hunger, thirst, confusion, anger all these emotions were overwhelming Xiao, by now he had stopped counting the days he had been walking, by the first month of walking he had given up, time passed on in an illusionary path, he could no longer tell what was happening, everything looked surreal.
By now most of his Qi was drained, his eyesight was blurry, his body was dry, just a touch would cause him to crumble, the fog around him seemed to be mocking him, making fun of his efforts but even then he didn't stop, within his blurry eyes there hid a humongous will that would not be shaken at all.
Compared to the shit he had to go through in the past this was nothing, Xiao when he had lost his family and everything wandered around similarly with despair and bitterness, the amount of time he thought of taking his own life was above his count, the arrogant young master had fallen, seeing this several enemies that had a grudge with him or the ones that wanted entertainment swept at him.
They threw him into a shit hole filled with the mixture of several shits of different animals, they took him and threw him into another hole filled with snakes as they bit and poisoned him, and just as he was about to be killed they would save him and give him the maiden just enough to survive, he was the last remaining member of the Yun Family, the humiliation that he had to go through was something beyond anyone could understand.
He was bitten up, spit on, made to bath in a room of shit, any things that could break a person, those were all done to him, trudging through the lonely fog memories of a past long forgotten filled him,
"hahahaha...look at him! seems like he can't be arrogant anymore!"
A well dressed young man sneered and laughed as he looked at another youngster that was now drowning in piss and shit, he was stripped naked and thrown in, several others surrounded the drowning boy enjoying his misery, the boy was forced to lay there for some time before which they took him up and threw him into the middle of a street, naked and drenched in shit.
Within the street, everybody looked at him with pity and disgust, this by now had become a common occurrence, each day a new terror would await him, each one cruel than the other. The youngster that was thrown on the streets stood up as his body cracked, by now his hands were broken but he didn't care as he stood up and started trudging.
His eyes soulless and dead, no one could understand why he was even living anymore but the youngster didn't give up, bottling in his emotions he trudged on not giving up, everybody just looked at him, he who was above them all now was not even worth a glance, fate had left him alive but it made sure to give him the cruelest life possible,
"I will have my revenge....."
His whispers were heard as the shit and piss from him kept dripping down, soon the image broke as his mind came back to the situation at hand, Xiao's eyes gained life as they lit up with passion as he kept moving, back then that situation didn't bring him down and the one now in front of him will also not bring him down.
'It's been some time since I had thought of the past'
Trudging on Xiao felt a deep connection to the past, those were the darkest days of his life, that was until he was given 'that' technique from there on the demon of slaughter was born, someone that slaughtered without any remorse since the world never gave him warmth why should he do the same?
'Sigh....those were some dark times'
Xiao mused, by now he had had long overcome his past, right now they were just the remainder of who he was and who he had become, thanks to his master he had learned to live with his mystery, after all the things that had to happened to him had shaped the current him, plus he had had long paid back the suffering that was inflicted on him.
Right now they were just vestiges of the past, they were things that had just built up his willpower. Focusing he moved forward none of the things that affected him made him despair, he had long since seen the edges of it and had long overcome it, he kept moving forward nothing shaking him up.
In such a manner time passed by again, Xiao had become smaller and dry, just the blow of wind would crumble him but such a thing did not take place, just as his mental barrier was about to collapse a faint ripple of space surrounded him and the next thing he knew he was teleported away.
The dried-up skin of his disappeared, his eyes that were on the verge of breaking recovered, every problem that filled him disappeared, it was as if they never existed at all. Regaining himself he stood tall as he looked around coming up on the sight of a humongous snake, right now all Xiao could see was its huge eyes that gazed down at him
The rest of its body was too huge for him to look at, only those huge green eyes with a purple slit can be seen, even that were huge enough to be the size of a planet, its eyes contained the profoundness of the heaven and earth, seeing it Xiao felt his whole being tremble even Amber didn't have this level of pressure.
,m He felt as if he was an ant that was to be crushed by the existence in front of him, he appeared small and powerless, his knees started to buckle, his body by nature wanted to bow down to them being in front of him, this was not done by the snake in front of him, no this was the natural feeling arising from someone at the top, in here the weak needed to kneel by design.
This was the truth, Xiao's eyes flashed as he felt his body kneel but it didn't last for long as the purple flame blasted from within his giving him the authority to stand in front of the being in front of him, seeing Xiao's flame for the first time a twinkle took place within the humongous eyes,
"Flame of #$%, not bad"
Its voice was soft and caring, the snake looked at Xiao that was not at all fearful of him, he who had seen much could tell that his lack of fear was the truth, the boy in front of him didn't fear death, now in a long time intrigue-filled its eyes as he spoke,
"Tell me, what do you want?"
Xiao didn't flinch at the words, as he knew that the being in front of him would be able to tell his aim, lying to the one in front of him was impossible, with respect filling his voice Xiao spoke,
"I wish to have you transport me to a location that I desire"
"Oh?...okay"
The snake nodded his head.
"Oh?...okay"
The snake nodded his head, Xiao gave him an appreciative nod as he relayed the coordinates of the location he wished to travel to, he knew that the one in front of him was a straightforward person, since he passed his little test he was capable of asking for the gift he had prepared, soon a portal appeared beside Xiao, whose eyes twinkled on seeing it, looking at the primordial beast in front of him he asked,
"Aren't you curious about my secrets?"
"Nah.....I am long dead and this is just a consciousness, why should I care about anything? you are just intriguing that's all, in my eyes, you passed the small test I made to fill my boredom that's all"
The snake in front of him replied in his calm and soothing voice, listening to it Xiao gave him one last respectful nod before he passed through the portal, thankfully the test gave him the choice of returning to the starting point after having finished his purpose, the snake looked at Xiao as he passed by the portal, once he did it closed his eyes and then?.
Well, nothing special happened as it closed its eyes and started to rest, waiting to fulfill the promise it had made, a promise that had long since been lost within the sands of time. While Xiao once again felt the familiar spatial travel, soon appeared in a room, it was better apt to be called a box as the walls were brown and in the center of it stood an orb floating.
Seeing it excitement flashed through Xiao's eyes, he had finally got his hands on it, the one treasure that he desperately needs, though him getting its recognition is another thing, just as Xiao was about to walk forward the Orb started shaking as a voice was heard from it,
[I don't care how you got here but if you want me to take you as my master that would be impossible]
The voice was genderless but a hint of arrogance swept from it, Xiao wasn't at all surprised as he knew how arrogant the one in front of him was, this was a treasure that was within the top 10 of the cosmos ranking after all.
What were the cosmos ranging? well within the top of every realm floated a tablet, each for different ranking, some for physiques, some for eyes, and one for treasures, in the world of cultivation treasures are extremely hard to classify, there are different types of treasures that are spread across the cosmic plane.
Some from the ancient time, like the stones of the element, said that if one gathered all of them together, then the said person would rule over the elements, the mirror of time and death, which was broken into different fragments, the emblems of law, giving you command over the said law, the bangles of corruption and many more.
Each has its own overpowered use and unlike this, there's another treasure, one that is made, one example would be the pill that Xiao ate, which was heaven-defying on its own, but did anyone know about it? no, it was because the heavens tried to destroy it and the creator had placed a function to hide it.
Now how could there not be any other crazy person out there not creating another heaven-defying item? in fact, right now someone might be creating a heaven-defying thing, while no one knew of it and this is where the tablet of treasures comes into play, it was something that existed in the cosmos for a long time, different Era came and went but the tablet stood there, displaying all the treasure to the world.
It would keep updating itself in the world, displaying whatever new comes up, it had its own power level and criteria that evaluated a treasure's worth, if any treasure was used it would know of it and mark it, in fact when Xiao had unlocked the pill, it should have appeared in the table but due to him using the skill [Forgotten] the tablet was unable to find or know about it, otherwise, it would have definitely come onto the top 10, shaking the plane of reality.
And the treasure in front of Xiao is one ranked in the top 10, specifically the 10th rank but what makes it more special was the fact that it had been in the rank 10 spot since the beginning, during the time immemorial the ranking changed innumerable times but the ranking of number 10 never changed, it stood there fighting against the ravages of time.
This was more than enough to display its specialty but none of that mattered to Xiao, no what he liked was the treasure itself, its main function was one thing....information! any and every information in the plane of reality was known by it and one that Xiao learned was that having information is key.
Plus it had other functions in it too, it had the capability of seeing through others' secrets, giving the user of the treasure the information of his enemy, also it has the ability to see through a person's true nature, a powerful tool that will help Xiao in the future, the name of the treasure was [All-Seer].
A treasure that didn't even submit to the main Mc of the Heavenly Opposers, he even with all his treasure and powers was unable to make it surrender under him, it was just that hard but there was one way to make it surrender, hit it where it hurts to most. Xiao smirked as he straightened his back, looking at the orb in front of him he spoke,
"Humph! why should I need you when you wouldn't have the information I need?"
Disdain and sarcasm were dripping from Xiao's words, hearing it the orb got enraged, if there's one thing in the plane of reality it takes pride in, it would be its information, fuming its expressionless voice Gaines pitch,
[What did you say?]
"Huh?.....didn't you hear me? or are you deaf? maybe you are deaf and stupid, it seems to match nicely with your ugly look"
Xiao said with a sneer, and disgust filled his face as he made a revolting action, seemingly disgusted with the orb, making its anger reach its peak, it knew that Xiao was playing with it but it would never take disrespect on its information, plus it had spent most of its time here making its 'social' skill lacking, all it could do was tremble with anger,
[You!.....you]
"What you, you?...are you stupid too? maybe that's what had happened to you after staying here for long, humph and here I was thinking maybe you would be smart and have the information I want"
[I see....]
The orb spoke, its voice chilling, it was mart hence it knew what Xiao was leading towards but it couldn't help but fall into it, 'focusing' on Xiao it spoke,
[Good!....good, tell me what you want to know if I can't answer it I will take you as my master but if I can.....]
"If you can?"
[Then you must blow up your soul!]
Xiao took a deep breath when he heard the ruthless punishment, blowing up one soul is a banned punishment in the whole realms, in the cultivation world people believe in reincarnation but if someone blows up their soul, then it won't take place, it is a brutal thing, something even the cruelest or the maddest person won't do.
By doing so you would lose, everything, your chance in the world, forcing anyone to do so is the greatest taboo. Silence filled the room after the orb spoke, it might have felt angry but it didn't mean that it lost its mind, now it was just waiting for Xiao to back out, sadly this time it was dealing with a madman that didn't fear death,
"Sure"
[Huh?].
[What did you say!?]
The orb 'spoke' seemingly shocked by Xiao's words, whose expression became even more disgusted as he spoke,
"Huh? can't you hear me? I said okay, look like what I said was true you really are deaf, to think that a treasure such as yourself is so useless....ahhh such a pity"
[You!...fine let's do it then!]
Saying so it swore on the heavenly Dao and so it did Xiao, after doing so the orb waited for the question at hand to arrive, completely confident that it would be able to answer any question below the cultivation world. seeing the confident voice of the orb Xiao smiled as he took out a crystal in his hand,
Seeing it the 'eyes' of the orb narrowed, 'looking' at Xiao it spoke
[A memory crystal?]
"Yup, that's right, I will show you what's in it and you just have to tell me what I am showing you"
Saying so he passed the crystal towards the orb, it flowed slowly as it reached the orb, it took it as the memories in it flashed through, huge high scrapper building made of metal, cars of metal that ran without Qi, monsters it had never see before, it all flashed through, after seeing through it the orb floated there stunned, cause it had never seen this thing before!
Feeling the silence Xiao sighed in relief, it would seem that his gamble had paid off, the things that he had recorded in the crystal where the memories from Ingrid, Xiao was 50% sure that the All-Seer had no idea about it, simply due to the fact that the place didn't possess any Qi!, not a single type of Qi existed there, making it that the world didn't lie under the Heavenly Tree!,
"So? do you know what they are?"
Xiao asked with disdain trying to make it angry but this time he didn't receive the answer that he expected, instead, silence remained before which the orb flashed and appeared in front of him, two red eyes shining in it as it focused on Xiao,
[Quick tell me what they are!]
The orb's voice had a hint of fascination as it spoke, surprising Xiao, the things had changed from how he expected it to go, looking at the orb that was trembling with excitement Xiao was lost in words, this was completely different from the previous orb that was acting all high and mighty, but what Xiao didn't know here was that the orb is extremely found of new information.
And the one that Xiao brought to it was opening its eyes to a world it didn't know existed, quickly it started to barrage Xiao with thousands of questions, on who? what? and how? every question getting more detailed by the second, Xiao felt a headache hitting him, raising his hands to stop the orb he spoke,
"What about our bet?"
[Oh that? you win]
It spoke not at all angry with the loss, it was happier at having new information, it had been so long since it had seen something it had no idea about and it was trembling with excitement to find out more about the issue, it didn't give a shit about having a master, any individual with information that it didn't have was worth respecting.
Meanwhile, Xiao hearing the orbs words was taken back, sighing he shook his head as he now had a deeper understanding of the treasure in front of him, it was high and might but when it came to information it was just like a little kid, feeling a bit amused he spoke, this time his voice softer,
"Okay, then why don't you accept me as your master, then I will tell you the information that you want to know"
[Okay]
The orb didn't hesitate at all as it agreed, distancing a bit from Xiao it spoke,
[I would need a bit of your origin blood, plus I will be fusing with your soul, so when I do, don't reject it]
"Sure"
Xiao nodded his head, not at all worried, he knows well that the orb in front of him won't hurt at all, after all, it gives huge importance to promises, moreover, it really doesn't have any ability to hurt anyone. Xiao raised his hand as he cut the tip of his finger, willing deep within him a small part of his original blood was broken from his core as it left through the cut in his hand traveling towards the orb.
A gold like blood left his hand as it traveled towards the orb, a white golden light shined from the orb as Xiao's blood fused with it, as it kept happening a headache hit Xiao forcing him to focus his mental powers, the light within the room was blinding as different colors started to appear but it didn't last for long as it faded and as it did the orb flew towards Xiao's chest entering his soul.
Xiao felt his soul steer, he felt as if his soul was being molded as if it was trying to fit something, he felt hundreds of hands clawing over his body and forcefully trying to change it, it wasn't painful but the feeling was extremely awkward and strange, he was starting to feel itchy all over, the feeling continued for a few seconds before which a transparent screen of the color white and gold appeared in front of him,
==========
Do You Wish To Accept The All-Seer
>Yes/No
==========
Seeing the message in front of him, Xiao willed in his mind as he accepted,
==========
System Initialising...
Scanning sentient being....
Configuring the system to suit the user.....
Initiating soul fusion...
==========
Those were the last words that Xiao heard before soul-wrenching pain filled his body,
AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
Xiao released the most heart-wrenching scream in his life while banging his hands on his forehead like a madman! he kept thrashing around the floor of the room, his appearance within a few seconds had completely changed. Messy hair, twitching all over the place, foam covering his lips, and white eyes. Xiao had never shown such an appearance even at his worst moments.
And yet he couldn't faint yet! he had to stay awake a few more seconds for the binding to finish, which went on for some more seconds, it was only when he heard the confirmation did he faint. Meanwhile, the orb started to fuse directly with Xiao's soul, making adjustments for a proper fusion, soon hours ticked by before the perfect fusion was complete, afterward the configuration was completed as the orb fused perfectly.
Yet there wasn't a sign of Xiao waking up, it was only a day later his eyes started to flutter as he opened them,
'Huh?.....where am I?'
Walking up his mind was muddled and messy, a huge headache filled his mind, making it hard for him to focus, it took a few minutes before which the memories of what happened before he fainted filled him and as soon as he did a chill went down his spine,
'What the fuck was that!'
Xiao who was quite proud of his own pain tolerance couldn't help but feel his mind tingle and his stomach churn at the pain he had felt, it was something out of the world, he knew that the pain of the soul was beyond anything but he didn't expect it to be this bad,
'Fuck! I am never going through that again'
Thinking so he took out a pill and he plopped it in his mouth, the medicinal properties soon spread across his body as he started to feel more relaxed.
Finally, after hours of rest Xiao was in his peak condition, sitting up straight he peered into his soul as he gazed upon the black orb that was now completely fused with him, sighing in relief he spoke,
"All-Seer show me my status"
===Status===
Name: Yun Xiao
Title: Devil Of Death, Crazy Bastard, Young Master...Sky Sword God...etc
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Cultivation: Heaven Core Realm-[Level. 2]
Legacy: Cosmic Ending Divider
Bloodline: Immortal Gravewalker Of Death
Physique: No Heavenly Name Bestowed
Heavenly Eye: None
Affinity: Fire, Death
Power level: Low Tier Supreme
Specialties: Qi, Soul, Mental Realm, Sword Cosmic Domain
Qi Type: Fire Qi, Lower tier Qi, Cosmic Sword Qi, Death Qi
--> Profession :
[Swordsmanship]-Mid realm of mastery
[Dual Swordsmanship]-High realm of mastery
[World Spirit Master lvl.1]-No realm of mastery
--> Cultivation Manual :
[Omega Asura's Wrath] - Minor realm of mastery
-->Martial Manual:
[Ring of Fire] - Perfect realm of mastery
[Drifting cloud steps]-Perfect realm of mastery
[Burning Slash]-Perfect realm of mastery
[5 Slashes Of Wrath]-Perfect realm of mastery
.
.
.
--> Skills :
[ Connection]
[Forgotten]
[Mind Split]
[Record And Analyze]
.
-->Spiritual Manual: None
-->Soul Manual: None
-->Mental Manual: None
--Familiars: None
=====
Xiao focused his eyes as he gazed at the screen in front of him, seeing the information he nodded his head, he wasn't surprised by the information as he knew that once the orb had joined with his soul, all his secrets would be laid bare.
Keeping his silence he kept reading through the screen, most of the stuff he read was the things he knew, though some parts of it were confusing to him, focusing his mind he chose the cultivation manual part.
==========
--> Cultivation Manual :
[Omega Asura's Wrath] - Minor realm of mastery
The cultivation manual was created by the Origin of all flame, the Omega Asuras, they were born at the beginning of all time and Era, they were the primogenitors of all flames and wrath, any and all flames were birthed from their law, and power, all that embodied fire would bow down to their will, none dared challenge their power.
?A cultivation manual that embodied their past and their will for the future, the cultivation technique focuses on creating the beginning ruler of flames, a cultivation technique that is at the peak of the martial world.
==========
'Ohhh.....damn!'
Xiao took a steep breath as he read the information about his cultivation technique, after cultivating it for some time Xiao had come to understand that he had underestimated the power of the cultivation manual and now seeing its worth he was sure that he had been drawn into a conspiracy higher than he could understand.
'Looks like I have to be more careful in the future'
Xiao had only heard of the legendary Asuras in the past, right now all of them were extinct, having three heads and six arms they were one of the major rulers of the past.
If it ever got out that he has their cultivation manual, he would no doubt be hunted down, it's a secret that should never get out, composing himself Xiao then glanced at the other important thing that had been bugging him.
==========
Legacy: Cosmic Ending Divider
Information:#$^,#
Error Karma and Fate Value corresponding to strength insufficient
==========
'Who and what the hell is that?'
Xiao shouted as he gazed at the information in front of him, he knew that he was chosen by a legacy but what the hell does Cosmic Ending Divider mean? and why doesn't the information show up?.
'All-Seer what's going on?'
[The information is being blocked to protect your life]
'Can you elaborate?'
Xiao asked, his expression brimming with seriousness but this time he didn't receive a response. A white light flashed in his eyes and the next moment he gasped as he saw several lines that were surrounding his body.
Some looked thin, some looked hard and one in specific looked dangerous, each of them was covering his body from head to toe, each one attached to each part of his body.
Some were glistening, each thread was shinning with star-like appearances, taking one breath away,
'Is this?'
[Yes they are your fate lines]
'I see...'
Xiao nodded his head, he knew about fate lines but this was the first time he was able to see his, just from a look he could tell that his fate was something extraordinary, focusing his eyes he tried to peer into the lines but every time he did his mind would get messy and blurry.
[Unless you have the eyes of heaven it's impossible]
'Yeah...I know'
Soon the lines around him disappeared, he understood the reason why he can't know the information yet, it being that his current strength was not capable of handling the truth, once he knew it the fate attached to it will connect with him, bearing on him targets that would seek him out, this was quite common and dangerous,
'Enough of this show me my bloodline
==========
Bloodline: Immortal Gravewalker Of Death
Information: The bloodline of a past clan that guarded and looms over death. A terrifying clan that guarded the remains of terrors. Death was their companion and the will of the ones forgotten in time are their strength, their name represented the will of the past lords that rules the vast cosmic cultivation world.
?A clan that had protected the cosmic world of cultivation with their legacy resulting in their bloodline being severed and lost in the rivers of time, the karma and judgment of the past survive within this bloodline.
?A saying of the past continues to this day: The day the bloodline returns the entire world of cultivation will be flipped upside down, death would reign, and despair would flood the cosmos.
==========
"....."
Leaving aside the ominous words, the rest of the fact about his bloodline was extremely tempting, Xiao had thought that his bloodline must have been of a high grade but he didn't expect it to be of such a level. Reading through the information at hand Xiao could understand that his bloodline lets him inherit one power of the powerhouses of the past.
But the question remains how does he activate his power? For the first time, he inherited the domain of a man that terrorized everything, its power was beyond anything Xiao could gasp, with his current strength he would be unable to use even a fraction of its true power, nonetheless, it's a trump card that would bring terror to his enemies.
Just from one encounter, he was able to get such strength, think what would happen if he could grasp more? just thinking of it got his blood boiling, Xiao didn't let go as he kept reading and learning more about his bloodline, this would be one that would help him stand above all one day.
Xiao spent the next hour reading through, trying to get a better understanding of himself, by the end of the hour he was more informative of himself than when he had arrived, some of the questions that haunted him were finally revealed, doing one final check-up he stood up as he started to walk towards the portal that brought him here.
Even now it hadn't broken down, the spatial tunnel was strong and bright, in normal cases, it should have vanished but here it still exists, not focusing much on the portal Xiao crossed through it and once again a dark feeling filled her body, the next moment he opened his eyes he was already outside and it didn't even take a second before which a familiar body hugged him again.
Feeling a bit more relaxed he hugged back Xuanyin who was sticking to him, after a few seconds she finally broke the hug, on doing so she started to check at him, looking for any sign of injury, finally after a minute she nodded her head contended, then she moved forward as she hugged him again, making Xiao speechless.
She was getting more and more brazen and open as the days went by but he didn't hate it, to him her current situation was much better than the past where she was just a block of ice that didn't respond to anything.
Finally having enough she let him go and Xiao used this opportunity to test out the new abilities he had acquired,
===Status===
Name: Yun Xunayin
Title: Ice Phoenix, Young Miss
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Cultivation: None
Legacy: None
? Bloodline: Vermillion Blazing Immortal Ice(locked)
Physique: Heavenly Ice Phoenix
Heavenly Eye: None
Affinity: Ice
Power level: None
Specialties: None
Qi Type: None
--> Profession : None
--> Cultivation Manual : None
-->Martial Manual: None
-->Familiars: None
=====
'The hell!'
Seeing the part about the bloodline Xiao was stunned, he even rubbed his eyes to see if he was dreaming, after all in his past life he never heard about his little sister having a bloodline, this was also the thing that had held Xunayin back.
It was simple she had the heavenly Ice Phoenix physique but she didn't have the bloodline, it was like having a great vessel but not having anything inside of it, this was the reason why she was stuck in the third heaven.
She was unable to bring out the full potential of her physique due to her not possessing any compatible bloodline but now seeing her bloodline and its information Xiao was sure that she would even be a genius in the fourth heaven!
'That's good'
Xiao smiled inwardly as he gazed at the sudden information at hand, he could tell that in the past Xuanyin was unable to awaken her bloodline but in the current timeline, it won't be the same, after all the item he was getting way more than enough to help her out.
Feeling relieved he patted Xuanyin's head with a smile.
".....?....."
Meanwhile, Xuanyin who felt the relived and happy feelings of Xiao was completely confused, she could tell that her big brother was happy for her but she couldn't understand why, in the end, she let her doubts go as she started to enjoy the head pat she was receiving,
"There was no problem, I presume?"
Xiao asked Elder Fin who was staring jaw smacked at the sight of Xiao arriving in front of them, things just keep getting weirder and weirder as the time went by. One Xiao entered the legacy land and came out stronger, two now he went to a forbidden land no one escaped from and came out fine, elder Fin was now starting to doubt his reality, though he was still able to get himself together in the end, nodding his head he spoke,
"Yes, things were alright"
"That's good"
Saying so Xiao's sight turned towards Xia Yunbai and as he did his information too appeared in his eyes.
===Status===
Name: Xia Yunbai
Title: Young Master, Illegitimate Child
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Cultivation: Qi Refinement Realm-Level. 8
Legacy: Maniac Of Slaughter Fest(awakened)
Bloodline: None
Physique: Divine Bloodlust Physique
Heavenly Eye: None
Affinity: Gravity, Earth
Power level: Mid Tier Legend
Specialties: Bloodlust Steal
Qi Type: Low Tier Qi, Slaughter Lust Qi
--> Profession :
[Spearmanship]-Low realm of Mastery
--> Cultivation Manual :
[War SlaughterWorld] - Minor realm of mastery
-->Martial Manual:
[Field of Wright]-Low realm of mastery
[Shaking Thrust]-Low realm of mastery
-->Familiars: None
=====
'Oh....not bad'
Seeing Xia Yunbai's information Xiao could tell that he was very talented, it was a pity that he had died being played under the hands of the Emperor, if he had been given enough resources he would have defiantly grown up to be a force to be reckoned with. Giving a nod to Yunbai Xiao's eyes turned towards the fog, looking deeply at it for a moment he gave it a respectful bow.
The being that lives there, after all, deserves it, he was after all a powerful being and a progenitor guarding a legacy he promised to guard for his friend, even if eons passed he still guards the promise to his friend, the fog was just something he made to pass his times, looking for talent that might interest him.
The ones who passed were to be given the ability to go at any place they want as long as they knew its coordinates, in fact, Xiao wasn't the only one to pass there were several before him and they all traveled to places that granted them rise, the reason it was still unknown was that the ones who passed it kept it to these, they weren't idiots to spill the information.
With this, if Xiao wanted he could even travel to the depths of the greatest treasure land and come back but that would have only resulted in his death, he might get the treasure but he might not live to use it, stealing from the powerful is only for the powerful, for the rest it only meant death. Giving one final look at the fog he commanded,
"Let's head home"
"Yes, young master"
Elder Fin respectfully nodded his head this time his respect being more genuine, soon Xiao and the rest set off towards the Yun mansion, not knowing that another predator had already arrived.
Hey, I am back with this! and I'm sorry for not posting on this novel for long??. It's just that something came up and I have been focused on it, so spending time for both the novel became hard but don't worry! I will try my best to post on both from now on!.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A week passed before which Xiao and the rest reached the Yun family mansion, the week was extremely relaxing and fun for him, doing nothing but playing with Xuanyin truly took all the stress out of him and it was fun making fun of her too, seeing her 'reactions' always entertained him but the only thing that dampened his spirit a bit was the fact that Yurou was still asleep.
From his connection with her, he could tell that she was still deep within her enlightenment, the only silver lining was the fact that he could tell that she was fine, speaking of Yurou it would seem that seem she along with her protector had invaded the Yun family, the reason being that the protector wanted to break any and all arms connection Yurou had with the Yun family.
With this Yurou would be able to fully adapt to her identity as a Flammia, his mother Yun Lan had informed him about all this, but only the top members of the family knew this information, they didn't know who the one holding Yurou was but they all knew she could kill them in a snap, hence they all accepted the deal, letting Yurou be taken away, cutting all karmic ties, in front of true power nothing else matters.
Other than all this nothing worthy of note took place, reaching the Yun family mansion Xiao got out of the chariot along with Xuanyin, and just as he did he was pulled into a warm yet cold embrace of his mother, she hugged them tightly for some seconds before she let them go and as soon as she did Xuanyin kept a reasonable distance.
Other than Xiao she doesn't really like anyone touching her, even her mother, the only reason she allowed the hug before was that Xiao asked her for it, letting go of the hug Yun Lan looked clearly at her son, checking for signs of hurt or anything like that, even if she knew that he was fine her motherly instincts still checked to see if he was okay.
She did the same with Xuanyin though from a reasonable distance as she knew about her daughter's little quirk and she was helpless against it, finally she turned her eyes towards Yunbai that was standing beside Elder Fin looking at his surroundings with keen eyes, one quick look was enough for her to understand his character,
'Someone crazy yet smart, a double-edged sword'
Her evaluations were quick and precise, in an instant, she was able to weigh his worth and the troubles he will cause, marking his usefulness, Elder Fin had also filled her in all the details of what had happened, and her being astounded would be an understatement statement, even now she couldn't see through her son's cultivation level.
Lots of questions filled her mind but she knew that now was not the time to dwell on them, smiling she took her son and daughter to the lavish meal she had prepared for them, spoiling them to no ends, she might not show it but she felt a bit lost and lonely without her children by her side, so she made sure that she got her share of her children.
She even made Xiao and Xuanyin sleep with them, not taking no for an answer, hence a situation arose where Xuanyin slept on one side of Xiao hugging him, while Yun Lan took the other side making herself comfortable, the poor 11-year-old Xiao was sandwiched between the two that wanted him, as much as he wanted to say no he couldn't completely deny his mother or his sister.
He could never hurt his mother, Xiao couldn't help but chuckle about the fact that he was really spoiled, in his first life he might never have had his father's recognition but his mother made sure to spoil him rotten, making him the stereotype of a young master, it couldn't also help that he had agreeable talent, his nose was up in the heaven as he thought of himself as invisible, living within an invisible bubble of power.
A bubble that burst and pulled him into an abyss that had threatened to swallow him whole and in a respective it almost had, shaking off his thoughts Xiao focused on the two at his side as a loving smile rose on them,
'Yeah... it's fine....this time I won't let them fall'
Thinking so he fell into a deep sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So tell me about all that happened"
Yun Lan spoke as she hugged Xiao and placed him on her lap, right now it was the next day and she had pulled him with her not taking no for an answer, Xiao, in the end, went with the flow, not wanting to damper the mood of his mother who was feeling lonely, shaking his head at her antics, he spoke,
"Mother, can't I seat in the chair?"
"Impossible"
A straight-up rejection, well Xiao expected it, hence he started to give a small and truthful yet twisted view of what had taken place, he talked about how he visited the Xia family to recruit Yunbai and after it, he talked about how he found the entrance to the legacy land and then he spoke about the thing that happened.
Of course, he didn't tell the whole truth, he just spoke about how it was a Phoenix's legacy and how he found out that Yurou was a half Phoenix, he also talked about the trials he had to undergo, severely reducing the dangerous yet not completely, he just tweaked it a bit,
"I see, who would have thought that she was a half Phoenix"
Xiao's mother muttered in a daze, his words hinted at the fact that a power that was present in the fourth heaven visited these lowly lands!
"Sigh....you had to be there Xiao, that woman just entered the family and shook it completely, we were just ants to her"
Yun Lan spoke with a bitter voice filled with awe but hidden within it was an unyielding will to get stronger,
"So then why did you head to the forbidden land?"
"Oh, that's because the Phoenix of the legacy land said that she had a friend there and if I visited it I would receive some sort of gift"
"Really?"
Yun Lan asked with a bit of doubt, she had a keen eye to see through lies but no matter what she couldn't tell if her son was lying or not, Xiao always made sure to mix lies with the truth,
"Yup"
Xiao nodded her head at Yun Lan's accusing gaze, seeing it she relented as she spoke,
"It must have been one hell of a gift"
"That it was"
Xiao spoke, his words laced with satisfaction,
"Wait does that mean my son had won the heart of a Phoenix~~"
Yun Lan spoke with a mischievous tone, just from the story itself she got to know that they must have gone through a lot together, plus it wasn't hard for her to notice her son's expression when he spoke about Yurou. Xiao stiffened for a moment when he heard his mothers words he could only shake his head at it,
"Maybe~"
He responded back, Yun Lan smiled at it as she spoke,
"Good looks like I have a good daughter in law"
"For that, we just have to wait and see"
Xiao replied back, not trying to defend or support anything.
Xiao knew that arguing with his mother won't lead to anything, in truth he wants to tell her everything, truthfully without hiding anything, yet he can't, not because he doesn't trust her if he can't trust his mother then who can he trust? but because he doesn't want her to be embroiled in whatever was in store for him.
Telling her the truth would make her connected to the both his fate and the lines of Karma, this was not something Xiao did not desire, in this world where the danger lies hidden and secrets lay chosen, he couldn't guarantee that he could 100% protect his mother, for that one needed ones own strength, nothing other than that was better.
Plus he knew that his mother wasn't some pretty vase that needed protecting she was an independent and a strong woman, she doesn't need his protection, he just needs to give her the stage for it and he was sure that his mother would rock it down, all Xiao's waiting for is a chance, the moment 'it' comes he will make his move,
"So Xiao what level of cultivation are you?"
"Oh, just the first level of the Heaven Core Realm"
"Oh....just the first level of the Heaven Cor-"
Suddenly Yun Lan stiffened as she stopped talking, for a moment her brain seemed to have stopped, seeing her reaction Xiao smiled, of course, he would hide things from her but he will make sure to tell her about the things that won't hurt her plus it was kind of funny to see his mothers current look, she who remains calm now looked like a frozen statue,
"Mother?"
Xiao called out with innocent eyes while trying his best to hold back his laughter, only then did Yun Lan break out of her daze as she looked at her son who had a smirk on his face, she closed her eye as she took deep breaths to calm her self, it was only after a few minutes did she open her eyes, seriousness filled then as she looked deeply into Xiao,
"Xiao"
"Yes?"
"Listen to my words, no matter what never reveal your true cultivation to anyone, I know that it might feel good but unless you have got yourself a truly great background don't expose yourself, okay?"
Each word spoken by Yun Lan was stressed out, showing how serious she was and Xiao knew the reason too but in his mother's eyes he was still an 11-year-old and for him to have an inflated ego due to it might be normal, wishing to show it off was completely normal too, hence she was guiding him, he didn't argue with her as he seriously nodded his head and spoke,
"Yes mother"
Seeing the seriousness in Xiao's eyes Yun Lan sighed, even though she knew that her son was a genius in mind she knew that he was still a child, she didn't want to risk others knowing his cultivation, everyone knew his cultivation potential and if they knew his current strength many would link it to some sort of treasure risking his life, Xiao right now might have high cultivation but that doesn't mean he can't be a takedown.
Sadly this time Yun Lan didn't know Xiao's true strength, if she did she wouldn't be having these thoughts, Yun Lan soon smiled as she hugged her son and spoke with a cheerful voice,
"My son's a genius! humph let's see who dares boast about their children in front of me, I knew that my son would someday shake the world!"
And with that Yun Lan started to drown Xiao with compliments and affection, she didn't for a second doubt her son's words, she knew he wouldn't lie to her about stuff like this, hence she was over the moon knowing about it, she began to understand that her son's talent might have increased drastically, after all, he did go through a phoenix's trail it was normal for his talent to undergo a drastic change,
"Wait, then how did you hide your cultivation?"
"Oh that, well remember the gift I said you about? it was a treasure that helps me hide and maintain my cultivation, it's very useful in this case"
"I see that's good for now but don't hide it completely, just adjust your level of cultivation a bit above your previous one, the old fogies know that Yurou left with you and they all want to meet you and know what happened"
Yun Lan spoke, her voice lacking any warmth as she spoke of the Yun family, Xiao nodded his head, he had already expected this, after all, Yurou disappeared with him, and interrogating him would be the best choice of action, knowing that they can't do anything against Yurou's protector he was the next best choice,
"Let me guess they want to meet me now"
"Yeah, they wanted to meet you as soon as you had landed but I refused and spoke that you needed rest"
"I see.....then let's go and be done with this"
Saying so Xiao and Yun Lan started to head towards the family meeting hall where the elders and the high ranking family members were waiting and as he kept walking he made sure to adjust his cultivation making it to foundation establishment realm level 1, it was unseen for a child of his age but not entirely unbelievable after all he did go through a 'lucky' encounter with Yurou and his cultivation should match it.
His mind had already made up a story and he had talked it over with his mother who agreed with his chosen path, soon both of them reached the family room, coming upon the members who were awaiting their arrival, and as soon as they entered, Xiao was scanned upside down, making all those that did raise their eyes in surprise,
"What?!"
"How?!"
"Thi-This"
Many astonished voices were heard as they realized that Xiao's cultivation was far above what should be, Xiao's eyes trailed around the room, he could see his grandfather the patriarch sitting in the topmost position while his father and the future leaders sat beside him, he could even see his father's second wife sitting behind him holding his stepbrother, her eyes focused heavily one him before they retreated.
He could even see a frown on his father's face, everything was as he had thought it to be, an oppressing family for which he didn't have a hint of familial feelings for, a father that was focused more on another woman and a grandfather who seems to believe that everything lies within his palm,
"Your late"
Yun Hao spoke, they first moved forward and gave a bow,
"We greet the patriarch"
After that, his mother spoke,
"Xiao was still tired and I was just making sure that he was well and fine"
Hearing Yun Lan's words Yun Hao frowned for a moment before which his eyes turned towards me, sizing me up and down, a few seconds later he spoke,
"Grandchild, you seem to have gone through a lucky encounter, care to explain?"
Hearing, his words I took a deep breath as I smiled and spoke,
"Yes, grandfather"
"So you're telling me that, Yurou was part Pheonix and both of you ended up in a trial left behind by an ancestral Phoenix of the past?"
"Yes"
Xiao nodded his head at Yun Hao's words, by now Xiao had explained a part of how things had gone by, he just made it such that he didn't play a huge role in the trial, making him as a baggage that rode on Yurou's luck, his words had surprised everybody, who was now talking with each other, whispering what a twist this was,
"Where's Yurou's father?"
Xiao asked as he noticed the man's absence, he really wanted to meet the guy that nailed a phoenix, he didn't pay much attention to him before but it was not every day that he meets someone like that, the moment Xiao asked the question the talking in the room stopped as everyone started to look at each other with a hint of fear, feeling the silence Yun Hao spoke,
"He was burned to death by that woman"
"Oh"
Xiao didn't have much reaction to it and he didn't need to know who that woman was, Xiao, knew that Yurou didn't have a hint of love for her father as she had always talked about him just seeing her as some sort of trophy or some investment for the future, plus it was becoming pretty clear to him that whoever Yurou's mother was, she didn't seem to be particularly happy with her father too.
There might have been some sort of secret to what had happened, well it didn't interest him much, the only reason he asked was that the man was about to be his 'father-in-law' but now it doesn't matter anymore,
"Sigh...that stupid son of mine"
Xiao could see Yun Hao sighing as he sat in the patriarch seat but that was not the current topic at hand, as his focus soon returned back to Xiao,
"So that's all that happened? is there anything else?"
"Nope after I was thrown out Yurou nor did her protector pay me any mind as they left"
"I see"
Yun Hao nodded his head, his eyes narrowing at Xiao as a subtle pressure filled his body, Xiao's body shook as his knees seemed to be shaking, well it wasn't affecting him at all but hey for now the play had to continue, he would pay back the debt another time,
"Xiao!"
Yun Lan screamed as she appeared in front of Xiao as she projected her own aura to cover the pressure that was acting on him, turning towards Yun Hao she screamed,
"What are you doing?!"
"Tsk.....nothing, you may leave"
Yun Hao spoke with a nonchalant voice, hearing it Yun Lan gritted her teeth in anger but she didn't say anything as she picked the 'weakened' Xiao and headed out of the room, under the snarly eyes of the other family members, Xiao whose cultivation was sky-high should be treated as a genius yet here he was not being paid any heed.
Soon Yun Lan left the scene with Xiao, marching with angry steps she entered her room, and as soon as she did her angry expression faded as it became calm, knocking at Xiao's head she spoke,
"Alright that's enough acting"
Hearing it the 'weakened' Xiao opened his eyes and he looked at his mother with a smug smile,
"How was my acting?"
He asked,
"Well not as good as mine"
Yun Lan replied with the same smug smile, they were truly mother and son,
"So what did Yurou's father do?"
"Oh, that idiot? well, as soon as that woman had shown up he displayed an arrogant expression and walked up to her as if he owned her and spoke 'hehe...so your here servant? then take me to my wife' after that all we saw was a blaze and all that was left were ashes"
Hearing it Xiao flinched, looks like that guy was an idiot through and through, shaking his head about such an idiotic action, he escaped his mother's hug as he spoke to her,
"Mother arrange a carriage I will be heading to the Li family"
"So soon? do you really like that crippled child?"
"Sigh...mother she's just a suffering girl and even if it is by a paper she's still my fiance, I have to keep up my appearance"
"Is that the only reason?"
Yun Lan asked doubtfully, to which Xiao nodded his head,
"Yes, it's just to keep appearances"
"Okay, it better be just that, you know I heard that Phoenixs are quite ruthless"
Saying so she made a cutting motion, to which Xiao just shook his head, soon he boarded a carriage that headed towards the Li family mansion, 2 hours later he had entered the mansion as a maid led him towards Li Lun's room, a few minutes later he reached her room and even before the maid knocked, the door was opened by Li Lun who was sitting in a wheelchair,
"Xi-Xiao?"
Her head was turned towards him as she sat on a wheelchair, her white dead eyes were looking towards him, seeing it he smiled and spoke,
"It's nice to see that you're fine Li Lun"
Saying so he walked towards her as he dispersed the maid, reaching up to her, he patted her head, causing her dead eyes to gain some sort of life as a smile came to her face, her hands extended forward not knowing where to move, Xiao understood as he bent a little hugging the pitiful girl,
"I-I missed you"
She spoke with a low voice as she hugged him, Xiao chuckled at her shyness as he spoke back,
"Well I missed you too"
Saying so he left the hug much to the disappointment of Li Lun, seeing it he patted her head once more, a hint of guilt filled his heart, here he was with Li Lun yet now he was connected by heart to Yurou, even so, Xiao wasn't going to tell her about it, not because he was scared because he didn't want to hurt the girl more.
She had already lost so much, how could he say that her fiance was already in love with another girl, even more so when she seems to be developing feelings for him? he wasn't that ruthless or heartless, he will definitely tell about Yurou to her but not now, only when she stands far above the world will he tell her.
He will tell her when she has all the power and authority in the world, he will tell her when she's strong enough to take it, then he will take whatever anger or hatred she will have, he wasn't going to run away from his promise or responsibility, he promised her that he will marry her if she wants and he always keeps his promises
It might be stupid or perhaps hypocritical but that's who he was and he would continue to live by his thoughts and ideas.
"So, how have things been?"
Xiao asked as he took a seat beside Li Lun, who held onto his hand refusing to let go, he didn't reject her request, sitting beside her he focused on her, she seemed to do a bit better than the last time he saw her,
"How are the nightmares?"
Xiao asked looking into her blank eyes that were trying their best to focus, he could tell that she was trying her best to act normal but some things aren't to be,
"It's fine, things are getting better"
"Sigh...why lie"
Xiao shook his head as he held her hand tighter, his voice was serious as he spoke,
"Li Lun, I am your fiance and above that, your friend tell me what's bugging you. I want to help you"
Hearing his words Li Lun was silent before which tears started to pool in her eyes, her voice was croaked as she spoke with hiccups,
"I-Its hard....hick..... every day I wake up and only darkness fills my eyes....hick...I think its a dream and that it will go away but.....hick.....it doesn't"
Xiao didn't say anything as he stood up and hugged Li Lun bringing her to his chest as she sat on the wheelchair, he patted her back as she continued,
"It's so hard....sniff...I keep thinking that it will get better but it doesn't.....hick...if I need to do anything I need someone to help.....hick.....I I-feel so lost, I can't move my legs and the darkness scares me.....sniff....what should I do?"
Li Lun asked with despaired voice, Xiao stayed silent as he patted her back, whatever he says would just be powerless words, how could he speak about something that he doesn't know about? only the ones that face the loss of sight could know the pain, plus Li Lun has lost her legs too, in this cutthroat world she was truly useless.
Xiao could never say that he understands her pain, all he could do was hug this grieving child as he pats her back, being there as a support, slowly her cries dried out, as she clutched onto his chest, taking in his warmth, slowly Xiao continues to pat her back as he finally spoke,
"Li Lun, I can't even fathom the pain you are going through nor can I promise that things will definitely get better but I can tell you that you're not alone, you have people that care about you, me your father, and many more, so know that you don't have to go at it alone"
"Um"
Finally, after a minute Li Lun responded hiding her blushing face at Xiao's chest, all this week she planned to act tough, she wanted to show Xiao that she wasn't a weak girl but one word from him and she ended up brawling like there's no tomorrow, no matter what she tried she couldn't keep her cool with him, he always seemed to pull out her true feelings.
All the time she was away from Xiao she keeps thinking about him, ever since that fateful day she misses him dearly, within the dark world, the memories of Xiao keep her mind awake, sometimes the nightmare that haunts her gets better when she thinks of him, more than any other she fears losing Xiao.
These fears linger deep in her mind, by now most of her pride had faded away, the world seemed to be against her, while nightmares and pain surrounded her,
"Li Lun why don't we try something fun?"
Xiao spoke breaking her out of her thoughts, wiping away the tears in her eyes, she hesitantly let go Xiao's warmth as she spoke,
"What fun?"
"Well now that's a surprise"
Saying so Xiao walked behind Li Lun as he clutched her wheelchair pushing it forward, guiding it through the mansion as he took them to the desired location, along the way none stopped his path, he was a direct descended of the Yun family, none dare to mess with him, soon minutes later he reached a certain training ground,
"Are we in a training ground?"
Li Lun asked, her 'eyes' looking through, her life might be dark but her hearing, smell, and other features were improved, she could even faintly 'feel' the aura and shape of the things, in fact, recently she started to feel some sort of connection with another plane, she couldn't tell why but instinctively she understood that the things she was feeling were a plane and that it feels like home.
At first, Li Lun thought that she was tripping but the feeling was getting clearer as the days passed, the growth was extremely miniscule but it was still there, breaking her out of her thoughts Xiao spoke,
"So Li Lun, what do you think about archery?"
"Archery?"
She asked back confused, Xiao smiled as he walked towards a stand taking up a bow and arrow, walking towards Li Lun he took her arms carefully placing them on her hands, making sure that she won't hurt herself he spoke,
"LI Lun aren't you now capable of feeling things?"
"Yes...."
Li Lun spoke hesitantly,
"Then why don't you try using the bow, after all, you just have to feel the target, in this regard you don't have to see it"
"But..."
"But what?"
Xiao asked back with a smile, he knew that she wasn't confident in herself, so he moved behind her as he helped her hold the bow and arrow, he wasn't an expert at it but he did know how to use the bow, back in Ingrid his master had thought him how to use all the weapons, he was not a master but he was decent.
For a mercenary it was all about survival and using all the tricks in the book was the best way to move forward, angling correctly he helped Li Lun sit straight as he guided her hands holding the arrow and helping her place it correctly as he gently pulled the arrow on the string but just as her posture became perfect he silently let go of his control on Li Lun.
Standing back he watched as Li Lun's hold on the bow became better, her stature situation improved on her own, it wasn't a huge change but it wasn't a small one too, her body by instincts moved to perfect her shot, her talent in archery every was truly terrifying, her body to her mind was the perfect tool for an archer.
In the future when she holds her bow, enemies hundreds of miles away will tremble in fear, her breathing slowed down, the hands that were trembling balanced, her hands moved at sinc, it wasn't perfect but it was terrifyingly good for the first time, by now Li Lun's mind was black, the moment she touched the bow something inside of her shook.
The bow felt natural in her hands as if she was meant to hold them, she didn't even register Xiao coming behind her as he lead her, Li Lun's mind was in a daze as she followed Xiao's teaching, by now she who was without any cultivation had entered enlightenment on the path of archery! news that will surely create waves, countless masters of the bow would fight to take her as a disciple, that is if she could cultivate.
Li Lun held the bow her heart beating faster, her mind frozen, for a moment she forgot that she couldn't see, the pain that haunted her dissolving into illusions, only her and the target before she remained, she couldn't see but for a moment she felt that everything was clear, the wind that blew, the breathing of Xiao, the sounds that were spread across her.
Everything looked beautiful, her 'aura' sensing 'focused' on the target, her breathing became even, deep within her soul several power chains bound it and within it, a small crack took place, a very minuscule one but it rattled the entire chain, for a moment a dark power tried to spread but it was held back, the chain stood strong.
Back in reality, Li Lun strengthened the hold on her bow, her arms aiming toward her target, everything froze for a moment, and then the arrow was released from her hands the moment it did time moved for her. As she found herself back she heard a thud as the arrow had hit the target,
"Amazing..."
Xiao''s voice reached her ears she raised her head, 'looking' at the target, trying to feel where the arrow had struck and she could tell that it had hit the middle, 'seeing' it her heart started beating faster, while her hands trembled in excitement, for the first time since her fall she felt an emotion she thought she had lost.
She felt.....pride! deep gushing pride that was making her lightheaded, for the first time since her awakening she felt accomplished, she had done something without the help of anyone else, granted in the grand cosmos of cultivation its nothing but it was still hers, it was her achievement and no one else's! this was enough to fill her heart with the desperate satisfaction she needed.
And just as she was relishing on her victory over fate she felt a familiar hand patting her head, making her heart beat faster, he was just her age but whenever he pats her head she would feel happy and for some reason content, it was bizarre but in no way did she hate it, no she was coming to love it,
"Looks like I was right, you have some inhuman talent in archery"
Xiao spoke, each of his words making her heart beat faster, she never thought that she would love a weapon, but here she was holding this bow, she felt right at home and all of this was accounted towards the boy beside her, she couldn't begin to think of how much her heart weighed for him,
"Th-Thank y-you"
Li Lun spoke with chocked emotion, no one could know how much this means to her, in a world where she needs others' help to survive, in the world where she's nothing but dust, having something to call her own was beyond help it was....it was her salvation, Xiao had pointed out for her a path, such that she won't fall into the pit many before her as.
Again tears she thought had dried started to spill but this time it wasn't one of sadness but of relief, it would seem that whenever she was down he would be beside her, helping her move forward, and the feelings that were in her heart grew once more, embers that were burning were evolving into flames that fill her heart, again a small crack filled the chains that bonded her soul, even though the changes were small, it was still a change, something that would snowball into something that will break all adversaries before her,
"Silly girl, all I should you were a way, everything else is your achievement"
Xiao said as he looked at the tearful Li Lun, he was just showing her a path that she found by herself, all he did was push forward the timing but it would seem that he had underestimated the worth of what he had shown, to Li Lun it turned out to be a spark of life that she needed, he didn't say anything else as he stood beside her, being there for her.
After this, he spent the next hour helping Li Lun with archery, even though he was no master, he still knew all the basics well, hence he helped her improve, well improving would be an understatement as she had outgrown him in use within the first hour! her hold, style, and shots improved at speeds beyond common sense.
If he was any other bow user, he would surely die with envy but now all he felt was a sense of satisfaction as he watched a smile spread through Li Lun's face, just hearing her laugh and smile was more than enough, she had suffered a lot in the past, maybe this time he could help her alleviate the pain a bit.
They couldn't practice for long as Li Lun got tired, because she had lost her legs and eyes Li Lun didn't pay much attention to her cultivation but now with a path forward, renewed determination filled her heart as she took a vow to take her cultivation more seriously, feeling Xiao who was beside her, her thoughts ran rampant,
'I won't be able to stand and fight beside you but maybe I will stand behind and at least try to protect you'
Her thoughts all lay at one day fighting beside Xiao, such that she won't be a bother to him, that was now becoming her dearest wish and a part of her martial heart, a feeling that would only continue to grow with time.
She knew that her talents weren't that amazing but she would try her best to one day be beside Xiao, helping him in his endeavors, unknown to the changes he was causing Xiao pushed Li Lun's wheelchair as he headed to the dining hall, Li Lun's father had called him and her for lunch.
Things from there weren't anything special, as he gave punctual words to Li Kai, kept a respectful front, making Li Kai smile, they just chatted throughout the lunch, Li Kai learned about his daughter's talent in archery and smiled with happiness, seeing that his child looked better he gave Xiao a look full of gratitude.
Xiao just smiled at it as the three ate and talked, spending a calm and easy-going evening, after which he spent the next 2 hours talking with Li Lun, he spoke about his adventures and the things he faced, of course, he didn't tell the truth, he just took up some stories from his past travels and added some more elements to it.
But that was more than enough to get Li Lun hooked, she would exclaim with happiness at the parts of the fight and curse out in sadness at any part where Xiao would get hurt, overall she was feeling envious of all the journey Xiao went through, moreover, she was sad at not being able to accompany Xiao
Finally, after all the talks he left the Li family under the saddened eyes of Li Lun but he had promised to meet her the next day, thus finally getting her to stop sulking, and feeling more relaxed Xiao headed back home.