Chapter 16: A New Beginning and New Arrivals

As I slowly drifted back to consciousness, the darkness that enveloped me seemed to retreat, giving way to a dim, murky light that filtered through my eyelids.

With great effort, I managed to pry my eyes open, blinking away the remnants of sleep that clung stubbornly to my senses.

The muffled sounds that had been drifting through the haze of unconsciousness now grew clearer, resolving into the faint murmur of voices in the background.

As my vision adjusted to the dim light, I realized that I was lying on a soft surface, the cool touch of linens beneath me offering a small measure of comfort.

Struggling to sit up, I glanced around, my gaze falling upon the figure of Ning Rong seated nearby.

She watched me with a mixture of relief and concern, her features softened by the dim light filtering into the room.

"Hey there, Sleeping Beauty," she greeted me with a playful smile, though the worry in her eyes belied her attempt at levity.

"Took you long enough to wake up."

I managed a weak smile in return, my head still swimming with the remnants of unconsciousness. "What happened?" I croaked, my voice rough from disuse.

Ning Rong's expression sobered as she leaned closer, her voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper.

"You fainted," she explained, her words tinged with a note of concern. "You've been out for a while."

Frowning, I struggled to recall the events leading up to my loss of consciousness.

Flashes of pain and darkness flickered through my mind, disjointed fragments of memory that refused to coalesce into a coherent whole.

"I remember..." I began, my voice trailing off as I searched for the words to articulate the jumbled mess of sensations and impressions swirling within me.

I struggled to sit up, my muscles protesting the effort. "Where's Mother? And the elders?"

Rong's expression hardened slightly at the mention of our mother. "They're discussing something with the elders," she said, her voice tinged with bitterness. "They're not too happy with you, Feng."

I furrowed my brow in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Although I knew what she means , just everyday Xiaxia bullshit. Not like I cared I doubt I would stay oin this small part of world for longer than required .

This place might have a much lower number of powerhouses compared to rest of this world but there were still many things I wished to explore .

I will probably at least this clan when I have enough strength and go explore these seven great islands , not just seven as it does have many other smaller islands.

Her lips curled into a sardonic smile. "They're upset that you didn't awaken any special physique," she explained, her tone dripping with disdain.

"They allowed you to live in the clan estate, even gave you the Ning surname on Mother's behalf. And this is how you repay them."

Before I could gather my thoughts, the door to the room swung open, admitting a shaft of light that illuminated the dim interior.

Ning Lian entered, her expression a mask of concern as she hastened to my side.

"Feng, you're awake," she exclaimed, her relief palpable as she reached out to steady me. "How are you feeling?"

I attempted to sit up further, my movements slow and tentative as I struggled to shake off the lingering fog of unconsciousness.

"I'm... I'm okay, I think," I managed, my words hesitant as I took stock of my condition.

Ning Lian nodded, her gaze flickering briefly to Ning Rong before returning to me. "You gave us quite a scare," she admitted, her tone softened by a note of concern. "You've been unconscious for nearly an hour."

“Well it’s the first time I have experienced so much pain and my mind drifting elsewhere , so when the pain reached its peak I kind of blacked out.” I replied embarrassed .

“Don’t worry about anything and rest for a while there is someone I would like you to meet , if he arrives on time .“Ning lian said looking annoyed but happy at the same time .

‘Ok’ I said and went to my room with the not so little duckling following me .

“You are about to turn eight years old and you will have access to the clan’s cultivation and martial techniques.

You’d get some for me as well, right?” I asked, putting on my best beaten puppy eyes.

Ning Rong raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms, giving me a look that screamed scepticism.

“And why would I do that?” she asked, her voice dripping with false innocence.

“Because you love me, your dearest follower,” I replied, batting my eyelashes for extra effect.

She snorted, clearly unimpressed. “Love you? Feng, the only thing I love is watching you squirm.”

I clutched my chest dramatically. “Oh, the cruelty! The betrayal! How could my dear mistress be so heartless?”

I dropped to my knees, clasping my hands together in a pleading gesture.

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"Please, Rong! You know how much those techniques would mean to me. I swear, I'll even polish your shoes for a year!"

Rong snorted, trying to suppress a laugh. "Feng, you're already my servant, remember? What's shoe-polishing compared to that?"

Ning Rong smirked, clearly enjoying the banter. “If you want those techniques, you’re going to have to work for them.”

I dropped the act and looked at her seriously. “Alright, what do you want in return?”

She pretended to think for a moment, tapping her chin. “Grade Two Runic Scrolls. One for every technique I bring you.”

My jaw dropped. “Grade Two? Do you have any idea how much effort and resources go into making those?”

Ning Rong shrugged nonchalantly. “I do. That’s why I’m asking for them. Take it or leave it.”

"Of course," I said, giving her a mock salute. "Anything for my dear, slightly tyrannical friend."

I gulped, realizing the magnitude of her demand. “But… the materials… they’ll have to come from you. I can’t afford all that on my own.”

She grinned, clearly having anticipated this. “Deal. I’ll provide the materials, but you have to do the crafting.”

I sighed, feeling both relieved and exasperated. “Fine, it’s a deal. But you’re a damn miser, you know that?”

Ning Rong’s smile widened, and she tilted her head in mock innocence.

“Where do you think I learned it from? You should be proud of me, litle one. I’m just following in your frugal footsteps.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “I suppose I should be. You’ve learned well from me, after all.”

She gave me a playful shove. “Don’t get too full of yourself. Now, let’s get to planning. I want those scrolls done by the time I get those techniques.”

I nodded, feeling a sense of excitement. Despite our constant banter and teasing, there was a strong bond between us.

I was determined to fulfill my part of the deal, not just for the techniques, but because I genuinely wanted to make sure she was safe and these can prove to be instrumental .

It will take couple of days just to complete one and i dont think anyone else can get these many resources aside from her and clan leader.

As we sat down to discuss the details, Ning Rong’s eyes sparkled with a mix of determination and mischief. “So, what techniques are you interested in?”

I rubbed my chin thoughtfully. “Well, anything that enhances my control over Qi and helps with rune crafting would be great.

Also, maybe some combat techniques, just in case I need to defend myself.”

Ning Rong nodded. “Got it. I’ll keep an eye out for those. But remember, the higher the quality of the technique, the more scrolls I’ll expect in return.”

I groaned inwardly, already dreading the amount of work ahead of me. “You’re really not going to make this easy, are you?”

She flashed me a wicked grin. “Nope. Consider it payback for all the times you teased me.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Fair enough. Just don’t expect me to go easy on you either.

Those scrolls will be top-notch, but I’ll make sure to remind you how much effort went into each one.” although mostly low level 2 runic scrolls.

We spent the next few hours outlining our plan.

Ning Rong would start by scouting the clan’s library and training halls for suitable techniques, while I would begin preparing the necessary tools and materials for crafting the scrolls.

The process would be time-consuming and labor-intensive, but we were both committed .

As we wrapped up our discussion, Ning Rong stood up and stretched. “Alright, I’ll start my search tomorrow.

You’d better get some rest, brother. You’re going to need all your energy for those scrolls.”

I nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and dread. “I will. And thanks, Rong. I know I give you a hard time, but I really appreciate this.”

She waved off my gratitude with a smirk. “Don’t mention it. Just remember, you owe me. Big time.”

The next morning, we both sprang into action. Ning Rong disappeared into the clan’s vast library, armed with a list of techniques she thought would be useful for me.

Meanwhile, I set up my workspace, gathering the necessary tools and materials to begin crafting the Grade Two Runic Scrolls.

As the days went by, our routine became almost comical.

Ning Rong would return each evening with a new technique in hand, smugly presenting it to me with a raised eyebrow.

“Here’s another one. Get to work, Feng.”

I would groan dramatically, rolling my eyes but secretly feeling grateful. “You really don’t give me a break, do you?”

She’d laugh and pat my shoulder. “Nope. Now, get those scrolls done. I’m counting on you.”

Despite the constant banter, we fell into a comfortable rhythm.

I found myself looking forward to her daily reports, eager to see what new techniques she’d uncovered.

And although the scroll-making process was exhausting, it was also incredibly rewarding.

Each completed scroll felt like a small victory, a tangible representation of my dedication and hard work.

"By the way," I added, a sly grin spreading across my face.

"Don't think I didn't notice how well you've been handling your new abilities. That pink lightning is quite the showstopper."

Rong blushed, trying to hide her embarrassment. "It's nothing, really. Just a little practice."

"Just a little practice?" I echoed, feigning shock. "Rong, you're practically a walking, talking storm cloud. I'm surprised you haven't accidentally fried someone yet."

I think she has benifited greatly from my lessons usually this level of mastery only comes after some time in body tempering realm.

"well its mostly thanks to you and even though I didn’t understand most of it whatever i understood helped a lot." she said struggling to thank me as a tsundere should .

Just like that Many months passed and she was about to turn 8 years old and I have made quite a few scrolls for 12 to be exact .

It was a very draining process, I couldn’t even make them continuously. I took a break while reading the techniques she brought. After reading them I have come to a conclusion.

Every single one who created these techniques understood that there was a connection between soul and Qi like I had imagined but I guess it wasn't mentioned in those other books because of hoarding of the knowledge by the cultivators .

I could see this because I already suspected it the way they have used soul sense spiritual energy in these techniques is very subtle and rather ingenious .

I have already learned a lot in these months and I don't think I can progress any further in runes and formations for now ask for that I have to be a body tempering cultivator first but I'm still trying to improve my level within the grade 2,

I have already produced 2 different mid level grade 2 scrolls for Ning rong But they were very hard to make and I was not able to use my soul sense for 5 days after making them both .

But I have not been lazing around after reaching Grade 2 I have been trying to do something.

I was craving to do for a long time creating completely new formations and runes from scratch , yeah not just modifying them to suit my needs but creating completely new ones usually Grade 3 master modify runes .

And some geniuses try to create their own at this grade and but most of them succeed at grade 4 and this the requirement to become grade 4 in these two professions to create their own runes or formations .

………

Today is Rong’s 8th birthday which means her body will automatically create the first Dao seal – the red Dao seal for body tempering realm .

Hence starting her cultivation journey in earnest , this process doesn't cause any pain and doesn't take any time what happens rather quickly but what I am the most curious about is the final evolution of her to abilities .

Currently we are in her courtyard, there is only me and Rong here and I have put up a isolation formation which can isolate all the 5 senses no one can hear or see us or feel our presence in any way .

Just to be safe all they will see is an empty courtyard , It's very similar to a illusion formation but it doesn’t just muddle the eyes and ears but also smell and qi sense it’s a peak level 2 formation which uses high quality materials.

Of course I am controlling it so its temporary otherwise it would use way too many resources and I don’t want to leave clues behind about my capabilities as no one would let level 2 rune master let alone an even rarer level 2 formation master leave the clan estate even again not to mention so young and only a mere servant , well I doubt I would only be a servant if they knew.

Ning Rong suddenly opened her eyes and the four petalled symbol was no longer there it must have been completely assimilated and this time lightning hasn’t just increased her speed but every single aspect of her body has been increased

At the same time I felt four presences approach the clan estate from 500m away which I sensed through my alarm or sensory formation .

It is showing that one of the individual is at peak of foundation building while others are body tempering.