Wanted Criminal

In the Zhao Clan forbidden area, Tian Cai was doing something he always dreamed of doing.

Finger push-ups!

"199..200..201..202." counted Tian Cai.

Zhao Qiang looked down with disdain. "Little Nephew Superman, or whatever you're called...Uncle has to ask, what are you doing?"

A bit puzzled, Tian Cai answered, "Finger push-ups I'm building my finger power."

"Mhm, Uncle understands but you completely misunderstand how to build power. Also, building power is the last thing you need to do right now."

Tian Cai sat up, scratching his head. "Uncle, please explain. Nephew feels a little confused."

Clasping his hands behind his back, Zhao Qiang peered off into the distance. One would believe he was a profound and unfathomable master.

"Power can be developed in three major categories body tempering, cultivation and mind power. Putting aside the later two, beginners to the martial way always start with body tempering. The path from Initiate to Master is about establishing the physical foundation necessary to cultivate. Should you attempt to cultivate without the foundation, in short you will die. However, this doesn't apply to you as you were simply born with the physique necessary to cultivate."

ZZZZZ...ZZZZZ

Upon hearing the all too familiar noise, Zhao Qiang turned about.

Indeed, he was correct to surmise Tian Cai had fallen asleep. His eyes were rolling from left to right as a thin line of drool dripped from one side of his mouth.

Zhao Qiang forehead knitted. Tightening his hand into a fist, he was about to smack his nephew into the far wall when Tian Cai abruptly woke up himself.

Apparently, this was one of Tian Cai original skills from Earth. Not only did he have the ability to sleep with his eyes open, he had the ability to sense danger. Thus his instinct naturally kicked in as soon as Zhao Qiang's intention was detected. Unbeknowst to anybody, in his school he was known as Desk Sleeping Emperor.

"Ah Uncle you were saying? Nephew just now was contemplating the profundity of your words so deeply that he was entranced by their wisdom."

"You were sleeping."

"Was not."

"Uncle clearly heard snoring."

"That-That was the sound of my deep deep mediation."

Zhao Qiang shot laser eyes at Tian Cai. "This King is watching you Punk."

"Please..please continue...Nephew is listening."

"As previously stated, you simply were born with the body physique necessary to start cultivation. However this also means you leaped over the fundamentals."

"Fundamentals?"

As cultivatators begin their road in body tempering they learn the limits of their body. This is in fact critical in establsihing reference points.

How do you know how strong you are? How do you know when you need more tempering? How do you know, you're ready to continue on to the next level?

"Isn't one's Master the one to offer guidance at this point," asked Tian Cai."

"If one is lucky enough to have a master or teacher, then yes."

"HAAA! Feel the power of my metal fist!" Yelled Qin Rong

"HHHHHAAAAA!" responded Bai Guang. "You think you can hurt this Master?"

The two murderously glared at each other as they circled about like predators.

Tian Cai sighed. The two had been at it close to five hours already.

In comparison, Small Shadow was squirming as Gray Shadow was wiping the floor with his face.

"You think Big Sister wouldn't pay you back for betraying me to Senior Mu Psycho? HUH!!"

Tian Cai suddenly remembered something. "Uncle what do you think of Mercenary King Gu Jin?"

Indifferently, "Gu Jin? Is your intention to release him tomorrow?"

Tian Cai nodded affirmative.

"Fat Shadow," yelled Zhao Qiang.

Within a breath, innumerable shadows coalesced into Fat Shadow's slim silhouette. However, he had appeared next too his children.

He roared, "You two are fighting again! Can't you give this old man a break!!!"

The two scrambled up to their feet.

"Father," Gray Shadow was showing Brother the price of betrayal.

"Father, earlier the misunderstanding with Senior Mu was caused by her."

"You think I care? Is this how you honor your dead mother? HUHH!!"

Tian Cai scooted next to Zhao Qiang. "Uncle, this? What happened?"

Numerous veins popped out of his forehead.

Grimly, he responded, "Meng Qi, their mother died while on a mission. Little Sister probably hasn't told you but the mortal enemy of our Zhao Clan is Sixth Heaven's Di Clan. Uncle was leading the Shadows to retrieve a Family Heirloom and we were discovered. She covered our retreat and fell in battle."

Tian Cai's eyes softened. In his previous life, he never had a mother. How different was their situation from his?

The siblings fell to their knees.

"Father, Gray Shadow is sorry."

"Father, Small Shadow is sorry."

"This is my last warning! You two watch yourselves. The next one to cause trouble will be sent to Shadow Six."

The two visibly trembled in fear.

"Hump!!" Fat Shadow turned in a huff and swooshed over to Zhao Qiang.

"Uncle, you called?"

"Tomorrow, Nephew will enter Savant City prison to settle things for Mercenary King Gu Jin. With Alchemist Gu being retained, we've agreed to recruit Gu Jin. You may not know, but he's a very capable mercenary leader. Long has this King admired his skills. How about we make him Chief of the guards?"

"Chief Guard? Chief Lu may only be a Martial Master, but he's given us many years of service."

Zhao Qiang leaned over and whispered into Fat Shadow's ear. His eyes popped open in reaction to what he heard. Nodding, he said, "Fat Shadow understands now. If that's the case, I'm sure Chief Lu will view this as a promotion instead."

"You-You better not repeat my words," said Zhao Qiang.

"On pain of death," replied Fat Shadow.

"Uncle, just now, what did you say to Uncle Fat Shadow?"

"Ah that...er..this King just passed on the importance Alchemist Gu is to our family. Keeping him satisfied is the highest priority. Thus, accepting Gu Jin as Chief Guard only brings benefits."

Tian Cai's eyes narrowed.

Why didn't you just say that out loud?

"It's good we can place him with the guards. Nephew was about to inquire on where to find him a position."

Calling to the siblings, Tian Cai said, "You two come here." Turning to Fat Shadow he continued, "Uncle, Tian Cai understands your fatherly duty and normally would never interfere in your family matters. However, it appears important information has yet to be passed on to you."

Tian Cai paused as the two siblings appeared. Nodding his nose to Gray Shadow, he said, "Elder Sister has the Dawn Shadow Body and Elder Brother has the Eclipse Shadow Body. Uncle, congratulations, you are the father of two geniuses."

"Eh!"

Zhao Qiang asked, "Two geniuses, them?"

Tian Cai smirked upon seeing Fat Shadow's shock. "These constitutions appear every few generations in our Zhao Clan. Even more rare is when they appear together with the Innate Sunlight Body. Our ancestors long ago created battle formations that may be used in conjunction between three. Uncles, Gray and Small Shadows are future pillars of our clan and need to be treated as such. You simply cannot separate them or send them away. Such action is in fact detrimental to the clan."

This?

Gray and Small Shadows eyes moistened. They found new found respect for their Little Brother.

"You two let your Father review the Cultivation Manuals I gave you. Let him make the decision himself."

Fat Shadow trembled. As soon as they presented their manuals he started reading them.

"Punk! Are you hiding a secret master somewhere. Just where did you find those cultivation techniques."

"Mom didn't tell you?"

Zhao Qiang shook his head in negative.

"Tsk..you're not qualified then."

Zhao Qiang eyes flared and one could imagine smoke fuming out of his nostrils.

Tian Cai chuckled, "Nephew was joking." Leaning over he whispered into Zhao Qiang's ear and relayed the existence of their Archaic Grand Empyrean Ancestor.*1

Zhao Qiang jolted and then his body trembled with excited. "Beloved Nephew are your words true?"

"Mhm."

"Haahahahahaahahahaaha!!!!"

Zhao Qiang was cackling so hard he was beating his chest with fists.

Tian Cai turned his head away with a spontaneous smirk.

For some reason he just imagined King Kong.

Suddenly, Tian Cai felt a strong hand pat his head. "Nephew, you are our Zhao Clan's greatest pillar. In this era, our glory will know no bounds. Uncle is so proud, he'd disown his own son to adopt you."

Not sure what to think about his Uncle's words, Tian Cai asked, "Uncle, I have a cousin?"

"Cough..Cough..er absolutely not," responded Zhao Qiang.

Tian Cai looked to Fat Shadow, motioning with his eyebrows.

Catching Tian Cai's look, Fat Shadow paused his reading and deeply sighed.

Interesting...Uncle had some secrets.

"Beloved Nephew, how about convincing your Mother of lending me 25 million spirit stones."

Smirking Tian Cai said, "Mom's says family members can receive loans at 20 percent interest."

Zhao Qiang's face blackened.

Not even a breath later, Fat Shadow's slim frame was chortling. Tears of happiness were streaming down his cheeks and he patted his children's heads.

Tian Cai asked, "Uncle, for awhile nephew has been wondering how Uncle Fat Shadow received his name."

"Ah that...As you can see there's not an ounce of actual fat on him. His name is actually due the size of his shadow. Of all the Five Shadows, except for that one, he has the largest shadow."

"That one?"

"You don't know?"

Tian shook his head in negative.

"You should ask your Mother...it's a Clan secret."

"Uncle, you know Nephew will find out sooner or later."

"Truly that's the case, but not from this King."

"Ah I just remembered now...earlier Mom's command about the loan interest was for standard family members. However, for immediate family members the interest is only 10 percent."

Zhao Qiang's eyes blazed like two suns. Smacking a hand on Tian Cai's shoulder, he said, "Beloved Nephew, how the sun shine's upon You...your aura...it's like the you're the noblest and most righteous of Youngest Masters. In fact, Uncle feels it's his duty to relay an important Clan secret."

Tian Cai rolled his eyes.

Humph! I told you, I'd find out.

Zhao Qiang whispered into Tian Cai's ear.

"What! Grandfather has a brother name Shadow Six...the Shadows are all from his branch of the family...Secret Secret Spy network!??"

Tian Cai's jaw opened like a giant O. After a few breaths, it was obvious there was a problem. Drool was falling endlessly from Tian Cai's mouth and he couldn't speak.

Fat Shadow zipped over upon seeing a startled Zhao Qiang.

"Uncle, this must be Youngest Master's lockjaw condition."

"You know of this?"

"Little Brother!" yelled Bai Guang.

Boom!

With a grunt, Bai Guang was thrown back.

"Ha! Bai Guang you're unable to withstand this Qin's power."

Clenching her teeth, Bai Guang ignored Qin Rong and ran over to Tian Cai.

"Little Brother, it's the lockjaw, right?"

Tian Cai nodded furiously.

"Master told me of the cure. Only, Big Sis doesn't know if she has the power to cure you. Nevertheless, she will persevere and strike repeatingly until you are healed."

Bai Guang fist blazed with bright orange flame.

Tian Cai shook his head in horror and the last thing he saw was innumerable blazing fists.

When Tian Cai woke up, his head was resting on Bai Guang's lap. Her hand was gently caressing his hair.

"Big Sis, you're big black eyes, they're so pretty," said Tian Cai with blushing cheeks.

"Little Brother, are you awake now? How do you feel?

"You're like an angel."

Bai Guang chuckled, "Angel..what's that?"

Tian Cai mulled a bit then answered, "They are supreme beautiful fairies with wings."

"So Big Sis is like these supreme fairies?"

"Mhm!"

Pinching his cheek, Bai Guang said, "Little Brother is sweet."

Unbeknowst to the two, Mu Huizhong was silently listening. Solemnly she sighed.

Master, tell her...tell her she's your first love. You'll only have a few chances before...

"So Mom informed you about my lockjaw?"

"Mhm."

Clearing his throat, Tian Cai asked, "Er-Er how many strikes did it take?"

Bai Guang's eye twitched, "This? Uhm, about 50. Big Sis is sorry."

BAM! The door exploded into splinters. Empyrean pressure locked onto Bai Guang and she visibly paled.

"You-You hit him how many times!" demandEd Mu Huizhong. Pulling out her golden ruler, she was about to teach Bai Guang nine levels of pain when Zhao Wen walked in.

"In-law, Disciple, how's my Tian Cai?"

Mu Huizhong released her Empyrean might. Grumbling, she shot laser eyes at Bai Guang while putting away her ruler.

Bai Guang and Tian Cai quickly stood up.

"Mom! You're here!" said Tian Cai running over. Zhao Wen chuckled, "How's my little man-child? Mother heard you got the lockjaw again and came to check your condition."

Both Mu Huizhong and Bai Guang shot strange looks at Zhao Wen.

Man-child?

"Mom's the best! Luckily Big Sis was there and knew exactly what do. It merely took her 50 strikes to cure me."

"Humph! Bai Guang it took you 50 strikes? Aren't you falling behind in your cultivation. Master even heard you lost a duel to Qin Rong?"

Bai Guang fell to her knees. "Master, Disciple was distracted by Little Brother's condition. I willingly lost the duel in order to save him."

"Even so, 50 strikes? Little Girl, by now it should only take you no less than 10. Later, Master will start a power training program for you."

Bai Guang winced.

"Cai'er, Mother has to ask, do you really intend to go over to Savant City Prison tomorrow?"

"Mhm, Son promised Alchemist Gu to settle Martial King Gu Jin's matters. You know how important Alchemist Gu is."

Zhao Wen sighed. "If that's the case, then you must do that what needs doing." Turning to Mu Huizhong, she asked, "Miss Mu, will you be protecting him from the shadows."

Mu Huizhong nodded, "As a Yun Clan member, it's my sacred duty."

"Good..Good, Daughter-in-law sure has a filial younger sister. You do her name good!"

Mu Huizhong cheeks twitched as she gritted her teeth. "Mu Huiqing graciously accepts your praise."

Slut! Even though she's lost in time, they praise the b*tch?

Small Shadow walked in. "Matriarch, Senior Mu, Sister Guang....Little Brother, Alchemist Gu wants to confirm something."

"What's that?"

"As requested, earlier I took him to the Latrine. He wanted to confirm, whether or not this was the hidden room where all the DMD samples he needed were actually located. If so, he refuses to work."

"Fool! You took him to the wrong room," roared Tian Cai. "Mom, Son has issues to resolve." Quickly, he thundered out of the room.

"Little Brother, wait for Small Shadow!"

As soon as the two left the room, Zhao Wen's power fluctuated and she sealed the room with her Empyrean might.

"Does he know yet?" she asked Bai Guang.

Standing up, Bai Guang shook her head in negative.

Mu Huizhong's eyes narrowed. "Is there a problem?"

"If he's really going to Savant City Prison tomorrow, then we have to plan accordingly." Turning to Mu Huizhong, she continued, "In-law two year's ago your Brother-in-law unknowingly broke off a leg to the Emperor's statue. All know that vandalizing images of the Emperor is an act of treason and punishable by death. The Savant City Guards naturally arrested him."

Zhao Wen's eyes narrowed to pinpoints and heat radiated from her in dense waves. "Can you imagine that? Guards arresting an innocent three year old?"

Bai Guang grimaced, stepping back from the heat.

About Mu Huizhong, visible sizzling sparks flickered as both Empyrean auras met.

Mu Huizhong eyes bugged. "They dare arrest my Brother-in-law at 3 years old. Unforgivable!!"

"Indeed, us In-laws understand each other well. Of course, our Zhao Clan righteously killed our way to the prison. Justly, we freed my son from the shackles of tyranny."

"In-law, tell this Mu...tell me you made them pay a hard price."

"Humph! That skirmish to this day is called the Battle of Flowers. This seat made it so if those guards weren't crippled, they surely lost their shorties."

Mu Huizhong nodded in deep satisfaction.

This indeed was her Mother-in-law. Was she not the strongest!?

Clearing her throat, Zhao Wen said, "The gist of the story is that Cai'er is still considered a wanted criminal. So who knows how the city guards will respond. Thus, this seat hopes you will guard Cai'er directly tomorrow."

Cupping her hands, Mu Huizhong fell to one knee. "In-law understands. This seat will crush Brother-in-laws enemies into meat paste."

"Master, what-what will you do?" asked Bai Guang.

"As Father is indisposed, Big Brother will support you by delaying any reinforcements."

"Grandmother and I will directly block City Lord and any other Empyreans who join the melee. Humph! If someone dare's try arresting my son, they die."

.