Planning

"That was quite the show." Smiles giggled. "I knew those two were close, but I wasn't sure when they would actually get together." She added with a soft smile. 

"Well, it's not anyone's business but their own, my intervention can be considered too much. However, I was asked to intervene on my martial sister's behalf. Still, I didn't think I'd have to teach the difference between a wife and just some random brothel. That is where that slap came from." I explained, setting aside the scroll. 

"It's good, I was about to slap him myself." Yang Ying Feng interjected with a supportive nod. "I think Yang Kai would have done the same." He added. 

"Thank you, grandfather. Though I feel I am a bit more merciful than my father in this case…" I sighed. 

"Oh, you definitely are my son. Zhao Ye Bai easily would be recovering for quite a while if he said something like in front of your father." Su Yan said, plainly. The rest of my mothers all nodded in unison as if it was a foregone conclusion. 

"Well, let's consider it me being merciful not towards my brother Zhao Ye Bai. And instead say that it's for the best if my sister Zhao Ya isn't worried about when her love will recover." I chuckled. "I do not like causing pain to others. However, I will do so when necessary." I sighed. 

"So what comes next?" Yu Ru Meng asked. 

"First off, I will be taking a bit of a trip. Now that Mother Smiles has returned I am no longer confined to the Star Boundary. There is a place I need to check out… If the information that my Brother Xu Yi handed me just now, is correct… I'll find one of the 12 universe columns there… The Transparent Soaring Cloud." I explained. 

"Wait, isn't that one impossible to see? How are you going to find it?" Smiles, knowing what it is asked. 

"Simple, I will resonate with its energy frequency. Or its Wavelength. My Dao is rather suited to it, provided I understand the cloud's nature properly. And, given the information I just read. I think I'll be able to see it clear as day. I do have an innate eye technique I was born with after all." I explained. 

"Hmm, how long will you be away for? I think people will get suspicious if they don't see you for a while after making such a declaration." Smiles asked. 

"Hmm, I can move faster than the Universe Escape Law. Pair that kind of speed with the unrestricted destination… The only part that will take any real time is… adjusting a lightning bolt's wavelength. But even then, that is easier than breathing for me. All in total probably 10 days at most. 3 days if I get lucky and find it sooner than expected." I said, putting a hand to my chin. 

"In that case, we can say that you have entered seclusion to refine another element. This might embolden the Myriad demons, but… It should also increase our own people's morale. The thought that you are trusting them with this, while growing stronger." Yang Ying Feng suggested. 

"And no one knows what elements you've refined either. So you could pass the fire element off as the one if you needed to do so." Smiles suggested. 

"No, I won't need to pull a fog over the people's eyes. Such behavior does not suit me. Nor does it suit my Dao. If we say I am going to refine another element, then do so, I shall. The next one isn't going to be nearly as painful as the fire one anyway. Earth… That will take me at least 10 days. But to truly master its power, it will definitely be longer than this. In any case, I have to go and pick this Transparent Soaring Cloud." I said, solidifying the plan. 

"Very well, son. I'll make sure that no one interferes with this place." Smiles said, pointing a finger at me with an exhale. 

"Hmm, what was that?" Dong Su Zhu asked, sensing a protective nature, but… was unable to discern what it was. 

"Something a 9th rank can do. I'm not positive I could pull it off as an 8th rank. But it will block at least one attack from a 9th rank attacker. Whoever they may be or whatever race." Smiles explained. 

"Thank you, mother Smiles. Now, Mother…" I said, standing up. Now I stood in front of Su Yan. "I will be safe and return home shortly." I said, cupping my hands and bowing to her. 

Su Yan lifted my head and kissed my forehead. "Come home safely my Son. And don't forget to bring Ruo Xi back with you this time." Su Yan said, and then she hugged me tightly. "I'll tell them all when you return." She added. 

I hugged Su Yan back. A warmth unlike any other flowed from where we were. "Mother, I will return promptly, successful in my mission." I said, simply enjoying the hug. 

"Hmm, a mothers hug truly is the most powerful comfort in this world." Yang Ying Feng murmured. 

"OF COURSE IT IS!" Dong Su Zhu yelled quickly. 

"Can confirm this. It's even comforting for the mother. It was always a joyful comfort whenever I gave Leiji a hug. On that battlefield… he made it less painful. And… More painful in some ways." Feng Ying commented. 

"Yes, it was a nice feeling having our son so close. But it made me want one of my own too. And that made everything a bit difficult." Bai Yi added, placing a hand on her belly. 

"Hmm, Sisters. I was going to wait. But I shall tell you now. Husband is almost done. He will come out of seclusion as early as 2 months to as late as 3 months." Su Yan said. 

"Oh! That means we can have another big bath with everyone. This time I'm going to prepare ahead of time. I don't want it to be just a feeling. I want to actually feed him this time." Xia Ning Chang perked up. 

"Oh my! Sister, that means you'll need to be…" Shan Qing Luo started, teasing

"I know! But last time wasn't enough! I want to, really, feed our son!" Xia Ning Chang quickly interjected, with only a slight blush. And stared at me. 

"I'll leave it to you." I smiled and then vanished, opting to get my mission under way.