"Are you really still my young master Julian?" Addison asked as they walked back. The silence between them was heavy, and the events she had witnessed earlier were beyond her comprehension.
A small house that concealed an entire world, and an old, fat man who was a million times more terrifying than Julian's father—whom Addison had considered the strongest she had ever encountered—were enough to make her question Julian's true identity.
"It is indeed I, Addison. I just happened to recall the memories of all my lives from a thousand lifetimes back the night before. If you need proof of my identity, I can still vividly remember that one time I saw the mole on your bosom near your left nipp…" Julian began, but he was cut off as Addison quickly covered his mouth with her hand.
She glanced around the desolate area, sighing in relief when she confirmed that no one else was around.
"Stop. I believe you," Addison whispered close to Julian's ear, then slowly removed her hand from his mouth.
"Hmmm… you still smell of flowers, Addison. So fresh and beautiful," Julian remarked, causing his maidservant to blush.
The compliment only spurred him to tease her further, which he did with evident enjoyment.
"Young master!" Addison protested as they continued on their way, but despite her complaint, a lovely smile remained on her face, making her look even more beautiful.
"I have 10 Immortal Soul Gems in stock! These can resist any soul attacks and curses! Available for only 1,000 Spirit Stones each! First come, first served! Get yours now before they're sold out!" a vendor shouted with enthusiasm.
It was then that Addison realized she had returned to the bustling marketplace. The incredible experiences of just an hour ago now seemed almost surreal in the light of reality.
She looked at Julian, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts.
"You may appreciate how handsome I am later, Addison. Come now, we still have mansions to buy," Julian said, immediately diving into a buying spree.
He acquired all available properties in the city and instructed his servants to procure every necessity for his orphaned people, from clothing to food.
By the end of the day, Julian had spent over a billion Spirit Stones, making his immense wealth known throughout the city.
The powerful figures in the city, unable to sleep, conspired to kidnap Julian.
That night, more than a thousand experts who attempted to breach Julian's courtyard were reduced to ashes as they came within a mile of it.
Even the city lord's men perished without even a burial ground. Despite their frustration, they knew it was futile to express their anger—there was no point in their actions.
The city lord and everyone involved realized that an immensely powerful guardian was protecting Julian, someone far beyond the strength of Old Mason.
However, none of them could have ever imagined that it was Julian himself who was responsible for such formidable defenses.
* * *
Morning arrived, and our overpowered protagonist, Julian, had breakfast as usual, followed by a hearty chug from a jar of wine.
"Hmmm… not as good as mine, but still nice. I love it all the same," Julian murmured, savoring the early morning companionship of spirits.
Having lost his family in his original universe and lacking real friends or Dao companions to share his joy or sorrow with, the silent company of wine had become his solace.
This was why Julian cherished his wine above all else.
"After yesterday, your parents will soon be visiting, young master," Addison remarked.
It was undeniable that Julian had spent over 1 billion spirit stones on the homeless. Any power or influence would surely want to take advantage of him.
"I have time. They'll arrive within seven days at the latest," Julian said, taking another swig of his wine.
It's worth noting that Julian's clan was not based in this city but in another one. He was only here due to special circumstances, and those circumstances would soon be knocking on his doorsteps.
"Young master Julian, a messenger from Goddess Bright Moon has arrived. You have a letter," a servant announced, handing the letter to Julian.
As he read its contents, amusement, rather than fear or worry, flickered in his eyes.
"Addison, have Old Mason prepare the carriage for me," Julian instructed, standing up to change his attire.
Moments later, he donned a set of grey cultivator robes adorned with majestic depictions of the moon on his back.
Though the color might seem plain, the symbolism and influence behind it were immense.
Goddess Bright Moon had risen to power over 5 million years ago, known as a Dao Lord famed for her exquisite beauty and unimaginable power.
Our overpowered protagonist was, of course, curious to see this legendary beauty. An hour later, Julian found himself walking down the grand hallways of the tallest building in the ancient city.
The place was bustling with activity, filled with cultivators who seemed to be associated with the Bright Moon Goddess.
Many of these individuals cast pitying glances at Julian, perhaps imagining the unfulfilled dreams he might carry.
"The goddess is waiting for you in her chambers," a beautiful guide announced.
Julian nodded in acknowledgment and proceeded through the double doors. Inside, he saw a woman dressed in a pure white fairy gown, gazing out of the windows of her fortress.
From up high, the people below looked like ants, but the city's architectural beauty was breathtaking.
This city, built in the name of Bright Moon and nurtured for millions of years, was a testament to her influence.
The double doors closed with a soft thud, marking the beginning of their meeting.
"I've heard that you've damaged your Dao heart," the goddess said, still not turning to face him. "You lost to a worthy adversary, and there's no shame in that. Tribulations like these are necessary for growth."
"I agree," Julian replied, surveying the grand chambers with a detached gaze. "Still, I must say that cultivation is no longer my path. I have found another love." Despite his words, he showed no interest in the goddess.
Even without seeing her face, Julian could tell she was extraordinarily beautiful and devoted solely to the Dao. He understood the loneliness of such a path, recognizing both its pains and rewards.
If he felt anything toward the Bright Moon Goddess, it was pity. Though she had gained much through her cultivation prowess, it was evident she had also lost a great deal.
This was the same exact fate that he experienced back in his own universe.
"You changed." Goddess Bright Moon finally turned around to look at our op MC, and she was indeed as beautiful as a fairy tale. She had a shapely hourglass body, a big bosom, and a delicious ass that her fairy dress emphasized in full.
"Yes, I have. You could say that I've been enlightened." Julian nodded and looked her in the eyes.
"So you want to quit and give up this chance of being one of my disciples?" Goddess Bright Moon asked.
"That's my intent." Julian answered.
"…" Goddess Bright Moon took this chance to notice the great changes in her disciple's character. Before, Julian would always look at her with reverent eyes, fear, and sometimes lust.
But now, all of those were gone, replaced by a calm, confident man in front of her. She thought that this was not unusual since great disappointment can sometimes bring great changes to anyone.
A long silence ensued between them, each discerning the other's thoughts. In the end, it was the goddess who broke the ice.
"In all my long life, I've only chosen 15 disciples. You were the 15th and perhaps the last. Do you know why I picked you to become my disciple, Julian?" Goddess Bright Moon asked.
"I'm not the brightest, nor am I the most talented during the selection. Let me guess, it was fate. The most usual familiar culprit behind every excuse." Julian shrugged.
"Yes, you could say that it was fate. I picked all of my 15 disciples because of my intuition. My heart told me that each one of you would become great cultivators who would not sully my name and legacy. I believed that when I picked you before, and I still believe that to be true today. And this is true for all your 14 senior brothers and sisters who came before you. So no, Julian Casper, you will stay as one of my disciples until such a time that I deem you not worthy of your position." Goddess Bright Moon said at length.
"So be it." Julian replied briefly. Since he was bored, it would be great to play disciple to this lovely goddess.
"You may train as usual, and time, as always, heals all wounds. Your Dao heart will mend in time." Goddess Bright Moon said and turned her back on Julian.
She expected him to leave in silence, but that did not come true, as his last words graced her ears before the doors slapped shut.
"Not all wounds."