Main Chapter: Ao Ri.

2039 of the Black Lightning Grand Sage, 22th day of the first month of Spring. North-west, Central Plains of the Greater Lands. Qing Ruo Mountain, Major Family Ring, Xuan Yu's Hideout. Time: 20:06.

Xuan Yu was standing in front of the floating green ball of Qi. Counting down the final seconds in his head as Baskerville stood to his side poised to kill.

Taking one of his knives in his hand. He slashed the orb and a raw acrid smell poured out with a splurge of liquid. Sullying the ground until it was stopped by the body blocking the opening and then finally it fell out too. Falling into the pooling of liquid it screamed out in pain.

Watching impassively Xuan Yu looked on as the screaming fell into choked sobs and then gasps. As the creature was suffocating like a fish out of water or a drowning man. It was in a state where it could no longer "breathe." It spasmed violently until just a faint wheezing sound came out.

When it had no strength left. Xuan Yu chanted, and a black flame sparked at his fingertip. Stooping down he wrote a tag on its forehead and a second above its heart. Even though it was slowly suffering the pain of being branded. It could do nothing but tremble at the added plain.

When the forehead tag was completed it faded away completely. The second, however, remained like a demonic tattoo.

Finished Xuan Yu stood up and his expression and gaze turned oh so gentle.

"It doesn't hurt anymore."

With his words its shivering stop. And it was able to focus and look up at the source of the voice.

"Call me, Master."

"Master."

Its voice was soft, sweet and feminine in nature. Hearing it or looking at its source one wouldn't notice anything more than a young woman with a charming voice.

"That mark on your chest. As long as you protect it you won't die. No matter what happens to your body. However, it won't heal you merely keep you alive even if your head and limbs are crushed."

"Kyun."

In response, it made some animalistic noise and Xuan Yu frowned.

"From now on your name is Ao Ri. In the memories, I gave you there should be a language called Ha Shi, speak it."

"As you wish."

Rising up it groveled before him and Xuan Yu frowned further.

'She said there was nothing wrong with her inherently. Yet it looks like the memories didn't come in naturally.'

"Assimilate your memories."

Without any words, it began to take in all the fake memories Xuan Yu had forced inside its mind.

"Baskerville go and get a red dress."

While Baskerville sped off Xuan Yu made a grasping motion with his hand to pass the time. As he watched over Ao Ri.

***

In the Lustrous Golden Domain, Ong Zhou was training. One of his arms hanging limply as if it was broken.

Sweat pouring from his body as he battled a group of animated training dummies.

Looking at him one could tell his style was supposed to represent an injured tiger. At the height of desperation. On the verge of death. When it was at its supposed deadliest.

Though Ong Zhou wasn't as sweaty as he was because of exertion or the martial arts he was using rather it was the pain. Pain he was fighting through.

With a roar, he smashed his fist into the dummy in front of him and at the same time, a fierce dome of wind blew away the rest. He heaved heavily and then laughed.

"Ya Ku."

Hearing the summons the Head Butler came forward and knelt down behind him.

"I am not dead."

After his obvious proclamation, there was silence. But Ong Zhou hadn't expected a response. Instead, he raised a hand up and then punched down. A large golden hand struck down on a dummy that was trying to rise.

"Even if I am ill. As long as I am not dead. I will achieve my ambition. Even if it means throwing away others."

"This servant has no excuse for my failure."

"It's fine, you were never that good at using your head or adapting. But you are perfect for relaying orders or following a plan to the letter. I was the one who used the wrong tool.

In the end, it doesn't matter. I will be able to advance beyond my talent to the 4th Stage thanks to the rewards from caring for the Xuans. And then… then I will be closer to that zenith."

Ong Zhou stretched out his hands as if to grab the stars.

"Then I will take everything that belongs to me and more. Do you know why I'm telling you this Ya Ku?"

Ong Zhou asked finally looking at the latter.

"Forgive my ignorance."

"Because you've been with me since I was a child. Because while I'm in retreat to attain the 4th Stage you will be holding things down. Don't let whatever scum is nipping at my heel wreak havoc on my things. Or when I return. I won't just solidify my power here. I won't just remind that woman who is in charge of her. I won't just attain even greater prestige and power. I will also crush every bone in your body."

***

Xuan Yu was looking at the now dressed Ao Ri with a strange expression.

Baskerville had not just gotten any red dress but a sleeveless one with a black corset and a black tail cloth. With a pair of fingerless beautiful black gloves. And a pair of black boots that complemented the attire.

Not only had Baskerville went for a fashionable attire but went and gave Ao Ri a sleek. Wind-swept hairstyle.

Coupled with the dull gray eyes she now had. It was hard to say she was anything but fair.

But those dull eyes were what was bothering Xuan Yu. The current Ao Ri was like an empty vessel. She had all the memories and thoughts he wanted her to have but as she was now, she lacked, a spark so to say.

"Become a person."

'Wow, Yuyu such a cop out.'

'Go back to sleep.'

Ao Ri's eyes became even duller but then it became more human-like, sparkly almost.

"As you desire, my Master!"

Its voice was excessively loud and reverent. And as it spoke it did a strange mixture between a bow and a salute.

"No."

"Master?"

"Do that again and I will erase you."

Straightening up Ao Ri tilted her cutely. While an entity laughed her head off in Xuan Yu's mind.

'No way, we're keeping her.'

Xuan Yu frowned as he looked at Ao Ri.

"I had wanted to begin moving immediately but it seems I will be teaching you how to act."

"Ohhh! Truly Master? Your graciousness is overwhelming!"

"Stop."

Xuan Yu had a clear image in mind when he was designing Ao Ri. A fierce, sophisticated and intelligent lady was what he was going for. Instead, he ended up with this noisy girl who seemed as if she would start licking shoes at any moment.

As Xuan Yu prepared to start teaching, he had a sudden thought and looked at Baskerville.

"Baskerville you will be in charge of teaching Ao Ri and I will assist whenever I'm available."

'Making a girl be educated by a dog. YuYu I can't tell what's going through your mind anymore.'

'Neither of them is just that, but currently, curiosity is driving me. The question of how complex are they? And even if it turns out to be a waste, I can force it into a mold and use it from there. In the end though things will play out as I want.'

'Like it did with that Chi girl?'

'Quiet.'