“Well, well, well! Why, if it isn’t the disgraced son of the Li Clan? Trapped at Realm 1.0 for eighteen years. How dare you have the face to stand here, on the top floor of the Dancing Dragon? Has the Li Clan lost all dignity?” The cultivator who had grasped Miss Tsang’s hand turned around and talked condescendingly to Li Ping.
“Hu. Ze. Tong!” Li Ping slowly marched at the cultivator, snarling all the way.
Li Ping’s tattered, pitch black robes swirled behind him in a flutter along with his sleak black hair. His “sword like” eyebrows were twitching in fury.
“Li Ping.” Hu Ze Tong quirked an eyebrow, and smirked.
“Ignore the trash. I can see you’ve raised your cultivation. It has been many years since I’ve been this happy. Congratulations, Brother Ping.” Miss Tsang pulled out a fan, and began to gently air herself.
“Ruru.” Li Ping stopped his march. A magnificent smile spread from ear to ear as he matched eyes with his childhood friend.
Vibrant green met deep violet.
“Hmph, everyone knows that the Tsang Clan broke off your marriage contract. Don’t go acting so close Li Ping! In six months time, I’ll be winning Fairy Tsang’s hand in marriage at the Tournament of Young Hero’s!” Hu Ze Tong interjected.
“Ruru…is this true?” Li Ping looked searchingly across his childhood friend’s face.
Looking away, Ruru Tsang bit her lip. “It’s true. Father doesn’t want to offend any major force by marrying me off, so he left it to the will of the Heavens.”
Li Ping gripped his fists tight. “Fine! If it’s the will of the Heavens, than who am I, Li Ping will destroy the Heavens! I’ll win that Tournament of Hero’s or whatever, and prove my devotion!”
“Li Ping…”
“Ha! Even if you fell into a treasure cavern, you’re still no match for the countless experts taking part in the tournament! At least a dozen Realm Three cultivators will be participating. And you, a measly Realm One dares to announce the “destruction of the Heavens?” Grow up!” Hu Ze Tong gripped his sides in laughter.
A large group of diners, and bystanders who were watching the commotion laughed at Li Ping along with Hu Ze Tong.
“Why don’t you sell that Spiritual Beast resting on your shoulders, eh Li Ping? Buy yourself something nicer than those rags!” Hu Ze Tong led the crowd into another round of laughter.
Li Ping’s eyes never left Ruru Tsang’s. The laughter surrounding him was like air as he stared deeply into his childhood friend’s soul.
“Are you ignoring me! Tch!” Hu Ze Tong’s eyes narrowed, and he reached out to snatch the fox from Li Ping’s hand.
A fair, slender hand reached out, and blocked Hu Ze Tong’s grimy paw.
“Li Ping, however far he’s fallen is still a member of the Li family. Li Ping, come back with your family. Father will forgive you now that you have regained your cultivation.” A stunning woman in a salmon colored dress placed her hand on Li Ping’s shoulder.
Shaking off the beauty’s hand, Li Ping snorted. “I’m through with the Li Clan. Father abandoned me, and our cousins mocked me. While you never left me Li Pong, you are not the Li family. I’m sorry little sister, but I must accomplish this on my own merits.”
Li Ping turned toward Ruru Tsang.
“Believe in me Ruru.” Li Ping gave one last, earnest look at his childhood friend, then left the building.
“You can’t hide behind a woman’s back forever Li Ping!” Hu Ze Tong shouted at Li Ping’s back.
On his way out, Li Ping thought he had seen some familiar faces amongst the crowd; however, he must’ve missed them. He rudely snorted at Hu Ze Tong not even bothering to speak a word validating his existence, then went on his way. All those who wronged him would get their comeuppance.
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‘Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit!’ Gu Li was sweating up a storm as he witnessed Li Ping’s performance.
Li Ping actually survived falling down that abyss! An important tournament for a hot woman’s hand in marriage was around the corner! And Li Ping had a fox wrapped around his neck! So far, Gu Li’s predictions were 3 for 3!
He felt vindicated. His seemingly nonsensical reliance on believing in “plot” panned out!
Gu Li theorized that Li Ping probably wasn’t even in Realm One anymore! Protagonists in Xianxia’s always had a technique to hide their power level! Ever since DBZ, martial artists, and protagonists across all works of fiction have been able to mask their strength. It was one of the preeminent tropes!
100%, that man would enter the tournament as a Realm Two, and then during battle, he would breakthrough into Realm Three! Protagonists increasing their strength in a last ditch effort was protagonists 101.
Fortunately, Gu Li had no intention of entering that tournament!
Turning to Gu Ying, Gu Li saw that she was engrossed in the altercation.
Nope! It was time to GTFO! If Li Ping saw him now, it would not be good!
“While everyone is distracted, let’s leave. Watching shows like these are great fun, but also can be dangerous. You never know when someone will explode in a flurry of rage and violence.” Gu Li gripped Gu Ying’s hand, and slowly backed away towards the exit.
To Gu Li’s surprise, Gu Ying didn’t say an entire word while they left the building.
Turning to face her, Gu Li saw her eyes transfixed on where their hands met.
This was good. His plans for a cultivation partner were slowly coming to fruition.
Smiling to himself, Gu Li decided to go on a small walk around the main street before returning to the Gu estate.
After a while of aimlessly walking around and sightseeing, his feet took him to an interesting building. It was a museum. He’d never heard of a museum in a Xianxia world. However, human culture had existed here for tens of thousands of years, it shouldn’t be too surprising that those in power would want to show off with their past conquests.
Curious about the past, Gu Li entered the building. After paying a five spirit stone admittance each, Gu Li lead Gu Ying around.
Inside, he witnessed a giant foot the size of a double decker bus. It was a puppet foot! Stacked up next to it were the broken remains of hundreds of puppets. Once upon a time, another Unorthodox faction, the Myriad Puppet School had challenged the Five Joys Sect, and lost.
Another display showcased a broadcasting of old footage. The sign read: “Victory over the Fetid Tide.”
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
The screen depicted zombies, filthy scab covered creatures, and feces monstrosities gathering in the hundreds of thousands or even millions at the gates of Spirit Stone Canyon. Daoists of all stripes shot elemental attacks, and many different daos made their appearance. Some poop creatures were blown to smithereens by sonic bursts caused by the Dao of Music. A coin was flipped into the air, then enlarged to the size of a small mountain, exploding nastiness everywhere.
It was truly an eye opening sight for Gu Li. It somewhat made sense. In Chinese fantasy, “Dao” as a concept meant the “truth” or “meaning” behind something.
As an example, if someone pursued the Dao of Swords, it meant that they sought a sort of purity, and fundamental, universal understanding of the sword. In practice, this meant that they could become stronger in terms of sharpness, speed, killing intent, or any other host of things that made a sword a more effective tool. Once someone understood a fundamental Law of the universe, then they could quickly advance their level in cultivation, and ultimately, achieve immortality. This was the end goal of every cultivator.
Swords were just one kind of dao. There were as many dao’s in the world as stars in the sky.
Swords, sabers, fire and lightning were the most popular tools of war. Hence, elements, and common weapons were dubbed “Orthodox Cultivation.”
They were, however, far from the only methods of attaining immortality in this universe.
Unorthodox Cultivation was anything non mainstream, like Gu Li’s Dao of Dreams. Often times, they blurred the lines between Orthodox, and Demonic Cultivation.
Demonic Cultivation involved harming other people and intelligent life forms. Often the more brutal and depraved the method, the greater levels of success a Demonic cultivator would achieve. This path was popular, especially to untalented people, because the “average” Demonic cultivator could reach Realm Three by 25. Gu Li, who was average for his sect, was 24, and only Realm 1.5!
Shaking his head, Gu Li decided to move along, and worry about the dao when he was at a higher level.
Gu Li passed through a gallery of weapons. Sword, halberds, spears, nunchucks, every mainstream, and exotic weapon was here. Even guns?! What!
Gu Ying snaked her chubby arm around Gu Li’s during his stupor, and held on like a vice grip.
“Brother Li seems to be interested in firearms? You had them in your dreamscape, so it isn’t too surprising. However, I would advise against it. Only the extremely rich can practice the Dao of Marksmanship. Each slug is one shot use, and costs an exorbitant price. In practice, you’ll only see giant cannons protecting major cities like Spirit Stone Canyon, or important forts guarding valuable resource points.” Gu Ying explained.
“That makes sense.” Gu Li thoughtlessly nodded along.
Gu Li then sighed in relief. He had zero knowledge on the manufacturing of weapons. The idea of a gun toting maniac was cause for concern.
However, this wasn’t Earth. He had to leave his biases of what qualified as dangerous behind.
While a pressurized tube that could launch a rock really fast was an effective killing tool. It wasn’t anything special compared to magic tomfoolery. In this universe, a man could shoot lighting from his eyes, capture another person’s soul with a wave of the hand, or fly on a sword faster than any jet. The rules of the game were different here.
For the next half hour, Gu Li let himself be dragged through the museum while his mind was elsewhere.
When they finally left, Gu Li had an epiphany.
‘Wait a minute. Li Ping proved he’s alive…that means Quolo Jing was going to be royally pissed!’
Gu Li hurriedly unhooked his arm from Gu Ying’s grasp, eliciting a frown from the taller girl, but Gu Li paid her no mind.
Gripping his Sect Badge, Gu Li hurriedly messaged Fu Cao, and Hei Yu. Fotunately for Gu Li, so long as he was in one of the Five Joys Sect’s major cities, he could use his Sect Badge as a communication device. It somewhat reminded Gu Li of a basic cell phone in function. It was kind of cool. Instead of typing, Gu Li willed his Ki into the device, and directed his thoughts. Then the words appeared on a small 3D light screen. Only thing the badge was missing were games, and apps.
“Meet me at the Mission Hall. Now!” -Gu Li
“Ahh, I just cashed in my Merit Points for an orgy! Sorry Senior Brother Gu, I’ll have to decline!” -Fu Cao
“Don’t you ghost me, Hei Yu. And this is an order. Li Ping is alive, and Quolo Jing is about to be very, very unhappy. And if I’m going down, I’m taking you two with me.” -Gu Li
“I’ll be at the Meeting Hall in five minutes.” -Hei Yu
“Fine. I’ll be there.” -Fu Cao
“You two look for a good mission. I have something to take care of at the Gu Estate. I’ll meet you in an hour.” -Gu Li
“Sorry about that Little Ying, but I just realized I had unfinished business with my squad. I need to do one more, very urgent mission for Quolo Jing.” Gu Li scratched the back of his head, and explained things to Gu Ying in an apologetic tone.
“Oh. I understand Brother Li.” Gu Ying replied listlessly.
“Right. Say, why don’t you tag along with us?” Gu Li passed for a moment, and invited Gu Ying.
He needed to farm more CP after all. This way, he could also improve her cultivation, and hopefully her fitness level at the same time! It was win-win!
“Mm! I’ll follow Brother Li anywhere!” Gu Ying nodded.
“Excellent! Let’s stop by the Gu estate to grab our provisions, and some medicine. We’ll meet at the Mission Hall with my squad in an hour.” Gu Li gripped Gu Ying’s hand, then began to speed walk toward the family mansion.
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At the family home, Gu Li hurriedly stuffed food pellets and medicine into his travel pack. He then went to a side hall.
Gu Li put on a smile, and squared his shoulders before entering a nondescript room.
Inside it was dimly lit, and slightly dusty. It was a small, octagonal room with a tall ceiling. On the shelves, there were a few hundred scrolls and books resting in place.
The vast majority of books were works of fiction and non-fiction. They were not cultivation manuals. As a clan that primarily focused on the Dao of Dreams, an active imagination was encouraged amongst all Gu clansman.
Standing guard behind a desk was a tired looking old man reading something. A blue light lamp powered by spirit stones cast an ominous shadow over the hunched man.
“Grandfather Gu.” Gu Li bowed in respect.
The innocuous old man before Gu Li was the past Patriarch of the Gu Clan. He was a short, 5’2 man. His large hawk like nose ran red, and dripped a little snot. He had short, greying hair, and wore a satin blue night cap. It looked somewhat like a huge sock.
Gu Li did his best to restrain his laughter at the goofy looking old man. After all, he was a Realm Six cultivator, and despite his appearance, could squash Gu Li in a blink of an eye.
Licking his thumb, Grandfather Gu turned the page, ignoring Gu Li.
“I would like to borrow a couple books on beginner alchemy, Grandfather Gu.” Gu Li lightly bowed.
“24 years of age, and still Realm 1.5, hmph. Now you seek knowledge of the cauldron since you have hit a roadblock. The follies of an untalented youth. Heed your Grandfather’s advice Young Li. Steady your foundation, and absorb more books of fiction. One day, you’ll ascend like a star to the Heavens. I was once mediocre like you. However, these old bones advanced inch by inch right here in this very library. Here, I want you to have this. Take this book about sub nautical underwater exploration, and broaden your horizons.” Grandfather Gu wiped his nose with a crusty sleeve, then handed over a book with a picture of a submarine on it.
“Thank you for your guidance, Grandfather Gu. However, I have accumulated many works of fiction, and am ready for the next step. Don’t be surprised the next time you see me that I have advanced in my cultivation. I merely wish to pick up a side occupation as a hobby.” Gu Li bowed once more.
“A hobby, eh? Your father may accept such lies, but I won’t tell anyone. You may waste your time on such banal works. The young must stumble and fall before stepping on the right path. Here, take these two books.” Grandfather Gu rolled his eyes, and replied with a smile.
Grandfather Gu then formed a hand sign, and two scrolls floated down from the massive shelves, and landed in Gu Li’s hands.
[Basics of Herbology (0%)]
[Basics of Alchemy (0%)]
“Much thanks, Grandfather Gu.” Gu Li bowed one last time, and stepped out of the door.
“Oh lad, one last thing. Don’t break Little Ying’s heart. Ah ha ha ha!” Grandfather Gu’s cackling laughter followed Gu Li out of the hall.
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After picking Gu Ying up, Gu Li headed towards the Mission Hall to meet up with Hei Yu and Fu Cao.
On the way, he received a message from Quolo Jing on his Sect Badge.
“Li Ping lives and yet here you are attempting to leave the sect in a hurry?” -Quolo Jing
Gu Li stopped in his steps and mentally cursed. ‘Shit! That woman must have informants everywhere!’
“Li Ping is alive?! Fortunately, we had prepared for this possible eventuality, and spread rumors of his fortuitous encounter. Soon, hordes of people unrelated to us will cause Li Ping trouble.” -Gu Li
“I’ll be delaying your punishment. For now, I want you to supervise my younger brother, Bei Gei on a mission. His cultivation level is 1.5, same as you. He’s weak, pampered, and he requires toughening up. Take him to Dark Desire Village, and investigate an unsanctioned auction house. If they have no backer, smash their operation. If they do have a backer, notify them of our regulations, then report back to me.” -Quolo Jing
“Yes, Mistress Jing.” -Gu Li
“I’m sending you a picture of Bei Gei now. Don’t come back until he’s killed one hundred Realm One beasts, and one Realm Two opponent. Signing off.” -Quolo Jing
When the picture of Bei Gei loaded, Gu Li grimaced. The boy couldn’t be older than 12 or 13, and he already had the look of an “Arrogant Young Master” written all over him.
Gu Li had to baby sit this little shit?
No way in hell was he going to put up with some 13 year old ordering him around like a slave!
Gu Li quickly formed a plan to deal with the brat. It was risky, but it just might work!