High up in the mountains stood an intimidating statue, the image of a fearsome foe for any who dared cross its path. Undoubtedly modeled after a powerful predator that roams, or perhaps used to roam, these parts. It is an incredibly detailed piece of artistry, lifelike enough to make it seem like its eyes are actively tracking its prey.

A foolish bird lands on the statue's head.

*Snap* *Crunch*

"Hmm, mountain bird definitely tastes better." Machaka remarked happily in his deep, earthy voice to no one but his satisfied stomach.

He resumed his statuesque pose and squinted his eyes. "Now where is that Earth Drake?"

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After taking our younglings to the forest to get some actual combat experience, I quickly realized I shouldn't have worried about their fighting skills. I also realized something else.

I would not want to fight any of these teenagers when they reach the Celestial realm. Who knew teens could be so scary? One day they're just little babies with their chubby cheeks and toys in hand, and the next they're turning monsters into kebabs like it's the easiest thing in the world.

They must've trained a lot in our training rooms. I knew this, they've never been the type of kids to just sit back and relax. Maybe I'm still underestimating them, even though they've been stronger than an adult male since their birth. Their bloodlines are nothing to scoff at after all.

I told them to limit themselves to the Golden Core realm, as I'm sure that an insanely powerful teenager would draw attention as the presumed scion to some great clan. But even in the Golden Core realm, they are absolutely destroying every monster they find.

I mean, Ruby somehow learned how to conjure flames around her sword. Besides the really cool visual effect it has, I can feel how her sword is now actively strengthening the intensity of her fire. I didn't teach her that one.

Finn can apparently not only control the water in his surroundings, but as soon as his opponent drops their guard, he can control the water inside of their body. I just watched him make a desiccated corpse in a second out of a healthy bear about 5 times his size. He didn't even flinch.

And Sapphire... who knew she would be the scary one. She did mention she wanted to test some theories... maybe i should teach her about the Geneva convention. I shudder as I take another peek at the last monster that crossed her path. I really should.

I only just now realized I've never actually sparred with any of them. I never took them to the battles in the Void Reality either, because our opponents were in the Celestial realm. Am I an overprotective helicopter parent?

"Ok everyone, gather 'round. Let's go over some stuff." As everyone gathers together, I try to organize my thoughts. I need to sound like a wise teacher here.

"I have some advice that goes for all of you." If there's one thing they all have in common, it's this.

"You are efficient, merciless, and also pretty damn powerful. I'm honestly impressed," They look at each other with sparkly eyes, the innocent reaction you'd expect of a kid who'd just been praised. "However, in a fight between two cultivators, it isn't always a good thing to be efficient and merciless. You need to realize the fact that you guys are really strong. If you don't hold back in a fight, you might kill someone when you don't actually mean to."

"But isn't that a good thing?" Finn asks with a confused look on his face. "If I kill them, I win, right?"

"It's true, if you kill them, you win. Right now, against these monsters, that is a good attitude to have. But against humans it is important to remember the value of a life."

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"Even against these monsters, I wouldn't allow you to kill everything here. It would upset the eco-system, but let's not worry about that for now."

What would be the easiest way to make them understand?

"Take a seat," As soon as everyone sits down, I get started on molding their little minds. "Imagine if someone killed me, what would you do?"

"We would gather everyone and kick their ass!" Ruby says, with Finn and Saph nodding in agreement.

"And why would you do that?"

"To get revenge?"

"Why get revenge?"

"Because... because you would be gone." Saph says with a hint of a tear in her eye. "And it's their fault. They deserve to die if they do something like that to you!"

While patting little Saph's head to comfort her, I sit up straight and look everyone in the eyes one by one. "And that is exactly how other people would feel if you killed their family members. That's why it's important to not always go for the kill. Killing a person will always make someone else sad, and if they're stronger than you are, they will definitely come for revenge."

They seem to be deep in thought after that. I can't help but feel a little fuzzy inside, knowing I've taught them something important.

I leave them to think for a few minutes before calling them back to reality. "C'mon guys, I'm very proud of you for what you've accomplished today. Let's collect our loot and finally head to Kirome."

"Okay!" They chant in unison as they jump to their feet and rush to bodies of their fallen opponents.

"Hey get your grubby hands off my kill, yours is over there!" I hear in the distance, but as long is I hear no fighting, I'm gonna stay here and take a little nap until they're done.

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Back in Kirome, the others were already waiting for us. It seems like they found the Earth Drake, judging by their smug faces.

"So how was it? Tell me all about the Earth Drake!" Sapphire immediately launches at Gora, jumping on the opportunity to learn about dragonkin.

"Weak and unsatisfying. They call it an Earth Drake, I call it a rocky lizard." Gora grunts disappointedly. Sapphire's face turns a little sad, then happy again. She didn't get the information she wanted, but knowledge is still knowledge. She'll just have to find an actual dragon at some point then.

"Let's turn our loot into money then, shall we?" As if it were the best idea they'd ever heard, everyone immediately uttered words of agreement.

"Gerard and I will turn in the loot from the forest. I suggest Sam, Ket, and Machaka form a team and turn in the loot from the mountain sometime tomorrow."

"Why the three of them?" I hear someone ask.

"Because they're the ideal composition of a damage dealer, a healer and a tank. The Flowing Brush sect likely wouldn't be surprised that they managed to take down an Earth Drake."

And then the question came, the one I'd been dreading.

"So what do we do now?"

"Today, nothing - we rest and recuperate. Tomorrow... I'll allow you to go into Iroh and explore. BUT, if I hear so much as a rumor that any of you have done something wrong, you are not going to leave the palace again for a whole year." My threat doesn't seem to have had the effect I intended, because they're all still very excited and I can see some looks that have me worried.

"Whatever you do, don't fight, and don't go solo. Gerard and I will be back by tonight, we'll give everyone some money to spend then. Don't spend it all in one place alright?"

I just realized, they don't have the slightest notion of the concept of money. They never needed it in the Void Reality. Let's see how quickly they lose it all.

Before heading off to bed, I took a quick glance over at the system paths available to me. I love the idea of being a forgemaster, but we have Sirin and Caladrius who are quickly becoming true masters of metalworking. The warrior path sounds interesting, but I don't want my life to be about fighting.

The Inquisitive Pioneer path sounds the most interesting, and it also sounds like the path a leader. One who leads from the front. When I locked in my choice, the system started its calibrating process and apparently I should have my first quest ready by the time we wake up.

I can't help but get a little excited at the prospect of more quest rewards.

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"Keep digging!" An angry man in a jet black uniform shouts down at a bunch of miners. His helmet has a demon horn jutting out on top. The miners are wearing the same uniform, without the helmet.

The tunnels are filled by the sounds of pickaxe hitting rock, and kept lit by static lights made out of qi. Occasionally a light gets absorbed by the rock and has to be remade, which is why they have to use pickaxes. These special rocks can absorb any technique powered by qi.

"The key is close, find it and you will be given rewards beyond compare! We will become the most powerful cultivators to ever grace Turamar with their presence! We will take everything! For the Three-Headed Viper!"

As if possessed, the miners swing their pickaxes with renewed vigor and bleeding hands. Their expressions twisted into fearsome, manic grins. Their skin completely cut up, covered in self-inflicted scars, as if they tried to carve their own skin to be more like snakeskin.

"For the Three-Headed Viper!" They shout in unison.