(MC's POV)
It had been five days since the incident in the forest.
It had also been five days since I understood my poverty.
Lying exhaustively on the cushion, I thought to myself.
'I really need to start scamming money from young masters after I reach the capital.'
But before that.
I looked at the haggard expression on my once handsome face in the mirror and thought.
Yeah, I should sleep.
Can't beat young masters without impressing 'their' ladies, now can we?
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
...…..
(Lily's POV)
'Master must be tired.'
I thought so lovingly as I gazed at his face which now seemed to be in sleep.
He seemed so peaceful now, a stark difference to his former anxious and worried expression when I could not move from my bed.
I remember him softly patting my head while tirelessly creating pills for me to consume.
Although it hurt me to see master suffer like that, I could not help but feel appreciative and happy for being cared for.
What made me even happier was the realization that only I had seen the vulnerable side of my master.
'I am his disciple after all.'
I thought so proudly while looking at the glassy sword in my hand which seemed to glisten as light fell on it.
This was the sword that master gave me yesterday along with enlightenment stone to aid me in cultivation.
It was created from the same crystal which master used to create his sword.
As a matter of fact, both of our swords looked similar.
Like a matching pair.
He he.
₍՞◌′ᵕ‵ू◌₎♡
...…
(MC's POV)
Fishing is one of the most memorable experiences shared between an elder and his protegee.
As an upright master, it is my responsibility to create good memories with Lily before she sets off on her own path.
Hence, I am going fishing with Lily today.
Obviously, we are not going to hook fishes.
After all, we are cultivators.
We are going to grab some wild young masters instead.
"Is it really fine going like this?"
Lily asked while tightly holding my hands, a bit embarrassed.
Today, we were not wearing any fox masks to cover our face.
As a result, we attracted a lot of attention.
"Don't worry. Have some confidence in yourself."
I said softly to Lily while lightly patting her head.
"Ok."
Lily replied with a charming smile.
But she did not loosen her hands with mine.
"Hey you."
A voice cut us off in the middle when we were happily bonding.
Ah.
I thought.
It finally appeared.
A fresh young master.
"How dare you block this young master's way."
Oh my god.
I exclaimed in my heart.
The exact same words.
The exact same styles.
How do these young masters manage to replicate the exact scenario?
I mean, the three planes are supposed to be separated in the world of cultivation.
Do these young masters practice some sort of 'How to be Young Master' manual or something?
"Hey, are you deaf?"
He asked angrily while looking down on me.
How long have I waited for this?
"Hey-"
Before he could speak any more, I waved my hand and lightly slapped him.
He then flew like a rocket towards the sky.
After my experience with bandits, I had learned to control my strength.
Thus, even though I fulfilled his childhood dream of flying in the sky like a bird, he returned to ground as a human, albeit one that could not stand.
"I will kill you. I will make you regret living." X 10
He said angrily while glaring at me.
Ignoring him, I paced my way forward.
It was my intention to not take any actions right now.
As per the 'Young Master tactics', his next course of action would probably be to take the help of other young masters more powerful than him.
Rinse and repeat, the process would continue till the matter reached their families.
I just needed to wave my hand every time they did so until the household got involved.
After that, I would get the money I want.
....
It seems like I was wrong.
This was a pettier young master than I thought.
In fact, I would even claim that this crybaby was a shame in the name of young masters.
"Sister, it was him."
He said while pushing a woman whose face was covered with make ups of various proportions forward.
What happened to 'I will kill you'?
You are a hermit, aren't you?
I looked at him pitifully.
The sister looked at my face arrogantly before it got replaced by a blush.
Fidgeting slightly, she said.
"Listen. If you agree to be my-"
*Slap*
I don't know when, but Lily teleported to the sister's side and made her fly towards the heavens.
It seems like she broke through the middle stage of Qi refinement.
Although, I am starting to get a bit worried about her behavior.
She is learning bad things.
....
(Random POV)
Along with the numerous fainted cultivators on the courtyard of Ling clan, one of the four major clans of Spiritual plane, was a lone figure standing.
The figure was a girl of about twelve with silky blonde hair, deep blue mesmerizing eyes, and a well-defined structure which attested her ethereal beauty.
With a sword in her hand, she had alone managed to defeat thirty geniuses who were twice her age.
Yet, none of the audiences spectating the battle gave out any gasp of astonishment nor surprise.
After all, winning was expected of her.
She was Ling Xiaoya.
One of the greatest genius in Ling clan's history.
As well as the hope of Ling clan to gain footing in heavenly plane.
Perhaps predicting the nonchalance of the crowd, Ling Xiaoya did not bother to exchange any pleasantries before returning to her quarters.
To the outsiders, it gave them a feeling of aloofness and respect.
However, the ones who knew her the best including her parents and teachers were having a different thought.
Sending a sound transmission to his wife, the clan leader of Ling clan said.
"That girl is going a bit too fast. You don't think she is going to do something crazy again, do you?"
His wife replied with a sigh of helplessness.
"She may be my daughter but even I don't know where her adventurous spirit comes from."
"Blame the other members of the clan if you must, who see her as nothing more than a weapon. Making a tomboy keep an aloof act for so long itself is an accomplishment in my part."
Hearing the overbearing tone of his wife, the clan leader shrank a little.
"But, but-"
Before he could explain anything, the treasurer of the clan came running to him, his breath shortened.
"T-the young miss mistook the mortal transportation stone with the long distance one and descended to the mortal plane."
"She is now stuck in the mortal plane unless someone from the plane agrees to ascend with her."
The clan leader fainted.