Chapter – 138 - The Process of Changing, Accepting and Letting Go

Fluffy was in a huff. Once again he was sitting on the quilt like an ancient sphinx, except now he didn't even spare a glance at Rihanna. His big watery eyes were staring at the opposite wall, his tiny furry face full of grievance, and truck-load of snacks scattered all around him.

Rihanna was currently feeling a mixture of guilt and irritation. She had asked Artreya to take care of these two beasts. But looking at the snack-pile, he seemed to treating them as some pampered, young master of royal lineage! She could also see the silent criticism in everybody's eyes, even as they avoided the topic like a virus. Did they think she was going to spank all of them? Did they really think she was that free and bored!

'Oh, come on now! It was just a light pat on your buttocks....how many times have I already done it before? And you still take it so seriously!'

Fluffy huffed some more, pouting his pointed mouth till he looked like he had food stuffed inside his cheeks. Before Rihanna could react, the other's turned to stare at her, silent judgement reflecting in their eyes.

Now Rihanna felt like huffing! Tired of this game, she directly stood up and walked over to the ancient sphinx, picking him up by the scruff, and giving his head a vigorous rubbing. Fluffy was left wriggling about, trying but failing to get out of her evil clutches. Finally Rihanna sat down in his place, placing Fluffy on her lap and firmly holding onto him. After another bout of wriggling, Fluffy finally gave up, but his large eyes looked reproachful and teary.

'Stop acting cute and trying to gain everyone's attention. No matter what you do, I will not be taking you to your Father.'

Fluffy whimpered in protest, once again making an unsuccessful effort of freeing himself.

'Why not?! You promised! Are you saying that my master is not a person who keeps her words?!'

Rihanna sighed. It looked like Artreya was rubbing off on the little beasts...all in the wrong ways!

'Stop being dramatic! Your Father said that he was going in seclusion.....do you still remember how badly he was injured at that time. Though we accidentally spent more than five years inside the dimension, in the outside world it has not even been two years since we left him in the underground temple. If we go back now, then he will have to break his seclusion earlier to meet you. Breaking a seclusion forcefully before the time is up will have repercussions, and it might cause his injuries to become aggravated once again. And I know that is not what you wish for. Which is why we will not be going back now.'

Listening to her words, Fluffy had slowly calmed down, and now he lay on her lap listlessly. His tiny face looked dejected and sorrowful, and Rihanna softly petted his head, running her fingers gently through the thick and soft fur.

'But.....my appearance has changed back once more. Will that not be a problem for you?'

'It will be a problem for both of us. But don't worry. We can't go running to your father for every problem which comes our way, can we. We will have to try and figure out another method through which we can change your appearance. Stop worrying so much, or all your beautiful hair will fall off. Do you want to become a hairless pig that badly?'

'Who wants to become a hairless pig! You are the hairless pig! I have such a beautiful and shiny fur, every beast in the Swamp was envious of my shining hair!'

Seeing that her provocation had successfully ignited the passion and zest in this little fire-ball, Rihanna promptly threw him down to Phantasm. She also gave Phantasm a look, like saying 'You better take care of your one and only or you will be the one being spanked next'!

Artreya slowly inched over, curiosity written all over his face, and even though Ye Luo was trying hard to control his expressions, at a glance she could tell that it was no better. Rihanna sighed and turned to the two of them.

"What?"

"Ahem!...You...you never mentioned that you have a spirit beast as a pet....so it was kind of shocking, you know....!"

"Not a spirit Beast.....he's a Divine Spirit Beast."

Rihanna knew that Fluffy was a spirit beast, and that they were somewhat different from demonic beasts. But she had never tried to go deeper and figure out exactly what was this difference. She looked at them in confusion. What exactly was all the fuss about?!

Artreya saw her confused and uncaring look and seriously wished he could throttle her! That was a Divine Spirit Beast!! Fine....it was just a cub at the moment, and the Divine Spirit Beast Bloodline had probably not been activated as yet. But still.....they were an extremely rare species, and was highly sought after by all humans. And here was this ignorant girl, just carrying along a divine spirit beast in her pocket, throwing it out randomly to deflect attacks! Who had ever heard of a human being bold enough to spank a Divine Spirit Beast?!

'Uh.....Little Purple? What exactly is the difference between a Demonic Beast and a Spirit Beast? Aren't they all beasts?! Why do these two seem so excited about it?'

'Spiritual Beasts are much more intelligent and powerful than a demonic beast. They are also very rare on this planet. When you make a contract with a demonic beast, it will always remain your subordinate, and will necessarily follow your orders. But it will always remain a separate identity, with its own understanding, growth and perspectives.

But a spirit beast will grow and evolve along with its master. That is why they are also called Spiritual Soul mates of a cultivator. They only form Soul Contracts, and once a contract is made, they become one with their contracted partner. No matter the distance, they will always have a sense when you are in danger, and vice-versa.

Also, their method of cultivation is different from all other species of this planet. Instead of a spiritual root, they are born with Spiritual Water. Every new born Spiritual Beast, will have a drop of Crystal Water in their dantian. And the more energy they accumulate, the more their Crystal Drop expands, turning from a drop to a pool, to lake, to sea, to ocean. Their potential is vast, and no one clearly knows the limits of their cultivation level.'

Rihanna raised her brows in shock. Both because she had no idea that Fluffy was this magnificent. And mostly because she couldn't believe this cubs Father had so mindlessly tossed over his son to a trash-can like her! Yes, she could cultivate to some extent now....but at that time she had been no better than trash! What was he thinking?!

'Wait.....did Musakat know about your existence at that time?'

'Hmmm.....I think he might have sensed me when I was trying to guide you in absorbing the wind energy of the matrix. You are right in thinking that he proposed the contract because of me. But it was not all because of me either. He would not have come up with such a risky proposition if he had not sensed your uniqueness. Divine Spiritual Beasts have the power of foresight. He must have sensed that being with you would help his son in becoming stronger, and thus this idea of a contract came to him.'

Rihanna heaved a sigh. People seemed to have more belief in her than she herself did. If Musakat held so much expectations, then she would have to find more time to give to Fluffy and see to his growth. It was not her style to fail in her tasks.....at least not without trying.

'Hmmm...Little Purple.....aren't you a Demonic Beast? But i have a Soul Contract with you as well! Why don't I feel any difference between you and Musakat? For that matter, there hardly seems to be any difference between Fluffy and Phantasm! If anything, Phantasm is far more powerful.'

'Phantasm is a Supreme Grade Demonic Beast. Plus, she is much more older than you think, and has a lot of experience. Fluffy on the other hand is really just a kid. Moreover, his bloodline is dormant, so most of his actual powers are non-existent at the moment. His growth is also very slow. That will all change once he learns how to activate his bloodline.

As for me.....I am an Ancient Demonic Beast. Those kinds are no longer in existence. At least I haven't as yet sensed another Ancient Demonic Beast in the vicinity. Actually, in ancient times, there was really not much of a difference between demonic and spirit beasts, except their cultivation styles. But all that changed, and now the newer generations of demonic beasts are born with very low intellect and cultivation power.'

Rihanna frowned at these words. There were some points in this conversation which caught her attention. Firstly, unknowingly, Little Purple had just spoken a part of the truth - he belonged to the ancient time! Which means that he was really, really old!

Secondly, another part had just reinstated the doubts in her mind. Something had truly happened a long time ago, which caused not only the changes in cultivation powers of all the creatures, but also distorted the harmonious equilibrium between the different races of this world!

'Then, how do I activate Fluffy's dormant bloodline?'

'That is something which is different for every spiritual beast. It something similar to how a human creates their Guiding Weapon. He will have to find out the way himself. You can however, help him in developing his powers. That might help in reaching the stage of activating the bloodline sooner.'

Seeing Rihanna having gone into silence mode after their questions, both the guys knew that she was not about to provide them with any answers. Just as Artreya was about to walk back to lie down on the couch, and Ye Luo was thinking of looking around the Clan's territory some more, a huge heap of scrolls and jade slips appeared before them, making them blink in surprise.

"What? Do you think I am going to slog through these piles alone? Don't you keep saying we are the poles of a triad? Well, Mr. other two poles of the triad...start working to keep the poles steady on the ground. We have seven more days before the Conquest begins, just enough time to go through all these scrolls and slips and figure out an alternative method of re-creating Fluffy's disguise. If other's come to know I have a contracted spirit beast, they'll probably kill me to get him. And that would do you no good. Artreya, you will suffer since you are contracted to me.....and Ye Luo....I doubt you wish to see me go under this soon."

Ye Luo's lips jerked.

"I don't wish to see you go under at any time. Don't talk nonsense. If you want to make me work my ass off for you, you just need to say it. Or don't you think I am worthy after the time we spent together?"

Rihanna stared at Ye Luo, then pursed her lips and looked away.

"No.....you are very worthy. I just don't want to use your emotions for my requirements."

Ye Luo had just picked up a couple of scrolls when his hands paused. After half a beat, he let out a heavy sigh.

"Rihanna...what I feel for you has nothing to do with you. It is my choice. But that shouldn't affect our years of brotherhood. Because, before considering my other affections for you, I consider those moments we have had each other's back, fought side-by-side, and never stepped back to forsake our lives for the other's safety. And I value it all the more after coming out. Because after I got back my memories, I realized just how lonely I have been in the past.

I belong to the Branch Family of the Ye Major Clan. and since I started cultivating and was found to be especially good in it, i have been told that I will be one of the candidates for the Gavarnum in the next Conquest. I have always been carrying my Family's expectation and expectations of my Master, I have always kept myself aloof, fought alone and strived forward without a care for relations and friendship. I never had people who would talk and laugh with me, camp out under the vast sky, fight like they know every move I am going to make before even I know it, jump into the fire just to pull me out. These are relations and emotions I value a lot....and in no way do I wish them to change.....or lose them."

Artreya's usual callousness had lost its sheen under the sudden solemnness which enveloped him. Friendship...relationship...value......Family?! isn't that what she had said the other day? He lowered his eyes and glanced around, smiling inwardly at the various shapes and sizes sprawled all around the room. Was this the sense of belonging he had been searching for throughout his life? Why did it feel so comical and at the same time made him choke!

Rihanna stared at Ye Luo in surprise, unable to speak for a long while. Myriad emotions and thoughts were going through her mind. Was she over-thinking? Since when had she started being so suspicious and cautious of life and everyone around her? Being alert and wary were good habits, but she didn't want to lose the optimism of Rihanna under the suspicious nature of Beibei. That was not who she was. Change didn't always have to be a negative process....did it?

"Thank you. For believing in me. Being with me. And for accepting me as I am."

The silent words reverberated inside the room, sending with it a current of warmth and comfort to all sitting around her.