Ling Fan's eyes inverted in disbelief, "Third Heaven is already lost because of some ancient disgusting roaches??? Not possible."
"Humph! This Queen may have to force her ascension and wipe out the Nine Chaos Heavens," said Shensheng, pattering about.
"Not listening. It's impossible to believe you take action because of a cockroach," send Ling Fan, crossing her arms and shaking her head.
"Here, let this memory decide for you." The Divine Pig snorted and sent over a memory.
Ling Fan's jaw fell open in shock. In the memory, a distant sun was floundering in flickering light. Some obscure shadow appeared to be attached to one side. The vision zoomed in and Ling Fan saw a huge roach munching on the sun like it was a piece of bread.
"What-What is that?" grimly asked Ling Fan.
"Humph that's an Primordial Cockroach Race elite. If your eyes aren't blind, then you see how it's eating that star like an appetizer. You should know, that sun is 3 times the size of the one in Bright Star World. Moreover, it's merely a soldier."
Ling Fan hissed. "That-That's a soldier!?"
"You command all the servants to kill any cockroaches they find and burn them with fire. After returning from killing the anomaly. This Queen will have to investigate thoroughly."
Ling Fan was still frozen, dumbstruck.
Such huge interstellar cockroaches exist? EWWWWW!!
Shensheng snorted and her tail swatted Ling Fan's rear, "Go kill all those vile things!"
PA!!
Before Ling Fan realized, she was flying through her courtyard gate.
With a grunt, Zhu Shensheng disappeared into the void.
Next door in the Zhao Clan, Zhao Qiang was kowtowing to his father Zhao Chen.
"Father, your son has been un-filial...only now have I returned home."
Indeed the two looked like father and son. After being beaten by Zhao Jia, both had matching black eyes, bloody noses and swelling bruises on their faces.*1
"Qiang'er it's good...good the family is back together."
"Father, son loves you the best, but it needs asking...the foul smell that's currently invading my nostrils...By the Divinities, what is it!?"
Hidden high above in the clouds, Shensheng squinted her eyes, "Divine Punishment!!"
Zhao Chen was about to respond to Zhao Qiang, when a familiar sense of dread ran down his spine!
In horror, he yelled, "NOOOOOOOOOO!!"
What happened next, dumbfounded Zhao Qiang.
SPLATT!! SPLATT!!
Pointing, Zhao Qiang said, "Father!! By the Divinities, what am I seeing? Is that sh*t!?"
"Qiang'er, don't-don't look at father!"
Zhao Qiang was about to roar in fury when a burning sensation filled his eyes. Coughing with red tearing eyes, he exclaimed, "The smell its eroding my eyes!!"
Feeling much lighter, similar to that of a feather, Zhu Shensheng turned her attention to the anomaly.
Grunting, she said, "This Queen has found you!!!"
About an hour later, Shensheng returned to Ling Fan's manor.
"You-You've returned," said Ling Fan with a grimace.
"Disciple, this?"
It was at this time Shensheng noticed, Ling Fan was sitting in a bucket of ice.
Ling Fan glared with laser eyes.
You happened! Weren't you the one to smack my rear to the other side of the manor!?
Shensheng chuckled. "This Queen realizes what happened. Your father finally decided you needed discipline. Come, tell Master what error you did to rile him up so?"
Ling Fan looked up in disbelief.
The Divine Pig actually did not know what she did?
Chortling, Shensheng said, "It must've been a great sin to have angered your father so. Master takes no pleasure in seeing Disciple suffering….however-however...hahahahah! Haaaaah! It's funny!"
Pointing in trembling anger, Ling Fan hissed, "I'll cut you!!"
She was about to jump when a servant appeared.
"Young Miss! Head Chef sent me. He asks how you want the wild boar cooked?"
"Eh? Boar?"
Shensheng eyes popped open, "This Queen's mount!! Has he been chopped up!!"
Suddenly, Shensheng's aura burst and clouds massed together in all directions. Bright lights beamed out of the Divine Pig's eyes.
"This Queen will ascend and end this Third Heaven. Little Child, Progenitor will avenge you!"
Seeing the phenomenon, Ling Fan said, "Quickly, tell me..tell me the little pig still lives!!"
"Yes Young Miss, Head Chef was asking so that he could determine how to butcher."
"Your mount, he still lives!!!" frantically screamed Ling Fan.
Abruptly, Shensheng withdrew her power and floated down from the sky.
With a snort she said, "Indeed Third Heaven is lucky to have another day."
Ling Fan shook in terror. Just now they almost all died. And just, out of anger she wanted to cut such an iron plate? If there was a frog at the bottom of the well, wasn't she just a worm at its feet?
Extremely happy they avoided near death, Ling Fan said, "Come, let's go find your mount."
Shensheng followed reluctantly in a cold manor.
"Just now you returned, but I didn't hear signs of battle. Although, I did hear Senior Zhao's screams."
"You-You are to avoid her at costs." commanded the Divine Pig.
"Who?" said Ling Fan.
"The Anomaly, her name is Mu Huizhong. She believes you did something wrong and wants to kill you."
"Didn't you go over there to end her?"
"Little Genius intervened on her behalf. Tentatively, we come to an agreement."
"Isn't she an assassin, why-why would he protect an assassin?"
"She's not an assassin, it's too complicated to explain. In fact, the you now is unqualified to know. Be relieved Master will watch her closely."
Within another breath, they arrived at the main kitchen.
The Head Chef noticed her immediately and hurried over.
Bowing, he said, "Young Miss you honor us with your presence. You brought another pig. This one actually looks more succulent. I'm sure, I can cook it to whatever your liking. I must say, your taste for pork is a bit gluttonous."
Gritting her teeth, Ling Fan said, "Head Chef, there's been a misunderstanding. Not only this pig, but that wild boar are my pets and are like my family. You butcher any one of them...you don't want to pay that price."
All color drained from the Head Chef's face.
"You bring out my boar, right now!!!" spat Ling Fan in anger. She watched as the man scrambled away in horror.
Imbecile...you almost brought about the apocalypse!
Within two breaths, the Head Chef ran back with the wild boar. "Young Miss, as-as-as you commanded."
Glaring, Ling Fan swiped the piglet from his hands and turned about in a huff.
Upon returning to her courtyard, she placed the piglet before Zhu Shensheng. To her amazement, it lower its head and front legs.
Shensheng chortled, "Ha Child! You recognize your progenitor. Should you prove your worth, this Queen will raise you to Heavenly Lord. Like your ancestors, you too shall know glorious battle across the cosmos. Mmmm, what shall we name you?"
Turning to Ling Fan, she asked, "You have any suggestions?"
Ling Fan eyes briefly fluctuated, but she kept firmly silent not daring to really state what she thought.
Hideous Monster?
"Junjie…We'll name you Zhu Junjie."
Ling Fan eyes blinked rapidly.
You want to name him handsome!? After seeing him, won't the whole world laugh?
Leaning to Shensheng, she said, "You-You really want to name him that?"
The Divine Pig grunted, "You don't understand. When compared to others of his bloodline, he's actually one of the better looking ones."
Ling Fan's jaw opened in disbelief.
Zhu Junjie turned to Ling Fan and lowered his head.
"What-What is this?" asked Ling Fan in surprise.
"He thanks you for saving his life and allowing him the opportunity to meet his progenitor. He vows to defend Ling Clan with all his might until he ascends."
"Disciple should rejoice, this favor from a Heaven Swallowing Boar bears tremendous benefits."
Looking at the little ugly duckling with mottled hair and skin, Ling Fan blinked several times as she was very much unconvinced.
Snorting, Shensheng said, "Can't believe? Let Master share a memory."
Upon receiving the memory, Ling Fan returned to the vision of seeing the sun-eating cockroach.
Shensheng's voice rang out in her mind. "Since time immemorial we Queens and Kings of Cosmos have battled the Primordial Cockroach Race. We too have our warriors and the Kings among mine are the Heaven Swallowing Boars. Watch and you will see Junjie's future potential."
As though sensing danger, the sun eating roach's antennae quivered frantically.
From the depths of space a deep voice called out. "You dare invade the territory of my Queen! Die vile spawn!"
The stars blotted out as a mass larger than twenty suns appeared. With a snort a paw swat out smashing the roach into the sun. Both imploded upon impact. Instead of the blast extending out like a super nova, the energy was devoured by the Heavenly Swallowing Boar.
As quickly as the memory came, it ended.
Ling Fan hissed, taking a deep second look at the Zhu Junjie. "He-He has the potential to transform to such a level?"
"Mhm."
Suddenly, Shensheng discovered a whole new side of Ling Fan.
In less then half a breath, she was rubbing Zhu Junjie's shoulders.
"How's Ling Fan's little fella? Big Sister, will have someone massage your shoulders everyday. What's your favorite food? Our Ling Clan will let you eat anything your little belly can take. If Junjie doesn't already know, he's the best looking boar in all Savant City. You truly will grow up a king."
Rolling her eyes, Shensheng sarcastically said, "You appear to butter him up so much, soon you'll place him on a spit and roast him."
Ling Fan chortled, "Haa, my Ling Clan now has a mighty beast guardian. Who would dare bother attack us now?"
BOOM!
The wall adjacent to the Zhao Clan blasted into rubble.
Zhao Qiang strode out, his Martial King aura extending out in all directions. Behind him walked Qin Rong. Muscles rippled up and down their arms and torsos.
"Vile Nether Hell King Beast, where are you!! You dare attack this King's father!!!"
"Rong'er! Start Searching!"
Elder Bing stepped out, immediately her Marital King aura countered Zhao Qiang's.
"You think this lady will just allow you run amok in our Young Miss's courtyard?"
Tang Xifeng strode forward, drawing her large saber. Her jet black hair and red robes fluttered as her Martial Master intent fluctuated.
Wang Chunhua and Chuntao jumped out and formed a ring about Ling Fan.
As soon as the confrontation started it ended.
Zhao Qiang's stance changed as soon as he saw Elder Bing.
"Sister Bing, you-you returned to the Ling Clan!? How-How many years has it been?"
Elder Bing snorted, "Are you going to keep posturing like this or give an explanation?"
Zhao Qiang scratched his head, "Ah this?"
"Moreover, who was powerful enough to make your face look like that of an invalid?"
Seeing how her Master was at a loss of words, Qin Rong answered, "Senior, my Master fought over twenty Martial Kings earlier. Although he won, he clearly couldn't defend against all attacks. Thus, he's injured like this."
Zhao Qiang gave Qin Rong a thumbs up.
Qin Rong rolled her eyes.
How could she let people know her master was beaten to a pulp by his grandmother?
"And what's the reason for you breaking the wall to my Young Miss's courtyard?" asked Elder Bing.
"Young Miss?" Zhao Qiang's eyes scanned about before settling on Ling Fan. "Sister this is?"
"Brother Zhao, this is Ling Ming and Yao Ruolan's daughter Ling Fan."
Ling Fan cupped her hands, "Ling Fan greets Senior Zhao. Earlier, our Ling Clan were honored by a visit from both Zhao Empyreans.
"Sister and Granny both visited as well?" asked Zhao Qiang.
"Senior's Father Zhao Chen also visited. They all detected the aura of the Nether King Hell beast and visited to search for its whereabouts," replied Ling Fan.
Elder Bing snorted, "Interestingly enough our Ling Clan suffers destruction with each visit. First, Young Master Zhao Tian Cai destroyed a wall like you. This roused the anger of the Sun Sword Goddess Empyrean who destroyed half our buildings. This caused both Sister Tang and I to lose our abodes. Now you damaged this courtyard's wall which happens to belong to our Young Miss here."
As the story unfolded, Zhao Qiang's face changed to all shades of embarrassment.
"This? Sister, Brother was unaware of the circumstances."
"Does Brother Zhao, plan on letting our Young Miss be unprotected. How long before you can repair the wall? If you can't, we can certainly send you a bill."
"A bill?" Zhao Qiang's face blackened.
Sighing, Qin Rong said, "We-We can't pay but perhaps in a few days. I'll hunt bounties and hand over the rewards to you."
"Brother Zhao, do you have no shame? Perhaps I should invite The Sun Goddess Empyrean to discuss things."
"You-You really would call my Sister?"
Suddenly, several shadows coalesced and Fat Shadow appeared. "Young Miss Ling, Elder Bing, this one greets you both." Turning he whispered into Zhao Qiang's ear.
"What Sis already knows?"
Fat Shadow whispered some more.
Nodding, Zhao Qiang said, "Okay this Master understands what to do."
Clearing his throat, he turned to Elder Bing and said, "Sister how about this?...Apparently our Zhao Clan has already made arrangements to provide uhm-er-goods to your Ling Clan Merchants. We'll provide another three months of free goods before we sign a long term contract. In addition, Qin Rong here is a Martial Master. As my disciple, few can match her fighting prowess. Until the wall is rebuilt, she will reside here in the evenings as a bodyguard?"
Elder Bing was about to reject when Ling Ming interjected. Striding in, he said, "Our Ling Clan agrees...Brother Zhao how have you been?"
Zhao Qiang cupped his hands. "Brother Ling, it's been a long time. Seeing your daughter here, reminds of the time Yao Roulan kicked my face in. Indeed she was crazy for you. You have my condolences on your loss. Should you ever find the culprits, you only need to ask if you wanna go on a killing spree. As you know, Granny very much admired your wife. Hell, our whole clan will go!"
Ling Ming's eyes misted over. "Brother Qiang, to think I would here such words from you. Let's us brothers drink until no one stands!!"
Suddenly, Fat Shadow whispered into Zhao Qiang's ears.
"As punishment, I have to clean what!!" blurted Zhao Qiang, his face distorting into all kinds of dejection.
Fat Shadow whispered some more.
"Sister's waiting for me to return now.."
Zhao Qiang looked up with a face so pale, he was like a dead man walking. "Brother Ming, can-can we have a rain check? It appears, I'll-I'll be indisposed for a couple of days. Rong'er pack your things and move over tonight. Forgive me Brother Ming, Sister Bing, Brother has er-uhm-things to help his Little Sister with."
Turning about, Zhao Qiang returned to the Zhao Clan with slumped shoulders.
Qin Rong cupped her hands. "Seniors, once this one gathers some things, she'll return immediately. At that time, I promise, all of Young Miss's enemies will die."
Turning about, Qin Rong sprinted after Zhao Qiang.
Fat Shadow bowed to Ling Ming. "Patriarch Ling, our Matriarch apologizes for Young Master's behavior. Have a good evening."
Dissipating into shadows, Fat Shadow left.
"Amazing! How's he do that?" asked Ling Fan to Shensheng.
"It's the Sun Shadow art unique to his bloodline. All the shadows practice some shadow art," replied the Divine Pig.
"Why do you think Zhao Qiang couldn't stay behind to drink with father?"
Shensheng chortled, "Who do you think must clean up all this Queen's innards from Zhao Chen?"
A shocked Ling Fan's jaw opened up like a giant O.
Early the next morning, everyone including Qin Rong was eating breakfast.
"Dog Zhao Qiang get out here! Come kneel before your father!"
Cleaning her mouth with a napkin, Ling Fan asked, "What's that?"
Qin Rong growled, she slammed both fists together and a metallic ringing echoed about. "Challengers! They've come to challenge Master. Forgive me Sister, Qin Rong must return to the clan now!"