Chapter 3: Tai Village

*Things like sexism and racism are purely for worldbuilding and to make it more realistic. Thank you for your understanding.*

"Sister."

Qing Fang smiled and greeted, however, he was inwardly sour that this annoying woman had come to pester him again. He had an inkling that it might be due to 'familial love' but Qing Fang wasn't buying it. She always came around to disturb him right when he was about to go out and complete a mission. Someone as socially retarded as Qing Fang was very suspicious of her.

The voluptuous woman standing in the room turned toward her younger brother and smiled warmly. "Little Fang, weren't you going to tell me you're undertaking a dangerous mission? I get worried about you." This woman and Qing Fang's only sibling, Qing Bai, was genuinely worried about her younger brother. He didn't have any close friends, only 'associates.' She knew he was a little shy and didn't like attention but everyone needs friendships to stay happy and validated, right?

Seeing him smile cheekily in response, Qing Bai couldn't help but sigh inwardly. She wondered why he would make such an expression in response. Did he think it was funny? In actuality, in situations like these, Qing Fang still had no idea what sort of face to make.

"With my status, I can easily give you a few contribution points every week to sustain your cultivation. I know you've rejected me before, but you seriously won't reconsider?" Qing Bai, a Stage 5 Wood path cultivator and a minor elder within the Clan, had reasonable standing and could easily accomplish things like this. On the battlefield, Stage 5 experts were generals leading the troops. They were highly respected in their respective forces and the same goes for Qing Bai. Unlike Qing Fang, she had affinity toward Wood path so her cultivation was very smooth.

His massive pride feeling insulted, Qing Fang lost his cheeky smile as it was replaced by an ugly expression. Having to rely on one's sibling is already humiliation enough, but in a patriarchal society such as the Qing Clan, men had a duty to look after women. Of course, this held true more so for mortals. Stage 5 Qing Bai didn't need to be protected. However, chivalry was still a custom within society and women, as the fairer sex, had a right to feel safe. If Qing Fang did accept her support, he would lose all respect from his fellow men as well as being disdained by women. His pride, bordering on insanity, would not allow such a thing.

Seeing him not talk but show an ugly expression, Qing Bai understood that he was unhappy she was even bringing it up. Without saying anything further, she dropped the subject and said, "I heard about your mission from the internal hall affairs minor elder. Although it is dangerous, I won't stop you. Just be sure to come back safe." After saying this, she didn't wait for a response and left the shack directly after rubbing his short black hair. She knew she had put him in a bad mood so she left.

Stood in the shack with a deep expression, Qing Fang was insulted more than she knew. Qing Fang didn't have the pride of an average person but the arrogance of an emperor deeply entwined within him. Although he couldn't control it at times, he knew he didn't have the power to act on such pride. So, right now, he managed to quell the impulse to gut his sister and put her head on a pike, and only left with a dark expression instead.

Directing his thoughts away from that provocative annoyance and toward his mission, Qing Fang started to prepare to leave. With missions like these, the sooner you set out the quicker you'll finish. Qing Fang was already planning on venting his anger on the poor rogue cultivator.

He knew the rogue was an Earth path cultivator and was prepared to fight in a forest environment filled with mounds and hills. Although fighting in an environment filled with the same Law fragments as one absorbs doesn't increase strength, it bears a sense of familiarity. They most likely trained in combat in these sorts of environments. Qing Fang didn't care, either way, the neck of the rogue will still be crushed under his grip.

Quickly assembling some things and putting them inside of a storage bag, Qing Fang headed to the West gate to leave.

Storage bags were separate spaces specially used to store things. Forge masters would use the Law of Space when creating them and the amount of it used determines the quality. Qing Fang's was quite high quality due to his Stage 3 cultivation. As the quality for higher and higher, things like rings and bracelets would be used to forge storage spaces for no reason other than fashion.

Forge masters are cultivators that specialise in forging using the essence of the Universe. They take the essence from the surroundings and use techniques to make weapons and items. Although there is a slight difference, Formation Masters that create formations and Refinement Masters that refine pills also work this way. They harness specific Laws and use techniques to form products. Of course, as the Laws of the Universe are the governors, not the governed, so there is a high chance of failure that is supplemented by skill and technique. Qing Fang didn't have intentions to take any one of these disciplines. Although he believes that he would get the hang of it rather quickly, to him, it was a waste of time he could be using to further his battle power.

Arriving at the West Gate, the guardsmen were only Stage 2 cultivators and Stage 1 youths. This was because the whole planet was controlled by Qing Clan so they focused more on planetary defence rather than city defence. These cultivators mainly dealt with mortal workers entering and exiting the city.

Although the defence was lax overall, the wall around the city was still 50 meters tall and 10 meters thick, proving impenetrable for Stage 3 cultivators and below.

There were many more people entering the city compared to exiting as it was early morning. Qing Fang approached a gate specially for clansmen undertaking missions and was quickly approved. The cultivators managing this gate were subordinates of the hall of internal affairs and had Stage 3 cultivation like him. The procedures were carried out normally and he was soon standing on the other side of the huge wall.

Qing Fang quickly ran southwest toward the forest where the rogue was last spotted. His first stop was a mortal village where the rogue reportedly stayed for a couple of weeks before being discovered.

With his Stage 3 cultivation, Qing Fang ran at a speed of fifty meters per second, the equivalent of one-hundred-and-eighty kilometres per hour. He rushed through the crowds of people looking to enter the city. Almost everyone looked at the shadow passing their vision. Many people had seen the power of cultivators before but those that hadn't were shocked. Qing Fang was running five times faster than the fastest mortal and it looked as though he was leisurely jogging. This was the power of cultivation. In the Mortal Realm, strengthening the body until it was immortal was the peak. That was immortal, not invulnerable.

The forest was one hundred kilometers away with the village being right on the outskirts of it.

With his speed, Qing Fang crossed the distance to the village in a short thirty minutes or so.

...

The morning dawned on Tai Village. This village was right on the border of the Tai Forest which was the biggest forest on this planet. Since the planet was filled with the Law of Water, it still wasn't very big.

The village contained around a hundred houses. People gradually emerged from them while stretching and yawning before they went to work. In remote villages like these, money wasn't held by everyone so they used resources and labour to exchange goods with one another.

There were conversations around the village about the strangest event that happened recently when a young man came two weeks ago. He was looking for lodgings and even presented a gold coin to the villagers as he had nothing else to give. It had to be said that a gold coin could sustain a family of three for thousands of years. After all, the coins were system invented by cultivators and is used in the exchange of planets and other priceless treasures with each other. A massive scale being the medium of exchange is required. While gold isn't that valuable, a gold coin is a godly treasure for mortals. It could allow their family to live lavishly for a thousand years.

Naturally, the mortals wanted to get this coin at all costs but the man turned out to be a Stage 3 Earth path cultivator. He manifested a pillar of rock dozens of meters high to intimidate them. After this show of power of which a mortal in incomparable to, the villagers let him stay with the village elder before he suddenly disappeared two weeks later. Knowing that they were too small to worry about the matters of cultivators, the villagers quickly got back into their daily routine. However, a demon showed up the next day.

...

Qing Fang stood a hundred meters away from the entrance of the village. According to the information, it was called Tai Village and was named after Tai Forest, the forest which it bordered.

Qing Fang could've got here much faster if he could fly but, normally, cultivators had the ability to fly at Stage 5. However, flying-aspected paths such as Wind path or the rarely seen Feather path can fly much earlier, around Stage 2. As a Stage 3 Water path cultivator, Qing Fang couldn't fly.

Wasting no time and wearing the robes with the Qing Clan insignia, Qing Fang soon entered the village and attracted the attention of some people. Seeing his luxurious robes bearing an insignia in the form of a blue lotus with golden streams of water curling around it, the adults bowed while the children ran away screaming.

Qing Fang waited for a leading figure to appear before him and he didn't wait very long. An average height man, around 5'10", rushed toward him. His arms were thick and defined, presumably from wood-cutting, as forest villages normally do. He rushed over without making a fool of himself and quickly stated his identity. He didn't want to make the cultivator before him impatient. Seeing their chief take the reins, the villagers gathered around to listen.

"Good morning lord. I am the village chief, Mo Wang. I can help if you have any reason for visiting our small village." He had a very amicable attitude and was straightforward and easily approachable. Qing Fang was impressed and noted his posture and mannerisms, ready to practice them later. Maybe he could even raise his signature 'friendly smile' to a whole new level!

Seeing the impressed look in the cultivator's eyes, Mo Wang knew he had made a good impression. He was very adept at speaking and was the one who calmed the villagers after the emergence of the gold coin two weeks ago. He had a face that said 'ask anything you want' while watching the still and silent Qing Fang.

Qing Fang looked at Mo Wang. "I am here to hunt a rogue cultivator. He was here very recently." After he said this, Qing Fang studied Mo Wang's face carefully. He could tell if someone was lying from heavily studying how to form certain faces.

Mo Wang was very nervous at this point. If this cultivator had just said "I'm looking for a cultivator", then he would've likely told him without thinking too much. However, he had mentioned that he was hunting the "rogue" cultivator. This was where the problem and Mo Wang's mistake lay. After the initial conflict over the gold coin two weeks ago, he had invited the rogue to stay in the elder's house. The elder was Mo Wang's father. Staying in the same house, Mo Wang got to hear about the cultivator's plight and even formed a friendship with him. On the day before the cultivator left, Mo Wang even suggested they become sworn brothers. This was the extent of the formed relationship. However, the next day, the cultivator was gone. The only thing he had to remember him by was a single gold coin left on the table. Mo Wang was deeply touched and felt like he didn't deserve it. To him, he felt that the reason the cultivator left was because he didn't want to attract danger toward his village and he himself. Wallowing in self-pity, Mo Wang could only take the gold coin and sigh in helplessness. He might as well use this coin to develop the village.

Mo Wang hesitated for a second before saying "There was indeed a cultivator here until yesterday. He stayed with me and my father after threatening us with his power. He suddenly left and I suspect that he's in Tai Forest."

When he was saying this, Qing Fang's gaze suddenly deepened. 'He's hiding something. Although he did not lie, there something he hasn't said. Hehe, I guess I can have some fun.'

Qing Fang didn't respond but looked at the crowd standing around them. It wasn't long before his interested gaze landed on a couple of strange women. They both looked exactly alike. Qing Fang had never seen something like this before. He had to save this weird breed of human for later. He then directed his gaze onto a pregnant mother standing with many people around her.

'Perfect.'

Moving like lightning due to his cultivated body, Qing Fang instantly arrived before the woman who was behind a well-built man. He was probably the father. The father's eyes showed fear.

'I love those eyes.'

To truly lose fear, you have to become it.

With his massive strength, Qing Fang smacked the surrounding people to the floor. Some were unconscious and some small children and frail women directly died. Clearing the way, he grabbed ahold of the pregnant mother's neck and pulled her into the air. His practised motions ensured the woman would not suffocate as he held her, but if he exerted a little force or if she struggled intensely, the woman's own weight would help in breaking her neck.

Although it took a while to describe, this happened in a fraction of a second.

One moment, Mo Wang was waiting for the cultivator's response, the next he saw him seize a pregnant woman of his village. This series of events was too sudden and without warning. Fear of what the cultivator might suddenly do next was evident in his expression.

He dared not make a sound or object. Mortals' lives were nothing. They were killed without fear of consequence. Even righteous forces would not bat an eye. Knowing their situation, Mo Wang held a submissive stance. The only one who would freak out, the father, currently had his chest caved in by four inches. It was obvious he was dead, his organs crushed into a flat paste.

The others that had gathered instantly fled in fright. The only people left were Mo Wang as well as a few courageous men and a single woman. She stared in horror at the pregnant mother struggling. Qing Fang guessed they had a close relation. Sisters maybe?

Qing Fang was very pleased with the attitude of this village chief. He wanted to applause but had his hand occupied with the struggling woman. To quell her avid movements, a sudden squeeze cased her to choke but eventually stop moving. She had both of her hands on Qing Fang's forearm and pulled herself up a bit to take some of the weight off of her throat.

Qing Fang looked at Mo Wang. "There's something you're not telling me, isn't there?"

Hearing this, it was like a bucket of cold water was thrown over Mo Wang. He paled slightly but tried to appear unsuspecting. Unfortunately, it was clear in his eyes that he was distressed. Qing Fang was looking straight at this distress in his eyes.

Mo Wang wanted to save his villagers, however, he was certain that what the cultivator was after was the gold coin. He had a thought that maybe he already knew of it, but Mo Wang dispelled that thought. Only him and his father knew of it. Besides, as well as being a memento of his friend, it was a huge goldmine he could use to turn Tai Village into Tai Town. As cruel as it sounds, Mo Wang was willing to sacrifice a few of his dear villagers to ensure the prosperity of a few. It was unclear whether it was kindness or malice. In the grand scheme of things, bad things contain good and good things contain bad. Such is the balance of a fictitious concept like 'good and evil.'

Seeing Mo Wang planning on lying to him again, Qing Fang was excited. This was one of his hobbies. It was a game of 'guess if I'm lying' to him.

Mo Wang tried to calm down in this situation. To him, this was undoubtedly a test sent from the heavens. He looked at the dozen either dead or unconscious villagers and said "Lord Cultivator. I do admit I withheld some information. In truth, the cultivator didn't force us but paid to stay with us until he left." Mo Wang said after thinking and appearing sincere.

Qing Fang frowned. 'I could tell he was telling the truth. I still feel something is off. He's likely playing with words: telling a half-truth by not giving me the exact information.' Qing Fang hit the nail on the head. Previously, Mo Wang had said that he didn't accept payment to hide the existence of the gold coin. Now, although he did acknowledge its existence, he still didn't expose it. He told the truth and hoped that the cultivator would think the payment was a meagre amount, leaving the village.

However, his hopes were fruitless. With a sudden and loud crack filling the silence, the woman's head was completely separated from her body, falling to the floor. It rolled a few times before looking in the direction of Mo Wang with a horrified and pained expression carved on it. Now that the woman was dead, while the fetus wasn't, it soon will be. From the size of her belly, the baby was probably due next month, Qing Fang thought.

Mo Wang was weeping internally. He didn't lie but instead of answering him, the cultivator directly killed the pregnant woman.

"You're hiding something." Qing Fang said for the second time. His calm tone scared Mo Wang and the courageous villagers. It was clear that the demon before them saw killing as a sport.

"I'm not! I swear!" Chief Mo suddenly exclaimed. He contrasted Qing Fang's cool appearance by looking rugged and worn out.

Getting nowhere, Qing Fang said nothing but strolled toward a big house after chucking the body of the woman aside. He guessed that this was Chief Mo's house. If there was anyone important there, he could skip the boring suspense and directly gain what he wants.

Seeing the demon head toward his house. Mo Wang finally moved. His father was in there.

In the corner of his eyes, Qing Fang saw Mo Wang running toward him. He didn't have a threatening posture. He was likely trying to catch up and divert his attention with more conversation. Qing Fang was bored of that now.

As soon as Mo Wang moved, he disappeared from his spot before a loud crash sounded. This was the sound of wood being broken and destroyed.

Inside the house, Qing Fang looked around. For a village house, it was quite nice. Four bedrooms and a large common space. There was his target.

Hearing a loud noise, a fragile old man sitting on an armchair and covered with a knitted blanket awoke. He directed his aged eyes at the figure in his sitting room. It was a young adult, around twenty-four years old, who was counting the bedrooms in his house and nodding with an approving look.

Before the village elder could talk, a deeply murderous gaze was sent his way. The elder choked on his words and clenched the blanket covering him with shaking hands.

"Father!" Mo Wang arrived seconds later.

The demon sent him a deep gaze containing hidden meanings before looking back at the house, specifically the comfortable-looking furniture around the place.

Mo Wang wasn't paying attention. He was lost within thought. After half a minute of contemplation, he headed to one of the rooms and reemerged with a gold coin in his hand. He did all this without the consultation of his father. After all, the coin was a gift for him, he could decide its use.

After considering the matter, he concluded that he had no choice. Although the development of the village and the memento were very important, his father was more so. The relationship between him and his father dwarfs that of the rogue cultivator. On top of that, the reason he wanted to develop the village was to give his father a life of luxury in his final years. It was obvious which was more important to him. Due to this, he surrendered the gold coin, choosing to keep his father.

Meanwhile, Qing Fang's eyes were shining. This was a gold coin! With this, he could likely buy resources to advance to Stage 4 within the next month with much to spare.

Suddenly a stream of water manifested in the air and took away the coins from Mo Wang. The stream placed it in Qing Fang's palm as he started at it with a gleeful expression. For someone who greatly desired strength, money was an extremely important resource to garner it. He could give this gold coin to the Clan and gain a huge amount of contribution points. In his head, he formed a plan to quickly advance to Stage 4 within a month. As long as nothing unexpected happens, not only will he be stronger, but he will have a higher standing in the Clan. A little bit of extortion brought him huge benefits. He thought that this was an extremely effective way of developing and that he should do this more often, maybe even make an art out of it.

Preparing to leave, Qing Fang glanced at the father and son who were looking at him.

He smirked before sending a needle of water directly between the eyes of the elder.