[A/N: Not planning on time skipping really like this anymore. Nothing like going multiple years at least. This is where new people get involved. Note that some relationships developed "offscreen." That means his relationships with like Na and An are good, though they certainly didn't make the jump yandere. We'll probably make jumps to check back in with the progress of certain characters every once in a while. Mostly though we'll be dealing with mc and a new character who will introduce the world and provide a window into the plot. That's the plan at least.]
"Fuck this!"
Rain jumped off the wall, running as men behind him screamed profanities.
"Catch him!"
"Don't let him escape!"
Rain weaved and dodged. He wasn't near strong enough to face these guys nor did he have any intention of trying. The best thing he could do was run away, something he fortunately excelled at. Rain was confident to get away from most, especially with his affinities however, at that moment he heard a voice:
"Hello, hello. Where might you be going?"
A terrifying aura surrounded him, something that shouldn't exist in the First Heaven, as Rain froze. He turned his head, only to see a distorted smile filled with sharp teeth accompanied by the rather offputting image of a beautiful and sexy woman, with a long lizards tail.
'Ah shit, I'm so fucked.'
Indeed. He was. But to understand how he got here, we have to go back a little bit... and forward a lot.
For context, Rain is now 15. He has since unlocked his cultivation, but that will all be explained in our little flashback as to how he got fucked.
Six years-ish and a week forward, then a week back, that's where we currently are... So basically six years later.
"Ah shit, I'm gonna miss it."
Rain was currently running through the palace grounds. Previously, he had been walking around, training his stealth, but he had lost track of time and realized he was going to miss his sister's beginning in cultivation, something he had implied that he wouldn't do. He didn't want to lead her on, practicing what he preached so to speak, so he decided to run, abandoning his stealth training.
Not that he needed it anymore. He was allowed to walk around the palace and interact with people. He was outwardly respected now, though inwardly he thought that most people thought differently. He didn't know nor did he care. Regardless, you may be asking yourself why?
Simple.
When Rain left the party that night after the king's announcement to his concubine's children, he continued to do whatever he wanted. He gathered knowledge and improved his relationship with his disc- *cough* little sister and mother. Not that it needed improving. However, there were some changes to his routine that occurred. For instance, Mo An would stop by every once in a while, and they would chat. She didn't go out of her way to come visit him, at least not at first, but the two had some great conversations.
Though he had some trouble with separating himself from his mother and sister. They didn't like the new... "woman?" was how they put it. His sister was full on bro-con, and his mother had only grown more obsessed, though it wasn't like she could be, in a sense.
Regardless, Rain was having none of it. When he truly wanted to do something, which was rarely, he would make it very clear and the conversations with An were refreshing, so he did not let that stop him. He told them explicitly that he didn't care as it was his choice.
The result? Nothing much, though this only increased the time that they tried to spend by his side. Rain could've lied and manipulated his sister by saying self restraint was apart of his teachings, but that was against his principles. And it didn't really bother him. So he let them do what they wanted, as long as they didn't get in his way.
Eventually, his relationship with An reached to be friends. They respected one another, despite Rain's lack of strength. For both An and Rain, this was them being insanely open, as they were both naturally keeping people at arms lengths and generally didn't care. This increase in respect indicated a strong relationship in comparison to most of their other relationships.
This was the only change in the 4 years before Rain turned 13. However, that was when things got a bit wild.
Rain was not a heaven sent talent. Not at all. Their were heaven sent talents, though they often only showed up in the higher Heavens, buy Rain was not them. It was quite annoying. However, it wasn't like he was held back by his talent.
Generally, talent can be measured as:
nil, which is what most people, especially First Heaven people, have
low, which means you will cultivate, but not really get anywhere, not very uncommon
normal, which means it isn't impossible to reach new heights, just very close
good, pretty rare. Does nothing, but not hold you back. It doesn't give boosts to speed and stuff for the most part, but it won't hold you back. You never have to worry about shit like 'is this my limit?' because you don't have one. It's just a matter of effort.
After that, it gets obscure and I can't be bothered. Just know it's easier and you won't be held back as well going forward.
Rain had good talent. That's it. However, that was enough to give him a certain amount of respect in the palace, as most people didn't have even that. However, he would probably still be confined to the courtyard, if not for something else that happened.
His affinity was quite interesting.
Darkness.
Rain, who had been a bit annoyed about not being OP, instantly changed his tune. He was quite happy and the people of the palace were quite surprised.
To put it in perspective, affinity determines elemental attacks, which is what cultivators use as a base. Not weapon cultivators for the most part, but elements are the easiest and most powerful generally for non weapon cultivators. Everybody has an affinity for one of the four main elements, fire, earth, air, and water, so it isn't a problem to not have an affinity. Though there are different level of affinities certainly.
However, there are certain affinities that are rarer. Some examples would be the lightning of Huilan or the ice of An. They are considered top level with their physiques making a massive affinity for these elements, though a physique is not required to have the affinity. Rain possesses the darkness affinity, one that won't limit him much like his talent as long as he puts in the work.
As such, he became respected. Simply because of that. Simply because now Rain had the capacity to get strong, so nobody wanted to piss him off just in case.
Rain had his restrictions lifted. This resulted in a change in his relationships once again. He saw An more often and his mother and sister less often due to him exploring the palace. He would also train his darkness, which was less taxing in his mind that sh*t like sword cultivating so it was fine.
Because of his newfound freedom, he also found himself a new acquaintance, one that took even more time away from his mother and sister. Mo Na. She seemed ecstatic to interact with him and compare their strength.
In short, to sum this chapter of his life up...
[A/N: See what I did there.]
Mo Na saw him as a rival and someone she needs to beat. She liked his character however and they could be considered friendly. Rain enjoyed her company.
An saw him as a friend, which was high praise from her. These emotions were reciprocated, also high praise.
And his mother and sister... let's let the text speak for itself. Quite a lot has changed... or should I say deepened.