Chapter 92: Bad Uncle? Good Brother?
Shen approached Yu Ruyan with Shi Qingzhuang and Lingshuang behind him. He looked around the crowd but failed to find the figures he was looking for. Helpless, he called out to the only visible person, "Ruyan, it should be enough for this boring competition. Let's go back."
Shen felt the competition a bit lacking. He already expected something like this but Yang Lei and Gongyang Yu not participating plummeted his mood further. Only if the had the courage to join the tournament, he would've destroyed their courage until they had to hide behind their mother...
The crowd gawked at him in amazement. This young monster disregarded the competition they hold so highly into nothing. He even said its boring out in public. This... wasn't he afraid of mortal punishment? Not only that even the women around him caused them to turn green from envy!
"There are things I still have to do. Although you won the competition, it only holds the bargaining chips. The old man Dingtian won't be able to get many benefits. I'll need to step up here..." Ruyan explained as she glanced at Shi Qingzhuang, "Why not you go and explore the city in the meantime? Lingshuang, come with me, I'll need some help."
"Eh? I also want to go with big brother..." Lingshuang weakly protested but was shut up by a fierce glare from Ruyan.
How could Shen and Shi Qingzhuang not understand Ruyan's hidden meaning? He already explored the nearby cities and checked out everything that looked or sounded special. While it might be better to check again with his Absolute Vision, Shen thought it was unnecessary to do so.
"Alright, let's do as you said. Let's meet at the Inn at night and... I can't find Miss Yu Yu or Wugou. Keep an eye out for them." Shen said after thinking a bit, he was not worried about Wugou due to Yu Yu being with her but in her case, he still felt a bit restless.
Ruyan nodded in understanding and suddenly added, "Be careful. The atmosphere is a bit tense for the last few days. Due to that pink pillar of light, many strong powerhouses are currently heading toward this direction."
Shen took a little bit to understand what Ruyan said. It seems things were more serious than what he made out to be. He only thought the pillar of light would only attract some nearby cultivators as it was little deep inside the Giant Beast Mountains but it looked like he had to think again.
He, along with Shi Qingzhuang, slipped out of the crowd. Wenren Wushuang had to stay behind to receive the reward while Shen passed his reward to her, not willing to waste any time on this.
Shen had some plan for the 200 grams of Lingzhi. He wanted to plant it inside the Immortal Realm, and if it was not possible for its poor condition, he regrettably had to use it on Alchemy. After all, 500-years-old Lingzhi hardly amounted to anything, especially if its only normal Lingzhi and not Blood Lingzhi. It was still useful to cultivators below Xiantian Realm while early Xiantian cultivators would only use it to heal some serious injuries. Meaning its worthless for the current him.
Leaving the group behind, Shen looked around only to realize he had no idea where to go. He helplessly asked the only accompany he had with him, "Where do you wanna go? I... don't remember anything special about Hamsong City."
Surprised by his sudden question, Shi Qingzhuang remained silent for a few moments before saying, "I don't know much either but I heard there was new inn here which is getting pretty popular lately."
Only now did Shen realize he asked the wrong person. He hardly remained inside the Hundred Miles City before, on the other hand, Shi Qingzhuang possibly didn't even leave the said city. Since he didn't have breakfast either, he readily accepted her proposal.
As the duo searched for the inn they were not even completely sure of, they were also clueless about a certain pair of eyes that lingered on their direction for moments before drifting off.
After ten minutes of walking, Shen and Shi Qingzhuang found themselves in a crowded market. Although many people moved to the arena, not everyone had such free time. Such as this market. Since it was pretty hard to find anything in this crowded area, he decided to find a helper.
Fortunately, there was a little girl selling flowers, making it easy for him to find the helper. Even though he could just ask a random passerby, he would like to avoid doing so for... various reasons!
Shen walked to the girl and smiled as brilliantly as possible, "Little girl, do you happened to know the popular inn around this area?"
The little girl didn't have any change of expressions on her face. With eyes that said are you blind? She lifted her index finger and pointed at her left, "You mean that?"
Following the direction pointed by finger, Shen indeed found a lavish looking inn. But from his position, it could be barely seen as it was inside another road. Clearing his throat awkwardly, Shen tried to change the topic, "Little girl, we are new here and don't know many things here. Do you wanna join us?"
"Uncle, my grandma said not to listen to strangers. Grandma will hate Chu'er if I eat anything from strangers. You are one of those bad uncles, right?" the girl, Chu'er responded in her crispy tone. Her childish voice was pleasant for anyone to hear but it caused Shen's lips and nose to twitch violently.
The little girl in front of him looked not more than 10-11 years old but her crispy childish voice made one think she was around 8-9 years old. On the other hand, Shen was only 16 this year. He was about 5-6 years older than the girl, yet she called him uncle... this, this girl was vicious in a different way.
Pssh
A soft but suppressed giggle rang from his back, Shi Qingzhuang couldn't hold her laughter anymore so she used her hand to hide her teethes. Shen felt his cheek burning out of shame while feeling also a bit happy in heart. "Little girl, this big brother is not much older than you. How can you call me a bad uncle? I am not a bad uncle and not a bad big brother either!" Shen tried to reason with the girl but it turned out to be a bad idea.
"Eh, liar. If you weren't a bad uncle wouldn't you have already bought flowers for your wife?" the girl looked innocent but Shen noticed the glint in her innocent eyes. Only now did he realize although this girl might look little, she already matured inwardly and was as cunning as a fox. If she was cultivated by a strong family, she might turn out to be a terrifying existence. Of course, that's if she had a talent for cultivation. Alas, such a thing was not meant to be. Not everyone in this world had the chance to cultivate. Even the trashiest cultivation technique amounts something a poor family cannot buy after years of saving.
Shen felt he was being scammed by this little girl. He wanted to cry but no tear would come out. "Alright, little girl. Give me your best flowers for this big brother's wife."
If someone noticed Shi Qingzhuang, they would find her staring at the ground, her beautiful cold face flushed red as she muttered under her breath, "At least he claims me to be his wife." For the last few months, Shi Qingzhuang felt as if Shen lost interest in her. She even heard some rumors of him having an ambiguous relationship with the owner of Yu He Inn. She knew she won't be able to keep him to her alone nor did she ever try to but if he lost interest over her completely, she didn't know what could she do. She vowed that if he really just played around with her, she would fight with him to death.
But his appearance already melted all the dissatisfaction and irritation. He even approached her with the eyes that clearly expressed enough for her to understand how much he missed her. She already forgot about how she planned to plummet him and ground him to paste. If anyone asked her about her vow, she would obviously deem that person as an idiot while wondering what they were talking about.
Now she started to contemplate how much he changed in this 'long' time. He must've experienced many things to change him so much that he looks like an entirely different person. Not to mention the color of his turned to enchanting golden color. She wanted to lose herself in his eyes.
As she day-dreamed those silly things, Shen found the little girl pushing him all the flowers in her hand as she crisply chirped while smiling brightly, "Only 5 copper taels."
Shen controlled his facial expression as his corner of lips threatened to twitch once again. Counting carefully he found there to be 21 flowers, they were all rosy red in color and extremely fresh, full of vitality. Shen took out a string and piece of pure white silk clothing. Warping the cloth around the flower branches, he tied it with the string. Creating a beautiful bouquet wrapped in white clothing on the spot. Although it was cheap, it was extremely soft to touch she should like it, wondered Shen.
The little girl was gobsmacked by Shen's action. Obviously, she knew the price of silk clothing was extremely high but if she was able to afford it, she could sell those flower bouquets at even more price! Just the profit caused her eyes to burn with passionate flame.
Satisfied with his handy work, Shen gave the girl five taels before gently pushing the bouquet in front of Shi Qingzhuang who was lost in her wild fantasy.
When Qingzhuang's eyes focused on the flower bouquet she had only one thought. Beautiful. Extremely beautiful! The red tulips wrapped by contrasting pure white silk garment looked simply gorgeous! Her fingers subconsciously wrapped around the bouquet as Shen's word entered her ears,
"Shall we go?" Shen asked with a smile, feeling happy in her happiness.
"A-ah? Yes." Qingzhuang returned to reality and nodded her head.
As the duo took a few steps forward, the little girl from behind called out to them, "Hey, unc-big brother... I said five copper, not silver." She opened her tiny palm, revealing five silver of taels on it.
Shen wanted to retort saying he was not her uncle but decided against it. She shouldn't be calling him uncle again. He smiled a bit since he noticed the girl looking hesitant to call out at first but in the end still decided to. As poor as she was, she didn't lose herself to greed. His smile deepened as he folded her palm. Placing his index finger before her lips vertically he lightly said, "Didn't you say you have a grandma? Go buy her something nice. Big brother can't give you food but he can surely pay for your work, right? Look, Big Sister looks so happy because of your flowers, it's a little bit extra for her happiness."
The girl had tears in her as if she wanted to cry but her next words made Shen speechless, because she said, "So you are not a bad uncle after all?"
"...girl, I'm a good and nice big brother, remember it."
Shen got back to Shi Qingzhuang and entered the inn while waving back at the little girl. The girl also happily waved back while smiling sweetly and ran back to the stores to buy silk clothing and food for her grandma.
The inn Shen and Shi Qingzhuang walked into was called Hamsong City Inn. This inn was directly supported by Hamsong City Lord. Recently the city master invited some nearby prestigious chef and from then the inn got pretty popular. While it couldn't be as popular as Yu He Inn due to their special black fishes, they could be still counted as the second one. From the interior Shen guessed it to be almost twice the size of Yu He Inn. But it couldn't be compared the luxurious dishes served on Yu He Inn.
When Shen and Shi Qingzhuang entered the inn, a beautiful woman approached them. It was a pity, however, although she had a beautiful face her body was extremely average. With a professional smile pasted on her face, she asked, "Young Master, what would you like today? Meal or..." sending a sideway glance towards the beautiful girl, Shi Qingzhuang, she continued, "a bedroom?"
Shen looked a bit thoughtful, "You also provide bedroom. Hmm, although its a bit tempting, for now take us to a reserved room and bring all the delicious tasting foods."
"Please follow me," the waitress led them to the third floor of the inn and gave them a nice room with beautiful window view. "Please wait a moment will serve your dishes soon." She exited the room with a light bow. It was only at this time she noticed the beautiful flower bouquet which caused her eyes to brighten. She only said words of praise before leaving.
Shi Qingzhuang remained silent for a long time while Shen appreciated her beauty, in silence of course. As time passed by Qingzhuang face burned fiercely while her face almost lowered to the point burying in her own breasts. "How was your journey? Did you train properly?" not willing to let the silence continue further, she blurted out albeit a bit awkwardly. Shi Qingzhuang, at this moment, realized, they rarely talked about anything other than training.
Shen didn't expect her to ask something suddenly. Normally she was always quite and would only speak when it was necessary, "Eh? Mmm, I didn't achieve much success with my sword techniques. I think I am just a step-way away from finding the secrets but my strength increased considerably. Hehe, it was really a good decision to go out and have a trip. You should've come with me, its lot more fun than being alone!"
Shi Qingzhuang looked thoughtful slightly. She felt her world felt empty and colorless without his presence but at the same time, she didn't wish to be a burden to him. While it sounds dreamlike to always travel with him, fight by his side, and even support him; she was afraid Shen might feel burdened by her...
At the moment the door opened interrupting her thoughts. The waitress along with another two girls who served dishes after dishes on the table, filling it in minutes. Shi Qingzhuang looked with wide eyes. This, they were only two people and the dish served were enough to fill seven, if not ten hungry people's belly.
"Young Master, would you like some liquor? I would recommend our inn's most famous Zhong Cui'er, you would be extremely satisfied with it." The waitress politely bowed as she inquired.
Liquor for breakfast? Shen found it funny. She was obviously trying to sell some expensive stuff to him but he had some interest towards liquor and wines so he didn't reject, "I better be satisfied."
The waitress's body shook a bit, she clapped her hand twice and a girl passed her bottle of liquor from outside, "This our inn's best liquor Zhong Cui'er. If you feel dissatisfied with it, you don't have to pay for it."
"Alright, you can leave now." Shen waved his hand casually as he looked over the dishes. The waitress gave a slight bow before leaving the room.
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Aih, I am not back, not at all. Although things resolved for now, let's hope its permanent.
It's a bit long chapter, I think so too nods nods
As promised, I'll be working on the new novels along with this one but, I won't promise about the release rate. Although I have been writing for a while now, it looks like my writing speed didn't improve that much (All Hail Distraction; it's a cheat, in opposite way)
And the new novel won't be Fanfic (Long Live Summon). Before you go all out against me and ask why did I even put up the poll then... Well, I found out things were a little complicated than I thought and before I figure things out I am not going to start it. And it will contain boxes (Tables) so, I might not possibly post it on Webnovel since I don't wanna make an alternative to tables, you know. It's more troublesome than you might think.
And seriously, Fanfics are harder compared to Originals. Especially if one wants to create one without plotholes. So, for the time being, I'll put it on hold. At least until I am clear about the plots. If anyone read the whole novel and won't mind clearing my confusion you are more than welcome to discuss on Discord.
Discord Permanent Link: https://discord.gg/RKwBhuV
(Umm, it's mostly empty and yet to moderate things. I'll do them... eventually *cracks knuckles in determination*)
And I thank all the readers, for still sticking with me. Well, this type of notice basically means the novel went to... (let's omit the rest.)
I should remove the short notice; ah, I realized again my author's note can be another chapter. I thought the chapter was long but realized the note might be longer in comparison. *sweats furiously*
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Chapter 93: Girl, Call Me Hubby!
As Shen and Shi Qingzhuang was already done having breakfast, the dishes, which was enough to fill seven or eight people, were completely emptied by the duo. Mostly by Shen himself.
Only now did Shen realize he planned to visit the beautiful chef of the Earthly Paradise but due to the sudden danger of the Skysword Sect, he had to leave fast and it completely slipped his mind.
'Forget it, if I find the appropriate time I'll do it. Otherwise, there's no need to go there specifically. Cooking isn't my main path...' Shen thought as he buried this idea to the back of his mind.
He saw Shi Qingzhuang in front of him looking hesitant so he smiled gently, "Qingzhuang, do you want to say something? You don't have to hesitate, I will answer anything possible."
Shi Qingzhuang felt ashamed for being seen through so easily but she still asked, "Do you plan to go outside this year again?"
"Yes, more like I'll leave in three months at most and one month at least." Shen didn't hesitate a bit while responding. He only used Hundred Miles City as his starting point of cultivation and at that time though, that was only an excuse. He came to this city because he wanted Shi Qingzhuang, Yu He, Mingyue Gelou and Wenren Sisters. It's not that he didn't have some weird ideas about Qing Yi, Qing Shui's mother but it turned out to be impossible. Especially since she knew him from his childhood. If it wasn't for him realizing that most of the beauties were older than him and leaving the city soon after, he would really have no hope to gain Yu He and Feng Wuxi's affection. Feng Wuxi's affection was completely unexpected to Shen. In fact, he didn't even remember her in his memories but he felt he had a chance with her and left no tactics to pursue her.
Now he had no reason to stay in Hundred Miles City anymore and it will only hinder his progress. Especially after going to the journey inside the secret realm alone, he realized, that type of adventure suited his cultivation more rather than closed-door cultivations.
Hearing Shen's reply Shi Qingzhuang turned silent. Apparent signs of sadness could be seen on her face. Maybe she was trying to suppress it, but tear filled her eyes as Shen started to panic slightly, "W-wait, Qingzhuang what happened? Although I am going, it's not as if I'm going alone! When I go I will take you girls with me, I am just moving to Greencloud City!"
"Girls?" the sadness from Shi Qingzhuang's face suddenly disappeared and was replaced by an extremely focused look.
Shen was baffled by her sudden change. Even he won't be able to change his expression and state of mind this fast! "Figure of speech, just a—"
"You're lying! You think I haven't heard rumors of your relation with Yu He Inn Mistress and Wenren Wushuang of the Night Fragrance Court!" her voice and expression took 180-degree turn and she had an extremely stern face.
Shen was really afraid now, not because she was inquiring about his harem but because of her sudden change. He knew how much she committed to himself but he still couldn't be sure of her decision. It was truly the situation you would express as 'digging one's own grave'. "They are—"
Shi Qingzhuang didn't let him speak but continued but now her voice became calm and cold, "So, they are true after all? How many girls you have a relation with? You can't take such thing so lightly. Just getting"
Shen truly didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He heard in his previous life, even presidents are sheep in front of their wife but, he couldn't help but feel this situation was really not a good feeling. She was just going on and on without letting him speak a bit.
Sighing slightly, Shen stored the table inside the Immortal Realm. The distance between them was hindering him. Shen didn't feel he was great at explaining his feelings but he definitely won't suck to convey them. From her voice, it was painfully obvious that she felt insecure and to Shen it only looked like a child throwing tantrum. Maybe she opened herself completely to him, hence she acted like this. Otherwise, he never saw her being talking so much.
Shi Qingzhuang was stunned by seeing the table disappearing. She had no idea how Shen did that. She read about Interspatial Silk Sachet before but at this time, she didn't even have any clues in her head.
Sitting beside her, he took her hand on his and said in a gentle and soothing voice, "I admit that I'm a bit womanizer, er... maybe more than a bit and I'll have a lot of women in the future but I will never abandon anyone. I'm not taking anyone's feeling lightly either and I'm not playing with you either. Heh, try running away from me, I'll catch you even if you run to the world's end."
Shi Qingzhuang went silent. She was kinda relieved and also at a loss at the same time. This, which man calls himself a womanizer? Isn't it basically asking for a beating? But when he said with such gentle voice she couldn't help but feel her heart moved. She reckoned even if Shen was deceiving her she couldn't hate this young man, at least not after hearing this.
"Girl, call me hubby." Lost in her thoughts, she suddenly heard whispers near her ears.
"Hubby?" unfocused, she muttered out loud. Only then did she realize, she was tricked into calling him hubby!
"Yes, Zhuang'er?" Shen said with an almost unerasable smug look on his face. Shi Qingzhuang had the sudden urge to beat him, then and there. But with a sudden knock on the door they both separated and Shen took out the table on its original place.
"Come in," Shen said, storing the wine bottle inside the realm once again. Although he won't get drunk, he didn't like the idea of drinking in the morning, especially when there was no special occasion.
The waitress cleaned the table with the help of the other two girls as she presented the bill. Shen took a glance on the bill as he paid with a little extra tip. The bill for wine was separated from the food, they clearly conveyed their intention that he didn't have to pay for it if he wished. Shen didn't act petty and paid for it. He only warned her so that she won't try anything funny.
Shen stretched his body after leaving the inn. The morning sunny weather was already replaced by snowfall. He asked as he turned around, "Hey, do you—"
But his mouth lacked any words after he turned to Shi Qingzhuang. In the beautiful white snowfall, a red colored dress hugged her slim body. Her long hairs gracefully dropped below her shoulders. In her hands, the white bouquet wrapping red flowers created a beautiful contrast on her hands. She looked akin to a snow princess, especially with her smile that even paled the beauty of this white snow.
Shen felt a strange calmness spreading his body as well as his spirit. The Qi of Absolute Strengthening Technique circulated around his body automatically as another five strand formed in no time. Combined with his previous cultivation he had a total of 44 strands of surrounding his body!
By the time he came to his senses, Shi Qingzhuang was already standing in front of him, giving him a questioning glance. Shen didn't know what happened just now but he realized one thing. He wanted her to keep smiling, he wanted to her to be happy, forever and ever.
"Let's go," Shen found the little girl they bought the flowers from, and he walked over. Patting the girls head from behind, he asked curiously, "Little girl, what are you doing?"
"Ah?!" the little girl jumped up in fright, seeing its the familiar older brother she patted her chest, "Just when I thought you were a good brother, you turned out to be a bad uncle. Grandma told me many times, I shouldn't trust anyone easily. I almost got tricked once again."
Shen ignored the 'bad uncle' part and asked again, "Why aren't you going back yet? You will catch a cold, girl."
"Uncle, can't you see I'm going back? I went to buy soup for grandma," she showed the bag on her hands and pouted cutely.
"Oh, but why only milk and soup?" Shen found it weird, seeing only milk and soup. Shouldn't she buy something tastier?
"Grandma is sleeping for a few days, she can't eat anything. I can only feed her soup and milk," The little looked sad saying this, she indeed wanted to buy tastier looking meats but her dear grandma couldn't eat them in her current state.
Hearing the little girl, Shen's heart suddenly clenched tightly.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS
BoredDreamer
BoredDreamer
Eh, I noticed there was less and less updates for AST
So, I will try to make up for those from tomorrow.
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