigned sigh, Ryuu spoke, "I was so angry that I thoughtlessly cut off when third mistress was speaking, and now I will surely get punished."


    A small smile formed on Nuwa''s lips as she spoke, "Do not worry we already spoke with her and she clearly understand why you acted so rudely, and we believe she will not do anything to you."


    Hearing her assurance it seemed as if a mountain was moved from his shoulder as a bright smile formed on his face as began to eat once again with a smile, only to stop suddenly with a frown on his face.


    ''Huh, why did my ears become warm? And my ki has started to simmer.''


    Then the unthinkable as Ryuu dropped the food from his hand as he spoke in a voice filled with fear and panic, "Teacher my��"


    Nuwa who was watching with a warm smile on her face was stunned seeing Ryuu drop the food she had made, but his next words made her deathly pale as she dashed towards his location.

 Chapter 507 - The roaring second (Part-1)

    Celestia snarled as she spoke out loud, "I knew it, I knew something would happen."


    Maheswar g.r.o.a.n.e.d as he spoke, "Now is not the time love.", he turned towards Veena as he spoke with a frown, "Did you manage to lock on to their location?"


    Veena nodded as she replied with a frown, "Yes I have, though why did she move with our disciple in such a manner?"


    Antariksh let out a gasp as she spoke, "Do not tell me it is that woman again?"


    Suddenly everyone was smothered by a copious amount of killing intent as Veena spoke with a growl, "If that harlot even harms a single hair of either of them I will kill her even if I have to sacrifice my existence."


    Sylvana gulped seeing her mother extremely angry for the first time in a long while, as such she quickly intervened as she spoke in a soothing voice, "Mother you can be angry as much as you want to but first let us go and meet up with second mother and brother, as we are wasting precious time."


    Her words managed to placate Veena as the group soon left for the last known location of Nuwa and Ryuu, and upon reaching the place they were shocked at the sight in front of their eyes.


    Ryuu was on his knees with his palm of his hands placed on the ground as blood flowed freely from his hands as a large array seemed to form, he was so completely focused on his work that he did not even pay any attention to any of them.


    ''Lower you powers now, you all will mutate It.'', the sharp rebuke made the group immediately lower their powers only for Celestia to gasp at the realization of the situation in front of him.


    "Sister does he have any pills to help him."


    ''No, now let us focus.''


    Celestia quickly turned towards the rest of her family as she spoke, "This is the worst case situation, Veena you are with me I will help you to craft pills that Ryuu needs.", she then turned towards others as she spoke, "I do not need to stress how vital this is for him."


    Seeing the grim look on their faces Celestia continued with a hardened look on her face, "Form a perimeter so that even an ant can touch him."


    With a nod, Maheswara and his daughter disappeared while Celestia sent a look of concern towards Ryuu as she whispered lowly, "You really were born under the wrong stars."


    A few minutes ago back in Kuvosie, Ryuu dropped the half-eaten meat bun from his hand as he spoke with his voice filled with fear and panic, "Teacher y tribulation is starting, I do not know what to do, I am not prepared."


    It took a moment for Nuwa to realize what her disciple who was almost like a son said to her, for a moment she felt as if her heart would stop beating but seeing the scared look on Ryuu''s face quickly brought her out of the stunned state as she grabbed hold of him and left Kuvosie.


    Sensing the sudden burst of power Yamamoto quickly tore the door open as the guards hidden or otherwise stormed in to see a few meat buns still steaming on the ground.


    The leader of the guard quickly spoke, "Daoist Yamamoto please hold down the fort, our trackers are picking up signal on whereabouts of His Highness we will meet up with him, but until then please keep the situation here normal."


    Yamamoto gave a nod with a grimace on his face, while every guard that had accompanied Ryuu had left quickly to chase after him.


    In the case of a mutated Tribulation, two things would happen, either it got stronger or it got weaker, if it got stronger the already difficult tribulation would be nigh impossible for Ryuu to overcome and if it got stronger it would not only hamper Ryuu''s growth but also curb his future accomplishment.


    It was one of the many reasons that had led cultivators to seek out places where they can alone whenever they were transcending tribulations, but most importantly Nuwa wanted to help Ryuu who was caught flat-footed due to the sudden arrival of the tribulation.


    Upon reaching their destination Nuwa quickly held Ryuu''s shoulder as she spoke, "Ryuu, listen we believe in you, as such we know you would succeed, do you have anything that can help you?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "I only have some pills that can heal me nothing more."


    "Blood replenishing?"


    "I have."


    "Ok, start creating arrays that you know, that can be used during tribulation, using your own blood, there is no need for you to think about anything else just focus on your task, we will buy you five minutes at most."


    "But��"


    "Ryuu!", Nuwa spoke sternly making Ryuu go ramrod before her voice softened up as she spoke, "Ryuu time is running out please begin your work and do not pay attention to anything else but remember only five minutes , you will be fine believe in yourself."


    While Ryuu was busy working on the array, Nuwa had kneeled behind him except she was floating on air a few inches from the ground while her hands were placed over his shoulder blades.


    ''We hope they arrive soon, and we hope our plan works and it does not backfire like that time, we still remember the folly of our senior, he was a mid level Daofather at that while I had recently ascended, his son had a similar problem just as Ryuu as such the father dispersed and prevented the tribulation until his son was ready, it was a huge mistake.''


    Being reminded of the incident sent shivers down Nuwa''s spine, she still remembered how the poor son of the senior was forced to face a tribulation that would even kill a peak level Celestial while he was just trying to transcend into an Immortal.


    The mournful cry of the senior for his only son, the only living relative had been unbearable for Nuwa, but what came next was even more horrifying as a secondary tribulation soon descended on the senior and it had killed him as well.


    ''We just have to balance out everything and with a just a bit of delaying we think Ryuu could make it work, we dare not to do anything more regarding his tribulation, but even then it is a very difficult thing to do, never did we ever think that we would use something that we had developed to help our children, something that we hoped to never have the chance to use again, though where are they.''


    By the time the thought passed through her mind, the rest of her family had arrived and it did not take much time for them to start the necessary preparations to help Ryuu.


    Celestia quickly accompanied Veena as they moved a good few kilometres away from Ryuu, as Celestia spoke with a frown, "I believe this is far, enough though I would warn you my enlightenment on the Dao of Time is very low, I will have to give my all."


    Veena nodded as she spoke, "Do not worry I will finish it as fast as possible."


    Celestia snorted as she spoke, "Please, I may not be as good as you are regarding pill making but even I know that it is something that cannot be rushed, so take your time and do your best."


    Meanwhile, on another part of the planet Antariskh could not help but ask her father about the question that was nagging in her mind since they had arrived on the planet.


    "Father, what is second mother doing?"


    Maheswara frowned as he replied to her, "Your second mother, a longtime ago had developed a technique that would delay the descent of tribulation for a few minutes, she created it for situation similar to what Ryuu is facing, after all these years I hope she remembers exactly how it works."


    Hearing Maheswara''s words the trio of sisters gawked at him as Sylvana spoke, "Father exactly how long has mother developed this skill."


    Maheswara frowned in deep thought as he spoke, "It took her ages but she managed to create it just before you all had your first tribulation but she never had the chance to use it until now."


    The sisters suddenly felt a headache as Shamiran spoke, "Father how does it work?"


    Maheswara scratched his chin as he spoke, "Well I do not remember much of it but from what I know she is trying to con the Heaven''s itself."


    "What!", as the combined scream of his daughter came to his ears Maheswara let out a chuckle as he spoke, "Yes, what she is trying to do is outrageous and unbelievable as such it also requires her full focus and concentration even slight mistake would annihilate them both."


    The sisters could only send a wary look towards Ryuu''s direction as Maheswara snapped back at them, "Instead of looking towards Ryuu''s direction quickly secure the planet, it would not be long before his tribulation starts."


    Ryuu let out a deep breath that he did not know he was holding back, and as he stood up from his position Nuwa''s voice came to his ears, "Have you finished child?"


    Ryuu gave a nod and as he turned he was stunned to see the tired look on Nuwa''s face, it was an extremely mentally exhausting process for her, and even then she touched Ryuu''s cheek as she spoke with a smile that could only appear on a proud mother''s face.


    "You did well Ryuu, extremely so, the array you created is extremely good and we know you would succeed, all the best."


    With that, she moved away from Ryuu, only for his attention to be grabbed by Veena who called out his name, and before he could react Veena had handed him various medicinal pills that he would need during the tribulation.


    "Use them as you need them Ryuu, and I know you would succeed.", her words were followed by a tousling of his hair.


    "Ryuu remember we all are with you and we all know you would succeed.", the statement and the warm smile on the otherwise tired-looking Celestia warmed his heart.


    The words of his teachers made him incredibly happy and bolstered with immense confidence, he suddenly felt empowered to the point that he could take upon thousands of Celestials and would win, as such he cupped his hands as he spoke with a deep bow, "Thank you teachers I will win."


    With that, he sat on the middle of the set of arrays in lotus position with his eyes closed as the tribulation descended upon him.


    While the tribulation began, the trio watched Ryuu without blinking as they were soon joined by their husband and daughters.


    Maheswara looked towards Ryuu as he spoke, "Did it work?"


    Nuwa sighed as she spoke, "We do not know until the tribulation is over anything can happen, we just��"


    As Nuwa trailed off Mahewara placed a comforting hand on her shoulder as he spoke, "You all did a great job, and believe me when I say he willsucceed, but now watch him as he succeeds."

 Chapter 508 - The roaring second (Part-2)

    Yamamoto sighed as he stamped a set of papers before throwing them on an already growing pile of rejected papers.


    ''What are these idiotic proposals? I think I will have to teach those idiots how to apply for tender, how to submit counter proposals, at least when you are trying to rip-off someone do so in a manner that the person you are trying to con cannot detect it, idiots.''


    "Excuse me."


    Yamamoto did not look up from his position as he spoke, "Yes what can I do you Yu Wu."


    "Why are working in place of Boss?"


    "His Highness has some sudden work to do as such he is busy for the moment as such I am substituting in his place, he would be back within a few days so you do not have to worry but unfortunately work cannot wait."


    "I see, so will you need anything?"


    Yamamoto shook his head as he spoke, "Throw away those that I have stamped rejected away they are useless, the rest I will keep them here to be approved by His Highness."


    Yu Wu nodded as she took the rejected pile away while Yamamoto let out a dejected sigh, ''Where is His Highness? What happened to him? More importantly the guards that chased after him they have yet to return, and even after I have sent message to Ayindril many times I have yet to receive any proper response other than to stay put, this is killing me I should work hard to keep all this tension and thoughts out of my mind.''


    Meanwhile back with Ryuu, his tribulation began with a rather rocky start, the ground shook as it broke under him though he sat on it without even moving an inch as his array held true, even if the ground fragmented or changed into simple spikes, the array stood strong to the point that Ryuu felt nothing.


    Antariksh looked at Ryuu as she spoke with a small smile on her face, "Ho, so it began with earth and that array even hastily drawn it stood the crushing power of the earth, not to mention it makes Ryuu so stable that he has yet to move an inch from his position."


    Veena snorted as she spoke, "Please daughter, do not say that array was hastily drawn it would mean that the array was made clumsily and if Ryuu had done so sister Nuwa would have tanned his hide."


    Celestia gave a nod as she spoke, "So true sister Nuwa is a perfectionist nothing sort of perfection satisfies her, and look at that array that Ryuu had created within such a short time, it looks like some master artist''s work."


    Sylvana snorted as she spoke, "Please mothers, you all three including dad are perfectionist, I still remembered how you all used to be hard on us until we were able to perform perfectly in while sleeping, and Ryuu just like us, was taught in a very similar manner so of course he would perform admirably."


    Nuwa nodded as she spoke, "You are right, the array that Ryuu created is masterpiece when compared to others in his level and in some cases above his level it is a masterpiece."


    If Ryuu was within hearing range he would have blushed at the praise he had received from his teacher but at the moment his attention was spent on controlling the array amidst the assault of the earth.


    ''I feel like a small boat caught in the ocean while a large storm is raging on but thankfully my boat is not only sturdy but is immune to the effects of the turbulent ocean.''


    The tribulation of the earth seemed to go on for hours on end, as the planet seemed to engulf him crush him to paste, not to mention the number of times the array he was sitting on was forced to finally move from its initial place as the ground beneath them collapsed trying to bring Ryuu down with it.


    ''What a tedious chore, I have to actively supply my array with my KI and it is draining fast, I might have to use a KI replenishing pill sometime in the future, but at least I am not being forced to face a sub-elemental tribulation.''


    As if the Heaven''s heard his thoughts and decided to bestow upon him a highly uncherished gift.


    This time the earth itself was not alone, as it caught aflame and melted into bright hot lava making Ryuu let out a groan, "I just had to jinx myself."


    Tendrils of lava wrapped around the safety cocoon that Ryuu had weaved around himself as the temperature rose drastically, yet because of the arrays he did not feel even a single ounce of the heat as he sat calmly in the midst of it while the lava tried to drown him, but one thing that happened was the fact that Ryuu would need the pills even faster.


    ''I know even without the help of the array I could have survived but I would have been injured before my lightning tribulation would have struck, even with my power and strength I would not be unscathed if forced to endure being put in a meat grinder not to mention the KI I would have to spend at least I would have spend ten times the amount I��''


    Ryuu''s inner monologue came to a screeching halt as he looked up towards the sky as he spoke with disbelief, "You got to be kidding me."


    His sentiments were shared by Sylvana as she spoke with an equal amount of disbelief, "An asteroid when did it appear?"


    As Sylvana moved to destroy it Antariskh quickly held her as she spoke, "What are you doing? Our army would have destroyed it if it were any ordinary asteroid, but try and feel it."


    Sylvana looked at the asteroid momentarily before her eyes widen as she spoke, "This is part of his tribulation.", she then turned towards her family as she spoke with disbelief, "Since when does the tribulation of a celestial has asteroids and what not descending on them, such wanton destruction."


    Veena did not look at her as she spoke with a tired sigh, "Sylvana I do not know if you remember or not, or may be because at that time both you and Shamiran were in closed door meditation so as to catch up to your older siblings so there is a chance you might not remember Pangu and Antariskh''s tribulation."


    Antariskh frowned as she spoke, "I cannot blame her mother, it was so long ago that I barely recall it, but I really came close to dying."


    Celestia snorted as she spoke, "Both of you had your tribulation within a span of a week and both of you were so injured that at the end of the tribulation both of resembled a charred corpse."


    Sylvana''s eyes widened before she spoke with a sheepish smile, "Ah, yes I remember how annoying it was with all of hovering over us when our tribulation finally came."


    Sylvana''s words earned her a small glare from Veena as Nuwa spoke with a frown, "In a way Sylvana is right, a single asteroid is okay but why is there another one appearing, one which is much larger than the previous."


    Her words drew everyone''s attention as their breath hitched, as a third appeared soon after, the asteroid seemed to be appearing through a portal and it was once again larger than the previous one.


    He was not the only one who felt a shiver run down their spine, as his teachers and elder sisters were greatly worried at the sight.


    Sylvana turned towards her mother as she spoke, "Mother, please tell me that is normal, a single asteroid I can find but thirteen each bigger than the other is no joke."


    Veena shook her head as she spoke with disbelief, "No something like that is not normal for a Mystic Immortal Emperor, if he were a peak Celestial it might be easier to digest the sight."


    "That damned harlot."


    The shout drew their attention towards a Maheswara who looked incredibly angered as Celestia spoke with concern in her voice, "Love is something wrong?"


    "Wrong everything is wrong our worst fears came true that interference of that woman caused his tribulation to mutate."


    It did not take them long to realize what Maheswara was speaking about. They had all discussed the possibility of Ryuu being forced to face a mutated tribulation because of his sudden forceful increase in level and now it seemed that their worst fear came true.


    Shamiran looked at her father as she spoke with a look of panic on her face, "Is there something we can do?"


    With a heavy sigh Maheswara shook his head as he spoke, "Shamiran you should know that there is nothing we can do about it.", Shamiran balled her fist as she looked at her brother concern in her eyes while hoping in her heart that Ryuu would pull through.


    ''This is bad super bad, the array that I made within the time I had is good but I should have kept on improving it even more as my tribulation continued it had been a few hours since it began, and I had to endure the earth and now the heat, I should have tried to make it better but then again drawing a new set of array on an active one is dangerous.''


    Ryuu''s inner monologue came to a halt as the asteroid made its move, it rained on him akin to the manner similar to machine guns of his previous life.


    Sylvana''s eyes widen as the asteroids dashed towards Ryuu one after another without letting him catch a breath when all of a sudden two gigantic opaque golden hands appeared before their fingers interlocked together as Ryuu disappeared behind them as the first but the smallest amongst them hit him, followed by the next in size one after another it in rapid succession.


    Maheswara and his family''s vision were clouded by the massive onslaught of dust that blotted out the sky of the planet as the asteroids crashed one after another.


    Nuwa''s heart hammered hard, like a war drum, from the anxiety and fear that also had managed to creep into the rest of her family''s bosom especially with the last asteroid that had destroyed quite a large part of the planet, while Celestia whispered out loud with her voice laced with fear, "That last one was at least as strong as a 2nd rank Yin Lord, it had even surpassed the Celestial realm and ventured into the next realm."


    Maheswara immediately blew away the dust and the cloud that hindered their vision and they were soon able to see the sorry state of Ryuu.


    The smallest of the asteroid had hit with the force equivalent to that of an all-out blow of an 8th ranked Mystic Immortal Emperor, and the next a rank higher than it and by the time the last the thirteenth one came down it was already in the Yin Lord realm, the next realm after Celestial and it was too much for even Ryuu to handle even after all the protections he was using.


    Antarisksh watched as what remained of the protective dome, created by Ryuu with the help of the array, fall of like leaves during autumn before disappearing, the array itself gave a few spluttering weak glow before it deactivated not only due to lack of KI being supplied but due to the extensive damage by the recent bombardment of the asteroids, but, what really drew everyone''s attention was Ryuu, he had seen better days as he looked incredibly injured.


    Ryuu was bleeding from his ears, his nose as his body was twitching before he vomited blood and then collapsing headfirst on the ground, as his weapons lay by his side, his breathing shallow while trying hard to regain his consciousness, but the tribulation was not done as within less than a breath of time the area around him froze.


    Being superheated to the point that ground was liquefied and then suddenly being frozen caused immense stress in the surroundings as the ground seemed to explode flinging Ryuu away who was already lacking his protective array.


    ''I thought I would die what a power, it was two overwhelming for my array to even withstand even with my armor I was not able to withstand it, even if the armor blocked most of tit the shockwave was still too great, and now this, I do not have any KI nor do I have the strength to move.''


    A good number of pills appeared out of his space ring as it flew fast towards his mouth and soon his body let out a copious amount of steam as it began to heal while his reserves began to fill up.


    Veena gained a look of relief on her face as she spoke, "I thought for a moment he had lost his consciousness but with those pills he will be as good as new.", her eyes then flickered towards the remnants of the array as she spoke with a sigh, "It is a shame that the array has been destroyed."


    Nuwa gave a nod as she spoke, "Yes, it is a shame but then again who would have thought he would be bombarded with asteroids of such power."


    Celestia nodded as she spoke, "So true also the way everything froze around him, Ryuu was ucky he managed to get his hands on the ''Primal Ice'' during his excursion in Eden, otherwise he would have died."


    Antariksh growled as she spoke, "The armor should have done better than that."


    Maheswara sighed as he spoke, "Child you should know that the Proto-Cosmic treasure, that the armour is, is still like a child with time it would grow well alongside with Ryuu but it will need time to grow but even then it performed admirably."


    As Maheswara spoke Ryuu had already managed to stand up facing towards the sky with a determined look on his face as he mused inwardly, ''A little bit more the thunder tribulation and I will��''


    Ryuu''s musing was cut short as his eyes glazed over before Ryuu collapsed on the ground like a puppet whose strings have been cut off.


    Veena let out a gasp as she stared with horror in her eyes as she spoke with anguish in her voice, "Oh no Ryuu succ.u.mbed to his inner demons at the worst moment."


    No sooner did she say those words the sky darkened to the point that it snuffed out any and all lights as the first of the thunderbolt descended upon him.

 Chapter 509 - The roaring second (part-3)

    Antariskh narrowed her eyes as she studied the structure in front of her as she spoke, "If I remember correctly something like this was in his report when he came back from Eden."


    Sylvana gave a nod as she spoke, "Yes in the fifteenth floor right, so what should we do?"


    Maheswara shrugged as he spoke while critically looking at the petals of the lotus flower, "We wait for him to finish, though this petals seems to be made up of KI and Dao itself, so amazing."


    Celestia meanwhile had a frown on her face as she spoke, "You know I have read about this phenomenon somewhere but I cannot remember it where, I will have to recheck my library but I doubt it is there after all I remember everything stored in the library word by word."


    Veena sent a curious glance towards her sister-wife as she spoke, "Do you think it is harmful?"


    Celestia shrugged as she spoke, "I have no idea, as I said I have read it somewhere in the passing and as for it being harmful well for now it seems this thing is good for him."


    Nuwa gave a nod as she spoke, "We concur with her, for now it is a good thing and as long as Ryuu is not forced up another few levels we are okay with it."


    The group did not have to wait much longer as the giant lotus finally blossomed and in the midst of it sat Ryuu, suddenly the lotus disintegrated into mist before it entered Ryuu''s body as he opened his eyes and took a deep breath, a moment later he let out a cheer as he shouted out, "I passed the tribulation."


    Those words had him surrounded by his loved ones each sporting a look of happiness that was not lower than him by any means.


    The army of Ayindril that had surrounded the planet slowly returned back to their stations while Ryuu had already departed for Ayindril along with his teachers and their family, and as they reached Ayindril Ryuu found him sitting in front of Veena who was giving him a thorough check-up.


    "Hmm, your body has gone refinement wonderfully, your bones, your internal organs all of them have been refined well, now let me see you blood."


    With that Veena cut open his palm drawing blood, but unlike before his blood was no longer red but it was metallic bronze in colour which seemed to please Veena immensely.


    "Wonderful, do you remember what you have been taught about Celestial realm."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "Celestials are True Immortals as they do not die from the ravages of time."


    Veen nodded with a smile as she spoke, "Excellent, now you have refined your body perfectly and your blood has transformed into low level bronze Ichor of superior quality, good extremely good."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "Teacher I have not read about the Ichor thing much can you tell me about it."


    Veena nodded as she began to speak, "When someone becomes Celestial they undergo monumental change, their body completely undergoes refinement which result in some major changes one of them being the change in their blood, which is now called as Ichor, and changing the blood to Ichor is a delicate and difficult process to begin with."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "If it is difficult then surely many have failed, but then what happens to them? Will they revert back to Mystic Immortal Emperor Level?"


    Veena shook her head as she spoke, "No child, they will not, as even if the fail all they will have to do is to refine their blood to have at least thirty percent Ichor or they will not be able to reach the next level, and the process if painful as well as tiring, something I do not think you would like at all.", she finished with a smirk on her face as Ryuu blushed from embarrassment.


    Veena''s face gained a serious look as she continued again, "Your blood is completely bronze meaning that it has been completely refined, and if it were not so then it would be something in between red and bronze."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "I have killed many Celestials but I do not seem to recall if their blood color was different or not it might be because of the heat of battle that I have not paid much attention to it."


    "That is not good Ryuu, you should be more vigilant and observant."


    Ryuu simply gave a nod as Veena spoke, "Is there anything else you wish to ask?"


    Ryuu shook his head as Celestia was by his side as she spoke with a curious tone in her voice, "By the way Ryuu how did it feel inside that lotus."


    Ryuu frowned hard which in turn made his listeners a bit wary before he spoke, "Sorry teacher the feeling is so great that I do not have any words to describe it, it feels so great, it is thousand times better than the warm blanket in cold as such if it had not ended by itself I doubt I would have been able to get out of it, as I said it is thousand times better than warm bed during the winter.", Ryuu gained a dejected look on his face as he spoke, "I wish I knew how it worked."


    Maheswara frowned as he spoke, "If you had managed to understand its workings it might have been the best invention like in forever, a thousand times better than the warm bed in the winter, just this thoughts gives me goosebumps."


    Ryuu gained an extremely serious look on his face as he spoke, "Teacher one day I will uncover its secret and definitely share it with you."


    Maheswara face lit up as he spoke with a bark of laughter, "I am so proud of you my boy, you will definitely go very far."


    Ryuu beamed at him for receiving the praise while his wives simply deadpanned at him as Veena spoke with a shake of her, "You are hopeless, I know you are lazy but do not infect Ryuu with your laziness."


    Celestia sighed as she spoke, "Sister just give up Ryuu has already been corrupted by him."


    Both Ryuu and Maheswara immediately protesting sending bouts of laughter amongst them while Nuwa had reappeared along with what seemed to be a feast made for the kings, seeing the amount of food made Ryuu''s face lit up.


    "Brother may I ask you something?"


    Ryuu looked towards Shamiran as he spoke with a nod, "Yes please sister."


    "Well I wanted to know what caused you to fell in grasp of demonic tribulation of your heart, for a moment I thought you would die because of it."


    Ryuu blushed from embarrassment as he suddenly found the ground to be very interesting as Antariskh quickly spoke, "If you are embarrassed about it then there is no need to say anything."


    Ryuu briefly glanced at Antariskh before he spoke with a sigh, "Nothing just that when I felt my tribulation descending I dropped the meat bun, that teacher had prepared with so much hard work, from shock, and during the tribulation I saw a vision that teacher said she will not make anything for me because of my insolence for the next few millennia, it came as a shock for me."


    Both Shamiran and Antariksh let out a tired sigh as they pinched the bridge of their nose while Shamiran summarized their thoughts out loud, "I give up I should not have inquired about it."


    Most would have thought Ryuu was joking and would have dismissed his words, but his listeners knew from their experience that Ryuu was speaking the truth and which resulted, with an exception of Maheswara, to suffer from immense headaches.


    Maheswara simply smiled at him as he gave a pat on his back as he spoke, "There is nothing to be ashamed of, I myself had experience something similar a long time ago, just like you I hated meditating and once your teachers had said if I am do not cultivate seriously they will not have se��"


    Whatever he was going to see came to a halt as Nuwa cleared her throat rather loudly drawing everyone''s attention as Ryuu had the sudden urge to flee from the scene as Nuwa spoke with a smile befitting a serial killer, "We believe it would do wonders for our beloved husband if he were to be forced to spend the next century under a tree, then maybe he would learn what he should or should not speak in front of our children."


    Veena gave a nod as she spoke, "So true sister, though I vote his punishment to be extended to the next millennia."


    Celestia sighed as she spoke, "Sisters you are na?ve, you cannot teach the old dog new tricks so let his punishment be for the next ten thousand years.", she finished with a sadistic smirk that Ryuu was very familiar with.


    Maheswara like the proud man roared out in protest by prostrated in front of his wives begging for mercy.


    Sylvana let out a groan as she spoke, "Please father maintain some dignity at least in front of Ryuu."


    Antariksh sighed as she spoke, "Please Sylvana you are near about a century too late, Ryuu is already accustomed to it and look over there he has already begun eating."


    And true to her words Ryuu was happily chomping on some meat and as everyone''s eyes fell on him, Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "What teacher worked so hard to make them, so why should I let it cool down, sorry after what I was forced to suffer during the tribulation I am not wasting any food."


    Celestia let out a bark of laughter as she spoke, "Child, there is one thing I can say to you from all my experience with her, until and unless you become the most degenerate and despicable being in the Universe then she might do so."


    Nuwa gave a nod in support of Celestia''s words as she spoke with a small smile, "Now children please we made this feast for you all so what are you waiting for."


    And with that, the trio of sisters joined Ryuu along with the rest of their family and as they all talked and laughed amongst themselves a warm feeling blossomed in Ryuu''s heart.


    ''I never want this to end, this feeling is so great, I am finally with my family.''


    Ryuu suddenly towards Antariskh as he spoke, "Thank you big sis that armor you made for me really saved my life today, especially after those giant meteors fell on my head."


    Antariskh simply smiled at him as she spoke, "I was worried greatly for you as the power of the meteorite was nothing to scoff off at your level, as it was comparable to a 2nd ranked Yin Lord."


    Ryuu gained a confused look on his face as he spoke, "2nd ranked Yin Lord? Is Yin Lord the next stage after Celestial?"


    As Antariskh nodded she managed to garner Ryuu''s undivided attention as she spoke with a nod, "Yes it is."


    "Then big sis can you tell me about it, I wanted to know more about later stages of cultivation and now since I am already a Celestial I think I can know about them."


    "You are right.", as Celestia spoke those words she managed to gain Ryuu''s undivided attention as she spoke, "I will have to release those books and scrolls for you so that you can read about them as well as many other things, reaching the Celestial realm is a great and monumental step there is much for you to learn."


    Veena gave a nod as she spoke, "So true but most importantly you will now officially become our disciple."


    Sylvana gave an enthusiastic nod as she spoke, "Ah I remember you will undergo the ''Disciple taking'' ceremony, well do not worry I will help you to prepare."


    Hearing those words made Ryuu gain a look of confusion while Nuwa spoke with a smile, "Well you can discuss the details later on, but for now I think we should clarify the things that he wished to know first like the stages that are after Celestial realm.", as Ryuu gave an eager nod Nuwa began with a smile on her face.

 Chapter 510 - The roaring Second (Part-4)

    "Normally the next level after Celestial realm is Yin Lord after that Yang Lord, then Yin-Yang Lord, Jade Emperor, Ancestral Immortal, High God, Elder God, Empyrean God, DaoFather, that is all you have to know for now."


    Ryuu gained a small frown upon hearing the stages before he looked towards Nuwa as he spoke, "Teacher you said normally so does that mean there are other levels that do not appear normally."


    Nuwa gave a nod as she spoke with a smile, "You have noticed correctly, there is another stage that is in between Empyrean God and DaoFather, and it is called Spirit Lord, a level that cultivators can skip and move directly to DaoFather realm."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "I see, but there must be some kind of catch otherwise why would there be an extra level that you can simply skip."


    Nuwa gave a nod as she continued, "The catch is if you complete that level then the future level will be much faster that you would have done without it, more importantly if you face some problem you can always give up and move to higher realm any time you want to, it does not matter whether you are in the second rank or the fifth you can move up anytime you want to."


    "So should I skip it?"


    Nuwa shook her head as she spoke, "No Ryuu, you will not skip that stage, we forbid you from doing it, you will undergo all the stages then undergo the tribulation before moving to the next stage."


    Veena gave a nod as she spoke, "I concur with Nuwa, there are many who skip just before they reach ninth rank in fear of facing the tribulation but you will do no such thing, you will complete the entire thing and then transcend the tribulation to reach the DaoFather realm."


    Celestia sighed as she spoke, "You two instead of telling him you forbid may be you should explain why, why do you wish for him to work on a realm that is often called as a pseudo-realm, a realm that many advices to skip, but most importantly he is very far away from that realm."


    Both of his teachers blushed in slight embarrassment as Veena spoke with a slight cough, "Ryuu the reason we are vehemently asking you to do so is because if you successful pass through the pseudo-realm then there is boost in cultivating speed at first it would be barely noticeable but as move to higher realms it would be more prominent, take Antariksh for example."


    With that, she turned towards Antariksh as she spoke, "How long did it take you to increase by a single rank."


    Antariskh frowned for a moment in deep thought as she spoke, "I think it took me seven and a half million years approximately."


    Veena gave her a nod as she spoke, "And you would have done much faster if you had not been stuck with your job."


    Antariksh simply gave a nod as Veena spoke while looking towards Ryuu, "Even after saying that she would still need more time than it would take a person to reach from simple mortal to a peak Mystic Immortal Emperor, but if she had skipped that pseudo-realm then it would have taken her a hundred times more time easily even if all she did was to cultivate every moment of her time."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "I see."


    Only for his frown to disappear as Maheswara spoke with a smile on his face, "Well Ryuu there is no need to worry about it, after all it would be a long time before you will reach that stage."


    Ryuu would have agreed to his words except he had gained a sour look as he spoke, "That may be so teacher but what if ''She'' forces my development once again."


    A shiver ran down Ryuu''s spine as he had the sudden urge to hide under the table, but unfortunately, he was not only frozen from fear but the air became so heavy that he was a hard time breathing.


    "Enough."


    The shout instantly released the pressure as Maheswara spoke with anger in his voice, "Control yourself I know you are all excited because of today''s events but there is no excuse for all of you to act as such, control your aura there is someone here who cannot withstand it or did you all forget that."


    Being chastised his family found them wracked with guilt as Maheswara turned towards Ryuu with a concerned look on his face, and upon seeing Ryuu still sitting ramrod he snapped his finger making Ryuu gasp for breath.


    "Are you alright child?"


    Ryuu was unable to answer as he was busy taking a deep gulp of air while holding to the side of the table to keep him from collapsing while his body was trembling uncontrollably.


    Maheswara quickly went by his side as he gently rubbed his back as he spoke in a soothing voice, "Okay okay, just take some deep breath, do you wish to go back to your room.", All he received was a small shaky nod as Maheswara left along with Ryuu but not before glaring at the rest of his family.


    As the duo disappeared Sylvana sighed as she spoke, "I have never seen father so angry in a very long time."


    Her words earned her a harsh glare from Shamiran who spoke with a look of guilt on her face, "Of course he would after all we almost killed our baby brother because we were agitated."


    Antariskh stood up as she spoke with a sigh, "I do not have any more appetite I have some work to do.", her eyes then fell on Veena as she spoke, "Mother will you be checking him up."


    Veena gave a nod as she spoke, "Yes, after you father has managed to calm him down I will.", she then let out a long sigh as she spoke, "I am so ashamed of myself that I cannot even begin to speak."


    Antariksh sighed as she spoke, "Don''t worry it would be fine I have some work to do and faster I finish the faster I can begin planning the ceremony.", her eyes then fell on her two sisters as she spoke, "Will you join me."


    Both Sylvana and Shamiran gave a nod as they stood up following after their eldest sister as Veena called out to them, "Remember you can meet and plan with Ryuu only if he is ready to do so.", the trio of sisters only gave a nod as they left.


    A few days later Ryuu checked his clothes for the umpteenth time as Sylvana spoke with a sigh, "Your clothes are fine brother."


    "I know but I am so nervous, what if I make some mistake, there are many seniors who have arrived and if I make a mistake then I will end up dishonoring my master and then��"


    "Nothing will happen, Ryuu."


    The calm and collected voice of Celestia drew his attention who continued to speak, "There is nothing to worry about I know you will be fine just believe in yourself because I know you will."


    Ryuu had a small smile on his face as he gave a small nod the a few words of encouragement from Celestia seemed to have washed away any and all worries he had.


    Each of them dressed in a way befitting Deities which to Ryan seemed to be quite appropriate seeing they could easily pass for one in his previous life, while he himself was dressed in white in the most humble manner possible.


    Behind him stood his sisters who unlike his teachers wore equally humble attire similar to that of Ryuu but unlike his completely white they each wore colourful dresses.


    Watching them especially Ryuu like a hawk were many acquaintances of his teachers as well as elder sisters, they sat like stone statues but Ryuu could bet every precious treasure that was in his space ring, those cultivators were chatting amongst themselves through telepathic means, but that was not his primary focus.


    Ryuu''s heart sped up seeing the cold stoic look that had replaced the usually warm look that was present on his teachers'' faces, but it did not let it phase him, as he approached the head of the family, Maheswara.


    Ryuu kneeled in front of Maheswara as Shamiran handed him a medium-sized tub which Ryuu quickly placed under Maheswara''s feet, as Antaiskh poured water over her father''s feet, which Ryuu used to diligently wash Maheswara''s feet, and like the water that was poured on the tub disappeared, Shamiran handed him a light saffron-coloured paste.


    ''This paste kinds of smells like a mixture of sandalwood and rose, but I do not have time to think about it.''


    Ryuu proceeded to cover Maheswara''s feet with the pastes before Antariksh supplied Ryuu with fresh warm milk that he used to clean it before he used water to clean Maheswara''s feet again as Sylvana provided him with a towel with which he wiped it dry, he then gave a deep bow before moving towards Veena.


    Khygnos looked at the entire proceeding as a distant memory surfaced in her mind as a small nostalgic smile formed on her face, ''It has been so long since that day when just like Ryuu I had performed the ceremony, so long that my memory is becoming hazy, I long for those days that will never come, those faces that I will never see.'', before anyone could see Khygnos quickly wiped out the tear that appeared in her eyes.


    As Khygnos watched Ryuu moved from Veena to Nuwa, she exclaimed out loud telepathically, ''What a good child? Is he not brother Rishit?''


    ''Yes Sister Khygnos, but have you heard about the reason why he almost succ.u.mbed to his demonic heart during tribulation.''


    Khygnos snorted as she replied back, ''It was so hilarious to hear about it, he is such a glutton, Veena fears he might get himself kidnapped one day because of his weakness to good food.''


    A snort came from Rishit as he spoke, ''I can picture him getting kidnapped because the food is too good, but the best part even after consuming too much spirit food look at his body''s build.''


    ''So true eating too much Spirit Food every now and then makes you fat really fat and then it is very difficult to slim down and yet he is perfectly slim and fit, though I would have loved to see Ryuu conduct the ceremony with his true face, would you not like so Saidhal.''


    Siadhal let out a groan as he replied back, ''Please aunt Khygnos, please give me a break, he has gone even more handsome to the point than before and I would not like my children to be enamored with him to the point of madness.''


    Rishit gave a grunt as he spoke, ''I have to agree with nephew, Ryuu is getting more and more handsome as he increases his strength and I fear there would come a day when even us would not be able to look at his true face without getting completely enamored.''


    While they were busy with their small talks Ryuu had finished washing his teachers'' feet, and now he was kneeling in front of them while holding four incense sticks with the fingers of both of his hands in a manner that the back of his hand was facing his teachers.


    Ryuu then touched his hands holding the incense stick to his forehead, as he kowtowed in front of his teachers as he spoke out loud in a monotone, "I submit myself to be judged as worthy to learn your wisdom."


    Ryuu returned back to his kneeling position before performing his second kowtow as he spoke out loud, "I pledge to obey and follow the path under your guide."


    With that third kowtow Ryuu spoke out low, "Oh, humble and wise masters please grant me the honor of being your student.", and with that, he lay prostrating in front of his teachers with even moving an inch.


    Zywia had a soft smile on her face as she spoke, "What a rare sight."


    Cezary looked towards Zywia as he spoke with a nod, "So true to see him bowing in front of someone��"


    Cezary was instantly shushed by Zarina who hissed with a slight glare, "You two keep quite it is highly impolite to speak during this ceremony."


    As Zarina scolded her children, Maheswara and his wives made their way towards Ryuu who was still prostrating on the ground as Maheswara helped him up as they spoke in unison, "We have heard you pledge and accepted you as our disciple and bless you with our teachings and open our home to you, from henceforth you are our disciple."


    Khygnos eyes widened momentarily as she smiled inwardly, ''I do not understand you do not already claim him as your son, ''Opening our home'', that line is used when someone is taking their own children as their disciple, really instead of skirting around they should already claim him as their son, after all he is more like a son to them than their disciple.''

 Chapter 511 - The roaring second (Part-5)

    Yamamoto jumped up from his seat as he tried to bow in front of the figure in front of him only to stop as the person raised her hand as she spoke, "There is no need to bow Yamamoto we would like to remain a bit incognito as we spent time with our brother before we leave."


    Yamamoto gave a small nod of his head as Ryuu spoke with a slightly embarrassing smile, "Advisor Yamamoto I am sorry I left without informing you first as well as leaving all the work on you."??


    Yamamoto waved his hand off as he spoke, "Please Your Highness you had an emergency but before that��", Yamamoto trailed off he gave Ryuu a bow as he cupped his hand before he spoke, "Congratulation Your Highness, on your ascending your tribulation."


    "Thank you Yamamoto, well I take my leave for now as I want to show Kuvosie to my eldest sister."


    Yamamoto gave a nod as Ryuu stepped out of his office along with Antariskh, who had half her face covered with a veil.


    Yu Wu''s eyes widen as she saw Ryuu and as such she quickly approached them as she spoke with a small bow, "Good to have you boss and congratulation on your ascension."


    Ryuu sent a small smile to her as he spoke, "I is good to be back and thank you."


    Ryuu then turned towards his sister as he spoke, "Sister this is Yu Wu my deputy, a very hardworking woman who helps me a lot.", he then turned towards Yu Wu as he spoke, "Yu Wu this is my eldest sister."


    Yu Wu gave a small bow while her mind was working furiously as she tried to recall where she had seen the familiar face, her eyes widen momentarily as a certain realization struck her only for her to dismiss it.


    ''There is no way the Empress of Shangri-la would be here, she might be someone with strong resemblance to her, yeah of course why would boss be here in this place when such a big shot is his sister, but that women is so beautiful just like boss.''


    Yu Wu quickly stole a glance at Ryuu as her cheeks coloured slightly at his sight.


    ''He seems even more handsome than before, handsome enough to cause riot in the streets.''


    "I hope my brother is not causing too much problem."


    The melodious voice of Ryuu''s sister brought Yu Wu out of her thoughts as she quickly waved her hand as she spoke, "Of course not senior boss is very helpful and caring, and it is our honor working under him."


    Antariksh simply gave a small nod as Ryuu excused himself and left along with her leaving Yu Wu behind.


    "Hey sis, are you using something that makes them ignore you."


    "Hmm, no I just made sure that my appearance will be slight altered when they looked at me and the rest well be simple, until and unless it is slapped on their face hard they will discard the thought that I might be the owner of the entire conglomerate because if I were why would I let someone, who is working at head of this place, as his sister."


    "I see so you are playing with their psychology basically, as the brain sometimes chooses falsehood over the truth as means to cope up with something that is borderline impossible."


    "True brother and now give me a tour of this place."


    Ryuu gave her a small smile as he escorted her through the many streets of Kuvosie while the news of him being spotted with an otherworldly beauty quickly spread around and it soon reached the ears of the members of the Vance clan, and as such without Yujie, who was busy meditating, the rest quickly made their way to the last known location of Ryuu.


    Antariskh looked at the jade hairpin that her brother brought for her, the hairpin was nothing special made from pure jade not to mention it was made by a mortal, but the craftsmanship made even her slightly awestruck.


    "It is very beautiful brother, truly a beautiful piece of art it is as if the crafter has poured their very heart and soul in order to make it."


    Ryuu beamed at her praise as he spoke, "So true sister, and I was glad that I was able to spot such a marvelous piece of work."


    "Brother, help me put it on my hair."


    Ryuu gave a nod as he helped Antariskh fix her hair with the help of the newly acquired hairpin before she brought out a mirror and spoke with a soft smile on her face, "This looks great."


    "Yes, sister it goes well with your hair color.", As Ryuu spoke he bought another two for his other sisters as he paid double the price in appreciation for the craftsmanship.


    "Ryuu if you wish to gift them those hairpin I suggest you hold onto them for now on and give them when you meet them next time."


    While Ryuu was busy buying and helping Antariksh with her hair a group of people had already arrived, a group that consisted of Ryuu''s birth parents who were watching the interaction from afar.


    Fang narrowed his eyes as he spoke, "That woman seems close to Ryuu, do you think they might be involved with each other."


    Sabine growled as she spoke, "I will have to have a chat with that woman about her involvement with my son."


    Jacklin meanwhile simply frowned as she spoke, "She is so beautiful."


    Sabine sighed as she spoke, "There are many cultivation techniques out there that can make any woman devastatingly beautiful.", her face darkened momentarily as she whispered lowly, "But woman who are usually cultivating in such method are definitely of not good breeding."


    Ryuu sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose as he spoke, "Why did they have to appear here?"


    Antariksh simply smiled as she spoke, "This is their home so of course they will be here just like ant from an ant hill."


    Ryuu gave a nod of acknowledgement but he could spot a hidden annoyance in Antariskh eyes, and after spending his entire life around them he could easily spot their mood change and even if Antariskh did an excellent job of hiding it, Ryuu was able to spot the annoyance bubbling inside of his elder sister making him clench his fist.


    ''Sister was so happy to spend some time with me but their arrival ruined my sister''s mood, I do not know the exact reason for it but I would not hesitate to wring their necks and��''


    His inner monologue came to a halt as Antariskh spoke with a mock glare, "It is not gentlemanly to give your attention to something else when you are accompanying a lady."


    Ryuu gave a sheepish grin as he spoke, "Well please forgive me my lady for I have erred as such is there any way I can atone for my sins."


    Antariskh frowned in deep thought as she spoke, "Hmm, may be if the gentleman escorts this lady around a bit more.", with that Antariskh extended her hand to Ryuu.


    Ryuu gently held her hand before giving a soft kiss on her knuckles as he spoke in a suave tone, "Shall we my lady."


    Then the duo broke into laughter as they resumed their exploration while Ryuu noted that the annoyance that was present within Antariskh disappeared after their small banter which made him incredibly happy.


    A few minutes later an incredibly bored Joseph could not help but complain out loud, "Father, are we going to simply follow them or are we going to confront them."


    Salazar sighed as he spoke, "I believe my grandson is right, it is time to confront them."


    As Antariskh squeezed his hand as she spoke, "As I said before if you poke at an anthill you are bound to meet an ant or two."


    "Ryuu, can we speak with you?"


    As Beatrice''s voice came to his ears Ryuu let out a groan as he turned to face them as he spoke with a tired voice, "Yes, how may I help you?"


    Beatrice suddenly lost her voice as she found herself being stared hard by the woman accompanying her grandson, the woman who seemed to be looking directly into her soul, judging her and found her wanting.


    Beatrice was not the only one who felt as such, as the rest of her family experienced the same when they came face to face with Antariskh.


    Sabine was the first one to recover as she spoke, "We were worried about you we had heard that you were missing."


    Ryuu snorted as he spoke, "Missing I was never missing, I was busy with my work."


    "But you left without telling anyone."


    Ryuu looked towards Fang as he spoke with a drawl, "I do not see any reason to do so as I am not someone''s prisoner so I do not think I need to take permission from some imaginary warden."


    Fang closed his mouth audibly as Salazar quickly spoke, "That may be so but your subordinates��"


    Ryuu stopped him by raising his hand as he spoke, "My subordinates well being is my headache and upon saying that advisor Yamamoto did a wonderful job working in my absence, but most importantly why are you getting worked up I do not know."


    "We were worried Ryuu, you suddenly disappeared only to reappear with a girl."


    Sabine gave a nod as she quickly spoke where her mother-in-law left off, "Yes, you were suddenly missing and then you suddenly returned with that woman."


    Ryuu raised one of his eyebrows at the sudden heat in Sabine''s voice as he spoke, "What do you mean that woman?"


    "Obviously the woman is ensnaring you with her false beauty, you should not ��"


    "ENOUGH!", the sudden shout from Ryuu startled them as he continued to speak with unrestrained anger in his voice, "How dare you insult my eldest sister, have you no shame."


    His shout had managed to draw the attention of the people of the market area as Ryuu continued to speak, "How dare you insult my big sister, just because you are ugly does not mean that the rest of the world has to be ugly too, my sister has been blessed with divine looks since birth she does not even need any cosmetics to look better, and how narrow minded are you?"


    "Brother, please calm yourself and reign in your glamour your focus is slipping."


    Antariksh''s words quickly drew his attention as he quickly reigned in his glamour but the damage was already done, the people in the surroundings including his biological family might not have been completely exposed to his real face, but it was enough for people to blush and gain a gaze of admiration.


    Ryuu clicked his tongue as he spoke with annoyance, "tsk, of all the things, let us move from here big sister."


    Antariskhs gave a small smile as she spoke with a shake of her head, "No baby brother maybe some other time as I have work to do so I will take my leave for today, and if I remember you have some paper work to finish."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "I am sorry big sister our time was cut short so abruptly."


    Antariskh simply smiled as she spoke, "There is no need to say sorry, though I am amazed at the restrain you have to show against someone so annoying."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "What restrain big sis, it was you who restrained me."


    But before Antariskh could speak again Beatrice intervened after she had managed to calm her emotions, "What was that? Why did Ryuu suddenly looked so handsome?"


    Antariksh sneered at her as she spoke, "My baby brother is one of the most handsome person in the universe, so handsome that even the most celibate and emotionless person pine for his attnetion.", her face then gained a sadistic smile as she spoke, "I know him from when he was a toddler and I still remember that his mother, Heaven''s bless her kind and selfless soul, never had a problem looking at his true face yet you lot could not even gaze at a him when a fraction of his face was revealed, so pathetic please do not pollute my brother''s eyes by being near him."


    Antariksh then turned towards Ryuu as she spoke, "Well then I will take my leave."


    With that Antariksh disappeared leaving behind Ryuu quickly turned and as he was leaving he spoke in a harsh tone, "You lot are like frog in a well, you should count lucky that my eldest sister was in a good mood and as such you are still breathing I have seen her erase a planet with a snap of her finger next time think before you speak otherwise you will simply shorten your pathetic existence."

 Chapter 512 - Back to Kuvosie (part-1)

    Antariskh stomped into her office like an enraged bull while the servants made themselves scarce from her sight, she did not have to wait too long as her sisters had arrived soon especially seeing her enraged state.


    "Is something wrong Antariskh you seemed to be annoyed as well as enraged?"


    Antariskh looked towards Sylvana as she replied back with a growl, "Oh that wretched wench who had the audacity to call herself Ryuu''s mother is the reason I am angry."


    Shamiran had an amused look on her face as she spoke, "Ho what did she do?"


    Antariskh huffed as she spoke, "What did she not do, I was enjoying my time with my brother he was showing me around Kuvosie and all of a sudden they popped up."


    "I believe they did something incredibly stupid to draw your ire."


    The new voice drew her attention as a small smile appeared on her face as Antariskh spoke, "Mothers, father it is good to see you."


    Veena gave a nod as she continued to speak, "So what did they do to make you so angry?"


    "Well it was not only me but brother as well, and in fact I finally learned how frustrating Ryuu must feel whenever they try to speak with him, at first they questioned him about his whereabouts and then that wench who calls herself his mother called me a scarlet woman that is trying to seduce brother with my looks just because I look more beautiful than her."


    As she spoke her killing intent spiked as well as the rest of her families while Maheswara gained an enraged look on his face as he spoke, "How dare she say something like that about my daughter, I will erase her existence."


    Antariskh sighed as she spoke, "I would have done so if it were not for the fact that brother wanted his justice though all his planning would have turn to dust today, if I had not suppressed his cultivation brother would have torn her head off."


    Maheswara gave a nod of approval as he spoke, "As he should, good boy protecting his sister''s honor."


    Antariskh smiled as she spoke, "It was cute watching baby brother defend my honor though he would have blown his own plan to smithereens if I had let him proceed he should try to learn to temper his anger and try to gain some patience."


    Nuwa simply smiled as she spoke, "As he should be, he has set his priorities in the correct direction, we are so proud of him."


    Antariskh gave a nod of approval as she spoke, "So true second mother, though sometimes I wonder how someone like them give birth to Ryuu"


    Celestia hummed in thought as she spoke, "There is a saying that even lotus bloom in the dung, and I am happy we got the beautiful lotus to ourselves."


    Antariskh gave a nod before she spoke with a frown, "His opponent is using something known as Blood God pool to increase his strength and from our calculation he would need at least five months to completely raise his strength, a waste of time not to mention Ryuu would be driven insane by then, so I ask you all what should we do to increase the speed of that filth''s cultivation."


    Celestia''s eyes narrowed as she spoke, "There are ways to do so but you do not wish to harm the cultivation of the person right?"


    "Of course not mother, that is brother''s job but after what I have seen today I can simply say that it is a punishment for him to stay in that place as it would seriously start causing him severe mental issues."


    Celestia frowned in deep thought as she spoke, "I have something I will be right back.", with that Celestia quickly left and returned within a minute with thick tomes.


    "I do not think any of us are well knowledgeable in some demonic technique but I have tomes about it we can discuss and decide what to do next."


    Shamiran nodded as she spoke, "So true, I have also asked my subordinates to bring all information on the Blood God Pool that Ryuu''s prey has created, and here it is."


    A short but furious discussion took place and they all came to a not so startling as well as lackl_u_s_ter conclusion.


    "Idiot that Ji something is an idiot."


    Nuwa nodded as she spoke, "So true Sylvana, he is an idiot."


    Maheswara frowned as he spoke, "Well he is an idiot but at the same time he is using bastardized version of the original Blood God Pool."


    Celestia snorted as she spoke, "Bastardized, it is bastardized version of the technique that has been bastardized for a thousand times."


    Veena hummed in thought as she spoke, "Well we can do nothing about the array."


    Nuwa had  harrumphed as she spoke, "Please stop talking about that abomination, we want to hurl at its sight and that part it looks as if someone had killed a fly and that idiot had copied it, it makes us feel sick."


    Celestia simply hid her smile behind the sleeves of her dress but she had already drawn everyone''s attention as Nuwa spoke in an annoyed tone, "What is it sister? What did you find so funny?"


    "Nothing I was just reminded how similar Ryuu is too you whenever he sees some poorly done array, like that time remember when he made a man hundreds of years older than him cry from all the scolding he gave."


    Her words seemed like a small spark that set alight a forest as everyone broke into fits of giggle and laughter except Nuwa who was busy blushing hard.


    A few minutes later, they had managed to control their humour as they once again focused on the problem at hand as Antariskh spoke with a heavy sigh, "If that Blood God fellow had met with this idiot he would have committed suicide from shame."


    Shamiran nodded as she spoke, "So true, the array is barely eight percent efficient, and improving it would be a chore and I am not so thrill on helping the trash."


    Veena snorted as she spoke, "Something like that is not a chore Shamiran it is as easy as breathing but you are right we are not feeling too motivated to help this trash, but I think I can create a small tincture if it s dropped in the blood pool it would increase his speed of cultivation."


    Nuwa frowned as she spoke with a nod, "It would be great that way."


    Veena frowned in deep thought as she spoke, "But I should decrease it by how much, if I want I can bring down the time to a second."


    Maheswara frowned before he spoke with a tired sigh, "Even then do not make it so easy for him."


    A cruel smile appeared on Veena''s face as she spoke, "Easy, please I can make it so that after a month of his explosive increase in strength he would resemble a corpse with strength lower than a newborn babe."


    Antariskh beamed at her as she spoke, "I like it mother."


    Maheswara frowned as he spoke, "Me too but make it so that when he confront Ryuu he will be at his best, I am sure Ryuu would love a challenge."


    Sylvana scoffed at her father''s words as she spoke, "Father you are expecting too much from the trash, until and unless we bestow him with some form of hidden strength he is not my brother''s match."


    Shamiran meanwhile frowned as she spoke, "He might not be but I do not think he is the only one we have to be wary about, my subordinates have found mention about some hidden powers working behind the scene and I can bet Ryuu would get tangled up with them when he makes his move."


    Celestia frowned as she spoke, "How dangerous is that hidden power?"


    Shamiran frowned as she spoke, "My subordinates have heard brief mention about them but nothing more as such I vote not to take any chances and keep our army close by so that they can support Ryuu."


    Celestia frowned as she spoke, "Hmm, maybe I should be nearby as well after all it has been sometime since I had a nice fight."


    Ryuu meanwhile cast a bored look at the person in front of him as he spoke, "So they are trying to upstage us, how ambitious, and how are they planning to do that?"


    "Sir, from what I have heard they are going about speaking with our local suppliers offering much better rate than us."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "By how much."


    "At the very least double of what we are offering."


    Ryuu frowned as his mind worked the information which he received, ''They will make both short and long term losses, so I think they are trying to humiliate us."


    Ryuu''s eyes narrowed at the informer as he spoke, "So how many are working with them."


    "Well majority of them have not shown any interest though a few have shown."


    "Ho, so will they breach contract with us and stop selling?"


    "No I do not think so."


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "So there is nothing to worry about as long as they keep selling us their produce, in fact it would be great if we have some healthy competition, so is there anything else you wish to keep report."


    As his informer shook his head Ryuu flashed him a smile as he spoke, "Well then please keep your ears out for any more news and good work."


    The man stood up as he left after bowing to Ryuu and as he was out of sight Ryuu''s eyes turned cold as he stared at the seat that was occupied by his informer.


    "My prince what are your thoughts on the matter."


    "Those who are openly showing their interest are idiots, I have no doubt there are many who would do so, after all everyone wants an extra profit but most importantly we cannot control on what they sell to us, upon saying that as long as our quality and quantity is not compromised I would careless who they sell to."


    "Hmm, so you think that the suppliers will cause trouble for us?"


    "I do not know why but the way they are working they will incur huge loss so the only reason I think they are preparing to take a loss is to humiliate us, I would not be surprised if they do something underhanded."


    "I also came to the same conclusion Your Highness, but what now?"


    "I want them to play their card while we wait and then we will counteract them."


    Ryuu picked up a piece of paper as he mused inwardly, ''When will that piece of shit come out, I cannot wait to erase the entire JI clan.''


    His thoughts were cut off when Yu Wu arrived with a large stack of paper and a bright smile on her face, "Boss some fresh paperwork just arrived."


    ~thunk~


    The sound drew her attention as she gained a startled look on her face upon seeing Ryuu with his face planted hard on the desk as Yamamoto let out a brief chuckle as he spoke, "Junior Yu Wu you have managed to defeat His Highness with just paperwork."

 Chapter 513 - Back to Kuvosie (Part-2)

    Ryuu sent a stink eye towards Yu Wu who was desperately trying not to laugh at him, as he had a disgruntled expression on his face while trying hard to finish his paperwork.


    "Here boss, this is the last stack for the day then you would be free."


    Ryuu huffed as he spoke, "It better be, and what is this nonsense, why do I have to deal with so much paperwork."


    Yamamoto chuckled as he spoke, "Large organizations tend to create a lot."


    "Yes, yes I understand, but are there not people in the chain of command who filter out the paperwork so that the one sitting about them has not to do everything."


    "Your Highness they filter out the majority of the thing, but you are to be kept informed of various dealings by those under you and then you have to deal with major stuff yourself, think about your sister how much she has to deal with paperwork because of all this."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Why can it not be like a fairy tale where the King or the Prince does not have to do any paperwork, just spend their days being lazy."


    "Well you answered your own question they are fairy tales after all, but in reality, a Monarch who is not involved with the workings of his kingdom is a poor one or just a puppet of someone."


    Ryuu deadpanned at him as he spoke, "If I were an evil puppeteer I would have dropped all my paperwork on my puppets ??ps and be gloriously free."


    Yamamoto simply snorted at his words as he spoke with a shake of his head, "It is so like you My Prince."


    Ryuu turned towards Yu Wu as he spoke, "If there is anything else you may take your leave for the day."


    Yu Wu gave a small bow but before she was about to leave she suddenly remembered something as she quickly spoke, "Ah boss, new shipments came in and they have been already been checked."


    Ryuu gave her undivided attention as he spoke, "Really so are those items good."


    Yu Wu gave a nod as she spoke, "They are top-notch quality boss, though do you wish to check them."


    Ryuu waved off his hand as he spoke in a tired tone, "No I trust my people and if they say it is good quality then it is good quality I do not wish to doubt the judgment of my people."


    Yu Wu gave a bow as she spoke, "Then boss I will take my leave.", and with that, she left.


    As Yu Wu left the room Ryuu''s face changed drastically as it morphed into a scowl.


    "Is something wrong Your Highness?"


    Ryuu looked towards the door as he gave a nod before he touched his temples, and Yamamoto did not hesitate to connect with him through telepathic means as Ryuu began to reply back, ''I do not know their auction is going to be held tomorrow and both ours and their shipments had arrived today and for some reason, I feel a bit of unease, I think I should check the stock discreetly as soon as possible.''


    ''I remember you saying to Junior Yu Wu that you trust their judgment.''


    ''I do trust them, but is it so bad that I should not double-check it myself after all I might sound arrogant but there are various instances where my knowledge far outstrips any of them.''


    ''So true, so when will you go to check them?''


    Ryuu growled as he replied back, ''As soon as I decimate this blasted paperwork.''


    A few hours later, Ryuu made his way to the storage area, while greeting the newcomers after a shift change, since his arrival Ryuu had reinforced the storage runes with various esoteric arrays which he and a few senior members were linked with the bulk of them as well as the right to rework them only belonged to him.


    Ryuu found a secluded spot as he tweaked the array before stepping into the shadows and disappearing, and less than a second later he found himself inside the storage room while the array inside the storeroom was down for the time being as such none were informed of his visit.


    The storeroom was heavily reinforced with separate spaces kept for various items, from weapons, sutras to medicinal pills to precious herbs and ores were stored in here, not to mention various food items were placed which were catered to various guests of Kuvosie branch of Shangri-la.


    Ryuu moved through each of them as he reached the d?s?r?d destination, the storage food for fresh food, herbs and wines, the food items that were used to make spirit food for the many guests who came to feat in Shangri-la, the quality of Shangri-la''s spirit food was top notch as because of its vast area of influence more often than not various extremely exotic items would appear.


    ''The only reason that people prefer Shangri-la to others is because of the quality of the products even though the spirit food produced is priced astronomically higher than any other places the quality eclipses the difference and now they are trying to compete with us by selling products at dirt cheap price, not to mention they had invited some famous Spirit Food Chef from around this parts, hmm, I would not be surprised if they will try to pull some underhanded tricks.''


    Ryuu stood in midst of the resources as he closed his eyes letting his senses do the work as the various Dao he had enlightenment in helped him check them, a few seconds later a pulse of killing intent appeared as it disappeared as soon as it came.


    "Ho is there something that made you angry, My Prince."


    Ryuu did not jump up nor did he let out an embarrassing scream of fear, and any who would claim it as such are liars and they should be hanged.


    Yamamoto''s eyes shone with mirth as he received a baleful glare from Ryuu as he quickly spoke with a bow, "I humbly apologize Your Highness for sca��"


    "I WAS STARTLED not scared but startled because you appeared suddenly behind me."


    "I humbly apologize for startling, your Highness."


    Ryuu huffed as he spoke, "Next time do not sneak behind me like that."


    Ryuu took a deep breath calming himself down before he spoke with a frown, "Yes, they have already played one of their cards, a few of the crates containing items have certain additional items in them ranging from one of the planks at the bottom of the crate or something that had been sprayed on them, which is reacting with the contains and producing toxins, toxins that will allude you if you do not have sufficient enlightenment in the Dao of Alchemy."


    Ryuu raised his right hand as a semi-transparent ball began to gather up in his hand as Yamamoto spoke, "This toxin will erode the medicinal pills making them fake as they will not be able to provide any useful effects but the toxin of the pills will rampage in the body, not to mention how those toxins would pollute the other ingredients, aye what a terrible loss we will suffer."


    "Not to mention how our reputation would be tarnish, no matter how polished a mirror is at the end of the day everyone''s attention will fall on that one small dot on the mirror."


    "So what are we going to do Your Highness?"


    A vicious smirk appeared on Ryuu''s face as he spoke, "Well they should have a mock trial to see if the prototype works or not."


    Yamamoto mirrored Ryuu''s smirk as he spoke, "You are absolutely right Your Highness."


    The very next day Ryuu looked at the large building created opposite to that of the Shangri-La, the building to many looked like an epitome of wealth and architectural marvel but to Ryuu it looked like a desperate cry by a nouveau riche who wanted to claim he was a very important and extremely wealthy but at the end of the day came out as a vain showoff who was not only colourblind but as well as aesthetically dumb.


    "What an eyesore."


    Yu Wu sighed as she spoke, "Maybe but there are many who like it."


    "No, they simply are awed by the vain display of the nouveau riche, though at the end of the day we will have some healthy competition."


    "Ah, branch manager how nice to see you."


    An arrogant condescending voice came to Ryuu''s ears as he sent a bored look at the person who continued to speak, "I hope your pitiful auction house does not feel threatened by our humble one."


    As he spoke a few of his lackeys accompanying him gained a smirk on their faces as the man continued in a self-important tone, "We would have liked to sent an invitation but alas our important guests would not have liked to seats near someone so plebian, it would spoil their appetite and Spirit Food Master Chef Hisito Nemi  said that it might decrease the quality of food but do not worry I would make sure to send some leftovers to you, after all, you might not even have smelt such wondrous cuisine."


    As the person continued his monologue his lackeys began to laugh and jeered at him as Yu Wu''s face contorted in anger, but Ryuu''s face had a kind smile on his face.


    The person eyes widened as he greeted a portly looking person who had an air of superiority on him as he spoke, "Chef Hisito Nemi, we were discussing your prowess trying to educate these plebeians from Shangri-la."


    The Chef huffed as he spoke, "There is no need to educate the uncultured barbarians, I still remembered how they begged me to join them, and as if they can even afford my expertise."


    His words drew another round of flattery from the lackey of the JI clan member, which the duo ??pped up before they turned to look at Ryuu only to be stunned seeing both Ryuu and Yu Wu walking away from them without a care of the world, which made the duo huff in indignation as they left with their lackeys in tow.


    Meanwhile, Yu Wu raged with righteous anger as she spoke with a growl, "Those bastards, ugh, how dare they insult us like that!"


    "Yu Wu please calm down we should not degrade ourselves to their level, let them try and spit towards the sky the spit will only back fall on their face."


    Yu Wu could not help but let out a tired sigh as she spoke, "They are harassing us too much and if it were not for your strict orders a battle might have broken off, and it is getting very hard to not deal with them."


    "That is what they want us to do, provoke us and if we retaliate they will pull the helpless victim card, I have seen enough street thugs doing the same to make some money, but that Chef was bragging about turning us down did that really happen."


    Yu Wu ?r??n?d as she spoke, "Well he is a rather decent chef, maybe even the best in the immediate vicinity of the area near our control, well enough that he can be as good as some of ours, and when he applied to work for us the previous general Manager took his interview, the man is only a peak Immortal but the ego, pride and vanity he possesses is outstandingly unbelievable and as such he was not hired, and now he is spouting such lies."


    "I see, but please do not worry Yu Wu the Heaven is fair and it would not tolerate such unsightly behaviour."

 Chapter 514 - An Auction to remember (Part-1)

    "Want some?"


    Yamamoto gave a small nod as Ryuu handed him a bag of popcorn which he accepted with a smile on his face.


    "Thank you."


    Ryuu returned the smile as he spoke out loud, "I know you all are working but for the moment just relax and have some popcorn, and enjoy the show."


    As Ryuu spoke out loud one by one the bags containing popcorn disappeared from the table as Ryuu looked at the screen in front of him.


    Yamamoto stared at the corner of the room as he spoke with a sigh, "It simply amazes me that they are willing to listen to you after all they are die hard loyal to Her Highness and only listen to her orders."


    Ryuu snorted as he spoke, "They are listening to me because they have been ordered to do so only when my orders do not clash their orders to protect me."


    Yamamoto looked at the screen in front of him as he spoke with a disappointed look on his face, "We are spying on them and they have yet to realize it."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "So true also thank you for the array advisor Yamamoto it is helping us to spy on them."


    Ryuu munched on a fistful of popcorn as he spoke as he bit back a m??n, "The popcorn made from ''Cumulonimbus Corn'' tastes so good it is a great choice Advisor."


    Yamamoto nodded with a happy smile on his face as he spoke, "So true it simply melts in our mouth and with right spices it tastes heavenly but what this drink that you have brought with Your Highness, it tastes great."


    "Ah, this is something that I found a vendor selling it, it smells like orange but the fizziness of the drink makes it tastes good but it is made with only mundane ingredients if only we could get one suitable for cultivators."


    Yamamoto frowned as he spoke, "Something worth investing, it would sell well with many of our clients."


    Ryuu nodded as he focused on the screen in front of him, he watched as one by one the guests had occupied their rather posh seats as he spoke with a frown, "I like those seat designs maybe we can upgrade ours to something similar and then may be put some array on them so that if they pay something extra then they can get massage whenever they wish to."


    Yamamoto stroked his beard with a contemplative look on his face as he spoke, "Massaging chair where you will have to pay a little bit more for it to work, hmm, we will have to conduct a study on it to see if it is profitable and as for renovating this place we have to see the budget, but at the same time it is inadvisable to copy their design, maybe we can show it to some of our designers so that it might spark some idea in them."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke, "We can definitely do that but most importantly the people of Kuvosie certainly have some rather nice artisans."


    Ryuu''s eyes then fell on the workers of the auction house as his face gained a look of disbelief as he spoke out loud, "Advisor if I am not wrong I am watching the workings of an auction house right?"


    "It is Your Highness."


    "Then why do their workers look like pr?st?tut?s hired from some brothel."


    Yamamoto simply smiled as he snapped his fingers and the view on the screen changed as it showed Ryuu the interior of the VIP balconies and all he saw was debauchery at its finest.


    "Your Highness, many third trashes use these techniques to entice their customers, and all those workers whether they are male or female, are well trained in the art of p???sur? and seduction, this tactics is such that is not tolerated in Shangri-la and any branch caught practicing such will cause severe actions taken against the superior of that branch."


    Ryuu''s face scrunched up as he witnessed the hedonistic and debauchery of the guests only for his eyes to widen as he looked into a particular room as he spoke quickly, "Advisor the previous room, please show me the room again."


    As Yamamoto showed him the room again a large smile blossomed on Ryuu''s face as he spoke, "My my one of the Queens of the Xia dynasty is having an affair with the acting Patriarch of the JI clan."


    Yamamoto had a look of distaste on his face as he spoke, "What an unfaithful woman, it is simply so disgusting."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "From what I know the Emperor is in love with his Empress but the rest of the consorts are from political marriages also from what we know the Emperor and Empress have yet to have any children and the Emperor has vowed that until and unless Empress gives birth to his heir he will not have children with any of his consorts."


    Yamamoto frowned as he spoke, "I see, I can understand why she is doing such a thing but still it is distasteful we are not like mortals who would die b?r?ly reaching a century, we have long life and female cultivators unlike mortals can still give birth even after millions of years so her actions are still despicable."


    "Actually it is not only her, the rest of the consorts have taken one or a couple of lovers as well, the Emperor is said to be a wise and shrewd man and I would not be surprised if he already knew about it, but is waiting to use it for his gain."


    Yamamoto narrowed his eyes as he spoke, "You are right Your Highness, the Emperor might be planning something but what will we do about them."


    Ryuu smirked as he spoke, "Advisor did you not say that array could record as well."


    Yamamoto nodded as he spoke, "Yes it can."


    "Then do so, but at the same time I do not wish to watch them fornicating so can we change the view to somewhere else."


    "Of course it can be done Your Highness."


    With that, the view changed as Ryuu watched the proceeding of the auction with a disinterested look on his face, and as the auction house entered a frenzied state upon seeing one of the items Ryuu could not help but let out a tired sigh.


    "Is something wrong Your Highness?"


    "I was just thinking how privileged I am, those people are fighting tooth and nail for a ''Four stripped Enlightenment fruit'', to them it is some kind of heavenly treasure but back in Ayindril the garden surrounding my manor has a Six strip one and yet I have never touched it, they grow, they ripe, then they fall over to rot away yet I have never touched it, but look at this people, seeing the scene in front of me I can definitely say that one man''s trash is another man''s treasure."


    Yamamoto simply smiled at his words as he spoke, "So true your Highness, it is same for many cultivators some of them have to gamble with their lives for a single low level spirit crystal whereas others have all the treasure but at the end of the day it depends everything on the cultivator for as long as he stays true to his path he can achieve miraculous results."


    Ryuu did not say anything as he gave his undivided attention to the proceeding when all of a sudden a vicious smirk appeared on his face as he spoke, "The show is about to begin now."


    Hu Cheng sighed as he watched the ''Four Stripped Enlightenment Fruit'' was auctioned off in front of his very eyes, he desperately wanted to buy it but alas it was sold for at least ten times the amount he had, as such all, he could do was to curse his luck and swallow the bile.


    As he looked at the large smile on the person who won the fruit he mused out inwardly with b?r?ly concealed anger in his heart, ''Look at that buffoon smiling like he has won the world I wonder how long he will be able to keep it with him after stepping out of the auctions.'', Hu Cheng''s eyes fell on a group of people as bitterness once again rose in his heart, ''Forget it, there are many who would want to steal the fruit, people who can kill me with a slap, I will just have to make sure that I am far away when the fight breaks out.''


    Then it happened his KI began to swirl controllable as he vomited copious amount of blood, a scene that soon was imitated by the majority of the guests, but that was not the only thing that took place the stomach of the guests rumbled hard as their bowels suddenly seemed to be on verge of letting loose.


    Meanwhile back with the General Manager and his Advisor, a matching grin appeared on most of their faces as Ryuu''s mind flashed back to the time when he began setting the stage for the revenge.


    A figure dressed completely head and toe in black stood on top of a tall building as he looked towards his target which was bathed by the moonlight.


    ''It had to be a full moon tonight, oh well it is nothing that I cannot fix.''


    Ryuu raised his hand as a small cloud appeared blocking the moon as he once again looked at the building a small smirk graced his cloth-covered face as he whispered lowly, "Now let me make this a bit fun.", and with that, he disappeared from his position.


    He jumped and landed on top of the building without making a noise, he could see the guards patrolling the area but alas he could not attack them even knocking them out would be inadvisable for his current mission as such he stepped into the shadows completely.


    ''Ah, I can already feel the array surrounding the place, but whoever put the array did a shabby job as long as I suppress my KI to as low as a common house rat I will not be detected, but even if I suppress it to such a level I am still deadlier than all of them combine, now let me check the array.''


    A few seconds later Ryuu''s eyes twitched as he suppressed the urge to scream and then drag the array master who created it and beat the person to death.


    ''Which idiot created this, I can easily take over the array, no it is even worse in fact anyone who has never even known the concept of an array can break into it, the entire think is ridiculous, it is like creating a fort but forgetting to install doors then sticking archers up on top of the wall with only swords as their weapon and then destroying any means for them to climb down, it is like asking the fort to be captured.''


    It did not take him a minute to learn about the entire layout of the auction house not to mention the entire array was already in the palm of his hands.


    ''Hmm, now let��'', Ryuu was stunned for a moment before he facepalmed himself hard, ''What am I doing? I am colossal idiot I tried to make it challenging to me but I came across the array system and took over it, I have already decreased the level of difficulty from a percent to zero, what an idiot I am, ugh well I do not feel motivated enough to modify my work so I will press forward.''


    Ryuu dashed towards the roof entrance of the building he dashed into the shadows as it opened with a groan as a couple of people entered the roof and as they moved forward one of the guards shouted out, "Close the door idiot do you wish to get shouted at or whipped, tomorrow is a big day we have been instructed to guard properly."


    The person in question spoke in a tired tone, "Ya ya I know, just keep an eye on those Shangri-la bastards we do not want them to pull anything."


    Unknown to them those moments were enough for Ryuu to slip inside the auction house, as he dashed down through the stairs jumping over the head of one of the guards as he stuck to the ceiling as he moved like a spider for some time, before jumping down on the ground down and dashing down another set of stair before he reached the last door which separated him from his goal which was accompanied by a yawning guard who was leaning near the door.


    Luo Han let out a yawn with a bored look on his face, ''Being a disciple of Ji Clan is so hard, cultivation is so hard, I am already a peak Wanxiang Adept at hundred and fifty years of age, I worked so hard and now I am tired and I want to go home and sleep.''


    Luo Han did not even notice anything as a figure slipped past him, and then opening the door and entering into the storage area.


    Ryuu looked around the storage area as a small frown formed on his face, ''I understand that the space expansion array may not be available to them but this is horrendous, they should have created more space and tried various means to separate items, keeping all of them stashed like this would affect the more volatile items like medicinal pills, but oh well their loss is my gain.''


    He quickly checked certain crates and located certain items before he placed a talisman on them, the talisman that had been crafted by Yamamoto.


    ''After this entire fiasco is over I will delve my hand into learning about arrays that govern space and time but for now it is time to switch part of the contents of the storage.''


    It took a few seconds for Ryuu to interchange the affected resource making sure only to move the resource and not their container, the resources that were placed in semi-stasis thus prevented them from releasing their noxious vapours was finally like a raging river whose dam has collapsed and Ryuu happily ?ssisted it to pollute the contents of the storage room, in fact, he even went ahead and increased its potency.


    Upon finishing his work a spark of inspiration appeared in his head as he quickly added a few more tweaks inside the array system of the auction house before he left.


    Back at present Ryuu sipped the beverage as he spoke with a content sigh, "It feels so great when all plan comes to fruition."


    Yamamoto simply nodded as a fistful of popcorn found its way into his mouth as Ryuu continued to speak with a cold look in his eyes, "Now I will just have to deal with those unscrupulous suppliers who supplied us with poisoned products."

 Chapter 515 - An Auction to remember (Part-2)

    Ryuu frowned as he stared at the screen as he spoke with a sigh, "I have made a huge mistake."


    Yamamoto looked at Ryuu with a frown on his face as he spoke, "Can you please elaborate Your Highness?"


    "Look at the number of people that JI clan has managed to anger today, people if they band together they can destroy the clan not to mention their old Patriarch would also be forced out of his seclusion, what a disaster."


    "But did not wish for that clan''s destruction?"


    Ryuu stood up from his seat as he spoke, "I do, but they are only allowed to die by my hands and by my permission only, hmm, maybe I should lessen the blow."


    With that Ryuu stalked out of the room in search of Yu Wu, whom he found rather quickly as he spoke, "Is there something wrong Yu Wu? I hear a lot of commotion."


    Yu Wu gave a small bow as she began to speak, "Boss, apparently something had happened with the auction house the people are agitated and most of them seemed to have suffered internal injuries as well as soiled their clothing, a brief confrontation had broken out when they tried to leave the guards tried to stop them and now it seems that they are in deep trouble."


    Ryuu pinched the brow of his nose as he spoke with a sigh, "Sister Yu Wu, it seems that today they managed to anger Heaven''s itself, there is nothing we can do to help them but make sure that if a fight breaks out our people do not get involve at the same time if someone dares to attack us we can defend ourselves."


    Yu Wu gave a nod as she spoke, "I will see to it immediately boss."


    "Thank you Yu Wu then I will be off to the storage area it seems something off about it."


    Yu Wu frowned as she spoke, "Off? What do you mean by that boss?"


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "I do not know but some of the array placed inside the storage is acting a bit weird according to them some kind of toxic substance is on loose."


    Yu Wu let out a gasp as she spoke, "Oh my then we better hurry."


    Ryuu gave a small nod as he spoke, "Yes let us be on our way."


    The duo quickly made their way towards the storage area and along with the overseer, they entered the storage space.


    The overseer looked extremely annoyed but not with Ryuu or with Yu Wu but with himself as he had yet to detect any such problem within the storage area but their Boss had managed to do so which in turn showed his incompetence."


    Ryuu slowly walked through the storage area with his eyes closed while his subordinates followed closely after him.


    Ryuu walked past various items and then he finally stopped in front of one of the crates with a frown on his face and few minutes poking and prodding later Ryuu spoke with a sigh, "What a disaster, it is a good thing we found the cause early otherwise we would have not only incurred heavy loss not only financially but in reputation as well."


    "Boss, may I ask what kind of problem are we facing?"


    Ryuu looked towards Yu Wu as he spoke with a sigh, "A few of our resources especially of the floral kind have been send in crates that are not suitable to store them, they react with the crate and produce toxins that would cause immense problem when consumed like causing some inner injuries not to mention their presence would lower the value of medicinal pills kept near them making them completely useless when consumed."


    Both the Overseer and Yu Wu had a troubled look on their faces as the Overseer spoke with anger in his voice, "Such a thing I missed it, I feel so ashamed of myself."


    Ryuu raised his hand stopping the Overseer from speaking as he began to speak, "Please be at ease, this thing can only be caught by someone with extremely high enlightenment on the Dao of Alchemy."


    Yu Wu frowned as she spoke, "Those crates were supplied by our suppliers, and they have been supplying us with the resources for such a longtime could they have made any mistake."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "Accidently knocking a glass of water is an accident but flinging the glass of water across a room is not an accident, the crates are created in such a way that of you do not look to closely you will not find them not to mention the items have been doused with certain liquids to enhance the poisonous effect."


    Yu Wu balled her fist as she spoke, "Those bastards."


    "Blacklist them, simply blacklist them and make sure to publicly denounce them with the cause being purposely tampering with resources by dousing them with poison which would cause great internal injuries when consumed."


    Yu Wu nodded as Ryuu continued to speak, "Although it has been contained for the time being, please make sure to dispose of them as fast as possible and if necessary do so publicly, I want everyone to know what kind of creepy criminals those bastard are."


    "As you wish Boss I will do so immediately though I have a certain concern to report."


    Ryuu looked at Yu Wu as he spoke with a curious look on his face, "Please go ahead."


    Yu Wu gave a nod as she spoke, "I believe the JI clan is pulling strings from behind those are send by those who were showing reluctance in fulfilling the contract asking for renewal of the contract."


    Ryuu closed his eyes in deep thought as the Overseer spoke with anger in his voice, "I completely agree with Deputy Yu, the timing is very convenient they are having an auction and now we would be suffering from such a catastrophe."


    Ryuu nodded as he spoke with a frown on his face, "I agree with both of you the JI clan has a hand behind this.", his frown was soon replaced by a tired look as he spoke, "But the problem is we do not have any proof."


    Yu Wu frowned as she spoke, "Boss, we can easily crush them with our power."


    Ryuu gave a nod as he spoke, "Yes we can but then the Royal family would get involved and then we will have to fight the entire nation and conquer it, such a chore, not to mention that such act can cause problem for Shangri-la later on as such we will not  do so."


    "But��"


    Ryuu simply looked towards Yu Wu and a feeling of dread welled up in her preventing her from speaking as Ryuu continued, "But that does not mean that they will escape from harm, we will break them, make them beg for mercy but we have to be patient and tactful especially since one of wives of the current Emperor seems to be intimately involved with the acting patriarch of JI clan."


    The duo looked thunderstruck as Yu Wu spoke with disbelief, "That kind of ?du?tery is��. oh my, the Emperor will wipe out the JI clan, Boss I do not doubt you but are you sure about this information, because if proven wrong it would make us the enemy of the state."


    Ryuu gave a nod as he spoke, "I am sure and do not worry about the information for now as we will use it when the iron is hot for now let them grow bigger, as bigger they are harder they fall so for no forget about everything I said."


    Both the Yu Wu and the Overseer gave a small bow while Ryuu internally gave a pat on his back at the brilliant performance that he had managed to pull.


    The situation on the JI clan side was incredibly tensed as they were being besieged by all sides wanting to tear them apart but the only reason that they had survived was because of the fact that Empress Consort Maria had decided to lend them a hand.


    JI San was incredibly infuriated but he had to maintain a humble look on his face as he tried to diffuse the situation that he could not even fathom how it had occurred, whether it was a mistake or some deliberate sabotage they had yet to discover it.


    When all of a sudden he spotted Ryuu standing near the door of Shangri-La instructing his subordinates and because of his high-level cultivation he could clearly hear that Ryuu was throwing them away because they are poisoned.


    "General Manager Ryuu, my heartfelt greetings to you."


    Ryuu looked at the speaker who stood in front of him with his hand cupped, he knew who that person was and he was able to see the undivided attention that everyone was giving them but he decided to act clueless as he spoke, "Greetings to you too my fellow Daoist, but I am sorry to say I do not recognize you."


    JI San gave an apologetic smile as he spoke, "Ah, my name is Ji San and I am acting patriarch of the Ji clan, and I have a small favor to ask of you my fellow daoist.", he gained a pained look on his face as he spoke, "I know that my family had harmed your reputation but I would humbly make a request of you."


    Ryuu''s eyes widened momentarily as he spoke with a solemn sigh, "I know there has been some problem but even then if you are approaching me then the situation is dire, I will decide on my next course of my action."


    Ji San gave a nod as he spoke, "We were holding an auction at our auction house but alas a mysterious illness struck them and they are now suffering because of it, we are at a loss on what to do, I have heard that you are an accomplish Alchemist so can you please check on them."


    Ryuu frowned for a moment before he spoke with a sigh, "We may have our differences but this is different I will help you but I cannot make any promises."


    Ji San bowed deeply before Ryuu while he profusely thanked him, although Ryuu did not say anything inwardly he frowned at the sight.


    ''This person is dangerous pretending to be weak and humble not to mention the epitome of good but the moment you show him your back he would strike like a viper, and according what I know after the fiasco which led to my mother''s death the only reason their clan survived was because of him and his silver tongue, hmm he might be way stronger than him but even then I will have to keep my guard up.''


    Ryuu was escorted to the nearest person who was writhing in agony, Ryuu kneeled in front of the person as he was checked him before he spoke with a frown, "The spirit branches branched have completely clogged as well as his internal organs have been harmed, they would be alright within a few days but alas it would cause an injury that would torment them for a very long time."


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "It will hurt a bit but please try to bear with it."


    With that Ryuu poked at certain parts of his body tossing and turning him in a manner that a person does to a toy before slapping the back of the injured person hard making the person vomit some putrid black pus.


    "Bring some water for him."


    As one of the people ran off, another person quickly approached Ryuu as he spoke, "Daoist brother, please could you help others as well."


    Ryuu looked at the people that were still suffering from the ailment as a frown appeared on his face as he spoke, "This��."

 Chapter 516 - An Auction to remember (Part-3)

    "I would love to help you with our stocks but they have been contaminated as such I am at a loss on what to do."


    "The technique that you used, can you not teach us? If you can do so we can all use it to cure."


    "Sure it would take a few days for you to learn to use it with extreme precision and even if you learn it by then after half an hour from now it would not matter as they would be permanently damaged."


    The person balled his fist as Mariya spoke, "Give me the list of ingredients I ?ssure you that with my authority I will have gathered all the ingredients."


    Ryuu gave her a small nod as he spoke, "Of course but please gather enough to make a thousand pills, I would take at least five minutes and then we have to mix it with water and make them drink a sip at most, so take this bring them to me quickly."


    "I see."


    With that, the consort of the Emperor took the Jade slip as she left with her secret beau JI san, while Ryuu decided to meditate with the excuse he was conserving his energy in order to concoct the pills.


    Ten minutes later the duo arrived with a load of various medicinal plants as Ryuu began to concoct the pills.


    While he was waiting the members of the Vance clan had also arrived at the scene as the words of the disaster had already spread.


    Sabine looked at Ryuu from a distance as Jacklyn spoke with her eyes wide, "Is he going to make pills again?"


    Fang gave a nod as he spoke, "It seems so, let us witness the skill that he used to save our daughter."


    In the meantime while Fang was busy discussing with his family, Yujie who had appeared discreetly was busy looking at Mariya and Ji San as a frown formed on his face, ''Those two seems to be too close to my liking.'', but before he could muse further on the matter he was interrupted by the timely arrival of the Royal Alchemist.


    "You what are you doing? Wasting this resources how dare you foolish child."


    Ryuu according to his habit, which was developed under his teacher''s care, had raised a barrier to prevent someone from interfering with his work, but that did not prevent a certain someone banging on it like his life was on the line.


    Ryuu growled as he looked towards the yelling and banging person only to receive the shock of his life.


    ''Long white beard that reached the ground - check, wearing a gown �C check, having a wizened and I am the most knowledgeable being in the universe look �C double check, no way even after all these years��''


    "How dare you brat act like that against the true master of Alchemy, wasting resources like that, how dare you! I, the Head of the Alchemist Association as well as the Royal Alchemist will not tolerate it."


    ''Oh Heaven''s they have returned, the Idiot Inc. is back with full force and vengeance.''


    Ryuu composed himself as he spoke, "Are you done, we are busy people here can you stop distracting me."


    "How dare you act so brazenly like that conning this poor people with your mediocre skill and wasting precious resources can you even pay you filt�� muuuhhh."


    The Royal Alchemist tirade was broken as a Deva Crystal found its way into his mouth and being only a Peak Level Immortal, the alchemist had a similar experience to a mortal who tried to ingest a lump of burning coal.


    "Choke on that Deva Crystal and shut up, people need my help and if you are useless enough to only scream like some howler monkey then shut up, never have I seen a place where the ruler of the land ask for money to save his own people or are you the mastermind behind this."


    Ryuu took a deep breath to calm himself down as he spoke, "Well whatever I am busy and those around me can you make sure that I can concoct the pills in peace without any further interruption."


    YuJie quickly approached the scene as he spoke with a frown, "Please go ahead I will make sure no one interrupts you.", as he spoke he pinned a scathing glare on the alchemist whose face looked to be badly burned by the time he managed to spit out the crystal.


    They did not have to wait very long as soon after Ryuu had finished extracting the essence before he began to work on them.


    Mariya went and gave a small bow towards Sabine as she spoke, "Sister Sabine it is so good you."


    Sabine smiled at Mariya as she spoke, "It is good to see you to sister, but what are you doing here."


    Mariya sighed as she spoke, "I was bored and thought about visiting the auction house but then this happened, it is a blessing of Heavens that Daoist Ryuu decided to help us but it seems like because of this cretin the Royal family''s honor is besmirched."


    Mariya glared at the Royal Alchemist before she spoke b?r?ly above a whisper, "By the way sister is that your youngest is that not?"


    Sabine nodded but before she could speak her attention was drawn towards Ryuu as the pills had attracted a tribulation making those who were watching gasp in awe.


    Yujie himself had a look of disbelief, in his lifetime he had seen many things but never had he seen a person so young to not only create so many pills together but even trigger a tribulation for them.


    Ryuu stood up with the pills floating by his side as he spoke out loud, "Bring me a large pitcher of water, big enough to hold enough water for all of the people present here to take a sip."


    "Boss, here is a pitcher."


    Ryuu gave a nod towards Yu Wu while the pills that were floating by his side were promptly added into it as he spoke hurriedly, "Quickly feed it to the people who are poisoned just a sip is enough."


    Ji San''s mind was furiously working trying to take in and understand what he had experienced the entire day.


    ''I think his name should be changed to ''Dog shit'', not only has he brought a large financial ruin to us, but the Shangri-la is not something that you can make enemy off, they can easily deal with us I will have to restrict my son from seeing him too much as I can clearly see whose influence it is that made him dumb.''


    Ji San''s eyes fell on Ryuu as he let out a small sigh, ''What a pity he could be an excellent friend and help our family grow a bit more but the stupidity of my family members, ugh, sometimes I wish those idiots were not born.''


    His eyes then travelled towards Vance clan as he gave a small bow towards Fang as he continued his internal monologue, ''It is shame he is their son, who knows what side he might choose and I will not tolerate an unknown variable though since he helped us today I promise to make his passing as peaceful and painless as possible.''


    As Ryuu started to leave he was stopped by YuJie who quickly spoke, "General Manger Ryuu, please wait."


    Ryuu stopped as he looked curiously towards Yujie who began to speak, "You do not need to pay for the ingredients please accept it and allow me to place it back in your space ring as it can be dangerous at your cultivation level."


    Ryuu looked at the Deva Crystal that was held by Yujie, the very same crystal which he had thrown at the alchemist, Ryuu could see the saliva blood and even some of the skin of that alchemist still attached to the crystal which made a look of disgust appear on his face.


    "With all due respect senior I would never come near something that has been touched by that cretin who knows where his face has been."


    "But still this is a Deva Crystal and you should not waste something as valuable as it."


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke in a rather callous manner, "It is only a Deva Crystal there is nothing to get worked up on it, and please excuse me I have some work to do so I will take my leave first."


    With that Ryuu left leaving many of the people with their jaw slacked open as Mariya spoke with disbelief, "Sister I did not hear anything wrong right he so casually disregarded a Deva Crystal as if it were a dust."


    Sabine could only give a nod as Mariya continued to speak, "Just what is his background do you know anything about it."


    Fang shook his head as he spoke with a sigh, "No we have no idea who raised him but we know they are powerful but to disregard a Deva Crystal like that is too much, from the rumors he had just had his tribulation so he must be an Immortal but still it is terrifying."


    Mariya narrowed her eyes for a moment before she spoke with a bright smile, "Since he helped not only the people of our kingdom but also saved the life of the Emperor''s only niece the Royal family would like to thank him by inviting him to the palace for lunch, how does this idea sound to you."


    Sabine''s eyes widened as she spoke with a bright smile, "Thank you sister Mariya."


    Mariya simply gave a benevolent smile before her eyes once again travelled towards the place where Ryuu had been as she unconsciously licked her lips.


    ''Hmm, will he taste as good as he looks I wonder maybe I can get close to him and ensnare him with my charms he looks to have a much better back ground than many I have seen not to mention San has become boring and stale, but before that I have to take care of certain problem if only I could get my hand on him now but I will have to wait.''


    Meanwhile, a certain red-haired Celestial suddenly felt as if he was being molested by some hideous creature making him shudder in disgust as the certain urge to flee to the nearest bathroom and scrub his skin raw rose within him.

 Chapter 517 - The MoonLit ruins (Part-1)

    "Ah, young Cezary, how are you and your family?"


    Cezary cupped his hand as he bowed in front of Maheswara as he spoke, "They are fine by your blessings grandpa."


    Maheswara gave him a small smile as he invited him to take a seat near him as they engaged in some small talk when they were interrupted by Celestia''s arrival.


    "A grandnephew it has been a while."


    Cezary gave a nod as he spoke, "It has been, grandma, so how have you been?"


    "I am fine and so what brings you today to our house is it about the inquiry?"


    Cezary shook his head as he spoke, "The inquiry has finished and I would begin working again after being cleared of all suspicion but the reason for my visit is because I wanted to invite Ryuu to go to a tomb exploration."


    Maheswara''s eyes sparkled with curiosity as he spoke, "So whose tomb is it?"


    Cezary shrugged as he spoke, "It was actually my friend who found about it and though I do not know the name of the cultivator, but I know he should be at the upper level of Celestial realm as such I was asking if brother Ryuu is available to help us."


    Maheswara gave a nod as he spoke, "Ah, I understand you want someone to help you with arrays and what not, I perfectly understand but currently Ryuu is busy elsewhere with a very urgent task as such I cannot promise if he can go or not, but at least I can guarantee that he will contact you as soon as he is able though whether if he will go or not will depend on him entirely."


    Cezary gave a bow as he spoke with a smile on his face, "Grandpa, a week from today we will have our first meeting at the ''Hungry Snake Tavern'' in Kitanu System, it would be great if brother Ryuu is able to make some time to visit there so he can meet others and discuss about it."


    Celestia gave a nod as she spoke, "Sounds like a splendid idea, I will inform him immediately but he is very busy with the something extremely urgent so please forgive him if he cannot make time."


    Cezary waved his hand as he spoke, "No no it is fine, though I would be a bit more relaxed if I have brother Ryuu watching my back, he helped my little sister so much I am forever grateful to him, if It were not for him my sister would have either died or would have ended up becoming a demonic cultivator, but he managed to save her when we as her family failed."


    Maheswara simply gave a pat on his back as Cezary felt his bones rattle as Maheswara continued to speak, "Cezary, Ryuu was simply lucky, just put yourself in your sister''s shoes, to her even if you were concerned you would not understand what she was feeling whereas Ryuu who was with her and suffered something eerily familiar just lend her his ears, as I said he was lucky otherwise he would have been of no help."


    Celestia gave a nod as she spoke, "My beloved is right grandnephew though I would also point out something does this incident has formed a knot in your heart."


    Cezary eyes widened for a moment before his shoulder slouched as he spoke, "Yes, you are right, you are absolutely right, when Zywia was born she was so small yet the most amazing thing that I have even seen, you know I was the one who named her, I am her big brother I promised that day that I would even move the Heaven''s itself to protect my baby sister but I her big brother failed, failed so miserably."


    Cezary''s face morphed into a look of anguish as he spoke, "When she was younger she used to follow me around trying to mimic me, she was so adorable but then I ��I��."


    As tears streamed from his eyes Maheswara drew him to a hug as he sent a telepathic message to Celestia, ''Remove it you know how allergic I am to it, also he is already laying his heart out.''


    Celestia gave a small nod as a certain incense stick that was near Cezary''s feet disappeared without Cezary being the wiser.


    Meanwhile, a certain Celestial sneezed hard causing paperwork to fly away from him, causing Ryuu to nearly suffering a heart attack from seeing them get disorganized.


    ''Oh no my hours of hard work went down the drain.''


    Before he could weep at the unfairness of the world he heard a knock at his door as he quickly resumes his dignified position while the papers that had flown away quickly arranged back into the stack as he spoke in a sombre tone, "Come in."


    A messenger from Ayindril stepped into the room kneeling in front of him as he spoke, "Your Highness I have an urgent message from Ayindril."


    Ryuu''s face gained a frown as he spoke, "What is the message?"


    The person handed him a jade slip which Ryuu touched on his forehead as a small smile blossomed on his face reading its contents as he spoke with a smile, "You may leave I have received the message."


    The figure bowed before disappearing from his sight as Yamamoto spoke with a curious tone on his voice, "Is there any reason for your sudden happiness."


    Ryuu looked at him as he spoke with a bright smile, "Ah brother Cezary sent me an invitation they will have a meeting on some form of tomb that they had discovered and are planning to explore."


    "I see so you will be leaving then."


    Ryuu gave an enthusiastic nod as he spoke, "Yes, I will definitely go to visit brother Cezary.", his enthusiasm turned into a frown as he spoke, "Though whether I will have time to visit the tomb or not is another matter entirely."


    "I see, I hope that you will be able to visit the tomb along with them."


    It had been a few days since the Auction house incident and General Ye had left with a very important task, a task that His Majesty had given him to accomplish without fail.


    "General Ye what can I do for you?"


    General ye cupped his hand as he spoke, "Daoist Sister Yu Wu it has been a long time, how are you and your family?"


    Yu Wu smiled at him as she spoke, "I am fine and same is for my family but what about yours?"


    General Ye puffed his ?h?st with pride as he spoke, "just last week my granddaughter has recently given birth to my great-grandson."


    Yu Wu''s eyes widen as she spoke with a smile, "Oh my, that is wonderful news, congratulations General Ye for becoming a Great Grandfather."


    General Ye gave a small chuckle before he spoke with a serious tone in his voice, "Daoist Sister Yu Wu I come today on behalf of His Majesty and I seek audience with General Manager Ryuu."


    Yu Wu''s face gained a serious look as she spoke, "Is there any problem?"


    General ye waved off her concern as he spoke, "No it is nothing serious, His Majesty wanted to invite General Manager Ryuu for lunch at his palace."


    Yu Wu gave a small gasp as she spoke, "Such a rare honor.", before she gained a sad look on her face as she spoke, "Though I will have to disappoint His Majesty as General Manger Ryuu left at dawn due to an emergency and I do not know when he will be back."


    General Ye let out a small sigh as Yu Wu continued to speak, "But do not worry when he would arrive I would immediately get in touch with you and if His Majesty wills it General Manager Ryuu would be honored to accept the invitation."


    General Ye cupped his hands as he spoke, "Well thank you Daoist Sister Yu Wu, you have taken a huge burden off of my shoulders."


    Ryuu stepped into the ''Hungry Snake Tavern'' as one of the waiters of the place greeted him, "Welcome Sir, how I may serve?"


    Before Ryuu could reply a voice came from the other side of the room drawing his attention, "Brother Ryuu this way."


    A smile blossomed on Ryuu''s face as he caught sight of Cezary who was waving at him beckoning him towards his position.


    Ryuu made his way towards him as he spoke while cupping his hand, "Brother Cezary it is good to see you again."


    Cezary gave him small smile as he spoke while cupping his hand, "Me too Brother Ryuu, me too now please take a seat."


    Ryuu gave a nod as he fell on the other occupants of the group as he spoke with a smile, "It is good to see you senior Ismene, Rudie, Leszek, Rasime, Hu, it has been a while.", his eyes then travelled towards the other cultivators present as he spoke with a smile, "Also greetings to fellow Daoist please forgive me for I am unaware of your identity."


    Leszek frowned as he spoke, "I remember you, you are Ryuu and I met��", his eyes widened with disbelief as he spoke, "Wait a minute brother Cezary we need people at Celestial realm but the last time I checked he was nowhere near it."


    Ismene giggled at his words as she spoke, "You are out of touch with the recent happenings brother, Ryuu is the hottest gossip as he is the youngest person to reach Celestial realm.", her eyes then feel on Ryuu as she spoke with a smile, "Not only that but during his Eden excursion he wrought havoc within Preta realm cultivators wiping out their entire group single handedly."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "It was their stupidity and their arrogance that caused their death but I ended up getting credit for it."


    Leszek gawked at him as he spoke, "I cannot believe it, and I hope you people are not pulling my leg."


    Ryuu slightly flared his KI as he spoke, "Will this suffice as proof."


    Leszek gave a dumbfounded nod as Ismene gave a reassuring pat on his back as she spoke, "I was in same state as you when my teacher informed me about it."


    Hu simply shook her head as she spoke, "How old are you again."


    "I am in my late seventies."


    Hu rubbed her temples as she spoke, "You are giving all your seniors bad name, you managed to become our equal at such a fast pace."


    Rudie gave a clap as he spoke, "We can discuss about it later though brother Leszek please introduce us with your acquaintances before we can discuss about this tomb."


    Leszek gave a nod as he introduced his acquaintances, "of course, the bald person in kasaya is Venkat, and the lady by his side is Amarezen and the man by her side is Haakon."


    Ryuu gave them a brief nod that was written back in kind as Leszek continued to speak, "Now Daoist Sister would you please tell us about it."


    Amarezen gave a nod as she spoke, "I would gladly inform you about it but please set up a barrier."


    "If I may.", as Ryuu spoke others eyes fell on him as well as a few skeptical looks were sent towards his direction as Ryuu spoke with a sigh, "Let me show you my skills and you may judge me according to the results."


    With that, he took out a few talismans which he then casually let go and in front of their eyes the talisman seemed to disintegrate.


    Venkat, who looked like a young monk, had his eyes open wide as he spoke in an appreciative tone, "I see not only your level but even your skills are exceptional.", he then looked towards Amarezen as he spoke with a small smile on his face, "Please sister you may proceed this place is extremely secure he even took out the bugs that were eavesdropping on us."


    Rasime''s eyes widen as she spoke, "They were eavesdropping on us."


    Haakon shrugged as he spoke in a gruff voice, "Of course they are, this place is not as goody two shoes as it likes to portray, and if I am not wrong they will simply record our words as such they are difficult to detect because of their extremely low KI emissions."


    Ryuu simply smiled back at him as Amarezen spoke, "Then shall I begin..", as she received multiple nods of acknowledgement Amarezan took out a painting that she spread in front of all of them.

 Chapter 518 - The MoonLit ruins (Part-2)

    Ryuu bit his lips as he stared at the large painting in front of him, inside that painting was a map, a map that showed them the way to the tomb, but now he was in corundum.


    ''The entire expedition would need a round a week worth of time but if we get stuck we will have to wait at least five thousand years, now what should I do, should I participate or not, such a troublesome situation.''


    ''On one hand I will miss an opportunity to rob them of their glory but such opportunity might come again, not to mention if I had not received a boost on my level I would have been nowhere near this level and my chance of getting justice would be delayed, and the survival of the Vance clan does not matter to me but this tomb I want to enter so badly, I never had to think about resources because of my teachers but how long will I depend upon them.''


    ''Now what to do, hmm, I think I should stop thinking so morbidly and thinking about the worst case scenario, if I focus only on the worse then the worse outcome will happen.''


    "Fine I will join.".


    Rasime flashed him a smile as she spoke, "So brother Ryuu I hope you would not mind sharing us what was keeping you so occupied that you were hesitant to join us."


    "Well not much a clan managed to garner my ire, and I was waiting for the right opportune to humiliate them and destroy them."


    Cezary frowned as he spoke, "I see so are they strong?"


    "Well their patriarch is a second level Celestial so kind of, I hope he would not turn into a disappointment."


    Ismene sipped from her cup as she spoke, "Well even if you miss the chance at least Ayindril can deal with them."


    Ryuu shook his head as he spoke, "Ayindril has nothing to do with them, they are my enemy and I will be the one to put them down, but enough of that I think it is time for us to leave."


    Amarezen gave a small nod as she spoke, "So true Daoist brother, it is good if we arrive early and scout the place."


    The group quickly settled their bill and left, as the manager of the ''Hungry Snake'', quickly made his way to their seats in order to check on arrays that had been placed there.


    He quickly found all the talismans that he had hidden around where Ryuu and his group were sitting, a large smile broke out on his face as he murmured out low, "Those rich young masters are all the same, idiots now let me see what they were discussing."


    He replaced those talismans before carrying the one which recorded the conversation and when he activated one of them to listen in to their talks, something bizarre happened all of the talismans activated and a sound bomb was released it was so loud that it ripped through the array that made his office soundproof, plunging the tavern into a chaotic mess.


    A few minutes later when his workers reached the now destroyed office of the manager they found a completely destroyed office with the manager lying on the floor his eyes white and foaming from his mouth and his ears bleeding.


    Meanwhile back with Cezary and his group had made their way towards their destination after many hours of travelling, a planet which was called by thousand moons planet and upon reaching their destination Ryuu understood the reason for.


    ''It kind of looks like Saturn from my previous life with those large rings of it, to me it always was like the Queen of the solar system with the glistening jewelry surrounding it making it seem both like Royal and Mysterious.''


    Ryuu''s lips quirked up as he murmured low, "Though this one looks more like a savage Empress with its trio of rings and its plethora of moons."


    "Did you say something Ryuu?"


    Ryuu shook his head as he replied back to Hu, "I am just marveling at the beauty of the planet, it looks so gorgeous."


    Hu Ruogang gave a nod as she spoke, "It truly is, and the eclipse is about to happen, all of its ninety moons coming together in a single line, truly a remarkable sight."


    Ryuu watched as the moons slowly started to move in a line as Venkat spoke, "Let us start moving towards the planet surface, but please remember this gas giant is poisonous."


    The group swiftly moved near the surface as Ryuu willed a talisman towards the much denser gas pockets as he watched with fascination the talisman turn to ash.


    ''Ho, it is poisonous but I do not think it would be able to do anything against me.''


    Haakon meanwhile looked at the moons like a hawk and as the eclipse began the gas seemed to part as he shouted out, "Move, the door has opened."


    The group of cultivators did not take too much time as they moved to throw the tunnel Cezary suddenly pushed Leszek away as a large tentacle that had appeared from inside the gas missed him narrowly.


    Ismene''s eyes widen as she shouted out, "Move faster there is a weird creature out here that will drag you into the poisonous cloud."


    Rasmine gritted her teeth as she dodged the creature''s attempt to grab her as she shouted back, "Easier said than done."


    The group led by Amarezen dashed through the tunnel when a doorway was in their sight, and as the group reached the door Haakon and Ryuu began to tear down the array preventing them from entering while the rest had taken up defensive positions, with shields created by array raised high up, which was being bombarded by various attacks of the creature.


    "I have breached the array and opened the door, let us move in."


    Ryuu did not need to be told twice as the group dashed inside and the door shut itself as both Haakon and Ryuu shared a glance as Ryuu could not help but ask out loud, "Are you sure this tomb is that of a Upper Celestial Level cultivator?"


    Haakon frowned as he spoke, "We b?r?ly managed to remove the array to enter this place, not to mention the arrays are too advanced for a mere Celestial."


    Amarezen frowned as she spoke, "But all the clues from the map indicate it as a tomb of a Celestial."


    Cezary shrugged as he spoke, "Well we will learn more as we venture forth."


    "Before we move there is something that I wish to say to you, Ryuu."


    As Ryuu looked at Ismene, she continued with a serious look on her face, "Amongst us you are the weakest, just a first ranked Celestial, and the next weakest to you is Rasmine who is a fifth ranked Celestial, I hope you understand that whatever happens for your safety please let us deal with the danger."


    Ryuu shrugged as he spoke, "Fine by me, I know my strength and I would not mind following my senior Daoist Sisters and Brothers guidance, and upon saying that I hope you would not dismiss my words when I voice my concerns."


    Hu Ruogang smiled at him as she replied back, "Fret not Ryuu, if you have any concerns feel free to voice them out, we are in an unknown territory so if you perceive something amiss please inform us immediately."


    Rudie who was silent for the entire time spoke, "This tomb might be extremely dangerous if we do not get out before our time runs out."


    Leszek looked at him with a questioning look on his face as he spoke, "Why do you think so Rudie?"


    Rudie simply pointed towards a corner and they all could see a familiar wisp of gas a Ryuu spoke with a curious look on his face, "Interesting so this place will be flooded by the gas so that also means that there is a chance that the creature might have access to the tomb."


    Haakon sighed as he spoke, "There is nothing we can gain by dawdling around this place we have to move forward."


    Ryuu let his KI flow from his hands as he sent it towards one of the pockets of gas and the result made his eyes widen.


    "Everyone this strange poison is Kitoxin, so be careful as it would get agitated in presence of KI."


    Rudie growled as he spoke, "That was the only thing that was missing."


    Ismene rolled her eyes as she spoke, "Calm down Rudie, look at the message on the stone tablet."


    Looking at it Ryuu suddenly had a feeling of d��j�� vu as he spoke with disbelief, "Oh no."


    "Is something wrong Daoist brother Ryuu?"


    Ryuu glanced towards Venkat as he spoke with a sigh, "Nothing I was just reminded about a similar situation back in Eden, we stumbled upon a tomb and it began with a similar message, it was a very dangerous place where my group and I almost lost our lives many times and only survived by luck."


    "So did you get anything precious from the tomb?"


    Ryuu sighed as he spoke, "Nothing after risking our lives all we received at the end was a message mocking us and telling us how the owner of the tomb had already spent every single of his treasures to build his tomb."


    Deafening silence descended amongst the group as Cezary cleared his throat drawing everyone''s attention, "I think we should pick up our pace we are wasting time."

 Chapter 519 - The MoonLit ruins (Part-3)

    ''The Dao name that my teacher had granted me was ''Tranquil Heart'', it was as if she was being sarcastic about me, my talents that I was born with never allowed anyone to be tranquil, they saw what I wished them to see, they felt what I wanted them to feel, with my powers I can shroud the reality with whatever I wish it to be.


    With such powers came my arrogance and with arrogance came to my downfall, I had surpassed my teacher a long time ago and thought myself invincible but my downfall came in when I had ventured into the Tomb of an Ancestral immortal, I was poisoned very badly.


    Hence here I now lay waiting for my death as the poison eats away at my core crippling me, me the once The Great Yin-Yang Lord at peak level, whose name brought reverence to the masses.


    But, even if I die I refuse to fade away as such I leave behind my legacy for those who can acquire it.


    In my tomb, what you see does not exist but what you don''t exist,


    What you smell cannot be smelled,


    The up may be down,


    The right may be left,


    The back may be front,


    while light maybe dark..


    Remember my words as you venture forth for if you stay behind for more than nine days you will face a fate similar to me.''


    Ismene sighed as she spoke, "So an illusionist, huh, most of us do not practice such exotic means of cultivation."


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "True but from those words were inscribed on the stone slab I think we can safely deduce that the person had a Divine body."


    "But most importantly.", with that Cezary interjected as he continued to speak drawing everyone''s attention, "The tomb belongs to a Peak Yin-Yang Lord, someone way above a puny Celestial''s level."


    Rudie gulped as he spoke, "Maybe we should give up for now and try it in the distant future."


    Hu Rougang sighed as she spoke, "It is too late for that look down."


    As they looked down they found half of their body has disappeared as Hu Rougang continued with a sigh, "We are already ensnared within an illusion anyone who is able to break free try and save others."


    With that they disappeared from each others'' sight, a few minutes later Ryuu found himself standing inside a poorly lit narrow corridor with a door in front of him.


    Ryuu blinked before he closed his eyes as his KI churned inside him but unfortunately he was unable to break hold of the illusion ensnaring him.


    Ryuu did a quick turnaround and found a wall behind him, as such he quickly investigated them as he mused out loud with a frown on his face, "This seems like corridor made up of stone, I can break them easily but I do not believe it would be wise as I do not know what is on the other side so I think I should press forward."


    With that he took a few steps towards the door only for the distance to not decrease at all as such he quickened his pace and soon he found himself moving at his maximum speed but alas his effort turned to be fruitless as the door not only stayed out of reach but the distance increased as well.


    Ryuu turned around only to be taken aback as he spoke with disbelief in is voice, "No way, the wall is just behind me, then how�� I��", suddenly Ryuu''s eyes widened as an idea formed in his head.


    Ryuu turned to face the door but instead of moving forward he took a few steps back, the just like before the distance remained same as such he increased his speed as he moved backwards and the door began to move closer and closer towards him to the point he could touch and no sooner did he manage to touch it he found himself being flung out of the corridor into a cavern with a large fire burning at the middle of it.


    Ryuu rose into the air as he tried to find a way but it turned out to be futile as there was no way in or out of the cave.


    ''Is this really an illusion? So powerful, most importantly how did he manage to do it.''


    Ryuu suddenly had the urge to slap himself as he spoke with a groan, "Of course the being is way stronger not to mention the various treasures that he might have, how stupid of me but most importantly I have never incorporated illusions in my fighting style and never studied about them so what should I know."


    ''Only the blind will see,


    The deaf will here,


    and senseless might feel the way out.''


    Ryuu''s brow furrowed for a moment as he mulled over the clue as he spoke with a huff, "It is so simple."


    He looked up towards the roaring fire as an array began to spread circling it, and upon its completion the fire was surrounded by a silver colored dome, which soon blocked its heat, then its crackling sound and finally it turned completely opaque cutting of the light.


    As soon as it was done the entire cave was plunged into darkness, when all of sudden the walls began to glow as it took the shape of large honey combs.


    ''They all look like doors but which one to take.''


    Ryuu closed his eyes as he stood motionlessly when all of a sudden his ears picked up sounds of water trickling and then he could feel a soft breeze.


    His eyes open wide as he looked towards one of the door as a smile blossomed on his face, ''I found the door out of this place.''


    Before he could react the tree suddenly morphed and took a shape mimicking him as Ryuu whispered out loud, ''Oh oh I know what is going to happen now.''


    And true to his fears his doppelganger let out an ear piercing scream as it dashed towards Ryuu to attack him.


    Meanwhile for Ismene the entire experience was a nightmare, covering her ears with her hand she walked through a burning city with tears streaming down her face as she repeated, "It is an illusion, it is an illusion", over and over again.


    A rotten egg hit her forehead as a very familiar figure stood in front of her, a figure that she knew quite well, a figure that no longer looked as beautiful as before but a half burned rotten corpse.


    "How dare you live when all of us died that day? How dare you laugh and be happy? How dare you look so beautiful when I have become so hideous? How dare you? How dare you?"


    Ismene could no longer tolerate it as she broke into a run while various insults and demeaning words were hurled by the half rotten and burned corpses.


    "Little bird is that you, little bird."


    A familiar voice came to her ears, a voice that she knew all too well a voice she still remembered from all those years ago making her breath hitch.


    Her parents stood with the bright warm smile on their face their arms open wide, Ismene for a moment was transported back to her child as she dashed into the embrace of her parents.


    Ismene let out a sob as her parents gently ??r?ssed her head as her mother spoke with the same kindness that she knew, "Now you can join all of us in after life, I knew you would choose death to stay with us forever."


    Ismene''s eyes widen as she instantly moved away from them only to see her parents had morphed into burnt rotten corpses as a murmur rose from around her, "Join us, join us."


    The ground parted as hands of corpses started to drag her into the earth while the other corpses surrounded her chanting for her to join them in death.


    Venkat was facing a different dilemma, since he was a child he was raised as a monk, and during his entire life he had tempered to no longer be distracted by the various aspects of life.


    He walked through the most hedonistic, depraved and debauched city that had existed but he paid no mind to anything around him.


    No matter the age, s?x, race of a person around him, no matter the sight and sounds, the acts of joy, of cruelty nothing fazed him as they only sound that entered his ears were that of the sutras that he chanted along with the soft clacking of his wooden sandals and the only sight was the goal that he was working hard to accomplish.


    In another area Cezary had gone berserk the reason for that was simple, an illusion of his beloved sister had told him that he was pathetic weakling as such she no longer can trust him, and the end result seemed to be devastating as he massacred any or all beings created through illusions.


    Meanwhile Ryuu had seen better days his armor even though it might have been intact was unable to protect him properly as his doppelganger seemed to have been completely copied every technique he knew but unlike him, his doppelganger seemed to have unlimited stamina and KI.


    "This is unacceptable I lose to a mere copy of mine, I refuse."


    Ryuu roared out in anger as he once again engaged with his enemy with renewed vigor to defeat his enemy.


    ''Faster, faster I have to be faster than him, stronger than him.''


    Ryuu''s muscles protested, his bones ?r??n?d but he did not give up as he tried parried his opponent with his spear before slashing with his sword followed by a thrust from his spear, but his doppelganger simply phase through it.


    When all of a sudden a severe pain erupted in his brain while a roar of a dragon came with his spear thrust while his sword cut through the doppelganger that tried to through his attack and soon fell apart under Ryuu''s frenzied attack.


    Ryuu''s body shook and trembled as he raised his hand to look at his weapon especially his sword as a memory of conversation came with Antariskh came to his mind.


    "My good brother it is great that you have reached the Sword God realm but tell me this, is that the end of the road?"


    Ryuu frowned as he spoke, "What do mean by that big sis?"


    Antariskh sighed as she spoke, "The entire history of cultivation is simply breaking through the limits, and you having reached the Sword God realm, so is there nothing else to do, and will you stop now?"


    "But, I was taught since I was young that there is nothing else beyond that."


    "Oh dear brother you have so much to learn just because you created a glass of water that has been asked to you, does it mean you will simply give a plain looking glass, can you not find a way to decorate it."


    Ryuu''s eyes widen as he spoke, "Decorate but how?"


    Antariksh simply smiled at him as she spoke, "That is a journey that you will have to take alone but here is a small question to, what is a purpose of a weapon?"


    "Weapon is meant to attack, no matter the reason for, be it for protecting or for cruelty the true purpose of the weapon is only to attack."


    Antariskh simply smiled as a lazily swiped her fingers in the air as a tear appeared as she spoke, "I hope one day your skills with sword be sharp enough to cut through space itself."


    Back at present the area surrounding Ryuu broke with a sound similar to glass shattering as Ryuu murmured with a tired smile, "I cut through space itself sis I cut through space."


    With that Ryuu fell on what seemed to be a large lake made up of dense pure white almost jelly like substance, and as Ryuu lost his consciousness he slowly sank into its depths.