After sensing the friendly gaze on his back, Nie Li looked behind to meet his eyes with the beautiful and petite figure of Ye Ziyun. Since their conversation in the library, they didn't have much interaction except for some casual greetings.
Ye Ziyun smile looking at Nie Li, he was wearing a combination of red, white and black clothes in an unique style, there was a unique presence to him.
Behind his back was a small cape reaching his waist and he wore long boots on his foot. Ye Ziyun has never seen someone with such an unique taste in dressing. Even though it looked different, anyone who looked at him would agree that he looked quite handsome.
Nie Li looked at the beautiful girl smiling at him, and politely nodded turning his attention back to the arena.
Looking at the spectators around her who were mesmerized by her smile, if they found out that this is directed towards him then all hell would break loose.
Nie Li doesn't really have anything to talk to her about anyways, being her acquaintance is enough but if he get any closer to her then problem would rise.
Ye Ziyun could be considered to be of marriage age and an extra boy near her would only attract unwanted attention which wasn't worth it, especially when that boy has no intrest in her.
Nie Li looked attentively at the ongoing bout while Ye Ziyan was a bit caught off guard from Nie Li's nonchalant behavior towards her.
Usually being the center of attention, she didn't really felt very thrilled about being ignored. Even Ye Ziyan was a bit perplexed about her emotions because often she would be annoyed by all the people disturbing her but now she is pouting when someone isn't doing just that. Women sure are a weird creature.
[Beep! Stimulating Outcome..... Subject A has 73% chances of winning against Subject B. ]
'Hmm that's more than i thought, then again there are various factors one has to consider.' Nie Li thought. He was making use of the calculation ability of the A. I. Chip to determine the most probable winner of the bout. Through this simulation he can figure who might win.
After Nie Li subsequent breakthrough to greater realm his chip also become more formidable. Now, it's calculating ability is otherworldly compared to previous times.
And the reason why Nie Li is even bothering with watching the competition is because of the bets.
At first, Nie Li wasn't very excited about the betting, he didn't think that any house would spend huge money just for some youngsters fighting but he was quite wrong.
This event is a source of pleasure and boasting for many families and they take it very seriously. Many times the betting in the arena would exceed 100 million mark!
After being aware of the high stakes, Nie Li understood that this is his chance. Betting is all about calculations, it's a game of probability and possibility, the people here cannot match the shrewd mindset of gamblers and the terrifying calculating fortitude of the A. I. Chip.
Although Nie Li isn't a gambler, he has some understanding in the field.
Nie Li after a period of observation could judge a person's ability, fighting chances, matchup compatibility and on the basis of that he immediately send his people to over hype the bets against the favour of the probable winner.
He put huge money on many scenario through different channels. The scenarios being the fight ending under 20 exchange in favor of someone, or 30 etc. Nie Li puts small stakes on all this and bet huge sums on the A. I. Chip simulated outcome.
Although betting amount is fixed for any one house, there are ways to get around it as well.
In this case, even if by off chance he loses, he could get the return with at most loss of 20-30% of his bets but if he won even once, then he would instantly make 6 or 7 time his investment.
Nie Li betting choices very spot on, even with some unexpected losses he has already gained about 15 times the money he has lost in the beginning.
Right now, the news of the anomaly in the betting system and their humongous loss is already being delivered to Sacred Family.
Nie Li could easily read the subtle undercurrent and he signalled his hired Demon Spiritualist, ordering them to stop the betting and erase all the evidence.
He looked at Nie Li hesitating for second then nodded in confirmation.
This Demon Spiritualist is a 5-Star silver rank from a commoners background, his name is Cao Wang. He isn't a genius per say since all genius of commoner background is pocketed by Major families but he is not half bad either. He is the strongest person under Nie Li and has a rather good and honest personality.
After hiring him, Nie Li had to make sure he doesn't betray him easily, so Nie Li had his whole family shift into his mansion under his thumb.
At first, Cao Wang didn't find it suspicious although a bit strange, it was only when he saw Nie Li smiling sweetly while patting his 6-year old son that he felt a chill run down his spine. Cao Wang understood that Nie Li is a rather excellent master but also a very dangerous individual. It was just that morning when he was approached by someone to keep an eye on Nie Li and inform about his activities willing to pay him handsomely.
Cao was rather tempted by the offer but his also has a conscience and while he was in the mist of deciding, and returned home he watch in horror as how Nie Li was enjoying a meal with his family, eating while playing with his son.
Looking at this scene and Nie Li's smile that hid a biting coldness, Cao felt a dread he never felt before and a strong firm decision was made in his mind—Never ever betray Nie Li!
Nie Li stared at the retreating back of Cao Wang and his eye turned fiendish yellow with an abyssal black slit.
Nie Li has used his Eyes of Mahamaya create a sense of dread and reverence for himself in Cao Wan.
He has done the same for everyone of his servants the moment he explored the usage of this ability. Nie Li grasp on his eyes isn't very profound and that inhibited him from suppressing a silver rank demon spiritualist to a formidable degree making him his puppet,
But gaining a bit of control of their emotions is still possible. Nie Li needs to be sure that no one would betray him.
Cao shook his head and coldly went ahead to kill everyone who knew about Nie Li involvement in the betting game. All of these men where selected by him individually for this, and everyone were criminals and people with bad record so, this lifted the weight on his conscience.
Nie Li decided to leave but looked at the match finishing similarly as how he envisioned, "These people are the genius of the Glory City, they are just too weak. "
The genius who were fighting were silver rank demon spiritualist but Nie Li could see that he could even destroy them when he was bronze rank. Their skills are too lacking.
At bronze rank Nie Li could destroy a silver rank very easily with his Black Mass. This move is very devastating and it's power level was outrageous. At silver rank Nie Li could severely injure a Gold rank demon beasts with its might. Due to the limitations of his soul force, Nie Li could use only this attack 4-5 time but now as a Gold rank he could use it 8-9 times at full force. Nie Li control over soul force only increased with time.
The attack at Gold rank is obviously much severe and dangerous compared to Silver rank level hence more consumption. If he had to use them to incapacitated a Gold rank now, he could go about 14-15.
At his power level, Nie Li isn't afraid of Black-Gold rank, only those with good accumulation could give him a hard time and Nie Li attack power after merging with Abyss Regal Lion only increases to another level.
Nie Li looked at Sacred family sitting in the main area with with arrogant faces. Nie Li smiled coldy, 'The fun is about to begin.'
Nie Li slowly walked away and took a turn, Ye Ziyun followed him but after passing the turn she saw no one there. Ye Ziyun was quite affected by Nie Li lack of enthusiasm towards her and she wanted to talk to him hence, she followed but he disappeared into thin air.
"Wha- It's raining, It's raining spirit demon crystal cards." Suddenly a commotion sounded from the areana as many surprised and loud sounds were heard from the stage. Someone had casually thrown out hundreds of thousands of demon spirit coins.
Shen Ming looked at the raining money with a complicated and perplexed gaze.
He was just informed by his few underlings about the the result of the bet, the public bet where the Sacred Family was the banker, majority of the people had bet on their choice side to win. Throughout the event so far, The total bet amount was a four hundred and sixty million demon spirit coins. Payout of more than a four hundred and sixty million demon spirit coins. They have made a loss of more than a two hundred million demon spirit coins!
Shen Ming was furious. He originally thought that their publicly opened bet would earn them quite a sum of money and he could stash some of them himself. However, he never imagined that he would have lost more than two hundred million demon spirit coins.
"Damn!" Shen Ming angrily cursed. Ever since the day that he has taken the position of Main Affairs Elder, he had never made such a huge mistake. Losing so much demon spirit coins in one go, and the Patriarch is meant to return soon. Even if he used his past contributions to cancel off the blunder he made, he still doesn't feel good about it.
"Find out who is this crazy person throwing so much money." Shen Ming roared looking at the money being thrown in the air and being collected by spectators. Being a major family representative he disdain the idea of collecting them.
As Shen Ming ordered and his men went to investigate. Suddenly, an envelope mixed with the demon spirit crystal cards flied in an arc and dived into the gap between his fingers.
"What!" Shen Ming was caught off guard and as he was about to throw it away, as a menacing combination of words in blood red color caught his eyes.
It read - Scarlet Sunburst Inscription Pattern.
Reading this words colors drained from his face. If secrets about this was released along with his mistake in loosing the money then he would definitely suffer at the hands of Patriarch. Shen Ming looked around to see if he could catch the person who threw it but deep inside he knew the chances of that happening was almost impossible, especially with such a commotion in the arena.
Shen Ming pocketed the letter immediately and continued to monitor the event till it's eventual end. Afterwards he send his men to collect information about the betting blunder and finding the anonymous person but it was all for nothing.
While Shen Ming was fuming, Nie Li walked around the market as if nothing happened. He was casually strolling looking through the busy vendors area. Ever so often some womens would look at him with shy gaze, although Nie Li wasn't some otherworldly handsome guy and was pretty average compared to the young masters in term of looks, Nie Li's attitude, charm and demeanor couldn't be matched by anyone his age.
In a world where strength is the biggest assets, Nie Li straight as an arrow back and confident body language seems as if he could support the sky if it were to fall down.
Nie Li couldn't care about people opinion, he likes to dress properly so, he would do just that. Although one shouldn't be judged for their clothes Nie Li would prefer to wear a handsome outfit than walk in rags.
Soon, Nie Li stood before a meat shop and started to shop around. After only an instant passed, a person stood behind him.
"Everything is dealt with, I assume?" Nie Li didn't turn his head and asked while choosing the type of meat he wants to buy.
"Yes sir." Behind Nie Li stood Cao Wang, he silenced everyone with any proof against Nie Li and cleared the field.
Nie Li's action were extremely decisive and Cao just finished when the investigation team from Sacred Family began to snoop around. Cao Wang looked at his unfathomable Young Master and couldn't help but admire his understanding of other people's mind.
"Young Master, I have received word from Jin that your family has arrived in the mansion." Cao spoke respectfully as he informed. Jin is a gold rank fighter, so although in a fight Cao could defeat him with the advantage of being a demon spiritualist but he still respected him.
"Oh that's good." Nie Li didn't act much joyful, frankly speaking he feels a little awkward about meeting them but he has to go through with it. He cannot avoid them especially when he has called them here in the first place.
"Here is your meat sir!" The vendor shouted handing Nie Li pack of meat. Nie Li gave him extra demon spirit crystal, vendor smiled happily and thanked him profusely.
He was very respectful since Nie Li bought not just some meat but gold rank demon beast's meat and top quality in that. This means he must be a Young Master or something.
Nie Li took the pack and handed it to Cao Wang, "Take this, it would be good for little Tain."
Cao Wang took the bag but hesitated, even he as a silver rank demon spiritualist could only afford them once or twice a month, it is quite an expensive products.
Nie Li patted his shoulder, smiling as he walked away.
Nie Li walked towards his house with Cao Wang behind him. When Nie Li came near the gates, he saw someone sprinting towards him.
"Big Brother Nie Li, you're back!"
A small girl cheerfully ran towards Nie Li. Her hair is tied in pigtails, with cheeks as red as apples, looking extremely cute.
Her name is Nie Yu, his uncle's daughter.
Nie Li's father, Nie Ming, has only one brother. Their status within the Heavenly Marks Family is very low. They would usually rely on farming to feed themselves. Fortunately, only one third of the harvest is required to be submitted to the family, the rest can be kept for themselves. Since Nie Li has decided to bring them here, they could live a more comfortably.
With a family of five-six thousand people, a total of sixty members are bronze rank Fighters, six are silver rank Fighters, two are silver rank Demon Spiritualists and one Gold rank Demon Spiritualist. The strongest in the Heavenly Marks Family is the Patriarch (House Master), Nie Hai.
He's a 1-star Gold rank Demon Spiritualist, his position within the family is the highest. Thereafter, two 1-star Gold rank Fighters and one 3-star Gold rank Fighter. That is the strength of Heavenly Marks Family. In Nie Li's eyes they aren't worth the effort of uplifting, Nie Li knew that his relationship with others are not very good so, it would be better to create his own clan if he even needs one.
As for his parents, Nie Li feels a bit obliged to take care of them. They are just some normal people and with his huge assets, it's a piece of cake giving them a wonderful lavish life.
Nie Li rubbed Nie Yu's head, Although he has seen her in his memories she is very cute in real life too, The previous Nie Li doted on Nie Yu a lot, and Nie Li now, although he wants to act tough but he stills feels a bit of connection with her.
Either it is his love for children or just the brotherly feeling he gets when Nie Yu calls him brother so sweetly. Nie Li isn't sure but his first impression of her has been very good.
Nie Li has gotten over any guilt he felt previously for the previous owner of the body. It isn't like he killed him or anything, it wasn't his fault so there is no meaning in feeling bad, but Nie Li still has a bit of consideration hence, his current actions.
Nie Li smilingly said, "How was Xiao Yu trip?"
"En, It has been great, everyone is super nice and there is tasty food!" said Nie Yu, nodding her head, after a while she turned serious. "I also want to be like big brother Nie Li, enter into the Holy Orchid Institute and become a Fighter!"
Nie Yu has been putting Nie Li as her target all along, but Nie Li knew this but felt that this is just her childish gibberish.
Nie Li took Nie Yu in his arms and lifted her over his shoulder and making her sit there. Nie Yu laughed as she was enjoying the ride.
"Cao, you can go home now. You deserve some rest, I would also send some bonus for your contribution." Nie Li casually spoke to Cao Wang in an unquestionably tone and walked away. Cao could only nod his head with happiness apparent in his eyes.
Nie Li walked a distance together with Nie Yu inside the house. When they saw Nie Li, Nie Ming and Nie Kai stood up, smiled at each other and walked towards where Nie Li is.
"Xiao Li, you're back!" Nie Ming said, smiling.
"En, father, I hope your trip has been fine."
Seeing Nie Ming haggard looks, Nie Li's eyes couldn't help shine with respect. Nie Ming is not a cultivator just a simple farmer but he still tried his best to pay for his son expenses and even if Nie Li wasn't very talented and gifted he still loved him dearly. Nie Li mind wander off as he remember the various scenes from the memories where Nie Ming was with the previous owner of the body. All of them, Nie Li's parents, uncle, aunt and his cousin are good people with kind heart. Nie Li couldn't bring himself to just leave them irrespective of his reluctance.
"Our trip has been fine, Tell us about yourself. After being to Holy Orchid Institute, Xiao Li aura is indeed not the same!" Nie Kai beside also said, laughing. He's the blood brother of Nie Ming. He's younger than Nie Ming by three years. He's the same as Nie Ming, not having any cultivation talent, therefore, he's just an ordinary farmer.
At Nie Ming and Nie Kai's age, their soul realms had already solidified and they were no longer able to cultivate it. However, being an ordinary person is still fine.
Nie Li returned home, and after seeing his mother and aunt, they became joyous. Finally, the family is reunited again. Nie Li's heart is filled with a strange feeling but he maintained his stoic face, everyone felt that he has changed both physically and mentally but otherwise it seemed normal to them.
Internally, Nie Li cannot just act like someone he is not but he appreciated how they were willing to accommodate his personality.
Unlike usually when he's around people, Nie Li doesn't feel that being with them is a pain but he still has some inhibitions in his heart which is very difficult to be dealt with.
"Nie Li, why didn't you come home and what's your strength now?" Nie Ming finally couldn't hold on anymore and asked.
Everyone's gaze fell on Nie Li. Nie Yu's big eyes were also blinking as she looked at Nie Li.
"You guys have just returned, Let's discuss it over a meal." Nie Li spoke as he ordered a maid to guide them to the dining area while he freshen up.
...
Nie Li come back in a rather plain and comfortable clothes as he sat down, Looking at him carefully they could see some obvious changes but it wasn't very big, to his parents aunt and uncle it was just some physical growth.
"As I have told you in the letter I had something to take care off so I couldn't return, As for my strength in this year's examination, my soul force had broke through into 200, and I became a 2-star Bronze rank Demon Spiritualist, I was admitted into the genius class." Nie Li said while calmly eating his food.
Nie Ming and bunch did not imagine that Nie Li would be able to become a Demon Spiritualist. They all thought that if Nie Li can become a Bronze rank fighter, it would be more than enough.
When they heard about Nie Li already becoming a 2-star Bronze rank Demon Spiritualist, they were all stunned. The chopsticks in their hands also stopped moving.
2-star Bronze rank... Demon Spiritualist? Genius Class?
Nie Ming and bunch all thought that they had heard wrong.
"What did you say?" The Nie Kai beside couldn't help opening his mouth and asked Nie Li again.
"Yeah, but this growth isn't due to my talent or anything through, while I was training here I was somewhat intrigued by Alchemy so, I gave it chance. Somehow it turns out I am quite talented in Alchemy! And someone there took a liking to me so, I was treated rather well and they also paid for various elixir helping me to breakthrough. They also pulled some string to get me into Genius class, This house is also provided by them, I have the ability to take care of you guys so, I wish for you to stay here and this is best way for Xiao Yu to explore her choices too." Nie Li nodded his head.
"Alchemy!" Nie Ming and bunch muttered to themselves.
After a brief moment of stunned silence, their faces were filled with extreme joy.
A Demon Spiritualist! An Alchemist! Genius Class!
Any Demon Spiritualist within the Heavenly Marks Family would have extraordinary status, Not to mention someone talented in Alchemy. The whole house doesn't have anyone like that, Although Nie Li oversimplified it his parents knew that only true genius would be given such a treatment.
In the family, aside from being excused from the tax every month, they can still claim quite a few things from the family.
Nie Yu blinked, her watery big eyes looked at Nie Li in admiration and said, "Big brother Nie Li is great!"
All along, Nie Li has been her object of worship.
"Hehe!" Nie Li laughed, rubbing Nie Yu's head.
"Xiao Li has talent in alchemy, therefore he was chosen for the Genius class. After all, Xiao Li wouldn't be able to become a 2-star Bronze rank Demon Spiritualist in such a short time! Our house finally has a Demon Spiritualist!" Nie Ming emotionally said.
At this moment, no matter if it's Nie Ming, Nie Kai, Aunt Miao Ling or Nie Yu, they were all very happy. Xiao Yun even started weeping from being too happy.
"Xiao Li's future will be bright!" Nie Kai patted on Nie Li's shoulders.
"Xiao Li, let's go! We'll go meet the Patriarch!" Nie Ming suddenly stood up, his heart filled with pride. This time, he can finally raise his head in front of his fellow clansmen. Previously, Nie Ming had always been looked down upon by the people in the family, especially Nie Chong, who was always boasting in front of him. Today, Nie Li finally fought for his face. But suddenly he remember how Nie Li didn't go to the family and rather brought them here and felt somewhat awkward.
"Why are you in such a hurry?" Mother Xiao Yun threw Nie Ming a glare.
"Right, right!" Nie Ming embarrassedly laughed. He was feeling extremely proud in his heart, making him excited.
"I won't be going to the clan." Nie Li answered while eating.
"What? Why?" When the topic turned to the family, Nie Ming frowned.
"For the time being, I still don't wish to meet the Patriarch. I wish to continue my training." Nie Li raised his head, looking at Nie Ming and said, "There would be only senseless politics there, people trying to vye for benefit and their nonsense. I don't owe anything to the clan, my fees have been paid by you guys through hard work and difficulties, the clan is my root so, I won't forsake it but no one should expect a love and dedication I just don't have."
"But!" Nie Ming spoke, to him the clan is everything, it is family. The concept of alienating never occurred to him.
"Father, I don't have the ability to do anything for the clan. I have time to only care about myself and you guys for now so, try to understand. The clan would force me to share my resources to them in the name of filial duty. They would salivate after my relationship with the Alchemist Association, I cannot deal with that much nuisance." Nie Li spoke in a rather cold and indifferent voice but at the end his voice turned a little tender as he saw Nie Yu becoming a bit uncomfortable.
Although Nie Li is rather nonchalant he still didn't want to completely forsake the Heavenly Marks Family, it is the family with the longest history.
It's history can even go back to the Snow Wind Empire's era. The Heavenly Marks Family's ancestor was one of the great lords at that time. However, due to experiencing changes of the era, and the long Age of Darkness, the Heavenly Marks Family declined into a run down small family within Glory City. Even still there could be some benefit there, if Nie Li act obedient they would climb over his head but if he were to show that he has a problem with the family, who knows they might take the initiative to offer him something interesting.
"Okay I understand, but what would we even do here-?"
"There is farm in the back, you could tend to it. You could rear some cattles, take care of this house. There is much to do. The only difference is that you could do this for a hobby rather than just making ends meet." Nie Li said, he knows how difficult it would be for them to change their lifestyle so, he made some preparation so, that they would be occupied all the time.
Uncle Nie Kai beside rubbed Nie Yu's head and said, "Xiao Yu must also work hard, and be like Nie Li."
"En, Xiao Yu will work hard!" Nie Yu nodded her head and said in a serious tone.
The night is approaching, there would be a night breeze blowing in the forest, with the sound of leaves rustling in the wind.
Nie Li came out from his room, and headed to the balcony. Standing there, he looked towards the distance and only saw the lights from various households and the shinning light from the full moon illuminating the world below.
"Today is the day your tyranny would end Shen Fei. The Sacred Family should have not been so arrogant. The messenger would be reaching there anytime now, the dark day begins for the sacred family." Nie Li body turned a bit illusionary as his figure merged with the still and silent night as terror was about to struck the Shen Family.