27

Onari meditated for the rest of the night. His metaphysical eyes were locked on the bond strengthening process. He observed it all meticulously, trying to gain a foothold of understanding into the Dao of Balance.

Around the three-hour mark of his meditation, Onari was struck with the sudden realization of what the bond really was. Dual Cultivation was powerful and rare in his previous world, so he was astounded that he had managed to find his Dao Companion so early in this life. Onari begrudgingly thanked the heavens for bringing Yu Wu and him together.

Eventually, soft golden light began to filter through the room's windows. Godrays stretched across the floor, lighting up the darkness behind Onari's eyelids. Yu Wu began to stir. Onari opened his eyes in tandem with Yu Wu.

Yu Wu stretched her arms above her head and yawned. For a few blissful moments, the weight of yesterday's events didn't sit heavily on her shoulders. And when hurt, betrayal, and loss did come crashing down on her, it didn't feel as exhausting as it did last night.

Onari reached out mentally, giving her a little tap through the bond that made her smile. She turned to see him sitting cross-legged on a cushion on the floor. His back was straight like he'd been watching vigil over her for the entire night.

"Did… you get any sleep last night?" Yu Wu asked hesitantly.

Onari shrugged, "No, but I feel well rested. I spent the night meditating and keeping an eye on you in case you had any nightmares. In other news though, I think I know what our connection is."

Yu Wu pouted at the change of subject, but her curiosity quickly got the better of her, "What is it?"

"What do you know about Dao Companions?" Onari asked.

Yu Wu shook her head, "Just what I've read in Wuxia novels. I don't know anything about them in real life.

"Right, I doubt teaching you about that was on the old man's to-do list… Anyway, a Dao Companion is essentially a cultivator's heaven-fated partner. Not every cultivator will find their Dao Companion, but the ones who do will have an unwavering ally and companion for their quest to transcend the heavens."

"And… we're Dao Companions?"

Onari nodded, "Yes. And we seem to be much closer than Dao Companions' usually are at this point in their relationship. Especially since we haven't even attempted Dual Cultivation. In my worry for you, I must have established a deeper connection than what Dao Companions usually start out with."

Yu Wu bowed her head when Onari mentioned Dual Cultivation, hiding her luminescent blush behind a curtain of black hair and whispering, "... I can't say I'm disappointed with how fast our relationship is developing…"

Before Onari could respond, there was a gentle knock at the door. Glancing at Yu Wu to ensure she was presentable, Onari called out for the unexpected guest to enter.

"Young Mistress Yu Wu. Young Master Onari," Satoru, Onari's favorite Tengu butler, greeted them politely with a bow. "My apologies for disturbing you so early in the morning. Lady Yasaka sent me to ask if the both of you will be joining her for breakfast."

Yu Wu simply gave Satoru and Onari an imperious nod, her young mistress persona settling over her almost instantly. Onari sighed, and nodded to Satoru as well.

"Very good. I shall inform my lady," Satoru said, dismissing himself and leaving as quickly as he came.

Onari stood and helped his Dao Companion to her feet. Yu Wu worried at her lower lip and wrung her hands now that they were alone again.

"Should we tell your mother about our relationship?… About our bond?" she asked.

Onari couldn't hold back a laugh, "She probably already knows. She's a clever vixen, but I doubt she'll mention anything if she suspects you to be uncomfortable with discussing it."

Yu Wu took a steadying breath, "No… No, we should tell her ourselves. I want to make a good impression on my future mother-in-law."

Onari nodded, but almost spat blood when he realized what Yu Wu had just called Yasaka. Before he could say anything or stop her, Yu Wu was marching confidently out the door and across the hall. She paused at the opposite door to take another breath, and Onari could feel her determination steel through the bond.

The door to the apartment was dramatically swung open by the young cultivator on a mission, only stopped from slamming against the wall by a touch of Qi. Yu Wu strode through the door with pride only another young mistress/master would be able to match.

Yasaka sat at the dining table with Kunou beside her. The older Nine-tailed fox's tails swished and flicked playfully through the air behind her. There was a mischievous grin on her face as she sat back to enjoy the show she was sure was coming.

"I am marrying your son!"