Chapter 5

Naruto's life was unlike anyone else's, constantly filled with multiple moments, places, and responsibilities all at once. His immense power allowed him to transcend normal human limitations, meaning he never had to sleep, eat, or rest. His mind and body functioned on an eternal rhythm, one that kept him in constant motion. Whether it was leading his empire, training to grow stronger, or spending time with his wives and children, he was always active.

The grand palace of Uzu, where he and his wives resided, stood as a symbol of their strength and his empire's reach. It was massive, sprawling across miles of land, divided into sections that catered to each wife and their children. Naruto had a presence in every corner of the palace, and with his ability to be everywhere at once, he made sure to maintain a close relationship with his family, even while handling the empire's far-reaching matters.

As he entered the part of the palace assigned to his family, he muttered to himself, "I am home." His voice was calm, but his presence was immediately felt. The air around him seemed to settle in a gentle embrace as he neared the area where his beloved Hinata and their children were.

Hinata, standing in the living room, smiled at him the moment he entered. Her beauty had not faded over the years—thanks to their immortality, she seemed to be forever youthful, appearing in her early twenties. The agelessness granted by their power had become something of a gift and a curse, a constant reminder of their endless life. Still, Hinata wore it with grace, a soft and welcoming presence for Naruto after his long days.

"Welcome back, dear. Would you like to eat or take a bath?" she asked, her smile lighting up her face as she set the TV remote aside.

Naruto chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes as he made his way toward her. "Hehe, I need you, my beautiful empress. Let's take a bath together." Before Hinata could react, Naruto effortlessly swept her into his arms, holding her close.

"Dear!" Hinata exclaimed in mock chiding, a gentle blush coloring her cheeks. Her breath quickened at his touch, but she knew well that he had an unquenchable appetite for her love, his energy always needing release.

"No need to worry, the kids aren't here, so we can have our adult time." Naruto's whisper against her ear sent a shiver down her spine, a smile spreading across her face as her heart fluttered. Despite the centuries they had spent together, the honeymoon phase never truly ended. With Naruto, their connection was ever-renewing, a constant dance of affection and passion.

Her face flushed as she giggled, her arms wrapping around his neck in a more comfortable embrace. "You always know how to make me blush, Naruto."

As they shared a brief, tender kiss, the atmosphere between them felt like nothing else mattered. But just as things were beginning to heat up, a playful cough broke through the moment. "Ahem."

Naruto paused, lifting his gaze with a wide grin on his face. Standing in the doorway was Shion, her arms crossed with a look of mock indignation on her face. "Oh, so this is how you welcome me back after being gone for so long? You could at least pretend you love us equally, Naruto," Shion teased, her lips curling into a playful smirk.

Naruto laughed, a deep, hearty sound that seemed to lighten the air. "Shion, my love, you know better than that," he said, walking over to her and pulling her into his arms. "I love her the most, but I do love you too. If I didn't, I wouldn't have picked you to be part of my life."

Shion raised an eyebrow, leaning back slightly to look at him. "Hmm, because I look like Hinata and your libido has a mind of its own?" she joked, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "You did just fondle my chest, didn't you?"

Naruto chuckled, giving her a playful kiss on the lips before pulling her closer. "I love them big, but I still like yours, Shion. They're just the right fit for my hand," he teased, causing her to hit him lightly on the chest in mock indignation.

"You're impossible," Shion muttered, but her smile gave away her affection for him. There was never any shortage of love between the three of them—each teasing and laughing with each other, their bond as strong as it had ever been.

With a grin, Naruto lifted Shion off the ground, carrying her toward the main bedroom as if she weighed no more than a feather. "Come on, let's go somewhere more comfortable." He activated the time dilation spell as they entered the room, ensuring that a day inside would feel like a week outside. They'd have plenty of time to enjoy one another's company, to share in the warmth and love that always existed between them.

Hinata watched them go, a soft smile on her lips as she felt the love in the room, both for herself and for Shion. It had been years, but the three of them still found ways to make each other feel special and loved, even if it was just with simple, affectionate moments.

As the door closed behind them, the palace felt peaceful again—calm and content, a haven of love, laughter, and endless connection. Despite the vastness of the empire Naruto ruled, it was the warmth of his family that made everything worthwhile.

In a dimension where survival was a daily battle and the law of the jungle ruled, Wang Lin found himself teetering on the edge of life and death. The world he lived in was brutal—unforgiving and constantly testing the limits of its inhabitants. The people here were born into a harsh reality, where strength and power were the only currencies that mattered. Those who could not defend themselves were prey, and those who were weak often perished, their wealth and possessions claimed by stronger individuals.

Wang Lin, a young boy of sixteen, had failed the entrance test of the Heng Yue sect, an event that had shattered him deeply. He felt he had let down his parents, his uncle, and most importantly, himself. But despite the overwhelming despair, Wang Lin was not one to give up. His will to survive, to grow stronger, burned within him like an unquenchable fire. He made a solemn vow to venture out into the world, to cultivate himself, and return one day as someone capable of achieving immortality.

Yet, as fate would have it, his journey was not going to be an easy one.

While traversing a treacherous cliffside, Wang Lin had been ambushed by a giant, vicious tiger. The beast had come out of nowhere, its powerful jaws snapping at him with terrifying speed. In a desperate attempt to save himself, Wang Lin had plunged a sharp branch into the tiger's mouth, managing to injure it just enough for both of them to plummet off the cliff. The fall was terrifying, but luck had seemingly favored him. The tiger's massive body had broken the fall, saving Wang Lin from a deadly impact.

However, luck did not erase the pain. Wang Lin lay in agony, his bones aching and his body covered in cuts and bruises. His thoughts were clouded by the pain, his breath ragged as he tried to move. It was a miracle he was even alive, but the worst of it was that he could barely move to help himself.

Despite his injuries, Wang Lin's determination never wavered. He crawled toward the tiger's lifeless body, intent on retrieving its core. In this world, even the most ferocious animals cultivated energy, and their cores were invaluable—sources of power, nourishment, and sometimes, keys to ascension. However, Wang Lin's lack of knowledge proved to be a stumbling block. He didn't know how to utilize the core, so in frustration, he discarded it, watching as it tumbled into a small basin of water.

His thoughts shifted. The pain was unbearable, and his chances of survival felt slim. He glanced around, realizing he was still not at the bottom of the cliff. His body was battered, his energy spent. 'Can I even survive like this?' he wondered, doubt creeping into his mind. But despite the uncertainty, he clenched his teeth, pushing through the pain to drag his weary body toward the water.

As he took a sip, Wang Lin was astounded. The water seemed to work wonders on his body, soothing the pain and beginning to heal his wounds. The feeling was unlike anything he had ever experienced, and a realization struck him like a lightning bolt. The core had something to do with it—though he wasn't sure how or why.

But Wang Lin was not one to waste time in confusion. As his body healed, he allowed himself to rest, knowing he would need all his strength to survive. Just as he began to settle, a strange sensation crept over him. His hand instinctively shot up to block something—an incoming object, perhaps—but he was met with a surprising sight.

A small, thin slate floated in front of him, its sleek surface gleaming with an otherworldly aura. Wang Lin blinked, his curiosity piqued. "What... is this?" he muttered under his breath. He hesitated, wondering if it was another trap or something else entirely, but something about it felt different. It felt important. Almost as if it was waiting for him to make the next move.

With a cautious hand, Wang Lin reached out and touched the slate. The moment his fingers made contact, a flood of knowledge rushed into his mind. He was stunned. The slate was some sort of communication device—a phone—and it spoke to him in a language that felt both foreign and familiar. It was as if it understood his thoughts and translated them perfectly.

A message appeared on the phone's screen:

"This is a gift from the Lord Emperor of Mankind. You have been chosen for this honor. Use it well."

Wang Lin's heart raced as he read the words. The phone's messages weren't just random—they were filled with instructions. It seemed this Lord Emperor had something planned for him. Perhaps this was the break he had been waiting for.

With renewed determination, Wang Lin carefully typed out a message in response:

"Lord Emperor of Mankind, I am honored by this opportunity. I plead for your assistance in becoming a strong cultivator."

To his amazement, the phone responded almost immediately:

"No problem, child. I will help you. Trust me. For now, begin with the training I've provided in the messages above. The body is the foundation for everything. Once your body is strong, I will guide you on how to build your Ki."

Wang Lin's eyes widened as the weight of the message settled on him. This was it. His path forward had just been laid before him by someone—or something—far more powerful than he could imagine. A sense of hope blossomed in his chest, and a smile, worn and weary but genuine, spread across his face.

"Understood, Master," Wang Lin muttered under his breath, his heart brimming with anticipation.

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he saw a path forward. The future was no longer shrouded in uncertainty. He would follow the instructions given to him, step by step, and one day, he would return home as a powerful cultivator—strong enough to fulfill his promises and claim immortality.

The road ahead was still fraught with danger, but now, with the help of the Lord Emperor, Wang Lin had something more than just his own willpower. He had guidance, knowledge, and a new purpose. And with that, he knew that survival was no longer just a dream—it was a reality within his grasp.

Naruto gazed at the screen of the phone, his fingers hovering just above it, his expression a mixture of thoughtfulness and concern. He had felt the struggles of Wang Lin from the moment the boy had connected with the device, and it had struck a chord with him. Unlike others who might have simply ignored the call for help, Wang Lin's situation was different. He was from a world steeped in chaos, where survival was the primary rule, and strength was everything. But Naruto had seen something in him, a willpower that was unmatched, and that alone made him believe that the boy deserved guidance.

"The Grand Scholar, a title fitting for a smart child," Naruto muttered aloud to himself, a hint of sadness lacing his voice. Wang Lin's journey would not be an easy one. The boy had connected to the phone, and the information had flooded his mind in a way that was both overwhelming and enlightening. It was as if the very essence of his world was now inextricably linked to something greater, something beyond his comprehension, and it was here that Naruto came in.

Naruto's eyes flickered to the message from a new figure, one that caught his attention immediately. "Lord Emperor of Mankind?" he mused, reading the words aloud. He had always expected questions, especially from those unfamiliar with his influence. It was a title that carried weight, one that could intimidate, confuse, or even anger, depending on who heard it.

"What exactly are you the Lord of?" came the response from the Ruin Princess, the voice on the other end sharp and curious. She was no stranger to the concept of power, from what Naruto could tell. The image that accompanied the message was striking: a girl with crimson hair and black wings, a clear indication that she wasn't quite human—or at least, not entirely. Her presence seemed to radiate mystery and perhaps a touch of danger, yet she didn't seem entirely unfriendly, merely cautious.

Naruto's fingers tapped the screen lightly as he formulated his response. There was no need to explain everything at once. He had dealt with enough people who only wanted to know his title, his power, and not who he truly was. This girl—this "Ruin Princess"—was no different, though he sensed a deeper curiosity in her.

"My world," he answered simply, the weight of the words almost tangible in the air. "But words are hard to trust from strangers, so let's forget about that and tell me about yourself."

The screen flickered for a moment as the Ruin Princess seemed to contemplate his response, and then she sent a reply. "Which faction do you belong to? I want an answer to that and then we will see."

Naruto chuckled softly to himself. The straightforwardness of the question reminded him of the old days, when things were more direct, and the rules of the world were far simpler. Back then, it was all about clans and factions, allegiances, and power struggles. But things had changed.

"I am kind of human," he replied with a small, almost amused smirk. "But I don't belong to any faction except mine. I rule over others, child—not the other way around."

He could almost feel the pause from the other side. The Ruin Princess was undoubtedly considering his words carefully, analyzing every syllable. He had given her enough to pique her interest, but not so much that she could make any immediate judgments.

Her response came swiftly, a trace of skepticism in her words. "You are giving these advice and training methods. Are you sure they won't end up with someone not agreeable?"

Naruto's eyes softened as he read her message. He understood her concern—after all, the methods he provided were not for the faint of heart. He didn't mince words when it came to survival and power. His training was not for those who sought an easy path. Wang Lin, like so many others, needed strength if he was to survive the harsh world he was in.

Naruto leaned back slightly, his thoughts drifting to Wang Lin once more. The boy was raw, still in the early stages of understanding what he was truly capable of. His world was filled with strife, and while Naruto couldn't physically intervene as much as he would like, he could offer guidance. Wang Lin needed to learn the laws of the universe—rules that governed not only power but the balance of existence itself. Without these, he would be like a leaf tossed in the wind, at the mercy of those more powerful than him.

"I am not one to sugarcoat things," Naruto finally typed, his fingers moving swiftly over the phone's screen. "The world is not kind to the weak. The methods I give are meant to push you to your limits. If you can't handle it, then it's better you find another path. But if you want to be strong, truly strong, then you'll have to embrace it."

He could feel the weight of his words as he typed them. The message wasn't just for the Ruin Princess—it was for Wang Lin as well. Both were destined to grow stronger, and if they sought his guidance, they would face trials that would test every fiber of their being. It wasn't a matter of whether they would be agreeable to it—it was a matter of survival.

"And yes," he added with a chuckle, "some might not agree with the methods, but it's not about agreement. It's about results."

With that, he leaned back and waited for the next message, knowing that this was only the beginning of a new chapter for both Wang Lin and the Ruin Princess.