Tales Of Demons, Gods, And Libraries

I wake from a restful sleep. Taking a glance around, I crawl out of my bedroll and stretch every bit of my body. After the satisfying snaps and pops, I complete a brief survey of the defensive arrays. Once I confirm there were no attempts to enter the building, I destroy each of the arrays. I don't want to leave valuable arrays laying around. I should have done this at the last place I rested at, but I didn't think of it at the time.

I really am just fumbling my way through this world.

Once all the arrays have been destroyed, I gather my items back into my interspatial ring and have a cold breakfast of jerky and juice.

Once I've eaten my fill, I enter Void-Form and make my way to the roof of the building. Looking over the ruins, I'm met with an eerie silence. Oddly, it feels right. Disturbing but respectful.

Turning away from the ruins, I make my way towards the perimeter wall. I've got a long trip back to Glory City.

*******Back in Glory City********

Standing on a balcony overlooking a magnificent garden, Principle Ye patiently waits beside a powerful figure. Gazing down at the color-filled garden, the unidentified man releases a deep sigh.

"Tell me everything," he commands Principle Ye in a measured even tone.

Running a hand over his long beard, Principle Ye collects his thoughts before speaking. Gathering a deep breath, he begins, "He is an orphan by the name Zhu Di. He was turned over to the orphanage by a guard at the age of seven. His parents and the approximate date of birth is unknown, but he knew his own name. He was offered and accepted the City Lord's Scholarship due to his Green soul realm. The orphanage matron speaks rather highly of him. She specifically mentioned his kindness to the other orphans and his exceptional intelligence. I suspect she is rather attached to the boy."

The powerful man grunts in response. With a nod of his head, Principle Ye continues, "The boy is dark of hair with striking pale eyes. Large for one of his years, appearing to be around sixteen years of age versus his actual age of thirteen. He will be turning fourteen in a month, but the orphanage matron admitted that it is merely the date she selected to celebrate his birth.

"Zhu Di came to my office seeking permission to enter the Heavenly Sacred Border. He does this two days after reports that a student in the first year living quarters broke through to Bronze rank. He doesn't disclose how he knew of the Heavenly Sacred Border but did admit to being the one the reports mentioned. He used a soul crystal in my presence to reveal his soul force."

With a slight pause, Principle Ye turned away from the garden to observe his companion on the balcony. Without a trace of doubt or speculation in his voice, Principle Ye stated, "His soul force was at 183."

The figure snaps his head towards Principle Ye. Unable to detect any trace of deceit on Principle Ye's face, the stoic figure is forced to believe his words. With excitement creeping into his voice, the younger man states, "To gain so much in only two days... Nothing even slightly similar has ever been mentioned in any records we possess. A genius like no other."

With a nod of agreement, Principle Ye continues, "Those were also my thoughts until he returned from the Heavenly Sacred Border."

Removing all traces of excitement, he returns to his stoic appearance. The figure returns his gaze to the garden below and issues an unspoken command for Principle Ye to continue.

"Zhu Di returned from the Heavenly Sacred Border less than two weeks after entering. He stated he broke through two more times, but returned due to an unstable soul realm."

With narrowed eyes, the figure processes this new piece of information. "4-Star Bronze in less than a month is fearsome, but based on his previous speed, he should have hit 5-Star Bronze in that amount of time."

"Yes, those would have been my own thoughts, had I not heard about the new pills from the Alchemy Association. However, the Alchemy Association didn't issue any announcements until four days after Zhu Di had entered the Heavenly Sacred Border. In addition, I could not obtain a solid read on his strength." Principle Ye continued stroking his beard as he allowed his companion time to think.

"What is your opinion uncle," asked the authoritative figure.

"The boy may have provided the new recipes to the Alchemy Association. Furthermore, based on testimony, Zhu Di has received personal instruction from a Grand Master." Principle Ye states. "An unknown Grand Master that has taken the boy under his wing. It's the only thing that explains everything. From the recipes, to why his growth was stunted after entering the Heavenly Sacred Border. Zhu Di's master must not have supplied him with enough high-grade pills for his trip. In short, we have a visitor to Glory City. "

Cracks appear in the stone banister under the grip of the younger man. In a voice filled with authority, "Investigate all unfamiliar men and expand your search for the boy uncle. I want to meet with him the moment he's found."

"As you wish, City Lord," replies Principle Ye.

*******************

I was able to return to Glory City in just over three days of travel. That should place me ahead of Chen Linjian's group by nearly a week. Not wanting to take any chances, I changed into a grey and black outfit outside of Glory City. Once changed, I used Void-Form to bypass the guards.

Once I was well within Glory City, I made my way to an empty alley and exited Void-Form. With a bit of water, I slick my hair back. Looking at my reflection, I'm going to need a hair cut soon. I'm not a fan of long hair.

Making my way to the market place, I begin to replenish my used supplies. I will occasionally wander into an armor or weapon shop to get prices on some of the treasures I acquired from the Ancient Orchid City Ruins. I did sell one set of Gold-rank greaves for 175,000 demon spirit coins. It didn't match any set I obtained, and I already copied the design with the Library of Heaven's Path.

Oddly enough, I couldn't find a buyer for the gold coins and bars. It seems you are supposed to exchange your precious metals with the City Lord's Mansion for demon spirit coins. It might just be me, but this just screams of a way for the City Lord's personnel to track people.

I will have to find other means to convert my gold into demon spirit coins.

As I'm talking with a vendor, I suddenly have a sensation of being watched. I don't let my announce show, but this greatly irks me. I've been using soul suppression the entire time, and yet I'm still recognized.

I'm guessing the City Lord's Mansion must have created an unusually wide net to spot me.

Deciding to ditch my stalker, I quickly conclude my business with the vendor and make my way out of the market place. I can still feel my stalker, but I wasn't able to spot any movement on rooftops or any sudden movements through the shoppers.

This guy is good enough to keep from giving themself away, but making the basic mistake of concentrating on me. I have to shake them before I find myself surrounded.

Moving towards a wide and well-lit alley, I make no effort to hide my intentions. After entering the alley, I quickly enter Void-Form and concentrate on soul suppression.

I only have to wait a few seconds for my stalker to make their way into the alley after me. As they pass my position along the wall, I have to resist the urge to face-palm.

Once my stalker moves down the alley a bit, I exit Void-Form and stare after them. Deciding to confront them, I loudly clear my throat.

Spinning around with a large dagger in her hand, Xiao Ning'er takes a defensive pose. Her face is guarded as we lock eyes.

As the awkward silence continues, I speak up, "Are you trying to mug me?"

"What," Ning'er asks in a confused tone.

Nodding to the dagger held in her hand, her cheeks take on a pink hue and the dagger quickly disappears. She quickly drops her defensive posture and stands upright. I hate admitting it, but she does look adorable in her lavender-colored outfit. If only she was a bit older.

"Well, as much fun as it is just staring at each other... Why are you following me? Shouldn't you be at school?"

Her cheeks take on a deeper pink as her eyes get slightly larger. Looking at her getting fl.u.s.tered, I remind myself to keep it professional. She's still too young for me.

Scrunching up her face in a stern expression, she brings a thin book out of her interspatial ring. Pointing the book at me, she states, "You snuck this book to me weeks ago! And today is our free day. You would know that if you ever came to class!"

"How did you even find me?"

"I seen you talking with that vendor back in the market. Were you trying to hide?" Ning'er immediately says.

"You know what, fine. I admit it. I passed you that book because you needed it," I decide to quit playing any word games and just confess.

A look of triumph flashes across her face. Resuming her stern expression, she asks, "How did you know I had the Arctic Disease?"

Raising an eyebrow at her question, I come up with a likely excuse, "Xiao Ning'er, you are the most beautiful girl at school, of any year. You should already know people watch you constantly. So when you begin to favor one foot or protect your side, people will notice. You were probably noticed entering an alley after a strange orphan boy as well."

Her entire face takes on a pink hue, and she looks away from me. That is a dangerous look! I want to make my escape, but I feel drawn to help her now. I thought I had my emotions under control, but it looks like I still have a ways to go.

Using her distraction, I enter the Library of Heaven's Path to create a more superior technique for her. I'll just give her this technique and then I'm out of here.

From what I recall from canon, she should have a Winged Dragon form and the Wind Lightning attribute. Using those two parameters, I compile a cultivation manual. I doubt it is better than the technique Nie Li gave her in canon, but it's not too far off. There are nine flaws in the technique, but after looking through it, she shouldn't have any problem reaching Legend rank.

Exiting the Library of Heaven's Path, I find her embarrassed look fading and her face has mostly returned to its typical color. Before she can say anything, I take out my journal and begin to copy a rough version of the cultivation manual I created for her.

Ning'er is silent, but I can feel her trying to sneak a peek at what I'm writing. Several long minutes of furiously writing, I finally finish. Tearing the pages for her cultivation technique out of my journal, I hand them to her.

Looking highly confused, Ning'er slowly takes the small stack of pages. Looking between the papers in her hand and me, her confusion seems to grow.

"That is an advance cultivation technique that should suit you rather well. If you decide not to use it, I trust you will destroy all traces of it." Moving around her and towards the street, I continue, "We've spent too much time alone here. I need to leave before I'm forced to smack the Sacred bitch that comes checking on us."

Her stunned look at my vulgarity seems to cease any attempts at stopping me. Before reaching the mouth of the alley, I look back at her and give one final warning, "Be careful Ning'er. A traitor sits on your family's council."

Slipping into Void-Form, I disappear from sight.