5: "Shopping" and "Hiring"

It is now late morning time of the next day. Fendou Yi is now lying on the grass, facing the skies, in his family's courtyard. He has morphed back to his original form, that of a ten-year old boy. Looking at the fleeting clouds, another mischievous idea brewed in his mind. He will execute it after the Fendou clan competition, which is five days from now.

"Big Brother Yi, papa is looking for you!" shouted Fendou Huo, who just came out of his parents' house. In his left hand, there is a white porcelain cup with something glowing inside. There is also a spoon in his mouth at this moment. Compared to the others who ate the ice cream, the winds originating from him were gentle. The reason behind this is because his completed set of meridians can absorb the energy without much leaking out. If his physique was of a higher tier, no wind would be blowing from him.

Fendou Yi will only improve Fendou Huo's physique tier when he has reached 20 years old. He might die of shock from the pain that the powerful methods could bring as his mental age isn't mature and tempered enough.

Anyway, from the looks of it, his parents really did bring the ice cream home for their children. This warmed his weary, aged heart. They never gave up their children, even if it would mean they will be subjected to harsh treatments.

He didn't pay attention to his parents during his act yesterday. He will only notice something when they are on the verge of encountering danger. Be it others directing killing intent at them or natural disasters, the tiniest possibility is enough to remind him to put up countermeasures; and if it's not enough, he will deal with it himself. No matter which lifetime he's living, they are always his parents, and will always be.

"Tell dad - this ancient one here doesn't need it! Explain to him that you need it more than I do. You need to grow big and strong!" Fendou Yi emphasized enthusiastically, spreading his arms upward towards the sky.

Fendou Huo only obediently nodded and went back in. He has now reached the Blood Empowering Stage at the age of eight because of the ice cream. He can be regarded as a freakish genius amongst his peers in Black Owl City. Within the Fendou clan, the one with the second highest cultivation base in the younger generation is Fendou Xiaodao, currently at the Joint Flexing Stage.

Because of his cultivation speed, the upper echelon within the clan came up with the decision to fully support Fendou Huo, the Fendou clan's greatest prodigy yet. Fendou Sheng and Liu Youmei were extremely ecstatic upon hearing this, while Fendou Jian and his family can only feel dismayed; many were envious as well.

Whenever his younger brother roams the Fendou manor, people would now either shower him praises or respectfully greet him when meeting him.

In order to not let the people's treatment of him get to his head, during the next four days, he will guide Fendou Huo on fortifying his cultivation foundation, fixing his perception of martial arts, thoroughly disciplining his attitude regarding relationships and mundane topics, and teaching him the correct attitude on how to cultivate without hesitation, weak-willedness, or worries.

At one point during a conversation before Fendou Yi began his "brother improvement plan", he was asked by his younger brother with the question, "Why do I need to learn all this?" to which Fendou Yi replied with, "Because it is good for you . . . and me. You will be able to manage yourself for the next 80 years after the next four days. Any more than that and I'll have to impart to you the next set of guidance appropriate to what you've experienced and learned within that time frame. Oh, and if you need me for anything, just call out to me. Don't worry, even if I'm in any other place within this universe, I'll notice. I will do something if it interests me. I'll be busy after the competition, so I'll be making preparations now. We'll begin your lessons tomorrow. Later!"

This time, in Fendou Huo's perspective, his big brother vanished directly in front of him, face to face, without a trace. No tracks, winds, or weird disturbances in the environment as always. He is now even more muddle-headed than usual about how his brother disappears. He proceeded to the closest training ground without a second thought to continue his usual training.

His head aches whenever he wants to understand how such things are possible. Thus, he came to a decision to solidify an opinion in his mind regarding all these weird phenomena his brother is involved in: It just happens, and his big brother isn't harmed, or in any danger, so it's fine.

Somewhere in the Raging Seas Continent . . .

On a massive island, there are countless people camping by a shallow sea. A fountain of bubbles can be found a kilometer from shore. As for the campers, they consist of 3 groups based on their banners: one is an insignia of a sword and saber intersecting, the other is eagle's claws, and the last is that of a flowing river; and their leaders are currently discussing how to split the cultivation treasure that's about to surface from the shallow sea.

"I, Xiao Lei, am declaring right now that the Xiao clan will take half of the Vitality Boosting Kelp. Are there any objections?"

The speaker is a spirited old man wearing a gray Daoist robe. His presence was boundless and commands respect.

"All you Xiaos better not get ahead of yourselves! Just because your ancestor made a breakthrough to the Soul Transformation Realm doesn't mean that that you can boss us around," said a man in his forties spoke. He is the leader of the Blade Dao Sect's group.

"Murong Gu is right. Not even we, the River Sea Sect, would accept a loss just because of one individual in your family's ranks," voiced a middle-aged woman, in agreement with the Blade Dao Sect High Deacon. She is wearing a body-wrapping floral dress with a tightness to show some curves, but not enough to be suffocating.

"Elder Wen Jia, your sect has always been neutral and it better stay that way! All that matters right now is that your sects are slightly lower to our Xiao clan's current position, so know your place!" yelled Xiao Lei arrogantly, as he and his clansmen prepped their armaments.

A battle was about to commence and everybody was at the peak of alertness, when someone gasped and pointed in the distance, catching their attention.

There was a black-cloaked short figure that suddenly appeared just beside the fountain of bubbles, his feet touching the water. The water surrounding him stilled, making a peculiar visual as the frothing water from the fountain was pushing out ripples that isn't in the figure's direction. He made a grasping motion pointed below the bubbling water. Long seaweeds, reddish green in color, were being pulled out from the shallow sea. Large amounts of it were being taken, but it all seemed to mysteriously disappear into the figure's hand.

After taking all the kelp, the figure vanished. The fountain of bubbles also ceased its bubbling activity, as if it was all an illusion. Everyone stared at the scene with disbelief. There were no words to describe how they feel.

In another location on the planet, Shifting Sands Continent . . .

Along the tall dunes of sand, a group of people were surrounding a young man, who seemed to be clutching something close to his chest.

This youth looked bloody and beaten as he panted; his clothes has rips, cuts, and tears. He is also emanating a savage aura. In his hands, a brilliant sapphire gem is sparkling under the burning rays of the sun.

At the forefront of the group encirclement is a pair of a young lady and another young man, both having expressions of anger and contempt while staring at the heavily injured youth.

"Shangguan Yao, Bei Qiyi, we are close friends, how can you do this to me?!" Ding Luoran hoarsely lamented. The betrayal was too much for his inexperienced heart.

"Hmph, if it weren't for your outstanding talent, I wouldn't even take glance in your direction," coldly declared the young lady, Shangguan Yao.

"Hai, how can you be so oblivious? Don't you see that Yao'er only loves me? Also, I only befriended you, who's only from a lower-levelled family, to acquire your family's precious heirloom. You also didn't disappoint! To think you'd really present it to me just after a few adventures . . ." sinisterly laughed Bei Qiyi.

"NO! I cannot accept this! I CANNOT ACCEPT THIS!" the bloody youth despaired.

"Enough talk! Men, kill him and take the Clear Blue Heart," ordered Bei Qiyi, then continued to say, "You should feel honored, Ding Luoran, to be killed in my presence."

Bei Qiyi's guards readied their sabers and they slowly made the circle smaller to corner Ding Luoran. He was a good fighter at the Core Formation Realm, so they were slightly cautious.

Ding Luoran was ready to die protecting his family's heirloom. When Bei Qiyi's henchmen were at least less than 5 meters from him, a figure appeared by Ding Luoran's right out of nowhere, then its hand reached out and snatched the gem in his hands successfully. It also disappeared as quickly as it appeared.

Everyone was at a loss. Before anyone recovered from the event that took place, the black-cloaked figure reappeared by Ding Luoran's left, then spoke in a young boy's contemplating voice, saying, "You know what? I'm taking you as well."

After the sentence, the mysterious figure gripped Ding Luoran's left shoulder with its right hand, then they both vanished.

As if their brains experienced a short circuit, the encircling group stood there paralyzed, wondering if they were dreaming.

All around Fearless Qilin Planet, the scene about all kinds of cultivation resources being taken by a black-cloaked figure played out, with the occasional kidna- er, recruiting. This individual acted like he knew nothing about a nation's sovereignty, a sect's prestige, a clan's heritage, a conflict's causes, or personal privacy. He entered bathhouses, imperial palaces, active battlefields, unfathomably deep chasms, all kinds of places. Even doghouses were searched. One is taken as well. As for the dog who lives in it, it can only whimper sadly for being brought along. The individual did as he pleased.

Fendou Yi felt like he was on cloud nine. He didn't care if he interfered in a hero's, savior's, or holy saint's path to their prosperity. He wants good stuff, and he's taking it all. People included.

After three hours, Fendou Yi was satisfied with his "shopping spree". He then sent a hint of his consciousness in a part of his personal dimension space, where living beings can survive. This dimension can change according to his thoughts. It can be a forest, an ocean, a mine, whatever place he wished it to be, but right now, it is currently a blank and white empty place. Within it, there are 6 people, and a dog.

With Fendou Yi's current height of 1 meter, the dog's head is paralleled to his shoulder level. It has well-kept, golden brown fur on its body, a round and black nose, a bushy tail, pointy ears, an adorable face, paws with maintained claws, and a lukewarm temperament.

Being forcibly taken away from its owner, it wanted to show aggression, yet as if knowing that its captor is beyond itself, it curled up in one spot, despondent.

Fendou Yi approached it and gave the dog a piece of delectable cooked meat. Smelling it, it was sniffing the meat cautiously at first, then took it with a bite. He then patted its head.

"Hello, dog. You're called Doggy by me now," said Fendou Yi, "Have no worries. I will only call you Doggy. As for the name bestowed upon you by your owner, I have no intention of changing it." Doggy accepted the head pat with a wagging tail.

"In the future, we will visit your owner frequently. I'll turn you into something dogkind wouldn't be able to imagine," promised Fendou Yi. As if understanding what he said and feeling no malice, Doggy barked. He was a good boy.

As for the people, they have countless questions to ask their new "employer".

"Who are you?" questioned the 3rd "recruit". He is a middle-aged cultivator who came from Buried Flame Continent. He was fighting with his men against other forces to have a chance of obtaining an Obsidian Fruit from its tree. Fendou Yi arrived at the scene, directly uprooting the Obsidian Tree which can only be moved by Dao Practitioners with difficulty, and snagged him as well when he was on the brink of death.

"Ah, yes. A staple question! I am Fendou Yi," he said as he uncloaked himself, then continued, "You work for me now. My orders are absolute. Those who disobey will undergo behavior correction and rehabilita- no, actually it's just punishment and brainwashing, who am I kidding, hahahaha."

The six were surprised by the appearance of their captor. After hearing him finish, they acted as if they met a deranged person. They also felt uneasy, after feeling their senses fail them when they tried to probe the boy's cultivation base. It was like they were staring at an abyss. They want to voice their concerns, but their fear of the unknown held them back.

They are also grateful since this boy saved them during their darkest moments which gave them conflicting emotions. Now, they nervously await what fate has in store for them.

"Alright, lady and gentlemen! Tell me your names, your origins, and your greatest dream," bellowed Fendou Yi, "I want you to honestly express yourselves. Failure to do so will give you regrets later."

Fendou Yi isn't scaring them. He planned on nurturing them for his plans to succeed. He will be very generous in wages, too. He can hear their thoughts and read their minds, but he wants to make sure their words match their intents. He will give lesser rewards to those who weren't honest.

"Let's begin with you," pointed Fendou Yi at a young man with tattered, blood-stained clothes. He bowed and cupped his fist as he introduced himself.

"I am Luoran, and my family name is Ding. I have lived most of my life in Yellow Sediment Stronghold, located in Shifting Sands Continent's western territories. My dream is to become a Mortal Qi Cultivator to be able to help and protect my family."

When Ding Luoran was thrown inside Fendou Yi's personal dimension space, his wounds, gained from the dangerous pursuit he unexpectedly survived from, began healing at a speed visible to the naked eye.

"Thank you for saving my life. If you are willing to help me take revenge on my enemies, I will be more than willing to give my life for you," said Ding Luoran.

"Huh? Too impatient! Achieve your revenge yourself, boy. I would at most be giving you guidance and resources. It would feel more rewarding, too," grumbled Fendou Yi. He is not getting any more of unnecessary karma. Ding Luoran felt helpless upon being referred to as "boy" by someone who looks way younger than him.

"Next! You, who asked me who I am earlier."

"Zhao Ping is my name. I am a member of the Bear Claw Faction, situated in the Burning Embers Lesser Forge-Ziggurat of the Buried Flame Continent. I dream of making the Bear Claw Faction as the strongest group of Buried Flame Continent," asserted a middle-aged man wearing black apparel and dark brown leather armor.

"How about you, princess?"

Fendou Yi directed his gaze at the only female present. In his perspective, she can be ranked in the top 100 most beautiful women on the planet in the past century. With the face of an angel and the body of the devil, inexperienced men would go wild seeing a glimpse of her alone. Her long gown with a deep red color only makes her more desirable.

"I am the heiress of the unparalleled Cheng Dynasty, Cheng Lia. My family bloodline ruled a greater part of the Sanguine Woodlands Continent, our ancestral lands deep in the Blood Dragon Valley. I aim to one day unite all the forces of this world under our dynasty's banner," coldly replied the enrapturing beauty, her pride evident in her words and disposition. Inwardly, she still can't accept how she was suddenly abducted on her way home.

"Not bad. Unfortunately, with your dynasty being nothing more than a husk of its former glorious past, it wouldn't endure past a decade even if you restructure its corrupt governing body, survive the assassination attempts and fend off the upcoming invasion of the Fang dynasty, so you better prepare yourself for drastic changes that you'll experience from being affiliated with me," cynically replied Fendou Yi.

"The Fang Dynasty is invading?!" Cheng Lia was shocked by what she heard.

"Worry about yourself first. I'll make sure you understand things better after coming under me," reminded Fendou Yi.

"Anyhow, I have no reason to mistreat you, for now. If nothing goes wrong, you all will be accompanying me to mess around in this universe. Yes, you will come along, too. Yes, you do~, Yes, you do~!"

He was acting serious at first, but the dog was too much for Fendou Yi, prompting him to give Doggy, who was too adorable for his own good, belly rubs. Doggy enjoyed it very much. As for the people, half of them felt like laughing, while the other half felt like crying.

"U-um . . ." meekly muttered a boy who looks slightly older than Fendou Yi, "W-what would b-be our r-respons-sibilit-ties?" He was stuttering, and seemed frail and easily frightened.

"Have you introduced yourself? Continue where we left off," Fendou Yi said imposingly, but the image of him using his hands which were roaming Doggy's belly more than decimated his earlier domineering presence, contradicting the unsettling vibe from before. It was amusing to anyone who saw it.

The boy calmed down at the sight. Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes, he reopened them a moment later then began, saying, "My name is Dong Fan. I live in Howling Wind City. I want to be a c-cultivator." His voice cracked a little by the end, his nervousness got the better of him.

A simple dream, but it lays bare the long path he will walk.

Fendou Yi currently has a poker face, but in his heart, this boy impressed him the most. He is the only person here without any cultivation knowledge or foundation, but with a Fate Force large enough to envelope half of the Turbulent Tornado Continent, he would usually become one of the most powerful Celestial Saints of humanity, if there are no accidents. Having endured painful incidents since childhood, he was bound to have one of the most unbreakable wills out in the universe, too. It would also continue to grow sturdier as he experiences life's playful whims.

"Greetings, Young Master Yi! I go by the name Han Lao. I'm a merchant hailing from the Dark Depths Regions of the Raging Seas Continent. I have always wanted to control all sea trade routes. I felt your boundless, magnanimous presence when you whisked me away from my ship, and I couldn't help but lament at my own inferiority. I am more than willing to serve you, oh almighty lord!"

A thin man with squinty eyes presented himself before Fendou Yi with a bootlickerish attitude. He is wearing a silver box hat, a pair of black, pointy shoes and a stylish vermillion robe. Fendou Yi would have more respect for the merchant if it weren't for his thoughts filled with greed, but as long as he doesn't go too overboard, he will let him be.

Fendou Yi now motioned for the last person to introduce himself. He is an old man, the calmest of the group, and the only person who hasn't spoken ever since he was transported to Fendou Yi's personal dimension space.

Bald, a long, white beard, mustache and eyebrows on his wrinkly face, a weathered blue robe on a slightly bent body, and eyes as bright as the stars, his subdued presence evokes a peaceful feeling from where he stands.

"Xiong Mao," finally uttered the aged elder, "This old man here is born and raised in Swaying Leaves Village. I want to live in peace."

He didn't say much, but one will understand that he has been able to tide through countless situations in his life.

Fendou Yi nodded, saying, "Alright, since everyone has finished introductions, I will brief you all about your objectives. It's simple, really: you just have to be at my beck and call FOREVER! No objections, and remind yourself this at all times, please and thank you."

At Fendou Yi's declaration, Ding Luoran wore a look of contemplation, Zhao Ping grimaced, Dong Fan was oozing cold sweat, Han Lao kept his smiling face which now looked uglier than crying, Cheng Lia's face turned as black as a pot, and Xiong Mao sighed before returning to his usual mood, calmness.

Fendou Yi then vanished from his personal dimension space. Everyone still felt awe at such mysterious powers. Before everyone can settle for a spot, a small, vertical spacial portal popped open from where Fendou Yi used to stand, his head then popped out from it, horizontally facing them, then said, "Have less worries, for this place is special. You won't go hungry while you're here. You can also cultivate freely. I will be allocating you to a place near my home shortly. Until then, get to know each other more. I'll be watching you~" Finishing his piece, he left them on their own devices.

"W-when do you think he'll come back?" questioned Dong Fan. He then felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to look, and met eyes with Xiong Mao.

"We can only wait. After all, he can decide what happens to us," said Xiong Mao. He surveyed their surroundings. The white landscape stretches as far as the eyes could see. Cheng Lia is already seated in a lotus position a few meters away from the gathering with her eyes closed, evidently cultivating; Ding Luoran and Zhao Ping are conversing, Han Lao tried exploring the space to see if there's a limit, and Doggy is lazily lying on his side in front of his doghouse.

"Come, let's take a seat. We can only pass the time here quickly if we are engaged in something," Xiong Mao said as he invited Dong Fan to interact with the other "recruits".