Chapter 6: Xue Lanruo
Holding onto her hands, Yu gently said: “Does my beloved wife want a name?”
Hearing his words, the Spirit Queen did not answer immediately, instead staring into his eyes for a while.
Eventually, she answered him lovingly: “I do, but don’t pick a bad one!”
“Hmm, I won’t make any promises saying it’ll be the best name in the world, but I shall do my best to give you a name you won’t be ashamed to have.” Yu said, giving her a gentle smile.
One should know, receiving a name is the most important part of a spirits life! Not only that but the one who gives them a name will be spiritually connected, able to sense where each other is no matter the distance between and if the bond is stronger, they’ll be able to converse as well.
Hence, the act of the Spirit Queen allowing Yu to grant her a name is astonishing! After all, these two just met today! Perhaps arranged by fate that these two souls met and became husband and wife.
“Xue Lanruo.” Yu lovingly said into her ears, causing her to shiver before she eventually became engulfed by a divine golden light, completely covering her figure, forming a pure white cocoon of sorts!
Seeing this scared Yu witless! But remembering her explanation on how a name can grant a spirit great power, his worries calmed as he patiently waited for the light to vanish.
But soon, he started to grow worried again, as it’s been a few hours already and the sun outside started to set. Fortunately, Yggdrasil was well lit, allowing him to see clearly. Grabbing some rations, he ate, not leaving the pure white cocoon’s side for even a second as inside was his beloved wife.
More time passes, but Yu did not tire, waiting patiently for Lanruo to emerge.
“Papa, where’s mama?” Yaya asked as she returned, hovering over him.
Still not used to being called Papa, Yu awkwardly replied: “Inside that beautiful white cocoon.”
“Really? When will mama come out?” Yaya asked, a bit worried.
“I don’t know, but I’m sure she’ll be out in no time!” Yu said as he smiled, comforting Yaya.
“Okay! Since Papa says so, it must be true!” Yaya replied in joy.
Sadly, by the time the sun has risen, the cocoon remained, only growing in size as time went on. But Yu was not so impatient, sitting by the cocoon and patiently waiting for the time Lanruo will emerge. It did not matter how long, as Yu did not have any thoughts of complaint, nor did he have thoughts of leaving, silently waiting beside the cocoon.
At times, Yaya would come over, asking about the cocoon to which Yu would assure her as to not make her worry. Eventually, a week passes just like that. Yu at times would think about his mission, but he firmly believed that staying by his wife’s side was more important, disregarding any thoughts to leave, showcasing that the Spirit Queen’s position in Yu’s heart has already taken root, being the first person in this world he’s truly cared about.
Fortunately, the mission didn’t have a time limit, giving Yu all the time in the world to finish it.
A few more days pass, the cocoon had already doubled in size, looking as if it would burst at any moment! These days, Yu had grown more attentive of the cocoon, not minding the loss of sleep as it was no problem to someone who’s body was handcrafted by a god.
Eventually, the moment of truth! The cocoon began to form cracks as multiple rays of light pierced outwards. Soon, the cocoon rips open, revealing a blinding divine light that lit up the entire tree.
“Leng Yu…” A beautiful voice rang out, causing Yu to smile as it was his beloved wife.
The light died down, revealing Xue Lanruo’s figure. Clad in a beautiful dress decorated with glowing golden vines. Her originally pale blonde hair became more radiant as if it were glowing, her skin became smoother and somehow more fluorescent, causing her to look younger, and her beautiful golden eyes glow brighter than ever! Her butterfly wings grew larger, more vivid and elegant, being more visible than before even. Not just that, but her strength has reached a breakthrough, standing at the peak of the Saint Stage. Sadly, Yu who couldn’t tell the vast difference between an average Saint Stage expert and a Peak Saint Stage didn’t notice this.
“Do you like your name?” Yu teased, unable to control himself as he pulled her into his embrace.
“Yes…” Lanruo softly replied, her wings fluttering in joy.
“That’s good.” Yu said as he tightened his hug before letting go.
“Yaya, how are you?” Xue Lanruo asked as she turned her head towards Yaya, still in Yu’s embrace.
“Mama!” Yaya exclaimed as she dived straight into Lanruo’s bosom, sandwiched between Yu and her as if she was in the brink of tears. This sudden act caused her to be confused.
“What’s wrong?” Xue Lanruo asked.
“Mama has been in that cocoon for nearly two weeks! Papa hasn’t left your side, but Yaya was worried!” Yaya exclaimed her grief as Xue Lanruo held her closer.
“You’ve stayed by my side for two weeks?” Xue Lanruo said in surprise, glancing at Yu who held her in his embrace.
“Mhm, even I started to worry, ha hah…” Yu said, giving a hollow laugh.
Feeling this person care some much about her, someone he met for barely a day, she could not help but felt warmth, her eyes started to moisten as she tightened her hold on Yu and Yaya, silently embracing them both as she’s thankful to have such a wonderful family in her life.
“It’s good that you’re fine.” Yu said in relief as he tenderly caressed her head.
Feeling his hand, Xue Lanruo leaned forward as she enjoyed Yu’s warmth before asking him a question: “Would you have waited for me still if took me years to come out?”
“Of course, why wouldn’t I wait?” Yu replied without hesitation, making Lanruo’s heart melt as she felt the sincerity behind his voice. Smiling sweetly she gave him a light peck on the lips as she became bashful afterwards.
The two spent some more time together, getting to know each other better as they told each other stories about their lives. The first time Lanruo heard of this other world, her curiosity has already been piqued as she would often be the one asking questions during the time the two were together.
“So you had these large metal machines known as cars?” Lanruo asked with her eyes shining brightly, filled to the brim with anticipation. She closely sat next to Yu as he was illustrating what cars looked like. Although his drawing was flimsy, Lanruo greatly appreciated it nonetheless.
“Yep, they’re like carriages and sedans, but they didn’t need monsters to pull them, all you needed was a form of fuel to make them run.” Yu explained with the best of his ability to let someone who’s never been to modern china understand.
“I see! Tell me about high school next!” Like a child who’s curiosity knows no bounds, the two spent the days like this, seemingly immersed in their own world as they could not sense the passing of time.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Apart from eating and tasting different kinds of fruits and vegetables together, the two would continue discussing many things as they enjoyed a fragrant cup of tea, a hobby they both shared causing the two to grow even closer.
Yu also greatly benefited from spending time here, as Lanruo drilled some common sense into Yu. Teaching him about how this world works and about the many experts that roam it. But Lanruo who originally expected him to have a hard time understanding became pleasantly surprised as Yu digested the information at a wonderful rate, allowing her to teach him more and more things about this world.
After all, Yu already got the general gist of what this world is about, remembering the novels he’s read before about these awesome(in the biblical sense) immortals.
It would be a lie if Yu said that he didn’t enjoy his time here, as this was probably the most joy he’s had in this world thus far. But sadly, he remembered what he originally came for.
But instead of obtaining directions, he managed to obtain a beautiful wife and child! Truly, his ancestors must’ve been great divine saints that wandered the earth, doing as many good deeds as humanly possible. After spending a week and a half more together, Yu decided to continue on his mission for now, promising Lanruo that he’ll return the moment he finishes it.
Although reluctant, Lanruo still decided to guide Yu through Yaya, pointing him towards where the Ancient Flowering Lotus bloomed as Yaya was also somewhat familiar with the Ancient Forest’s terrain. But remembering his massive map, Yu slapped his forehead, taking it out and letting Lanruo have a look.
She was astonished! Such a detailed map! She thought as this map contained every single landmark in the Ancient Forest! Even the Great Spirit Tree was in it. With Lanruo’s help, Yu finally managed to find the red dot that Tian Shen mentioned!
Tiny! This damn dot is too tiny! Yu exclaimed in his heart as the dot was the size of a random speck of dust. Thankfully, his vision and memory were quite good, as he could easily spot the dot again if he tried. Noticing the size of the Ancient Forest, he was shocked as it covered nearly 1/8ths of the Divine continent! With Yggdrasil at its middle, occupying a large area.
Seeing this, Yu glanced at the nearby Lanruo, feeling his curious glance, she coughed lightly as her cheeks blushed.
“The spirits maintain a large majority of this world, having this much land is reasonable.” She replied with a hint of pride in her words.
Nodding to her as he found her position to be admirable as he praised her work in a playful manner. Of course, his praise only caused Lanruo to turn red as she bashfully hit his chest, teary eyed at his bullying.
Folding the map to make it so that only the portion of Ancient Forest is shown, Yu and Yaya got ready to set off.
As to why Yaya was still coming along, Lanruo decided that it would be a good experience for Yaya to see more of the world, letting her travel with Yu as he trusts his ability to protect her.
But of course, before Yu left, Lanruo ran up to him, giving him a long and passionate kiss which Yu welcomed, returning the kiss with an even more passionate one as he’s grown to love this adorable Spirit Queen more and more these last couple of days.
“Oh my!” Yaya exclaimed as she hid away, trying her best not to peek.
Finally ready to set off, Yu asked Lanruo: “Can’t come with us?”
“As much as I want to, I can’t. With the recent changes to the Great Spirit Tree, now Yggdrasil, as well as all the new Spirit Elves, I can’t come along with you until I’ve properly guided these children and properly distributed the now larger territory of Yggdrasil to the other spirits.” Lanruo replied with a sigh. She’s the Spirit Queen after all, holding a very heavy position as the head of all the spirits!
Reluctant, the two kiss one last time before they separate.
Fortunately, the spiritual link between the Yu and Lanruo is strong enough to converse, making the two lovers rejoice as they can converse with one another.
After Yu and Yaya set off, they wasted no time as they dashed towards their destination with even more vigor than when they first started, instantly releasing 3/10ths of his strength. Yaya who grew stronger than before had her speed greatly improved! Forcing Yu to use 3/10ths of his strength to the absolute limits just to catch up! Utilizing his boundless energy and unconsciously using the 7 Misty Ghost Steps. Fortunately, Yaya was considerate, slowing her pace down to travel along the forest with her new found father.
“Based on what Mama told me, this should be where the Ancient Flowering Lotus blooms!” Yaya exclaimed. Taking out his map, Yu could see that they are growing closer to a lake.
Eventually, the two reach the lake, and in the middle was a grey glowing lotus! It matched the description of the Ancient Flowering Lotus perfectly! Yu then saw that there was a stone paved path that headed towards the lotus, conveniently placed on the surface of the lake.
But as he approached the path, a voice rang out in his head.
“Yu, I forgot to warn you!” Lanruo’s sweet voice resounded in his head.
Replying, Yu asked: “Warn me about?”
“The Ancient Flowering Lotus is often guarded by a powerful rogue water spirit!” Lanruo exclaimed as she worried for him. She knew fully well how strong Yu was, but anyone no matter how powerful could still get hurt if they got careless! Therefore she immediately warned him about the danger. After all, what kind of person would want their sweetheart to get hurt?
Luckily, Lanruo’s warning came just in time, causing Yu to leap back as a large hand made of strange colored water smashed the spot where he originally stood.
“Ah!” Yaya shrieked as she flew backwards, avoiding another large hand made of strange colored water that flew at her.
“Rogue Water Spirit!” Yaya exclaimed as Lanruo had once educated her about the many kinds of spirits in this world.
“Yaya! What are rogue spirits?” Yu asked as he grew curious of these strange beings.
“From what mama told me, they’re spirits that do not follow the will of Mama!” Yaya explained.
“Spirits that don’t follow Lanruo’s will?” Yu repeated her words, asking for confirmation.
“Un! They’re bad spirits that decided to harm others for their own selfish desires! Yaya doesn’t like them very much…” Yaya explained as she showed her disdain towards these spirits.
Since they’re evil spirits, I wouldn’t feel too bad killing them! Yu thought, as after spending time with Lanruo and Yaya, he became very fond of the existence of Spirits, his wife and daughter are spirits after all!
“GURAAAAAAAAAGH!!!”
A powerful roar resounded, causing the calm lake to violently stir! Soon, a 7 meter tall figure emerged from the lake! It’s body made of strange colored water as it took the form of an enormous four armed giant!
On its head was a large glowing blue crystal, about the size of a fist! Acting as its eye, it rotated and moved about in its head, seemingly alive as it did.
Should be its weakness! Yu thought, firmly believing so. Sadly, he could not be any more wrong as this was nothing but a decoy! Its true body lies underneath the water, out of Yu’s sight!
But as Yu was dead set on destroying the gem like eye, the focus of the Rogue Water Spirit was on Yaya as she did her best to avoid the evil spirit’s clutches. Seeing this, Yu did not waste time as he grabbed a nearby stone, throwing it at an unbelievable speed towards the crystal stone, slightly missing as grazed the side of it, causing a minor crack to appear on its surface.
Damn! Yu exclaimed in his heart. But at least this time around, the focus of the Rogue Water Spirit was on Yu, losing interest on the agile Yaya.
Seeing this, Yu took on a fighting stance, arms raised and knees bent, like an agile tiger who’s ready pounce at his next victim! His eyes grew sharp as he waited for a chance to strike the beast, believing this to be a valuable battle experience. After all, Yu was an amateur fighter, he might be able to release an absurd amount of strength but it would be useless if a single attack can’t hit!
The Rogue Water Spirit charged forward, only to realize that Yu was out of reach as he was on dry land. Feeling belittled as it cannot leave the lake’s surface, the Rogue Water Spirit’s stomach bulged! Before a powerful blast of water was released from its head, aimed at Yu!
As his reflexes weren’t well trained, he was forced to block! Doing this caused the water to redirect to his side, hitting the trunk of one of the larger trees as it penetrated through its thick trunk!
Such terrifying pressure! Exclaimed, forgetting the fact that he is currently redirecting that pressure. The tree fell as the water destroyed 2/3rds of its trunk! Causing its near 50 meter tall body to crash forward, smashing towards the Rogue Water Spirit’s body.
But sadly, this amount of force was only able to slightly deform its body as it lifted the massive tree with ease. But doing so left it open to attacks! Taking this chance, Yu leapt forward, dashing at the rogue water spirit, aiming for gem in its head.
The Rogue Spirit Sensed this as it started manipulating the gem to start moving around its massive body. But Yu was quick! Picking up a nearby rock as he leaped in the air, getting ready to crush the gem with the rock in his hand.
Swishhhh!
A powerful wind blew as Yu threw the rock into the Rogue Spirits Body! But the gem shifted just in time, causing the rock to miss the gem.
Disappointed, Yu wanted throw another rock as he landed when all of a sudden, the gem like eye lost light as its massive body fell apart!
“Eh?!” Yu exclaimed in confusion as he landed.
Is it leaving? Did it lose interest? Oi oi! Come back here! I’m not done with you yet! Yu became somewhat infuriated at this Rogue Water Demon. But as he was about the pursue, Yaya came.
“Wow! Papa found its weakness!” She exclaimed excitedly as she hovered in front of Yu.
“Weakness?” Yu asked.
“Un! Mama told me that Rogue Water Spirits like this one have two main bodies, one is a decoy that it shows to its opponents, and another is the actual body! This actual body is very well hidden, and you can’t hurt the spirit without it!” Yaya explained.
“I see…” Yu replied, somewhat embarrassed as he was being played by the Rogue Water Spirit all this time!
But by great luck, he defeated it! Wondering what its main body looked like, Yu went to where he threw the rock, discovering an enormous gem around the size of a watermelon cracked in half! Assuming that the rock he threw split the gem in half, destroying the Rogue Water Spirit’s main body. Not knowing whether he should laugh or cry, he stored the gem in his bag as he went to grab the Ancient Flowering Lotus.