A/N : If you want to support me or early access to chapters, consider becoming a patreon: patreon.com/keetarp.
★TDG FF has Early Access till Chapter 98.
★WMW FF(rewrite ) has Early Access till Chapter 51.
★WMW DL has Early Access till Chapter 64.
Join my community, accessible to all readers, discuss ideas, get updates and share photos and comments—https://www.patreon.com/chats/f10f809d279243e9a68849812a04ff8e
You can also support me through PayPal —https://www.paypal.me/ppratyay
...
The guest courtyard of the Silver Winged Family shimmered faintly under the soft glow of the evening sky, its high walls casting long shadows across the cobblestone floor.
The air was thick with the scent of blooming night flowers, their delicate petals swaying gently in the breeze that rustled through the garden at the courtyard's heart. At its center, Nie Li and Xiao Ning'er sat cross-legged, facing one another in perfect harmony. Their hands rested lightly together, fingers intertwined like the roots of an ancient tree, a silent testament to the bond they shared.
Above them, the invisible threads of their soul realms wove together, synchronized through the Twin Tempestfang Dragons that resided within each of them—a majestic fusion of power and unity.
Their cultivation was a dance of energy, a seamless flow that pulsed between them. (Image)
The Twin Tempestfang Dragons, fierce and untamed within their soul realms, roared in unison, their combined strength amplifying the speed of their growth.
Xiao Ning'er, with her lower cultivation base, drank deeply from the well of Nie Li's peak Black Gold rank power. The Abstruse Gemstone Pendant hanging from Nie Li's neck glowed faintly, its radiant energy seeping into her as well, enhancing her meridians and refining her soul force.
For past ten days, they had sat like this, consuming blood crystals in silence, their breaths rising and falling as one, their auras entwined in a rhythm that seemed to transcend the chaos around them.
To an onlooker, they were a vision of perfection two figures locked in a serene tableau. Xiao Ning'er's delicate features were softened by a small, contented smile, her lips curved ever so slightly as she basked in the presence of the one she loved.
Her long, ginger hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her face like a silken veil, and her eyes radiated a quiet joy. Nie Li, opposite her, exuded a gentleness rarely seen in his sharp, calculating demeanor. His usually stern expression had melted into one of serenity, his blue eyes half-lidded as he channeled his energy into their shared cultivation.
The cold lines of his face softened, revealing a tenderness he reserved only for these moments with her. Together, they were a portrait of balance beauty and strength, grace and resolve moving as one in a world that demanded they stand apart.
As their session drew to a close, the couple adjusted their auras with practiced ease, the flow of energy between them tapering into a steady hum. In the background, Duan Jian's anguished screams, which had pierced the courtyard for days, began to fade.
The raw, guttural cries softened into whimpers, then silence, leaving only the rustle of leaves and the distant murmur of the guards beyond the walls.
Nie Li and Xiao Ning'er turned their eyes in unison, their gazes shifting to the prone figure of Duan Jian lying on the cold stone nearby.
His chest was still, his body limp, the silver needles still protruding from his meridians like the spines of some ancient beast.
Xiao Ning'er's brow furrowed slightly, concern flickering in her dark eyes. "What's wrong with him?" she asked softly, her voice laced with worry.
Nie Li had already explained Duan Jian's situation to her the acupuncture technique, the awakening of his Black Dragon bloodline, and the slim chance he might not survive the ordeal. Still, seeing him so motionless stirred unease within her.
Before Nie Li could respond, the others emerged from the shadows of the courtyard, drawn by the sudden quiet. Cao Wang stepped forward first, his posture deferential as always, his eyes darting between Nie Li and Duan Jian.
Du Ze followed, his broad frame tense with curiosity, while Lu Piao trailed behind, scratching his head with a mix of confusion and apprehension. Xiao Xue appeared last, her arms crossed and her lips pursed, her sharp gaze fixed on the fallen youth.
Their expressions mirrored Xiao Ning'er's frantic, uncertain. Duan Jian couldn't have died like this, could he? Not after everything he'd endured.
Only Nie Li remained unmoved, standing still as a statue, his hands clasped behind his back. His blue eyes regarded Duan Jian with a calm detachment, as if the youth's life or death were a mere footnote in his plans.
To him, Duan Jian was a piece on the board valuable, yes, but not irreplaceable. The others shifted uncomfortably under the weight of his silence, their breaths held as they awaited some sign of what came next.
After a long, tense moment, a faint sound broke the stillness. "Thump! Thump!…" It was deep, resonant, like the tolling of a distant drum. The noise emanated from Duan Jian's chest, the powerful beat of his heart reverberating through the courtyard.
Each pulse seemed strong enough to shake the very walls, a testament to the life stirring within him. Nie Li's lips twitched into a faint smirk.
With a casual wave of his hand, he summoned a surge of soul force, weaving it into an invisible barrier that enclosed the area around Duan Jian. The energy shimmered briefly before settling, containing the aura that threatened to spill out and alert the guards beyond.
No sooner had he done so than a majestic wave of power erupted from Duan Jian's body, a torrent of energy that expanded outward, pressing against the confines of Nie Li's barrier.
Du Ze and the others staggered slightly under the pressure, their eyes widening as the sheer force of it washed over them. The air grew heavy, charged with a primal intensity that set their nerves on edge.
Behind Duan Jian, the dark wings that had once been frail and stunted now unfurled with newfound vigor, their feathers gleaming with a golden hue. With a sharp snap, the black chains binding his wrists shattered, the metal fragments clattering to the ground like broken toys. (Image)
"Roar!" Duan Jian's voice tore through the courtyard, a furious bellow that echoed with the timbre of a true dragon. His body trembled as the transformation took hold, the Black Dragon bloodline surging through his veins.
"Such a terrifying monster," Lu Piao muttered, his voice tinged with awe and a hint of fear. He took a step back, his usual bravado faltering as he stared at the figure before them. He'd never imagined the broken, dying Duan Jian could become something so formidable.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Waves of aura pulsed from Duan Jian, each one stronger than the last. His body rose slowly into the air, levitating as a faint black light enveloped him. His face, once twisted in pain, now carried a noble air, his sharp features exuding an almost regal authority.
For a moment, he seemed to tower over them all, a king surveying his domain. Then, abruptly, his eyes snapped open, their piercing clarity cutting through the haze of his ascent.
As his gaze fell upon Nie Li and the group, Duan Jian descended, his feet touching the ground with a quiet grace. The power of the dragon bloodline had forged him anew his physical form now a fortress of strength, impervious to any expert below Legend rank.
'Let's see if you were telling the truth or lying,' Nie Li thought, his eyes narrowing slightly. Duan Jian's strength was undeniable, enough to give him the false confidence to break free and turn against Nie Li if he chose. The question was whether his vow held true.
Duan Jian stood taller than the rest, his frame broad and imposing. His expression was unwavering, his sharp gaze piercing through the dim light of the courtyard. His messy hair fell across his forehead, but it did nothing to diminish the outstanding temperament that radiated from him. The muddied, lifeless eyes he'd once borne were gone, replaced by a clarity that shone like polished steel.
A flicker of surprise crossed his face as he registered the transformation within himself, his hands flexing as if testing the power coursing through his veins.
Boom!
Without a word, Duan Jian stepped forward and dropped to one knee before Nie Li, his head bowed in solemn reverence. "Thanks to the grace that Master has shown me," he said, his voice firm yet steady, "from today onwards, the life of Duan Jian belongs to Master. If Master wants me to live, I'll live. If Master wants me to die, I'll die." There was no hesitation, no trace of doubt just an unshakable resolve.
With his newfound strength, Duan Jian could have fled, could have turned his back on the Silver Winged Family and the vow he'd made. Yet here he knelt, his proud head lowered in loyalty. The deaths of his parents, the years of torment at the hands of his captors, had left him a hollow shell until Nie Li had given him purpose, a chance to rise from the ashes and claim his revenge. To Duan Jian, this was more than salvation; it was rebirth.
'As expected,' Nie Li thought, a quiet satisfaction settling within him. Duan Jian was true to his nature, a man of his word. From the moment he'd seen those defiant eyes, Nie Li had known this outcome was likely.
'A.I. Chip, show his stats,' he commanded silently.
[Beep! Duan Jian. Legend Rank Fighter Physique: 5.1, One-Star Black Gold Rank. Soul Force: 1.1.] The data streamed across Nie Li's vision, confirming his suspicions.
"There's a huge gap between his body and soul cultivation," Nie Li mused inwardly. "His physique has reached peak Legend rank, but his soul realm is only One-Star Black Gold. Physical strength alone is hard to wield effectively—Demon Spiritualists' attack power operates on a different level. That's why even Legend rank fighters struggle against Black Gold rank Spiritualists."
"The strength of your physical body rivals Legend rank experts," Nie Li said aloud, his tone measured as he addressed Duan Jian. "But you're not yet a match for a true Legend rank expert. You have defensive power, but your offensive capabilities are lacking. Your strength must remain hidden for now."
"I understand, Master," Duan Jian replied, nodding solemnly. A flash of fury crossed his gaze, a silent promise to one day take Sikong Yi's head. He had endured for years; a little longer was nothing.
Nie Li's eyes drifted to Duan Jian's abdomen, where the old seal had once bound his cultivation. It was gone now, shattered by the awakening. With a subtle gesture, Nie Li gathered a thread of soul force between his hands, directing it toward Duan Jian's midsection. The energy coalesced into a new seal, faint and shimmering, binding him once more with a set of black chains.
There was no doubt in Nie Li's mind about Duan Jian's loyalty. To have such a fierce, steadfast general as his subordinate filled him with a quiet pride. Beyond his physical might, Duan Jian's overall strength now hovered near Black Gold rank, a formidable asset in the battles to come.
As Nie Li turned to the others, who had gathered around to chat, Duan Jian retreated to a corner of the courtyard, sitting cross-legged to practice in silence.
"Nie Li," Du Ze said, stepping forward, "after refining so many blood crystals, We have all progressed further in Gold Rank, Xiao Xue is now a Four-Star Silver rank herself, probably reaching Gold rank soon. The breakthrough was smoother than we expected."
"Good," Nie Li replied, nodding. "Keep practicing and consolidate your cultivation. I'm going to step out, take a walk, and observe the Silver Winged Family. Once we have the Stones of Light from Sikong Yi, we'll leave. Everything's in place."
"Okay," Du Ze agreed, his tone steady.
"Nie Li, do you want me to go with you?" Xiao Ning'er asked, her eyes soft as she looked at him.
"No, stay here and keep watch," Nie Li said, shaking his head. "Make sure the Silver Winged Family doesn't try anything. Here, take this." He reached into his sleeve and pulled out a small, leather-bound book, its cover etched with faint runes. He handed it to her with a faint smile.
Xiao Ning'er took it, her fingers brushing against his as she tilted her head curiously. "What is it?" she asked, her voice tinged with intrigue.
Nie Li's smile widened, a rare warmth in his expression. "It's the Book of Beast Array," he said. "A defensive item I created after studying the Ten Thousand Beast Array. This book couldn't maintain the original array's integrity, so I used a Gold rank demon spirit as its base, but I've woven in a few hundred Black Gold rank demon spirits too. With your strength as a Black Gold rank Demon Spiritualist, you should be able to wield it at full power. Even if the entire Silver Winged Family surrounds us, they won't break through its defenses easily."
"With Duan Jian and you here, I don't have to worry about security for everyone."
Lu Piao's eyes widened, a grin spreading across his face. "Whoa, seriously? Everyone in Glory City knows how insane your Ten Thousand Beast Array is. To think you packed that kind of power into a little book—it's unreal!"
Du Ze nodded, his voice low with awe. "Back home, people would start wars just to get Nie Li to make something like that for them. It's a game-changer a defensive tool that could turn any battle."
Xiao Ning'er opened the book gently, her fingers tracing the edges of the pages. Each one bore a vivid illustration a snarling tiger on one, its fur rippling with golden light; a coiling serpent on another, its scales glinting like obsidian; a majestic phoenix on the next, its wings ablaze with crimson fire. The images seemed alive, sealed within the paper by Nie Li's meticulous inscriptions, their power humming faintly beneath her touch. (Image)
[A/N : shoutout to whoever gave this idea. Nice one, unfortunately I can't find ur username. But still cheers to you.]
She closed it with a reverent nod, clutching it to her chest.
"I'll be out for a while, we still know so little about this world, I'll see if I can find any markets and something interesting like Blood crystals."
Nie Li turned to leave, his steps steady as he crossed the courtyard. Duan Jian's sharp gaze followed him, a silent acknowledgment of his master's departure.
He didn't fully grasp Nie Li's plans whether he intended to heal the Silver Winged Family or destroy them but he wouldn't question him. Nie Li's authority within the family was unchallenged, his presence a force none dared to oppose.
As Nie Li stepped beyond the courtyard, the guards stationed outside stiffened but made no move to stop him.
One, a younger man with a nervous twitch, dared to step forward. "Young Master, where are you—" His words faltered as Nie Li brushed past him without a glance, his silence a wall of indifference.
The guard retreated, exchanging a glance with his fellows before hurrying to report to their superiors, their orders unclear in the face of Nie Li's autonomy.
The Silver Winged Family's territory sprawled before Nie Li, a network of towering trees that concealed their structures within thick canopies. Thunderbirds circled overhead, their cries sharp and piercing, their talons gleaming as they guarded the skies.
The air thrummed with tension demon beasts occasionally swooped down, only to be driven Ascending arrows driving them back. It was clear the family didn't live in comfort here, their existence a constant battle against the wilds of this realm.
Nie Li moved with purpose, his hands clasped behind his back, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. Gold rank guards trailed him at a distance, their footsteps muffled by the undergrowth, but he paid them no mind. As long as they didn't interfere, they were beneath his notice.
His path led him to the Blood Crystal mine, a grim expanse of jagged rock and despair. Slaves, chained and clad in threadbare rags, toiled under the relentless sun, their picks striking stone with dull thuds. The raw, crimson forms of blood crystals glinted in the dirt, a stark contrast to the misery around them.
When a slave faltered, a guard's whip cracked through the air, the sound sharp and cruel, drawing a flinch but no cry.
Nie Li's expression remained impassive as he watched, his heart unmoved by the sight. He pressed forward, reaching the outskirts of the territory, where the trees thinned and the horizon stretched wide.
Five Gold rank experts emerged from the shadows, their silver armor glinting as they formed a loose semicircle before him. The leader, a broad-shouldered man with a stern jaw, stepped forward. "Young Master," he said, his voice firm but cautious, "are you leaving? Is there an issue with our hospitality? Please, let us know."
His name was Sikong Han, son of a Black Gold rank elder, and his eyes betrayed his urgency. He couldn't wait for the Patriarch's orders not when the risk of losing Nie Li's alchemical genius to a rival family loomed so large.
"Just going out to stretch," Nie Li replied coolly, his gaze fixed on Sikong Han as he took a step forward.
Sikong Han mirrored him, blocking his path with outstretched arms. "Please, Young Master," he said, his tone insistent, "what would everyone say—that we couldn't even care for our guest properly? Follow us inside, at least until His Highness can send proper escorts fo—"
Before he could finish, Nie Li's leg snapped up in a blur, his foot slamming into Sikong Han's chest with a thunderous crack. The guard's armor buckled inward, the metal splintering as he flew back dozens of feet, crashing into the dirt with a dull thud. He lay still, unconscious, his fate uncertain as dust settled around him.
Nie Li's aura flared, crackling with the sharp tang of thunder, a paralyzing force that rooted the remaining guards in place. Their eyes widened, terror etching their faces as he turned his cold gaze upon them. (Image)
"Don't confuse my role in your clan," Nie Li said, his voice low and lethal, each word a blade. "I am not your hostage. The next one who steps in my way, I'll rip their head off. I'll leave when I leave and come when I wish."
He pointed at two of the trembling guards, their knees quaking under his stare. "You two," he said, his tone brooking no argument, "accompany me. I don't know this place."
The guards nodded frantically, stumbling forward to flank him, their fear palpable. Nie Li turned and strode onward, his steps unhurried, his presence a storm held in check—for now.