New Training Program

Tian Cai looked in the direction from where he heard the prayer. Although, the woman was hidden within a hooded, heavy cloak; he immediately recognized Mu Huiqing by the exposed brown curls of her hair.

Zhao Wen nudged Tian Cai, shooting down a questioning look. He nodded to affirm that her guess was correct. Both sighed deeply.

However, to their surprise, Mu Huiqing continued, "Oh Divinities, this one begs you protect her most beloved. May all his enemies be consumed by hell fire. My the whole world known my beloved is the greatest."

Tian Cai eyebrows curled.

Sister-in-law has a beloved? It appears she's crazy about him.

Zhao Wen looked down at her son.

The fool still doesn't realize?

"Matriarch Zhao, should you desire, we would be happy to provide you a map to the monastery. With an incentive, the map can be sent over by the end of the day."

Zhao Wen chuckled and pulled out a heavy coin purse. "Vice Master Jun, you know our Zhao Clan has always been strong supporters of the temple."

Chuckling also, Vice Master Jun graciously accepted the purse. "In this week's prayers, all will know of Zhao Clan's devoutness."

"Thank you Vice Master Jun. We'll take our leave now."

As the two left, Zhao Wen said, "We'll have your Uncle Qiang take you the monastery and seek a cure for Fei Hung. As for your little trial of the pig thing...that Shadow Hell Forest is a suitable location."

"How far is it?"

"If you had a flying beast, about two days. However, across land it's a ten day trip. Why?"

"That boar needs to be there within a month's time. We must leave in no later than 20 days," said Tian Cai.

"You try to leave sooner. Things happen on the road. Mother didn't say this, but your Uncle Qiang is difficult to travel with."

"Then how does Sister Qin deal with it?"

"Haven't you noticed how their personalities are somewhat similar."

Imagining the pair's bulging and rippling muscles, Tian Cai eyes dilated.

Indeed that was true.

Thinking ahead, Tian Cai now wondered whom to take on the trip.

Upon returning to the clan, Zhao Wen nudged Tian Cai towards Bai Guang's courtyard.

"Son, ever since you admonished her, Disciple hasn't been the same. If there's anything you get done today, it's talking to her. Understand?"

Tian Cai nodded.

With a swoosh, Zhao Wen disappeared. Not half breath later.

Zhao Jia's voice rang out. "Wen'er you've returned. Recently, Grandmother learned that several famous wines will be auctioned at the Black Bank Auction. Grandmother, needs you to pullout that Star Bank card and lend it to her."

"Little Sister, there you are. Big Brother needs new weapons and armor. Nephew says you can lend me money with only 10 percent interest. Big Brother merely needs 25 million. Eh! Why look at me like that? You know Big Brother can pay it all back."

A few breaths later, Tian Cai found himself before the gate to Bai Guang's courtyard. The trepidation of uncertainty filled him. Steeling himself, Tian Cai knocked on the gate and said "Big Sis, Little Brother is here to visit."

Between sniffles, a sobbing Bai Guang said, "Little Brother...are you still mad??"

Tian Cai kicked the gate open and was about to rush in when he caught Bai Guang clinging to a basket of honey cakes. He could tell she had been going at it for a while now. Two other empty baskets were strewn on the ground before her. Cakes crumbs were all about the place. In fact, an army of ants had appeared. The leader was coordinating two columns that were efficiently marching away with the leftovers.

Sister Bai, apparently was one of those that like to binge eat their sorrows away.

Face flushed red with embarrassment, Bai Guang got up to hide away. However, before she even got a foot up, Tian Cai rushed into her arms.

"You-You forgive me?" she hoarsely asked?

"Mhm."

"Master ordered.."

"Shush! Don't ever cry again...Little Brother can't stand it."

"Little Brother..."

"Shush already!"

"It's not that, you're stepping on Big Sis's honey cakes."

After reconciling, Tian Cai was in the Forbidden Area with Bai Guang, his Uncle Qiang, Qin Rong, and the Five Shadows.

Bai Guang had cleaned up a bit. It appeared that she gained a little weight. But he didn't mind at all. Her jet black hair shined as it draped over her shoulders. If she wasn't glaring at Qin Rong with her crazy eyes, then he would still be mesmerized by her soft large eyes.

Gu Jin appeared with Chief Lu. Quickly, he ran over and bowed to Tian Cai.

"Youngest Master, this Gu Jin failed to recognize your honorable intentions. Gu Jin swears to serve you well and protect the Zhao Clan with his life."

Tian Cai nodded. "How's our new Head Chief of Guards doing?"

Chief Lu shook violently.

Fat Shadow winced, closing his eyes as Zhao Qiang shot him a look. Clearing his throat, he took Chief Lu aside and whispered into his ear.

When Chief Lu reappeared, he was all smiles. "Brother Gu, will make a great Head Chief. In fact, this Lu was feeling stressed recently and long wanted to relax a little."

Everyone threw him strange looks.

You're happy about being demoted?

Gu Jin chuckled, "Brother Lu, you truly are an amiable and a gracious person. As the new Head Chief, how can we not be good brothers. Later, let's drink until one of us passes out."

Zhao Qiang, Fat Shadow and the newly demoted Vice Chief Lu looked sorrowfully at the man. Each knew, Gu Jin would not be drinking in celebration tonight.

Whispering to Fat Shadow, Zhao Qiang asked, "You prepared the ice."

Fat Shadow nodded in affirmation.

"You all, don't think this Young Master didn't forget how he was almost arrested the other day. You people need to start thinking about what happens when you don't use your brains. From now on, were going to start a new training program."

Everyone looked up.

Training Program

"First, each person will spar with a different person five times a day. If you are a Martial Adept, you fight a Martial Master at least twice. If you are a Martial Master you will fight a Martial King at least twice. The purpose is to practice with with people who are stronger and to constantly push your limits."

Tian Cai nodded to Zhao Qiang.

Clearing his throat Zhao Qiang said, "Heed my command. On pain of death, what you hear now is a clan secret."

Tian Cai said, "Secondly, our Zhao Clan recently acquired an archive of lost martial techniques. This Young Master will evaluate each person individually and verify if there is a suitable technique. Do not worry, if one is not handed down. We have only reviewed less than 5 percent of the archive."

Zhao Qiang also added, "More techniques will be awarded based on service to the clan."

Gu Jin and the others trembled with excitement. A smile was etched across his face, from cheek to cheek. Weren't things on the up and up for him? Soon, he felt, he would sprout and fly up the mountain of success.

"Senior Gu Jin, you're up first. The others, choose a partner."

Cupping his hands, Gu Jin hurriedly ran over. "Youngest Master, Head Chief will take care not to injure you."

Tian Cai smirked.

I'm superman.

Zhao Qiang smirked.

That's Super Punk!

"Senior, please detail your affinity and primary techniques," asked Tian Cai.

Gu Jin nodded. "This Gu Jin is known as the Mercenary King and his attribute is Earth and his known for his merciless staff and defense."

"What earth based techniques to use."

"Earth Armor and the Stone Staff. Unfortunately, both are Adept level and are not suitable beyond Middle King Level."

"Your cultivation technique is it inherited or one you gained?"

Gu Jin scratched his head, "My honorable Father procured the techniques for me."

"Understood, let's lightly exchange pointers. Let's see how strong your Earth Armor is."

"Youngest Master, might I suggest you put on metal gloves. Otherwise, with your Martial Initiate body, you may be injured."

Tian Cai smirked, "Let's see how it goes, be prepared."

Zhao Qiang and Fat Shadow looked at each other.

Poor Man!

"Earth Armor!" yelled Gu Jin.

As his Martial King aura erupted, his skin visibly turned a gray color and knobby stone bumps appears along over his exposed skin.

Curious, Everyone one watched as not everybody had witnessed Tian Cai in action before.

Suddenly, Bai Guang and Qin Rong jolted. They just remembered what happened the last time. Unconsciously, they half covered their eyes. Still, they weren't prepared enough.

Air distorted as Tian Cai clenched his fist. Roaring he shot forward.

Awhooooooo!

Tian Cai's fist blasted into Gu Jin's groin. His u-shaped body slammed into a wall.

WAAAAAAA!

Gu Jin rolled about in extreme pain.

Zhao Qiang slapped his thigh.

I knew the boy can't aim. Humph! You think this King would purposely risk his irreplaceable jewels while sparring.

The other men winced and unconsciously shifted their stances.

Chief Lu looked at Fat Shadow with misty eyes.

This Lu thanks your for the demotion.

Earlier Fat Shadow stated the Head Chief Guard would specifically be Tian Cai's sparring partner. Then explained what happened to Zhao Qiang.

Fat Shadow glanced at Chief Lu.

See how our Zhao Clan cares for you.

"Ah Senior Gu, just now, this Young Master was aiming for your torso. Who would've thought your Earth Armor has such a weakness."

Clapping his hands loudly, Fat Shadow commanded, "Someone! Bring the prepared ice."

"Senior, rest awhile. Later, we'll provide you with some techniques." Seeing everyone was in shock and still idly standing about, Tian Cai roared, "Humph! If you're not sparring with somebody already, line up and be this Young Master's opponent."

The room burst into action.

"Fatty Bai, long has this Qin recognized you can't control your eating! Metal Fist!"

"Washboard Chest! No wonder Father preferred my Mother! Burning Power Fist!"*1

Death Shadow glanced at Fat Shadow. "How about it Brother, hasn't it been a long time since we exchanged pointers? Death Eye!"

"Unfathomable Shadow!" roared Fat Shadow.

Chief Lu sprung into air towards Small Shadow. "Drilling Kick!"

"Ebony Shadow Eclipse!" yelled Small Shadow.

Gray Shadow's hands blurred into rapid hand signs. Aiming at Soundless, she yelled, "Dawn's Bright Glory!"

Seeing how everyone was sparring except himself, Tian Cai looked at Zhao Qiang.

"Super Punk, Uncle already brought you a proper partner. Humph! Is it my fault he's incapacitated."

Tian Cai stuck out his tongue in response. He grumbled in disappointment, as he realized the fighting might be prolonged.

Suddenly, the darkest shadow enveloped Tian Cai and severe coldness shot through his spine. A raspy voice echoed in his ear, "Bored? How about exchanging pointers with this Lord Vampire?"