Blossoming Love

"It is true that the 'strong' naturally feast on the weak... but that does not make them strong. Such an act only makes them venting cowards. Those who are truly strong protect the innocent, no matter how weak and insignificant they may be.

Xuanyuan Wentian recited one of Xuanyuan Jiantian's teachings. He had only seen his uncle on seven occasions, the latest being four hundred years ago. Every time was an enlightening experience, to be sure... and the last time was when he personally acknowledged him as the Sword Master.

He treasured that memory more than anything else, engraving the entire scene into his very soul.

"Do not allow the devil to tempt you, Wentian." Xuanyuan Jiantian paced gracefully towards his sanctuary. "Ever since I set my eyes on you, I could tell that you were extremely diligent and most of all; supremely ambitious... not a bad thing in most cases, but this may very well lead to your downfall."

"My... downfall? Divine Sword Master Xuanyuan Jiantian, enlighten me!"

"When you first became the Sword Master, I noticed that you were eyeing the Heavenly Sin Divine Sword of the Eternal Night Royal Family." Xuanyuan Jiantian stated, his posture and expression as tranquil as running water. "I told you not to meddle in their affairs... and you did just as I said. Otherwise, I would've done far more than simply disciplining you."

"I still do not understand why..." Xuanyuan Wentian questioned. "Why... don't you just take it for yourself?"

"There's no reason... their sword isn't even worth the effort and our relations are better with them than the other Sacred Grounds. After all, they never aimed their weapons at me... while the others did."

"Besides, are we, the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region, a rogue band of bandits?" Xuanyuan Jiantian wondered, pushing the question onto Xuanyuan Wentian. "You, as my successor, should never stoop down to the level of those who only act righteously to fit their own agenda. Xuanyuan Wentian... embody my teachings, engrave them into your very heart and soul. Only then will these gates open to you... earning you the right to become a profound god!"

Xuanyuan Wentian's blood rushed like he was a child receiving an expensive Christmas present. "Is this... true?"

"My sanctuary is the only way to divinity on this little planet." Xuanyuan Jiantian nodded, withdrawing the illustrious sword he had used when he used to be the Sword Master. It had been reforged since then, surpassing even the Heavenly Sin Divine Sword. "Do you recognise this sword?"

"It's... the Mighty Heaven Collapsing Sword!"

"Within four hundred years or so, it will decide if you are worthy of entering my sanctuary and attaining all of its divine resources." Xuanyuan Jiantian granted his sword to Xuanyuan Wentian with a smile. "I'm sure you won't fail me, nephew."

...

Xuanyuan Wentian stood before Xuanyuan Jiantian's sanctuary once again, staring at its locked entrance. When he approached closer, a formation appeared. This formation... it was incomparably durable, capable of withstanding the attacks of countless Monarchs without a single scratch appearing. Forcefully breaking into it was never a possible option, so Xuanyuan Wentian had dedicated the rest of his life to Xuanyuan Jiantian's teachings.

The Mighty Heaven Collapsing Sword in his hand was the only thing capable of unlocking the formation other than Xuanyuan Jiantian himself... unfortunately, it was very picky.

He sighed after another failed attempt. Doubt had started to flow... yet he remained resolute. Surely, Xuanyuan Jiantian wouldn't leave him hanging like this. His last years were drawing closer and closer...

Knowing this, he decided to leave the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region temporarily. He started to believe that constantly staying in its vicinity was crippling his progress and ability to gain the Mighty Heaven Collapsing Sword's approval. To truly embody Xuanyuan Jiantian's teachings... he would naturally have to act upon them. But there was no one to protect in the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region. Everyone was to themselves and focused on the way of the sword, after all.

~

"Welcome to my brilliant garden, it's one of one so you'll never find anything quite like it!"

"These fruits... they taste so good!" Shui Wushuang couldn't help herself as she stuffed several strawberries into her mouth. Then she looked back at Xiao Jiantian with a slightly guilty expression written across her face. "Palace Master Xiao doesn't mind... right?"

"Act properly, Shui Wushuang. Do not forget that you are always representing the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace." Chu Yuechan stated. "Simple fruits shouldn't even move you."

"No." Xiao Jiantian replied. "I don't mind at all. After all, these fruits grow pretty damn quickly. My only concern would be the overflowing amount of profound energy in your body that may or may not implode on itself..."

"..." Shui Wushuang felt her veins expanding rapidly... far too much, in fact. Her face turned as pale as a ghost. "Am I going to die?"

"Probably..." Xiao Jiantian answered indifferently. "It's a pity that such great talent will be gone from this world and so soon, too."

"This isn't funny!" Shui Wushuang countered, growing with concern.

"Well, it is to me." Xiao Jiantian suddenly laughed. "The Placebo effect is a frightening thing, indeed."

"The what...?"

"I simply stated a possible after affect and you believed it to be true. Although my fruits are plentiful in profound energy, you didn't eat nearly enough to explode... yet."

" As for the rest of you, feel free to try anything here except for the medical section as I'm growing some special plants there."

"Special plants?" Wu Wuexin questioned. "For pellets and the like?"

"Indeed, I have some medical expertise, believe it or not."

...

"What is this?" Xiao Kuanglei inquired as they ascended to the highest floor and Xiao Jiantian's basketball court came into view. On the other sections of the floor, there were countless resources for body refinement from weights to ice baths.

"This floor has a suppressing formation..." Chu Yuechan observed her strength dwindle to the elementary profound realm slowly but surely.

"Indeed, that's for a good reason." Xiao Jiantian nodded. "This floor is centred around improving the very foundation of your physical strength. You see, profound strength multiplies these foundations... the stronger your base body is, the greater your full strength will become."

"Big Daddy Xiao is wise." Xiao Zhen nodded with awe overflowing from his eyes.

"Everyone has a peak base physique, however. The good thing is that there are profound arts that can bolster your physical strength further, amplifying these effects. Sadly, the truly effective ones are extremely difficult to comprehend and require a special physique on top of that."

Xiao Jiantian recalled borrowing a certain Forbidden Heavenly Tome off a junior from the Star God Realm...

"But for profound practitioners specialised in ranged combat... this kind of training isn't very useful." Xiao Jiantian looked at the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace part of his audience. "Since we're all here, why don't you all try lifting some weights?"

Xiao Jiantian, having low expectations already, was still a little disappointed. The ladies from the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace were weak, though most of them didn't need to be strong physically anyway. On the other end, the Xiao Sect's disciples were mostly average while Xiao Wuqing and Xiao Wuyi were frail. When Xiao Jiantian flexed his own strength, he looked like a god amongst mortals.

He'd be lying if he said his body wasn't naturally superior... but still, the difference shouldn't be that vast.

"Looks like I know what you lads will be doing in your spare time." Xiao Jiantian looked at the Xiao Sect disciples especially. "That settles the tour, I suppose. It's time to get straight to business."

As the weeks passed, Xiao Jiantian improved upon the profound art of the Xiao Sect while overseeing the progress of his disciples. But this was not all... being a proficient multi-tasker, he also established his very own business.

A pizza restaurant... the first of its kind in the Blue Pole Star!

The skilled chefs that Yuwen Tuo brought into the Floating Cloud City were all employed by Xiao Jiantian. He taught them the divine art of making pizza and they learned relatively quickly. Then, once the restaurant was all set up, he made sure to advertise it all across the Blue Wind Empire through Xia Hongyi and his contacts.

"Your name alone carries a mountain-worth of weight." Xia Hongyi smiled as he thought of Floating Cloud City's recent boom of growth. "Getting this restaurant to be known will not be difficult."

"Oh, there's one more thing."

"Hmm?" Xiao Jiantian was somewhat interested.

"A man of great importance wishes to make your acquaintance. Believe me, negotiating with him will promote the growth of Floating Cloud City even further and allow it to stand out from the other cities in the Blue Wind Empire."

"This is absolutely not an opportunity that can be overlooked!"

"Where is he, then?"

"The... Divine Phoenix City. Though, he is more than willing to make the long trip here if need be." Xia Hongyi answered with a delicate tone.

"It's fine, I intend to visit the Divine Phoenix City anyway." Xiao Jiantian shook his head. "But you've yet to state his identity."

"Well, he is none other than the guild master of the Black Moon Merchant Guild... Zi Ji!"

"Oh? I'm quite honoured to have such a figure take interest. Tell him that I'll make my way to the Divine Phoenix City in two months."

"Very well."

~

'Berserk attribute... 20%'

Dribble... crossover... step back... swish.

Xiao Jiantian watched his shot go in perfectly from half-court, resulting in a rewarding swish sound as the net readjusted itself. He had been using his newfound berserk attribute as an excuse for basketball practice.

His profound veins were highly durable and even more adaptive. So, the more he used and trained this berserk attribute, the more his body grew used to it. Now, he could increase his strength by a staggering 40% without any repercussions whatsoever.

'I should try getting some of them into this game.'

Next, he tried a simple two-handed dunk in his current state and leapt so high that his head was two feet above the rim... never mind his hands which could very well touch the top of the backboard!

BOOM.

Like a sledgehammer, his hands eventually descended, slamming the ball straight through the rim and almost ripping it straight off as he descended.

Bear in mind, this was when he was suppressed to the lowest of the Elementary Profound Realm!

'...'

Xiao Jiantian was somewhat frightened of his body. This basketball experiment may or may not end with him becoming undefeatable...

He decided to take a break and see what everyone else was up to. Mainly, he went to see how Xia Qingyue was progressing with the Water Branch. Ever since she had witnessed him use the profound art against the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace, she rarely spent a moment outside of comprehending it.

"How is it?"

"I have nearly finished comprehending the 1st Style..." Xia Qingyue opened her eyes, ending her deep meditation.

"I wonder which is more important, tending to your husband's needs or learning a profound art?" Xiao Jiantian sighed as he spoke in a disappointed tone. Though, if one were to know him well, they would know that he was only jesting. "Looks like I need a second wife for such matters... or a divorce, for that matter. I'm sure that this King can reel in a really big fish...-"

"..." Xia Qingyue didn't answer for a short while. "I wouldn't stop you from getting a second wife."

"... Why would I truly care about a second wife?" Xiao Jiantian questioned as if it was the most absurd thing he had ever heard. He smoothly walked closer to Xia Qingyue and lifted her up and between his arms again. "When I have you, Qingyue... I don't need anyone else."

"..." Xia Qingyue clearly blushed, her face growing ever so rose-like.

"We should spend more time as husband and wife, don't you think? The pursuit of the profound way is naturally crucial but it's all in vain if you sit atop the world all alone..."

'All alone...' Xia Qingyue thought of Xuanyuan Jiantian, who fit that description quite well. Such a man had every unmarried princess and beauty being offered to him on the daily... even the other Sacred Grounds were willing to send him beauties to curry favour with him. But he rejected them all. He was also well-known for being cold towards those who were not his direct family members.

"Consider this our slightly late honeymoon, hahaha."

Xiao Jiantian laughed as he teleported across the Blue Wind Empire at absurd speeds. It turns out that the Trickster was also a Speedster... and an unsurpassed one at that!

When he stopped, they were in a place Xia Qingyue had never seen. As a matter of fact, she had absolutely no clue. He let her down on a massive hill that overlooked a vast city that completely dwarfed the Floating Cloud City by at least a hundred-fold. Clearly, this place was of great significance.

"This place is the capital of the Grand Asura Nation, a nation that is rumoured to have been founded by the offsprings of a certain expert..." Xiao Jiantian stated as he sat down on the grass field, allowing the cool breeze to flow through him. "Nevermind that, we're going on a little shopping spree today. Everything you want is on this King's vast pockets!"

"I don't truly need anything-"

"Nonsense!" Xiao Jiantian shook his head. "No need to be modest with me, my wife, that won't hide the light glistening off your jewellery."

"Fine." Xia Qingyue smiled. "Let's see how vast your pockets truly are."

"..." Recognising the somewhat devilish and mischievous smile on Xia Qingyue's face, Xiao Jiantian realised that she was mimicking his Trickster ways.

'I don't think she's joking- I might actually go broke...'

They did indeed go on a little shopping spree, gaining the attention of the countless people as they walked past. Xiao Jiantian did flex his strength a little to prevent any unnecessary conflicts. They (well, she) bought damn near every noteworthy pellet, countless medical resources, numerous dresses and jewellery that could probably blind one's eyes.

"Miss Fairy, would you like to purchase something more... appealing... for who I assume is your man?"

"Sure." Xia Qingyue nodded without even looking at Xiao Jiantian... whose pockets were thinning by the second!

'I showed off a little too much...' Xiao Jiantian chuckled, putting on a brave and confident face. 'There's always that last-case scenario.'

...

"That all adds up to fifty-three thousand eight hundred fifty-seven purple profound coins, my good sir." The head of the Black Moon Merchant Guild's branch rubbed his hands keenly. His smile outshined the sun as he thought of all the profits he would gain today. "As you are our great patron, I'll be more than willing to discount the fifty-seven purple profound coins."

"£$%#!!!" Xiao Jiantian's face was paler than the skin of a vampire for a moment. When he checked how much money he had left, it all added up to only five thousand!

"It's fine if you can't-"

Xiao Jiantian raised his index finger, interrupting Xia Qingyue, as he took a deep breath "Give me a moment, I'll be right back."

He teleported outside of the Black Moon Merchant guild and burst out laughing. "Fuck's sake... she got me there."

'Forgive me Ancestral Goddess, but a man cannot embarrass himself in front of his wife!'

Channelling the law of Nothingness, Xiao Jiantian went from a rather wealthy lord to become richer than every other person in Blue Pole Star combined. His storage rings were flooded with mountains of profound currency cards... all of which were individually charged with a hundred thousand purple profound coins!

'If this sin is worth Heaven's tribulation, then save it for me later...'

He returned to the Black Moon Merchant Guild with the aura of an extremely confident businessman.

"Ah, my patron has returned, how brilliant. So, have you prepared the mon-"

SLAM.

Xiao Jiantian damn near broke the entire table as he placed one of his profound currency cards onto it.

"Keep the change!"

"One... one hundred thou-... one hundred thousand!?" The owner's face lit up completely. "You are the greatest patron that has ever visited this branch! If there's anything else you ever need, you'll always be welcome here. Though, may I know my great benefactor's name?"

"Xiao Jiantian." Giving all of the items to Xia Qingyue, Xiao Jiantian answered simply. "If you may, send my regards to Zi Ji."

"Of course, of course! It will be done at once!"

...

After finishing the shopping spree, they returned to the hill overlooking the city.

"Well, it seems that I greatly underestimated your wealth... you win this little game of ours." Xia Qingyue smiled as she took a step forward, grabbing his head and pushing her lips against his own.

'Uh-' Xiao Jiantian was slightly surprised by the sudden act but he adapted pretty quickly. Eventually, they reluctantly separated.

"Thank you for all the gifts... I'll make the most out of them."

...

Over their seven days in the Grand Asura Nation, Xiao Jiantian helped her fully comprehend the 1st Style and finally start putting it into practice. This time alone certainly helped strengthen their bond further as husband and wife even further. After a long day of sparing, they laid together watching the sunset.

'Her dance is so graceful and beautiful... she embodies the Water Branch even better than I do.' Xiao Jiantian acknowledged in his thoughts.

"No matter where we go or what we do, I'll always be more than content just by being beside you." Xia Qingyue rested her head on his chest as they laid down on the grass together. She only felt this at peace near him... it seemed as if everything was fine as long as he was there. Ever since they got married, Xiao Jiantian's flames had swiftly burned away the Frozen Heart Arts and allowed her to express more of her true emotions. "All those gifts... they will never measure up to what you mean to me, my dearest husband."

"Stop- you'll even get me flustered." Xiao Jiantian smiled cheerfully. "But... I feel the same way."

Eventually, the sunset and the dark sky took over. Though, the moon and stars still remained to light the way. He recalled what he once told his first wife during their honeymoon and, with a heavy heart, decided to grant say the same words again.

"If the night sky is my heart, then you are the moon of my life."

Xiao Jiantian withdrew a necklace he had personally made while Xia Qingyue was too busy stacking shopping items. The string itself was nothing extravagant, seemingly made of leather. The true gift was what was attached to the chain, a crossguard sword standing diagonally across a crescent-like complete circle. The blade of the sword would glow a luminous azure colour at night, though it was a little more special than that.

"This is my true gift."

Once Xiao Jiantian replaced her old necklace with his own, Xia Qingyue treasured it close to her heart. "If I am the moon of your life, then you are my sun and stars."

"..." Xiao Jiantian smiled, touched by the statement. "Mn, whatever happens, I'll always be there looking after you... in both light and darkness."

Although she did not know the true meaning behind that statement at that time, she would realise it soon enough.