The gears in her mind started turning again. It had been a long time living as a spoiled brat, but now, the time had come. She decided, it's time...

"To save my own skin!"

On her table, the fire in the lamp flickered. Her room had turned dark, but she could see hope. With that determination, she knew what to do first.

"First, I must right what was wrong... Let's save that girl first."

Yao Linlin came to that conclusion. It was not because she was a person of justice. She merely wished to save herself. This would erase one of the many justifications of her being murdered by that shit MC. However, within, she also felt that girl's fate was too pitiful. Even if she had to force her father a bit, she decided it was worth it. She walked out of her bedroom. As she walked out, she saw the young maid, Ting Ting, sleeping outside on the floor.

"What the hell..."

She ordered all the maids to get out, so Ting Ting could not stay in her room. Still, the maids had a room nearby, so why? Hmm...

"Ah, I got it, she got blamed too,"

Ting Ting, being there when she had that accident, was partially blamed for not being able to protect her. Since Yao Linlin ordered all the maids to get out earlier, they did not stay in the room. Ting Ting however, was burdened by the blame. Should the head maid or her father came and realized there was no maid nearby, she could very well suffer the heat. Since she was on the verge of losing her job...

'She said she had little siblings?'

At such a young age, she already had to work. This world was not Yao Linlin's previous world, so this kind of setting was the norm. Many who reached their teenage years already had to work to support their family.

"Fufu, young miss eats too much... She'll be chubby... Ah, I wanna eat too..."

Chubby? Chubby, your sister! Someone was mumbling in her sleep!

As she observed the little maid, with drool coming out of her mouth, she sighed. This girl was barely a teen, yet already had to work to earn her living. Not only that, she also had to support her younger siblings. Looking at the little girl, sleeping on the floor, Yao Linlin realized just how little she knew about her maids. Granted, she was a new maid, but...

'I should at least, know them a little...'

Taking a handkerchief, she wiped out the drool from her mouth and chin. As she did, the little girl shivered. The wind blew through the corridor, reminding her of the season. It was getting chilly, but this girl was sleeping on the wooden floor. Aii, Linlin went back in, taking her thick blanket and wrapped it around the child. Though they might be of the same age, she had her previous life memory. As once a woman in her 30s, she could only see Ting Ting as a poor little girl.

Realizing the wrapping might not be good enough, she took some rope in her room. Wait, why did she have so much industrial-grade rope inside her room?! This thing could tie up an elephant!

Sighing, she couldn't care anymore. She tied up the blanket around Ting Ting, making sure it would never come loose.

'Ah, I'm quite good in this? huhuhu hyu,'

Able to handle the rope very well, she surprised even herself. Satisfied with her work, she lamented the fact that she could not take pictures of it. Now that she's done, it should be warm enough for Ting Ting. Recalling her original intention, she quickly went on her way. Her father's study was in the center of the mansion, not that far. It was well into the night, and the corridor was dimly lit by mineral stones all the way. There were several guards and maids she saw along the way. It was not obvious, but she knew they distanced themselves as they bowed to her.

When she arrived, she knocked the door first.

Her father's voice reached her;

"Who is it?"

"It is I, your daughter,"

"Eh? Linlin? Enter, enter... How rare of you to even knock first..."

Yao Ma opened the door from within, welcoming his precious daughter in. With concern, he voiced out;

"You should've just sent a maid over... You're still recovering. Huhu, did you miss your papa?"

"Papa, my ass... I want to know what's going to happen to the waitress I quarreled before,"

"Oh, that peasant? Rest assured, daddy already arranged for her the most serious charge. The judge also understands, hihi... She won't get away safely even if the best lawyer in the city defend her, huhu~"

He giggled out loud, as if bragging to his daughter of his job well done. Not amused, Yao Linlin sighed while saying;

"Dad, do me a favor,"

"Yes, yes? Anything for my sweet daughter... Just say what it is and I'll have it ready in no time--"

"Release that person now, and drop all charges."

"..."

Yao Ma, still smiling, turned frozen. As if not believing what he was hearing, he tilted his head with that same frozen smile. Linlin was getting irritated, but she had to repeat it;

"I said release that waitress now, and drop all charges!"

"Eh, eh..."

"Stop eh-ing!"

"B-but Lin-er, why?"

"You dare ask why?! What kind of charges did you put her on!"

"W-well... attempted murder, public shaming... Not much?"

"Ha, not much? Isn't that going overboard!"

"Is, is it? Haha,"

This was getting nowhere. She remembered that the girl had been detained by the city police, and locked away in jail. Jail was not hotel. It would be cold and uncomfortable. Since it was already the third day, she must already spend two nights there. It would do Yao Linlin no good to further delay this. That girl must be released tonight!

This time, she demanded;

"Send someone over to the city police, and release her right now!"

"B-but..."

"No buts!"

"But my daughter... Our reputation, our family's name... If we release her, where will I put my face? If those guys in the capital know... The main family would laugh at me,"

"To hell with your face! And why bother with those who don't like you anyway? Drop the charges! Our face is already tainted enough, and you wish to smear it more?"

"I, I don't quite follow, my daughter..."

"I said, send someone over and release her, right-fucking-now!"

"Muh, why should I? I... I'm the deputy governor here, not you... I have the power, haha..."

"You, dare, defy, me?"

"O-of course, I'm t-the father here..."

A rare scene occurred. For some reason, her dad did not wish to follow her order. Perhaps he felt his authority was challenged, or was it for another reason? Nonetheless, his stubbornness could do shit. In front of him, the demon incarnate was fueled by the hell's fire...

"So you have chosen death..."

"D-daughter? My sweet daughter... What are you murmuring about?"

"You... really won't listen?"

"It's, it's not like I don't want to... It's just that, it's already underway... and it's complicated, so..."

"Bullshit. I know it's easy enough for you. Tell me the real damn reason,"

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"W-well, releasing her now... That's like smearing charcoal right on my face. Our face! She hurt my sweet daughter, everyone knows by now, so..."

So it's face again!

Why must the oldies care so much about their wrinkling face?!

Yao Linlin's whole body, shivered. With her eyes closed, she murmured;

"Your ears..."

"Y-yes? What's with my ears? D-daughter, you're being weird..."

At the question, she opened her eyes. The dad, seeing the burning fire within his daughter's eyes, flinched. To Yao Linlin, her father's answer was the same as wishing for her early death. Your face, or my life? Anger and desperation fueled her as she shouted;

"What use having ears if you just can't listen?! I'll do you a favor and bite them off--"

"W-wait... Say NO to domestic vio-- Ahhhhh---!"

It turned a bit chaotic, attracting guards and maids alike. More than a dozen of them gathered, witnessing the scene in close distance. The deputy governor, all stern and godlike to them, was frantically defending his ears from the monster daughter...

...

Ha, ha, ha...

After a short while... Both panted in exhaustion. Yao Linlin finally stopped after the father conceded. As if facing injustice, Yao Ma demanded at least an explanation. She explained;

"You said face? Haah, who cares about face when we're in the wrong! The strong admits its mistake, or do you claim otherwise?"

"N-no, but still... The process is already underway..."

"You already agreed! Don't make me bite your ears off,"

"Hiii-- Of, of course."

"Now drop the charge right this moment. The court is busy enough as it is,"

"Well, not right now... Maybe in the morning? The prosecutors must have gone home..."

"No, release her right-now! Send someone over to the prosecutor's house if need be! And have the police escort her safely home! No more discussion!"

"W-wokayy..."

Yao Ma immediately sent out orders for the city police and the court. Aside from the girl's release, Yao Linlin also demanded full reimbursement for the restaurant. Grabbing a thousand-gold IOU from him, she witnessed as her father whimpered in defeat. At such scene, she recalled the novel's description of the father;

'A simple, corrupt official who spoiled his children too much after their mother passed away.'

Sighing, she really did not wish to push him around like this. While she possessed her past memory, it was also true that he raised her in this world. However, she had to be heavy-handed. Otherwise, it would not be enough even if she possessed nine lives. Patting his shoulder, she uttered;

"Thanks, Dad,"

"...?"

And she left him alone, puzzled by her action.

...

That very same night, in the city's outskirt, a poor neighborhood was filled with tears of joy and relief.

And that very same night too, someone was struggling to free herself from a tight rope.

A very tight rope.

...

Ko ko ko koo---

The cock's crowing greeted the chilly dawn.

The sun rose, empowering the morning air. Yao Linlin was out in the garden, enjoying the morning freshness. Last night, the guard who informed the police, escorted the girl back home as well. As requested, he directly reported back to her. Hearing how joyful it was for the girl's family and the neighborhood, Yao Linlin was glad. She knew she did the right thing. Huhu, one ember gone. Ahh no, not quite yet...

Too early to be glad. Thinking about it, she ought to visit the owner and the girl soon. However, she was tactful. She let them breathed free for a bit. It was better to give them several days free from interruption. She had free days now, but what to do? Since the old Yao Linlin was spoiled rotten, she had no academic teacher anymore. The last one was two months ago, and he lasted a mere three days.

Ahh, with such free time, she decided, better study about this world's norm first. Having recovered her past memory, it was still confusing. The memories from her two life clashed, and everything turned fuzzy. She again took the time to organize what she knew. Tracing down the events she already wrote, she came to terms with the new world she was now in.

...

From the novel, this world was not the so-called Xianxia world.

That kind of world would follow later. This beginning world was branded as Wuxia world, where Martial Masters and capable warriors roamed free and had a massive influence in society. They were powerful alright. However, they were still bound by the earth. Only the top few of them were capable of flight. Everyone else used what was called, movement techniques.

This world, described as the Wulin world, consisted of several continents. The place she was in, was just the smaller continent. This continent consisted of six Empires and many other smaller subordinate nations. This Xiao Shan city of the Green Jade county was part of the Huang Empire, a true powerhouse in the continent.

"The empire is strong, but..."

But, this city which her father ruled, was pretty much a backwater place.

The Yao main family, assigned her father here for a purpose. The father was average in many ways, he was just good with management. Considering he was just the son of the third wife, he was placed here. This small city was nowhere near the grandeur of the capital. It was far away from the bigshots and influential powers controlling the empire. It was bordering mountain range under control by local mountain tribes. While these tribes were strong in their own way, they were too busy fighting each other to pose a real threat to the empire.

Under such conditions, the Masters living in this place were too few. Not many were interested in living in a desolate area like this anyway. From what she heard, there were likely less than forty Martial Masters in the city and its surrounding area. Most masters here pretty much retired or tried to lay low, away from their enemies.

"So this is pretty much a beginner city..." Yao Linlin started to organize what she knew.

From what she recalled and confirmed, martial artists in this world were divided into three categories. They were specialists, warriors, and martial masters. First to note was the specialists. They consisted of people who focused on using special methods to gain an advantage in battle. Some of them were tacticians, healers, poison practitioners, trap users, and even assassins. While not all specialists were warriors or masters, they were still a force to be reckoned with. Their expertise was useful in many situations. Even to martial masters, offending any of them was never a good choice.

The second category was the most numerous. They were called warriors, the common practitioners of Martial Arts. They were ranked into Low-rank, Mid-rank, and High-rank. These warriors used Qi to supplement their techniques and strengthened their bodies in battle. Their weapons varied from close combat to ranged combat types. In the army, low-rank warriors were qualified to be squad leaders of ten-men. For Mid-rank warriors, they were usually chosen as officers in the frontline, as a hundred-men leader or higher. As for High-rank warriors, as long as they possessed leadership ability, they would be appointed either the captain of a thousand-men, leader of a special squad, or aides to a general.

In this Xiao Shan city, most martial artists were only Low to Mid-rank Warriors. They usually worked as mercenaries or employed full-time by rich and influential households. The Yao Family itself hired more than twenty of them. They worked as bodyguards and guards for the deputy governor's mansion. The two bodyguards of Yao Linlin too, were part of them. Most were Mid-rank warriors, capable of fighting tens or more mere thugs just by themselves.

In her mind, she familiarized herself with the existence of these warriors.

"So low-rank and mid-rank could only end up as lackeys... Then, what about?"

High-rank warriors?

Among the warriors, only a minority were classified as High-rank warriors. And these warriors were often called the First-rates. They possessed a sharp mind and decisiveness similar to Masters. In fact, some of them, their cultivation were so close to Masters that it was easy for untrained eyes to mistake them as such. Though not as much as Masters, they were still well-respected and feared, even in larger cities.

'Respected, true... But even High-rank warriors are still lackeys... high-rank lackeys.'

She did not utter it, she was being tactful. It would do her no good to offend any random warriors with her mumblings. Her household however, employed only one High-rank warrior, the one guarding her father. Her father did assign one to guard her years ago, but due to his pride, he quit quite quickly. Yao Linlin was too spoiled rotten to even observe basic manners.

Again relating to the novel, she thought;

'These guys... Qi Condensation cultivators.'

In this world, they were not called as such. In the novel, starting only from the next world, the term was introduced to that shitty MC. Qi Condensation cultivators were pretty much middle-school kids in that higher world, nothing special. However, here in Wuxia world, they were the main military force for nations and even empires due to their sheer numbers and overall ability. Peasants would tremble in fear in front of their sheer fighting force.

'They were usually described as rough and imposing, with bulging muscles and intimidating scars... One which could make a baby cry with but a stare... Well, I do not doubt babies crying, but... intimidating?'

Looking at the guards around her mansion, Yao Linlin did not feel anything special about them. The papers clearly registered them as Mid-rank, but their appearance... In fact, each of them looked so foolish with them gawking and yawning this early morning. Some were even picking their nose out in the open! Hmph, how shameless!

Seeing so, she laughed awkwardly.

However, she knew, these guys should not be underestimated. Each of them could easily kill her with just one hand if they wished to. While Yao Linlin did practice some martial arts during childhood, it was merely at the level of building stamina and 'staying healthy'. That was the basic of basic, nothing special. She was not even fit to be a soldier, not to mention a Mid-rank warrior!

And, in this world, there were existences much more powerful than warriors, even High-rank warriors. As mentioned before, there were so few of them in this city...

The Masters.

These Martial Masters were aloof people. Most were leaders of sects, elders or assistant elders. There were several ranks differentiating Masters. The lowest was Entry Masters, those who had just stepped into the realm from being a High-rank warrior. These people could take on several High-rank warriors at once. They possessed more refined and powerful Qi, making them formidable in battle.

Next in line was the Established Masters. In large sects, they were elders, capable of commanding thousands of martial artists by themselves. They had been masters for years and had already formed a solid grounding of their new Qi center. They could use powerful Qi skills without endangering their own life. In other words, they were stable and experienced.

The higher rank than that, would be the Superior Masters. Even in large sects, they would be the Sect Leader or Ancestors. Even royals had to tread lightly around them, minding their influence. They commanded ten of thousands martial artists, and had close ties with powerful political factions and noble families. Where ever they went, these figures were treated the same as kings and princes. They were considered by many martial artists, as the very peak they hope to reach!

...

'Right, these people are best avoided. Offending them would result in immediate death... Oh, almost forgot about them,'

As she thought so, she almost forgot another rank among the masters. Amounting to the fewest in this world, was the rank of Supreme Masters. Their names were legends among martials, and almost always eccentric. Only a few actually made their appearance in public. Even then, they still hid their face behind a mask. Due to them being in isolation or preferring not to divulge their identity, many of the younger generations never even see or heard about them aside from tales and legends. Some even questioned their existence as myths and made-up rumors.

However, Yao Linlin knew well why they were so unknown;

"Full Body Reconstruction..."

Due to practicing their arts, most martial artists had better longevity than common people. However, even they could not live more than two hundred. However, when they entered the realm of masters, they regained a bit of their youth, placing them around the age of thirty to fifty for a long time, depending on how early they reached it.

However!

Still unknown to many, when a master reached Supreme Master level, their body underwent a transformation. With enough energy in the body and enough insight in the mind, they were able to control their Qi to achieve the legendary, Full Body Reconstruction. As a result, most gained a body in their 20s, some, even younger!

This was the reason why they could hide their identity and blend in among the people. With renewed youth and vigor, they were inclined to experience the world in a whole new, refreshing way. It was quite easy for them to hide their cultivation, since even a Superior Master could not detect it unless they came into direct contact. Besides, pretty much everyone would not expect such a young person... to be an accomplished Master!

Yao Linlin pondered;

'In the novel... It was mentioned, perhaps forty or so in the continent. Several were aligned with the Imperial Courts. Very few alright, even fewer than kings. Well, no need to worry. What's the odd of encountering them anyway? In this city, even the Entry Masters are few...'

In large sects in the empire's capital, even an Entry Master was still respected as an Assistant Elder. Masters were the peak of Martial Artists in this world. In this backwater city, they were an existence even her father dared not offend. However, in truth, they were Foundation-Establishment cultivators. In the next world, such cultivators were nothing more than normal disciples. It was like high-schoolers in her previous world. Do you go around bragging to others you attended high school? Average high school.

"Right, these so-called Masters, are just Foundation-Establishment cultivators... Wait--!!"

As she remembered the word Foundation-Establishment, a particular knowledge, not belonging to this world, resurfaced. It was something right from the novel, and she was able to recall it with absolute certainty. Such knowledge, shook her to the very core.

She broke a sweat, eyes wide open. She held her breath, realizing, what implication this could bring forth...

"Foundation Flow Elixir..."

The name of that particular elixir filled her very being. With what she knew, Yao Linlin could not help but shiver...

She felt rather depressed before. Thinking about the MC, with his old man expert ghost following and teaching him everything, she felt the ugly envy earlier. She thought, she had no such cheat!

"...No cheat? Ha..."

She started to laugh...

"This, is, cheat!"

A series of evil laugh, echoed in the mansion.