15

I cursed at the heavens.

They sent down the last two bolts as golden staggering lines. My dragos creations swatted them like flies but that is merely the first set and it was already this unfair. Like I thought, the heavens were showing favoritism, issuing me six lightning bolts directly. Their speed a notch above the last one, so in a way, they impacted on my four dragons at same damn time.

The good news, I created four so that I could utilize a tactical formation to help empower and overcome such difficulties. Knowledge is power and that is why man beats nature…

Cough, I might have started laughing. That deep belly tumbling laughed that evil villians do but the heavens have a way of disposing of such thoughts. As men of war often say, plans don’t live upon contact.

Six bolts fell, then another six.. then another six... Back to back like a merry go round.

There is no use admitting I mess up. There is really no one to blame but me for getting big britches. I should have bought the little boy underpants and sucked on my thumb more as a kid. Maybe heaven would have taken pity on me?

My dragons roared with pain as they blocked the advancing nightmare, back to back. The sky roar and the heavens cackled at my struggle.

A little thunder slipped past them and struck me but my body was as tough as theirs. So it wasn’t all that much of a big deal but the formation and the fire creation was weakened at a visible rate.

When that last golden lightning came down like a serpent, slithering here and there. I, honestly, peed a little. My creations would break and my second strongest defensive? I don’t think I focused on defense in the Fire God Palace… no, I am sure they didn’t teach me a single thing about defense.

What did that annoying instructor say? Something about the best defense is just to kill your enemy first.

I weave my hand into a circle, turning the fire circle into a shield, then I spiral it into a whirlpool of red and whites. My thinking was that if water can turn hard force into soft force. Then fire emulating water should be able to do the same.

My thinking sounded really smart and I admit I was proud of that quick wit in the face of danger. Last bolt of the tribulation and it didn’t look so hard..

It crushed my creations, it slowed down upon hitting my shield, it looked weakened. It still broke through, crumbling my shield, before smacking me through the lake and slamming me into the bottom of the muck.

The force that hit me wasn’t nearly enough to kill me but the transformation that happened after. Oh boy, I’m about to become a god.

***

It took me a bit to recover and stabilize or more accurately to get comfortable at my new level of power. It wasn’t just a little growth. Hm, how to say this, if everything before a nascent soul was preparing the body to exit mortality. Then the Void realm is where the true power of the cultivation level began. There are no more talks of ponds and lakes.

The reserve of qi inside my body was like a vast sea. I could not make out the ends. It’s like a fiery red sea that made the air above seem illusionary. To top it off, my bloodline which had been hampered by a skill of one of my parents left behind, finally crumbled. I wasn’t just a half dragon with half a dragon skill. I could fully unleash abilities that will shake the power structure of this world.

Ah, I felt free.

I climbed out of the lake and glanced at the tree before flying away. I did a quick search of the island, while basking in the fact that my comprehension of Fire concept elevated to intermediate level. I think I might have been even higher than that but my ability to utilize the concept felt like it was stagnant in slushie, ice cold water/

Anyway, there were a few rare herbs that would allow me to elevate a few of my team's powers. Some of the beasts that didn’t dare to attack me even though they had the ability to, bowed. Which kind of made me puff up my chest.

I mean, I am kind of a badass, huh.

At the end of the day, I found a space that rippled. I could sense a different kind of energy, similar to space techniques used or great transmission arrays. But this felt more pure and concentrated. Almost to the level where if I take a moment, I could comprehend it.

Mm, best to sit down and do that.

Couple days later, the old man flew down from the air. Landing beside me while watching the space before me.

“Oh, you found the space channel in the second realm. Well done.” he had a smile while stroking his beard.

I think he really loves that little goatee because he kept stroking it into a fine point. Tsk, tsk.

“Yes, I made a map of a few others but the one before us leads to a specific area.” I pulled out a gem from my spatial ring and tossed it over. “I dare say only those in four stages of void realm can enter this. Probably an inheritance from some immortal expert or a game he places to have a little fun.”

The old man studied the space before snorting.

“You’re right. I’ll transfer the contribution points to you. Do you have any..”

I tossed a parchment and the old man grabbed it with both hands. His fingers shook a bit before he did a deep belly laugh.

Next second he was tossing a ring at me. I took a peek inside and it seemed to have everything I asked for plus the materials for the elixir he wanted, a breakthrough elixir that will help him breakthrough into the Martial Emperor realm and give back some of his potential he wasted.

If I used the true qi correctly that is.

I flew to the boat to get to work on both our projects, noticing him setting up a transmission array. I shook my head and realized he was still beholden too many things. No wonder why he wasted a lot of potential before now.

***

I finished all the pills I needed and moved to the deck of the ship. It’s going to be an interesting series of turns for me. I wondered how they would take it. The end of the company for me but the beginning of something new for them.

Slowly the crew in the nascent soul realm filled the deck, from merely three to thirteen minus two dead. I can’t help but feel proud at the turn of events. How I came in as a wee little brat at twelve and led them into a better form at thirteen. Haha, about to be fourteen and now it's time for a new adventure.

I only need those with the mindset to progress. It doesn’t matter how bad their talent is, I can afford to invest.

“You guys may have been with me for a short time, through some tough battles. Even though we lost a lot of brothers, in the end. We all elevated our positions in life. Right now, I’m strong enough to form a company on my own, but before that happens. The second realm that many people wish to enter, is restricted to nascent souls and void realm experts. Others are.. Not even fodder.” I sighed and turned around looking at solemn faces.

“So I have questions poised to a few of you that I deemed worthy of investment. Mostly because of circumstances or time, you are closets to a void realm thus I bestow you an opportunity. Those who wish to follow me after today, step forward. If you have family, or kids, then don’t step forward. You won’t be able to make it far without thinking about them. This will hamper your desire to improve. As long as you are around them, you will improve…”

I shrugged and looked at a few specific faces. Cui Rong, Zhao Zexi, Hou Yu, Cheng Da, and Gao Jian. Even though I looked at them, I knew maybe one or two would actually follow me. They had their own responsibilities and goals. Own things hindering them from doing something silly like following a little boy like me.

Hou Yu was the first to bow and salute, declining.

Followed by Cui Rong which hurt a tad bit. I wouldn’t have a comfortable person to lay with, even if she was a hard sleeper. She was fun in bed.

Zhao Zexi actually stepped forward followed by Cheng Da and the other squad leader, I forgot his name. Jackie chan something.. Gao Jian had a complicated expression but Zhou Wuhan didn’t hesitate to step forward but I pushed her back into the crowd. To be honest, I might have taken her if not for her stunt early on. It showed she thought status was important when power of the fist was paramount.

Another female who I couldn’t remember the name of stepped forward followed by one more lad. Gao Jian tooked a half step with a question on her lips.

“I have a question. Do those following you have to serve in your bed?” Gao Jian hit the nail that probably was bothering her.

To be fair, I did and still do want to bed her but I’m a guy. It's a natural instinct, doesn’t mean I can’t control it. She is still virgin even now. So this kind of question is attacking my integrity and how can I put up with that.

“To be honest, before, if you had just stepped out. You could get away without sleeping in anyone's bed but now. Since you question my integrity, no. You join me, it's like an invitation. Anything I have to offer you have to offer me something in return. If you don’t have anything of substantial value, your body is payment. Now what do you say?” I tilted my head while sending out strong dragon might.

Stolen novel; please report.

Gao Jian was forced several steps back but so was everybody. The other female who already stepped out raised her hand but really. She wasn’t that better than Wuhan body wise. Her breasts were fair but her ass was lacking.

“Is that the same for me as well?”

“No.”

This made a girl who I hadn’t really noticed before step out and walk over. Gao Jian gritted her teeth and stepped forward, she had to have mighty confident steps to fight my aura and take a place.

I nodded my head already thinking about finding the first opportunity and bedding her. Haha, question me, I’m young bish. I do what I want because I like doing it.

Coughing into my hands to hide my greedy smile, I took out a pill bottle and tossed it to Zexi.

“One pill and pass it around.”

I turned to the others while fetching another bottle.

“This pill isn’t as powerful as the one their took but I have to thank you for serving with me. As your Captain, I can’t be really selfish, right?”

I tossed the jar at Hou Yu, whose eyes lit up with renewed hope. I turned to Cui Rong who took the jar, took a pill, and passed it. Spinning it in her hands with an odd look. I guess she had kids because she would definitely have given up her husband for me. She was greedy for power that was obvious by her making a move to come to me.

Ironic that the family eventually weighed her conscience down. I embraced the seven with my qi and took them to different elevated spots. I bounced between them to assist them with spreading the true qi through their bodies. Strengthening and awakening their potential. I only expected one or two to breakthrough because only Cheng Da and that jackie chan looking squad leader were near the peak. However, to my surprise four of them broke through while the last three reached the peak with a little to go. So I only had to watch four break through into the void realm. Well, three as one died.

Awkward moment of silence for a weak mindset.

I fed them a recovery and stabilizing pill then went to set up a formation by the lake. Adding a few cabins while I was at it. Uprooting the tree and turning it into wood that formed a bridge from the small island in midst of the lake to the land outside. With six cabins circling a small training yard, I think I have enough room to actually build a foundation.

Tapping my eyes, I looked around to see if there was anything else needing immediate attention but I couldn’t think of a single thing. Shrugging, I left and brought the survivors to the island.

“One of you didn’t make it, which sucks.” I glance at the six of their faces with a little discomfort.

Two of them could be used immediately, already comprehended sword intent in sword force and wind force. Gao Jian and Cheng Da were kind of my trump card at the moment but I wanted an elite force. Thus I needed the two peak stage NS to breakthrough immediately but I also needed Zhao Zexi to acquire..

I studied her close and caught a bit of a murderous intent in her aura. Maybe, she comprehended Slaughter force. This would be good to use as it could directly influence her combat ability.

“Anyway, we will train here for a week. I need for you guys to pick out some techniques and such from the Alliance store. You can do so through your badge. Go ahead do that while I finish setting up arrays.”

I waved a dismissive hand and set to my task. They didn’t waste much time and even chatted together to help each other pick the best skill suitable for them. I am sort of not surprised that Cheng Da offers much advice in regard to this. He is an experienced old man Plus he probably had a deeper understanding of what I am hoping to achieve.

I first made a trip to the ship and organized them in moving to the area by the lake. Guided them into clearing land, building cabins, and assisting me in laying down man-made and adjusting nature to form nature-made formations that would assist with training elite warriors.

Who didn’t want the best with them? But I understood that I couldn’t just pick them from different forces. I had to train them, provided them with resources and cultivation material.

**

Day two of the training went just like I had planned in my head. I woke them up early, made them spar against me until they were so battered that they had to crawl into a sitting position. Then we meditated until they recovered and repeated.

My objective was to flush out all the potential and turn it into formidable strength while the pill affects were still working. It’s not so surprising that it actually worked out favorably. With the right conditions anything would happen to these guys who weren’t pushed as hard before.

By the end of the training week, the former two Nascent stage broke through and awakened force. Two Wind force and another sword user. Two easy forces to comprehend. While I might have been a little disappointed but it’s understandable. They mostly followed behind Cheng Da and Gao Jian who had the best talent. As for the unconventional Slaughter force, well Zexi was just blood thirsty. It wasn’t unusually for someone with revenge in mind to be a little more aggressive.

As my group was getting ready to set out, an old man appeared before me with a weird smile.

“The channel will open up in a month. Make sure to make it back in time if you planned on going in. I’m sure you won't want to miss the stuff inside.” He stroked his beard while a weird light flashed past his eyes.

Is he planning something? I’m sure he noticed that I don’t like the Princess nor am I really embolden by love or women. Lust is something naturally when the only other entertainment is fighting or training.

So I merely nodded and led my people onto the boat and set off towards the sea demon tribed. I had planned to use them as a life or death training partner. The first tribe might get wiped out but the second or third should have stronger members up to Martial Monarch.

If we meet such an enemy, we could just flee and flee fast.

**

I stood over my cauldron rolling flames gently over spirit herbs as I whipped out batch after batch of Qi recovery pills and Life saving pills. While I might have a very generic plan, that didn’t mean I didn’t care about our lives. My life was ultra important.

Knock Knock.

I waved my hand and the door opened. Gao Jian walked in with sure steps, I could feel sword intent emanating from her. Her will might have been very potent at the moment but I could see she wanted to resist my conquest.

I eyed her while I was merely in the last phase of ensuring the liquid medicine had the least amount of purities left.

Cough, she did have a nice ass that bloomed under that white gown. Her breast managed to fill the slots of the upper half perfectly. It would have been better if the dress was a strap instead of a sleeve. Though it was fine because it just stated her determination to get it over and done with. Even the crest of her lips were relaxed as if this would be a short event.

If she met me back on Earth, she maybe could have gotten away with this. One night stand would have been ideal for me, after two burst, I’m leaving. Sadly, I had graduated from simply seeking my own pleasures and learned how to please my partner. Cough, this taught me better how to achieve better pleasure for myself, if I want to be selfish.

I’m quite selfish.

“How do you want me?” her voice sounded resolved and I kind of admired her facade.

I gestured at the bed with my head and focused on the cauldron. Sex was one thing but this pot is lifesaver. I wouldn’t ruin it just to get my dick soak. I’m not that much of a sex fiend. I finished by pouring the liquid into pill cases and placing them on a shelf.

I washed my hands and caught her staring at the ceiling with her hand on her stomach. She looked as if she was imprisoned and had no care in the world.

This silly girl.

I took off my clothes with every step. First my left boots which clack onto the floor, drawing her attention. My other boot came off much quicker and I tossed it in the same direction. Her eyes couldn’t help looking in that direction before she remembered her resolution. Her eyes went back to the ceiling and I unbuckled my pants and dropped them.

When my hand indented the bed, her eyes only flickered, but when my knee dented the mattress further. Her eyes couldn’t help but look and furrow appeared above her brow. I gripped her ankle and her toes jerked upward.

It seemed to me she couldn’t keep her thoughts firm. I wondered if her sword seed is as resolute as she is right at this second. I loosen my grip on her ankle, raising myhand few centimeters off her leg. Making it walked across her leg as my head lowered down to gripped the hem of her gown between my teeth. Her eyes couldn’t help drifting back down to me and I noticed her hand inch forward but paused.

I chuckled as I released the fabric over her hands, bestowing myself with a vision of her grassy valley. I ran my fingers over the clothed slit before leaning back.

“Roll onto your stomach.”

Gao Jian eyes flickered with sword intent but she had no choice but to cower under the majestic dragon might and red flames that pierce her pitiful attempt. She got up onto her elbow and turned to the left. I grabbed her ass and she froze before continuing to turn. I chuckled and pulled down the fabric that she called panties down, letting them rest around her ankles.

**

I rolled out of bed upon hearing the improved alert system go off. My foot dragged the cover a bit but after kicking it a little, it slid off. I leaned over the depiction of the ocean underneath us and smiled upon seeing that I had visitors. They were trying the same old trick.

Sneak attack with animals as vanguards. Sadly, it won’t work this time.

I grabbed my dragon head cane and slipped out the door bare. I rushed down to the deck and jumped onto the railing while removing the heat from the water around us. Freezing the ocean in a good hundred mile radius.

A strong laugh couldn’t help roll out of me as I heard the sounds of thumps. I jumped down to the ice and conjured red clones of myself. Sending them down with axes to chop up the squid. It’s a perfect season for sushi.

Minutes later the sea demon I met last time rose out of the water and stepped onto the ice. He stared at me with three other men, a fierce expression on his face. I took a step closer and he started marching over. Thinking I am going to face him alone, what a moron.

I could hear my crew on the ship. Weapons clacking as they bounced on their heel for their first real battle as void prying experts.

I waved my free hand in a circle and blocked a weird technique that was almost invisible but left a cold feeling in my hand. The owner of the attack thrust his dagger a few more times and I used my cane to form a fire shield while whistling to signal my men to attack.

Yellow sword appeared before me, standing upright, pointing towards the heavens. I wasted no more time and attacked as my people jumped overboard, bouncing off the ice and blitzings their target. Six against three with me taking the team leader. Haha talk about unfair.

The sea demon blocked the sword attacks, he looked at his men before summoning water serpents like last time, but since I am training.

I just sent more yellow swords at him, putting him on the defense. My swords sliced through his water creations before heading to him. He tried all kinds of attacks but my blades spun to form a fireshield, preventing them from reaching me. While attacking him from all angles.

I glanced around and noticed his comrades were all but dead. The six were waiting on me, so I stopped messing around and the blades turned white and moved with a purpose. His qi shield was torn open in hot second and blades pierced through his arms and legs, pinning him down.

“Boss, I don’t want to laugh but you are kinda slow.”

I glance at Lang Bao who wiped his blade like he was a great sword slayer or something. Fucker even had a pompous walk. Might even had his pimp hand strong.

Maybe I should give him harder training. It’s a thought for the future.

I nodded and appeared before the trophy.

“You better kill me or I’ll wipe out your entire family!” he even spat in my direction.

It burnt before even reaching me and I grabbed his head. Fire burnt their way into his skull, granting me access into his memories as I refined his soul using a modified demonic soul reading skill. His screams were really unpleasant like pouring black coffee and realizing you had no sugar or cream.

Irksome.

I tossed his soulless body off the ice and turned to the group with a smirk.

“Four of sixteen members dead. Twelve left. Let’s gear up and head down. We will wipe out the lot of them to pay for the blood of my men.”

There was only grim silence to accompany us as we returned to the ship and geared up in the diving suits. Even though we could use qi to breathe underwater, in battle. Such a waste of qi might leave to you running out much quicker. You don’t want to give any enemies any type of advantage when you don’t have overwhelming superiority.