How to build a Sect?

[Pind_Ala]

... i uh... dont think asking about what changes he could bring really applies much if this is an original story without 'source material'?

Click to shrink...

Thank you for reply.

You see, these little harmless questions I post under most of my chapters are to increase engagement with audience.
A way for me, Author to talk to readers.
But nobody talks to me here....

Anyway, this is to all my readers.
I do judge what you answer and if I can gain some inspiration from it, it's good. Else we can simply pass on a light remark between each other.
I can answer any of your doubts if you have. answering with text - spoiler if it's answered in the story later.
Or answer directly, if it's already explained.

So you replying to my silly questions I write at the end, is just us getting to know each other.
where other part of us is the whole reader base, not a single person.

 

[Pind_Ala]

"Master Kitae, I have deeply admired your work since I was a child. Can... can you please give me some pointers on my hammer technique?" Lady Fe asked softly, finally releasing the pent-up anxiety she had held back since meeting her idol.

"Youngster Fe, let us revisit this topic during the intermission, or perhaps after the tournament concludes," Master Kitae replied with a dismissive but polite wave of his hand.

"O-Okay..."

After that brief, awkward exchange, the judges fell silent. Once again, only the deafening rhythm of metal striking metal echoed throughout the massive venue.

CLANG!

CLANG!

Looks like I need to lead them again, Zani thought bitterly as he observed the silent experts. These esteemed masters might be gods of the forge, but they are terrible at public speaking.

"Then let me step into your field," Zani muttered under his breath. Picking up his voice-enhancing artifact, he addressed the stadium.

"I do not possess much personal knowledge about the art of forging. Like many of you in the audience, I will only be able to pass my judgment after seeing the finished product. To the untrained eye, the people on this stage are merely swinging hammers."

His amplified voice washed over the crowd, instantly grabbing their attention.

"But fear not, people! The reason you are here today, and the reason we have invited these legendary masters to sit on this panel, is not just to judge the participants. It is to help you understand what true forging is. It is to help you realize that every single strike from a blacksmith matters! So please, enjoy the process. Perhaps today, you will gain the valuable knowledge needed to judge whether you are purchasing a well-crafted iron blade in the future, or just an overpriced piece of junk decorated with shiny stones!"

Zani paused slightly, making deliberate eye contact with the other judges on the panel.

The crowd erupted into excited cheers. What had started as passing curiosity was quickly turning into a masterclass that would forever change how they looked at a simple iron blade.

"Masters, please. Could you walk the audience through the process a bit?" Zani asked, turning to the panel. Before the older hermit could grunt in annoyance, he smoothly shifted the burden. "Actually, let us not burden the esteemed grandmasters with such basic explanations. Let the talented prodigy, Lady Fe, handle the introductions. If she is wrong anywhere, I hope the masters can step in to correct her."

Lady Fe's eyes widened. Caught off guard, a thrill of excitement quickly replaced her nerves. This was a phenomenally rare chance to test her knowledge aloud in front of these legends. Perhaps she might even learn something new if they corrected her.

Taking a deep breath, she raised her artifact and meticulously detailed the entire process, from smelting raw iron to the final quench.

Zani's brows knitted together.

Is she teaching a literal classroom right now? This is not what I meant by walking us through the process! I wanted you to casually comment on the participants' current progress, and instead, you are sitting here explaining the fundamental chemistry of metal like you are reading from an ancient textbook! And the audience... wait, they are actually quietly listening to this?!

Staring at the silent, utterly captivated crowd, he shook his head in sheer disbelief. This world really is completely messed up in the entertainment department!

Despite his internal complaints about the lack of jokes or witty banter, he did not hurry to intervene. If the people were happy with a dry lecture, he would gladly let them have it.

With time to kill, he subtly activated his system's scanning feature. Glancing at the esteemed experts beside him, he was genuinely baffled by the empty readings. How is it possible that these masters do not possess a single system-recognized talent?

He swept his gaze across the vast audience. While he spotted a few talents, none were impressive. The only individual who even slightly caught his attention was a female martial artist with a talent to do handstands.

Down on the stage, the participants from Group 1 submitted their finished results. The giant hourglass signaled that time was up, but only six people had actually managed to finish forging a Bodkin Point. This brutal completion rate clearly demonstrated just how overwhelmingly harsh the screening task was.

"From my perspective, all of you fail. The only one in this group who actually possesses a tiny bit of talent did not even finish his arrowhead on time. What a bitter disappointment," Master Waheed, the hermit smith, declared bluntly. He was the first to pass judgment.

Zani's eyes widened in genuine surprise. He could accurately tell their talent levels before the products were even finished? Now this is actually impressive. Can the other two also do this?

"If we must pick a winner from this batch, nonetheless," Master Kitae added, his tone just as unapologetically harsh as his friend's, "then these three are of roughly equal, passable quality. The rest are just pure junk."

Seeing the devastated expressions on the sweaty participants' faces, Zani quickly realized he had to step in. If he did not smooth things over, he might watch these hardened men break down in front of thousands of people.

"First of all, I would like to sincerely thank everybody for stepping onto this stage today," Zani announced warmly. "For those who did not finish on time, it can simply be because of the pressure and nervousness. It absolutely does not mean you lack the necessary skills. But now that your work is being seen by such renowned masters, you must give it your hundred percent! Do not be disheartened by a loss; take this golden opportunity to learn and improve!"

He side-eyed the young female smith. Looks like it's going to be up to you again.

"Now, Lady Fe, if you could give some specific pointers to the juniors and help us finalize the two contestants who will be moving forward today."

The entire first day smoothly passed in this exact rhythm of educational commentary, harsh expert judgments, and the Mayor and Zani's diplomatic cheering.

Contrary to Zani's predictions, the line outside the venue the following morning was vastly larger than before. More than ninety percent of the crowd were eager returnees, utterly fascinated by the forging knowledge they had acquired the previous day. The rest were new spectators who had originally decided to wait until the second day to attend.

For the second day of the tournament, the rules were significantly stricter. The remaining competitors were divided into groups of five, though two groups held only four. Ultimately, only the best blacksmith from each group would advance, finalizing a Top 8 roster by sunset.

This time, instead of receiving identical gear, the participants had to evaluate and choose a piece of raw scrap from a sprawling pile. Using only that scrap, they had to forge a functional knife. Along with raw toughness and sharpness, the beauty and aesthetic balance of the final product would also be heavily judged.

There were eight groups in total, each given exactly an hour to perform.

High above the stage in the crowded spectator stands, three figures shrouded in dark cloaks sat huddled together, whispering amongst themselves.

"Dear, I still do not see her."

"Did sister leave this rural dojo too, and start wandering the empire again?"

"No, she is definitely still here. I read her fate just a day ago to ensure she was safe."

"Keep quiet, please!"

Kai, the water-forging blacksmith sitting directly beside them, could not help but snap at the weird family of three. These damn, uncivilized peasants keep murmuring! Do they not know my goddess, Lady Fe, is currently delivering profound commentary on the stage?!

Ignoring the annoyed young man entirely, one of the cloaked figures suddenly pointed a finger toward the gates.

"Oh, look at the towering security man. I think it's her."

"Yes, Father, it resembles something from Aunt's private puppet collection."

"Huh... oh, my heavens!" The mother's voice melted with absolute adoration. "My sweet baby is playing security guard! So cute. Let Mother see if anybody dares to ruin your fun."

The three cloaked figures happily started murmuring again. Thankfully, Kai was far too busy admiring the beautiful Lady Fe to pay any attention to them. Otherwise, the art of Water Forging might have truly gone extinct from the empire today.

The second day eventually came to a highly successful end. Next would be the final day of the grand tournament.

Later that night, Master Kitae stretched his spine as they exited through the venue's back gates.

"Ohhh... my aching back. I really am forcing myself to sit up there on those chairs," he groaned.

"You think you are the only one suffering, Kitae? Age really is taking a heavy toll on us," Master Waheed agreed, massaging his shoulders.

As the two friends walked under the starry sky toward their accommodations at the Iron Core Dojo, the atmosphere between them shifted.

"Hey, Waheed."

"Huh?"

"I am going to take that youngster as my personal apprentice," Master Kitae stated firmly, his eyes flashing with a rare, satisfied light. "Yes... after fully passing on my lifelong knowledge, I think I will finally retire."

"Well..." Master Waheed chuckled softly, stroking his long beard. "I have also been thinking of doing the exact same thing for a while now..."

The two old friends talked lightly, their hearts filled with newfound purpose as they walked toward their temporary home.

 

[Pind_Ala]

"So, this is where you are hiding. My love..."

The tournament had finally moved into its highly anticipated final phase.

Down on the main stage, the eight remaining participants worked simultaneously. With eight hours on the clock and absolute freedom to forge whatever they desired, each blacksmith strove to craft a masterpiece worthy of the top three positions.

Ultimately, their creations would undergo a series of rigorous physical tests designed to push the metal to its absolute limit, evaluating their strength, cutting power, and piercing capabilities.

Although the judges remained somewhat puzzled by the destructive testing, believing their extensive experience was more than sufficient to evaluate the weapons, Zani firmly insisted on it.

He knew the performance would perfectly stimulate the audience. Because he had publicly announced these extreme testing criteria a day prior, thousands more desperate spectators had struggled to pack themselves into the venue today.

As the event proceeded smoothly, Master Kitae calmly explained to the roaring crowd how timing dictates far more than raw strength when hammering hot iron.

Then, the sky changed.

SWISH.

SWISH.

A heavy gale suddenly erupted. It tore through the stadium as if a violent tornado had spawned out of nowhere, causing instant panic to sweep through the stands.

"Please, do not panic!"

Watching the spectator seating rapidly plunge into chaos, Zani gripped his voice-enhancing artifact and desperately shouted instructions to maintain order.

However, the source of this unnatural weather lay entirely beyond his control.

Just two minutes earlier, high above the newly constructed venue, a lady draped in pure white silk had silently appeared.

She looked utterly breathtaking. Her revealing clothes naturally commanded the gaze of any man, capable of weakening knees with a single glance.

However, just as she prepared to descend, two figures abruptly manifested a short distance away, both entirely concealed beneath heavy black cloaks.

"Leave. You are not welcome here," the cloaked woman commanded. "We maintain a strict peace treaty among all five sects. What are your intentions, crossing our borders without informing?"

The woman in white paused her descent, studying the interlopers. She did not recognize the female, but the male... she knew him instantly.

"If it isn't Elder Cuby from the Earth Sect. Why are you hiding beneath such a dirty cloak?"

Recognized, both figures pulled back their hoods.

"The female next to you, is she your wife? How about leaving her behind and coming with me instead?" The woman in white offered a playful wink, tracing a hand down her side to reveal her pale leg through the high slit of her skirt.

"How dare you! You witches from the Water Sect are all despicable," Lady Cuby retorted in fury. "Do you really think my husband will fall for the likes of you?!" Seeking validation, she side-eyed her husband, and instantly froze. A dazed, drooling smile was already plastered thickly across the Patriarch's face.

"YOU PIG!"

Her fury soared straight to the heavens. In direct response to her surging aura, violent winds immediately whipped around them, hurtling down toward the stadium below.

"Do not misunderstand, darling! It is a hypnosis technique!" Elder Cuby frantically explained, wiping the drool from his chin while shifting into a serious combat stance.

"Hehehe. How about we resolve this peacefully? I am here only to take my beloved back with me." The Water Sect woman spoke with absolute calm, tapping the blue gemstone necklace resting against her chest twice and causing the violent air currents around them to instantly settle down. "There is no need for us to clash and escalate the situation."

To carry a 2nd-Grade artifact so openly... And she intruded into our territory first.

Elder Cuby had initially intended to resolve this peacefully to protect his children sitting in the venue below. However, watching the necklace effortlessly suppress his wife's raging aura caused visible greed to flash in his eyes, rapidly altering his decision.

"Humph, you dare try to negotiate after-"

Before he could finish fabricating a righteous excuse to attack, his wife swiftly cut him off. She turned her cold glare back to the Water Sect expert. "You from the Water Sect, just leave. We will not pursue this matter further."

She fully intended to teach her pig of a husband a brutal lesson later, but she needed to handle the immediate crisis first.

"Oh, how about I..." The woman in white suddenly stopped. Her voice, previously smooth as glass, fractured.

Her gaze drifted past the bickering couple, sweeping over the sprawling venue before abruptly freezing on a distant, elevated corner of the spectator stands. Down below, amidst the chaos, a young woman was desperately reaching out to hold a man.

The Immortal's delicate expression sharply twisted, caught between a lifetime of crushing grief and sudden, agonizing betrayal.

"Why?" she whispered. The air around her trembled, weeping with heavy, unseasonal rain. "Why... did you cheat on me?"

Her pristine aura shattered. The graceful Immortal vanished, leaving behind only a broken, weeping woman staring at a ghost.

"Julian, you liar!" she shrieked, clutching the blue gemstone against her chest as if trying to hold her own shattered heart together. "You promised me! But you are just like the rest! Men are nothing but cruel, deceitful things meant to break us and throw us away!"

Tears streamed down her flawless face as her devastating sorrow darkened into blinding, chaotic hatred. Her blazing gaze still locked onto his face, her voice bleeding with raw, venomous jealousy. "I will kill every single one of them. And that whore... I will torture her! I will make her suffer for taking you from me! I will kill everyone!"

At the final moment, she stopped. Faint droplets still pooled in her eyes as she turned away, leaving behind only a whispered promise before vanishing.

"I will come back to kill you someday, Julian."

...

Meanwhile, down in the venue, just moments before the sudden gale erupted, Julian was enjoying a peaceful moment with his colleagues.

All the off-duty disciples, partnered hunters, and Iron Core Dojo staff occupied a VIP seating corner in the elevated spectator seating.

"Peanuts! Does anybody want to purchase roasted peanuts?!"

It was the third day of the tournament, and merchants weaving through the stands selling snacks remained a highly common sight. This thriving commerce was the exact leverage Zani had used to persuade wealthy merchants to invest in the venue's creation.

"Here." A man raised his hand to flag the seller, purchasing a small bag for a few copper coins.

"Would you like some, Lady Tassy?"

"Thank you, Julian."

Lady Tassy smiled sweetly, extending her hand to take a few.

Suddenly, an incredibly strong gale tore past them, fierce enough to snatch the small packet right out of Julian's loose grip.

"What the..."

Moments later, the massive commotion erupted across the stadium. Every seated disciple and hunter hurriedly stood up and rushed out to manage the panicked crowd under Zani's rapid commands.

Only five people remained in their quiet corner: the chefs, the calligraphy teacher, and the pig pen overseers.

"Look! There is someone in the sky!"

Squinting upward through the howling gale, they could barely make out three figures standing entirely unsupported in the air.

Immortals?

A searing, white-hot agony ruthlessly cleaved Julian's mind in two.

He collapsed, fingers digging into his scalp as a raw, inhuman scream tore through his throat. This was not the pain of a physical wound. It was the crushing weight of his past life violently awakening, flooding his fragile mortal mind with centuries of buried memories.

"Julian! Julian, are you alright?!" Lady Tassy dropped to her knees, desperately reaching for his shoulders.

"No! Get away!" he gasped, roughly shoving her back. His vision blurred, swimming with faces he had never seen and blood he had never spilled. "I am Julian... I am just a chef! I am Cookheart Julian!"

I am Julian.

Wake up, my Julian.

The deafening roar of the panicked stadium, the howling gale, and Tassy's terrified weeping all dissolved. The world shattered like fragile glass, bleeding away into an absolute, suffocating silence.

Then his eyes snapped open. He was no longer in the spectator stands. He lay on a soft, silk-draped bed inside an unfamiliar room, bathed entirely in a warm, pale blue light.

"Darling...?" he whispered. His voice trembled, moving completely without his conscious permission.

His head turned on its own. Through this sudden, forced trance, time ceased to exist. He lived an entire lifetime in the span of a single, agonizing breath. He remembered a life of profound, quiet happiness. He remembered holding a kitchen knife, dedicating his entire existence to the culinary arts just to see her smile, proudly presenting new, magnificent dishes to her every single day.

I loved her. I just wanted to cook for her.

Slowly, dragged forward by her endless patience and peerless talent, he had ascended to immortality. He stepped onto the grueling path of a Cultivator solely to stay by her side.

Then, the Great War arrived.

The Iron Core Sect descended, a terrifying, unknown faction determined to slaughter their way across the continent. This heaven-shaking threat forced the desperate, bloody unification of all remaining sects. Julian fought viciously, standing shoulder to shoulder with his beloved to repel the ruthless intruders.

But the battlefield stripped away the gentle illusions of their peaceful life. She was a dazzling, untouchable genius of the Water Sect. He was merely a chef trying to hold a knife.

However, they never witnessed the final outcome of the bloodshed.

They were betrayed. Not by the enemy, but by the very person who had proudly proclaimed to be their savior. The Ancestor.

The brutal truth finally flooded his mind, violently shattering his fragile reality. The memory forced him to watch it happen all over again. He saw the Ancestor's cold sneer. He saw the blade pressed against his own throat.

It was his fault.

He was the flaw in her perfection. He was the frail, useless anchor holding a soaring dragon to the bloody earth. Because he existed, his peerless wife had a weakness.

"A perfectly fair exchange," the Ancestor's voice echoed through his bleeding mind, the blade pressing deeper against Julian's throat. "A life for a life."

Paralyzed by his own immense frailty, Julian watched the love of his life fall to her knees. He watched a peerless genius of the Water Sect drop her weapons, willingly surrendering her radiant, boundless future just to buy his pathetic survival.

The memory faded, but the suffocating guilt remained, heavy enough to crush his awakening soul.

Lying in the oppressive silence of his shattered mind, Julian yearned to simply reach out to the sky, to call her name and return to the gentle life they once shared.

But the phantom chill of the Ancestor's blade still lingered against his throat.

If he ran to her now, he would only become her weakness all over again. He would remain the frail anchor dragging a soaring dragon down to the bloody earth. He refused to let her drop her sword for him a second time.

The crushing weight of the ancient memories stopped tearing at his mind. Instead, as the deafening screams of the panicked stadium slowly bled back into his ears, a fierce, desperate light ignited in his eyes. He would not be a frail chef in this life. He would carve his own path to the absolute peak, just to stand beside her as an equal.

Although it might shatter your heart today... please, wait for me.

A single tear slipped down Julian's cheek as he stared up at the figure standing in the now-still sky.

I will reach you soon. And this time, my love... I will make sure we remain together forever.

 

[Pind_Ala]

Tears streamed down Julian's face as he slowly woke from his dream-like state. Having just lived through the excruciating, centuries-long memories of an entire life, he found the sudden influx of information incredibly difficult to process.

Fortunately, absorbing the sheer weight of those experiences had significantly improved his overall mental fortitude.

As he sat up, the chaotic voices of the stadium slowly filtered back into his ears. In reality, hardly a few minutes had passed. Although the unnatural, violent wind had stopped, the massive audience remained in an uproar.

"Julian, are you alright?"

Looking to his side, he found his colleague, Lady Tassy, gently helping him sit up.

So, the strange dreams and splitting headaches I have suffered up until now were actually sealed memories. I somehow returned to the past, huh.

His hollow eyes drifted toward the empty sky where his love was still standing.

Well, since history has already changed due to my fragmented dreams leading me to join the Iron Core, I might as well go all in. I have to make her leave. Perhaps we will only be able to meet again in the future.

Taking a deep, shuddering breath, he forced his splintered emotions under control. To protect the woman in the sky, he had to play the villain. He turned toward the colleague beside him, his gaze heavy with an unspoken burden.

"I am so sorry, Lady Tassy... please, just endure this for a minute."

"What do you-"

Before she could finish, Julian lunged forward, pulling her into a desperate, suffocating embrace.

No! You scoundrel, what are you doing? now is not the time for this!

Tassy panicked, struggling fiercely against him. However, since Julian had already started his martial path, she found herself entirely unable to break free from his vise-like grip.

A full minute later, after confirming the figure in the air had left, he finally let her go.

SLAP!

"You pervert! I am a married woman who loves her husband! How dare you?!" she shouted, furiously slapping his shoulder and kicking his shins.

Julian did not even look at her. Turning away, he completely ignored her righteous fury and strode out of the venue.

"Yes... we will definitely meet again someday." He left the words hanging in the air, his silhouette disappearing into the panicked crowd.

Meanwhile, high above the stadium, a minute after the woman from the Water Sect flew away, another figure arrived from a different direction.

"Sect Master." Both Elder Cuby and his wife respectfully bowed their heads upon the newcomer's arrival.

"At ease. What happened here?" the man asked.

The Sect Master is the oldest living person in the Earth Dragon Empire. Despite his venerable appearance, his favorite pastime is gossip, a quirk that causes constant headaches for the Earth Sect's elder council.

"It was a woman from the Water Sect," Lady Cuby explained bitterly. "She claimed to have come to fetch her husband, but it appears he had different plans. She left in a fit of anger."

"I see." The Sect Master nodded thoughtfully, slowly stroking his exceptionally long white beard.

"And what were you two doing here? It looks like your youngest son is down there as well." The old man looked down at the bustling venue, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Oh? Is he here chasing after a mortal girl? Were you two spying on him before you were interrupted? Yes, yes! You haven't even told me the identity of the man that Water Sect witch was after!"

"Sect Master, please..." Elder Cuby sighed, his face turning pale at the rapid inquiries.

Inside the venue, it took the panicked crowd a full half-hour to finally settle down after the figures disappeared.

For many ordinary people, it was their very first time seeing Immortals. This experience vastly increased both their worship and their deep-seated fear of cultivators. Strangely, after spotting the figures floating in the sky, many spontaneously dropped to their knees in prayer despite the raging winds, which actually helped immensely with crowd control.

However, the grand finals could not continue as originally planned.

The violent winds had extinguished the forge fires and ruined the carefully tempered metals, leading to an unavoidable mass failure. Forced to quickly adapt, Zani shifted the rules on the fly: the remaining participants now had to forge a brand-new weapon from scratch in merely three hours.

Given this tight window, the weapon would only account for half of their total score. The rest of the points depended on a face-to-face interview with the judges. This interview assessed their forging fundamentals, determining whether they possessed the patience and clarity to pass their skills down to an apprentice.

Under the new regulations, the tournament smoothly continued.

Far from the roaring stadium, Julian returned to his private quarters in the Iron Core Dojo. Sitting heavily on his wooden bed, he stared at the floor, sorting through the chaotic knowledge in his mind.

Iron Core is merely a dojo right now, not a sect. And unlike what we were told, it does not seem to be a faction of evil intruders either.

I became a Cultivator and lived for... I cannot even remember the exact years. It was definitely more than two centuries. Can I use anything from my past life to my immediate advantage? I do not think so. In my past life, I also practiced the high-grade Breathing Manuals. As for the rest of my techniques, they are all tied to the Water Sect's heritage, and I need to be a Cultivator to even utilize them.

He rubbed his aching temples as the crushing memories of the Great War resurfaced.

Haaa... I was but a stay-at-home husband whose only real job was to meticulously cook and keep my wife happy. And when the Great War came, and the Ancestor betrayed us... when I found out I was nothing but a heavy burden holding her back, being used as a bargaining chip, I willingly traded my life for hers. I killed myself so she could live. I do not even know how or why the Heavens sent me back.

He looked down at his calloused hands.

So, cooking and knife skills are my only true assets right now.

After parsing through his entire previous existence, a heavy wave of mental exhaustion hit him.

Will I be able to save my wife in this new life? Will she be sad right now? I must start training seriously tomorrow. As for the Iron Core and Master Zani... let's just silently observe for now.

With his mind cluttered by heavy thoughts, Julian fell into a deep, exhausted slumber.

Hours later, anxious whispers pierced the darkness of his room.

"Head Chef Julian?"

"Sir Julian, please wake up."

"Just bring in the cold water. I doubt he will wake up otherwise."

"But-"

"Just do exactly as I say."

SPLASH!

A bucket of freezing water hit Julian directly in the face.

"AAAHHHHAAA! ANCESTOR, YOU MOTHERFUCKER!!"

Julian jolted awake screaming, pure terror flashing in his eyes. He thrashed violently on the wet bed, cursing the treacherous Ancestor for a full minute before the reality of his current surroundings finally sank in.

Looking toward the open doorway, he saw Lady Tassy standing rigidly in a defensive martial pose. All the junior disciples currently learning the culinary arts under him cowered behind her.

"I... I am so sorry," Julian stammered, wiping the freezing water from his eyes.

"Are you really alright?" Lady Tassy asked warily, keeping her distance.

"Yes. I just need a minute to collect myself."

"Okay. Report to the kitchen immediately after that," she instructed firmly. "The tournament is finished. After the reward ceremony concludes, Master Zani said we are hosting a grand feast to celebrate."

"Okay..."

After giving his confirmation, Julian sat in a wet daze. He quietly watched as the group hurriedly filed out, leaving his door wide open.

Out in the courtyard, the group paused.

"Auntie Tassy, we forgot to grab the bucket," one of the young disciples pointed out.

"Go retrieve it then."

"No way! I am not going back in there alone!" the boy shivered, remembering the murderous look in the Head Chef's eyes.

Master Zani warned everybody not to talk about relationships or romance in front of Julian. After how weirdly he acted during the tournament, I knew something crazy would happen, Lady Tassy thought, shaking her head.

Having no desire to go back inside for the wooden bucket, she simply turned on her heel and led the shivering young disciples away.

 

[Beto]

C. No doubt about it.

 

[Pind_Ala]

"Drink up! Nobody is leaving sober tonight!"

"Drink! Drink! Drink! Hahahaha!"

Despite the violent winds and the unexpected appearance of cultivators on its final day, the tournament concluded beautifully. The audience and participants left deeply satisfied, allowing Zani to officially deem the event a resounding success.

As the massive crowds dispersed, he bid a respectful farewell to the esteemed judges, who had no desire to extend their stay in the rural village. Then, he sent his own disciples away early, making a firm promise to host them properly once his schedule cleared.

Only then did the main celebration begin. Iron Core hosted a lavish banquet for the partnered hunters and sponsored merchants, serving premium meat and high-quality spiritual wine to their hearts' content.

Now, he could finally let loose.

The next morning, reality came crashing back.

"The earnings from this event aren't even enough to cover the expenses. Thankfully, I don't have to repay the investors' sponsorship money," Zani muttered, rubbing his tired eyes. "In exchange, I granted the merchants permanent, exclusive rights to sell snacks inside the venue. And the Mayor finally got the uninterrupted speech he wanted."

He groaned and propped himself up on one elbow. His head still throbbed from last night's wine.

After the tournament, Kitae had taken Lady Fe as his apprentice, and Waheed had pulled the winner aside for a long, private talk. Zani hadn't caught the details, but both masters had left smiling, promising to consider his offer when they made their retirement plans.

"Then there were the winners' cash rewards, the enormous amount spent on forging equipment and raw materials, and the payments to the partnered hunters..."

He picked up a small pouch, weighing it in his palm. "All in all, I have twenty gold coins left. The exact same amount I started with."

His eyes felt heavy as he scanned his ledger. Although he desperately wanted to sleep, an important meeting with the blacksmiths loomed ahead. This gathering would determine if the next phase of his plan could begin immediately.

Nodding to himself in determination, he stood up and walked outside.

"One, two!"

"One, two!"

"Keep going! I don't feel any pain!"

Out in the Main Hall, the disciples returned to their rigorous daily schedule. Their loud shouts echoed through the dojo, brimming with youthful vigor.

As Zani made his way toward the kitchen, several disciples paused their forms to greet him respectfully. A few even deliberately struck flashy poses, desperately showing off their strength in hopes of catching his eye and earning a promotion to the inner court.

"Julian, is everything ready?" Zani asked, entering the kitchen.

"Yes, Master Zani. The arrangements are all complete," Julian replied, wiping his hands on an apron. His movements were calm, almost too calm. In the corner, Lady Tassy kept her back turned and her chopping loud, pointedly avoiding his eyes.

Zani decided not to ask.

"Good. Here, take these extra funds for tonight's feast."

"Right away, Master."

It was approaching late evening when the blacksmiths arrived at the dojo. These highly skilled artisans had formally agreed to partner with the Iron Core Dojo after proving themselves during the tournament. Although they numbered merely twelve, Zani placed immense importance on this meeting.

Because the dojo lacked a dedicated reception room or an office, they were gathered in the dining hall. As soon as they took their seats, the man supposedly acting as their leader went straight to the point.

"Please tell us, Master Zani, why exactly do you want this partnership with us?"

Seeing the artisan's straightforward nature, Zani decided to lay his cards on the table.

"I plan to open a Pavilion."

"A Pavilion?" the leader repeated, his thick eyebrows knitting together in confusion.

"Yes." A sharp, business-minded gleam flashed in Zani's eyes. "Here's what I propose. Everything you forge will be sold exclusively through my Pavilion. Furthermore, you'll teach a select group of my disciples the art of forging."

He leaned forward, resting his hands on the table. "In return, I'll build and equip a private, well-furnished forging workshop for each of you. I'll also provide all the raw materials at no cost. All I expect is that at least seven of every ten pieces you forge pass inspection and are fit for sale."

Letting his words sink in, he delivered the final condition. "Finally, the smith responsible for each item will receive thirty percent of its gross sale price. We'll mutually agree on a base market price for every product beforehand, ensuring none of your work is undervalued."

A heavy silence fell over the dining hall.

"I..." The leader opened his mouth but hesitated. The offer sounded incredibly generous, but he was still trying to make sense of its terms.

"I think this is a good offer, Master Zani," the youngest smith whispered, nodding eagerly.

Like their leader, he was a traveling artisan who had spent years roaming the empire in search of ways to refine his craft. They had come intending to politely decline any permanent arrangement. But the sheer generosity of Zani's offer was enough to shake the younger man's resolve.

Zani chuckled softly, easily sensing their hesitation. "I am trying to create an organization here, an elite faction where you twelve will be the founding members. Anyone who wishes to join the Pavilion as a smith in the future will have to gain your approval first."

Leaning back in his chair, he smiled. "So, how about it?"

The youngest smith was already nodding. A grizzled man at the far end of the table, however, folded his arms.

"Thirty percent sounds fine until the Pavilion sells nothing," he said flatly. "Who pays me if your shop stays empty?"

Zani had expected this. "Fair question. For your first six months, each of you also receives a fixed monthly stipend, whether or not your work sells."

The man grunted, but his arms came uncrossed.

"Master Zani... please give us some time to discuss this amongst ourselves," the leader requested, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead.

"No problem at all."

Graciously excusing himself, Zani walked outside and left them to debate the offer as long as they needed.

After a lengthy discussion, the leader finally returned with one last concern.

"Master Zani, what about the time we'll need to spend teaching your disciples? We don't want our own work to suffer."

"Your craft comes first," Zani assured him. "You can arrange their training around your own schedules."

That seemed to settle their final concern. The twelve smiths unanimously accepted the partnership, and the discussion immediately shifted to practical matters: living accommodations, the quality of supplied materials, and the number of disciples they would be expected to train.

Naturally, this successful meeting was followed by a celebratory banquet to mark the foundation of the Iron Core Pavilion.

By the following day, Zani's schedule had finally cleared, allowing him to properly celebrate the tournament's success with his own disciples. The third grand feast commenced in the lively dining hall.

"We finally get to eat with you, huh? Such a mean Master," Elisi grumbled around a massive piece of meat, her expression full of reproach.

She and her fellow disciples had been pestering him to host a feast ever since the tournament ended. But his excuse had always been the same: I am too busy.

So, we have to celebrate by ourselves? Hmph! Who needs you to host a feast for us anyway?! Elisi thought bitterly, still holding a grudge over the two days she had been excluded from the banquets.

"Elisi... are you thinking something rude again?"

"No!" she denied, shooting a glance toward the kitchen door before tearing into her food again.

How does Auntie Tassy figure me out so easily? Am I getting careless again? No, I need to be more careful. I can't let anyone see through me yet. A wave of pure horror washed over her.

If Master Zani somehow learned what she was really doing, a harsh punishment would be the least of her concerns. Picking up a steaming dumpling, she wisely decided to forget everything else and focus solely on eating.

When you are depressed and shouldering a burden, you must eat more to stay calm. An empty stomach leads to mistakes.

The sweet tranquility of daily life finally returned to the Iron Core Dojo, and the days passed smoothly.

Upon waking, Zani's first priority remained touring his domain. This morning routine now included inspecting the Pavilion currently under construction. He had purposefully ordered the massive storefront built directly opposite the tournament venue, ensuring all his properties stayed tightly clustered in the same corner of the village.

After his inspection, Zani returned to the dojo and guided a select group of inner disciples through their martial techniques. He had long since entrusted Elisi with managing the daily meetings with the partnered hunters, freeing himself from those responsibilities.

At noon, he joined his core disciple, Leo, for his own brutal Skin Tempering session.

Once evening settled in, he could finally relax with a cup of hot tea and a good book while planning the faction's next steps. After dinner, he devoted the remaining time to refining his combat forms, preparing to teach them the following day.

The steady rhythm of daily life made one thing clear: the Iron Core Dojo was gradually becoming self-sufficient. A day would inevitably come when it would no longer accept outer disciples simply because they could afford the tuition. Instead, it would begin recruiting on its own terms, building a true force of its own.

 

[Pind_Ala]

The first day of the first summer month brought setbacks. Consecutive days of heavy rainfall had severely delayed the construction of the Iron Core Pavilion, pushing its realistic completion date back by another full month. In the meantime, Zani allocated the five old houses intentionally spared from demolition to serve as temporary forges.

Early in the morning, Zani visited the site during his daily tour to check on their progress.

"How is the learning going?" Zani asked, stepping into the sweltering heat of the forge.

"Although they do not have much talent in this field, they are genuinely trying their best," the lead blacksmith replied, wiping soot from his brow. "But I still think this is a waste of time."

Nearby, the three inner disciples assigned to learn the foundational arts of forging sweated over their work. It was glaringly obvious the lead smith remained entirely dissatisfied with their talent and desperately wanted to send them back.

However, for the sake of fulfilling the System's quest, Zani pretended not to hear the complaint, casting a lingering look at the lead smith's highly skilled young apprentice working the bellows.

If only this talented youngster was willing to officially join my dojo!

"Continue the good work. I am off," Zani said, nodding encouragingly before stepping back out into the cool morning air.

Next, he visited the village carpenter's workshop.

"How is the work coming along?" Zani asked.

"Master Zani, it will take one more day," the carpenter replied respectfully, gesturing toward the massive wooden constructs nearby. "Can you arrange the transport for them?"

"Yes, I will bring a cart to pick them up tomorrow evening."

Zani smiled warmly as he walked back toward his dojo, occasionally nodding to the local villagers who respectfully greeted him along the dirt road.

Looks like the twenty bathtubs quest will officially be completed tomorrow. To efficiently utilize them, I might eventually need to build a separate bathhouse, but that is a problem for later. I still do not fully understand the underlying reason for creating them.

After all, the System constantly hands out seemingly random quests with no immediate logical connection.

Shortly after Zani returned from his morning walk, Mayor Salam arrived for a private visit.

***

Inside Zani's room.

"Why have you not built a proper office or meeting hall by now?" Salam grumbled, looking around the bedroom. "Haa... is your personal sleeping quarters truly the best place to discuss important matters?"

"I will build one in the future," Zani replied smoothly, pouring a cup of tea. "The dining hall is completely packed right now, so yes, this is the most private place we currently have."

The Mayor shook his head, too tired to lecture him again about the importance of keeping up appearances. When it came to saving money, Zani could be utterly shameless. Salam sometimes wondered what qualified this youth to be an Immortal's pawn at all.

"So, how are the gubernatorial elections coming along?" Zani asked, shifting the topic.

"Everything is proceeding well for now. I am gaining significant political support from many influential locals. The ultimate deciding day is in half a month. We will see how it goes." He had, in fact, rushed here during his busy days, but instead of complaining, Salam reached into his robes, pulling out a heavy parchment scroll and unrolling it across the bed. "So, you need a waterfall?"

"Yes."

"Here. Look at this." Salam tapped a specific spot on the detailed map. "This is the entire territory of Grains City. There is indeed a waterfall under my jurisdiction, but it is located deep inside the mountains."

Zani studied the detailed map. Everything appeared exactly as he had imagined, except for one glaring detail.

"Why does this map cover only half of the Brown Earth mountain range?" Zani asked, tracing the parchment's edge.

"It is a massive range containing nine distinct hills, both small and large," Salam explained. "From this entire range, only three fall under Grains City's control. The rest belong to Slaughter City's territory."

"Oh."

"Yes," Salam continued, tapping a specific location. "The waterfall you want is exactly one kilometer deep inside the mountains. You can officially own it, and I can easily gift the land deed to you. However, you absolutely cannot pollute or permanently stop the water flow."

"Is there a specific rule regarding..."

"Yes, we possess strict imperial rules regarding this," Salam interrupted smoothly. "Since waterfalls are heavily utilized during the Blood Exchange stage of body tempering, the empire has laws governing them. It is only because I am a benevolent ruler that it remains freely accessible here. Over in Slaughter City, even ordinary hunters are forced to pay entry fees just to set foot in the mountains."

Zani furrowed his brows.

First, I learned that the entire empire is strictly controlled by a single royal family, and now this?

"But why exactly are there such tyrannical rules over natural resources?"

"To strictly control the martial path and limit rogue experts," Salam stated matter-of-factly. "Well, that is my personal speculation. These specific rules have existed since the very foundation of the empire, which happened who knows how many centuries ago."

The Mayor tapped the parchment again. "Anyway, sign here. And here."

Zani carefully reviewed the documents outlining the transfer of ownership. A mild sense of surprise washed over him.

Perhaps all the land in the vast empire was systematically sold off at the very beginning of its history.

It was the only logical explanation for why they used such highly regulated bureaucratic formalities for basic nature. As soon as he signed his name, the crisp voice of the System rang in his ears. Zani decided to ignore the blue interface for the moment, politely continuing to chat with the Mayor about minor political developments.

[Quest: Have a waterfall as sect property]

[Status: Completed]

[Reward: Top-grade Martial technique manual]

[Martial technique: Hand Blade]

[Summary: A technique to use the bare hand as a lethal blade. A profound art created by the Sword Saint himself in his early years. It is only learnable after reaching the 3rd stage of the Body Tempering realm.]

Only after bidding farewell to Mayor Salam did Zani finally check the notifications. He had to admit, obtaining a Top-Grade technique out of nowhere felt completely unreal.

A martial art that requires the third stage of Body Tempering to execute was contained within this manual. It could definitely serve as a trump card in the future, kept strictly exclusive to his most trustworthy people.

However, all this intense future planning remained practically useless right now because the fundamental physical conditions simply could not be fulfilled. Not yet.

Even the monstrous Leo was still a long way from reaching the peak of the Skin Tempering stage, let alone Zani and the ordinary disciples in the dojo. Unlike standard, low-grade manuals, Top-Grade breathing manuals require vastly more time and resources to cultivate.

Moving outside into the courtyard, Zani prepared to oversee the martial technique training.

The Iron Core Dojo currently possesses two martial arts: the Beast-Tendon Step and the Eight-Point Vajra Art. Zani had rigorously trained these alongside a few selected inner disciples for the past four months.

Every single martial art is strictly divided into four mastery stages: Entry Stage, Small Success Stage, Large Success Stage, and Perfection Stage.

It is widely known that only geniuses possess the raw potential to achieve Perfection in martial techniques, aside from the original creators themselves. Therefore, for most ordinary martial artists, the peak of any technique is merely at Large Success Stage.

Although the Beast-Tendon Step is easier to grasp, Zani and his disciples had barely managed to cross into the Small Success Stage after all this time. Even Zani could not afford to wait years for mastery. Starting from next month, after ensuring the two inner disciples who followed him the furthest were fully ready to instruct, these martial techniques would be actively taught to the outer disciples. Giving him the perfect justification to increase the dojo's monthly tuition fees again.

As he surveyed the courtyard, Zani mentally reviewed the current state of his disciples.

Out of all the inner and core disciples, four currently worked in the main kitchen, learning the culinary arts from Julian. Three had been sent to learn the complex art of forging. This left only the two disciples directly under Zani's martial tutelage who had learned the techniques well enough to teach others.

As for the rest of the group, Leo remained entirely focused on her daily training, desperately hoping to win the bet she made with her parents.

Elisi had taken full command over all trade negotiations with the partnered hunters, even venturing into the mountains to hunt from time to time.

The twins, Pedi and Peda, having successfully learned from their mother, were now responsible for preparing the Medicinal Cauldrons, a service Zani naturally charged the outer disciples extra silver for.

Back in the kitchen, Lady Tassy had returned to her standard duties. Because Zani had originally registered both her and Julian as inner disciples simply to fulfill a past System quest, he never bothered reverting their official status.

Lately, Julian had begun training with unusual intensity, squeezing in tempering sessions whenever his schedule allowed. Zani wondered what had suddenly lit a fire under the chef, but remembering his own rule, he didn't ask.

Tassy had started training as well, though she lacked any real drive. Zani highly doubted she could ever endure the brutal beatings required for Skin Tempering.

Meanwhile, managing the dojo's finances fell to Ethan and Mahi. They handled the day-to-day coin, while the vault keys remained firmly on Zani's belt. He audited their ledgers weekly, and Elisi conducted unannounced spot-checks to ensure accuracy. The two young accountants had also become suspiciously inseparable, a development Zani easily decided was somebody else's problem.

On top of her bookkeeping, Mahi now taught calligraphy to the other inner disciples, as Zani had officially retired their hired teacher right after the tournament concluded.

Finally, the dedicated mother-and-son duo meticulously managed the pig pens. Everything operated flawlessly under their care. Although the Mud Boar herd had multiplied considerably, forcing them to hire external helpers just to source enough feed, they remained incredibly happy with their positions. After all, their monthly salaries naturally increased alongside the expanding herd.

 

[winternights]

So he brought a place that he has no knowledge that can bring income.
Sold a farm.
His house.
For a training grounds.
I hope for this novels sake he don't starve to death.
Cause.if this novel gives Mythical shit for stupid decisions than this will be another dumb asian story that only survives cause he has a legendary devine system cause even a normal system can not save these dumb ass.mcs of late

 

[Pind_Ala]

So he brought a place that he has no knowledge that can bring income.
Sold a farm.
His house.
For a training grounds.
I hope for this novels sake he don't starve to death.
Cause.if this novel gives Mythical shit for stupid decisions than this will be another dumb asian story that only survives cause he has a legendary devine system cause even a normal system can not save these dumb ass.mcs of late

Click to shrink...

I can see you have not read my work before commenting.

 

[Pind_Ala]

Late afternoon settled over the dojo. Barely an hour had passed since the lunch period concluded.

Inside the kitchen, hiding quietly underneath a large wooden prep table, Elisi secretly munched on sweet buns. She eagerly reached for a new one the moment she finished the bun in her hand.

As she grabbed her fourth, a stern voice finally caught her.

"Elisi. Come out."

She sheepishly poked her head out from under the table, cautiously checking to see if the speaker was angry.

"Come out now, Elisi. I am not angry."

"Hehe... Auntie Tassy!" Elisi giggled nervously before slowly crawling out. "I was just helping you check if these buns are well-baked or not!"

Lady Tassy could only shake her head helplessly upon seeing the little girl. Small, sticky crumbs plastered her chubby cheeks, yet she still shamelessly tried to deceive her.

This girl... she can barely eat half the portion my kids eat during lunchtime, yet she simply cannot seem to stop her mouth at all. Tassy sighed softly.

"Get out of my kitchen. Do not come back until dinner is served."

"Okay..."

Elisi retreated out the door, her posture thoroughly defeated. Although Tassy had neither scolded nor punished her, simply being denied more food was enough to leave her deeply saddened.

Wandering outside, she bumped into several junior disciples practicing in the main hall. She immediately decided to 'help' them train, eagerly exerting her supreme authority as the Eldest Disciple to pass the time.

During this impromptu training session, she overheard them gossiping. Today marked the first day of the summer month.

Which reminds me... a merchant caravan is scheduled to visit Grains City today. They must have brought exotic, mouth-watering food from across the vast empire.

Elisi immediately decided to make a quick trip to the city.

Also, I think it is about time I have a serious talk with the Mayor.

A sharp light flashed through her eyes as she considered the latter half of her plan.

Normally, it takes a mortal an entire hour to travel from Big Wheat Village to Grains City via horse carriage. But as a martial artist in the Skin Tempering stage, the journey took Elisi a mere twenty minutes as she happily sprinted the entire way.

WHEEEEE!

Three hours later, she finally exited the city gates. Her secret, private talk with Mayor Salam took vastly more time than initially calculated, a whole ten minutes extra beyond the intended fifteen.

Hmph. That annoying politician entirely wasted my precious snack time. Elisi grumbled, munching slowly on a bag of roasted beans. Two more sealed packets rested in her sleeve, one for Leo and the other for Shura.

She was just about to begin her return journey when she spotted a familiar face nearby.

A young man with a hammer strapped to his back stood arguing with three blacksmiths Master Zani had recently hired for the Pavilion.

"You only say that because you cannot defeat me fair and square at the forge!" the lone hammer-wielding man yelled, refusing to back down.

"We have already wasted too much time humoring you, kid."

"Move out of the way."

"We are getting late."

The three older smiths desperately tried to let the situation slide and leave, but their growing frustration visibly boiled over.

"No! I will definitively prove to everyone today that my family's Water Forging art is supreme!" Kai shouted, blocking their path.

The heated argument nearly escalated into a brawl before Elisi casually decided to intervene.

"What is happening here?" she asked, stepping smoothly between the angry men. As a famous core disciple of the Iron Core Dojo who had recently won the Warrior City tournament, her reputation was high enough for everyone on the scene to make way and humor her.

After listening to the three smiths explain the situation, she nodded profoundly, perfectly mimicking her Master's authoritative posture. "I completely understand everything. You three gentlemen may go your way."

"What?! You little girl-" Before Kai could complain, Elisi aggressively raised a hand, demanding immediate silence.

"Walk with me."

This little girl is acting like she is in control here! The surrounding spectators watched, utterly bewildered, as she seamlessly led the furious young blacksmith down the main dirt road toward Big Wheat Village.

"So, you claim to be a master of Water Forging?" Elisi asked, kicking a pebble.

"Yes, I am!" Kai puffed out his chest.

"I doubt your bold claim of being a master. After all, you lost to those smiths in a private competition, did you not? And arguing in the middle of the street like a spoiled child is simply lame."

"Who are you calling a child?! You are just a little girl!" Kai snapped. As someone from outside the city, he was ignorant of many things. But just by how people behaved, he thought she might be the daughter of some wealthy or powerful person. But that doesn't give her the right to lecture me. I have done nothing wrong!

"Humph," Elisi scoffed, crossing her arms arrogantly. "I, as the Eldest Disciple of the Iron Core Dojo, was actually going to put in a highly favorable word on your behalf to Master Zani. You might have even become a direct Inner Disciple. But your awful attitude has completely sullied my good mood. Begone from my sight."

"You... wait, you are from the Iron Core Dojo?!" Kai's eyes widened in sheer shock.

Ever since the first day of the tournament, Kai had desperately tried to gain entry into the Iron Core Dojo. He deeply wanted to secure a private meeting with the grandmasters, who he estimated resided in the dojo during the event.

A dojo is always packed with martial artists, and outsiders are not allowed entry without a valid reason. That restriction became an insurmountable barrier for a normal person like him.

After the tournament, although he heard of his idols' departure, he still hoped Dojo Master Zani could help him gain an audience with them.

He discreetly researched the place in local taverns, discovering that the dojo accepts a strictly limited number of disciples for a hefty two-silver monthly fee. Even if he could pay, there is a massively long waiting list.

This closed his easiest entry point, leading him to seek an audience with existing disciples instead. But everyone refused. To them, talking with outsiders about the dojo could lead to expulsion. With so many vultures watching their positions, the disciples always remain cautious, even around friends.

During his desperate digging, he eventually discovered that Dojo Master Zani has a habit of taking a solitary tour every morning. Kai decided to stalk him, planning to wait in the shadows and beg for an opportunity.

He would do anything to meet his goddess, Fe.

Unfortunately, that was when masked individuals captured him. He was blindfolded and locked inside a cold prison somewhere deep in Grains City, simply for acting 'suspiciously' near the dojo grounds.

"Hehehe. You finally get it now. But it's far too late," Elisi giggled cruelly.

With those words, the young lady, who currently represented his only opportunity, casually turned and walked away.

"Young lady! Please, wait up! I was only joking!" Kai panicked, hurriedly chasing after her.

Inside his private office at the Mayor's Manor, Salam rubbed his aching temples. He was not yet calm enough to properly address the anxious men standing before him.

After his secret meeting with the girl, he knew with absolute certainty that he had monumentally messed up. He completely failed to consider the brutal political consequences of openly using the Iron Core Dojo's tournament to debut his gubernatorial election campaign.

Finally settling his rampaging, panicked thoughts, he addressed his inner circle.

"The political opposition is targeting the Iron Core Dojo."

"What?! How dare they!" Chaao shouted in genuine worry.

If something fatal happened to Master Zani because of their political games, Chaao could not even begin to fathom the dread that would await the Mayor's Manor. His extreme anxiety was entirely justified. Mayor Salam understood his proxy's fear perfectly. Indeed, ever since that fateful event months ago, Salam himself had become incredibly polite whenever interacting with Zani.

Today marked the third time the young lady requested a private talk with him. Unlike the previous two meetings, where she simply ordered Salam to establish a Shadow Guard squad or handle other minor administrative tasks, this time was a direct warning.

"'Deal with your mess, or there will be severe consequences.' That is exactly what she said to me," Salam muttered, a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead.

"Wha... what should we do, Mayor?" Chaao stammered.

"No, do not panic. We can still handle this," Salam stated, his eyes hardening with resolve. "We will immediately increase the number of elite Shadow Guards stationed around Master Zani. Furthermore, actively deploy some more hidden spies to the opposition's side. If we can track their precise movements, it would be ideal."

"But, Mayor..." The Chief Advisor standing to the side attempted to offer a word of caution. The elite men the Mayor wanted to recklessly deploy would have to be pulled directly from his own personal bodyguard.

Although the Advisor only knew the superficial details of the situation, he was intelligent enough to quickly connect the dots. He realized that this little girl, or perhaps the Dojo Master himself, might be manipulating the Mayor.

However, Salam quickly cut the Advisor off, making the man fully aware that the Mayor was already beyond salvation. Yet, the Mayor's next words forced the Advisor to pause and deeply consider if he was actually the fool.

"She promised me the win in the upcoming election."

"She did?!" Chaao gasped.

"Hmm." Mayor Salam nodded, a highly ambitious smile slowly creeping across his face.

Salam had long ago understood the true hierarchy of the dojo better than anybody else. He firmly believed that Elisi, the little girl, was the true representative of the hidden Immortal pulling the strings behind the scenes, not Zani.

In Salam's view, Zani was simply someone the Immortal protected and helped for whatever unfathomable reason. He had subtly probed Zani several times after his initial suspicions arose, and those tests proved that the man genuinely knew nothing about the Immortal.

But did he, the Mayor of Grains City, care about that? Absolutely not.

He only ever cared about elevating himself. After all, if he played his cards perfectly and served this hidden Immortal well, he too might earn the chance to hope for Immortality in this life.

 

[Pind_Ala]

Zani radiated an exceptionally good mood, wearing an unshakeable smile throughout dinner. He was not the only one; Elisi grinned right alongside him, puffing out her chest with immense pride as she practically vibrated in her seat.

This joyous display, however, only deeply worried the kitchen staff. Just moments earlier, the dojo master had strutted through their doors to hand down a baffling new instruction: "From now on, let our Elisi eat anything she wants, at any time."

Hearing of this absurd privilege, the gathered disciples wondered what kind of secret deal their eldest senior sister had struck with the Master, or if she had completed some hidden task.

"Eldest Senior Sister is so lucky," Pedi grumbled, aggressively stabbing a piece of roasted meat with her chopsticks.

"It is not fair," Peda agreed. Both twins stuffed their mouths with food in sheer envy.

Only after dinner concluded and Zani retreated to his private quarters did the truth finally leak out. Word spread that Elisi successfully recommended an excellent disciple to the dojo, a blacksmith named Kai, earning the Master's favor.

"Brother, we should keep an eye out for talents too," Pedi whispered, her eyes shining with ambition.

"Hmm. We will definitely find someone better." Peda nodded firmly.

The twins were determined to gain the same prestige, and the rest of the inner disciples silently plotted to do the exact same.

Back in his private quarters, a translucent blue interface glowed in Zani's vision.

[Ding~]

[Quest: Train a Disciple to be a Blacksmith]

[Requirement: Disciple must be able to forge a weapon]

[Status: Completed]

[Rewards: 10 Exp and book titled 'All Metal Encyclopedia of Mortal Realm']

[Exp: 50/100]

['All Metal Encyclopedia of Mortal Realm' available. Click to retrieve.]

Zani sat comfortably on his bed. With a mere thought, a heavy book materialized in his hands. It felt just as thick and imposing as the herb encyclopedia he received previously.

I am only halfway through reading the herb encyclopedia, and now I have one more massive thing to read. Haa. At this rate, I will need to build a library soon.

He let out a sarcastic chuckle and set the heavy tome aside.

It seems almost every reward the System hands out comes in the form of a book. Perhaps I should let Ethan read it first. He did memorize the previous one, and this knowledge will definitely help him deal with the partnered smiths in the future. I am going to put him in charge of the Pavilion, after all.

Thinking about the soon-to-be-completed Pavilion, he realized he still needed to adjust his strategy regarding the final design.

The next morning arrived with a flurry of activity. With the blacksmith quest smoothly completed through Kai's official admission into the faction, Zani shifted his relentless drive toward finishing his other pending task. He personally visited the village carpenter twice before noon, pushing the craftsmen to rush the order.

THUD.

By midday, sweat dripped from the laborers as they transported the last of the heavy firebrick bathtubs, carefully settling them in an isolated corner inside the dojo's main hall.

[Ding~]

[Quest: Build 20 bathtubs with Firebricks]

[Status: Completed]

[Rewards: 10 EXP and a book on 'How to build a fortress']

[Exp: 60/100]

['How to build a fortress' available. Click to retrieve.]

Sweet. One more quest knocked out.

A satisfied smile bloomed on his face as he walked out to order a few extra dishes for lunch to celebrate.

Many of the disciples gossiped behind his back, fiercely curious about the sudden appearance of twenty heavy bathtubs, but Zani simply ignored their whispers. The truth was, even he did not fully understand their exact purpose yet. He suspected they were tied to the medicinal cauldrons required for the next stage of Body Tempering. But nothing was confirmed, as not even the Introduction manual for the Blood Exchange stage had mentioned them.

After a hearty lunch, Zani summoned his newest logistics manager.

"Ethan, take this. Memorize its contents just like you did the last one," he said smoothly, handing the second massive encyclopedia over to the boy.

"Yes, Master," Ethan replied with a stiff, forced smile, respectfully taking the heavy book.

Another one?! I did not come here to become a glorified scholar for a rural dojo! Deol cursed in his mind, his hands trembling slightly under the sheer weight of the text.

Watching the boy's retreating back, his master could not help but lament his own pragmatic decisions.

Ethan possesses a talent for Strength, and here I am forcing him to study instead of pushing him toward brutal training. Haa... am I becoming too engrossed in completing these System quests?

The rest of his evening passed in muddled, guilty thoughts. Unable to focus properly on anything, Zani decided to simply take a breather and enjoy the remainder of the day.

When night eventually fell, Zani sat alone on the high roof of the main hall, quietly nursing a jug of cheap wine. Looking down into the dimly lit courtyard, his gaze drifted toward Julian.

The head chef utilized the tiny fraction of free time between his kitchen duties and teaching the juniors to rigorously practice his martial arts. Every strike was desperate, sharp, and dripping with an intense, unspoken purpose.

I really am too damn selfish.

Zani sighed softly, taking another swig of wine. He was exploiting these talents purely to build his own foundation, yet they all worked so tirelessly under him.

Suddenly, the blue interface flickered to life in the darkness.

[Ding~]

[New Quest: Build an underground cave big enough to accommodate 10 people]

[Blueprint is provided, click to retrieve]

[Rewards: 20 Exp and Blood Exchange Realm Breathing Manual]

[New Quest: Hunt an Earth Sword Elk]

[Rewards: 20 Exp and 'Blood Boiling - Medicinal Cauldron Recipe' booklet]

[Hidden condition: Capture and domesticate the Earth Sword Elk]

[Hidden Reward: 10 pre-made Blood Boiling - Medicinal Cauldrons]

I suppose these are the last quests before the System's Level 3 update.

His drunken haze cleared instantly as he read the information carefully. The math lined up perfectly to hit one hundred Experience points.

"Thankfully, there is a dedicated breathing manual for the second stage in the rewards," Zani murmured, smiling in relief.

He could easily wait another year, as breaking through the Jade Skin stage naturally took that long for an ordinary person, but the same could not be said for Little Leo.

With a thought, he retrieved the architectural blueprints for the cave and unrolled them under the moonlight.

"This is way too deep." He frowned.

Excavating a specialized cave system of this exact scale, deep enough to safely accommodate ten people, would be no small matter.

"Is this related to the next stage of high pressure training mentioned in the Introduction manual?"

After studying the prints thoroughly, he secured them in his robes.

"I have the funds to start the excavation tomorrow," he muttered, tapping his chin thoughtfully.

Originally, these funds were supposed to elevate the new Pavilion. He had planned to spend a hefty sum on grand decorations to attract wealthy patrons.

"Looks like the decorations will have to wait. Moreover, I might not need to worry about the cost if I can successfully execute what I am planning... a business partnership."

His eyes then shifted to the second quest. Capturing a live Earth Sword Elk.

"That will be troublesome."

The Earth Dragon Empire is vast, and specific beasts are highly territorial. The Earth Sword Elk is only native to the Nut Forest, a perilous zone situated on the Warrior City's borders.

"How will I transport a massive, aggressive beast all the way back here?" He rubbed his temples.

I will definitely need to think on this and have a serious talk with Mayor Salam about the logistics.

However, he quickly realized it was unwise to pursue this specific quest right now. At least, not until the current gubernatorial elections concluded and the political unrest brewing within Warrior City finally settled down. Salam walked on a political knife's edge; drawing attention from a neighboring major city could spell disaster.

Whatever.

Having thought things through to a dead end, Zani decided to let it go. He grabbed his jug and took another long drink.

A short while later, one of the disciples quietly delivered dinner directly to the roof. He ate in silence, numbing his racing mind with wine until he drifted off to sleep right there in his chair.

The first warm rays of the morning sun struck his face, pulling him awake. Blinking against the glare, he found a thick, woven blanket carefully draped over his shoulders.

Someone actually came up here and covered me.

A warm, genuine feeling bloomed in his chest. Tossing the blanket aside, he stretched his stiff limbs and took a deep breath of the crisp morning air.

"Oh well. Let's start the day early."

 

[Pind_Ala]

A full month passed in the blink of an eye.

Today, the Iron Core Pavilion finally opened its doors.

Rising majestically before the tournament venue, the massive two-story structure was impossible to ignore. Adorned in striking sky-blue and pristine white, its novel architecture stood out like a beacon, radiating a grand, imposing presence that could be seen from streets away.

The air buzzed with electric anticipation. Desperate to catch a glimpse inside, the chaotic public surged forward in heavy waves, forcing the sweating dojo disciples to lock arms and push back just to maintain order.

"Make way for Master Zani!"

A commotion arose as soon as Zani arrived. Walking proudly alongside him were Chaao, the newly appointed Mayor of Grains City, and Salam, who had successfully won his election to become the Governor of Warrior City.

"Brother Zani, Mayor Chaao, and Governor Salam. Please, right this way!" a loud, joyful voice called out.

A thick red ribbon stretched across the closed gates. Master Roasty, the owner of the legendary Roast Boar Restaurant in Slaughter City and Zani's official business partner for the Pavilion, stood waiting with a broad smile to welcome them.

"Brother Roasty, you have truly worked hard," Zani praised, stepping forward to give the man a hearty hug.

Following their agreement, Roasty had taken it entirely upon himself to oversee the construction, even investing a massive amount of his own funds to ensure the Pavilion's perfection.

In this lucrative partnership, profits were split fifty-fifty. With the veteran restaurateur handling the commercial management and aesthetics, Zani was only required to provide the raw ingredient supply chain through his partnered hunters, alongside finished weapons from his blacksmiths for the second-floor display.

The actual forging location was entirely separate, situated in a building next door that was currently under construction.

Originally, Zani had envisioned building everything into one massive complex. However, Roasty strictly refused the idea, arguing that wealthy customers do not want to hear the deafening clang of heavy hammers while they eat. The blacksmiths themselves fiercely rejected building the forges underground due to the stifling heat. Thus, Zani was forced to adjust his designs.

The arrangement had other benefits. With Roasty running the restaurant, Julian and Lady Tassy could stay at the Iron Core Dojo where they belonged. And the hunters from neighboring regions who had been begging to join the partnered network, the ones Zani had turned away because the dojo could never use that much meat and herbs, now had a home. The Pavilion would swallow every ounce of their supply.

"Come, Governor Salam. Please do us the honor of cutting this ribbon," Roasty offered.

"Of course, of course! Hahaha!"

Stepping forward, the Governor smoothly sliced through the red silk.

CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!

The audience erupted into thunderous applause. The heavy wooden doors swung open, and the massive crowd finally surged inside. With every item priced at a generous thirty percent discount for the grand opening, people were prepared to spend a mountain of silver.

Up inside the luxurious office on the second floor, a private meeting was taking place.

"Everything looks spectacular. You really outdid yourself, Brother Roasty," Governor Salam praised, settling comfortably into a plush leather chair.

"But, Master Zani, please do not take offense. This is a rural area. A mere village," Chaao interjected. Being a straightforward man, he voiced his practical doubts. "Will you truly be able to earn a profit here? Would it not be better to open this establishment inside Grains City?"

Hearing this, Salam could only shake his head. Although his son-in-law had officially inherited the title of Mayor, the young man still severely lacked political vision and worldly exposure.

"Hahaha! Mayor Chaao, that is exactly what I said to him when he first came to me proposing this partnership," Roasty laughed from the side, remembering how he too had once possessed that exact same limited vision.

"Then... why build it here?" Chaao asked, genuinely confused.

"It is quite simple," Salam explained patiently. "Thanks to the last grand tournament, this village's population has already grown tremendously. Almost half the empire now knows the names Big Wheat Village and Iron Core Dojo. If a tournament is held here each year, it will take only four or five years for this place to grow into a city."

He spoke as if stating the obvious. What he did not mention was the stack of land deeds he had quietly bought up in the vicinity over the past month.

"In fact, if Zani here keeps adding massive commercial structures like his partnered hunter network and Forging Union, it might even develop into a Major City one day."

"Really?!" Chaao gasped, completely stunned by the sheer scale of the projection.

"You exaggerate things too much, Governor Salam," Zani chuckled, humbly shooting the topic down.

I just want to earn money to invest in the System's ridiculous quests and develop my own dojo, Zani thought. I never intended to gentrify my surroundings. That is just an aftereffect!

Even the title 'Forging Union' was merely a catchy name Ethan had come up with for the building under construction next door.

Thinking about it, his funds were almost depleted. Between the Pavilion, the Union, the underground cave, and the enclosure meant for the Elks he hadn't even caught yet, his silver had drained away like water through a sieve.

Everything now depended on this Pavilion making money. If today's crowd turned out to be all talk and no spending... Zani pushed the thought away. After half an hour of joyous celebration, he finally brought up the true purpose of this meeting.

"Governor Salam, I need your help again," Zani requested, smoothly pouring a cup of wine for the man.

"There is no need to be so polite, Brother Zani. Just tell me what you need," Salam replied frankly.

Inwardly, however, the Governor was dead serious. His chances in the gubernatorial election had been slim, yet he had won. If Zani asked for the moon, Salam would find a ladder.

If I have gained this much just by following the dojo for a single year... what kind of future awaits me? There were nights he woke up laughing at his own fortune.

"I want to capture an Earth Sword Elk alive," Zani stated calmly.

"An Earth Sword Elk?!"

All three men in the office bolted upright, shouting in unison.

"What? Is that not possible?" Zani blinked, slightly taken aback by their violent reaction.

"Far from it, Master Zani!" Roasty frantically waved his hands, instantly breaking into a cold sweat. "Unlike normal beasts, the Earth Sword Elk is a highly aggressive and ruthlessly territorial monster. There is a very good reason why there are no other large animals left living inside the Nut Forest!"

As an elite restaurateur, Roasty knows better than anyone that the meat of an Earth Sword Elk is far superior to that of a Mud Boar, and their horns are some of the most premium forging materials in the empire. But hunting them is considered a near-suicidal endeavor, much less attempting to capture and domesticate one alive!

"Governor Salam, can a martial artist not contend with them?" Zani asked directly, completely ignoring Roasty's warnings. He had to complete this System quest by hook or by crook.

"A martial artist can, of course, fight it," Salam answered, his thick brows furrowing deeply. "But doing so requires a genuine 3rd Stage Body Tempering strength. Moreover, the Elks of the Nut Forest are classified as strategic resources of the Empire. Unlike common Mud Boars, they cannot be hunted or captured lightly."

The Governor poured cold water on Zani's desire first before lightly shifting his tone. "However... since Master Zani desires one, I will definitely find a way. I recall that a previous Governor of Warrior City once successfully captured and gifted a live Elk to the Royal Princess. I will try to dig up those old records, and we can discuss the exact logistics after that."

"Good."

 

[Pind_Ala]

Zani paced his room, turning over the latest developments in the dojo.

This growing problem had worried him for some time. If he did not address it correctly, others would start to notice, potentially destroying the peaceful environment they had built.

There had always been a clear difference between the inner disciples and the paying disciples, and that naturally bred a little resentment. But since promotion was always possible, and the inner disciples taught the juniors themselves, it remained manageable.

This new problem, however, involved his core people.

"It has been more than ten months since Lady Tassy, Julian, and the twins joined the dojo," Zani muttered to himself.

The twins had reached the peak of the Iron Skin stage a month earlier. Since then, they had focused entirely on practicing martial techniques. Even Julian stood on the verge of that same level. Meanwhile, Zani and Leo still trained their Skin Tempering.

The difference in their speed was glaring.

Worse, Zani had accidentally mentioned the Top-Grade breathing manual to the twins during the martial tournament in Warrior City.

Although they never spoke of it again, the way they interacted with Leo and Elisi had visibly changed. Now, Zani was seriously weighing his options. Should I just give them the manual or not?

Then there were the other members, Ethan and Mahi, who currently handled most of his daily tasks and financial ledgers.

Anyone would call him a reckless fool for sharing such a valuable secret. But driven by the lingering habits of his past life on Earth, where problems were settled by talking them through, Zani decided to hold a meeting.

The Jade Skin stage belonged to a Top-Grade manual, which only the truly talented could practice. The ordinary inner disciples would not be able to, even if they wanted to, so he left them off the list. Only the twins, the two chefs, Ethan, and Mahi would attend, along with Leo and Elisi, who already knew the secret.

Half an hour later, everyone sat quietly inside Zani's quarters. Given the secrecy required, this room was the safest place to gather.

Truthfully, Zani had invited the chefs out of guilt. He paid them far less than their workload deserved, yet they had settled into the dojo perfectly and had even kept everything running flawlessly during his trip to Warrior City.

As for the young couple, Ethan and Mahi, he would have to tell them eventually anyway, so why not now? Besides, Mahi had her adopted parents in the city, while Ethan had been a starving beggar before he joined them. This dojo was the only home Ethan had.

Everyone waited silently for Zani to begin. Only Elisi cursed internally.

Stupid Master, you are doing it again, she thought, eyeing Julian warily. She felt confident about handling the others, but what about this unpredictable variable?

"Thank you all for gathering here," Zani started, addressing the room equally. "Before we begin, you must swear that the content of this meeting will remain strictly among us."

After everyone nodded in serious agreement, Zani looked directly at the twins. He reached into his robes, pulled out a manual, and placed it onto the wooden table.

"This is the full Skin Tempering manual that you all have been practicing until now," Zani explained. "It actually has one more stage after Iron Skin, named Jade Skin. This final stage makes it a Top-Grade manual."

He revealed the truth all at once, not holding anything back. As he watched them with a gentle smile, the twins' eyes already shone brightly.

"Whoa! It really is a Top-Grade manual?!" Peda gasped, leaning forward.

"Does this mean we can get even stronger?" Pedi asked, practically bouncing in her seat.

"Hold on. If it is that valuable, why are you showing it to us, Master?" Peda suddenly frowned. "Is it not dangerous if someone finds out?"

"That is exactly why you swore an oath," Zani said gently. "The danger is real. But I would rather trust you than watch you quietly drift away from the rest of us."

After five minutes of excited murmurs, Lady Tassy finally broke the silence. "So, is this the thing Little Leo has been practicing all this time?"

So everyone noticed, but nobody asked until now, Zani thought with a faint smile.

"Yes," he replied. "But it is not something that just anyone can practice."

Sitting across the table, Ethan stared at the book. Or rather, the boy everyone called Ethan did.

So that is why she is so strong, despite still being in the Skin Tempering realm, Deol thought.

Beneath that humble name hid the disguised royal prince. Lately, he had grown increasingly engrossed in reading. Looking at the manual now, he wanted nothing more than to read and understand its mysteries, even if he proved unable to practice them.

Further down the table, Julian's mind raced.

Top-Grade. To think they actually have a Top-Grade manual here, Julian thought.

The Water Sect possessed three Top-Grade manuals of its own, yet only a single martial technique among them remained intact. The rest were torn and half-completed. Even so, they were treasured deep in the sect archives, shown only to those seeking to develop new techniques. Julian remembered how his wife had applied three months earlier just for a chance to view them.

And here he was, sitting in front of a whole one. Ever since regaining his memories, he had been obsessing over a simple Medicinal Cauldron recipe, wondering how to coax it out of Tassy. What a waste of time!

But the real prize is sitting right here on the table. A Top-Grade manual... a Top-Grade manual of Skin Tempering that I can actually practice!

On the side, Elisi pretended to whisper to Leo while keeping a sharp eye on the chef.

Oh, the creep is still in shock, Elisi thought with a hint of disgust.

Despite the chaotic thoughts swirling around the table, everyone listened to Zani intently.

"You see, Lady Tassy," Zani continued, gesturing toward the veiled girl. "Little Leo is the greatest genius in our dojo, as well as the most hardworking. Yet, she has been in the Jade Skin stage for seven whole months. Even with her incredible talent, relentless training, and soaking in a Medicinal Cauldron after every single session, she still has a long way to go before reaching the peak."

"So, we cannot practice it?" Lady Tassy asked, her voice tinged with disappointment.

In truth, she had no interest in practicing it herself, and she had not even reached the peak of the Bronze Skin stage. She was asking on behalf of her children, wanting the facts made clear for them.

"With your specific talent, Lady Tassy, I do not think so," Zani said kindly. "But your children definitely can. Ethan and Mahi can also do it. Now, if you insist on stubbornly trying to practice it anyway... you will end up like me, struggling slowly."

He spoke matter-of-factly, allowing them to weigh the reality for themselves.

"I can't practice it?!" Julian suddenly spoke up, his voice pitching slightly higher. He almost stood in shock before remembering his place and quickly calming himself.

"You can, Julian," Zani replied, noticing the raw ambition on the chef's face. "Just like me. But it will take a year, or maybe even more. I do not know. I have been training it for five months now, and I have not even reached the middle."

Zani paused, his tone turning serious. "Also, remember this. Breaking through to the next realm while stuck in the middle of a stage is much worse for your foundation than simply breaking through at the Bronze stage."

Hearing this, Julian's ambition cooled slightly. Zani saw the hesitation flash across the man's eyes, a reaction that made him briefly rethink his own decision.

In the end, the meeting concluded smoothly.

"Master, we want to read it!" the twins chimed together.

"Alright, you two are allowed to read the manual first," Zani smiled, handing the book over.

Lady Tassy and Mahi ultimately decided not to attempt the Jade stage, choosing instead to follow Elisi's example.

"I... I think I need some time to think about this, Master," Julian said quietly. He seemed deeply hesitant to stay stuck in a single stage for almost two years.

 

[Pind_Ala]

That night, Julian dragged himself back to his private quarters, exhausted from a day that had refused to end. He was reaching for his blanket when he noticed a letter resting neatly on his bed.

He picked up the envelope.

A letter? Don't tell me it's a love letter from one of the disciples?!

His heart skipped a beat, and not the good kind. If Master Zani found out, he would be furious.

That man has bizarre principles regarding age. According to his rules, anyone below eighteen is a minor forbidden from drinking alcohol, and those below sixteen should not even think about romantic relationships.

Julian clearly remembered the massive blunder he had caused over Ethan and Mahi. Back then, the young couple stubbornly insisted on maintaining their relationship, despite both being only fifteen years old. The revelation completely bewildered Zani. In the end, he only let them off the hook after making them both swear they would never regret their decision and would marry each other in the future.

If this letter was truly from some hot-blooded disciple confessing their feelings, Zani might chew him up alongside the sender.

His arm trembled slightly as he broke the seal and unfolded the parchment.

But the moment he read the first few lines, the color drained from his face. His knees gave out, and he sat down hard on the edge of the bed.

It was a warning.

The words were chillingly precise. Someone was watching him. They knew about his past life and his restored memories. The letter explicitly stated that the 'Iron Core' faction helped him travel back in time. It demanded his gratitude and strictly ordered him to help the "puppet Zani" manage affairs smoothly.

Puppet? Zani is not the real master of the Iron Core?

A cold sweat broke out across his forehead.

Then the Iron Core really is an evil faction invading the continent...

***

A month after the gubernatorial elections in Warrior City, the Royal Palace of the Earth Dragon Empire was anything but tranquil.

SMACK!

"Why am I only finding out about this now?!"

Consumed by rage, the Emperor swung his palm, and the bald guardian went flying across the grand hall.

"Honey, please calm down," the Empress pleaded, stepping forward to soothe her furious husband.

She knew it was inappropriate to speak out of turn in the grand hall where all major decisions are made, even if it was currently empty. However, the root cause of this anger was her youngest son, Deol.

If she let the Emperor's rage spiral unchecked, he might impulsively order an execution without hearing the full story. And the words of an Emperor cannot be lightly taken back.

She glanced to her side. Her eldest daughter, who had returned home to visit for a few days, stood rigidly beside her. The Empress prepared to silently ask her daughter for help in persuading the Emperor, but a booming voice swiftly cut her off.

"Not this time! He crossed a line he shouldn't have!" the Emperor roared. He turned around, threw himself back onto his throne, and glared down at the bald guardian. "Get up and call the royal guards. After that, you are officially relieved of your duties. You should be endlessly grateful that your father is a friend of mine."

The guardian slowly pushed himself up from the polished floor, blood trailing heavily into his eyes and blurring his vision. Despite his formidable cultivation, he remained nothing more than an insect in the presence of true imperial might. He walked straight back toward the throne.

"Did you not hear what I said, SON OF CHARANKO?!" the Emperor shouted, his resentment completely boiling over.

As his fury spiked, the Emperor's body swelled, his loose robes straining at the seams. Now it was obvious why the throne beneath him was so massive. It had been forged for a frame like this.

On the other side, the bald guardian finally reached the foot of the elevated platform.

SMASH!

He threw himself down and kowtowed with all his remaining might, splitting the fresh wound on his head further and intensifying the bleeding.

Witnessing this brutal, self-inflicted action, the expressions of all three royal family members shifted.

"Your Majesty, I was the one who blindly followed orders without asking any questions," the bald guardian choked out, his head pressed firmly against the stone. "I should have reported to you the very moment things escalated. So, please... punish me."

A heavy, suffocating silence followed.

The Empress and the princess looked slightly relieved, while the Emperor's expression turned exceedingly unsightly. Pleading for harsh punishment right after the Emperor generously offered mercy was a direct undermining of imperial authority.

"Your Majesty," the bald guardian continued, lifting his bleeding head slightly while remaining firmly on his knees.

He reached into his inner chest pocket and fished out a sealed parchment. "The Third Prince told me that if he ever got caught, which he fully believed he would, I must pass this directly to you. He said that after reading it, you will finally understand the reason behind his deeds."

The Emperor remained completely silent, staring down at the kneeling man with a cold, piercing gaze.

Moving gracefully, the Empress stepped forward. She gently helped the battered guardian to his feet, silently expressing her gratitude, and took the sealed letter from his trembling hands. She softly ordered him to go treat his wounds, assuring him that she would handle the rest of the situation.

Watching the man carefully exit the grand hall, the Empress turned back toward her husband. "The letter is still sealed."

"Mother, you must be careful," her eldest daughter quickly warned, stepping closer. "What if there is some kind of curse placed inside it?"

Seeing her daughter's worried look, she offered a warm, reassuring smile. "Relax, my dear. I can clearly confirm from the handwriting on the outside that it was written by your brother. And if something truly does go wrong..."

She glanced at her husband before gently caressing the glowing earring hanging from her earlobe. "I still have our last anniversary gift to protect me."

She broke the wax seal and opened the letter. Nothing exploded, and no curses activated.

She read the contents out loud.

"The date is forty days ago."

"Dear Father. You might not believe me, but I have found an opportunity that might elevate our family's status. Perhaps making us the strongest clan, and therefore truly ruling over the entire empire."

"What absolute nonsense," the Emperor interrupted, scoffing harshly.

Does that foolish boy have any idea how terrifying Cultivators are? At our level, even a single minor rank is the difference between heaven and earth!

Yet despite his scoffing, his mind was racing.

Why would he write something so absurd? Is he being threatened? Lied to? Tangled up with some shadowy faction?

Ignoring whatever chaotic thoughts plagued her husband, the Empress shot him a sharp side-eye and continued reading.

"I will not use a specific name, but I have found a descendant of one of the three Central Forest Guardians," the Empress read, her voice slowing down significantly as the weight of the words sank in. "She is a cute girl, and we are already deeply in love. If everything goes well, I will be marrying her in the future..."

Finishing the paragraph, she stopped reading and slowly looked up.

Her husband and daughter stared back at her, sharing the exact same expression.

Utter disbelief.

 

[Pind_Ala]

A heavy silence hung in the grand hall for three full minutes. Finally, the princess, still reeling from the news that her brother had found someone he wanted to marry, broke from her trance.

Seeing that her parents were still staring blankly at each other, as if communicating silently with their eyes, she frowned. Who are these three Central Forest Guardians? What even is the Central Forest? the princess thought.

"Mother," she called out softly.

"Huh? Oh, yes," the Empress blinked, waking from her inner monologue. She turned to her husband. "Dear, could it possibly be true?"

"How should I know?" the Emperor sighed deeply. "Although it is true that Guardians can transform into humans, they are ancient beings. Aren't they too old to be having children now? No, more importantly, how did Deol even come to know about them, much less find a descendant of one?!"

The Emperor had his own deep worries. Regardless of whether the situation was true or false, the main problem was how his youngest son acquired such classified knowledge.

One needs strength and influence even to know that the Central Forest exists, home to the strongest beings on the continent, let alone to know of the hidden Guardians. The clan's ancestry records clearly state that simply speaking the name of that being out loud can instantly alert him.

Is Deol being deceived right now? the Emperor thought, rubbing his temples. I do not think anybody would use such knowledge just to deceive a boy, especially not my youngest, who has a minimal chance of ever ascending the throne.

Pushing his endless questions aside for the moment, he looked up. "Wife, please continue reading. But keep your voice down."

"Hmm," the Empress nodded. She walked closer to the throne, followed closely by the princess, who also wanted to hear the rest of the letter.

The Empress resumed reading, keeping her voice soft. "Father, you might be thinking I am being deceived, but I no longer care about her status. She is just so lovable and caring. In the short time we have spent together, I can already tell that I will not be able to live without her. Now, I finally understand how you feel about Mother, and why you never took other concubines despite the pressure from the clan elders."

The Empress's cheeks flushed a bright peach red as she finished reading that particular paragraph.

"What nonsense," her husband coughed hastily, trying to hide the obvious embarrassment in his voice.

Although she wanted to tease him, she held back since their eldest daughter was standing right there. She cleared her throat and continued reading.

"While traveling to Warrior City to attend the martial tournament, I happened to witness a robbery. I decided to step in and help the victim. They were grateful for my generosity and gifted me an ancient clay figurine, stating it had been passed down through their family for generations."

"However, the next day, I accidentally broke it. Hidden inside was a mysterious ring. The moment I put it on, it bound to me and could not be removed. I originally decided to show it to you after returning home, but during the tournament, something shocking happened, which distracted me and led me to lose my match."

The Empress paused for a breath before reading the next shocking lines.

"A voice suddenly spoke directly in my mind. He stated that the ring is merely a mode of communication, and that he is the Master of the Seventh Heaven. He had been in deep meditation when I bound the ring, which resulted in the delayed connection."

"Then, he declared that since I possess the ring, I must be a descendant of his first son. He promised to help me divine my future, allowing me to walk a smooth path that will surely guarantee an easy life."

"A day later, he revealed many things to me. He instructed me to join the Iron Core Dojo, divining that it will eventually become the very first dojo to officially merge with Earth Sect. He also told me to marry the girl who is the descendant of the Guardian, along with a few other minor instructions, such as helping a certain Mayor, which will supposedly help our descendants in the distant future."

"After delivering these prophecies, the ring shattered and turned to dust. I was so overwhelmed by the power that I simply followed exactly what he said. Until now, everything is progressing smoothly."

"Father, if you know the answers, please tell me. Who are the three Guardian beasts? Where exactly is this Seventh Heaven? And what significance would a dojo joining a sect truly have?"

The Empress finally reached the last paragraph.

"Lastly, I firmly request that you do not send anyone to investigate the Iron Core Dojo. That is the exact reason why I sent the shadow guard away. I am currently living here under the disguise of an orphan beggar named Ethan. If everything goes exactly as that ancient senior predicted, we will meet again in a decade. Goodbye, Father. Please take care. And please lie to Mother and my siblings, tell them I am away on a secluded training journey."

The letter ended there. But the Empress immediately started reading the entire letter again from the very beginning, while her husband and daughter listened with concentration.

***

"So... what do you think?" the Empress asked softly, finally lowering the parchment.

"This Seventh Heaven... I simply do not know what it is. There is no mention of such a place in any of our records," the Emperor admitted, shaking his head. "And divination? Elder Cuby is the only genius we have in that field in the Earth Sect, and even he needs a week to see a single month ahead. Even then, the results are vague at best."

He himself was completely taken aback by the sheer scale of the secrets mentioned in his son's letter. In the end, he made a firm decision. He would do exactly as his son requested.

Even asking the clan elders for advice might backfire. Such knowledge could easily arouse greed within the Earth Clan.

From that day forward, any talk of the youngest prince, Deol, or the Iron Core Dojo was strictly forbidden within the Royal Palace of the Earth Dragon Empire.

After issuing this order through an artifact, the Emperor stood up and walked toward his private study, clutching the letter tightly in his hand. His mind was too preoccupied to notice a curious glint flashing in his eldest daughter's eyes.

The Iron Core Dojo... How interesting, the princess thought.

***

Back inside the Iron Core Dojo, dinner had just concluded. The disciples respectfully thanked the chefs for the hearty meal and started exiting the kitchen, leaving only a few people behind to clean up.

Among them were Elisi and Ethan, who were randomly chosen to help clean up today.

"Hey, Elisi," Ethan called out softly.

"What 'Elisi'? That is Eldest Senior Sister to you, junior brother!" Elisi instantly snapped back, crossing her arms.

"Who cares? I am technically older than you," Ethan grumbled.

"Oh, really? Are you fully ready to face the consequences of disrespecting me, then?" Elisi threatened, raising a fist with a cheeky grin.

Ethan immediately shrank back at the warning. Normally, he would bravely argue a bit more and inevitably get beaten up in the sparring ring later. But today, he was feeling a little unsettled and did not have the energy for it.

"Hey, I am being serious here," Ethan pleaded, dropping his voice to a hushed whisper so the others wouldn't hear. "The outrageous lies you told me to write in my letter home... do you really think they will work?"

"Hahaha! Are you underestimating me, your brilliant Senior Sister?" Elisi laughed quietly, puffing out her chest. She fully lived up to her naturally bratty and mischievous nature. "I guarantee your family won't send anyone to bother us!"

Ethan, the disguised Third Prince of the Earth Dragon Empire, could only bitterly lament his cruel fate.

I should have waited and opened that unsigned letter in the safety of my own quarters! he thought, crying metaphorical tears. Because he had foolishly opened it in the kitchen, the gluttonous demon girl who always lingered there had caught him, and she had been blackmailing him ever since.

Meanwhile, Kai, the young water-forging blacksmith who had recently joined the dojo, was silently wiping down a nearby table. Watching the two of them whisper, Kai shot Ethan a deep look of sympathy.

He realized he was not the only poor soul this little brat had mercilessly messed with in the past. Perhaps he and Ethan could eventually bond over their shared trauma.

 

[Pind_Ala]

It was nighttime, and most of the dojo was deep in slumber.

Elisi was lying flat on her bed, staring blankly up at the ceiling. She was desperately trying to sleep, but her head was full of chaotic, random thoughts.

Stupid Master, scolding me again today. He should be grateful for all that I have done! Well, at least we will not be getting entangled with any Empire officials this time around... not anytime soon, anyway. That is something good, I think. Still, it's been a while since I visited home. I should definitely make a trip tomorrow morning... I have to go through with it again.

Her racing thoughts eventually slowed, and she fell into a deep, peaceful slumber.

***

Next Morning

Elisi was just about to leave the dojo for her home when she suddenly spotted Zani walking through the main hall.

"Good morning, Master. You woke up quite early today," Elisi called out, jogging over. "Is there some special occasion?"

"Nothing special," Zani replied casually. "I just felt like taking a walk a little earlier nowadays, since the days are becoming much hotter. Where are you heading, Elisi?"

"I am going back home for a bit to meet my parents."

"Good. Say hello to Hunter Teer for me."

"Will do! Goodbye, Master!"

"Goodbye."

Bidding him farewell, Elisi stepped out through the main gates. She walked down the dirt road with small, leisurely steps, in no hurry at all.

***

Ten Minutes Later

The very moment Elisi stepped into her family's courtyard, a loud, cheerful voice rang out.

"Mother! Sister has come to visit!"

Shura, her younger brother, called out toward the house before running directly into her embrace, a crooked wooden sword still clutched in one hand. "I missed you!"

Elisi smiled warmly and lovingly patted his head. "I just visited three days ago. Why are you being so emotional? Aren't you grown up yet?"

As if suddenly remembering something crucial, her brother hurriedly pulled away and took a proud, rigid stance, trying to appear mature. "Yes, I am completely grown up now!"

"Elisi, stop teasing your brother..."

Her mother walked out of the house, wiping her hands on her apron, and pulled her daughter into a tight, loving hug. "You came at the perfect time. I was just preparing fritters inside."

After letting her daughter go, she immediately started examining her up and down with a deeply worried expression. "You look much thinner than before. You must be struggling living in that dojo. I have told you many times to just come home daily instead."

"Mom..." Elisi sighed, her shoulders slumping.

"Okay, okay. I will not start with that topic again," her mother relented quickly. "Just come inside and help me in the kitchen."

The young boy watched from the side, completely forgotten by the two women. But he was far too cheerful to take offense at such things. Instead, he happily ran after them to help. Although he usually cared more about playing outside, work was always fun when his elder sister was around.

***

Meanwhile, on the Other Side of the Village

Zani, while taking his daily morning tour, stopped to see how the construction of the underground cave was progressing.

The digging had taken significantly more time than he initially anticipated. If he had not requested his own disciples to pitch in and help with the manual labor, it might have easily added an extra month to the construction timeline. Judging by the current progress, it would take at least another half a month to complete.

Zani nodded to himself in quiet satisfaction as he watched the hired workers diligently carving the stone, maintaining their pace even without anyone keeping an eye on them.

"Master Zani, what a coincidence."

"Oh, Chief Sythe. It has been a long time. How have you been?" Zani greeted warmly, turning to face the man. The Chief was still as bulky and imposing as ever. They had briefly met half a month ago during the Pavilion's grand opening, so bumping into each other out here was indeed a rare coincidence.

The two men shook hands and started chatting leisurely about the recent happenings in the area.

With the massive improvements around the village driven by the dojo, and the abundant need for continuous manpower, the local population was rapidly increasing. However, per Zani's request, the Chief had not allocated any residential land leading toward the mountains to anyone else. That corner now belonged entirely to the Iron Core Dojo.

After some more casual conversation, the Chief finally stated his true purpose for finding him.

"Master Zani, I actually have a small request."

"Please tell me, Chief. If it is within my power, I will definitely help."

"Well... looking at how the dojo recently acquired a waterfall and is now even building an underground cave, I must ask," Sythe began, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Master Zani, you must possess a 2nd Stage, Blood Exchange breathing manual, right?"

Zani did not speak. He simply maintained a calm silence at this somewhat direct question, neither agreeing with the man nor denying his bold claim.

Meanwhile, Chief Sythe's face turned slightly red. He distinctly remembered the day this young man had walked into his office to purchase the ruined training ground. Now, barely a year later, Sythe was no longer even worthy of speaking to him as an equal. He could only humbly make a request; accepting it was entirely up to the other party.

"Well, Master Zani. You see, I have been stuck at the peak of the 1st Stage for far too long now," Sythe explained, his tone earnest. "I only ask that if you are ever going to open the 2nd Stage breathing manual to the public, I wish to be a paying disciple to learn it. It is just that the queue for your dojo registration is incredibly long nowadays. So, please... keep a seat for me when the time comes."

I thought this shameless man was going to ask for the manual outright, Zani thought, inwardly relieved. But this much is very reasonable. After all, the Chief's help during the tournaments cannot be denied.

"Of course, you can register anytime, Chief Sythe," Zani finally replied with a gracious smile. "In fact, you could have just walked in today, and I would have thought of a way to accommodate you."

"Hahaha! Surely you jest, Master Zani," Sythe laughed loudly, waving his hand. "You are a busy man. How could I casually disturb you? Hahaha!"

The two talked for a few more minutes before respectfully parting ways.

***

Back at Elisi's Home

Half an hour had passed, and Hunter Teer had also returned home. Currently, the family of four was sitting happily around the table, drinking hot tea and eating snacks.

"Our little Elisi has become such a responsible, capable person," Teer praised warmly, looking at his daughter with immense pride. "Many of your uncles in the market have told me that you handle the dojo's commerce very well. They say you are no worse than Master Zani himself!"

"Oh, stop praising me, Father. I am not that impressive. Hehehe," Elisi replied humbly, though a bright, cheeky smile betrayed her joy.

Shura watched from the side with sparkling eyes.

Sister is so impressive. I want to be just as cool as her! the boy thought, shifting excitedly in his seat.

"Sister Elisi?"

"Hmm?"

"When will I be able to join the Iron Core Dojo?"

Hunter Teer's expression instantly stiffened upon hearing the question. This specific topic had been sensitive lately.

Back when Teer was originally going to enroll his son using the guaranteed admission favor he received as a partnered hunter, Elisi had firmly stopped him. She had confidently promised that she would personally make her brother an inner disciple, just like her. But recently, whenever asked about the progress, she would merely shake her head. Because of this awkward tension, she had also reduced her visits home.

"Little brother, I honestly think the Iron Core Dojo is not suitable for you. The internal competition is simply too fierce." Elisi, unlike before, did not dodge the topic. She spoke directly, looking at her parents to ensure they understood the gravity of her words. "Disciples fight brutally every single day to prove who is more powerful. Sometimes... it even gets bloody."

Not a word of it was true.

Just as she predicted, her mother looked horrified and immediately clung to her young son, while her father's brows furrowed deeply in worry.

"Although I can easily avoid all of that because of my best friend Leo, I cannot guarantee she would be willing to step in and protect you too," Elisi added smoothly, driving the point home.

Saying so, she slowly puffed out her chest with pride, crossing her arms and flashing a distinctly smug smile.

"But worry not! Your eldest sister is awesome. I talked privately with Master Zani, and he helped me arrange something much better. Here..."

CLINK.

A heavy, finely crafted token dropped onto the wooden table. Her fingers rested on it a moment longer than they needed to before she let go.

"Governor Salam is currently recruiting new personnel," Elisi explained proudly. "Using this token, you can directly register for the prestigious Guard-in-Training program that is about to begin. Work hard, and one day our family might even be able to relocate to Warrior City!"

"Elisi... how in the heavens did you get something like this?" Hunter Teer gasped, reverently picking up the token. It was beautifully crafted, but the weight and immense opportunity it carried were vastly greater.

Leaving the house an hour later, Elisi walked down the bustling dirt road, feeling a sharp twinge of guilt in her chest.

My dear brother, it is for the betterment of this entire continent that you must walk a difficult path, Elisi thought, looking back toward her home one last time. Please forgive me for being selfish.

 

[Pind_Ala]

Ten days later.

Inside the dining hall, Zani hummed in deep satisfaction. "Well done, Ethan. To thoroughly learn the business philosophy I taught you and draft such a comprehensive expansion plan... very good."

Zani was not stingy with his praises. He was genuinely impressed by the boy.

Is this perhaps his true hidden talent? Something that even the Talent Evaluation Eye cannot detect? Zani thought.

Sitting across the table, Ethan looked slightly embarrassed at the open praise. A few pages of text lay scattered between them, detailing Ethan's proposal for opening a third floor in the newly built Iron Core Pavilion.

"The idea is very well thought out," Zani encouraged smoothly. "It just has a few minor pitfalls that we need to address and improve upon."

Although Zani already had an almost identical expansion plan fully formulated on paper, it did not matter. He could use this moment to teach and encourage a sharp thinker like Ethan, who also happened to memorize vast amounts of information far better than he did.

"Come, sit closer. Let us work on this together," Zani gestured, pulling a chair near him.

They talked and refined the idea for an hour before Zani finally stood up to excuse himself.

"Master Zani, could I request something?" Ethan asked suddenly, looking a little agitated, as if he had just remembered something.

"Yes?"

"It is regarding Kai, the new inner disciple. I want to ask if you could allow him to read the 'All Metal encyclopedia'." Ethan spoke rapidly, pleading his friend's case. "Since he is a self-taught smith whose only references are some fragmented family records, his forging progress has completely halted lately. That is why he requested you for the opportunity to meet the renowned grandmaster smiths when he joined, all in hopes of finding a breakthrough. "

"So, I was thinking... if he can deepen his foundational knowledge about metals, it will greatly help him. At the very least, it would improve his current mood."

Perhaps this is a simple favor between friends, Zani mused, noting the boy's earnestness. Although this new disciple's background was not entirely confirmed yet, Ethan is his trusted logistics manager. Since he is personally guaranteeing him, Zani decided to allow it.

"Okay. He can fetch the book from my room," Zani nodded. "But tell him he has only two hours of reading time daily."

"Thank you, Master!"

Zani nodded again and calmly left the table.

Time passed smoothly without any major happenings. It was now the tenth day of the final summer month.

Zani was leisurely walking around the sprawling area specifically prepared for the Earth Sword Elks.

Governor Salam still has not sent any message back, Zani thought, sighing softly. I can only hope he has not completely forgotten the matter I entrusted to him.

To ensure the Elks would feel at home and be easier to domesticate, Zani had reshaped eight out of his forty fields. He had even hired laborers to transplant an entire small forest of nut trees just to perfectly replicate their natural habitat.

Haa... in this world, the cheapest commodity is mortal labor, Zani thought, observing the vast artificial scenery his silver had rapidly created.

He smiled and continued his walk.

Nowadays, he feels incredibly relaxed. Ever since the massive first-month income from the Iron Core Pavilion rolled in, he had completely let go of his financial worries. He no longer needs to constantly scheme or plan for more silver.

Although he had reinvested half of those profits into small dojo upgrades, such as expanding the perimeter and adding a proper meeting hall, the treasury remains exceptionally healthy.

Three more days passed.

【Ding~】

【Quest: Build an underground cave big enough to accommodate 10 people】

【Status: Completed】

【Rewards: 20 Exp and Blood Exchange Realm Breathing Manual】

【Sect Exp: 80/100】

【The Celestial Stag – Top-Grade Blood Exchange Realm Breathing Manual】

【Summary: This profound manual is divided into four stages, each representing a grade from Low to Top.

Awakened Pulse: The heart successfully generates fresh, vigorous blood to replace the old. However, the cleansing process is imperfect, and some impurities still remain within the bloodstream.

Purified Velvet: The blood is completely cleansed of all impurities. At this stage, the core benefits of the Blood Exchange are realized: the practitioner's body becomes highly vigorous, and they gain immunity to most common poisons.

Stag's Command: Upon reaching perfection in this stage, the blood quality experiences another slight increase. The practitioner also unlocks a new feature: active control over their blood flow, allowing them to consciously seal minor wounds and instantly stop bleeding.

Sovereign Blood: The practitioner gains high-level control over their bloodstream, allowing them to actively weaponize their blood to fight off any harmful foreign substances that enter the body. This better blood quality ensures they retain their peak physical power even into extreme old age. Additionally, it eases the severe physical burden of practicing certain rare martial arts (though this specific benefit is barely visible in already talented individuals).】

Zani was enjoying a hearty lunch when a junior disciple hurried in to inform him that the construction leader had arrived to speak with him.

Looking at the floating translucent interface, Zani already knew why the man was here. But he did not rush. He patiently continued to eat his meal, instructing the disciple to politely entertain the guest in the meantime.

An hour later, Zani finally finished meticulously inspecting the newly completed underground cave. It is built exceedingly well. It features a single hidden entrance with heavy stone stairs leading deep underground. At the bottom, fifteen individual rooms perfectly surround a small, circular central hall.

"You have done quite well," Zani praised, nodding in approval.

"Hehe, I am deeply honored that you like it, Master Zani," the construction leader laughed awkwardly, wiping sweat from his neck. After all, he had originally promised to complete the cave at the start of the month, but the scorching summer heat had made working during the noon hours exceptionally brutal.

Following respectfully behind Zani, the leader moved toward the exit. Currently, he felt a heavy mix of relief at the success and deep worry about his future.

Will Master Zani ever hire my team again? he fretted. He already has three different construction teams working for him across the village.

"I already have a new project ready for you," Zani stated casually as if he has read his mind while stepping out into the bright sunlight. "Come find me after enjoying a few days of rest."

A massive smile instantly exploded across the leader's face. "Yes, Master Zani!"

He walked away with newfound, swelling confidence. Now, he could proudly boast among his subordinates. Thinking about the prosperous days ahead... I think it is finally time I bring my family to Big Wheat Village and officially relocate, the man thought gleefully.

__________________________

[Question: Do you think Zani is slowly growing as a sect master?

A. yes
B. no
C. A little bit
D. I would have done a better job.]

Read next 10 chapters right now, [/p@treon/unpaid13]

Only 4 more chapters until we end Volume 1

 

[Pind_Ala]

Next Day.

The scale of the dojo's expansion plan was increased.

It will now cover the newly built underground cave and the five old houses within the outer boundary. After all that, the dojo grounds will have a main gate and a boundary wall connecting to the main road, while the remaining two sides will face the Pavilion venue and the beast pens. The new blueprints will perfectly encompass all of this within a single, massive perimeter.

Simultaneously, the blueprints for the Iron Core Pavilion's third floor were finalized. The workers will begin construction immediately after their break.

Inside the Pavilion, Zani and Ethan were holding a business meeting with Roasty, the partner. Two small booklets lay on the wooden table between them.

"This expansion plan really is excellent," Roasty praised, tapping the table. "But, may I ask, Master Zani... where exactly did you acquire these booklets on herbs and metals?"

These books contain exhaustive knowledge of all the common herbs and metals available in their region, meticulously compiled by Ethan using the dojo's encyclopedias.

Zani took his time, taking a slow sip of tea before answering calmly. "You can say it was a gift from an elder I know, Brother Roasty."

"Oh? I truly hope I can find such a generous friend one day. Hahahaha," Roasty laughed dryly, giving a sarcastic remark. He clearly did not buy the excuse, but knowing the rules of the martial world, he did not probe further.

Shifting the topic, he pointed at Ethan. "So, little Ethan will be managing this new commercial enterprise? And we are opening it on the second floor, while shifting all the blacksmiths' work to the top floor?"

"Yes. At least for the first month, until we can train new personnel to take over," Zani nodded smoothly.

"I have no problem with that. Just make sure the specific herbs my staff needs for cooking are not sold off without confirming with me first."

After discussing profits and logistics a bit longer, the meeting peacefully concluded.

Exiting the Iron Core Pavilion, Zani asked Ethan to lead him to the Forging Union site next door, which was still under construction.

"How much longer will it take to complete?" Zani asked, surveying the bustling area.

"It will take at least another month..." Ethan replied, flipping through his ledgers.

"A month?" Zani frowned, his gaze landing on the two construction leaders. Currently, two entire teams are working simultaneously on this site. It should not be taking this long.

"Master, the prices of raw materials are rapidly increasing," Ethan noted from the side. "If the reports written here are accurate and they continuously demand a higher supply of materials, I am afraid you will have to hold back on your other plans for now."

Hearing this, Zani called for an immediate meeting with the construction leaders right there on the site, something he very rarely does, although he daily comes for light inspection during morning walk. He never has extra time to held meetings or even ask questions.

"Well, Master Zani... the plans changed a little!" one of the construction leaders explained nervously.

"Again?" Zani massaged his temples. He was beginning to realize that allowing a bunch of fanatical blacksmiths to design their own building was a terrible decision.

The damned structure, which they are now proudly calling the 'Forging Union Tower', is already projected to be vastly larger than the Pavilion. Looking at the revised blueprints, it will stand five stories tall and even feature a massive underground basement! If it were not for the blacksmiths pouring silver from their own pockets, and the generous sponsorships from the Grandmasters, it might not have been built at all.

But at this current rate, the Iron Core Dojo might not even fully own the building once it is finished.

Zani could only lament his past choice. "Is this project being supervised by someone from the blacksmiths' side?"

"They all make multiple trips throughout the day, but no. Nobody is supervising it full-time," the construction leader admitted.

After speaking for another half an hour to smooth out the immediate logistics, Zani and Ethan finally departed.

On the walk back to the dojo, many passing villagers and merchants respectfully greeted them. Zani smiled humbly and returned their greetings with equal politeness.

Walking slightly behind him, Ethan could not help but admire his Master a little more.

Usually, people who gain such massive wealth and success become arrogant, Ethan thought, his eyes tracking Zani's calm demeanor. But he is still like this. Quite rare, indeed.

"Master Zani!"

A loud shout broke Ethan's train of thought. A man was standing near the main gates of the dojo, frantically waving his arms before sprinting toward them.

"Brother Chaao?" Zani blinked in surprise. The man was the newly elected Mayor of Grains City. Why was he in such a desperate hurry?

Haa... haa...

"Master Zani... hurry up! We have to leave right now!" Mayor Chaao gasped, completely out of breath. He looked as if he had been sprinting for miles.

"What happened?" Zani asked, his expression turning serious.

"My father-in-law... I mean, Governor Salam, just sent an urgent message via a messenger hawk," Chaao explained between heavy pants. "He says that everything is ready on their side, but we do not have much time. According to him, we must complete everything within ten days!"

Chaao grabbed Zani's sleeve, actively pulling him toward the dojo gates. "Hurry up, Master Zani! We must leave the village in an hour. I will tell you the exact details on the way!"

Ethan watched the chaotic scene unfold, his mind spinning as he tried to make sense of the sudden urgency.

Is this rush because of the Earth Sword Elks Master wants to capture? Ethan deduced inwardly. Hmm. We are in the final summer month, and autumn is roughly fifteen days away. The urgency of having only ten days... it aligns perfectly with that timeline.

Because Ethan is a royal prince of the empire, he possesses classified knowledge that is unavailable even to the city Governors. Thus, deducing the hidden truth behind such tight deadlines is far easier for him. Every year, two times a year, security across the entire Earth Dragon Empire skyrockets because the Emperor and the core clan elders leave the capital for a highly classified meeting. The first day of the Autumn month marks exactly one of those dates.

Ah, I understand now, Ethan concluded inwardly, the pieces smoothly snapping together in his head. Governor Salam wants to exploit the lax timeframe right before that massive security sweep occurs to transport the beasts undetected. A shrewd thinker indeed.

Chuckling quietly under his breath at the clever political maneuvering, Ethan leisurely followed the others into the dojo.

Half an Hour Later.

Zani rode out of the dojo's gates on a fast horse, accompanied by the towering and imposing figure of Instructor Bai.

Standing by the gate were many disciples gathered to respectfully bid farewell to their master. Kai, the young water-forging blacksmith, watched them leave with sparkling eyes.

"So, that is the mysterious instructor," Kai spoke in an admiring tone. "He is supposedly the most powerful person in the entire dojo, only ever coming out of seclusion when really needed."

Kai deeply revered such hidden masters. He secretly hoped he could become one someday too.

Ethan, who was standing right next to him, watched his friend smiling like an idiot and could not help but shake his head.

This puppet really is well crafted, Ethan thought, highly amused with the situation. If Elisi had not warned me to keep quiet about it if I ever found some clues, I seriously would have never figured out that it is just Leo in disguise.

__________________________________

[Author Note: As you know, I've been working on polishing Volume 1 for a while now, and I've finished through Chapter 13!

Question: Are you interested in re-reading polished version and Help me correct any mistake I might have made?

If yes. How should be go about this?

A. update the current chapters with (updated) in title.
B. Reading it on Patreon - it is now free there.
C. Post it as a separate new story/thread on this site.
D. I'll just wait to read the published version on Kindle.]

 

[Pind_Ala]

Two days passed.

Today, it was Elisi, Ethan, and Mahi's turn to clean the kitchen after lunch.

"Help us, Elisi!" Mahi pleaded while wiping down a wooden counter.

"I don't want to..." Elisi groaned. She lay sprawled face-down across the large dining table like a dried salted fish, utterly refusing to budge.

Mahi could only look at her friend with helpless worry, while Ethan rolled his eyes in sheer annoyance.

"You have been acting like this for the past two days, Could it be... you are actually worried about Master Zani?"

Elisi's head snapped up instantly. "Why would I ever worry about that stupid Master?! Hmph!"

Oh, her voice definitely pitched up just now, Ethan thought smugly. However, he pragmatically chose not to point it out aloud. I definitely do not want to get my ass kicked today.

Stimulated by her sheer annoyance, Elisi finally mustered the strength to flip over, lying face-up on the table instead.

"Hey, Ethan," she called out after a while, her tone has shifted to something much more serious. "You did what I told you to do, right?"

"What? Oh, you mean the plan you proposed?" Ethan replied, not stopping his work. "Well, I did relay it to Master Zani before he left. But due to our currently tight budget, I do not think we can implement it right away."

"Don't be an idiot, junior brother. Listen to me, your Eldest Senior Sister," Elisi scolded him, before sitting up properly to get the point across. "We must start the Beast Carriage project! Training those stubborn Mud Boars to properly pull carts will take a huge amount of time!"

Just thinking about the training time gave her a shiver. She was determined to launch this project early. Whether she had to pester, vent, or beg, she would make it happen.

But, seeing Ethan ignoring her, she simply snorted and started thinking of a plan herself.

"A tight budget, huh?" she muttered, tapping her chin. A sharp, dangerous glint flashed through her eyes. "I think we can delay the dojo's expansion for a bit..."

Working not too far away, Ethan suddenly shivered when he heard her.

Meanwhile, Far Away From the Dojo...

After traveling for two days on horseback, Zani and Bai finally reached the discreet camp established right outside the perimeter of the Nut Forest.

Dozens of elite guards were stationed securely around the area. The moment Zani arrived, Governor Salam stepped forward to welcome him personally.

"Master Zani, you finally made it," Salam greeted him with a serious expression on his face.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Governor Salam," Zani replied.

The two men shook hands, and the Governor quickly ushered them inside a secure command tent.

"Allow me to get straight to the point," Governor Salam began with a solemn tone. "We do not have much time. Including today, there are only eight days remaining before the border security sweep begins. We must successfully complete the capture within two days, or we will be forced to abandon this mission entirely."

Although Salam desperately wants to fulfill Zani's request to secure his favor, the Governor position is not above the Imperial laws. If their clandestine operation is discovered by the royal guards, the consequences will be utterly disastrous for everyone involved.

"I understand," Zani nodded firmly. "So, how are the current preparations?"

"You do not need to worry on that front. My elite guards have been stalking a lone Earth Sword Elk for several days now," Salam assured him. "We will move in to secure the beast the very second it takes the bait."

Zani could tell that this old man had put a massive amount of effort into this operation. But one specific detail caught his attention.

"Governor, if you do not mind me asking... what exactly is the bait?" Zani inquired. "From my own understanding, Earth Sword Elks are highly intelligent and incredibly sensitive to herbs. They will not consume anything harmful. Some even consider them the smartest beasts in our entire Empire."

"It is an odorless poison," Salam revealed darkly.

"Poison?"

"Yes. The only reliable way to trick that creature is by lacing its favorite food with Blue Spot Salamander poison," the Governor explained meticulously. "After it consumes the poison and collapses, we must administer the antidote in very small, measured doses. This helps the beast fight off the lethal effects, but never allows it to recover its full strength. At our current martial level, that is the only viable method to capture an Earth Sword Elk alive."

"I see," Zani nodded, deeply impressed by the idea.

Salam then directed Zani and Bai to an adjacent tent to settle down and rest.

Later that evening, the highly anticipated news finally arrived: the Elk had taken the bait.

Deep within the dense forest, a magnificent young Elk lay slumped against the earth, its powerful body violently twitching from time to time.

"Congratulations, Master Zani. Now, we just need to safely transport it back," Salam smiled while gesturing to the massive beast.

"Thank you, Brother Salam," Zani replied earnestly.

This hunt never actually required Zani's personal presence. It was simply a political move by the Governor to bridge the gap and grow closer to Zani once again. Looking at their friendly exchange, one could confidently say the strategy had worked.

The return journey took five grueling days.

By the time the heavily guarded convoy finally rolled into the Iron Core Dojo's grounds, Zani was utterly exhausted, yet immensely relieved that everything had settled down perfectly.

"So, this is the Earth Sword Elk! Congratulations, Master Zani!"

Ethan, along with a group of inner disciples, was already waiting in the fenced area Zani has prepared to domesticate the Elks, ready to respectfully welcome them back. Zani offered a tired but genuinely happy nod to the youths.

"Goodbye, Zani. The specialized caretaker staff I mentioned during the trip will arrive here by tomorrow morning. They are highly trained professionals who will meticulously look after the Elk," Salam promised from atop his horse.

"Thank you once again, Brother Salam," Zani cupped his fists in gratitude.

With that, the Governor and his elite guards departed the village. After quickly assigning the disciples their respective chores to secure the beast, Zani also retreated to his quarters to catch up on his severe lack of sleep.

Next Day.

It was noon when Zani opened his eyes, but a rapid cascade of translucent blue notifications, which had piled up while he slept, immediately flooded his vision.

【Ding~】

【Quest: Hunt an Earth Sword Elk】

【Status: Completed】

【Rewards: 20 EXP and 'Blood Boiling - Medicinal Cauldron Recipe' booklet】

【Hidden condition: Capture and domesticate the Earth Sword Elk】

【Status: Completed】

【Hidden Rewards: 10 pre-made Blood Boiling - Medicinal Cauldrons】

【Sect Exp: 100/100】

【Medicinal Cauldron Recipe - Blood Boiling: Blood Exchange】

【Summary: After a tempering session in the Blood Exchange realm, the practitioner's blood becomes incredibly active. Sitting inside a Blood Boiling cauldron during this exact window perfectly sustains that peak state, allowing the user to gain triple the standard benefits from a single session.

The primary ingredient of this specific recipe changes based on the exact type of the manual you are practicing. See the internal instructions for precise selection.

Since the Blood Exchange stage can be practiced either deep underground or directly beneath a waterfall, the vessel matters. If practicing underground, it is essential to use a fire-brick tub, as the dense clay retains the medicine's heat for a long time. For those practicing under a waterfall, any vessel, including a standard metal pot, is acceptable, as they do not need to worry about maintaining an open fire in the damp environment.】

Zani sat up in his bed, staring blankly at the floating text. He realized that the personal send by Salam must have started their work.

Looking down at the rewards. "So, that is how those specialized tubs are supposed to be used," Zani muttered, aggressively rubbing his face.

A deep pang of regret washed over him.

Because I was in such a hurry to complete the quest, I ordered the village carpenter to build the bases out of sturdy wood! Zani realized, his heart bleeding for his wasted silver.

Although he now fully understood the significance of the tubs, a troubling question remained: should he completely scrap the wooden ones and commission new iron and fire-brick tubs instead?

__________________________

[Author Note: Have you tried re-reading the series? I have updated first 10 chapters.

Let me tell you, the things you might have not understood before are clear now, I have even removed some useless things and fix a few things. Although the general story is same. It is more easier to follow now.] ~you can recommend to your friends perhaps...

Same note: Read next 10 chapters right now, [/Patreon/unpaid13]

 

[Pind_Ala]

It was lunchtime when Zani finally exited his private quarters.

He took this opportunity to eat a hearty meal and check on his disciples' progress. After lunch concluded, Zani called Ethan and Mahi over to a quiet corner table to request a detailed report on the previous week's finances.

"It seems everything is in perfect order," Zani nodded in approval as he scanned the pages.

He was just about to close the heavy ledger when his eyes caught a glaring discrepancy in the Investment section.

"Why is there an unauthorized change here?" Zani looked up. Currently, all massive financial investments are approved by Zani alone; Ethan and Mahi are merely logistics managers tasked to record the daily trade data, they are not authorized to alter foundational budgets. "So, why exactly is there a change written in here?"

"M-Master Zani... I was actually just about to inform you about that." Ethan's posture instantly stiffened as he said that.

Beneath the wooden table, Mahi gripped his hand tightly, silently urging him with her eyes to remember their prior promise and take the blame.

"There was a minor accident during construction," Ethan explained nervously. "The team working on the dojo expansion plan got a little injured, so I took the initiative to give them a leave."

"Nobody got seriously hurt, right?" Zani asked, his tone dropping in genuine concern.

"No, no! They only suffered minor scrapes and bruises."

"Okay..." Zani sighed, tapping the open ledger. "But that still does not solve the main problem here. I asked you why the funding source was changed. The budget explicitly allocated for the dojo's expansion has been entirely diverted to this 'Beast Carriage' project."

"That..." Ethan's face flushed completely red.

Damn it! I should have prepared a valid excuse and practiced speaking in front of a mirror! Deol cursed inwardly, his royal poise entirely shattering under the pressure.

Zani looked visibly disappointed in the boy. However, since the diverted funds were not a huge sum, he figured he would simply lecture the youth and try to teach him to be honest in the future.

"Master, it was my decision!" Mahi suddenly blurted out, stepping in to shield Ethan. "I... I really liked the idea of the Beast Carriage project. After discussing it with Elisi and reflecting upon it myself, I came to the conclusion that this project might take a massive amount of time to complete. But once it is fully done, it will be of immense help to the dojo!"

After speaking, she was unable to meet Zani's eyes and started looking around in shame.

Ethan was utterly stunned on the side. My sweet Mahi is actually such a big liar, he thought, completely bewildered by reality. Although he wanted to refute her claim and teach her not to lie, it was not the right time nor the place.

Everyone was silent for a moment.

Will a beast carriage really be of that much help? Should I scold her right now? No. Unlike Ethan, this is the first time little Mahi has bravely made a proactive, managerial decision on her own, Zani reasoned inwardly.

He looked at the flustered girl. His decision was right.

I should first let her cool down a bit. Then, perhaps in a few days, I can use this incident to try to teach her how to think like a proper merchant. Hmm, yes. Children learn much more eagerly when they actually invest their own thoughts and ideas into a matter.

Having finalized his thoughts, Zani smoothly dismissed Ethan and Mahi without any harsh punishments. After all, the financial stakes are not that high.

As for the delayed meeting hall, he would simply have to be a little more shameless when conducting meetings in his quarters.

He could endure that much for the sake of his disciples' growth.

The Next Morning.

Zani woke up quite early and, to catch up with his old routine, started his day with a leisurely morning stroll.

"Master Zani!"

Just as he was about to exit the main hall, Elisi called out, jogging over from the side.

"Good morning, Elisi," Zani greeted with a warm smile.

"Good morning, Master Zani. I was actually hoping to catch you for a quick talk today."

"You can talk to me about anything. Speak freely," Zani offered generously.

"Yes. Then... Master Zani, when will I be able to enter the next stage?"

"The next stage? You mean the Blood Exchange realm..." Zani trailed off, his eyes quickly scanning the surroundings. Thankfully, there was nobody nearby to overhear them. However, such discussions are meant for closed doors. "Come with me."

Before Elisi could reply, he decisively turned and led her directly to his private quarters.

After firmly shutting the door behind them, he gestured for her to take a seat at the table before he began explaining.

"Regarding the next stage... we do, in fact, possess the proper breathing manual," Zani began carefully. "However, the place required for the training is not securely finished yet, and the complex preparations for the Medicinal Cauldron will also take some time."

"Oh, okay," Elisi nodded, perfectly acting as if she fully understood and accepted the delays.

But deep inside, she was fiercely shaking her head in disappointment.

Master, you are incredibly cautious in places where it does not matter at all, yet completely ignorant in places where it truly does. No wonder we were destroyed, Elisi thought bitterly, fragments of a past life flashing through her mind.

"Here."

THUD.

Zani suddenly pulled a book from his desk and slammed it down right in front of her. "Since you are so wildly eager to advance your foundation, you can start by memorizing all of this. And while you are at it, help me copy and divide the text into four separate versions, too."

Elisi forced a painfully stiff smile as she stared down at the book. After receiving a few more instructions, she quickly excused herself and left the room.

Master, this old habit of yours... shamelessly using others to do your paperwork. Hah. I really do not like it, Elisi grumbled inwardly as she walked away.

The Imperial Capital.

On this vast continent, the largest mountain is located within the Earth Dragon Empire's central territory. It is known as Mt. Draco, a sacred domain forbidden for even elite martial artists to approach without explicit permission.

The towering mountain is so unfathomably high that halfway up its slope, it seemingly pierces the thick cloud layer. At least, that is how it appears from a distance to the millions of mortal citizens living in the Imperial Capital built at the mountain's foot. However, only a select few truly know that the cloud layer is actually a massive concealment fog explicitly designed to hide the mighty Earth Sect from mortal eyes.

Hidden behind the dense fog, grand pagodas, lavish spiritual gardens, and glowing herb fields cover the higher peaks.

When observing from above, it is a prosperous and peaceful environment. Disciples clad in neat, light-brown robes can be seen walking along the jade-paved paths, happily chatting with one another and carrying themselves in a refined, noble manner.

It is a bustling, vibrant sight rarely seen on a normal day. But today is an exception. Today is the first day of the first Autumn month.

A day when a Sect Meeting is held, when all the Elders, except those in closed-door seclusion, gather to discuss the Sect's matters.

Exactly two official sect meetings are mandated throughout the entire year. The first one takes place after the New Year festival, and the second occurs after the end of the summer months.

The Sect Master, seven Elders, and numerous elite Instructors are all present. Every single figure possessing some authority within the Earth Sect congregates inside the meeting hall. Although the grand hall's architecture appears somewhat simple, featuring only a massive table in the center, its materials and historical significance make it vastly more luxurious than even the Emperor's Royal Palace.

As the esteemed figures filtered into the room and took their respective seats, murmurs filled the hall.

"Elder Cuby, how are you?" a sly voice called out.

"Hmph. I was better before laying eyes on you, you damn snake," Patriarch Cuby retorted bitterly, glaring at the man sitting across from him.

"Oh my, oh my. Why hold such hate in your heart? Aren't we old, sworn buddies? Did we not spend our entire childhood sharing the same pair of pants?" the elder called Snake teased, licking his lips as he talked.

"Like heck we did! Snake, do you want me to beat you to death right here?!" Elder Cuby roared, slamming his fist onto the table.

"Keep quiet, you two fools," another elder hissed sharply. "The Sect Master is here."

____________________________

[Question: Have you recommended this novel to others.
A. Yes.
B. No.
C. Let me do it right now.
D. I don't have any friends who read novels...] ~same here. COME BE FRIENDS WITH ME.

Same note: Read next 10 chapters right now, [/Patreon/unpaid13]

 

[Pind_Ala]

The sect meeting had been going on for an hour now. The major and minor discussions related to the Earth Sect's logistics and affairs were mostly concluded. One could say that everything was progressing smoothly.

Then, the Sect Master shifted slightly, making himself more comfortable on his seat.

This subtle movement caused the eyes of everyone else in the room to instantly start twitching.

Here he goes again. Whose turn will it be to suffer this time? the elders thought, collectively bracing themselves.

AHEM.

The Sect Master cleared his throat loudly to command the room's attention. During that short timeframe, only the seven elders managed to catch his sly, darting eye movements.

Elder Cuby panicked slightly upon noticing that the Sect Master had indeed side-eyed him. Oh no... here goes my reputation.

"The old witch from the Water Sect contacted me recently," the Sect Master announced casually, dropping a massive bombshell.

A serious atmosphere instantly blanketed the room.

"The Sect Master of the Water Sect?" a new instructor asked nervously, looking at those around him.

"Yes," the old man nodded.

"She wanted to gain official permission for her disciple... to finish what she previously started without one."

Many in the hall were puzzled by the sudden direction of the topic. Since the incident counted as minor, only a handful of people in the room actually knew about it.

"So, she has not given up on that mortal yet?" Elder Cuby asked calmly, letting out a subtle sigh of relief. Although I will inevitably be brought up later, at least it did not start with me, he thought.

"No," the Sect Master replied, his eyes narrowing slightly. "She wants to kill him this time."

"Kill him... well, she did state that before leaving. We all know the nature of witches," Cuby replied. It was difficult for him to say the latter part out loud, but he had to maintain his cover. Not everyone knows about little Leo, and he did not intend to allow others to find out.

The other people in the hall, despite not knowing the specific context, immediately started voicing their opinions out loud the moment 'witches' were brought up.

"Witches are simply born evil!"

"One should never believe a single word from a witch!"

A girl with the witch bloodline can randomly be born anywhere on the continent. Because it is impossible to trace their lineage or prevent their birth, they constantly appear in the mortal world. These girls naturally possess terrifying innate talent and exceptional potential.

However, they also carry a horrific reputation. Because of this dark stigma, the parent faction, the Five Elements Sect, refuses to recruit them.

Despite this, witches are still allowed to exist. This is entirely due to the Old Witch from the Water Sect. She is unequivocally the most powerful Sect Master among the five sects, and she uses her power to protect her kind and provide them a sanctuary.

Therefore, the Water Sect eagerly hunts for these rejected girls all over the continent and takes them in. While the other four sects constantly lose their best talents to the parent faction, the Water Sect hoards these outcast geniuses. This dynamic makes the Water Sect significantly stronger than the rest.

Over time, this balance has been maintained on the trust that the other sects will not harm any young girl with a witch bloodline and will instead hand them over to the Water Sect.

"Okay, everyone, calm down," one of the Elders spoke up, silencing the chaotic hall. "So, Sect Master... how did you reply?"

"I refused," the Sect Master stated, a smile forming on his face.

Everyone's expression stiffened. This could quickly escalate into something serious.

"Sect Master, this could easily lead to..." The elder did not dare finish the sentence.

"Do not worry," the Sect Master simply smiled, waving his hand dismissively.

By publicly declaring that it was I who personally rejected the request, I have finally repaid the favor I owed that old hag, the Sect Master thought. Naturally, he himself was not afraid of the Water Sect, but as the leader, he had to consider the safety of his entire faction.

Having done his task, the Sect Master's mischievous gaze firmly landed on Elder Cuby once again.

The entire hall held its breath. Here it comes.

"So, Elder Cuby. About what I asked you last time..." he began, his eyes sparkling with gossip. "Were you really not spying on your son's love life?"

"What?!" Cuby choked.

"Ah, Cuby, your son at such a young age..." another elder chimed in, catching the drift.

"Hiss... the youth these days are truly bold."

"Where exactly did you see them, Sect Master?"

These damn people... they are the exact reason the Sect Master loves to act like this! Elder Cuby cursed loudly in his mind, his face flushing red as the surrounding people laughed. He conveniently forgot that he was the one eagerly leading the mocking charges during the last meeting.

The Sect Master smiled playfully, thoroughly enjoying the chaotic reactions of the people below him. By throwing this out there, he knew the other elders would pressure Cuby for the truth. Hah, that is what happens when you refuse to share your juicy private life gossip with me, he thought smugly.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. It looks like your clan will not be able to securely hold the Elder position for long with such scandals, eh, Cuby?"

"Shut up, you damn snake!" Cuby snapped at his rival.

"Hey, Cuby, you cannot be too hard on the boy. But if you truly want a proper daughter-in-law to fix his reputation, how about my niece?" Elder Earth offered from the side.

Many more teasing voices followed, completely shutting Cuby down. But the stoic Patriarch endured the humiliation; he absolutely could not surrender, not when keeping this secret protects his beloved daughter.

"A very lively mortal village. I cannot quite figure out the location. Cuby, help me out, will you...?" an elder asked from the side.

Back during the martial tournament, after their brief conversation in the sky, the Cuby couple had hastily dragged the Sect Master away to prevent him from getting a proper look at the place. Although he remembers the geographical location, he never visited it again.

Getting no answer from the fiercely tight-lipped Patriarch, the discussion continued.

To punish Cuby's silence, the Sect Master coughed out a few more embarrassing secrets, like Cuby haggling pathetically over a necklace, getting beaten by his wife, and affectionately being called a 'pig.'

Back at the Dojo.

Today, Elisi was happily hanging around with Leo in the mountains.

"Isn't it nice out here?"

"It is."

"Hehe, that is why I tell you to relax from time to time. Here, let me apply this."

"Elisi, I... ahhaa..." Leo blushed as a small, relaxed moan escaped her lips.

Today, the two of them were out deep into the mountains. Although Zani had only told them to go check on the waterfall, which is now dojo property, Elisi had decided to turn it into a relaxing picnic instead. She wanted to enjoy the peaceful afternoon with her best friend, Leo, who had become a training maniac as of late.

Currently, Elisi was gently massaging Leo's head using a special, soothing herbal oil she had crafted herself.

Humph. Who says witches are evil? My Leo is so cute, Elisi thought fondly.

"Here, lean on me a bit more," Elisi asked gently.

Leo obediently followed the instruction, resting her head on Elisi's lap, and soon fell into a deep, peaceful sleep under the warm autumn sun.

____________________________

[Question: Why does Sect Master act like this:

A. It's peer influence

B. To lighten the mood among his people

C. This is his way of allowing the upper management to become easy going.

D. This is his disguise

E. Well, if you yourself live for such a long time. You will also develop a hobby to keep yourself entertained in such technology lacking world...]

[Author Note: Do you still remember Leo talent?]

Read next 10 chapters right now, [/Patreon/unpaid13]



END OF VOLUME 1

 

[Pind_Ala]

[Ding~]

[Displaying upgrade condition to reach Level 3]

[Own a mountain]

[Reward: Valley of Trials and increase in Disciple Capacity to 100]

More than three months had passed since the last activity from the System.

Zani was taking his morning walk when the familiar chime suddenly echoed in his mind. He paused in his tracks for a brief moment, but then a faint smile surfaced on his face, and he casually continued on his way. He is vastly different now, completely unlike the early days when he was entirely dependent on the System.

Only after finishing his walk did he return to the dojo.

"Tell Mahi to meet me in my office," Zani instructed a guard stationed at the main gate.

"Yes, Master!"

The guard saluted sharply and hurried off to execute the order.

In a remarkably short time, massive changes have occurred in the previously humble Big Wheat Village. The rapid increase in population is still ongoing, which has naturally led to the formation of a bustling new market.

Following its grand completion, the Forging Union Tower not only invited numerous blacksmiths from all across the empire, but the two grandmasters, after retiring, have chosen to become its honorable elders. This has increased the Union's prestige, naturally drawing in more wealthy customers.

Furthermore, the Iron Core Pavilion's daily profit keeps increasing after its first month, and the addition of the new commerce only helps boost its reputation among the common people.

The dojo's own expansion is also finally finished, and Zani has renovated the front iron gates and the towering boundary walls, making the entire compound look incredibly majestic.

As for the armed guards now patrolling the grounds? This is a pragmatic option Zani created for graduating outer disciples who still wish to remain in the dojo. It also serves as a test to judge who might be worthy of becoming an inner disciple later down the line. Since the 2nd Stage breathing manual is not yet open to the public, these guards currently only practice martial arts daily.

KNOCK.

KNOCK.

"Come in," Zani called out.

Mahi cautiously stepped inside after gaining permission. "Master, you called for me?"

"Yes, Mahi. Please take a seat."

She nodded respectfully and sat on the chair opposite his desk.

"Mahi, since your 'Beast Carriage project' is still ongoing, I want you to handle one more thing for me," Zani began.

Beneath the wooden table, Mahi was already nervously rubbing her thumbs together.

The Beast Carriage project again! Nothing good has happened to me since the first time I covered for it, Mahi lamented inwardly, her mind completely clouding over with stress. I can only curse Elisi in my heart for this terrible predicament!

"Are you listening?" Zani asked, noticing her slightly glazed eyes.

"Y-Yes!" Mahi stammered, jolting upright.

"Good. Then go on. You need to meet with the Mayor and discuss the mountain purchase."

Huh? When did that happen? Mahi stared at her honest Master with panic. What mountain?!

"What happened?" Zani asked, raising an eyebrow at her frozen expression.

"Nothing!" Mahi replied quickly.

Damn it! I cannot let Master find out I was not listening! I cannot let him be disappointed in me! Mahi thought frantically.

Gritting her teeth in sheer determination, she stood up, bowed respectfully, and hastily left the office.

Zani watched her retreating back, suddenly noticing that she had left the detailed discussion notes he had meticulously prepared for her on the desk.

"Looks like she wants to tackle it all by herself. Good," Zani nodded to himself in satisfaction, highly impressed by her growing independence, before calmly moving on to the other reports on the table.

After exiting the office, Mahi's first priority was to find Ethan. He was her Prince Charming and the only person smart enough to salvage her from this disastrous situation.

However, even after frantically searching the dojo grounds for an hour, she could not find him anywhere.

It was approaching noon, and she had not even left for Grains City yet. If Master found out she was hopelessly stalling... the very thought of seeing Zani sighing in deep disappointment brought tears to her eyes.

"Heeey, Mahi! What's up, girl?"

Looking up, she saw Elisi. This Eldest Senior Sister was the exact reason for her current situation. Although Mahi desperately wanted to spit out a few harsh remarks and vent her frustration, she knew arguing with her was simply not worth it.

"Hmph," she snorted coldly, walking right past Elisi while making sure her eyes appeared as dry as possible.

"Are you..." Elisi blinked in bewilderment as the younger girl completely ignored her greeting.

Oh, so we are playing this game? Elisi thought, a cheeky smile surfacing on her face. Then let your Senior Sister teach you exactly how it is played.

She quickly ran to the front to block Mahi's path.

HUMPH.

Mahi snorted again and sidestepped her, continuing her hasty walk without a single word.

"Haa... she really is genuinely mad at me." Seeing the girl go, Elisi sighed softly, shaking her head. "Brats her age are truly difficult to understand. What to do... let's just go find Ethan first."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Somewhere Deep Within the Treacherous, Uncharted Mountains.

The towering trees are so incredibly dense that one can easily tell this place is a natural haven for deadly wild beasts. Yet, hidden within this unforgiving terrain is a sprawling village. The environment was surprisingly lively, with rugged, heavily armed people laughing and casually chatting as they roamed the dirt streets.

Inside the largest central building, a tense meeting was taking place.

"Boss, when are we moving out?" a man asked eagerly.

"In a few days," the leader replied.

"Huh?!" All the men in the hall first fell into a stunned silence, and then violently erupted into cheers.

"We are moving!!"

"We are finally going on another rampage!"

"After such a long time!"

"Yes! I cannot wait!"

The chaotic voices kept multiplying, quickly attracting the people outside, who also started roaring in pure excitement.

"Prepare a feast! We will eat well tonight!" the leader ordered.

He leaned back heavily onto his grand chair, watching the dramatic scene unfold. He was a burly man with a surprisingly easygoing attitude; he might even appear a little handsome if not for the horrific, jagged scars that covered his entire being.

"You are absolutely sure about this, right?" the leader asked, turning his sharp gaze to a scout kneeling nearby.

"I am entirely sure, Leader. It is a prosperous village whose wealth might genuinely rival a city. As for their security... they only have a single dojo there, with absolutely nobody in the 2nd Stage of Body Tempering."

The scout repeated the exact same intelligence he had delivered earlier. He was one of the few loyal members allowed to roam the outside world to gather information. He had returned just yesterday with details of this fat, juicy sheep they could easily slaughter.

"Good," the leader nodded, standing up and imposing his terrifying aura over his subordinates.

"We will leave in three days, and we will need to cover four days of travel. Make your preparations accordingly. It is finally our time!"

He took a brief, dramatic pause before roaring with all his might. "Digger Gang! It is time to make bloody waves across the empire once again!"

"YYAAAHHHAAA!"

"Long live the Digger Gang!"

"Long live Leader Digger!"

The hidden village became incredibly loud and lively; the sheer bloodlust in their shouts scared away the surrounding mountain wildlife.

 

[Pind_Ala]

Five days later.

"DAMN IT!!"

A loud shout, immediately followed by a vicious kick fueled by anger and frustration, sent the heavy wooden table flying across the room.

BOOM.

The sheer kinetic impact punctured the stone wall, leaving only splintered planks from what was once a sturdy desk. All the documents and contents that had rested on it lay scattered across the floor in a chaotic mess.

However, this sudden outburst of violence was simply not enough for the man to calm down, so he started cursing aloud.

During all of this, a man had been standing just a few meters away from the trajectory the table took. Nija cautiously took a few steps back, sweating bullets with visible panic in his eyes.

In his ten years serving as the secretary to the Governor of Warrior City, he had survived his fair share of volatile outbursts, especially under the previous regime. But things were supposed to change when this new governor took office.

And for a time, they had. Governor Salam was not only highly capable but also kind, even if only for show. Yet, this was the first time Nija had ever seen him get so furiously worked up, especially over a simple report he had submitted just a moment ago.

Should I have read it before reporting? Nija thought nervously, watching as Salam seemed to finally calm down a little.

"The Digger Gang. How dare they," Salam hissed, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "Nija, prepare two messenger hawks immediately. One for Grains City, and the other for the Royal Palace."

"Y-Yes, sir."

Seeing the old secretary hurry out of the room, Governor Salam looked back down at the crumpled report in his hand.

"They are definitely aiming for Big Wheat Village. Is this because of their recent developments?" he muttered to himself before sitting back down heavily in his chair, letting out a deeply tired sigh.

"I knew it was a terrible idea. Those idiot captains taking new recruits out to gain field experience... like hell you gain anything by aimlessly patrolling the borders."

He fell silent after that, desperately trying to take in the gravity of the event and the severe consequences that might follow. After all, the very patrol the bandits had just slaughtered included her younger brother.

Let us just hope that little girl does not complain to her backer and get me killed just to accompany her dead brother, Salam thought, a cold shiver running down his spine.

To calm down, he started cursing the Digger Gang all over again. Those idiots should at the very least check who they were killing.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Meanwhile, deep within the untamed wilderness spreading across the outskirts of Warrior City's territory.

Heavy hoofbeats echoed from a distance, shaking the land to announce their presence. A horde of at least sixty heavily armed riders traveled quickly through a rough, dusty trail.

One of the riders in the middle lane yelled out, making sure his voice was heard by those at the front. "Leader, I think the patrol back there saw us!"

"This could go very bad," another seasoned bandit commented.

The Leader, who was riding at the very front of the formation, frowned deeply. Usually, approaching the New Year, security across the entire empire was very lax. That was exactly why they were traveling so openly in the first place.

And indeed, it had been smooth sailing for their entire journey, but after crossing into Warrior City's borders, everything suddenly changed. The outer patrols here were significantly tighter and more aggressive than they were in other cities, even during normal times.

Barely an hour after entering its territory, they were discovered. Although the bandits easily slaughtered everyone in that patrol, just as they were clearing the bloody scene before leaving, a second patrol arrived. This one, unlike the first, immediately turned their horses and ran upon seeing them.

Just as Leader Digger was lost in his internal thoughts, a voice from his trusted aide snapped him out of it.

"I heard the Governor of Warrior City got changed recently," the aide mentioned.

"He did?"

The other bandits in the group started laughing heartily, making light jokes to ease the tension. "Hah, it was about time! Those bloated nobles have eaten way too much silver for what little their ancestors accomplished."

However, only a select few veterans in the group, including Digger, could instinctually feel that something was not right.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Grains City

Inside the Mayor's office, Chaao received the urgent hawk letter an hour later.

After dismissing the guard who brought it in, he opened the sealed letter with utmost care. What will it be this time? Chaao thought nervously, since his father-in-law only ever utilized messenger hawks when he had top-priority commands to deliver.

The very first sentence caused him to sit rigidly upright.

"The Diggers are on the move. Their primary aim is Big Wheat Village. I have already sent a letter to the Royal Palace to request immediate military help.

Until the reply comes, we must hold the bandits back.

The moment they enter Grains City territory, we will launch a pincer attack on them. Our aim is only to harass them and flee, trying to stall for time as much as possible.

Make sure not to let Master Zani find out anything about this impending raid."

It was a hastily written letter, yet it seamlessly covered all logistical bases, the exact style a man used when he was dead serious about the message he wanted to convey.

After reading it a few more times to perfectly memorize the battle plan, Chaao held the letter over a candle to burn it to ash, and immediately left his office to make preparations.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The Royal Palace

In the Earth Dragon Empire, after a formal letter requesting military help was received, it was routed directly to the Minister of Military Affairs. The Minister possessed the authority to independently approve the request and dispatch soldiers if it fell within his standard jurisdiction. If not, it was officially presented to the Emperor to make a final decision. Any military help requiring the deployment of more than half the standing army, or the mobilization of an Immortal or elite squad, fell into this category.

After thoroughly reading the latest emergency request sent via the Warrior City hawk, the Minister of Military Affairs could only shake his head.

"The Digger Gang... to think their whereabouts were actually discovered. This is undeniably a massive matter, but... subduing them will require either an elite squad or an Immortal."

He sighed heavily and muttered something inaudible under his breath before calling his young assistant over.

"Here. After recording its contents into the official ledger, add this request directly to the priority matters we present at tomorrow's Assembly."

"Yes, Sir."

After that, the Minister turned around and left the room. He was no longer in the proper mood to continue working.

Later that exact same day, the assistant was meticulously copying the contents of the letter for record-keeping when he suddenly seemed to remember something. He grabbed the original letter and hurriedly ran off.

Ten minutes later.

"Come in."

After gaining permission, the same assistant nervously entered an opulent palace room and saluted deeply.

"Princess, as per your command to keep an eye out for anything relating to that specific place, this urgent letter arrived this afternoon. Please, have a look."

He respectfully presented the letter with both his hands, his body bent forward at a perfect ninety-degree angle.

The eldest Princess, resting comfortably on a silk divan, gestured lightly with her hand in response, and the maid beside her immediately moved forward to fetch the letter.

"You may go. I will reward you handsomely, depending on how useful I find the information inside."

The assistant bowed again and left the room just as respectfully as he had entered. Only then did the Princess unfold the parchment.

"The Digger Gang... and their target is none other than Big Wheat Village..."

An amused smile slowly bloomed across her beautiful lips.

"Well, it looks like it is finally time to meet you... my future sister-in-law~"

She gently licked her lower lip after saying the last part, a predatory gleam in her eyes, causing the few maids standing in the room to turn their heads away.

______________________________

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[Pind_Ala]

"Kill them all!!"

NEEEEEHHH!

The high-pitched shrieks of panicked warhorses echoed through the desolate wilderness. A horde of armed riders tightened their circle, completely surrounding a small team.

The trapped men, all wearing the standard light armor of official militia scouts from Warrior City, looked around warily at the bloodthirsty bandits closing in on them. Their hands trembled as they gripped the hilts of their iron swords.

Initially, the patrol had thought the intruders were merely a small handful of rogue horsemen. Eager to finally see some action after days of monotonous patrolling, they had recklessly rushed in to engage. But who could have expected that dozens more were following right behind that small vanguard? Their eagerness had led them directly into a fatal encirclement.

"We must clear a path! We cannot let these young recruits die alongside us!"

A rugged man, who appeared to be the squad captain, shouted at the top of his lungs and his old teammates nodded in approval. Originally, they were a tight-knit squad of eight experienced men. However, just last month, they were formally assigned to escort and train a fresh batch of youths, doubling their total number.

Looking back at the children shivering in the center of the defensive ring, the veterans could only shake their heads in bitter despair. If all sixteen of them were hardened teammates, they might have actually possessed a slim chance to forcefully carve their way through the horde. But now...

"I am deeply sorry, everyone! If only I had been much more cautious!" the captain roared, his voice cracking with guilt.

Seeing the morale of his team rapidly decreasing under the crushing pressure, the captain desperately tried to rally them by taking the blame. However, in the brutal crucible of martial combat, allowing one's concentration to waver for even a fraction of a second is a fatal mistake.

SWOOSH.

Just in that microscopic timeframe of distraction, a black-fletched arrow violently pierced straight through the captain's exposed neck.

Blood sprayed into the dry air. The captain's eyes rolled back as he collapsed from his horse, hitting the dirt with a heavy thud.

"CAPTAIN!"

He was not the first one to die today, but he was the only pillar holding the fragile squad together. The very moment the others saw his lifeless body hit the ground, panic erupted. Almost everyone broke the formation, turning their backs to the enemy to cry out for their fallen leader.

"No! Focus on the front!" a veteran screamed in horror, desperately trying to raise his shield.

But it was too late. The horde of riders surged inward, collapsing the broken defensive line from all directions.

"Kill them all!"

"Carnage! HAHAHAHA!"

A mere moment later, every single member of the patrol team died a brutal death without putting up much resistance. The bandits mercilessly butchered them, leaving nothing but mangled, unrecognizable corpses scattered across the bloody dirt.

Leader Digger sat calmly atop his armored horse, watching the slaughter without a trace of concern on his face. His men had hidden in the shadows for far too long; let them settle their chaotic urges.

"Clean up. We are moving out," Leader Digger commanded coldly after few minutes.

They absolutely could not stay in one location for long, especially after leaving a trail of blood. The gang immediately dismounted and began frantically stripping the corpses. They were only halfway through their work when a bandit posted on lookout duty blew a sharp whistle.

Another patrol team had just crested the distant ridge. However, unlike the first squad, this new team took one look at the bandit horde and immediately turned their horses around to flee.

"Let's move out! We are already discovered!" the Leader barked.

The bandits swiftly mounted their horses and abandoned the area a moment later. Since their position was already compromised, they did not even bother hiding the mutilated corpses, simply leaving them out in the open.

They were unaware that a silent shadow had been watching the entire bloody spectacle from high above.

Once the area was entirely clear, the mysterious shadow gracefully leaped down from the canopy of a towering tree, landing on the blood-soaked earth without making a single sound.

"A boy possessing a Saint Bloodline... I cannot allow you to die, not after I have finally found you."

The shadow spoke in a soft whisper while looking down at a severely mangled boy who was miraculously holding onto a sliver of breath among the dead.

Before slowly extended a pale hand. Without any physical contact, the dying boy smoothly floated into the air, suspended by an invisible force.

"A very faint trace of the aura is present within you," the shadow murmured, tilting its head to inspect the youth. "It seems you alone managed to inherit it from your ancestors. I cannot sense another like you on this island."

"Let us go."

The fabric of space distorted where the shadow was standing and a moment later, the shadow and the dying boy vanished completely, leaving no trace of their existence behind.

A full day later.

Grains City. Inside the Mayor's office.

"What...? Why?"

Elisi stared blankly at the small, blood-stained wooden box resting on the heavy desk. She asked the question more to herself than to the sweating Mayor standing before her.

Although she was the one who had sent him to work under Governor Salam, this was not what she had anticipated.

He was supposed go missing during a mission, Elisi thought, her mind struggling to process the reality. Then, years later, a boy claiming to be his son would come join our sect, becoming the best prodigy on the continent and leaving everyone behind with his progress.

But now.

Her brother was dead. Even his whole body was not recovered. The only things resting inside the small box were a few scraps of clothes and bones left behind after the animals had feasted on his remains.

"We are incredibly sorry, Miss Elisi... Governor Salam will definitely provide..."

Mayor Chaao stood behind his desk, nervously wringing his hands. Before he started speaking frantically, desperately trying to explain the chaotic reasons that led to the ambush, attempting to take the blame before eagerly pivoting to talk about compensation. He continued speaking non-stop, perfectly remembering the strict commands in his father-in-law's letter.

He must try hard to appease this little girl's anger. According to Governor Salam, their whole family will be in trouble if this delicate case is not handled with the utmost subservience and care.

However, Elisi was not listening to a single word he said.

Death is not a new concept to her; in her previous life, she had suffered through vastly worse emotional torment and betrayal. Yet, the heavy, suffocating pain gripping her chest right now was undeniably real.

She reached out and silently collected the small wooden box containing her brother's meager remains.

Then without saying a word, she turned and walked out of the office, only briefly stating in a hollow voice that she would visit again later.

Stepping out into the bright, bustling streets of Grains City, the box felt like a mountain in her hands.

Now... how do I possibly explain this to my parents?

______________________________

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[Pind_Ala]

After watching Elisi leave the office, Mayor Chaao could not endure the pressure anymore and fell into his chair.

Today had been an exhausting day for him.

First, the approval from the Royal Palace regarding the mountain purchase had arrived, and he had hurried to the dojo to finalize the delayed task entrusted to him by Master Zani.

Then the very moment he arrived back, he was informed that a letter from Governor Salam had arrived, accompanied by a small, wooden box.

What naturally followed was the nerve-wracking confrontation with Elisi.

Now, after resting for a mere minute to gather his scattered wits, Chaao stood up again. It was time for him to ride to the border of Grains City to organize the military interception.

"Life as a Mayor is so difficult," He grumbled under his breath as he exited his office.

>>>>>>>>>>>>

The Iron Core Dojo

Zani sat comfortably on a rocking chair, overlooking the colorful fish swimming in the small pond they had recently constructed. While leisurely enjoying his morning tea.

Although it was technically far too late in the day to be calling it 'morning tea,' he still drank it lavishly, savoring the brew one sip at a time.

Setting the empty cup down, his focus shifted back to the blue interface floating in his vision.

[Sect Level 3 Upgrade Conditions Successfully Met!]

[Level: 3]

[Exp: 0 / 100]

[Disciples: 60 / 100]

[Reward: Valley of Trials. Click to place it in a suitable valley.]

[Summary: The Valley of Trials puts any person who walks through it under an illusionary trial. Only those who are loyal to the sect will be able to pass.

Note: It only works on individuals whose strength is lower than the Host's.]

Zani was still quite indecisive about it.

It had been an hour since he received the notification. After the initial rush of happiness from progressing further faded away, deep apprehension had set in.

What should I do with those who are ultimately not loyal to the Iron Core? Will I simply force them to leave? What if the disciples I currently trust the most are unable to pass the trial? Should I show anger? Disappointment?

He rubbed his temples, pushing the heavy thoughts away.

"Whatever. At the very least, I will drink for a day or two to soothe myself," Zani muttered aloud before standing up from his chair.

Since New Year was less than a dozen days away, he did not want to ruin the mood of everyone. The Valley of Trials would simply have to wait until everyone returns from holidays.

Time passed. During lunch, a new set of system notifications chimed in his mind.

[Ding~]

[New Quest: Make the Sect self-sufficient. Own 200 fields as Sect property.]

[Rewards: 10 EXP and Host gains a talent related to plants.]

[New Quest: Ensure all 100 disciples are loyal to the Sect.]

[Rewards: 20 EXP and 3rd Stage - Bone Forging Introduction Manual.]

Zani stared at the screen. Two hundred fields?

The entirety of Big Wheat Village has somewhere around three hundred agricultural fields in total. Currently, the Iron Core Dojo owns thirty-two of them, which were left completely barren since Zani never had any intention of growing crops.

To fulfill this specific quest, merely purchasing the land is easy enough with his current wealth. But to actually become self-sufficient through them is a massive project. Managing fragmented plots of land spread far apart is highly inefficient, and there is no single place in the entire vicinity of Grains City that encompasses two hundred fields as a unified entity.

This means we will need to clear the surrounding wilderness and manually create brand-new fields ourselves, Zani realized.

Although Zani let his thoughts run wild, his main focus was still on devouring the delicious food placed in front of him. Suddenly, he paused, noticing the distinct lack of a certain presence.

It is very quiet today. Wait... where is Elisi?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Meanwhile, somewhere far away from the humble Dojo.

Inside a pristine, brilliantly illuminated white hall, five figures sat around a large, circular stone table.

"How is the boy doing?" one of the figures asked, his voice echoing in the vast space.

"He has finally gained consciousness. He is quite terrified currently," another replied smoothly.

"Let him adjust to his surroundings a bit before we begin his studies."

"Hmm."

Out of the five individuals present, only two were speaking. The other three sat with their eyes closed, quietly murmuring to themselves, mechanically repeating the exact same word with every single breath.

Only when the ongoing conversation ceased did another figure speak up.

"Are you sure he will find the other requirements necessary for breaking the bottleneck?"

"He personally may not. But his descendants surely will," another answered. "After all, he has the blood of the Saints within his veins. The Saints were the only humans to ever successfully break into the next realm. Even just the small, fragmented teachings left behind by them have allowed us to extend our lifespans by more than a dozen centuries."

The records left by the Saints detail the limitations placed upon pure-blooded humans. These fatal limitations are the Core Spiritual Disease, the Five Misguided Senses, and the Structural Illusions.

Hearing this, the only woman seated at the table suddenly stood up, her expression turning terrifyingly cold.

"We only possess knowledge of the Five Misguided Senses thus far," the woman stated sharply before turning around, her luxurious robes flowing behind her as she walked toward the exit. "I do not want to hear you fools talking about discovering the other requirements when you have not even gained control over the ones we already know!"

The remaining people in the hall hung their heads in shame after she left before immediately closing their eyes and intensely concentrating on their breathing again, returning to their inaudible, repetitive chanting.

After walking down a long, silent corridor, the woman entered another room.

Inside, five glowing stone slabs floated silently in midair.

"The Five Misguided Senses."

"The Disease of Lust: Like an elephant. A being who is easily tricked by the fake image of a female, falling blindly into the trap set by the hunter."

"The Disease of Sight and Beauty: Like a moth. A being who is so hopelessly attracted to the mesmerizing beauty of a flame that it flies directly into it, burning itself to ash."

"The Disease of Sound: Like a deer. A being who is easily distracted by a sweet, enchanting melody, stopping its movement only to be effortlessly shot by the hunter."

"The Disease of Taste and Tongue: Like a fish. A being who is fatally lured to its death by the taste of a small piece of meat hanging on a hook."

"The Disease of Smell: Like a bumblebee. A being so thoroughly intoxicated by the sweet fragrance of a flower that it willingly sits inside the petals until it is swallowed whole."

The woman sighed deeply after reading them.

No matter how many times she studies the text or tries to draw new philosophical relations between what is written and human nature, she simply cannot say her deduction is absolutely correct.

Although forcefully gaining emotional detachment by utilizing our power is very easy, that hollow state cannot be maintained permanently, she thought, her eyes tracing the glowing runes. Even if we could, the devastating price we must pay is far more severe than simply diluting our bloodlines with other races.

All they desperately desired was to simply gain freedom from these heavenly limitations. To broke this bottleneck that does not allow pure blooded humans to ascend to the next realm.

______________________

[Let us dwell into the mysteries some more...]

[Let me know if you do not understand anything]

 

[Pind_Ala]

The Royal Palace.

A young girl hurried along the corridor, desperately trying to reach her destination as fast as possible.

KNOCK.

KNOCK.

The heavy doors creaked open, and a maid peered out from the crack. "Yes?"

"I have news related to that place!" the young girl gasped, clutching a parchment to her chest.

"You are late. Her Highness is no longer interested in that matter. Go away," the maid replied coldly.

"Oh... okay." The girl could only clench her fists in bitter disappointment, crushing the message. She had just lost an opportunity to earn the Royals' favor.

She turned away to leave, but before she could take a single step, a suffocating presence wrapped around her throat, and a cold whisper echoed into her ear from behind.

"Make sure not to speak a word that might bring harm upon you."

"Y-Yes!" the girl stammered, her face draining of all color as she fled the corridor in terror.

The maid watched her run before silently closing the doors.

"Her Highness will be angry if she finds out you threatened a cute girl like that," a colleague commented from inside the room, clearly displeased with the method she had used.

The maid could only shake her head and return to her chores. The nature of their mistress was slowly rubbing off on the entire staff around her. She just hope they would not develop the same taste as her.

On the Borders of the Grains City Territory.

A petite figure stood gracefully balanced on the high branch of a towering tree, her dark cloak fluttering in the wind as she watched the spectacle unfolding down below.

"Mistress, should we intervene and help them?" another cloaked figure gracefully appeared next to the girl, dropping to one knee in subservience.

"Let us wait a little while longer," the Princess replied, an amused smile playing on her lips.

Down in the open, a desperate fight for survival was ongoing. Governor Salam and Mayor Chaao had originally marched out to execute a hit-and-run guerrilla tactic, aiming to harass the Digger Gang and buy time for the imperial reinforcements. However, they were currently trapped in an encirclement.

"Damn you, Nija! You damn traitor!" Governor Salam yelled with anger and frustration, while swinging his blade to deflect the arrows aimed toward them.

"Hehehe. Governor Salam, I am certainly not a traitor. You cannot casually slander me like that," Nija mocked. The bald secretary stood safe behind a thick wall of heavily armed bandits. "We are simply business partners."

Governor Salam groaned in agony as a sneak arrow pierced his thigh, bringing him to one knee.

I completely understand now, Salam cursed inwardly, his eyes burning with hatred. We were played from the very start. The previous Governor was not the mastermind; he was just a naive fool who got kicked out. The real person cooperating with the bandits was always him... the secretary!

"Do not worry, Governor," Nija laughed heartily, his voice dripping with venom. "I am getting a massive sum of money this time. Perhaps I will even generously donate some of it to the Empire under your name. That will make you a kind, noble soul that the people will always remember! So, please... die without any worries now! Hahahaha!"

Nija's boisterous laughter echoed across the battlefield, making the bandits around him grin along.

BOOM.

The laughter abruptly ceased.

A terrifying impact struck the earth, throwing up a cloud of dust and making every single person on the battlefield stop fighting, their heads snapping toward the epicenter of the deafening noise.

Nija, the man who had just been gloating a mere second earlier, was now half-buried into the earth. From the grotesque explosion of blood and bone around him, anyone could see he was beyond dead.

Standing directly behind the crushed corpse was a towering, muscled woman. Her heavy boot rested casually on Nija's mangled shoulder, making it clear that she had literally dropped from the sky to stomp a 2nd Stage martial artist into a bloody paste.

The sheer physical prowess of an Immortal completely defies mortal comprehension.

"Who... who exactly are you?!"

In a terrifying moment where everyone else was too paralyzed by fear to even breathe, a brave bandit stepped forward with a trembling sword to ask the question.

"You do not possess the necessary qualifications to know anything about us."

Another woman descended from the sky, replied the man as she landing lightly on the bulky woman's right side. This was immediately followed by a third woman landing on the left. "We are simply here to kill you all."

Lastly, a cloaked figure gracefully floated down from the towering trees, landing softly behind the three Immortals.

"Do it," she ordered softly.

"Yes, my lady!" all three women replied respectfully.

BOOM.

The bulky woman kicked Nija's mangled corpse with terrifying kinetic force, sending the dead weight flying like a cannonball, which knocked down three mounted bandits. Then she charged forward like a rampaging beast, with the other two blurring into motion right behind her.

Only then did the petite figure slowly pull back her hood, fully revealing her face and clearing the lingering doubts in the hearts of the surviving officials.

"The Eldest Princess! Governor, we are saved!" Mayor Chaao cheered, his voice cracking with relief.

"Damn it! What is she doing here?!" Leader Digger roared, his face draining of all color. "That incompetent fool Nija swore the royals would only send reinforcements tomorrow!"

He could only wildly grit his teeth as his men were instantly massacred like helpless sheep.

"Retreat! Run for your lives!" Leader Digger screamed.

He immediately abandoned his own men, whipping his horse to bolt in the opposite direction to preserve his own life. He knew the chances of survival were microscopically small but he still tried his best.

He could only blame his own luck as he ran. He had waited, schemed, and planned everything from the shadows. Everything was supposed to go perfectly. He had no idea where the plans had derailed.

"EARTH SPEAR!"

A sharp shout echoed from not far behind him.

The ground violently erupted. A massive, jagged spike of solid earth shot upward directly beneath his horse, instantly impaling the beast.

THUD.

Leader Digger desperately leaped from the saddle at the very last moment, crashing crudely into the dirt to save his life. He scrambled backward, only to see the bulky woman standing just a few paces away, effortlessly raising a massive war hammer forged entirely out of condensed earth.

"Eldest Princess Anne!" he shouted at the top of his lungs.

The heavy stone hammer stopped a mere inch from his sweating face.

"You wish to say something?"

The hammer was slowly pulled away, allowing the bandit leader to see the Princess standing leisurely at the far end of his vision.

"Yes! Please spare me!" Leader Digger begged, instantly dropping to his knees and slamming his forehead against the dirt. "I will work for you! I will gladly be your loyal dog! Just do not kill me!"

Hearing his desperate pleas, Princess Anne slowly walked forward, stopping only when she stood directly in front of his trembling form. She had deliberately closed the distance to ensure the surviving officials could not hear the coming conversation.

Meanwhile, this short pause gave Digger enough time to catch his breath.

I can survive this. I just need to say the right things, Digger thought frantically, his mind racing to find a way out of the predicament. This is not the first time I have groveled to save my own skin. Today will be no different!

But his fragile hopes were instantly and violently crushed.

"Do you truly think I am like my brother?" Princess Anne asked, her voice dripping with amusement.

"How did you know...?" Digger choked, his eyes widening in horror.

"Trust me, you do not want to know the answer to that," Anne smiled brilliantly. "And I do not need dogs. What I need are bitches."

SPLASH.

The hammer swung in an arc, leaving a headless corpse behind.

The infamous Digger Gang, a syndicate that had terrified the empire's citizens for years, was casually exterminated in a single afternoon. When news of this massacre eventually spreads, it will undoubtedly shake many people to their core.

But for now, there will be no leaks until the next month. Princess Anne has ordered total silence, primarily because she has not yet finished the main agenda for her leave from the palace.

"Now then... Governor Salam and Mayor Chaao," Princess Anne smiled sweetly, turning toward the officials. "Let us have a very serious talk."

__________________________

[Question: Guess why does Princess Anne wants to visit dojo:

A. She misses her brother.

B. She is curious about the dojo itself.

C. She just wants to see her Sister-in-law.

D. She is really interested in her Sister-in-law.

E. She wants to discuss something with Zani.]

______________________________

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[Pind_Ala]

All six surviving men, including Mayor Chaao and Governor Salam, dropped to their knees the moment the young lady turned toward them.

"Remember, you did not see me here today," Princess Anne commanded, her voice icy and absolute. "Only these three women came for your rescue."

"Y-yes, Your Highness," they stammered in unison.

Although the officials did not know exactly why they must maintain such secrecy, an order from royalty is absolute. Since the Princess commanded it, they would obey without question.

"One more thing, Governor Salam," Anne added, her tone lightening slightly. "You are officially invited to the New Year's Eve banquet at the Royal Palace. Since you are keeping a secret for me, let me give you a hint. Think of a good surname before you arrive."

Flipping her hair, she turned her back to them and gestured for her guards to follow.

"Let's go."

SWOOSH.

By the time the officials dared to lift their heads, all four women had vanished from sight.

"They are gone?"

"So... the Digger Gang is truly no more..."

"Governor, what should we do now?" Chaao asked, his voice trembling.

"Let's move to Grains City to rest first," Salam ordered, slowly pushing himself up from the blood-soaked ground.

"Yes, Sir."

They departed shortly after, leaving the mangled corpses of the bandits for the wild animals to feast upon. Naturally, they packed up all the important items, such as the remains of their fallen comrades, the severed heads of the enemy officers, and all the weapons, horses, and valuables.

On the ride back, Salam could not help but wonder exactly why he was receiving a surname bestowal. In this empire, royals divided into branch families constantly fight tooth and nail for Governorships just to ensure they are not stripped of their existing surnames. Ordinary officials like them do not possess the qualifications to earn a new one.

I certainly do not deserve such an honor, not yet, Salam thought, his grip tightening on the reins. Could it be because of the mysterious backer behind the Iron Core?

He sucked in a sharp breath of cold air. To think that backer was truly such an influential figure...

In reality, he was overthinking it. The Emperor was simply using the intelligence provided in Salam's letter as a convenient pretense to justify the annihilation of the Digger Gang. Giving the Governor far more credit than he deserved solely because of the things written in Deol's letter.

Big Wheat Village.

"Mistress, is he really the same Third Prince?"

"That is what this stupid artifact is saying," Princess Anne replied, lowering the glowing, bangle-like object from her eye level.

The three guards standing around her wore the exact same dumbfounded expressions as their mistress.

What exactly happened to my brain-dead brother? Anne thought, completely bewildered.

Currently, they stood concealed on the high roof of the Iron Core Pavilion, looking down at the adjacent construction site. The tournament venue was undergoing a massive upgrade. Down in the center, Ethan (Deol) was giving a detailed overview of the project to a group of laborers, meticulously pointing at complex blueprints and heavily annotated notes.

"Is the artifact damaged?"

"It should not be possible."

The guards were highly doubtful, carefully examining the glowing bangle. To think a person who previously never hesitated before doing something reckless would suddenly turn into a diligent, meticulous scholar... they could not even describe the sheer absurdity of it.

Who even writes down what someone says to them during a casual discussion? Anne thought, watching her brother scribble notes on a parchment. Can he simply not remember it?

"Mistress, the artifact is working perfectly-"

"Shut up, I do not care," Anne hissed, cutting the guard off. "We must observe him some more. Do not let anyone see us."

"Yes, my lady."

Silently, they shadowed his every move throughout the entire day.

By sunset, their patience had worn thin.

"That idiot! Did he fool us?!" Anne growled under her breath. "I did not see him talking to any girl for more than a minute, much less lovingly! He is only working and working! Going from one project to another, and then training his body in the little free time he has!"

"Mistress, he did go inside the Dojo's Main Hall during lunchtime," one of the guards offered, casually eating an apple as she spoke.

Princess Anne was already furious. Hearing her guard defend her brother made her snap. She snatched the carefully cut fruit and threw it right back at her.

"That was to eat lunch! What the heck can a man possibly do during lunch?!"

She paused, a horrifying realization suddenly dawning on her.

Wait... don't tell me my supposed sister-in-law was the one who made that lunch for him, and that is the love he speaks of? Anne thought, her eye twitching violently. Is he delusional?!

Frustrated, she could not take the suspense anymore. She decided to change her approach to the investigation. Although doing so would break her promise to their mother, she could no longer control her burning curiosity.

On the other side of the village.

After a full day of grief, Elisi had finally come clean to her parents about her brother's departure. Her parents were devastated, and she had stayed by their side to keep them company throughout the entire day. Tomorrow, they would bid him their final farewell.

Currently, Elisi was on her way to inform Master Zani about the situation. It would be good if he could attend, but more importantly, she needed to request a personal leave of absence.

As she neared the iron gates of the Gym, she immediately noticed a heated commotion.

"What do you mean I cannot go in? Do you know who I am?!"

"Let us through! We will only be here for a day. We are leaving this village tomorrow!"

"We will pay triple what the other disciples are handing you! Do you understand that?! Call your boss!"

"Madam, please..."

"No, it is not like that..."

The back-and-forth arguments had become so chaotic that the passing spectators could not even make sense of the scene. Through the crowd, Elisi saw three wealthy-looking girls aggressively pushing their way toward the gates, while a fourth girl stood silently behind them.

Elisi's gaze locked onto the quiet girl in the back.

Is that...?

Her blood ran cold.

That thieving bitch. What is she doing here?! Elisi screamed in her mind.

Although the girl was thoroughly disguised, Elisi could identify that look anywhere. Those cold, calculating eyes... eyes that only lit up for women.

She should not be here. Not this early, Elisi thought, her heart pounding furiously against her ribs. It seems that in this timeline, more things have changed than I can account for.

She had sworn an oath to kill this anomaly the very first time she saw her, an event that should not have occurred for another eight years. At the current stage, she could not do a single thing to harm her.

But I absolutely will not let her inside, Elisi thought, her fists clenching tight. Nor will I let her meet Leo or Mahi.

Gritting her teeth, she pushed her way through the dense crowd.

"What is happening here?" she demanded, her voice carrying a sharp, authoritative edge.

The guards, who were visibly struggling to hold the wealthy intruders back, sighed in relief when they saw their Eldest Senior Sister arrive.

"Senior Elisi, please help us!" one of the guards pleaded, wiping sweat from his brow. "These people are being completely unreasonable."

Elisi offered a curt nod to the guards. Calmly, she stepped forward, placing herself directly in the path of the disguised women.

"You are not welcome here," Elisi stated coldly. "Leave."

______________________

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[Pind_Ala]

"How are the preparations going?" Zani asked, leaning back in his chair.

"I have finalized the finer details as per your request, and the invitations are also sent," Ethan replied.

"Good." Zani nodded proudly, satisfied with the work efficiency. "You can take the day off tomorrow. I will handle the few things that are left."

"Thank you, Master!" Ethan beamed, his expression brightening with genuine ecstasy.

For days now, Mahi's silent treatment had been suffocating him. She was still bitter over the incident, pointing out how he had ghosted her when she needed him most, and her frustration had finally escalated into ignoring his presence. Weighed down by guilt and desperate to mend their rift, Ethan struck upon a glimmer of hope when he overheard Leo reminiscing about a relaxing picnic.

I should try something similar, Ethan thought with hardened resolve. I need to mend this relationship before the New Year's Eve festival.

Knock! Knock!

Just as Ethan was about to exit the office, a rapid knocking echoed against the wooden door. Zani signaled for him to open it.

The guard standing outside was visibly caught off guard when the door opened, before he begin speaking through his heavy panting. "Master Zani, at the front gates... Senior Elisi!"

Meanwhile, out at the front gates, chaos had erupted.

"You rotten wretch, let me go! I will tear her apart! You will die today! I will kill you!!"

Huh. Elisi scoffed internally, crossing her arms as she watched the disguised princess being desperately held back by her own guards. To think this cold-blooded lunatic is so easily provoked. She really is just a child right now.

She was, in fact, thoroughly enjoying the dramatic show. She watched with a mocking smirk as the guards struggled to restrain the furious woman, leaving her with nothing to do but point and scream curses.

This was the exact same woman who, in the future, would sit upon the imperial throne, only to betray everyone and side with the Ancestor. The notoriously cold Princess Anne, who from birth possessed a composed, majestic bearing and a unique allure capable of wooing any woman's heart.

I can certainly see that very composed princess now, Elisi thought sarcastically.

"Huh, cheap prostitutes," Elisi sneered aloud, her voice dripping with venomous disdain as she added fuel to the already raging fire. "Acting all wealthy just to gain our dojo disciples' attention."

"THIS BITCH, DO YOU KNOW...!" Princess Anne could not take the humiliation anymore and shrieked with all her might. To think she would be pushed to such blinding fury by a mere girl!

But mid-sentence, one of her guards clamped a hand firmly over her mouth, refusing to let her continue. "Mistress, please calm down! You cannot reveal anything here!"

"Please, my lady," another guard pleaded in a frantic whisper. "His Highness the Emperor will surely find out about this if you drop any hints!"

"Let us just go," the third guard hissed, forcefully dragging her backward. "We will surely kidnap her tonight."

All three guards, themselves heavily disguised, were trying their absolute best to drag the thrashing princess away and forcefully calm her down.

"What is happening here?"

The chaotic arguments instantly ceased, and the surrounding crowd subconsciously parted, making a wide path as Zani stepped into the scene. In recent times, thanks to the dojo's prestige, he had gained a nearly divine reputation among the populace of Big Wheat Village.

"Elisi."

"Master Zani!" Elisi rigidly turned toward him. In the blink of an eye, her arrogant, mocking expression completely melted away, replaced by the pitiful, teary-eyed look of someone who had suffered a grievance.

"These women," Elisi said, pointing a trembling finger at the dumbfounded royal group. "They were speaking horribly about you, Master! I was only defending your reputation!"

You liar! Everyone in the crowd screamed in their minds, but they were far too stunned by the girl's acting skills to voice their thoughts aloud. Was such a shameless transformation even humanly achievable?

"Elisi, we heard everything on the way here." Ethan, standing right beside Zani, could not help but shake his head in pity. Finally, the day when this gluttonous demon is slain has arrived, he thought, fully expecting his Master to ruthlessly discipline her.

"Elisi, to my office. Now," Zani commanded, his tone uncompromisingly stern.

At his sharp order, Elisi could only drop her head in defeat and obediently walk inside.

She has messed up again, Elisi thought as she took small steps forward. That last remark was entirely unnecessary. It seems the loss of my brother has done more harm than it appears on the surface. I am losing my cool head and making dumb, irrational blunders.

After watching her retreat, Zani turned his gaze toward the women. "And you young women, my dojo is no longer accepting any disciples. You can go now."

"But I..."

Before Princess Anne could begin to argue that they merely wanted a tour of the grounds, Zani had already turned his back on them. He was simply no longer interested in continuing the pointless argument.

As the dojo master walked away, the gathered crowd also started dispersing, leaving the tense scene behind.

Standing in the settling dust, Princess Anne felt it again, that cold, suffocating feeling of being unimportant.

Then, she saw him. Her brother was looking directly toward them.

Are we discovered? she panicked internally as Ethan began walking purposefully in their direction.

But to her bewilderment, he walked right past them, completely ignoring their presence, and smoothly hugged a girl from behind.

"Mahi," Ethan murmured warmly.

"Stupid Ethan. Humph!" Mahi instantly snapped, trying to squirm out of his embrace.

"Hey, are you still mad at me?"

"..."

"Talk with me. Did you know I asked Master for a holiday tomorrow?"

Mahi paused, glancing back at him. "For me too?"

"What?" Ethan blinked, confused.

"Dumb Ethan! I do not have a holiday tomorrow, so let go of me!"

Princess Anne stood frozen in silence, watching as the young couple bickered and walked back inside the dojo, completely disappearing from sight.

"Let us go," Anne finally ordered, letting out a long breath.

"Yes, Mistress."

The guards breathed a collective sigh of relief and hurriedly followed her out of the village. They had ultimately fulfilled their core mission for coming here, so they began their return journey toward the capital. After all, the news of the Princess sneaking out of the royal palace to check on her brother was known to a select few, and it absolutely could not reach the Emperor's ears.

Although Anne was still seething with rage at that little brat named Elisi, she could not risk exposing her brother's disguise just to seek petty revenge. Besides, the vast majority of her foul mood had already evaporated after seeing Mahi.

Oh, my sweet little sister-in-law, Anne thought, a highly amused smile touching her lips.

Meanwhile, back inside the office, Zani had just taken his seat when Elisi suddenly threw out a heavy statement.

"Master Zani, tomorrow we are bidding my little brother a final farewell. Will you attend the ceremony?"

The words completely caught him off guard. He had never seen the energetic Elisi look so utterly broken and defeated before.

"Your little brother..." Zani murmured, his heart aching for the girl. "I am very sorry for your loss, Elisi. I will try my best to be present at the ceremony."

A long, awkward silence followed.

Looking at her lowered head, Zani simply could not bring himself to start a harsh conversation regarding the chaotic mess she had just caused at the front gates. He thought of offering a few disciplinary statements, but every time he opened his mouth, the words caught in his throat.

He was afraid that he would not be able to comfort her if she suddenly started crying, or worse, if the scolding brought her grief bubbling back to the surface.

So, after a prolonged quiet, he spoke a gently. "How many holidays do you want?"

"A week," Elisi replied softly, her voice devoid of its usual cheeky vigor. "I will be going to a temple to pray with my parents."

"Okay. I will let someone else handle your duties."

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[If Zani has used Talen Evaluation eye at font door, would his expression be any different?]

Try to guess this, I will reveal answer in next chapter.

Note: I am halfway done with polishing, if you are re-reading you might have noticed some changes like change in lowest grade from 9th grade to 1st grade.
Although no major plot change have happened yet. I will be adding some action moments into the later chapters volume 1.

Next chapter : chapter 73. It took a lot of my time to write it. you will know why...

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Support me and read next 10 chapters right now, [/Patreon/unpaid13]

 

[Pind_Ala]

The day everyone had been eagerly waiting for finally arrived.

New Year's Eve.

Unlike the previous year, when most of the Big Wheat Village residents had traveled to Grains City to celebrate the festival, a completely different scene unfolded this time.

The entire village was glowing like a sea of lights. The night market was vibrant, packed with people wearing colorful new clothes, their breath pluming in the crisp winter air. Then there was the main attraction, the tournament venue.

Zani had once again orchestrated something phenomenal.

"Let's go, the event is about to start!"

"So beautiful, the whole venue is decorated so colorfully."

"Mommy, I want that candy..."

The venue, which had been nothing more than a bare, unadorned wooden structure when it first opened to the public during the blacksmith tournament, was exceptionally breathtaking tonight.

Although only the central stage had been fully renovated, the seating areas were draped in elegant, festive cloth. The sky above was painted red by hundreds of floating lanterns, making the massive structure stand out brilliantly against the dark night.

Since entry was free and open to everyone, the stands had filled up much earlier than anticipated.

As the scheduled time drew near, snow began to fall from the heavens.

Hoooo.

A soft, trembling note from a bamboo flute pierced the air. It sounded like a lone bird braving the winter snow. The haunting melody instantly silenced the massive crowd, drawing every eye toward the stage.

The heavy curtains that had obstructed the audience's view for so long slowly lifted.

Zheng.

The gentle, lingering pluck of a guqin string resonated, and the performers finally came into view.

"A hundred years is just a falling leaf," a warm, steady voice carried across the silent venue. "A mortal life is but a fleeting breath."

The singer closed his eyes, pouring raw emotion into the words. "They climb the clouds to run away from grief. But I would gladly walk to death, if it means being with thee."

Thud.

A slow, single beat of a leather drum echoed like the steady rhythm of a beating heart.

"Let fate draw lines we aren't supposed to cross. Let karmic winds rewrite our destiny. I care not for the ages or the loss..."

Thud-thud! Zheng-zheng-zheng!

The tempo quickened. The drum beat like a rising storm, and the strings cascaded in a rapid, desperate rhythm, perfectly matching both the song's rising intensity and the audience's swelling emotions.

"Just stand by me!" The singer's voice rose, thick with raw, unwavering devotion. "If fate demands our end, I'll break the pen! Just stand by me! For you, I'd fight the heavens and the realm of men!"

The music swelled further, not with wrath, but with a fierce, blinding passion. The drum thundered, and the flute pierced the cold air, carrying a love so deep it defied the natural laws.

"No divine decree can tear our hands apart. My only cultivation is this beating heart!"

The flurry of notes peaked, then instantly vanished. The drum stopped.

Only the falling snow remained in the breathless silence.

The singer exhaled softly. When he sang the final line, it was a fragile, tender whisper.

"For I just want to live in tranquility... With you... For eternity."

CLAP. CLAP. CLAP.

The entire venue roared with deafening applause and praises the moment the song ended.

Astonishingly, these performers had never played in front of such a massive crowd before. They were merely a loose group of musicians who usually worked at expensive tea shops or restaurants to make a living.

Since Zani could not hire the best, who had all gone to perform at the capital, he had made do with them. So, when they performed so well even he was genuinely surprised and applauded.

"Woohoo, I am sorry my love... sob."

Up in the stands reserved exclusively for the Iron Core, Julian was crying loudly, completely breaking down and making everyone around him uncomfortable.

Nearby, Ethan and Mahi were openly showing their affection, deeply moved by the romantic ballad.

Some of the bolder youths in the crowd were stealing covert glances toward their crushes.

"What are you looking at?!" Peda snapped when a fellow disciple dared to glance toward his sister.

Such happenings were common, leaving the bitter singles groaning throughout the stands.

A few solo performances followed, which were also highly enjoyable. Toward the end, the audience was given the chance to step up to the stage. A brave few did, and the grand event finally concluded amidst boundless joy and laughter.

Following the public spectacle, a small, private party was held inside the Iron Core Dojo to celebrate the new year. During the feast, Zani delivered a heartfelt speech, wishing everyone prosperity and luck, and officially announced a five-day holiday just like the previous year.

Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away in the Imperial Capital. Earth Dragon City

Inside the Royal Palace, the New Year's celebrations were still ongoing and would continue well until morning.

"You are Governor Salam. I have heard a lot about you."

"Your Highness."

After the important guests had their fill, the Governor finally got his chance to greet His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor himself. Inwardly, Salam was practically trembling with thrill.

"It is an honor to know that you recognize this humble servant," He bowed deeply.

"Hahaha, no need to be so modest," the Emperor laughed heartily. "Many people here are talking about you today. The man who helped annihilate the Digger Gang. You have done the Empire a great service, Governor."

"Y-yes, Your Majesty. Thank you."

Salam nodded proudly, though a cold sweat pricked his back when the Emperor praised him for a feat he absolutely had not done. The Eldest Princess already warned me to act natural earlier today, Salam thought, keeping his smile perfectly steady. This is definitely happening because of that hidden Immortal backing the gym. To think he possesses the influence to make even the Emperor sing my praises!

"Governor Salam, this way, please. Your Highness, it is time."

Salam was still deep in his internal monologue when a court lady addressed him, pointing toward a designated place for him to stand.

So, it is beginning, he thought, hurriedly taking his position.

Halfway into the royal banquet, it is tradition for the Emperor to deliver a grand speech marking the New Year. After this address, guests are officially permitted to leave the venue at any time.

"Ladies and gentlemen."

The Emperor's speech was quite lengthy, meticulously detailing the major events that had occurred throughout the year. He sprinkled a few lighthearted jokes in between to maintain a joyous mood. Finally, the extermination of the infamous Digger Gang was officially announced, instantly making Governor Salam the center of attention.

He immediately dropped to one knee, bowing his head to show his fealty.

The Emperor nodded to himself when he looked down at the kneeling Governor. "You are hereby granted the imperial permission to bear a surname. Have you thought of one yet?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Salam replied, his voice echoing with gratitude. "Faust."

"Then rise, Salam Faust," the Emperor declared, his booming voice washing over the grand hall.

[A/N: Salam Faust – Peace the Fortunate]

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[Do you like the Surname? Do you like the Song? Y/N]

[Last question answer - Yes, he would smile at his stupidity. font door is an inanimate object what kind of talent it can have? hehehehe] ~A brain rot question and answer just to mess with you.

 

[Kacperix]

The Narration: Are there too many time skips? Is there a lack of detail in certain scenes?

The Tenses: Unlike standard novels that are written strictly in one tense, I experimented in this novel by changing tenses based on the situation. Did you like this approach, or did it pull you out of the story?

General Critiques: Was there anything you disliked, or anything you feel could elevate the quality of the story?

Click to shrink...

I like the time skips, and I think they're necessary in xianxia, where you need to cultivate for months, or even years or decades, just to advance by a single realm.

[Question: What are you talented in? Tell me. if I like it, I will create a character based on it.
Here's your time to shine. Just write anything. We will not judge...]

Click to shrink...

I think I'm talented at math, or at least I didn't need to learn from books and understood almost everything just from the lessons at school. Now I have a degree in automation mechanics. I have some survival skills, too, but those are mostly just memorizing things like plants, etc. So idk if you can call it a talent when I've never truly been stranded and have always had a backpack with everything necessary when camping.

[Question: Do you think Zani is slowly growing as a sect master?

A. yes
B. no
C. A little bit
D. I would have done a better job.]

Click to shrink...

Yeah, I think he should be a little stricter, though, or maybe more observant. He gets easily manipulated by Elisi, but I guess she's an old granny with centuries of experience, so I can't really blame the guy. He also fell for the same disguise trick twice, first with Leo and now with the prince. I'm looking forward to his reaction when he finds out that the prince is actual royalty and not just some bastard with royal blood.

[If Zani has used Talen Evaluation eye at font door, would his expression be any different?]

Click to shrink...

I guess you're asking if he would react differently to the princess if he could tell at first glance that she was talented, and I think he definitely would. But he'd seem shallow to me if he did that and only interacted with or became interested in talented individuals. Show some love to the hard working ones too, lol.

Thanks for the great story! Can't wait for more chapters.