Chapter 15 : Geeking out
The grand hall inside the clan courtyard was a sight to behold, with its towering columns and intricately carved archways. The walls were adorned with ancient tapestries depicting scenes from the clan's illustrious history, while the floor was polished to a mirror-like shine.
As I stood in the center of the hall, surrounded by the elders of the clan, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the gravity of the occasion.
My mother stood beside me, her expression serene yet proud, while Ning Rong watched from the sidelines, her eyes alight with curiosity.
Among the elders present, four out of the five were there to witness the ceremony.
They stood solemnly, their presence commanding respect despite their nondescript appearances.
However, one figure stood out from the rest - Elder Xi Luo.
Her perpetually furrowed brow and stern demeanor made her an imposing figure, and her disapproving gaze seemed to follow me wherever I went.
But despite her disapproval, the elders were here to give my mother and Ning Rong 'Face'.
In the cultivation world, 'Face' was a concept as complex as it was important. It was about respect, honor, and reputation.
To show 'Face' was to acknowledge someone's status and position, to give them the recognition they deserved.
For my mother, who had dedicated her life to serving the clan, it was a matter of respect for her years of dedication and service.
And for Ning Rong, who was on the cusp of becoming the next clan leader, it was about acknowledging her potential and giving her the support she needed to succeed.
But 'Face' was a currency in the cultivation world, one that could open doors and forge alliances, or close them just as quickly.
It was a delicate balance, one that required careful navigation and strategic maneuvering.
As the ceremony was abut to begin, I couldn't help but feel the pressure mounting bit i also felt the excitement about learning more about my meridians and what i can do with Qi .
Previously I mocked Rong about the pain part but the truth is I am more concerned about it than she ever was.
And here it comes
As the ceremony had yet to begin, Ning Rong took the opportunity to playfully tease me, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Ah, Feng'er, are you feeling nervous?" she asked with a smirk, echoing my own teasing from her meridian formation ceremony.
I rolled my eyes, knowing exactly where she was going with this. "Please, Rong Rong, don't start with the sympathy now. I can handle a little pain," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.
She grinned, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "Oh, I'm sure you can, but I'll be sure to remind you of this moment when you're squirming in agony later," she retorted, her tone laced with amusement.
I chuckled, unable to resist getting drawn into our usual banter.
"You know, Rong Rong, you're not as tough as you think you are. Remember when you cried like a baby during your own ceremony?"
Her eyes narrowed playfully, and she mock-glared at me. "Watch it, Feng'er, or I might just have to remind you of a few embarrassing moments of your own," she threatened, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
I raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Oh, I'm shaking in my boots. What could you possibly have on me that's worse than your dramatic waterworks?"
She smirked, clearly enjoying the verbal sparring. "Well, for starters, there was that time you accidentally set your hair on fire during alchemy practice..."
I groaned, knowing exactly where this was going. "Okay, okay, let's not bring up past mistakes.
We both know we're equally capable of embarrassing ourselves," I conceded, unable to suppress a grin.
Ning Rong laughed, the tension of the upcoming ceremony momentarily forgotten in our playful exchange. "Fair enough, Feng'er.
But don't worry, I'll be right there to hold your hand if things get too rough," she teased, nudging me playfully.
I rolled my eyes, but couldn't help but smile. "Thanks, Rong Rong, but I think I'll manage.
Besides, I wouldn't want to cramp your style as the young clan leader," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.
She chuckled, the sound light and carefree. "Oh, don't worry about that, Feng'er.
I'll always have time to torment you, no matter what position I hold in the clan," she teased, a playful glint in her eye.
And as we continued our light hearted banter, the weight of the upcoming ceremony seemed to lift, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and shared amusement. I knew that with this tsundere here, I would not get bored easily.
and "stop calling me Feng'er " i said with an annoyed face .
" you are two years younger than me and i am almost eight just a few months away , just because you said its not like i will sop."
Despite her playful demeanour, I could sense a hint of concern lingering beneath Ning Rong's teasing façade. It was subtle, barely noticeable to anyone else, but I knew her well enough to see through the bravado.
As we exchanged banter, her eyes sparkled with mischief, but there was a flicker of uncertainty hidden within them.
It was as if she was silently questioning whether I could truly handle the pain that awaited me during the ceremony.
I could understand her worry. After all, the meridian formation process was known to be excruciating, and despite my attempts to brush it off with humour, there was no denying it.
But I couldn't let her see my own apprehension. I had to maintain the illusion of confidence, both for her sake and for mine.
So, I met her playful jabs with witty retorts, masking my own doubts behind a façade of light heartedness.
Yet, deep down, I knew the truth. The pain would be intense, and there was no guarantee that I would emerge from the ceremony unscathed. But I couldn't let fear consume me.
" Feng'er start it " my mother commanded .
As the process began I steeled my nerves I have never suffered so much pain in my life this or previous even when I got hit by the truck it was instantaneous and I didn't feel much of anything .
Soon I felt as something was forcing my spirit roots to move but I remembered something ,the instability of Rong's soul sense and the abnormal behaviour of her spiritual roots.
It was clear that something was off with soul during this process and I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of my stomach.
So I first tried to extend my Soul sense outward but to my surprise I could not even send single centimetre away from my body and I started to feel the pain throughout my body .
I wanted to study this process as much as I could before the pain took over , so I extended my soul sense inward to sense my spirit roots but what I saw shocked me again my internal view was as it is but since I have been using my soul sense to look inside my body basically everyday.
I can barely feel something is slightly different and that is the fact I can sense the qi in my spirit roots a little clearer and that tell me its not pure qi like always there is completely yet a very familiar energy inside it .
Then suddenly a thought struck me like a bolt of lightning about why can I feel my spirit roots clearer or why the energy is mixing so harmoniously with my qi or why does it feel so familiar or why cant I push my soul sense outward .
Its because it my soul essence that is mixing with the Qi to form meridians and why can cultivators use soul sense to manipulate qi to such crazy levels once they form meridians its like snake growing arms and able to do what humans can with tools but just as I realized that something else happened.
The painful process of meridian formation is not one easily described in words. It is a visceral experience, one that encompasses both physical agony and mental endurance.
As the formation begins, the cultivator is enveloped in waves of searing pain that course through their body like wildfire.
It starts as a dull ache, a subtle discomfort that gradually intensifies into a relentless onslaught of agony.
With each passing moment, it feels as though every nerve in the body is being stretched to its breaking point, as if invisible tendrils of fire are tearing through flesh and bone.
The pain is all-encompassing, overwhelming in its intensity, and it takes every ounce of willpower to endure.
But it's not just the physical pain that makes meridian formation so grueling. It's also the mental strain, the constant battle to maintain focus and clarity amid the chaos of agony.
The mind becomes a battleground, a warzone where doubt and fear wage war against determination and resilience.
For me, each moment feels like an eternity as I struggle to withstand the torment coursing through ny body.
Every fiber of my being screams out in protest, urging me to surrender to the pain and flee from the ordeal.
But I refused to yield. With gritted teeth and a steely resolve, I pushed through the torment, drawing on every ounce of inner strength to endure.
It's a battle of attrition, a test of endurance unlike any other, and I know that failure is not an option.
Slowly, agonizingly, the process continues, each passing moment feeling like an eternity of suffering. But amidst the pain, there is was something fascinating going on.
I watched as a myriad of meridians began to form, intertwining and weaving their way through my body like intricate pathways of energy.
These qi-carrying veins connected to the area above my naval, known as the dantian, where Qi would eventually form as I continued my cultivation journey. It was a sight to behold, seeing the foundations of my future power taking shape before my eyes.
I had already confirmed my theory regarding meridian formation being linked to qi and soul essence being mixed together in order to create them and that give me even more confidence regarding the theory forming inside my head.
As the process was completed, I felt a surge of intense energy coursing through my body, like a blazing river carving its path through my veins.
Every meridian, every pathway of energy, seemed to ignite with newfound vitality, pulsating with raw power. It was as if my entire being was alight with the force of creation itself.
But amidst all that , there was also a strange sense of euphoria, a profound awareness of the immense potential now coursing through my body.
It was a paradoxical sensation of agony and ecstasy, leaving me feeling simultaneously drained and invigorated.
I have felt this much in both my lives combined, I think I need to rest plus I don't want to go through something like this again , I am not some overpowered Mc with extremely strong will .
As I teetered on the brink of consciousness, the world around me blurred and swirled, colors dancing in a hazy kaleidoscope.
In the midst of this disorienting fog, I caught sight of Rong's figure approaching, her presence a beacon of familiarity in the swirling chaos.
I felt a surge of warmth wash over me , but as for the rest aside from my adoptive mother had a look of disappointment on their faces.
I felt the tendrils of unconsciousness tightening their grip, dragging me down into the depths of oblivion. I think that's enough geeking out for today.
Chapter 16: A New Beginning and New Arrivals
As I slowly drifted back to consciousness, the darkness that enveloped me seemed to retreat, giving way to a dim, murky light that filtered through my eyelids.
With great effort, I managed to pry my eyes open, blinking away the remnants of sleep that clung stubbornly to my senses.
The muffled sounds that had been drifting through the haze of unconsciousness now grew clearer, resolving into the faint murmur of voices in the background.
As my vision adjusted to the dim light, I realized that I was lying on a soft surface, the cool touch of linens beneath me offering a small measure of comfort.
Struggling to sit up, I glanced around, my gaze falling upon the figure of Ning Rong seated nearby.
She watched me with a mixture of relief and concern, her features softened by the dim light filtering into the room.
"Hey there, Sleeping Beauty," she greeted me with a playful smile, though the worry in her eyes belied her attempt at levity.
"Took you long enough to wake up."
I managed a weak smile in return, my head still swimming with the remnants of unconsciousness. "What happened?" I croaked, my voice rough from disuse.
Ning Rong's expression sobered as she leaned closer, her voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper.
"You fainted," she explained, her words tinged with a note of concern. "You've been out for a while."
Frowning, I struggled to recall the events leading up to my loss of consciousness.
Flashes of pain and darkness flickered through my mind, disjointed fragments of memory that refused to coalesce into a coherent whole.
"I remember..." I began, my voice trailing off as I searched for the words to articulate the jumbled mess of sensations and impressions swirling within me.
I struggled to sit up, my muscles protesting the effort. "Where's Mother? And the elders?"
Rong's expression hardened slightly at the mention of our mother. "They're discussing something with the elders," she said, her voice tinged with bitterness. "They're not too happy with you, Feng."
I furrowed my brow in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Although I knew what she means , just everyday Xiaxia bullshit. Not like I cared I doubt I would stay oin this small part of world for longer than required .
This place might have a much lower number of powerhouses compared to rest of this world but there were still many things I wished to explore .
I will probably at least this clan when I have enough strength and go explore these seven great islands , not just seven as it does have many other smaller islands.
Her lips curled into a sardonic smile. "They're upset that you didn't awaken any special physique," she explained, her tone dripping with disdain.
"They allowed you to live in the clan estate, even gave you the Ning surname on Mother's behalf. And this is how you repay them."
Before I could gather my thoughts, the door to the room swung open, admitting a shaft of light that illuminated the dim interior.
Ning Lian entered, her expression a mask of concern as she hastened to my side.
"Feng, you're awake," she exclaimed, her relief palpable as she reached out to steady me. "How are you feeling?"
I attempted to sit up further, my movements slow and tentative as I struggled to shake off the lingering fog of unconsciousness.
"I'm... I'm okay, I think," I managed, my words hesitant as I took stock of my condition.
Ning Lian nodded, her gaze flickering briefly to Ning Rong before returning to me. "You gave us quite a scare," she admitted, her tone softened by a note of concern. "You've been unconscious for nearly an hour."
"Well it's the first time I have experienced so much pain and my mind drifting elsewhere , so when the pain reached its peak I kind of blacked out." I replied embarrassed .
"Don't worry about anything and rest for a while there is someone I would like you to meet , if he arrives on time ."Ning lian said looking annoyed but happy at the same time .
'Ok' I said and went to my room with the not so little duckling following me .
"You are about to turn eight years old and you will have access to the clan's cultivation and martial techniques.
You'd get some for me as well, right?" I asked, putting on my best beaten puppy eyes.
Ning Rong raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms, giving me a look that screamed scepticism.
"And why would I do that?" she asked, her voice dripping with false innocence.
"Because you love me, your dearest follower," I replied, batting my eyelashes for extra effect.
She snorted, clearly unimpressed. "Love you? Feng, the only thing I love is watching you squirm."
I clutched my chest dramatically. "Oh, the cruelty! The betrayal! How could my dear mistress be so heartless?"
I dropped to my knees, clasping my hands together in a pleading gesture.
"Please, Rong! You know how much those techniques would mean to me. I swear, I'll even polish your shoes for a year!"
Rong snorted, trying to suppress a laugh. "Feng, you're already my servant, remember? What's shoe-polishing compared to that?"
Ning Rong smirked, clearly enjoying the banter. "If you want those techniques, you're going to have to work for them."
I dropped the act and looked at her seriously. "Alright, what do you want in return?"
She pretended to think for a moment, tapping her chin. "Grade Two Runic Scrolls. One for every technique I bring you."
My jaw dropped. "Grade Two? Do you have any idea how much effort and resources go into making those?"
Ning Rong shrugged nonchalantly. "I do. That's why I'm asking for them. Take it or leave it."
"Of course," I said, giving her a mock salute. "Anything for my dear, slightly tyrannical friend."
I gulped, realizing the magnitude of her demand. "But… the materials… they'll have to come from you. I can't afford all that on my own."
She grinned, clearly having anticipated this. "Deal. I'll provide the materials, but you have to do the crafting."
I sighed, feeling both relieved and exasperated. "Fine, it's a deal. But you're a damn miser, you know that?"
Ning Rong's smile widened, and she tilted her head in mock innocence.
"Where do you think I learned it from? You should be proud of me, litle one. I'm just following in your frugal footsteps."
I couldn't help but laugh. "I suppose I should be. You've learned well from me, after all."
She gave me a playful shove. "Don't get too full of yourself. Now, let's get to planning. I want those scrolls done by the time I get those techniques."
I nodded, feeling a sense of excitement. Despite our constant banter and teasing, there was a strong bond between us.
I was determined to fulfill my part of the deal, not just for the techniques, but because I genuinely wanted to make sure she was safe and these can prove to be instrumental .
It will take couple of days just to complete one and i dont think anyone else can get these many resources aside from her and clan leader.
As we sat down to discuss the details, Ning Rong's eyes sparkled with a mix of determination and mischief. "So, what techniques are you interested in?"
I rubbed my chin thoughtfully. "Well, anything that enhances my control over Qi and helps with rune crafting would be great.
Also, maybe some combat techniques, just in case I need to defend myself."
Ning Rong nodded. "Got it. I'll keep an eye out for those. But remember, the higher the quality of the technique, the more scrolls I'll expect in return."
I groaned inwardly, already dreading the amount of work ahead of me. "You're really not going to make this easy, are you?"
She flashed me a wicked grin. "Nope. Consider it payback for all the times you teased me."
I couldn't help but chuckle. "Fair enough. Just don't expect me to go easy on you either.
Those scrolls will be top-notch, but I'll make sure to remind you how much effort went into each one." although mostly low level 2 runic scrolls.
We spent the next few hours outlining our plan.
Ning Rong would start by scouting the clan's library and training halls for suitable techniques, while I would begin preparing the necessary tools and materials for crafting the scrolls.
The process would be time-consuming and labor-intensive, but we were both committed .
As we wrapped up our discussion, Ning Rong stood up and stretched. "Alright, I'll start my search tomorrow.
You'd better get some rest, brother. You're going to need all your energy for those scrolls."
I nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and dread. "I will. And thanks, Rong. I know I give you a hard time, but I really appreciate this."
She waved off my gratitude with a smirk. "Don't mention it. Just remember, you owe me. Big time."
The next morning, we both sprang into action. Ning Rong disappeared into the clan's vast library, armed with a list of techniques she thought would be useful for me.
Meanwhile, I set up my workspace, gathering the necessary tools and materials to begin crafting the Grade Two Runic Scrolls.
As the days went by, our routine became almost comical.
Ning Rong would return each evening with a new technique in hand, smugly presenting it to me with a raised eyebrow.
"Here's another one. Get to work, Feng."
I would groan dramatically, rolling my eyes but secretly feeling grateful. "You really don't give me a break, do you?"
She'd laugh and pat my shoulder. "Nope. Now, get those scrolls done. I'm counting on you."
Despite the constant banter, we fell into a comfortable rhythm.
I found myself looking forward to her daily reports, eager to see what new techniques she'd uncovered.
And although the scroll-making process was exhausting, it was also incredibly rewarding.
Each completed scroll felt like a small victory, a tangible representation of my dedication and hard work.
"By the way," I added, a sly grin spreading across my face.
"Don't think I didn't notice how well you've been handling your new abilities. That pink lightning is quite the showstopper."
Rong blushed, trying to hide her embarrassment. "It's nothing, really. Just a little practice."
"Just a little practice?" I echoed, feigning shock. "Rong, you're practically a walking, talking storm cloud. I'm surprised you haven't accidentally fried someone yet."
I think she has benifited greatly from my lessons usually this level of mastery only comes after some time in body tempering realm.
"well its mostly thanks to you and even though I didn't understand most of it whatever i understood helped a lot." she said struggling to thank me as a tsundere should .
Just like that Many months passed and she was about to turn 8 years old and I have made quite a few scrolls for 12 to be exact .
It was a very draining process, I couldn't even make them continuously. I took a break while reading the techniques she brought. After reading them I have come to a conclusion.
Every single one who created these techniques understood that there was a connection between soul and Qi like I had imagined but I guess it wasn't mentioned in those other books because of hoarding of the knowledge by the cultivators .
I could see this because I already suspected it the way they have used soul sense spiritual energy in these techniques is very subtle and rather ingenious .
I have already learned a lot in these months and I don't think I can progress any further in runes and formations for now ask for that I have to be a body tempering cultivator first but I'm still trying to improve my level within the grade 2,
I have already produced 2 different mid level grade 2 scrolls for Ning rong But they were very hard to make and I was not able to use my soul sense for 5 days after making them both .
But I have not been lazing around after reaching Grade 2 I have been trying to do something.
I was craving to do for a long time creating completely new formations and runes from scratch , yeah not just modifying them to suit my needs but creating completely new ones usually Grade 3 master modify runes .
And some geniuses try to create their own at this grade and but most of them succeed at grade 4 and this the requirement to become grade 4 in these two professions to create their own runes or formations .
...…
Today is Rong's 8th birthday which means her body will automatically create the first Dao seal – the red Dao seal for body tempering realm .
Hence starting her cultivation journey in earnest , this process doesn't cause any pain and doesn't take any time what happens rather quickly but what I am the most curious about is the final evolution of her to abilities .
Currently we are in her courtyard, there is only me and Rong here and I have put up a isolation formation which can isolate all the 5 senses no one can hear or see us or feel our presence in any way .
Just to be safe all they will see is an empty courtyard , It's very similar to a illusion formation but it doesn't just muddle the eyes and ears but also smell and qi sense it's a peak level 2 formation which uses high quality materials.
Of course I am controlling it so its temporary otherwise it would use way too many resources and I don't want to leave clues behind about my capabilities as no one would let level 2 rune master let alone an even rarer level 2 formation master leave the clan estate even again not to mention so young and only a mere servant , well I doubt I would only be a servant if they knew.
Ning Rong suddenly opened her eyes and the four petalled symbol was no longer there it must have been completely assimilated and this time lightning hasn't just increased her speed but every single aspect of her body has been increased
At the same time I felt four presences approach the clan estate from 500m away which I sensed through my alarm or sensory formation .
It is showing that one of the individual is at peak of foundation building while others are body tempering.
Chapter 17 : Battery Rune
"Looks like someone knows of our arrival , I just sensed a disturbance in the qi around us I think its one the clan's formation but I didn't know that the clan had a such sneaky sensory formation .
I cant even sense the formation it must have dissipated after being revealed by our arrival in its range .
But wouldn't it just be triggered by anyone crossing the boundary so whats the point of putting it up here .
Maybe someone designed it to ignore already known Qi signatures it was only a level 1 formation but it is such a good idea" The man mumbled as he analysed the formation he just experienced.
Being a level 2 formation master he had keen insight into this type of stuff and was able to tell in such a short amount of time that it was a formation and not some person who sensed them.
There were three kids following him one of them a handsome nine year old boy with black hair and black eyes said" Master your clan is most powerful force in these islands .
So it shouldn't be surprising they were able to sense us coming and you already said your father has already sensed even before this so what's the big deal ." Ning Jian looked at the boy who spoke
" Li Liang you should focus on your concepts and you have not been able to get even a preliminary understanding of the concept of fire.
Despite having the special physique of fire and don't use all your time training your technique its good that you are so dedicated towards your goal , but you should try and comprehend higher levels of this body tempering realm , you have the fortune of having a special physique which very very few people in the entire world have ." the boy li liang looked disgruntled
"Master I am the least talented one amongst the three of us , these two monsters will surpass me in a few years if I don't train and improve my understanding of technique and my Qi control I will be left behind .
They already have better concepts than me in their physiques , I don't even how you managed to get all three of us to be your students , those top sects might just die of jealousy ."
The sun had just begun to rise over the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the Ning Clan estate. The air was crisp and filled with the promise of a new day.
Birds chirped merrily, and the soft rustling of leaves in the gentle morning breeze added a serene ambiance to the scene.
Amidst this tranquil setting, a figure walked steadily toward the estate, accompanied by three children.
Ning Jian, a tall man with an aura of quiet strength and determination, had been away for almost eight years.
His journey had been long and fraught with challenges, but now, as he approached the familiar gates of the Ning Clan estate, a sense of anticipation and nostalgia welled up within him.
He glanced down at the three children walking by his side, each carrying the unique traits of their heritage.
The first child, a boy with jet-black hair and piercing black eyes, walked with a confident stride.
He had a look of seriousness that belied his young age, his gaze often drifting to the surroundings as if constantly assessing their safety.
The boy's demeanor hinted at the hardships he had endured alongside his father.
The second child, also a boy, had striking blue hair and vivid blue eyes. His face was lit with curiosity and excitement, a stark contrast to other boy.
He moved with an energy that seemed boundless, often running ahead a few steps before returning to Ning Jian's side.
The boy's inquisitive nature had always been a source of amusement for Ning Jian.
The youngest of the three was a girl with golden hair that shimmered like the morning sun and eyes that mirrored the same golden hue.
She clung to Ning Jian's hand, her steps small and delicate.
Despite her youth, there was a resolute determination in her eyes, a reflection of the strength.
As they neared the estate, Ning Jian's thoughts turned to his wife, Ning Lian.
He could almost picture her, standing at the entrance, her face alight with joy and relief.
For eight long years, she had waited for him, her faith unwavering despite the passage of time.
The thought of reuniting with her filled Ning Jian with a mixture of eagerness and apprehension.
He knew that much had changed, but his love for Ning Lian remained as strong as ever.
The gates of the Ning Clan estate loomed before them, grand and imposing.
Guards stationed at the entrance recognized Ning Jian instantly, their expressions shifting from surprise to recognition and then to respectful nods.
One of them hurried ahead to announce his arrival, while the others opened the gates, allowing Ning Jian and the children to enter.
The estate was bustling with activity, as it always was in the early hours of the day. Clansmen and women moved about, attending to their duties.
Conversations paused, and heads turned as the news of Ning Jian's return spread like wildfire.
Whispers and murmurs filled the air, expressions of curiosity and excitement evident on everyone's faces.
Ning Jian walked steadily, his children close by.
He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as he observed their reactions.
Despite the attention, they remained composed, a testament to their upbringing.
He glanced down at them, offering reassuring smiles. They had come a long way, and he was immensely proud of each of them.
As they approached the main courtyard, Ning Jian's heart quickened.
This was the moment he had dreamed of for so long. And then, there she was. Ning Lian stood at the entrance of their home, her eyes wide with disbelief and joy.
She looked exactly as he remembered, her beauty timeless and her presence exuding warmth and grace.
"Ning Jian," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. She took a hesitant step forward, as if afraid that he might disappear if she moved too quickly.
"Lian," he replied, his voice equally filled with emotion. He closed the distance between them in a few long strides, and in an instant, they were in each other's arms.
The years of separation melted away as they held each other tightly, the world around them fading into the background.
Ning Lian finally pulled back, her eyes brimming with tears. "You've come back," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "After all these years, you're finally home."
Ning Jian cupped her face in his hands, his own eyes misty. "I promised I would return," he said softly. "And I never break my promises."
...
" Alright I want to give this back to you " Ning Feng pulled out a ring with artefact seal modified to look like three pronged lightning bolt .
I have taken the artefact seal from her to modify it and try the first ever Level 2 rune I created and a theory that I have turned into practical application , this is what I call-
"Battery rune"
this rune can slowly use the Qi absorbing rune to accumulate Qi actively or passively from user for 3 charges of powerful release of lightning which will be offensive in nature in its natural state but Rong can control that electricity using her concept in future .
If she is keeps it for that long to do whatever she wants with the lightning and it will be powerful enough to kill a mid level Qi manifestation Disciple if it hits directly as it's a high level Grade 2 rune.
lThe only reason I am able to create it is because I am the one who designed it and know every nook and cranny of this rune but it took almost a week to create it and another to recover my soul sense while the materials came from my adoptive mother.
It needed a special kind of material which can carry Qi temporarily but after applying my self created rune I can make it permanent in way but obviously it leaks Qi and is not as efficient natural materials which can carry Qi for almost as long as they exist but they are too rare.
I took inspiration from modern world and it took me 4 months to create this design from scratch , even though I have a background in creating new and innovative software unlike people from this world who are not given proper or formal education which hampers their development of critical thinking skills required in designing in new stuff and of course culture .
I would say my education is probably my greatest advantage in this world while these people start doing this when they reach core formation and are over 150 years old , I am doing it while I am six , well more like 25 + 6.
Ning Rong's eyes widened with curiosity and excitement. "A 'Battery Rune'? What does it do?"
I grinned, holding the ring up to catch the light. The silver band gleamed, and the three-pronged lightning bolt engraved on it pulsed with a faint electric blue glow.
"It's the first ever Level 2 rune I created," I explained. "This rune stores and releases Qi, just like a battery stores and releases energy.
You can use it to attack your enimies with lightning three times when you're running low on Qi."
Ning Rong reached out to take the ring, her fingers brushing mine. "You really think it will work?"
"Of course it will work," I said with mock indignation. "Have I ever given you something that didn't work?"
She gave me a look. "Do you want the honest answer or the polite one?"
I laughed. "Alright, fair point. But I'm serious about this one. It's a game-changer."
She examined the ring closely, her dark pink eyes, now with that rainbowish hue, reflecting the light. "It looks impressive. I'll give you that. How did you even come up with the idea?"
I leaned back, feeling a bit smug. "Well, it started with my annoyance at how quickly you would deplete during training.
I thought, why not create something that could store excess Qi and release it when needed? well the main reason is it can be your trump card when an enemy thinks you are out of Qi you can give a elecrtrifying response."
Ning Rong raised an eyebrow. "You know, for someone who pretends to be lazy, you sure put a lot of effort into this."
I shrugged. "What can I say? Genius strikes when you least expect it."
She rolled her eyes and slipped the ring onto her finger. "Alright, let's see if this 'genius' really works."
As soon as the ring settled on her finger, the three-pronged lightning bolt glowed brighter. Ning Rong closed her eyes, and I could feel the shift in the air as she tested the rune's functionality.
"Whoa," she whispered, her eyes snapping open. "I can actually feel it storing Qi. This is amazing!"
"Told you," I said, feeling immensely pleased with myself. "Now you can use it whenever you need an extra attack.
But remember, it's a Level 2 rune, so it might take a bit more practice to use it efficiently and it can store only three charges."
She looked at me, her eyes sparkling with gratitude and mischief. "You've really outdone yourself this time, Feng.
Maybe I won't have to punch you as hard next time you tease me."
I laughed. "I'll take that as a compliment. But seriously, take care of that ring. It's the only one of its kind at leat to my knowledge but as always it's our little secret."
Ning Rong nodded, still looking at the ring in awe. "You know, I might actually start to believe that you're a genius."
"Start to believe?" I echoed, feigning hurt. "And here I thought you already knew."
She punched my arm lightly. "Don't get cocky. Just because you made one cool artefact doesn't mean you're off the hook."
"Ow," I said, rubbing my arm. "You're really into this whole violent tsundere act, aren't you?"
Ning Rong's expression softened, and she smiled. "Thanks, Feng. Really. This means a lot."
"Anything for you, Rong," I said, meaning every word. "Just don't go overboard with it. The last thing we need is for you to blow up things."
She laughed. "No promises. But I'll try to keep the destruction to a minimum."
I watched as she admired the ring one last time before slipping it into her pocket. Seeing her so happy made all the effort worthwhile.
Despite all the teasing and banter, I knew we had each other's backs.
Ning Rong smirked. "Especially since it's from the famous Ning Feng, the rune genius."
I chuckled. "Now you're getting it , young clan leader."
I have also been comprehending the Concept of fire as one can do that after opening meridians and I have gained a preliminary understanding of it evident by the fact natural and to some extent conjured fire cannot harm me anymore for those who master a concept to this level they can to some extent control that element but cannot create it from Qi and as for Ning Rong she has been struggling to get hold of her lightning.
But it seems that after her breakthrough in body tempering she has also gained a preliminary understanding of her lightning element.
She can completely control left eye's ability to control the output and use that lightning to attack objects a few metres away from her , this is very impressive as usually people take over 1 year in body tempering stage to get that kind of comprehension for even low level concepts yet she has done that and better with a mid level concept .
Name – Ning Feng
Stage – N.A.
Soul sense- 10 m
Strength – 3
Stamina – 3
Defence-3
Reflexes- 3
Essence Qi-10
Unique abilities-
Rune master – Grade 2
Formations master – Grade 2
Concepts-
Fire(preliminary stage)
Techniques-
N.A.
Chapter 18 : A Grand little sparring
Funny thing is after my meridians formed my strength is already three times my previous self on earth, I think those people will talk to the elders for a while .
I think it's time to do a little sparring , I haven't utilized my skills in any kind of actual combat , normally rune master and formation masters can apply some of the formations in actual battle especially the ones which are a grade lower than their current level , normally the ones at their current level takes a lot more time to create but it is heavily dependent on their Qi control and calculation for formations and with the runes its Qi control and Concepts , rune masters can utilize runes in combat which uses their Concept to create canvas for them weave runes on and concepts can also be utilized with formation but both of them are used very differently in a battle .
"Hey Rong, let's have a small sparring match. You must be itching to test your new powers after all," I said with a grin on my face.
Ning Rong arched an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "You want to spar with me? Are you sure about that? ."
I laughed, shaking my head. "Oh, please. You might have some fancy new powers, but don't forget who taught you half of what you know. Besides, I'm curious to see how well that 'Battery Rune' works in a real fight."
She pretended to consider it, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "I don't know, Feng. It seems a bit unfair. I mean, you're just a humble rune maker, and I'm... well, me."
"Is that so?" I said, crossing my arms. "Are you afraid you'll lose? I promise I won't hold it against you if you cry."
Her eyes narrowed playfully. "You're really asking for it, aren't you?"
"Maybe I am," I shot back, my grin widening. "So, what do you say? Ready to put your lightning to the test?"
She sighed dramatically, but I could see the excitement in her eyes. "Fine, fine. But don't go crying to mother when I wipe the floor with you."
"That's the spirit," I said, clapping my hands together. "But let's set some ground rules first. For this match, you can only use your lightning abilities. No other tricks or powers. Agreed?"
Ning Rong pouted, but nodded. "Agreed. I suppose it wouldn't be fair otherwise."
We walked to a clearing near the training grounds, a perfect spot for our little spar. As we squared off, a small crowd of younger clan members started to gather, curious about the commotion.
"Alright," I said, rolling my shoulders to loosen up. "Ready when you are, young clan leader."
Ning Rong smirked, a spark of lightning crackling around her fingertips. "Don't say I didn't warn you. Alright, Feng. You're on, but don't come crying to me when you're on the ground, begging for mercy."
As we moved to a nearby training area, the anticipation between us crackled in the air. I could see the excitement building in her eyes, her confidence radiating like a storm about to break. She stopped a few paces away from me, and I could tell she was readying herself.
"Remember," I said, pointing a finger at her. "No other abilities. Just your lightning."
"Yeah, yeah," she replied, rolling her eyes. "I heard you the first time. Let's get this started."
She closed her eyes for a brief moment, and when she opened them again, they were filled with an intense pink lightning, dancing and sparking with raw power. The sight was mesmerizing, and for a second, I almost forgot that I was about to fight her.
"Impressive," I said, genuinely awed. "Your control has improved a lot."
She smirked. "Just wait until you see what I can do now."
The air around her began to shimmer with electric energy, and I could feel the static prickle on my skin. Her hair, which had that rainbowish hue, seemed to lift slightly as the power coursed through her. The pink lightning arced and crackled around her, creating an almost ethereal glow.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "Alright, then. Let's see what you've got, young clan leader."
She grinned, her eyes sparking with determination and excitement. "Don't hold back, Feng. I want to see your full strength too."
"As you wish," I replied, getting into my fighting stance.
The atmosphere was charged with electricity, both literal and figurative, as we faced each other. Ning Rong's pink lightning illuminated her face, making her look almost otherworldly. I knew that this sparring match was going to be a true test of our abilities, and despite the banter, I was ready to give it my all.
"Ready?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.
"Ready," I replied, my grin matching hers.
We stood there, waiting for the moment to strike, the pink lightning reflecting in both our eyes. The battle was about to begin, and I could feel the thrill of the challenge coursing through my veins.
As she moved towards me like a pink bolt of lightning , I manipulated the nodes I have created in the area to make a 'Shield formation ' , her punch collided with something ethereal and she bounced back .
"what's that?"
Instead of replying I moved my hands and few more nodes formed , I can only control two formations at a time at my level and I have very small reserves of Qi , suddenly the shield disappeared and a thick mist covered the area .
I casted another formation while keeping track of her movements through my soul sense and with a little bit of prediction I placed new nodes around a certain area.
Ning rong started to feel dizzy and suddenly lightning enveloped her as she dashed to the area outside of mist coverage but the moment she landed on the ground , she saw something shining near her and then, she was in triangular cage.
While Rong is trapped in cage I better put this time to good use and set up a trap formation , he thought as he pulled out three Green Seeds and started casting a formation using them , a formation that doesn't need his active control, after doing he casted a new formation as he had already released his mist formation which was about to disappear and ran away.
The mist dissipated to reveal Ning feng holding his hand in her direction with a grin on his face .
" Can you be any more predictable ?"
She burst out with all her strength and using her preliminary concept she sent all her lightning in her right fist and punched .
The barrier shattered like a piece of glass sending its shards flying everywhere which disappeared into motes of light , wiping the arrogant grin off his face she bolted towards him , Ning feng had a panicked look on his face but she suddenly stopped 10 metres away from him and sent a bolt of lightning from her Grade 2 ring .
The lightning passed through him as if he wasn't even there, this confirmed her suspicion that it is one of his illusion formations And the moment lightning struck , another Formation lit up and the area was completely covered in green vines as thick as a tree trunk.
" You need to make the illusion more believable , there was no shadow of you on the ground." She moved her face in his direction.
" I wasted an expensive material to set up that trap formation ."he Grimaced
He moved his hands and suddenly a sword of light fell from the above and when she looked up she saw a 20 swords hovering above her .
Damn
She ran as the swords fell she dodged one after the other they were threatening but only if she was immobile and this killing formation was not that strong , she approached ning feng while dodging the swords .
" There is no use spending so much qi to cast a formation like this , it can not hurt me." She zapped around like pink current flowing through a white river .
"Now for making me run around like a mouse you will get a beating." She had a victorious smile on her face but suddenly her smile faltered as shock replaced it as she was one metre away from him she sensed a disturbance in her surroundings and she saw white lights shining everywhere in her peripheral vison.
"Wh-" she was unable to move or speak , she was frozen in place as 20 white ropes tightly bound her.
" Nah , You lose . This is a Grade 2 Formation , you know ." Ning feng said with a smug expression as he placed a sword on her neck . He has just used those twenty swords as nodes for his Grade 2 formation .
Formations are mainly used in support roles or defence due to the fact that it needs to be based around nodes , it can also be used to create traps using killing formations or control the opponent using Binding formations.
While runes are mainly used for attacking the opponent directly , it might seem like there is an overlap between the usage of runes and formations in battle with martial techniques but that is not true as formations and runes takes a lot more time to cast compared to techniques of the same level for instance a Qi manifestation cultivator will take around 20 seconds to cast a Grade 2 formation and 10 seconds for a Grade 2 Rune in a battle while it will take only around 5 seconds for him to use a martial technique .
Well its a bit different for me.
The biggest benefit a formation would have over a technique is its extremely low usage of Qi , so normally what cultivators with this level of prowess in formations and runes do is use one Grade lower Formations to support their techniques or create traps or to drain their opponents defences and Qi reserves while maintaining their own reserves.
In case of runes of runes the biggest benefit is once created it can be maintained on the side and used at an opportune moment and no of runes completely depends on the user's Qi control and concept level, that's why even if they can create higher level runes creating lower level ones is more often than not more beneficial as you will able to maintain a higher number of them .
Techniques at the same level are usually more powerful than the runes or formations even if it's a Human grade technique on lower cultivation levels like body tempering and Qi manifestation.
Techniques are usually divided into –
Human
Earth
Heaven
Immortal
Ning Rong glared at me, her frustration evident as she struggled against the ropes binding her. "I can't believe I lost," she muttered, her voice tinged with annoyance. "What was that mist, anyway?"
I couldn't help but chuckle at her disgruntled expression. "That," I said, gesturing grandly, "was a peak-level one formation I came up with after studying paralysis and mist formations. I mixed it with some research about soul and soul-related formations that I did to help you understand your second concept better."
She narrowed her eyes. "You mean you used all those books you were always buried in to create that thing?"
"Exactly," I replied, my grin widening. "It's a combination of several principles: the mist to obscure vision, a subtle paralysis effect to disorient, and a touch of soul manipulation to make it harder to resist. It's pretty ingenious, if I do say so myself."
Ning Rong huffed, clearly not amused. "You and your ridiculous formations. You always have some new trick up your sleeve."
"That's the point," I said, shrugging. "You have to keep things unpredictable, especially when dealing with someone as strong as you. Besides," I added with a teasing tone, "you were the one who said my illusions weren't believable enough. So, I had to step up my game."
She rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "Fine, you win this round. But don't think I'm not going to get back at you for this."
"I'm looking forward to it," I said, releasing the formation and letting the ropes dissolve into the air. Ning Rong brushed herself off, still fuming but less upset now that she knew what had happened.
As she regained her composure, she asked, "So, this formation of yours... can you teach it to me?"
I blinked in surprise. "You want to learn how to counter it?"
"Of course," she said, folding her arms. "If I can understand how it works, I can figure out ways to counter it. Plus, it might come in handy in future fights."
I nodded, impressed by her practicality. "Alright, I'll teach you. But you'll owe me one."
She smirked. "Deal. And next time, I won't lose so easily."
"Good," I said, feeling a sense of satisfaction. "Because next time, I'll have even more tricks ready."
Ning Rong laughed, her earlier frustration melting away. "You're impossible, Feng."
"Just doing my job," I replied with a wink. "Keeping you on your toes"
"But once I master some techniques along with this ability I going to pummel you for this loss and I haven't used my other ability so don't think you can beat me , its a lot stronger now. "she said .
Isolation formation is about to go down , the moment he thought that , the formation disappeared . after sometime he heard footsteps approaching and heard his adoptive mother's voice " Rong Rong , Feng'er come here I want you both to meet someone ."
Chapter 19: Arguments
As the isolation formation dissipated, I felt the subtle shift in the air that always followed its deactivation. My ears pricked up at the sound of footsteps approaching. Before long, I heard my adoptive mother's voice.
"Rong Rong, Feng'er, come here. I want you both to meet someone."
Rong Rong and I exchanged a glance, her eyes shimmering with curiosity, and mine with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. We stepped forward and made our way to the entrance of the courtyard.
Standing there was a man I barely recognized. His hair was streaked with silver, his face was lined with experience, and his eyes held a depth that spoke of countless untold stories. But the most telling sign was the way his gaze softened and moistened as he looked at Rong Rong.
"Rong Rong," he said, his voice trembling slightly. "Is that really you?"
Ning Rong looked puzzled for a moment, then realization dawned on her face. "Father?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her eyes widened, and for a moment, she stood rooted to the spot, taking in the sight of the man she hadn't seen since she was a baby.
The man nodded, tears brimming in his eyes. "Yes, Rong Rong. It's me, Ning Jian. I can hardly believe it's you. You were just a baby the last time I saw you."
I stood by, feeling like an awkward third wheel. This was clearly a moment meant for them, but I couldn't help but feel a pang of curiosity and, admittedly, some jealousy. Who wouldn't feel overshadowed standing next to someone like Ning Rong? She was already the center of attention with her remarkable talents and unique appearance. And now, her long-lost father returning added another layer to her ever-growing legend.
Ning Jian finally tore his gaze from his daughter and looked at me. "And you must be Feng'er. I've heard so much about you."
I gave a polite nod, unsure of what to say. "Yes, sir. It's an honour to meet you."
He smiled warmly before turning back to Rong Rong. "I've missed so much. Eight years... It feels like a lifetime. I'm sorry I've been gone for so long."
Rong Rong shook her head, stepping forward to embrace him. "You're here now, Father. That's what matters."
Ning Jian hugged her tightly, then pulled back, wiping away a tear. "I want you to meet someone too." He gestured behind him, and three children stepped forward.
The first, a boy with jet-black hair and piercing black eyes, stepped forward with a solemn expression. The second, a boy with striking blue hair and vivid blue eyes, gave a shy smile. The youngest, a girl with golden hair that shimmered like the morning sun and eyes that mirrored the same golden hue, looked up at Rong Rong with curiosity.
"These are the children I've been taking care of. They are... well, let's just say I found them during my journey. This is our eldest, Li Liang ," he said pointing to black haired kid "and this one is second in line Lu Jing " he pointed to the blue haired kid , ruffling the boy's hair. "And the youngest Wang mie" he pointed to the girl with golden hair.
Rong Rong looked at them with wide eyes. "you're very beautiful," she said softly, her hand reaching out to the youngest girl, who grasped it without hesitation.
Ning Jian nodded. "They've been through a lot, but they're strong. "
I watched the scene unfold, feeling a mix of emotions. It was heartwarming to see the reunion, yet there was an undercurrent of something unspoken. Ning Jian's journey clearly had its share of hardships.
"I owe you both an explanation," Ning Jian said, his tone growing serious. "The clan sent me on a mission to explore a sub-realm forest. It was supposed to be a simple task, but the sub-realm had its own secrets and dangers. I was trapped there for years, unable to return or communicate. I'm sorry for the pain my absence must have caused."
Rong Rong shook her head. "You're here now, and that's all that matters."
Ning Jian looked at me with amusement. "Feng'er, thank you for looking after Rong Rong in my absence. I can see she's grown into a fine young woman."
I shrugged. "Rong Rong's a handful, but she's family. We look out for each other."
Ning Rong shot me a playful glare. "A handful? Who was it that needed help with their little plans?"
I chuckled, raising my hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. Maybe I exaggerated a little."
While the kids were interacting Ning Jian turned to Ning Lian" He is definitely Lu Jia's son even his eyes are a exact copy of Her's , I heard about his situation from elders and I can understand why you took the responsibility of taking care of him , you always considered Lu Jia as your own sister and the elders agreed to your decision of giving him Ning Surname mainly for two reasons , First one was probably they thought that Ning Feng will also have same Talent like Ning Rong as they were both born due to Naga's gem which resonated with them , Second reason were you as you had the highest chance of reaching core formation but now that they have discovered your condition after you met father to talk about Ning Rong , I am afraid situation has probably turned worse for Ning Feng hasn't it? I know you love him like you would your own son but I don't think clan would agree to your request to send him along with Ning Rong as a disciple by using clan slots ."
Ning Lian turned towards him " He is not like my son , HE IS MY SON , since you are back and brought back that thing that clan leader discovered long ago in that sub realm forest on the Grand Dao continent , I doubt he would disagree to your request if you ask him to use one of the slots for Ning Feng but since you have pointed this out for me, you must want to use those slots for these kids but according to what you have told me they are all extremely talented any sect would accept them without any problem ." she said with a hint of anger
"We both know after they do that , the disciple they took in will have nothing to do with any clan any longer , they will not be allowed to serve any clan or sect other than the one they are in and they will have to follow sect rules and cannot publicly take side of any clan or support them physically in a war or conflict. It will basically mean giving away these kids to that sect for not much gain." Ning Jin reasoned.
"I doubt that's the only reason , people who go in with clan slots can take servants with them and don't have to go on a required number of dangerous missions outside the sect as the sects are compensated by the said clan in exchange and those with slots will definitely be supported by the clans with resources as they will able to serve the clan in future and are not completely bound by sect rules regarding their clans even if they join the sect in future , what you want to do is assure safety for these three . Ning Clan will have four slots to spare for selection , if we don't recommend anyone for a few years and clan leader's connections , you also don't want to give that spot to Ning Feng ." Ning Lian calmy said the intentions hidden in his words.
" Ning Feng is a good kid but I also know that he has a normal physique while those three have special physiques like Ning Rong , can you imagine a single clan producing four kids with a special physique in a single decade even the top clans in this world cannot say they can do it every decade and two of them have one mid level concepts and Wang Mie have two concepts , she is a genius among geniuses
not only in concepts but also in formations that's actually the main reason we even met in first place . then there is Lu Jing he have two concepts as well and just like Wang mei, one is mid level concept another one is low level concept but what is amazing is his concepts have impeccable synergy , he is born for combat , both of them can be considered at the level of heirs of top clans and even at that level both of them can overshadow others.
Talent is very important in our world , there is very little chance he can comprehend any concept on his even if he reaches formation building stage and as for the last kid Li liang is the oldest among three of them and has least talent as he has a special physique of fire concept but he has good talent in alchemy and with fire concept his alchemy will reach great heights in future and you know how important any profession is for a clan." Ning Jian said while not meeting her gaze .
"Ning feng can make Grade 1 runes " she said plainly , " so I don't think he loses in terms of value for the clan this is something I have never told anyone in order to avoid problems while those three are all 8 years old and older , he is only 6 years old and can not only understand runes but actually make them, so now do you think he have low chances of comprehending a concept in future." She said her fists tightly clenched.
Ning Jian looked shocked , his mouth agape , he fell silent for a moment and said "You want him to go but I want those three to go and it mainly comes down to Li Liang and Ning Feng , I still think we should not bet on chances and go with the option that gives us assured results. So , lets discuss this later looks like something interesting is about to happen over there." He said pointing towards five kids.
"Oh by the way , our daughter also have two concepts " she said while moving towards the kids.
"Wh- what that's amazing , does she have any mid level concepts , even if she doesn't she would be the greatest genius clan produced in a millennia " Ning Jian said with a happy expression
"Both of them are Mid level concepts and one of them is an extremely rare concept , concept of soul , I don't think I need to remind you but don't mention it to anyone else ." she said plainly while not looking back.
Ning Jian stood there rooted on his spot with a shock greater than anything else in his life his mind blanked out for a second he thought to himself ," this is not best talent in millennia but in our entire history , I don't think I heard of anyone with this level of talent while I was on the continent."
....
While the two adults were talking , five kids were introducing themselves to each other
" My name is Li liang , I am 9 years and 6 months old, I have a special physique with fire concept and I am learning alchemy, I can already make grade 1 pills ," the handsome black haired boy said with a confident or maybe even slightly arrogant smile on his face.
"My name is Lu Jing , I am 8 years and 6 months old , I have a special physique with two concepts , I like to train with my sword ." the boy with blue eyes and hair said with bright smile on his face, when others kept staring at him he said "Umm…. There is nothing else".
Ning Feng was little shocked how can there be two people with special physique and one of them with two concepts all gathered in a small place like seven great islands and then he looked at the last person with curious but cautious eyes ... " Don't tell me" he thought a little warily.
"My name is Wang Mie , I am 8 years old , I have a special physique with two concepts as well and I like formations ." Girl with deep golden hair and eyes said shyly , gold as in actual gold colour and not blonde like from his previous life .
"Okay this might not be good." Ning Feng thought his suspicion growing two notches higher
"That Ning Jian is not someone normal and all of this suggests one thing ....MC incoming"
Chapter 20 : Who is the MC?
As the kids introduced themselves, I couldn't help but feel a creeping sense of dread. It started as a tickle in the back of my mind, but by the time Wang Mie shyly mentioned her two concepts, it had blossomed into full-blown anxiety.
"Okay, this might not be good," I muttered under my breath. I could already see where this was heading.
Ning Jian stood there, talking with my adoptive mother, Ning Lian, while the kids continued their introductions. His expression was calm, but there was a glint in his eye that hinted at something more. How in the world did he manage to find all these prodigious kids? It was like he had some sort of supernatural radar for talent.
"That Ning Jian is not someone normal," I thought, my suspicion growing two notches higher. "All of this suggests one thing... MC incoming."
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. This was an extremely unusual situation. Four people with special physiques in one place, three of them with mid-level concepts. In the world of cultivation, this was practically unheard of. And to top it off, Ning Jian was like a magnet for these prodigies. First, he finds the Naga's Gem, then he gives birth to someone like Ning Rong, and now he stumbles upon these talented kids. It was like he was the Jiraiya of this world, gathering potential Narutos. But which one was the true Naruto?
"Hey, Feng'er, what's with the serious face?" Ning Rong's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. She was looking at me with a mix of curiosity and concern.
I forced a smile. "Oh, nothing. Just... amazed at the talent we have here."
She raised an eyebrow. "Amazed or worried?"
I chuckled nervously. "Maybe a bit of both."
Ning Rong looked at the other kids, her eyes narrowing slightly. "They are impressive, aren't they?"
"Yeah," I said, trying to keep my tone light. "Almost too impressive." I thought to myself.
I shook my head, trying to make sense of it all. This was all too much to be mere coincidence. "Ning Jian is way too lucky for all of this to make any sense. He must have some sort of plot armor."
But then, my worry crept back in. "Am I going to get swept up in the fate of these chosen ones? Am I a MC magnet?" the mere of thought of it sent shivers down my spine.
I imagined myself getting dragged into epic battles, secret realms, and who knows what else, just because I happened to be around all these prodigies. "Great, just great," I thought, rolling my eyes. "I just wanted to have a peaceful life, programming runes and calculating formations."
As the kids continued their introductions and discussions, I couldn't help but laugh internally at the absurdity of it all. "This is like some kind of parody," I mused. "Here I am, an average guy with no special talents, surrounded by future world-shakers. What are the odds?"
My thoughts were interrupted by a loud exclamation from Li Liang. "So, Ning Rong, what about you? What's your story?"
" As you all know my name is Ning Rong, I am 8 years old , I have a special physique as well , I became eight today and I like to battle." She said while subtly glancing at me.
I understood what she was asking about whether she should mention her concepts , I have told her before to never mention it to anyone and even if she does, don't mention that she has two concepts of mid level as even in the clan only Ning Lian , clan leader and now probably Ning Jian knows about it, everyone else in the clan thinks that she one mid level concept , Soul concept in her special physique.
" I also became eight years old today , so we have our birthday on the same day" for the first time she showed a smile "happy Birthday " Wang mei said a with less awkwardness than before.
It seems like kids do get comfortable a lot quicker when they have something in common.
"What about you little guy, what's your name?" Wang mei ruffled my hair as she asked. Girls were usually taller than boys their age before puberty and she was 2 years older , so in normal cases this would have been fine but I am actually her fathers age on the inside.
My face turned red not embarrassment but from indignity .
"Ha Ha Ha , don't be shy kid , tell this elder sister about yourself" she said with kind smile .
Look who is talking about being shy , you damn mouse. He cursed in his mind and swatted her hand away .
On the side Ning Rong was laughing hard , I felt like she was about to burst into tears.
"Come on, Feng'er, introduce yourself properly," Ning Rong teased, her voice shaking with laughter.
I took a deep breath and looked at Wang Mei, who was still waiting expectantly. "I'm Ning Feng. I'm six years old, and… well, I have a normal physique."
Wang Mei blinked in surprise. "Really? No special abilities at all?"
I rolled my eyes What you think special physiques grow on trees or something
I shook my head, feeling a bit annoyed. "Nope. Just your average, everyday physique."
Ning Rong snorted with laughter again, and I shot her another glare. "It's not funny, Rong Rong," I muttered.
She tried to stifle her laughter but failed miserably. "Sorry, Feng. It's just… you're so serious about it."
I sighed, feeling my earlier indignity return. "Well, not everyone can be as special as you lot," I said, trying to sound polite. kids are so hard to deal with.
Wang Mei reached out to ruffle my hair again, but I quickly dodged out of her reach. "Don't worry, Ning Feng," she said with a kind smile. "I'm sure you'll find something you are good at ." at least she tried to be polite.
"Yeah, like his talent for runes," Ning Rong boasted as if she was talking about her own talent.
"What?" Wang Mei asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Runes" she repeated more loudly. "He is pretty good at runes. It's not as flashy as a special physique, but it's very useful."
"Feng is really good at that. "
Wang Mei's eyes widened in admiration. "That's really impressive, Ning Feng. I'd love to learn more about runes from you."
I couldn't help but feel a bit pleased at her interest. "Sure, I'd be happy to teach you what I know," I said, feeling a bit more confident. Well showing off isn't that bad since I am only Six years old. he chuckled.
"Teach? Someone like you?" Li Liang interjected, looking at me with a mix of amusement and disdain. "You're just a kid with a normal physique. What could you possibly teach?" Here comes the young master type . Ning feng could only roll his eyes.
Ning Rong's smile faded, replaced by a look of irritation. "Li Liang, that's enough. Feng has his own strengths. Not everyone needs a special physique to be valuable."
Wang Mei frowned as well, clearly displeased by Li Liang's attitude. "Li Liang, you shouldn't look down on others. Everyone has something unique to offer. It's not fair to look down on others."
Li Liang shrugged, unrepentant. "I'm just stating the facts. Without a special physique, he's always going to be behind."
Ning Rong's irritation was palpable. She stepped forward, her dark pink eyes flashing with determination. "If you're so confident in your abilities, why don't you back them up with action? I challenge you to a sparring match, right here, right now."
Li Liang's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed with interest. "You think you can take me on? Fine, I accept your challenge."
Wang Mei looked concerned. "Rong Rong, are you sure about this?"
Ning Rong nodded firmly. "I won't let anyone belittle my family."
Li Liang looked taken aback for a moment but then smirked. "Fine. Let's see if you are enough to take me down. Let's see what you've got, young mistress"
Wang Mei sighed, looking between them with concern. "Is this really necessary?"
I watched as the two squared off, feeling a mix of apprehension and excitement. This was going to be interesting. Knowing Ning Rong, she wouldn't hold back, and it would be a good lesson for Li Liang.
"Alright, let's make this quick," Li Liang said confidently, taking his stance.
Ning Rong mirrored his stance, her eyes narrowing. "Don't worry, I won't take too much of your time."
As they prepared to face off, I couldn't help but think about how unpredictable this world was. Even in the midst of all these prodigies, I'd find my own way to stand out. And who knows? Maybe I'd surprise them all. I thought with a smile on my face .
With a final glance at me, Ning Rong smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Feng. I've got this."
I hope it does not start some MC revenge quest or something similar.
I nodded, hoping she'd teach Li Liang a lesson he wouldn't forget. This was going to be one birthday to remember.
She is worthy of being my student , Ning feng thought while wiping off an imaginary tear from his eyes.
" Just so you know I am already at the limit of initial stage body tempering realm and I will give you a chance to back down , I don't like to hurt pretty girls." Li Liang said.
"Don't care" Ning Rong replied with a blank expression.
Suddenly Li liang moved with a movement technique which caused a explosion and propelled him towards Ning Rong . His raised his fist and used another technique , his arms were covered in fire and then started to get concentrated on his fists , he was fire concept but at a preliminary stage , he has not reached initial level in his concept yet .
But the moment he came close to Rong , he stopped as all he could see in front of him were two dark pink nebulas the colour of her eyes rotating in front of him , he felt as if his soul was about to get sucked in it , he screamed but no one helped , all he could feel was despair and loneliness , he felt he was back when he hadn't met his master Ning Jian , when he hadn't met his junior brother and sister when he had no one .
On the outside , all wang mei and Lu Jing saw was a pale Li Liang with glazed eyes staring in front with no emotion but suddenly his whole body was on fire and they both knew what was going to happen , they both tried to warn Ning feng who was in range of what was about to happen while Ning rong was just outside the range .
" Jump back Ning feng" Wang mei screamed but just as her voice fell there was a huge explosion with Li liang as its centre and all they saw was a mushroom cloud rising in the air .
…..
As Ning Jian and Ning Lian saw what was about Ning Jian suddenly dashed towards the direction of Ning feng but he was a bit too late .
"Ning feng!!!!!!!!" both Ning Lian and Rong screamed as they rushed towards the aftermath of the explosion .
Meanwhile Ning Feng who just heard Wang mie's scream tried to jump backwards on sheer instinct saw what was coming for him he knew what he had to do , there was no time for any formation or rune all he could do was thank his luck ironic as it may be as what was supposed to be the tragedy was nothing more than a hot bath for him as he also had attained a preliminary level in fire concept so when the fire touched him while he was jump back , he manipulated it to slide off of him like he was fire phobic material but the shock wave still hit him and he was flung away some distance while covered in soot .
I wished my concept also worked on soot. he thought a little grumpily. The only reason I was able to reach this level in fire concept was mainly due to my knowledge of science behind fire but I still couldn't reach initial stage and if people knew I had preliminary stage fire concept already without a special physique they will probably loose their minds.
Then I heard two pairs of legs rushing towards me.
"Feng'er" Ning Lian saw me and came to check on my injuries. "Don't worry mother I was aable to jump back in time to avoid the fire .
"Ning Rong , stop" I heard Ning Jian's voice as turned around , I saw Rong rushing towards Li liang who was falling with a sword in her hands .
Wang Mie and Lu Jing also moved " Wait , its not his fault ." Wang mie yelled.