Chapter 6- To Climb Atop a Mountain of Corpses

Going back in time slightly to a little before the Nantian brother’s attack, a certain messy haired heroine of ours was practically on the verge of exploding.

『Can you believe that guy?!』

『Yeah.』

『How could he not even listen to me for five seconds?』

『Uh-huh.』

『At least you’re a good listener Grampa Ming, not at all like that mercenary uncle from earlier.』

『Totally.』

Let it be known Mingtian had lived for over a billion years before this point and as such he was an old hat when it came to the ranting of women. It was because of this he was able to smoothly deal with Baiyue’s tantrum in an experienced manner without falling into some of the verbal pitfalls lesser men might have already stumbled at.

After a period of a few minutes passed he saw that the little girl in front of him had finally started to lose some of the heat in her voice, deciding the time was now he struck before she could go and pick herself up again.

『You know Little Yue this is all probably for the best anyway. Let’s say that guy believed you, how were you planning on explaining yourself when he asked how you knew all that? I have a feeling “The demon whispering in my ear told me!” probably wouldn’t cut it.』

『Ugh, I guess you’re right. But Grampa Ming if that’s the case, then what are we going to do about the cultivators up ahead?』

Mingtian from his perch on Baiyue’s head was not nervous in the slightest and replied in a carefree tone as if the so called danger ahead was no more than a passing breeze.

『I know I said, “Not Good!” in a dramatic fashion earlier but honestly speaking the situation’s not unsalvageable. In the worst case scenario I’ll just protect you so why don’t we treat this as a training exercise and instead you tell me what you think we should do.』

Pointing to herself in shock Baiyue could barely keep the squeak out of her voice as she spoke.

『Me?! I don’t know what to do?!』

Watching his silly little disciple run back and forth like an ant on a frying pan the pheasant mentally patted himself on the back for a job well done. Indeed he was having much more fun now but he supposed he should move things along no matter how amusing Baiyue’s panicked dance may be.

『Hehe~ Fine then this great master Ming will give you a suggestion. When making a plan one must first consider two things the external situation and the internal situation. Before dealing with the external the internal should come first, looking at yourself now, you are a nearly defenceless ten year old girl stuck in a carriage with a ten year old boy who has been watching you whisper to yourself like a madman for the past few hours or so.』

At her Grampa Ming’s reminder of Zhang Wei’s existence Baiyue felt her eyes widen slightly as the ramifications of what she was doing until now became extremely obvious. Looking over across the interior of the carriage she made eye contact with the boy in question only for him to look away immediately in nervousness.

“He thinks I’m a weirdo!” Baiyue screamed in her head. Raising her hand in greeting Baiyue tried her best to not seem strange as she smiled gently and greeted her childhood friend as calmly as she could manage.

『H-Hey there, I was uh just you know … trying to see if I could teach Grampa Ming here how to talk. Like … like a parakeet or something, yeah.』

Seeming hesitantly optimistic Zhang Wei looked back at Baiyue trying to assess the truth in her words.

『Is … is that so.』

『Y-Yeah.』

“Please believe me, please believe me, please believe me …” Baiyue chanted over and over in her head hoping for a miracle. Luckily for her said miracle arrived as when the boy saw the desperation hidden behind his crush’s eyes. The tension in his face quietly faded and a cocky smile soon returned in its place.

『Okay.』

Tilting her head in confusion Baiyue, despite knowing the answer was good for her, couldn’t help but question it regardless.

『… Okay?』

Nodding again Zhang Wei only confirmed what he said before.

『I know you Surname Long, you wouldn’t intentionally do anything that would put others in danger. So for now I won’t ask anymore and instead just say “okay”.』

The little grey haired girl was touched at the gesture of trust and let out a sigh of relief soon after. Mingtian though only raised his caution even more as he watched from above with narrowed eyes screaming of violent intent.

『But there is something else I do want to know Surname Long, where did you get those spirit stones from earlier?』

Before Baiyue could try to come up with a flimsy excuse chock full of holes Mingtian whispered into her ear what she should say instead.

『Oh those. I said before right, my father actually used to be a cultivator so it was a part of my inheritance.』

『Part? As in you have more? Uncle was actually pretty rich huh, makes you kinda wonder why he moved to our village in the first place.』

Zhang Wei replied in a curious tone as he held his chin in thought.

『I don’t quite know either, he said I should ask his master if I’m curious.』

Grasping at the girl’s words Zhang Wei tried to solve the mystery in front of him.

『Great that’s a clue at least. Then, what was his master’s name?』

『Ah…』

Noticing Baiyue’s unnatural pause something suddenly occurred to the young boy.

『 … Uncle didn’t tell you did he?』

With unshed tears Baiyue slowly nodded.

『Haaah~ It’s only at times like these that I see the resemblance between you two.』

Following their fruitless brainstorming session which soon ended not long after it began Baiyue again took some distance returning to her previous spot on the opposite side of the carriage away from Zhang Wei.

『Grampa Ming we’ve dealt with the internal problems now, can you finally help me with the external?』

Snorting in disbelief Mingtian quietly scolded his disciple for her obliviousness.

『We didn’t solve anything. At most we delayed some current ones and figured out some of the others that might come in the future. That Zhang Wei … he needs to die.』

『Die?!』

With a shout barely constrained into a whisper Baiyue couldn’t believe the words coming out of her teacher’s mouth.

『Why does he need to die?! Zhang Wei hasn’t done anything to me, I won’t hurt him just cause you say so! I’m really disappointed Grampa Ming, I didn’t think you were that kind of person.』

With narrowed eyes Mingtian reprimanded Baiyue.

『Do not scold me disciple. I am a demon and as are you, even if you do not see it yet. We demons are not righteous by nature but neither are we devils; we see only that which helps or harms our collective tribes. Right now the only tribe we have is each other, understand? That Zhang Wei, his eyes contained not a hint of greed when you told him how wealthy you are.』

Confused by where he was going with this Baiyue questioned Mingtian’s thought process.

『Isn’t that a good thing though, going by your twisted sense of logic doesn’t that mean I don’t have to worry about him robbing and killing me?』

Smiling again Mingtian at least decided to give praise where it’s due.

『I see I’ve actually got you thinking now, good, very good. At a surface level not having to worry about being assaulted is indeed beneficial but it’s the hidden knife that’s most dangerous. Him only being happy for you when you showed him such a large pile of spirit stones confirms what I’ve already suspected for a while now, that little brat’s madly in love with you.』

『L-Love?! Zhang Wei doesn’t love me! Not you too Grampa Ming? I thought I wouldn’t have to deal with this after we left Lin behind.』

Mingtian pulled sharply on Baiyue’s hair to focus her wandering thoughts.

『Grow up Baiyue, people are born, people fall in love and then people die. It’s just the way of things, this right now though? This is a matter of life and death so act mature for at least one second and listen to me!』

Practically growling at each other the duo stared off until eventually Baiyue relented and asked Mingtian to continue albeit reluctantly.

『Fine! Fine … let’s say Zhang Wei is in love with me, which he’s not, what’s even the problem with that?』

『The problem my young disciple is that people who are in love can’t be relied on to act logically. That Zhang Wei already suspects my identity and while he said he wouldn’t ask anymore that doesn’t mean he won’t snoop on his own. If he finds out I’m a demon he might convince himself that I’m deceiving you. If we can get into that sect we’ll have a good environment for you to train in but if anyone finds out you “colluded” with demons both of us will face an unending assault from the righteous path.』

『Oh no.』

『Yeah, “oh no” luckily for us though you’ll have the perfect chance later. After we leave to the main road if we find somewhere secluded along the way we can discreetly deal with him and no one would be any the wiser.』

After actually thinking about it for a second despite her normally gentle nature Baiyue still closed her eyes and slowly shook her head to refuse the idea in the end.

『… Even if I had it in me, I couldn’t do it Grampa Ming. I promised to keep him safe and I won’t break my word. No matter what that might mean for me in the future I’m going to stand by it!』

Seeing the resolve of his far too naïve disciple Mingtian stopped bothering with this particular point and decided to move on from it and onto something else instead.

『Very well if that’s your choice I won’t stop you, but when it becomes a problem later don’t say I didn’t warn you.』

『Thank you Grampa Ming!』

『Don’t. Returning back to the problem of the bandits I think a wait and see approach would be best. That Zhaomin even if she’s not a proper cultivator herself seems at least somewhat experienced when dealing with them. If we’re lucky she might be able to handle the situation for us entirely without any interference on our part.』

『Yeah you’re right, I believe in Big Sis Zhaomin!』

Feeling his exasperation flaring up again Mingtian was quick to do his job as a master and correct Baiyue’s complacency.

『Little Yue your naivety is showing again. The best way to look at things is to hope for the best while simultaneously preparing for the worst as well. It’s perfectly possible that Zhaomin girl will die immediately without even putting up any kind of fight at all.』

Baiyue listened as Mingtian spoke but was getting annoyed as she felt her master was contradicting himself.

『But you just said we should wait and see!』

『Yes I said that, but what I meant is that we shouldn’t leave the carriage for the time being and work on our preparations here in the meanwhile.』

Even though she calmed down a little with the elaboration of her master she still felt a little annoyed in her heart, especially as she raised her next point.

『Grampa Ming what kind of preparations can we even do in here? Like you said before I’m just a defenceless ten year old girl sitting in a carriage.』

With an amused snort the bird threw his disciple’s attempt at using his words right back at her.

『You’re wrong, I said you are nearly defenceless. Of course that’s by my standards, open your bag and take out the mirror and comb you packed.』

Taken by surprise at her teacher’s words Baiyue only silently did as instructed confusion written all over her face. Holding the ornate polished hand mirror in her left hand and the beautifully carved ivory comb in her right the girl did not see anything particularly special about them.

『Little Yue your mother gave these to you right?』

Tearing up a little her hands shook slightly as she looked at the momentos of the woman she loved dearly but was no longer around.

『They were birthday presents for me when I turned five … she was teaching me how to do my hair.』

Looking at herself in the hand mirror the sad little girl inspected her tangled grey locks.

『We never did get to finish…』

Not allowing his disciple to fall into a whirl of depression Mingtian continued on.

『Do not forget Little Yue your mother was a member of the main branch of the dragon clan, an immortal princess. Do you think anything she left behind would be ordinary? No, these two things are immortal artifacts that would make even the high class sects of this world green with envy.』

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Inspecting the comb and mirror for a second time Baiyue really couldn’t see what her master was talking about.

『Of course you can’t detect anything, not even a Three Transformations Reverend would be able to notice anything off with their spiritual sense. You would have to be at least an Earth Immortal to properly inspect them, as it takes an immortal sense to detect immortal materials.』

Looking proud for some reason even though she didn’t do anything Baiyue puffed out her chest.

『Father was right, Mama is the strongest!』

Rolling his eyes Mingtian could not take this blatant nepotism lying down.

『Of course with my Divine Sense I saw through that Long Meixing’s little concealment at first glance.』

Learning nothing from her master if not the ability to eye roll Baiyue amended herself to appease her little Grampa Ming’s delicate ego.

『Yes, yes, how could I forget the fierce Grampa Ming. The great master who destroys solar systems with a wave of his hand even though he has wings.』

『Hhmp! That’s better, I’ll of course choose to ignore the sarcasm mixed in there for now. Anyway the mirror and comb are defensive artifacts that hold an imprint of your mother made with her immortal sense. While this imprint doesn’t have its own life per se, it can allow the artifact to choose its user and follow their instructions accordingly once bonded with blood.』

Going slightly pale at the creepy explanation Baiyue asked the question she really didn’t want to know the answer to.

『Does that mean I have to like bleed on them or something? Isn’t that, isn’t that kinda gross though? Grampa Ming are you sure there’s not another way?』

Rolling his eyes in expert fashion he just swiped the little girl with his talon again.

『Ow! You did that before too! Not okay Grampa Ming!』

『Just shut up and bleed already.』

Puffing her cheeks in anger while simultaneously holding back tears of pain Baiyue reluctantly did as told and dropped a single scarlet bead onto each of her treasures one after the other. Feeling a mysterious pulse surge through the comb and mirror that went on to travel into her body Baiyue’s eyes were forcibly shut taking her into a world of darkness.

From that endless darkness came a radiant white light that engulfed her completely and when she opened her eyes again the girl was standing in a garden of beautiful blooming flowers all colours of the rainbow. Off a short distance away was an elegant outdoor pagoda where an all too familiar woman with shining white silver hair sat calmy.

She was gently sipping from a steaming cup of tea as she smiled at the young Baiyue who approached hesitantly.

『Mama?』

Putting down her tea Long Meixing casually stood up and without pause crossed the distance Baiyue dared not cross before taking her daughter into a firm hug that filled the young child’s heart with endless warmth.

『Hello again my Little Moon.』

Breaking down into overflowing tears of joy Baiyue was so confused but so happy but so confused her mind jumbled completely.

『Mama! Mama! How is this possible? Mama Father he …』

Bonking her erratic child on the head playfully Meixing was not at all flustered with her daughter’s ramble.

『I know my Little Moon. Like your teacher said I am a spiritual imprint left on the comb and mirror. While I’m technically not your real mother I have all her thoughts and memories and as you always keep those items on your person I know about everything that’s happened in that time.』

『You’re not really my Mama?』

Shaking her head the image of Meixing made it very clear to Baiyue so she wouldn’t get her hopes too high.

『Unfortunately not my Little Moon I’m just something like a reflection the real Long Meixing left behind to protect you. The comb is in actuality a dagger called Maternal Fang and the hand mirror a buckler called the Mirror Scale Shield. They are supposed to be something like an inheritance in the event my main body was unable to return to your side.』

Thinking of the mirror and comb she always carried Baiyue was shocked to know they were in fact actually deadly weapons in disguise but she felt it was very in the style of her mother to leave such a quirky set of gifts behind. Continuing on Meixing further listed the two items features.

『Both the dagger and buckler are currently in their sealed states as to properly wield them without hurting yourself one’s cultivation must have at least reached the Earth Immortal realm. Worry not though my Little Moon Mama always has a way. Before I departed for the immortal world I sealed a single full power martial law into each of them respectively. I the spiritual imprint have enough power to activate these sealed moves, in the mirror is a defensive technique I will activate in the event I feel your life is in serious danger and in the comb an offensive technique that you may make use of at any time. Anyone who tries to bully my little girl unless they are an Immortal Emperor does not have the qualifications!』

Smiling more beautifully than the field of flowers around her Baiyue was the happiest she had ever been for some time now. Unfortunately this happiness was only to be short lived.

『Reflection Mama! If you live in the mirror and comb does that mean we can talk all the time now?!』

Her expression dimming slightly Meixing had no choice but to tell the sad truth to Baiyue.

『I’m sorry my Little Moon but as I’m just an imprint performing something like active thought to hold a conversation uses up a lot of my remaining spiritual power. My real body left only enough for one conversation and the ability to activate the sealed martial laws. Anymore talks after this and I may fade before I can complete my main purpose of protecting you.』

Seeing the dejected expression on her little girl Meixing lifted Baiyue’s chin to reassure her.

『What’s with that face? Eyes up, back straight, the daughter of I, Long Meixing is not someone so weak is she? We won’t be able to talk but a part of me will always be watching over you. I may not be the main body but I’m sure I share the same sentiment with her that we both believe in you a hundred and twenty thousand percent. You don’t need me or your father to drag you along by the hand now, it’s time for you to find your own way in the world. It might be a little earlier than most but that just goes to show how much confidence we have in you.』

Wiping her red eyes with her sleeve Baiyue steeled herself again for the reality before her.

『Mama is right I don’t need your help, no rather I’ll help you. Just like with Father, I’ll save you as well no matter how long it takes! So … so just wait and see wherever you are I’ll come and find you and then I’ll revive Father and then and then … 』

Thwacking her daughter on the head again softly Meixing chuckled at her would be rescuer.

『My hero~ In that case I’ll tell you this even though my main body might not agree. The real me is fine and not in any kind of danger, before I returned to the family that day I already had a certain plan in place. Barring any unexpected accidents you should be able to find me somewhere in the main residence of the dragon clan compound in Demon Continent. I promise you almost nothing can touch me and I can wait however long it will take you to reach me but on that same note I cannot move myself right now either so it will be all up to you to make the situation change somehow.』

Thumping her chest in acknowledgment Baiyue carved her Mama’s words into memory.

『Demon Continent, Dragon Clan, got it.』

『Kyaa! Look at you acting so seriously, how adorable. You’re only making me want to pinch your cheeks you know.』

Squeezing her daughter into another tight hug Meixing cooed over her stoic figure when she was trying her absolute best. Baiyue herself though only awkwardly struggled to break free with an embarrassed blush dusting her cheeks.

『Mama! Stop it!』

Finally escaping Meixing’s tentacle like grip the little girl stamped her foot in frustration.

『Oh~ is the great Long Baiyue too cool for huggies from her Mama anymore?』

Feigning a hurt expression the dragon princess pretended to tear up after saying that. Baiyue of course seeing this quickly became worried she’d hurt her feelings and reached out for her Mama with arms of panicked flurry.

Seeing her chance Meixing scooped up her daughter again with a glint in her eye and started tickling her without mercy. While enjoying the sound of the little girl’s childish laughter she went on to monologue like some kind of perverted villain.

『Hehe~ You walked right into my trap, now how should I deal with this young beauty who’s fallen into my hands now, hmm?』

It could be seen just how much the white haired woman cared for her daughter as even knowing she was on a strict timer she spent every second of it trying to make Baiyue as happy as she could. The smiles and laughter the two produced could probably light up a small village all on their own but all of a sudden Meixing put down her daughter and brought her behind her leg with a dangerous expression on her face.

Slowly approaching from the path of flowers was a man with the darkest of hair that flowed straight and true. When compared with Baiyue’s mother it could almost be said they were exact opposites of each other, if she was the embodiment of “white” then he could be said to be the embodiment of “black”.

The most eye catching of features the man possessed were his phoenix eyes that screamed of power and confidence only further accentuated by the slight smile gracing his lips.

As he got closer the young Baiyue for the first time in her life felt her heart begin to beat faster for reasons she did not quite understand herself. By the time said man stood right before the mother and daughter pair the little girl was bright red like a boiled lobster.

Baiyue was suddenly really glad she was partially hidden behind her Mama’s leg.

『I know who you are.』

Meixing was the first to break the silence between them.

『That’s nice, did you want a prize? This young master is the most famous and handsome man to ever walk the nine firmaments, of course you recognise me. I bet even though they hate me your family still keeps pictures and portraits of my cool face no?』

Hearing such narcissistic dialogue Baiyue without thinking stepped forward out of her mother’s shadow and voiced her unbelievable thoughts aloud.

『 … Grampa Ming?』

Smile transforming into a smirk the beautiful man crouched down and patted Baiyue gently on the head.

『As expected of my disciple, good guess Little Yue.』

Of course the Little Yue in question's head exploded into a cloud of steam at the handsome man’s use of her nickname. Unable to form proper words she just lightly nodded her head with difficulty and hugged her Mama’s leg again to stabilise herself.

『An old cow trying to eat young grass. Touch my daughter again with your filthy hands I dare you.』

『Filthy? Is there such a thing as a cultivator whose hands are truly clean? Honestly this is why I boorishly decided to interrupt you two, I had a feeling when the conversation came back around to me this young master might be unjustly slandered. Seems I was right.』

Killing intent pouring off of her in waves Long Meixing spoke venom with the same tongue that gently encouraged Baiyue earlier.

『I was watching everything, almost all of your power is sealed for some reason. You made a mistake in coming here Feng Mingtian this plane is the artifacts joint inner world. In this place the only god here is me, by bringing your divine sense inside I can easily decide your life and death.』

Smiling slyly as if having just come up with an amazing idea the dragon princess seemed determined to make things difficult for him.

『My ancestors would want me to immediately kill you as soon as I had the chance but … I am not them. What I want is different, swear on the heavens that you will serve, teach and protect my Little Moon til the end of your days and I will spare your pathetic life, cretin. Be grateful, that you have this option at all is due to my daughter’s face.』

The flawless smile fell from Mingtian’s expression and his eyes went cold like he was looking at a mere pebble on the sidewalk as he gazed at Meixing. Baiyue felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up as if wanting to fly off her body at any moment.

An instinct the little girl possessed her mighty mother had long since forgotten “fear” caused Baiyue to admonish her own parent in favour of the strange man she called her teacher.

『Mama … don’t.』

Unnoticing of the cold sweat practically pouring off her daughter’s skin Meixing was confident in what she was doing and hushed the little girl without giving the slightest of any heed to her words.

『Shush, wait a second okay, Mama’s busy right now.』

『Busy huh, you really should listen to her. She’s much smarter than you at least.』

『Bluff all you want but I’ll only give you til the count of three to decide if you still feel like living or not.』

Simply chuckling ominously Mingtian ignored the woman’s threat and began walking towards the pagoda to pour himself a cup of tea. Eye twitching at the blatant disrespect Meixing began her countdown.

『One.』

『Come Little Yue sit with me and have something to drink. This is an imaginary plane so I’m sure I could remember up some of the good stuff.』

『Two.』

『Okay, but please don’t be mad with Mama okay she’s just like that sometimes.』

『It’s fine I am a cool guy who will not go out of his way to embarrass women.』

『Three.』

『Mn, just please don’t hurt her okay?』

『Little Yue your mother is lucky to have such a talented daughter, martial prowess is not everything, perception is important too.』

A little hurt by the way her daughter didn’t believe in her Meixing grit her teeth and was ready to follow through on her threat.

『You’ve lost your only chance now. What a pitiful end to the story of the great Calamity Star Demon Emperor!』

Before the woman could start her attack Baiyue walked in front of Mingtian and spread her arms wide as if shielding him.

『Move Little Moon. I know he’s your teacher but he’s a bad man whose done horrible things you couldn’t even begin to imagine.』

Shaking her head without flinching at her mother’s admonishment Baiyue stood firm.

『I won’t move.』

Getting irritated at this point a little heat entered her voice at her second warning.

『Baiyue this isn’t the time to be stubborn, I said move!』

『Mama, I’m not protecting Teacher, I’m protecting you. Mama said it best Teacher is not a good person if you do this he … he … he might even kill you. Even if you aren’t the real Mama I don’t want to see anything happen to you!』

Despite calming down slightly at her daughter’s confession Meixing was still not convinced.

『Little Moon he’s at less than one percent of his power I bet he can hardly even raise his teacup!』

Baiyue did not move.

『Mama, do you know the story of the old fire god?』

『My daughter we are the children of the stars of course I know that story, but this isn’t the same.』

『Isn’t it? From how I see it you’re just trying to throw fire at Ilios. Mama … there are heavens beyond heavens and you’re not even a god. You can’t hurt Grampa Ming.』

Closing her eyes Meixing mentally prepared herself to forcibly move her daughter if need be, but when she opened them again Baiyue’s consciousness was gone from the artifact realm. Only the snapping of fingers echoed throughout the space to signal her departure.

Mingtian stood where Meixing’s daughter once did cold smile returned to his face. Looking at his hands the origin of that snap became clear.

『Little girl I sent my disciple outside because I didn’t want her to see this. I have killed more masters than you have eaten meals, it has been a long time since I have felt so looked down upon. Even Old Geezer Jade had to take me seriously for at least a minute. Little Yue said it best, a frog in the well like you does not know the vastness of the Earth let alone even begin to fully comprehend the heights of the heavens.』

Raising her caution to the max the spiritual imprint of the dragon princess couldn’t believe the man in front of her was still capable of exerting such power even in his severely weakened state.

『How?』

With a quick snort Mingtian showed his utter derision towards such a question.

『That brat really is good at puzzles her mind was racing trying to solve the discrepancy as soon as she realised who I was. Why is it I could appear in my real body here but not outside? It didn’t take her long at all to figure it out after I gave her a little hint. The tea you see.』

Meixing didn’t notice anything at all but her daughter who had never even cultivated saw things even her a Demon Emperor couldn’t.

『”This is an imaginary plane so I’m sure I could remember up some of the good stuff.”』

Nodding his head Mingtian would give praise where its due.

『Good it appears you’re not completely hopeless that’s right my thoughts can bend the reality of this place. You a spiritual imprint double as the artifact spirit, the “god” of this world. You said you are the only god here and normally speaking you would be right. Even a Deity, hell even a Celestial would not lightly throw their entire divine sense into such a meat grinder carelessly lest they risk turning into a vegetable.』

『Celestial?』

『See? You people from the Immortal World always laugh at the people from the Three-Thousand Worlds as ignorant hicks when they think ascending is the end of cultivation. But aren’t you guys the same, the realm beyond Apotheosis is the Deity Realm … but who said that was the end of cultivation.』

Meixing felt a sinking feeling in her stomach as she began to see where this was going.

『You called me “Calamity Star Demon Emperor” but I haven’t been called that for a while now. Just like how the Immortal World temporally flows ten times faster than the mortal worlds, the Divine Plane flows ten times faster than that. Now I’m called the God of Despair, The Phoenix Emperor, Feng Mingtian. My cultivation is at the Empyrean Realm an Elder God. No longer do I master the Jade Emperor’s scraps my own words are truth; I am the law.』

Taking a step forwards, Meixing took a step back. Noticing her mistake the artifact spirit steeled herself and drew upon as much power as she could manage without jeopardising her mission. The gathered qi formed a massive shining dragon out of seemingly nowhere that spilled gouts of white flame from between its razor sharp teeth. Looking up at the construct Mingtian snapped his fingers like earlier and as suddenly as it appeared the dragon turned to dust and sparkles.

『That was cute.』

Snapping his fingers again the sun in the sky suddenly burned dark, the flowers withered to ash and day turned to night. Following this he spread his arms wide as if to embrace the world itself and as they opened millions of black phoenixes shrouded the sky.

Each of them eyed Meixing hungrily as if waiting for Mingtian’s command to gobble her up as a midday snack. Faced with the terrible horde like something out of her nightmares as a child the dragon princess’ reflection felt her will wane at the futility of the battle before her.

『You said I made a mistake coming in here but that’s wrong. In here with my divine sense completely separated from my body and it’s seal I have total free reign to do as I please. You’re god? You don’t know what god is.』

Snapping his fingers for the last time the inner world of the artifact was suddenly as if nothing ever happened, the phoenixes gone, the sun back to normal and the flowers blooming once more. Turning away from the stunned woman Mingtian acted like the world wasn’t ending a second ago and walked back to the pagoda to finish his tea.

Sipping from his cup elegantly he returned to his harmless and smug Grampa Ming persona.

『Thanks for the drink. I said it before I am a cool guy who does not like to bully women so I’ll make it easy for you. Swear on the heavens that you will never complain even if I cuss in front of you or your daughter until the end of your days and perhaps I may spare your sad little life, bitch. Be grateful, that you have this option at all is due to my disciples face. By the way, fun fact: a heavenly vow made by a spiritual sense affects the main body too. You have until I count to three to decide.』

Looking as if she just swallowed a bug a resigned Meixing opened her mouth to speak …

🙦🙥🙧🙤

Waking up the first thing Mingtian saw was his birdbrained disciple looking at him curiously.

『Grampa Ming what happened just now? Why did I come back before you?』

『Nothing much I just wanted to have a little chat with your mother about your education that’s all.』

『You didn’t bully her did you?』

『Of course not~ your teacher is a gentlemen afterall.』

Rolling her eyes with practised ease Baiyue did not believe him for a second.

『You definitely bullied her.』

『… Yeah I bullied her.』

『Grampa Ming~!』

And so a few minutes later the Nantian brothers would begin their attack upon the merchant caravan. The duo of Tian and Yue too busy arguing to even notice at all.